North State Journal Vol. 10, Issue 32

Judge rejects racial gerrymandering claims in N.C. districts

Raleigh

A pair of northeastern North Carolina legislative districts can remain intact, a federal judge ruled Tuesday, rejecting black voters’ claims that state Republicans illegally manipulated the boundaries to prevent them from electing their favored candidates.

Ruling after a trial held nearly eight months ago, U.S. District Judge James Dever sided with GOP legislative leaders who were sued in November 2023 over two state Senate districts in a statewide map the General Assembly approved weeks earlier. The two plainti s — including state Rep. Rodney Pierce (D-Halifax) — had argued that the lines violated the U.S. Voting Rights Act through race -based discrimination and that the lawmakers should have created a majority-black district instead.

U.S. House subcommittee holds meeting in Charlotte

Charlotte

U.S. House members met in Charlotte on Monday to hear from families of violent- crime victims and others, and some called for tougher criminal justice policies after last month’s stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on a public train. The judiciary subcommittee meeting in Charlotte heard from speakers who criticized local court systems for failing to protect the public. The meeting was prompted by the death of Iryna Zarutska and the arrest of a suspect with a long criminal history. Republicans have called for the end of soft-on-crime policies, while Democrats cited the need for additional prosecutors and mental health funding.

Iryna’s Law heads to Stein the BRIEF this week

3 killed, 5 wounded in Southport

shooting

UNC System board discusses tuition increase, AI

The meeting also included a remembrance of Charlie Kirk

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The UNC System Board of Governors’ September meeting included discussion of a possible increase in tuition, arti cial intelligence and a re -

membrance of Charlie Kirk.

The UNC System has not raised tuition for the past nine years, but that may be changing.

Citing the UNC System’s 3.4% increase in total enrollment, UNC Board of Governors chair Wendy Murphy said UNC schools could propose a “modest” tuition increase for

A Marine veteran was charged in the deadly waterfront attack

By Carolyn Thompson and Allen G. Breed The Associated Press

A DECORATED Marine veteran charged with ring an assault ri e from a boat at a waterfront bar in Southport, killing three people and wounding ve, appeared subdued in court Monday as prosecutors said they may seek the death penalty. Nigel Edge, 40, a Purple Heart recipient whose last assignment was with a Wounded Warrior battalion, made his rst court appearance via video link after Saturday’s mass shooting. He’s charged with murder, attempted murder and assault. Law enforcement o cers

“got the confession” from the suspect following his arrest, said North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Director Chip Hawley at a news conference Monday. He did not elaborate. Five people remained hospitalized from the violence in the historic Brunswick County port town. None of the victims’ identities have been released. District Attorney Jon David said his o ce had yet to review medical records but described Edge as having “signi cant mental health issues” after experiencing a traumatic brain injury, according to WECT News.

Authorities said Edge piloted a boat close to shore, stopped brie y and opened re at a crowd of vacationers and other patrons at American Fish Company in what

No Senate Democrats supported the bill

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — “Iryna’s Law,” a bill changing criminal justice statutes, was sent to Gov. Josh Stein last Wednesday, but he did not take immediate action.

The bill is named after Iryna Zarutska, the woman attacked on Charlotte’s light rail system who died from her wounds. Her alleged attacker, DeCarlos Brown Jr., has an extensive arrest record that includes prison time. Brown had been released by a magistrate who issued Brown a promise note to reappear in court on a 911 abuse charge in January despite his criminal history and possible

mental health issues. Brown faces a murder charge in Mecklenburg County as well as a federal charge.

In a CNN interview last Thursday, Stein claimed twice he was “reviewing” Iryna’s Law. The next day, House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) reacted to Stein’s CNN interview in a post on X.

“This is a 21-page bill sent to @nc_governor three days ago. He’s a lawyer with a team of lawyers on sta ,” wrote Hall. “This is not hard. Sign the damn bill.”

In a press release, Hall further pressed Stein to make the bill law.

“For too long, activist judges and magistrates have turned dangerous criminals loose, endangering lives and spreading chaos in our

“For too long, activist judges and magistrates have turned dangerous criminals loose, endangering lives and spreading chaos in our communities. That ends now.”

N.C. House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls)

CHRIS SEWARD / AP PHOTO

Joey Whitaker from Holden Beach plays “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes in front of the American Fish Company on Sunday, the day after a fatal shooting in Southport.

the word | In uence

One who knew Emerson well said, “There is one quality I noticed in him, as more striking than in anyone else — the e ect he had upon all who came into his presence. It seemed as if when a man looked into his eyes, he was immediately put at his best and behaved on the highest plane possible.” Emerson’s personality inspired others to their best.

Acts tells us people carried the sick into the streets, hoping Peter’s shadow might fall upon them (Acts 5:15). This healing power was miraculous, yet the incident suggests a broader truth: everybody casts a shadow. Each of us exerts unconscious in uence, leaving an impression wherever we go. We make those we touch better, nobler, truer — or we leave them not so good. It is startling to think every word we speak and every deed we do sets in motion an in uence which shall go on forever. We should be sure the impression we make is always good. We are meeting people continually, and every touch upon their lives is for eternity — for beauty or for marring.

George Macdonald tells of a boy looking toward the heavens, wishing to help God paint his clouds and sunsets. God does not need us to paint his clouds, but Macdonald says, “If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel I have worked with God.” Clouds vanish, but impressions on a life are forever.

A Paris artist destroyed pictures of his own — representing three years of labor and worth a hundred thousand dollars — because he believed they were not worthy art. We cannot do this with the pictures we paint on people’s lives. Think of a man of seventy, looking back over his life, nding he has been doing harm — leaving blots on characters instead of beauty, in uencing others to choose wrong instead of right. Can he undo this evil? No — what he has done must stand.

Think of the irretrievable hurt you did yesterday, or the temptation which caused another to sin. A false word defaming another may leave a stain no apology can

wash o . One who leads another to take a rst drink, so he becomes a drunkard, can never undo the evil. Pilate spoke truly when he said, “What I have written, I have written.” John 19: 22

No one lives unto himself. You cannot escape entanglements with people. If stranded on an island, your actions might a ect only you. But people throng about you, and you are always touching lives, helpfully or hurtfully. Be sure you never give forth in uence which will harm another.

A great author said, at the close of his life, he never wrote one sentence he would wish to recall. There can be no higher ideal than to live so we never wish we had not done something.

One person’s kindness can in uence others to do likewise. A poor boy, drawing a wagon of broken boards, fell asleep tired and hungry. An old man left his scanty dinner beside him. Others saw: one gave a half dollar, another a hat, a child brought shoes, another a coat. From one kindly act, a wave of in uence spread.

One day Jesus prayed alone. His disciples, awed by his manner, asked him to teach them to pray. It was the unconscious in uence of his simple act which impressed them.

Horace Bushnell’s sermon on “Unconscious In uence” draws from

House, Senate pass separate Medicaid rebase funding bills

The bills are the latest battle between the two chambers over funding priorities

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Each chamber of the North Carolina General Assembly passed its own bill to address the issue over Medicaid rebase funding last. However, neither chamber took up the other body’s measure before the end of September’s session with an Oct. 1 rate reduction deadline approaching.

“With no agreement in sight to fully fund our Medicaid program, the General Assembly is putting politics ahead of people,” Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement. “It’s past time they come together and protect North Carolinians’ health care access.”

The funding issue stems from a reported $319 million shortfall in Medicaid rebase funding for scal year 2025-26. The rebase funding adjusts monthly payments to managed care organizations to account for enrollment changes, costs and federal match rates.

The General Assembly’s mini budget (H.B. 125) approved $600 million for Medicaid, but administrative requirements reduced the actual rebase allocation to $500 million, creating the $319 million gap.

Stein’s original budget called for $700 million to fund the re-

Southport Police Chief Todd Coring called a “highly premeditated” targeted attack. A charging document says he used an AR-style ri e with a silencer and scope.

He was arrested about a half an hour later after a U.S. Coast Guard crew spotted him pulling a boat from the water at a public ramp on Oak Island, where he lives.

Edge requested a court-appointed attorney and declined to comment during his appearance in Brunswick Coun-

D. ROBERTSON / AP PHOTO

North Carolina state Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson), left, speaks at a Legislative Building news conference in May while Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Eden), center, and Sen. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) watch. The state Senate and House passed competing Medicare rebase funding bills last week.

base. But in mid-2025, the NCDHHS and the O ce of Budget and Management revised their estimate upward to $819 million.

On Aug. 11, Stein informed lawmakers of the increase, citing updated actuarial projections that were higher than the January data used to support his budget. Faced with a legal mandate to balance the Medicaid budget, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced a plan to reduce optional services and cut provider rates by at least 3% beginning Oct. 1, with some services facing up to 10% reductions. Legislative leaders also or-

ty Court, WECT News reported. He showed no obvious emotion as the district attorney said his o ce would review whether the death penalty is appropriate. No plea was entered. Edge was ordered to remain in custody pending his next court hearing, scheduled for Oct. 13.

Edge, who was born in Suffern, New York, and changed his name from Sean DeBevoise in 2023, told police he was injured in combat and su ers from post-traumatic stress disorder, Southport’s police chief said. Oak Island Police Chief Charles Morris said Edge was

dered a temporary halt to the planned provider rate cuts while negotiations continue.

The House unanimously passed Senate Bill 403, which appropriates $192 million in additional funding, bringing total Medicaid rebase and administration investment to $792 million.

The House plan achieves its increase in rebase funding through targeted cost-cutting measures, including a 5% vacant position elimination across most state agencies for $19.7 million in recurring savings, NCDHHS vacant position cuts for $32.6 million in recurring savings and ending Medicaid cover-

known to o cers who frequently saw him by the town pier, and that Edge led “numerous lawsuits” against the department and town in recent years. In one, he sought body camera video from an encounter after his boat trailer was vandalized.

Legal records indicate Edge turned to the court system to air various perceived grievances.

Among a number of local and federal lawsuits, one from May 12 accused an area church of trying to make him commit suicide because “he is not LGBQT or a pedophile.”

In another, in 2024, he made

Peter and John at the empty tomb. John outran Peter but hesitated. Peter went in, unconsciously drawing John after him. So it is in life: the bold make the timid brave. One restless person makes a household nervous; one quiet person makes it easier for all to be at peace.

At an English inn, one young man knelt and prayed silently. His thoughtless companion was impressed. Fifty years later he wrote, “That scene, so unostentatious, aroused my conscience and sent an arrow into my heart.” His conversion led to a life of Christian service. A simple act, without thought of in uence, gave a noble life to the world. Suppose every Christian were faithfully brave in every duty, year after year; think of the tremendous in uence. It is easy to stand with a company, but tomorrow you may stand alone — in the o ce, school, or home, enduring a sneer or resisting wrong. A student complained to Miss Freeman, a college president, about rudeness. Freeman advised, “Why not be superior to these things?” When challenged, she said, “There is no one living who could insult me.” Her life, like Jesus’, was beyond insult — men mocked him, but could not touch him. Our lives should be so hidden with Christ in God no insult can reach us.

Our in uence distills from our life as it is. To have it fragrant, we need only do the things which please Christ. Watkinson says: “Example that has no voice, the commonplace deed that secures no chronicle, the personal magnetism that de es analysis — these are the precious, silent forces making for righteousness. Let us aim at the sincerest, deepest, purest personal life — and we shall bless the world more than we think; we shall, unperceived by ourselves, be enriching it all day long with the ethers of heaven.”

J. R. Miller (1840-1912) was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain. This is an edited version of his original.

age for GLP-1 drugs used solely for weight loss while maintaining coverage for diabetes-related uses.

The House bill also mandates maintenance of provider reimbursement rates through June 30, 2026, establishes detailed standards for Medicaid eligibility determination timeliness and accuracy, and allocates funds for state auditor reviews of SNAP and Medicaid processes.

The Senate passed House Bill 562 unanimously. The bill provides the same amount of recurring funding for the Medicaid rebase as the House but takes a broader approach to health care investments with the inclusion of $208.5 million in capital funding for two major health care initiatives: $105 million for UNC Children’s Hospital and $103.5 million for the NC Care Initiative supporting rural hospitals.

The Senate bill focuses on NCDHHS cuts, speci cally requiring elimination of vacant positions for $34 million in recurring savings, and directs NCDHHS to develop a comprehensive Medicaid cost savings and e ciency plan. The cuts include $100,000 in recurring funds for the Whole Child Health Section and $110,000 recurring for the Medical Eye Care Program.

Under the Senate proposal, $1 million in nonrecurring funding would head to the state auditor to audit county Medicaid redeterminations, with ndings due back to the General Assembly by April 1, 2026.

Both bills include similar spending provisions: $690 million in recurring funding for rebase adjustments, requirements for local management entities to transfer $18 million annually to intergovernmental funds and reductions in Future Building Reserves by $42.2 million.

A key sticking point be-

numerous claims against his parents, including that they’d falsi ed a birth certi cate “for a feral child.”

Edge served in the military from 2003-09, achieving the rank of sergeant in 2007, according to military records, which list his specialties as assault man and reconnaissance man. He had deployments in 2005 and 2006 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was awarded a Purple Heart, a medal given to those wounded or killed in action. Other awards include a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action

tween the two proposals is the funding for the UNC Duke Children’s Hospital, which was approved as part of the 2023 budget using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds distributed over three scal years. Senate leadership argues they aren’t asking for new money but want the House to stick to the 2023 budget agreement and release the authorized ARPA funds for the children’s hospital. The House, however, views the hospital and other health care projects as unrelated to the immediate Medicaid rebase funding needs and wants to see those items separately negotiated.

The disagreement over including the children’s hospital funding release in the Medicaid rebase legislation was highlighted by Rep. Grant Campbell (R-Cabarrus) in a video post to X on Sept. 14. Campbell indicated the House is ready to appropriate the full amount needed to eliminate NCDHHS’s Medicaid cuts based on legislative Fiscal Research Division numbers but also said the Senate should not hold health care providers “hostage” by attaching unrelated projects. In a press release from Senate Leader Phil Berger’s o ce on the Senate’s funding proposal, NCDHHS’s rate cuts were characterized as “politically motivated.” Senate Appropriations Chairman Brent Jackson (R-Sampson) called the rate cuts by Stein’s NCDHHS “hasty and unprecedented.”

“A strong health care system builds a stronger North Carolina,” said House Appropriations Senior Chair Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth) in the House’s press release announcing their proposal. “Our plan is the responsible way forward by avoiding NCDHHS’s politically motivated cuts and ensuring stability for patients who need it most.”

Ribbon (Iraq) and Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, which denote time spent in Iraq.

Gov. Josh Stein said the weekend shootings were further proof of the need for improvements to “ x our broken mental health care system.”

“We know that the vast majority of folks with mental health challenges pose no risk to others, but some can,” Stein said. “There are too many people in our communities with dangerous obsessions exhibiting threatening behavior who do pose risks.”

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Oath of the Horatii” by JacquesLouis David (1784) is a painting in the collection of the Louvre in Paris.

GARY

Legislative hurricane subcommittee updated on Helene e orts

State and county o cials, along with a nonpro t, presented to legislators

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The legislative subcommittee on Hurricane Recovery and Response held a hearing last week that included testimony on Hurricane Helene e orts from Gov. Josh Stein’s western North Carolina Recovery O ce, as well as nonpro t and county o cials.

The meeting opened with remarks from subcommittee co - chair Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) praising the people in the mountain counties and warning about the shortcomings of government.

“But the biggest storm still hammering North Carolina is not Helene. It is government failure. And that failure’s name is Roy Cooper,” said Jones. “We saw it after Matthew. We saw it after Florence. And once again, when Helene struck, Cooper repeated every mistake in the book.

“In critical days after the storm when every hour mattered, his administration waited weeks to release a preliminary damage assessment, nally issuing numbers in late October that underestimated the loss by billions.”

Jones accused Cooper of standing “in front of the cameras while his agency slow-walked relief, buried local governments in paperwork (and) left tax dollars sitting here in Raleigh instead of putting nails in wood.”

“Gov. Stein now holds the pen. He did not create this message. He inherited it,” said Jones. “But if I could o er one piece of ad-

communities. That ends now,” Hall said. “Iryna Zarutska’s murder is a tragic reminder of what’s at stake. That’s why we are delivering some of the strongest tough- on- crime reforms in North Carolina history.”

House Bill 307 ends cashless bail for certain defendants and creates a “violent o ense” category requiring a secured bond or GPS monitored house arrest for rst-time o enders to secure pretrial release. For repeat offenders, house arrest and monitoring will be mandatory.

The bill also scales back the discretion of magistrates and judges to release a person on a promissory note to appear before the court, as was the case with Brown.

Additionally, judicial o cers are directed to order a mental health evaluation for individuals charged with a violent crime who have been involuntarily committed within a three-year period or if a current mental health crisis may be present. Should an evaluation determine the individual may be a danger to the public, an involun-

vice: Don’t follow the Cooper playbook of excuses and delays. Move the money. Rebuild the homes. Report every dollar. This General Assembly will not allow another Hurricane Cooper to drag on while families su er.”

The rst panel included Lynn Austin of Yancey County, Luther Harrison of Samaritan’s Purse and Dennis Aldridge, an Avery County commissioner.

The subcommittee also heard from Matt Calabria, director of the Governor’s Recovery O ce for Western North Carolina (GROW NC); Stephanie McGarrah, deputy secretary for the Division of Community Revitalization within the N.C. Department of Commerce; and Jonathan Krebs, Stein’s Western North Carolina Recovery adviser. The Samaritan’s Purse Helene response overview highlighted the organization’s ef-

forts to support Helene victims, citing nearly 35,000 volunteers contributing more than 477,000 hours to serve families. The group’s airlift response ran 358 missions across 160 communities, delivering over 800,000 pounds of critical supplies.

Harrison said Samaritan’s Purse helped more than 4,000 families in the months after Helene and provided furniture and appliances to over 2,900 families. The group also delivered more than 170 campers for temporary housing.

Samaritan’s Purse’s rebuild program, set up to restore homes and infrastructure, includes building new homes, replacing mobile homes and completing major home repairs. So far, the group’s report said 17 fully furnished mobile homes have been delivered with 30 more in progress, and the construction of more than

tary commitment process must be completed before any pretrial release is decided.

Iryna’s Law passed the House 81-31 after several hours of oor debate and pushback from Democrats, including Mecklenburg County’s Rep. Laura Budd,

in-state undergraduate students of up to 3%.

Murphy cited in ation as the reason for the potential hike.

“In ation has driven up the cost of operations at our institutions,” Murphy said. “Universities have absorbed those pressures while holding the line on tuition, but we cannot expect them to continue doing so without negative impacts.”

Any increase, if approved, would begin starting with the 2026 fall semester and would not apply to in-state students already enrolled. Proposals for increases will be reviewed by the Board of Governors in February.

Arti cial intelligence (AI) has found its way into nearly every aspect of life in recent years, including education at the primary and post-secondary levels.

The UNC System will be hiring an AI o cer and establishing an AI Advisory Council, per UNC System Presi-

dent Peter Hans, who delivered a report outlining some of the things he is excited and worried about with AI, along with what the UNC System will be doing regarding the technology.

“The rise of the internet changed human life for the better — and for the worse,” Hans said. “I suspect AI will be a similar phenomenon, good and bad, and part of our job in higher education is to hold the torch for ourishing of the human spirit no matter what takes hold.”

Hans described the transformative impact of AI on higher education, drawing parallels to the internet’s rise 30 years ago and highlighting its ability to enhance certain aspects of both learning and school operations. He also expressed concerns about AI’s challenges, including threats to academic integrity, the risk of “cognitive o oading” undermining critical thinking, and the potential for AI to worsen social isolation among students. For students, Hans said AI

who said, “It was not until the video was released by CATS and it went viral, and the White House noticed that suddenly we gave a damn.” Budd was one of the 17 Democrats who voted to pass the bill. Following the bill’s passage,

can be “an extraordinary learning tool” but also “a tempting invitation to mediocrity.”

“You don’t write papers in college because the world needs more papers; you write papers in college so that you get better at thinking and understanding,” Hans said. “As one writer put it, using ChatGPT to complete all your assignments is like bringing a forklift to the gym. … You’ve missed the point of the gym.”

Hans outlined the proactive steps the UNC System is taking to integrate AI responsibly, such as securing favorable licensing agreements with major AI providers like Amazon, OpenAI, Google and Microsoft to provide faculty, sta and students access to advanced AI tools, including Google’s career certi cates for AI skills.

At the onset of the meeting, Murphy took a personal point of interest to address the assassination of Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk.

“Make no mistake, this is our

was authorized to repair private roads and bridges for more than 6,500 households.

All 13 impacted state parks have also reopened, either fully or partially, according to Calabria.

The total damage and needs are still estimated at $60 billion, and despite billions in state and federal dollars, there is still an estimated $45 billion in unfunded needs. Earlier this month, Stein requested an additional $13.5 billion from Congress. FEMA has obligated or sent $5.17 billion to the state.

Calabria’s presentation said public assistance funding for state and local governments has been delayed due to new approval processes for funds over $100,000 involving sign-o by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Aldridge remarked on the FEMA funding process, noting that $15 million divided among 5,000 people only yields about $3,000 each, and he called for clearer guidance.

40 new homes is underway. The GROW NC presentation, delivered by Calabria, outlined key initiatives, such as rebuilding safe housing, with more than $514 million in FEMA Individual Assistance approved for residents, over 6,800 households receiving temporary housing help and more than 500 homes repaired by volunteer organizations supported by $6 million in state funds.

GROW NC’s presentation highlighted that North Carolina stands out as the fastest state in more than a decade to begin rebuilding homes using HUD CDBG-DR funding. On infrastructure repair, Calabria said 95% of state-maintained roads are fully reopened, that 8.1 million cubic yards of right-of-way debris and 8 million cubic yards of waterway debris have been removed, and that $26 million in FEMA funds

the N.C. House Press account on X published a video consisting of a series of remarks made by House Democrats during the oor debate. In a separate post, the account posted a clip of Rep. Marcia Morey (D-Durham) claiming there is “no correlation” between Brown being released in January and the attack on Zarutska.

The bill passed the Senate the day before by a 28-8 partisan vote. Many Senate Democrats walked out on the nal vote in protest over an amendment added reviving the state’s death penalty.

“After the senseless murder of Iryna Zarutska, we knew we had to act,” Senate Judiciary Committee Chairmen Danny Britt (R-Robeson), Warren Daniel (R-Burke) and Buck Newton (R-Wilson) said in a joint statement. “This is why we created Iryna’s Law. We will not rest until the days of woke, lazy crime policies dictated by ocials who coddle criminals are behind us.”

The death penalty amendment added to Iryna’s Law by Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) would require ap -

“We have tried to get clarity on how to proceed,” Aldridge said. “We’re willing to connect the dots; just don’t keep moving the dots.”

Austin commented on debris and infrastructure challenges, mentioning “$37 million that has been paid out” for debris removal, and urged timely aid.

“Time is money for us,” she said, “and time means people’s health in our community.”

Austin added, “The state is a lot faster than the feds, and we appreciate that.”

North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner also gave updates on the more than $1.51 million Cash Flow Loan Program and Helene-related disbursements. He said the initial disaster recovery estimates his o ce deemed eligible for the program totaled almost a billion dollars, with the potential for $850 million more based on damage estimates. Briner said $150 million has been allocated so far as of the third release of loan funds.

peals in death penalty cases to be heard within two years and resolve older appeals within one year. Hearings for those cases would be held in the county where the inmate was convicted. Additionally, an aggravating factor would be added to capital felonies committed on public transportation.

The state put a pause on using the death penalty in August 2006 following the execution of Samuel Flippen. Legal challenges both in North Carolina and other states kept it paused, as did the 2009 Racial Justice Act, enacted by Democrats when they controlled the legislature.

Enactment of that act resulted in most death row inmates ling a legal claim, e ectively bringing executions to a halt. The act was repealed in 2023 after Republicans took over majorities at the General Assembly, but litigation has kept enforcement of the death penalty at a standstill.

Then-Sen. Floyd McKissick Jr. (D-Durham) was the main sponsor of the 2009 Racial Justice Act (S.B. 471), and a companion bill (H.B. 472) was led in the House.

wake-up call for each of us as leaders, educators and policymakers to start thinking about the impact of our actions and about our interactions with those who disagree with our points of view,” Murphy said. “We have a responsibility to

BILL

MAKIYA SEMINERA / AP PHOTO

University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans, pictured in July 2024, delivered a report on arti cial intelligence at the board of governors’ recent meeting.

CHRIS SEWARD / AP PHOTO

Reps. Sarah Stevens (R-Surry), left, and Tricia Cotham (Mecklenburg) hug before introducing a bill in response to the murder of Ukrainian Iryna Zarutska during a North Carolina legislative session on Sept. 23 in Raleigh.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Yancey County Manager Lynn Austin, left, Avery County Commissioner Dennis Aldridge, center, and Samaritan’s Purse’s Luther Harrison testify before the Hurricane Response and Recovery subcommittee last Wednesday in Raleigh.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

North Carolina is the NASA headquarters for high-quality health care

Our health care professionals save thousands of lives daily, just as our soldiers do.

EVERYONE KNOWS HOW expensive health care and health care insurance have become over the past half-century. It is an escalation that began in the 1980s far exceeding the general rate of in ation in the overall economy.

So far, there have not been very many public policy or business changes that have made a signi cant or even appreciable impact on driving health care costs downward.

However, there is one thing upon which we can and should agree, even if it doesn’t usually come up in public conversations. For all the increase in costs, the ability of American physicians to diagnose and treat even the most obscure and dangerous illnesses is at the top of the list, and we should all be thankful for that.

And at the top of that list are doctors and hospitals located in North Carolina. We should all be thankful we live in a state where even the most serious health conditions are within a drive or a Medivac ight to an institution that can treat them.

Recent conversations with close friends have underlined this point. They asked how I was doing after my recent health scare, to which I replied, “I am doing much better day by day, but thank God we live in a state where emergency technicians, doctors and nurses know what to do, and then the specialists know what to do to help bring about full recovery.”

Two of those friends revealed they are going to have surgery in the coming weeks for health conditions that are not completely rare but hard to diagnose properly and swiftly. After some intense research, both found specialists willing to see them at Duke Medical Center, UNC or WakeMed, and all of them conveyed the sort of con dence and assurance that

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

the patient would be ne in a matter of weeks and months. After weeks of worry and consternation, such words from accomplished experts gave enormous amounts of relief and comfort to the patient and their families. Most importantly, they o ered an enormous degree of hope that their plight would soon be at an end, and they could look forward to returning to a normal course of life in the near future.

Try to imagine living in a state or region of the country without such access to such experienced, trained experts in a particular health eld or discipline. One other friend remarked after hearing of these two comments, “Good grief, you are so fortunate to live in such an area with access to such high- quality health care. The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area for health care is like NASA headquarters was for physics, engineering and space ight in the 1960s after President Kennedy said America would land on the moon by the end of the decade. Heck, I don’t know why I would consider moving to Florida or elsewhere when I could move back home and know that if something goes wrong with my health, I would be right in the area where someone could help me almost immediately!”

It is something to take seriously and be reminded of regularly. We who live in the RTP area are blessed with such access, but so are people who live in the Charlotte and Triad area, plus those who live close to the ECU Medical Center in Greenville. People all over the state are fortunate to have graduates come out of the medical schools in the state and move to all parts of North Carolina to practice and administer what they have learned to needy patients statewide. If any patient needs more advanced care, North

Anti-ICE violence turns deadly as heated rhetoric intensifies

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is said to be considering a 2028 presidential run, referred to ICE as “Trump’s modern-day Gestapo.”

ONE OF THE TOP CAMPAIGN promises from then-GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump heading into the 2024 presidential election was that he was going to put a stop to then-President Joe Biden’s open borders policies.

Among other things, the policies were wreaking havoc on border states, putting a strain on resources and contributing to crime problems in cities all across the country.

So when Trump took o ce for his second term, his prioritization of xing the border crisis left by Biden wasn’t a surprise to anyone. What was shocking, though not surprising, however, was just how far open-borders Democrats would take their incendiary rhetoric toward immigration enforcement agents, both those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection services (CBP).

Part of Trump’s illegal immigration policy has been to catch and deport criminal illegal immigrants, which is where ICE and the CBP come in.

The cities they’ve targeted have primarily been so-called “sanctuary” cities where Democrats in leadership positions have put rules in place that e ectively make the city a safe haven for those who crossed the border illegally.

This has caused meltdowns among Democrats, including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, whose city has a big problem with illegal

immigrant crime, with some of the worst of the worst being alleged child predators.

In June, Wu compared ICE agents to neo -Nazis, stating, “I don’t know of any police department that routinely wears masks. We know that there are other groups that routinely wear masks. NSC-131 routinely wears masks.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has similar illegal immigrant crime issues in his city, said in July that “masked, secret police are terrorizing our communities” and claimed without evidence that “ICE will now have a larger budget than all but 15 of the world’s militaries.”

At a commencement address in May, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is said to be considering a 2028 presidential run, referred to ICE as “Trump’s modern-day Gestapo.”

Another prospective 2028 contender, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, took it further, making Nazi Germany comparisons and alleging that ICE is “grabbing people o the street who speak with an accent or might be brown or black and disappearing them.”

According to DHS, there has been a 1,000% increase in assaults committed against immigration enforcement agents compared to last year.

Included in that percentage are disturbing incidents in states like Texas, where ambushes have taken place against ICE and the CBP at detention facilities, with one of them resulting in a police o cer getting shot in the neck.

Carolina o ers these larger medical facilities.

There are still inequities in health care that need to be addressed, such as access to health insurance and a ordability, but these problems are solvable if enough serious people address them together in sane and civil discourse.

One thing to think about and hope for is that one day university medical centers, private centers and insurance companies will gure out a way to emulate the NIL system now taking over college athletics and adapt it for developing high-quality talent in health care — not for the NFL or NBA, but for the people of North Carolina in every county. Many med students today receive scholarships and fellowships galore, but imagine a system where people who want to be physicians or nurses can be highly recruited to learn from the great thinkers and practitioners of health care in North Carolina. In return, they could receive a higher salary than currently paid to residents or interns and payment of their student debt, which is often the biggest hindrance to medical school grads considering jobs in any rural area of the state. It could be viewed as a public service reimbursement similar to the GI Bill, which justi ably pays soldiers to go to college in return for their immeasurable sacri ce and courage defending our country.

Our health care professionals save thousands of lives daily, just as our soldiers do.

Not only is providing the best health care the humanitarian thing to do for fellow citizens, but having North Carolina become as well known for its health care delivery system as Houston became known for the NASA program would be an economic development asset that will last for centuries.

In the most recent one, a suspect climbed a building near an ICE eld o ce in Dallas and opened re in the early morning hours.

According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the suspect’s goal was to kill ICE agents, but he ended up killing three detainees with bullets that contained language similar to what Democrats have uttered about the agents.

The Trump White House has blamed those Democrats in part for the increase in violence against the o cers, writing, “Democrats have spent years vilifying ICE as ‘fascists,’ ‘the Gestapo,’ and ‘slave patrols,’ inciting a 1,000 percent surge in assaults on agents and a wave of Radical Left terror.

“Their words aren’t just reckless — they’re a battle cry for violence.”

Though ultimately it is the perpetrator who is responsible for their crimes, one has to wonder how many of them truly do believe the despicable comparisons being made by Democrats and then take it upon themselves to “save” the country from people they view as evil?

This is something Democrats need to seriously consider next time they open their mouths on this topic.

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.

Time for corporate America to get back to business

DEI has bred division within companies and across society.

AMERICAN COMPANIES face a critical choice. In the wake of deepening polarization and social turmoil, they can continue aligning themselves with ideological radicalism that divides communities and undermines trust, or they can return to the principles that sparked prosperity and unity: merit, fairness and shareholder value.

That’s the message behind a new campaign calling on 1,000 CEOs to reject corporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) mandates and recommit to running businesses that serve their real stakeholders — shareholders, employees, customers and the broader public good.

The initiative stands in sharp contrast to the Business Roundtable’s 2019 letter, which embraced “stakeholder capitalism” and gave corporate leaders cover to pursue political agendas under the guise of social responsibility.

The results of that shift have been damaging. Far from delivering on promises of fairness and opportunity, DEI has bred division within companies and across society. It privileges some groups at the expense of others, creating resentment, demoralization and hostility. Instead of building unity in the workplace, DEI fosters an “oppressed versus oppressor” mindset that bleeds into the broader culture — encouraging Americans to see each other as enemies rather than fellow citizens.

The consequences are no longer abstract.

The horri c assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University underscored how toxic ideologies can radicalize individuals and corrode civic life. While corporate DEI policies aren’t directly responsible, they have normalized the frameworks that encourage hostility toward dissenting views.

The public celebrations of Kirk’s death —

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

and the cruel mockery of his family’s grief — show just how deeply this divisive ideology has poisoned our discourse.

Some companies have pushed back, ring employees who crossed the line. But those isolated actions don’t change the bigger picture: As long as businesses embrace DEI, they fuel suspicion that poor decisions and cultural missteps stem from ideological capture. The “get woke, go broke” cautionary tales of Bud Light, Target, Jaguar and Cracker Barrel reveal the costs of chasing activist approval at the expense of loyal customers and shareholder trust.

1792 Exchange is urging companies to take a di erent path: End failed DEI policies and disavowed activist groups that use corporate contributions to radicalize and divide. Recommit to serving customers, employees, shareholders and the American public. Respect the worth and dignity of every employee equally. Condemn celebrations of violence, and foster civility and unity in the workplace.

The choice before corporate America is clear. Companies can continue down the ideological path of division and decline, or they can return to the business of creating jobs, generating value and contributing to national prosperity.

The turning point is now.

It’s time to get back to business.

Douglas Napier is the executive chairman of 1792 Exchange. This column was rst published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

The case against Jerome Powell

There’s also something almost comical about a Fed chair who let in ation soar by 21%.

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE that a couple of years ago, Time magazine considered naming Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell as their Person of the Year. He may well have won if it hadn’t been for someone named Taylor Swift.

Powell has been idolized by the left for one reason: He’s been a thorn in the side of President Donald Trump for years. If Trump says “yin,” Powell says “yang.”

Last week, Powell nally lowered the federal funds rate; better late than never. But his speech to the media was a tirade against Trumponomics. He was lled with doom and gloom in his statement, telling global investors that the economy is growing at only 1.6% so far this year and is expected to grow 1.6% next year.

What country was he talking about? Afghanistan?

Here are the facts: In the second quarter of this year, the U.S. economy grew by 3.3%, and with a few weeks to go in the third quarter, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is forecasting 3% growth — twice Powell’s cracked crystal ball.

Powell also never mentioned that real household incomes are up $1,100 for the rst seven months of 2025. He never mentioned that capital investment — the seed corn of a growing economy — has been ramped up, with hundreds of billions pledged next year.

He attacks Trump’s tari s and more restrictive immigration policies as restricting growth — and he has a point that those have slightly slowed growth. But he never mentioned the Trump tax cuts, the immediate expensing for capital purchases (which has spurred an investment boom), the deregulations that could save up to $1 trillion this year, or that Trump’s pro-energy policies have increased U.S. production of oil and gas to record highs, or that the area where job growth is way down is in government employment — which is good for the economy.

There’s also something almost comical about a Fed chair who let in ation soar by 21% during former President Joe Biden’s four years in o ce — the highest rates in nearly

BE IN TOUCH

40 years, dating back to Jimmy Carter’s stag ation. He promised in ation was “transitory” — oops. Tell that to people whose grocery bills rose by one-third in four years.

He accommodated the disastrous lockdowns of the economy with nary a word of objection by shoveling trillions of dollars into the economy in 2020 and ’21. The result: Americans saw a three-year crash in their after-in ation incomes. It was right and proper that Americans chased Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris out the door, but here we are nine months later, and Powell is still around.

Powell is attacked by Trump as “Too Late Jerome.” But the reality is he’s “Too Wrong Powell.” His job, as former World Bank president David Malpass notes, should be “to defend the dollar and keep it stable in value.”

Steve Forbes adds that Powell has followed the wrongheaded creed of the 300 Ph.D. economists over at the Fed’s temple that growth causes in ation.

He has a bully pulpit that can and should be used to attack the dangerous levels of government debt and de cit spending. He rarely does.

Powell’s defenders counter any criticism of the Fed by re exively arguing that the central bank should be independent. Yes.

But it should also be competent and accountable. Under Powell’s reign of error, the central bank has been neither. He makes up monetary policy as he goes along, and that has increased the instability of the U.S. economy and nancial markets.

He has been a walking billboard for a rules-based monetary policy — perhaps a gold or commodity standard.

Powell should admit he’s in over his head and exit stage left now before he does more harm. But he lives in a media-created delusion that he’s the last line of defense against Trump. The good news is, at least he will be gone in seven months. Hopefully the next Fed chairman will learn from his series of blunders.

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser.

Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or 1201 Edwards Mill Rd., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27607. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com.

Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com

We can’t expect immigrants to embrace American values if we don’t

IN ADDITION to demonstrating a basic handling of speaking, reading and writing in English, prospective citizens are required by federal immigration law to understand “the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States.”

Do they? According to studies, more than 40% of new immigrants aren’t pro cient in even the most basic English, and many can’t speak it at all.

For years, the citizenship exam consisted of 100 questions, given to the applicants in advance, most of which were extraordinarily basic. An immigrant is only required to answer six of 10 questions to pass. The test entails queries such as “We elect a U.S. representative for how many years?”; “Who vetoes bills?”; “There were 13 original states. Name three”; and “The words ‘Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness’ are in what founding document?”

By far, the toughest questions I could nd were “The House of Representatives has how many voting members?” and “What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?” And a test-taker can get them wrong and still pass easily.

The Trump administration recently announced it would make the citizenship test marginally more di cult by adding 28 questions that skew more toward history. Newcomers, though, must now answer 12 questions out of 20. When I went to high school, 60% on a math or history test meant you failed. Apparently, it’s good enough to become an American citizen. It’s no surprise that more than 88% of applicants pass the naturalization test on their rst try and 97% on the second.

The test is a re ection of a nation that doesn’t take assimilation very seriously. This is unsurprising considering how little Americans really understand about the nation’s history. The citizenship test is probably on a sixth grade level. Yet one national poll by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars found that only about 36% of Americans were able to pass a multiple-choice version of the naturalization exam. The younger you are, the less likely it is that you’d pass. And I don’t mean younger as in elementary-school age. In 2018, a survey found that only about 19% of Americans under 45 could pass. Considering the direction that public and higher education have taken since then, that number has almost surely declined.

Education is no panacea. It doesn’t magically induce anyone to embrace the values of the republic. At this point, our universities are only a hindrance to building a healthy citizenry. There are, right now, an untold number of professors at institutions of higher learning — not to mention editorialists at leading papers like The New York Times — who could ace any citizenship test and still want to destroy the system with their harebrained ideas. But surely mass ignorance of fundamental principles and mechanisms of American governance corrodes the ability of the electorate to debate these issues and comprehend the limits of state power. There are millions of students who don’t have the ability to reject founding principles because they don’t even understand them to begin with.

One of the central motivations for creating public schools by 19th-century reformers was to ensure that an increasingly diverse population, with many new immigrants, could be molded into a citizenry that was capable of sustaining the republic. Education was not “more than an ability to read, write, and keep common accounts,” Horace Mann argued. It was a means of ensuring that everyone shared a set of overarching principles that allowed us to function as a free and moral people.

In my experience, a high school senior is far more likely to walk away from public school believing that the most vital idea in American life is “sustainability,” not liberty. Some of you would be horri ed reading a high school history textbook these days.

State-run public schools have often become incubators for our worst ideas. Schools stress engagement and activism — the rituals of left-wing political life. These things have little to do with republican virtues of self-restraint and virtuous behavior. The importance of property, fostering independence and the local community isn’t celebrated. Politics has taken over much of our lives. The modern public school system is a failure.

It’s depressing to think that newcomers often have a better comprehension of our history and political institutions. That’s not all that matters when it comes to assimilation, but it isn’t insigni cant. What’s even more depressing is that their children are barely going to learn about it at the local public school. How can we expect immigrants to embrace American values when we don’t?

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner.

‘Cue

up!

Southern Living magazine has released its annual Top 50 Barbecue Joints in the South, and North Carolina was awarded six spots that highlight our state’s unique styles and tastes. From relative newcomers with an international air like Knightdale’s Prime Barbecue to the tried and true pillars of Eastern N.C. barbecue heritage such as Ayden’s Skylight Inn BBQ, the “meaty” list was formed to honor the past, present and future of one of the most revered staples of Southern cuisine. Restaurants were considered for their setting, sides, method, sauces, desserts and, in some cases, vibrant new spins on regional barbecue classics. Looks like you might have to try them all — for research’s sake.

Lexington Barbecue, Lexington (No. 10)

Stamey’s Barbecue, Greensboro (No. 24)

Sam Jones BBQ, Raleigh (No. 29)

Prime Barbecue, Knightdale (No. 30)

Grady’s Bar B Q, Dudley (No. 14)

Skylight Inn BBQ, Ayden (No. 6)

close to the Tennessee line where the road is down to one lane in each direction. The fourlane stretch reopened with two lanes after ve months of work after Helene. More work is needed after crews have stabilized the highway so it’s usable. Earthmovers have cleared a cut in a mountain in the Pigeon River Gorge so crews can access a rock quarry in Pisgah National Forest along I-40.

WLOS

were working on the plane at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The stowaway was found in the landing gear compartment and was pronounced dead at the scene by airport division o cers, police said. CMPD Homicide Unit detectives are conducting a death investigation, according to reports.

WFMY

Missing 9-year-old found after leaving home on foot

Randolph County A 9-year-old girl was found safe after going missing Sunday night, according to the Randolph County Sheri ’s O ce. Deputies said Laura Barbara Escobar went missing in the area of Roy Farlow Road in Sophia after leaving the area on foot. The press release alerting to the child’s disappearance was released at 7:31 p.m. on Sunday. Deputies announced that Escobar had been found safe at 9:53 p.m. on Sunday.

WGHP

Sheri ’s O ce have made two additional arrests in connection with a child abuse investigation in Denton, according to local outlets. Last month, the sheri ’s o ce received a report of child sexual abuse in the community and later identi ed Jeremy Amburn, 43, as the primary suspect in the sexual abuse of a juvenile. Detectives said they also learned that Angela Amburn, 40, was aware of the abuse and was facilitating it. Detectives arrested two additional suspects last week after discovering that Benjamin Myers, 38, an active EMT with Davidson County EMS, and Jennifer Myers, 44, a law enforcement o cer with the Brookford Police Department in Catawba County, had accessed government computer systems to obtain information regarding the ongoing child abuse investigation. The sheri ’s o ce said the information was used to alert Jeremy Amburn in the early stages of the investigation and resulted in key evidence being destroyed.

WXII

County Sheri ’s O ce was alerted to the threatening post last week, and additional law enforcement was deployed to the school. Kinsey was given a $25,000 secured bond, which he has since posted.

WITN

SUV crashes into school bus

Johnston County Several emergency crews responded to a crash involving a school bus in Willow Spring early Monday morning, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Troopers said a red Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling northbound ran a red light and collided with the bus. The driver of the Jeep Grand

struggles in a video address last week, saying that the city must shave $30 million in spending over the next 10 months. Roberson said 10% of the full-time city employees will be laid o and half of all part-time workers will be let go. He said the most immediate impacts to residents will be increases in utility rates for natural gas and electricity over the next several months, but the actions could also directly impact police, re, rescue and trash services. The city manager conducted a comprehensive review of overall spending over the summer and identi ed a “serious nancial crisis,” Roberson said. Over the past two years, the city was spending millions more each month than it collected, according to o cials. He blamed the previous mayoral administration for a lack of transparency about the state of nances once he entered o ce.

NSJ

Grady's BBQ

A vehicle that was rammed into the building is surrounded by smoke as a re ghter works on the scene Sunday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

NATION & WORLD

Gunman kills 4, sets Mich. church on re

Eight

By Isabella Volmert and Corey Williams The Associated Press

GRAND BLANC TOWN-

SHIP, Mich. — An ex-Marine

smashed a pickup into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in Michigan, opened re and set the building ablaze during a crowded Sunday service before he was fatally shot by police. At least four people were killed and eight wounded, and authorities were searching the building ruins for more victims.

The attack occurred at about 10:25 a.m. while hundreds of people were in the building in Grand Blanc Township, outside Flint.

The man got out of the pickup with two American ags raised in the truck bed and started shooting, Police Chief William Renye told reporters. The attacker apparently used gas to start the re and also had explosive devices, but it wasn’t clear if he used them,

said James Dier of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities identi ed the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of the neighboring small town of Burton. The FBI is leading the investigation and considered it an “act of targeted violence,” said Ruben Coleman, a special agent in charge for the bureau.

O cers responding to a 911 call were at the church within 30 seconds, Renye said. After the suspect left the church, two o cers pursued him and “engaged in gun re,” killing him about eight minutes later, the chief said.

People inside the church shielded children and moved them to safety during the attack, Renye said.

Flames and smoke poured from the large church for hours before the blaze was extinguished.

Two bodies were found during a search of the debris, and Renye said more victims could be found as searchers made their way through the entire church. One of the wounded people was in critical con-

Adams abandons reelection bid for NYC mayor

President Donald Trump had urged the one-term executive to bow out of the race

By Jake O enhartz and Anthony Izaguirre

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams ended his struggling reelection campaign Sunday, an acknowledgment that he was no longer a credible contender after a year of scandal and political turmoil.

In a video released on social media, Adams spoke proudly of his tenure as mayor. But he said his now-dismissed federal corruption case left voters wary of him, and “constant media speculation” about his future made it impossible to raise enough money to run a serious campaign.

“Despite all we’ve achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign,” he said.

Adams did not endorse any of the remaining candidates in the race, but he warned of “insidious forces” using local government to “advance divisive agendas.”

“That is not change, that is

chaos,” Adams said. “Instead, I urge New Yorkers to choose leaders not by what they promise but by what they have delivered.” Adams’ capitulation could potentially provide a lift to the campaign of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a fellow centrist who portrayed himself as the only candidate able to beat the Democratic Party’s nominee, state Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani.

It is unclear, though, whether enough Adams supporters will shift their allegiances to Cuomo to make a di erence.

Mamdani, 33, would be the city’s youngest and most liberal mayor in generations if elected. He beat Cuomo decisively in the Democratic primary by campaigning on a promise to try to lower the cost of living in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

In a statement after Adams’ announcement, Mamdani took aim at Cuomo, who is trying to make a political comeback after resigning the governor’s ofce after being accused of sexual harassment by multiple women.

“New York deserves better than trading in one disgraced,

“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

dition Sunday evening while seven others were stable.

Renye said “some” people were unaccounted for, but he didn’t have an exact number.

Michigan State Police Lt. Kim Vetter said bomb threats were made at other churches in the area after o cers shot and killed Sanford. No bombs were found, and police were investigating the threats.

Investigators were searching Sanford’s residence, but authorities did not say what they found or provide any additional details about him, including whether he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church.

Sanford served in the Marines from June 2004 through June 2008, working as an au-

tomotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator, according to military records obtained by The Detroit News. He was deployed to Iraq from August 2007 through March 2008 and had the rank of sergeant.

The shooting occurred the morning after Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of the Utah-based faith, died at 101. The next president is expected to be Dallin H. Oaks, per church protocol.

“The church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those a ected,” spokesperson Doug Anderson said.

“Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement that her heart was breaking for the community. “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she said.

The impact spread quickly to neighboring communities, including the small city that shares a name with the township.

“Although we are two separate governmental units, we are a very cohesive community,” city of Grand Blanc Mayor John Creasey said. “This sort of thing is painful for our entire community.”

ery case and liberal anger over his warm relationship with President Donald Trump. He skipped the Democratic primary and got on the ballot as an independent.

Polls conducted in early September illustrated his challenges. One by The New York Times and Siena University and another by Quinnipiac University showed likely voters favoring Mamdani over Cuomo, with Sliwa and Adams trailing further behind.

The Quinnipiac poll suggested the gap between Mamdani and Cuomo could narrow if Adams dropped out. The Times/Siena poll suggested that if both Adams and Sliwa withdrew, Mamdani’s advantage over Cuomo could shrink even further.

4 dead after Ariz. ooding

Globe, Ariz. Four people died after heavy rain caused ooding in Arizona, including three in a rural 19th-century mining town where oodwaters on Friday forced people to seek safety on rooftops and washed out a propane distributorship, scattering about 1,000 tanks downtown. About 2.5 inches of rain fell in Globe, a city of about 7,250 people about 88 miles east of Phoenix, over 24 hours, and another storm moved in Saturday, temporarily halting the search for people possibly missing in the ood because of highowing creeks. The bodies of two people were earlier found in a vehicle, and another person was found in the oodwaters in Globe, o cials said.

Giuliani, Dominion settle defamation suit

New York Rudy Giuliani reached a settlement with Dominion Voting Systems in its $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit over his 2020 election-rigging claims. The two sides said in a ling in federal court in Washington, D.C., on Friday they agreed to dismiss the suit against the former New York City mayor and former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump. The brief ling doesn’t cite the settlement terms. Spokespeople for Giuliani and the Coloradobased company said Saturday that the terms are con dential and declined to comment further.

Northwest Turkey hit by 5.4 earthquake

Istanbul A powerful earthquake shook northwestern Turkey on Sunday, causing people to ee their homes, emergency services said. No casualties were immediately reported. The magnitude 5.4 quake was centered in the town of Simav in Kutahya province at a depth of 5 miles, emergency agency AFAD said. The quake struck at 12:59 p.m. and was followed by a magnitude 4.0 aftershock. It was also felt in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city about 60 miles to the north, according to media reports. In August, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Sindirgi, in the neighboring province of Balikesir. One person died, and dozens were injured.

Death toll climbs to 40 after stampede in India

corrupt politician for another,” Mamdani said.

Cuomo, in a statement on social media, praised Adams for “putting the well-being of New York City ahead of personal ambition.”

“We face destructive extremist forces that would devastate our city through incompetence or ignorance, but it is not too late to stop them,” Cuomo said.

Republican Curtis Sliwa — CEO of the Guardian Angels — also remains in the race, though his candidacy has been undercut from within his party; Trump in a recent interview called him “not exactly prime-time.”

Speculation that Adams wouldn’t make it to Election Day has been rampant for a year. His campaign was severely wounded by both the brib -

Sliwa, though, has repeatedly insisted he will not quit.

“Curtis Sliwa is the only candidate who can defeat Mamdani,” his spokesperson, Daniel Kurzyna, said Sunday. Adams, 65, is the city’s second black mayor. A former New York City police captain and Brooklyn borough president, he took o ce in 2022 promising to crack down on crime and revitalize a city still bouncing back from the coronavirus pandemic.

On his signature issue, he succeeded. Crime rates that ticked upward after COVID-19 hit the city have fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, though it’s unclear how much that had to do with Adams’ policies.

But scandals and corruption probes have crippled Adams’ chances at another term.

New Delhi The death toll following a stampede at a political rally for a popular Indian actor and politician in the southern state of Tamil Nadu has climbed to 40, the state’s health minister said Sunday. At least 124 injured people were being treated in hospitals. O cials said the dead included nine children. Tens of thousands of people gathered in the district of Karur on Saturday to attend the rally by Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, known as Vijay. He is one of Tamil Nadu’s most successful actors and is running for o ce in state elections scheduled to be held in early 2026.

more were injured in the attack

SETH WENIG / AP PHOTO

New York Mayor Eric Adams, pictured at a ceremony to mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, announced he will not seek reelection.

LUKAS KATILIUS / THE FLINT JOURNAL VIA AP

Notice to Creditors

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Ursula Yvette Chesney Grady, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the address below on or before 2 January 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment. This the 2nd day of October, 2025. Maurice S. Grady Executor of the Estate of Ursula Yvette Chesney Grady 775 Magellan Drive Fayetteville, NC 28311

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 25E001377-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Priscilla Suzanne Baker aka Priscilla Dixon Baker, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, 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 December 18, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 18th day of September, 2025. Andrea Baker McBride, Administrator of the Estate of Priscilla Suzanne Baker aka Priscilla Dixon Baker NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In the General Court of Justice Cumberland County Superior Court Division Estate File # 25E001372-250 Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Joyce Elizabeth Barnes, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of December, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 18th day of September, 2025. LaTosha R. Barnes 4407 Hopson Road, # 1302 Morrisville, North Carolina 27560 Executor of the Estate of Joyce Elizabeth Barnes, Deceased NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Callie McClenny Beale, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all person having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of December, 2025, 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 is the 18th of September 2025. Administrator of the Estate of Callie McClenny Beale, Michael Douglas Beale, 1258 High House Road, Clinton, NC 28328.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF LILY SPEARS BENDER

CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 22E000655-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Lily Spears Bender, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Kenneth L Bender Jr., at 182 Aloha Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 12th day of December, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 8th day of September, 2025. Kenneth L. Bender Administrator of the Estate of Lily Spears Bender Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: September 11, September 18, September 25 and October 2, 2025

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

CUMBERLAND COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of:

GLYNIS M. SPEIGHT Deceased.

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Glynis M. Speight, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before December 11, 2025 (which is three (3) months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. THIS the 8th day of September, 2025.

Derrick Bell, Executor of the Estate of Glynis M. Speight, Deceased c/o J. Thomas Neville Yarborough, Winters & Neville, P.A.

P.O. Box 705 Fayetteville, NC 28302-0705 Publish: 09/11/2025, 09/18/2025, 09/25/2025 and 10/02/2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF RUTH JOHNSON BYRD CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 25E000285-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Ruth Johnson Byrd, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Davis W. Puryear Administrator, at 4317 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 26th day of December, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 22th day of September, 2025. Davis W. Puryear Administrator of the Estate of Ruth Johnson Byrd Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: September 25, October 2, October 9, and October 16, 2025

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator/Executor of the Estate of Je rey Wayne Byrd, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before December 25th, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 25th day of September 2025. Marcus A. Byrd 2231Copperstone Drive Apt 1F High Point, NC 27265

Executor’s Notice IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 25E001375-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of Janice Lee Calvert, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at PO Box 359, Twisp, Washington, 98856, on or before December 29, 2025, 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 25th day of September 2025. Michael P. Calvert Executor of the Estate of Janice Lee Calvert, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 09/25/2025, 10/02/2025, 10/09/2025, and 10/16/2025

NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #23 E 000636-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Carrie Lee Cherry, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of December, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) of 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 19th day of September 2025. Administrator of the Estate of CARRIE LEE CHERRY Mary Alice Cherry 1061 Danbury Drive Fayetteville, NC 28311

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 24E 1122 ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Deloise Martinsus Clayton, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before December 25, 2025 (90 days from the date of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 25th day of September, 2025 William Clayton Executor of the Estate of Deloise Martinsus Clayton 1599 Rossmore Drive Fayetteville, North Carolina 28314

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File# 16E000417-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as administrator of the Estate of Frank Sterling Daniels, deceased, late of Cumberland County, herby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of December, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 18th day of September, 2025 Yvonne Daniels 513 Dandridge Dr Fayetteville, NC 28303 Administrator Of the Estate of Frank Sterling Daniels, Deceased Publication Dates 9/18/25, 9/25/25, 10/2/25, 10/9/25

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In The General Court Of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File# 25E001370-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The Undersigned, having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of Alene Ferguson, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the December 18, 2025 or which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 18th day of September, 2025 Barry Lynn Ferguson, Sr. Administrator/Executor 612 Ashdown Place, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Of the Estate of Alene Ferguson, Deceased

NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice

Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File 23E001229-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE.

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of James George, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the 11th day of December, 2025 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 is the 8th day of September 2025. Administrator of the Estate of James George. 5508 Walking Trail Way Hope Mills, NC 28314.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administer of the Estate of George Washington Hart, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does herby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to undersigned at 251 TIFFANY CIRCLE SPRING LAKE. ON OR BEFORE the 18th day of December 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indepted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 15th day of September 2025. KISHEA HART ADMINISTRATOR OF ESTATE OF GEORGE HART

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE # 25E001454250 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Charlotte Ella Icenogle. Administrator’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Charlotte Ella Icenogle, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd day of January, 2026 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 2nd day of October, 2025. Dorothy Tyndall 3221 Boone Trail Fayetteville NC 28306. Administrator of the Estate of Charlotte Ella Icenogle, Deceased.

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA / DISTRICT COURT DIVISION / COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND / FILE NO. 25JT000332250 IN RE: H.J.J. A Juvenile Child. TO: Any Unknown Birth FathersTake notice that an action has been commenced against you in the above referenced court le to terminate your parental rights to a female child born on May 9, 2025 in in Ocean Springs, Mississippi to Stevette Jackson. The child was conceived on or around late July/ mid-August in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. You are summoned and noti ed to answer the petition in which the petitioners ask the Court to terminate your parental rights to the above-named juvenile. Any written answer to the petition must be led with the Clerk of Court within forty (40) days of the rst publication of this notice on or before November 11, 2025. A copy of the answer must also be served on the petitioners and their lawyer. The Court will conduct a hearing to determine whether one or more grounds alleged in the petition for terminating parental rights exist. If the Court nds that one or more grounds exist, the Court will proceed at that hearing or a later hearing to determine whether parental rights should be terminated. Notice of the date, time and location of the hearing will be mailed to you by the petitioner after you le an answer or forty (40) days from the date of service if you do not le an answer. If you do not le a written answer to the petition with the Clerk of Superior Court, the Court may terminate your parental rights. You have a right to be represented by a lawyer in this case. If you want a lawyer and cannot a ord one, the Court will appoint a lawyer for you. Contact the Cumberland County Clerk of Superior Court, 117 Dick St. Fayetteville, NC 28301. If you are represented by a lawyer appointed previously in an abuse, neglect, or dependency case, that lawyer will continue to represent you unless the Court orders otherwise. At the rst hearing, the Court will determine whether you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. If you do not qualify, the provisional counsel will be released. If a lawyer is appointed for you and if the Court terminates your parental rights, you may become liable for repayment of the lawyer’s fees, and a judgment for the amount of the fees may be entered against you. You are entitled to attend any hearing a ecting your parental rights. As described above, the petitioners will mail you notice of the date, time, and location of the hearing.. Kelly T. Dempsey, 101 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1700, Charlotte, NC 28280 (10/02/2025, 10/09/2025, 10/16/2025)

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE# 25E001442-250

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Bettye Jean Johnson-Hyde Executor’s Notice to Creditor’s The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Bettye Jean Johnson-Hyde, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd day of January 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 23rd day of September 2025. Lynnette Maranda Hyde 2226 Shaw Rd EXT Fayetteville, NC 28311 Executor of the estate of Bettye Jean Johnson-Hyde, deceased September 23rd, 2025

ADMINISTRATORS/EXECUTORS NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice Estate File #25E000313-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County of Cumberland The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator og the Estate of James E King, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 19th day of December 2025 which date is three months after the rst publication of this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. September 18 2025 David Smtih 3636 Gloucester Dr Hope Mills, NC 28348 Administrator of the Estate of James E King

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF RONALD MCDANIEL

CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 25E001175-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Ronald McDaniel, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Davis W. Puryear, Administrator, at 4317 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 26th day of December, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 22nd day of September, 2025. Davis W. Puryear Administrator of the Estate of Ronald McDaniel Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: September 25, October 2, October 9, and October 16, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF RUBY LEIGH MCLEMORE

CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 25E1393-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Ruby Leigh McLemore, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Frances McLemore McCauley, Administrator, at 101 Ham Rd., Hope Mills, MC 28348, on or before the 26th day of December, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 19th day of September, 20225 Frances McLemore McCauley Administrator of the Estate of Ruby Leigh McLemore Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: September 25, October 2, October 9 and October 16, 2025

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County of Cumberland In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File #25E001450-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as administrator of the Estate of Ozella McMillian, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 2nd of January 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned—this 29th day of September, 2025. James Harrison McMillian Jr Administrator/Executor 2328 Dreyfus Ct Garner, NC 27529 Of the Estate of Ozella Hall McMillian, Deceased

NOTICE

State of North Carolina In the General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 25E001447-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Dorothy Sharon Morris, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 2nd day of January 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 29th day of September 2025. Administrator: Jenifer Morris Address: 65 N Sprague Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15202 Of the Estate of:

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ANNIE M. MELVIN CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 23E000791-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Annie M. Melvin, deceased, of Cumberland County, North

NOTICE

2026 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 2nd day of October, 2025. Brenna Green Delmont 6080 Goldsboro Rd. Wade, NC 28395 Administrator of the Estate of Wanda Godwin Porter, Deceased.

NOTICE In the matter of the estate of: HELGA SHAW Executor’s NOTICE The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the estate of HELGA S. SHAW Deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before December 18,2025 (which is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of the recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 15th day of September. William R. Buford 6705 B Irongate Drive Fayetteville, N.C. 28306 Executor of the estate of HELGA S. SHAW deceased.

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of: ELLEN OAKES BILL Deceased. ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Ellen Oakes Bill, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before December 25, 2025 (which is three (3) months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. THIS the 25th day of September, 2025.

Sharon Gray Bill Scott, Administrator of the Estate of Ellen Oakes Bill, Deceased c/o J. Thomas Neville Yarborough, Winters & Neville, P.A. P.O. Box 705 Fayetteville, NC 28302-0705 Publish: 09/25/2025, 10/02/2025, 10/09/2025 and 10/16/2025

recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 2nd day of October, 2025 Terry L. Johnson aka Terry Lee Johnson Executor of the Estate of Katherine Johnson Stevenson aka Katherine Elizabeth Stevenson aka Katherine Elizabeth Johnson Stevenson S. SCOTT EGGLESTON, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 10/02/2025 10/09/2025 10/16/2025 10/23/2025

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CABARRUS COUNTY 18-SP-346

NEW HANOVER

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Janet B. Pilkington, having quali ed on the 17th day of August, 2025, as Executor of the Estate of Delores Yvonne Averette (25E002097640), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, 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 22nd day of December, 2025, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 18th day of September 2025. Janet B. Pilkington Executor ESTATE OF DELORES YVONNE AVERETTE David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: September 18, 2025, September 25. 2025,October 2, 2025 October 9, 2025

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned,RUDOLF ANTON BLESS AND RICHARD JOSEF BLESS, having quali ed as the Co-Executors of the Estate of MAGDALENA BLESS, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said RUDOLF ANTON BLESS AND RICHARD JOSEF BLESS, at the address set out below, on or before December 19, 2025, 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 12thth day of September. 2025.

RUDOLF ANTON BLESS AND RICHARD JOSEF BLESS Co-Executors of the Estate of MAGDALENA BLESS c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Daniel Y. Escarsega, having quali ed on the 16th day of August, 2025, as Executor of the Estate of Joseph F. Coughlin (25E002071-640), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, 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 22nd day of December, 2025, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address.

This 18th day of September 2025.

Daniel Y. Escarsega Executor ESTATE OF JOSEPH F. COUGHLIN David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411

Publish: September 18, 2025, September 25. 2025, October 2, 2025, October 9, 2025

RANDOLPH

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Christine Hussey Allen, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before December 29, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 25th day of September, 2025

Patricia H. Nichols Administrator of the Estate of Christine Hussey Allen Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES: 09/25/25, 10/02/25, 10/09/25, 10/16/25

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Margie Ruth Vuncannon Beck, of Randolph County, NC, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Executor at the Law O ce of Andrew J. Weiner, 113 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 on or before December 31st 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of heir recovery. All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 2nd day of October 2025 Stanley Kent Beck, Executor Margie Ruth Vuncannon Beck, Estate Andrew J. Weiner, Attorney Gavin & Cox 113 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 Telephone: 336-629-2600

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of LEE MONROE MANGES, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before December 26, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 22nd day of September 2025. ROSE TREAT CHILSON Executor of the Estate of LEE MONROE MANGES MARION “BETH” MCQUAID, Attorney

IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES: 09/25/25 10/02/25 10/09/25 10/16/25

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kevin Wingler and April Wingler, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $236,725.00, to American General Financial Services, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 28th, 2008 and recorded on July 29th, 2008 in Book 08360, Page 0029, as instrument number 24518, and subsequently modi ed by Loan Modi cation recorded on March 25th, 2010 in Book 09098 at Page 0102 and/or Instrument Number NA, Cabarrus 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 O ce of the Register of Deeds of 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 o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on October 16th, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All that certain property situated in the County of Cabarrus, and State of North Carolina, being described as follows: Being all of Lot 218 Rocky River Crossing Map 5 Section 2 as shown on that plat recorded in Map Book 36, Page 22 of the Cabarrus County Registry to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Being the property conveyed in warranty Deed from MDC Homes - Charlotte, LLC to Kevin Wingler and April Wingler, dated 02/25/2003, recorded 02/27/2003, in Deed Book 4345, Page 39, in the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Tax Parcel Identi cation Number: 1-10B-218 Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 6229 Rose Way Court, Harrisburg, NC 28075 Tax ID: 01-010B-0218.00 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve 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 ve 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 certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of WILLIE LEE ALBERTSON, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before January 2, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 1st day of October 2025.

ANGELA ELIZABETH ALBERTSON Executor of the Estate of WILLIE LEE ALBERTSON S. SCOTT EGGLESTON, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES: 10/02/25, 10/09/25, 10/16/25, 10/23/25

NOTICE

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of BOBBY ROE McPHERSON, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT, ATTORNEY AT LAW, PO Box 2445, Asheboro, North Carolina 27204, on or before December 19, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 18th day of September, 2025. Eddie Lynn McPherson, Administrator of the Estate of Bobby Roe McPherson, deceased TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 2445 Asheboro, NC 27204 (336) 953-4661

PUBL/DATES: 09/18/25, 09/25/25, 10/02/25, 10/09/25 WAKE

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of IAN SCOTT GERTLER, late of Wake County, North Carolina (25E003621-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of January, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 2nd day of October 2025. Jennifer Gertler Administrator of the Estate of Ian Scott Gertler c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(For publication: 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23/2025)

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of SANDRA McCLELLAN JONES, aka, SANDRA J. JONES, aka, SANDRA M. JONES, late of Wake County, North Carolina (25E002980-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of December, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 11th day of September 2025. Jeani Shankle Executor of the Estate of Sandra McClellan Jones, aka, Sandra J. Jones, aka, Sandra M. Jones c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(For publication: 09/11, 09/18, 09/25, 10/2/2025)

physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered 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(s) of the property is/are Rocky River Crossing Homeowners Association, Inc.. 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,

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of TIMOTHY E. PANNELL, late of Wake County, North Carolina (25E003343-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of December, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 11th day of September 2025. Coco Pannell Administrator of the Estate of Timothy E. Pannell c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 09/11, 09/18, 09/25, 10/2/2025)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA WAKE COUNTY FILE#25E003445-910 The undersigned, SHARON LIPSCOMB, having quali ed on the 15TH Day of SEPTEMBER,

4 Cup Series drivers face elimination in Charlotte, B3

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA FOOTBALL

ACC moving to 9-game football schedule starting next year

Charlotte

The ACC is moving to a nine-game league schedule for football while having teams play at least 10 games against power-conference opponents. Going from an eight- to a nine-game model would align the ACC with its power- conference peers in the Big 12, Big Ten and Southeastern conferences. The ACC would join the SEC in playing 10 games against Power Four opponents.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Pearl, winningest

men’s basketball coach in Auburn history, announces retirement Auburn, Ala. Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl announced his retirement. Pearl’s 38-year- old son Steven Pearl is taking over as coach. The 65-year- old leaves as the school’s winningest men’s coach after taking the Tigers to their only two Final Fours. Pearl will move into an ambassador role as an assistant to Auburn’s athletic director and says he isn’t going into politics despite rumors about a potential Senate run.

PGA

Europe wins Ryder Cup Farmingdale, N.Y.

Europe retained the Ryder Cup, 15-13. The Americans rallied from a seven-point de cit Sunday before Shane Lowry added his name to Irish lore with a 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole that assured Europe of retaining the cup. Tyrrell Hatton halved his match to make Europe an outright winner for the 11th time in the last 15 matches.

Tar Heels to host Clemson in clash of ACC’s titan coaches

The two teams have a combined 3-5 record so far

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHAPEL HILL — UNC and Clemson are set to take the eld at Kenan Stadium in a noon kicko on Saturday, and both teams are looking to turn around disappointing starts to the 2025 season.

As two storied programs with legendary coaches, each searching for traction in a changing college football environment, the upcoming matchup between Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels and Dabo Swinney’s Tigers could be a pivotal moment for the winner — and a potential backbreaker for the losing team’s con dence.

The Tar Heels enter their

ACC opener with a 2-2 record, rebounding from a 48-14 season-opening loss to TCU with wins at Charlotte (20-3) and against Richmond at home (41-6) before falling 34-9 at UCF.

The Tigers, heavily favored in preseason projections, have stumbled to a 1-3 start, opening with a 17-10 home loss to LSU and bouncing back with a 27-16 win over Troy before fall-

ing 24-21 at Georgia Tech and 34-21 at home to Syracuse. Clemson’s o ense, typically a strength under Swinney, has faced one setback after the other as turnovers, penalties and continuity issues have held back the Tigers in their three losses. Senior quarterback Cade Klubnik already has four interceptions to go with a career-low 60.1% completion percentage.

Last week, Clemson outgained Syracuse 503-433, but a pair of turnovers contributed to a 13-point loss and Swinney’s worst start of his career.

Meanwhile, UNC’s transition to the Belichick era is proving more volatile than anticipated. Both sides of the ball have shown ashes at times, but consistency and depth remain works in progress.

See CLASH, page B4

Speedy Ehlers latest piece for Hurricanes

Carolina hopes the winger can help the team “get over that hump”

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — The rst thing you notice when watching Nikolaj Ehlers on the ice is his speed.

“He’s an exceptional, exceptional skater,” Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal said of the 29-year-old winger who earned the nickname “Fly” for his skating. Ask players and coaches, and the word that often comes up is “pace.”

“I feel like he ts really well with us, how we play and fast, fast pace,” said Sebastian Aho, who has centered Ehlers throughout training camp.

After coming up short in trying to trade for Matthew Tkachuk three summers ago, trading for Jake Guentzel at the 2024 deadline but not re-signing him, and swinging the deal for Mikko Rantanen that ultimately saw him shipped o to

“It’s an exciting time for Raleigh, exciting time for the team.”

Jordan Staal, Hurricanes captain

Dallas, the Hurricanes left no doubt in getting Ehlers.

Ehlers — who did his fair share of due diligence before deciding on where he’d sign after a decade in Winnipeg — inked a six-year, $51 million contract to come to Raleigh in the rst days of free agency.

Aho said the addition of Ehlers “doesn’t guarantee anything,” but the players clearly appreciate the team’s e orts to try to continuously improve by adding impact players.

“We know in here that we’re close, and so we just need a few more guys like Fly and people to bring in and really help out the team to get us over that hump,” right wing Seth Jarvis said. “And I think the management sees that.”

So does Frederik Andersen, the goalie from Denmark who will get to play with his new teammate and countryman this NHL season and also at the upcoming Winter Olympics.

“It’s going to be a little different because, obviously, we’re so few (Danes) that the odds of that are pretty low,” Andersen said of getting to play with Ehlers. “But it’s pretty cool to play together and then have a good year.”

Staal added, “It goes to show what we’ve kind of built here and the players that are excited to come here. There’s been a lot of years where it was pretty quiet summers and the Hurricanes wouldn’t be nabbing big

CORY LAVALETTE / NORTH STATE JOURNAL Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers speaks with the media following the rst on-ice session of training camp Sept. 18 at Wake Competition Center in Morrisville.

JACOB KUPFERMAN / AP PHOTO

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney celebrates after winning last season’s ACC title. On Saturday, he will face another coach with a big name, plenty of championships and a rough start to 2025.

PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO

UNC quarterback Max Johnson throws against Central Florida.

Is Dave Doeren quickly approaching the door out?

Could the Wolfpack coach be running out of track after 13 seasons?

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

IN A SPORT with tons of volatility at the top, NC State football coach Dave Doeren has managed to enjoy a relatively comfortable tenure.

He’s the fth-longest serving coach in Division I football, having been at the helm of the program since 2013, and last April, Doeren signed a contract extension tying him to the Wolfpack through 2029.

But after a shocking home loss to Virginia Tech, which had red their coach two weeks earlier and were deep in its depth charts, the outside noise is getting louder and louder.

There are some losses you just can’t come back from, and the way Saturday’s game went felt like one that very easily could have been the nail in the co n for many a coach.

The Wolfpack were weak on both sides of the ball and seemingly unprepared for a team that was reeling.

But really, the loss to the Hokies was just another in a

CUTDOWN DAY

long string of stinging defeats that have left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Wolfpack faithful for years.

The animosity amongst the fanbase against Doeren has been brewing for a long time, with the laundry list of complaints ranging from overall disappointing seasons and his scolding of fans to a perceived lack of accountability and more.

What doesn’t help Doeren either is the newly renewed hype around the men’s basketball program.

After the ring of Kevin Keatts — who won the ACC Tournament and made it to the Final Four just one year before his dismissal — the fan base has rallied behind his replacement, Will Wade.

Fans have gravitated to Wade’s ery personality and bravado, and now they want a similar gurehead in the football program.

But is the outcry justi ed?

Let’s start with this: Dave Doeren is the winningest coach in program history, having won 90 games as the head coach at NC State.

He’s had 10 winning seasons and nished the year in the AP Top 25 three times.

But his win total is also a tes-

tament to his longevity more than anything, as his 57.2% win percentage trails multiple other coaches, including Lou Holtz and Dick Sheridan.

Doeren does hold an 8-4 record over rival UNC, including having won each of the last four meetings, and that matchup serves as NC State’s Super Bowl for some fans. But he hasn’t had much postseason success, posting a 3-6 bowl record since joining the Wolfpack.

Doeren also has a losing ACC record (48-53) and has never once competed for a conference title nor had a 10-win season.

And to top it o , the Wolfpack are 7-27 record against ranked opponents in the last 13 seasons under Doeren.

This year has been especially trying for fans, as the team has had to scratch and claw its way through every game due to a disastrous defense, an area of the game Doeren had usually hung his hat on, and it doesn’t look like it will be getting any easier anytime soon.

On average, Doeren is good for seven wins a year, four of them being conference games.

It’s an average record that’s not too bad, but also not really great either.

There’s no denying that the

48-53

Dave Doeren’s ACC record since joining NC State

program has seemingly hit its ceiling, one that has left many fans feeling unsatis ed. And with virtually no big accolades to speak during Doeren’s 13 years in Raleigh, it’s understandable why some want things to change.

But the grass isn’t always greener. Even if NC State were to move

on from Doeren, could they really expect to do any better?

NC State isn’t one of the big spenders in the college football world, and it isn’t likely that they become one overnight even if Doeren was let go.

And any move by the university to remove Doeren will also cost them quite a chunk of change, as he earns $5.25 million annually from his contract and has a buyout hovering around $15.7 million if he’s red without cause at any point in the season.

So while many fans would love to see a change in leadership, that doesn’t really seem like a realistic option for NC State at this point.

Charlotte hosts NASCAR Cup Series playo elimination race

The Roval 400 will see the eld go from 12 to 8

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

A TOTAL OF 37 drivers will start Sunday’s Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The spotlight, howev-

CLASH from page B1

For now, Belichick is emphasizing the positives he’s seen, even as his team enters the matchup as a 13.5-point underdog with the prospect of dropping below .500 looming.

“We’re way better than we were. We still have a long way to go. We’ve made progress in every area, every week,” the 73-year-old coach said on Monday night during UNC’s weekly radio show. “We just need to do a few little things better — well, several little things better. We’re not making the big mistakes, we just need to do things better on a more consistent basis.”

er, will be trained on 10 of them.

The combined road course/ oval race marks the third and nal race in the round of 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series playo s. That means cuts are coming — from the current dozen contenders down to a nal eight.

Two drivers — Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott — have al-

ready advanced after winning the rst two races of this round. That leaves 10 drivers battling for six spots.

The 400 will cap a weekend at the Roval that also features playo races in the Craftsman Truck Series and the X nity Series. It marks the rst time the Roval has hosted a triple-header of postseason races.

9 Chase Elliott 3104

2 12 Ryan Blaney 3099 Advanced

Won in New Hampshire two weeks ago to earn a spot in the round of eight

3 5 Kyle Larson 3124 +54

He won last year’s Roval race and moves on with a top-21 nish

4 11 Denny Hamlin 3118 +48

The ve-time winner this season likely needs a top 15 nish to advance 5 20 Christopher Bell 3114 +44

Has won four Cup races as well as the All-Star Race. A top-11 nish clinches his advancement

O ensively, the Tar Heels rank last among Power Four programs, sitting 132nd nationally in total o ense. Only Northern Illinois and Massachusetts have produced fewer yards entering Week 6. UNC’s current quarterback situation is unclear heading into the Heels’ home matchup with the Tigers. Starter Gio Lopez exited the UCF game with a leg injury and did not return. His replacement, Max Johnson, stepped in and threw for 67 yards and one touchdown on 11- of-19 passing. The Tar Heels say Lopez’s injury is not believed to be season-ending, and there is opti-

mism he could return in early October.

Swinney told reporters on Monday that he’s “not sure” which quarterback his Tigers will face, noting the di erences between the two with Lopez as a “move around guy” and Johnson as a “big, tall kid.” Either way, the Tar Heels will need more productive quarterback play from whoever lines up behind center on Saturday.

“We just need to just stay with it,” Belichick said. “It’s not going to be easy, but we’re getting better. If we keep working hard, we’re gonna continue to get better. We just need to sustain that. … There’s no short-

cut to it, there’s no magic wand.

“It’s just going to take stacking a lot of days together over a lot of weeks. We’ll be a better football team in October than we were in September and we’ll be a better team in November than we were in October if we keep doing those things on a consistent basis.”

UNC trails Clemson in the teams’ head-to-head series history — 19 wins to 40 losses — and has lost six straight matchups between the schools. However, this season’s shared struggles bcould make this one less lopsided on paper than it once would have been.

Swinney’s Tigers are no

strangers to occasional dips, but few predicted such a shaky descent so early in 2025. With the program’s standard set high over decades of consistent success, the current team’s growing pains are getting magni ed. With Belichick trying to prove he can retro t his pro lexicon for college and Swinney trying to show Clemson’s foundation is still viable in the NIL era, this matchup could offer one team the opportunity to walk away feeling better about where this season is heading. Likewise, the squad on the losing end might be in for a rough few months.

ARTIE WALKER JR. / AP PHOTO

NC State head coach Dave Doeren arrives at Clemson for a game last season.

Updates on new sports, state championships shared at NCHSAA Regional Meetings

Girls’ ag football inches closer to becoming sanctioned

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

APEX — The North Carolina High School Athletic Association shared updates on potential new sports last week.

In the NCHSAA Region 3 meeting, the last of eight regional meetings spread over two weeks, at Hope Community Church on Sept. 25, Commissioner Que Tucker revealed that a committee had been formed to study and examine the possibility of girls’ ag football as a sanctioned sport.

Tucker said the committee has already met and will send out surveys to member schools. The committee has been tasked with looking at the “big picture” regarding the timing of the season, the number of games, ocials, ticket prices, playo s and state championships.

“They will have something for the (board of directors) to approve at least by next spring,” Tucker said.

At the winter NCHSAA Board of Directors meeting in December, the board tabled a discussion to sanction girls’ ag football, citing how the participation data reported by the schools did not match the date reported from other sources.

Last week, Tucker said the NCHSAA is “probably pretty close” to having the number of participating schools necessary to sanction the sport.

The NCHSAA requires that 25% of the total number of member schools participate in a sport before it’s sanctioned. Last year, HighSchoolOT reported that girls’ ag football met the threshold with 116 teams, and more schools have added programs this season with funds and equipment provided by the Carolina Panthers.

Tucker also mentioned that it “won’t be long” until the board forms a committee for boys’ volleyball. The NC Boys High

WHAT IT WAS, WAS FOOTBALL

School Volleyball league lists 116 participating NCHSAA member schools on its website.

“Boys’ volleyball is gaining momentum,” Tucker said.

Updates about the upcoming fall state championships were also shared at the meeting.

According to Tucker, the NCHSAA hopes to announce the venues for the fall state championships by the end of this week or the beginning of the second full week of October.

“We perhaps could announce them for all sports, but for sure all fall sports,” Tucker said. “We’re zeroing in on football. That has been a little bit of an issue.”

At the Region 6 meeting in

Concord, Tucker said the NCHSAA is in discussions with the Panthers about possibly hosting some of the eight football state championships at Bank of America Stadium. The association has held state championships at NC State and UNC, but according to Tucker, NC State won’t be available this year due to con icts with Lenovo Center.

Other than the association’s upcoming plans, the rising number of ejections at NCHSAA events was discussed at last week’s meeting.

As of Sept. 25, the NCHSAA reported 257 ejections, which is more than what was reported at the same time in 2024.

A pie chart was displayed showing the breakdown of reasons for the ejections. Profanity and racial slurs were the largest culprit with 41.7%, followed by ghting (29.6%), agrant contact (17.5%), taunting and baiting (4%), leaving the bench (3.1%), disrespect and contact (1.8%), obscene gesture (1.3%) and spitting (0.9%).

In September, a football player at Ben L. Smith High School threw a punch at a referee near the end of a game against Andrews High School in High Point. Charges were led against the player.

Poor sportsmanship has even spread beyond the varsity level as Tucker mentioned receiving a report about a bench clearing at a JV football game.

“I know we’ve said a lot about it, but I think we have to because the behavior, it almost seems out of control,” Tucker said.

“We’ve got to do something. And I think if we just be committed to making sure to making sure that the young people understand our expectations, I think we have to talk to them. We let them know that this is just not going to be tolerated.”

The NCHSAA also shared a draft budget of its expected revenue and expenses for the 2025-26 athletic season.

The association hopes to bring in just over $2.5 million in playo revenue and $1.1 million from corporate sponsors. Together, those two streams make up 81% of the expected revenue with the playo s holding 55% by itself.

Awards, team expenses and gate shares — money that goes toward the member schools — is expected to be 50% of the NCHSAA’s expenses with an estimated value of $2.9 million. Salaries and bene ts are expected to be the next highest expense (28%) at $1.6 million.

After the Virginia Tech football sta presented at the North Carolina Coaches Association Coaching Clinic last summer, NC State’s football sta will present at the next clinic from July 2022 at the First Horizon Coliseum Special Events Center. Wake Forest’s football sta is expected to follow at the 2027 clinic.

A look at Week 5 of college football across the state

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

AFTER MOVING to the top spot in the rankings, Wingate su ered its rst loss, leaving North Carolina without an unbeaten team. At the bottom of the rankings, two teams are still winless after Methodist recorded its rst victory. North Carolina teams posted their best weekly winning percentage of the last two seasons and moved to within two games of .500.

THE RANKINGS

North Carolina’s record: 14-9 (68-7 overall)

1. Catawba: 4-1, won 63-23 over Southern Connecticut State (Mars Hill)

2. UNC Pembroke: 4-1, won 31-0 at Valdosta State (at Erskine)

3. Duke: 3-2, won 38-3 at Syracuse (at Cal)

4. Wingate: 3-1, lost 21-14 to Carson Newman (at Newberry this week)

5. Johnson C. Smith: 4-1, won 69-13 over Blue eld State (at Virginia State)

6. App State: 2-2, lost 47-14 at Boise State (Oregon State)

7. NC Wesleyan, 2-1, o week (at LaGrange)

8. ECU: 3-2, won 28-6 over Army (o week)

9. NC Central: 4-2, won 50-42 at East Texas A&M (o week)

CANES from page B1 names. So it’s an exciting time for Raleigh, exciting time for the team.”

Of course, there need to be results on the ice, and Ehlers has played just one of the team’s rst ve preseason games. Much of the opening night lineup is expected to dress for Saturday’s exhibition nale in Nashville, and all signs point to Ehlers playing to the left of Aho and opposite Jarvis on Carolina’s top

10. NC State: 3-2, lost 23-21 to Virginia Tech (Campbell)

11. Winston-Salem State: 3-2, won 28-21 at Bowie State (Virginia Union)

12. Wake Forest: 2-2, lost 30-29 to Georgia Tech (at Virginia Tech)

13. Gardner Webb: 2-2, o week (Charleston Southern)

14. Mars Hill, 3-1, won 21-7 over Mary Hardin Baylor (at Catawba)

15. Chowan, 2-2, won 30-29 at Shorter (North Greenville)

16. Livingstone: 3-1, won 31-7 over Lincoln, PA (at Elizabeth City State)

17. Greensboro: 1-2, o week (at Southern Virginia)

18. UNC: 2-2, o week (Clemson)

19. Lenoir-Rhyne: 2-3, lost 20-17 to Newberry (at Valdosta State)

20. Brevard: 2-1, o week (at Belhaven)

21. Elon: 3-2, won 41-20 over Hampton (at Towson)

22. Fayetteville State: 2-3, won 34-14 over Virginia State (at Bowie State)

23. Western Carolina: 2-3, won 42-35 at Campbell (at Wo ord)

24. Campbell: 1-4, lost 42-35 to Western Carolina (at NC State)

25. Methodist: 1-2, won 20-19 over Newport News

line when the Hurricanes host the Devils next Thursday at Lenovo Center in the regular season opener. “You want to lay a foundation in practice, but ultimately it’s the games that you nd that chemistry and you learn how to play with each other,” Ehlers said following last Wednesday’s preseason game in Florida. “And I think we did a lot of good things today, but also a lot of shifts were, there was really nothing happening at all, but

Apprentice (at Huntingdon)

26. Shaw: 1-3, lost 59-7 to Virginia Union (at Blue eld State)

27. Guilford: 1-3, lost 6914 to Hampden-Sydney (at Gallaudet)

28. Charlotte: 1-3, o week (at South Florida)

29. Davidson: 1-3, o week (at Stetson)

30. NC A&T: 1-4, lost 37-30 at Maine (at William & Mary)

31. Barton: 0-4, o week (Delta State)

32. Elizabeth City State: 0-4, o week (Livingstone)

STATE TITLE STANDINGS

We had one game between North Carolina teams this past week. Western Carolina won a 42-35 shootout at Campbell. This week, we have three intrastate clashes: Catawba hosts Mars Hill, NC State hosts Campbell and Elizabeth City State hosts Livingstone.

that’s also part of playing in the NHL. So we’ve got some work to do.” Aho credited Ehlers for being able to quickly pick up the details of the Hurricanes’ systems.

“He’s very smart in a way that you don’t have to explain it twice,” Aho said. Still, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour knows it will take time — maybe “a couple months” — for Ehlers to grasp the ner points of how Carolina wants to play and also develop chemis-

Wake Forest wide receiver Chris Barnes (10) catches a pass against Georgia Tech.

Here are the in-state records for the state’s 32 teams:

• 2-0 Duke, NC Central

• 1-0 Winston-Salem State, App State, Gardner-Webb, Chowan, Wingate, UNC, JC Smith

• 2-1 Elon, NC State

• 1-1 ECU, UNC Pembroke, Wake Forest, Guilford, Davidson, Greensboro

• 1-2 Fayetteville State

• 1-3 Western Carolina

• 0-0 NC Wesleyan, Catawba, Lenoir Rhyne, Brevard, Livingstone, Shaw, Barton

• 0-1 Mars Hill, Methodist, NC A&T

• 0-2 Charlotte, Campbell,

• 0-3 Elizabeth City

HOMECOMING

Two teams had homecoming last week, with Johnson C. Smith beating Blueeld and Guilford getting

try with his new teammates. And Aho said none of that will change the mindset of the team.

“Either way, we’re going to work our asses o and try everything we’ve got, but I think it does give you a little bit of a boost when you keep adding guys like that,” he said. Andersen — who went from the white-hot spotlight of Toronto to Raleigh four years ago — thinks Ehlers will also enjoy being out of

blown out by Hampden-Sydney. North Carolina teams’ homecoming record now stands at 2-1.

Homecoming games this week

• Chowan (North Greenville) ALL-STATE PERFORMANCES FOR WEEK 5

Quarterback: Maurice Smith, Chowan, 12-20 for 281 yards, 2 TDs, 47 yards rushing, 1 TD

Running backs: Bennett Galloway, Catawba, 87 yards, 4 TDs; Nate Sheppard, Duke, 168 yards, 2 TDs Receiver: Que Kennedy, UNC Pembroke, 3 catches, 130 yards, 2 TDs from two di erent quarterbacks; Davontay Deloatch, Winston-Salem State, 12 catches, 88 yards, 3 TDs

Defensive line: Mandjou Berte, Wingate, 13 tackles, 5 solo, 1 sack, 4 TFLs, 2 forced fumbles, 1 QB hit; Donquarius Parker, NCCU, 6 tackles, 2 solo, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 safety, 1 forced fumble

Linebacker: Jamieson Alston, Winston-Salem State, 13 tackles, 9 solo, 5.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble; Jordan Thompson, WCU, 11 tackles, 7 solo, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 QB hit

Defensive back: Jamiel Davis, UNC Pembroke, 3 tackles, 2 solo, 1 pass breakup, 45-yard interception return for a TD; Caleb Weaver, Duke, 7 tackles, 3 solos, 0.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 interception with 40-yard return

Special teams: Isaiah Perry, JC Smith, 133 kick return yards, including a 100-yard TD

the fury of a Canadian market.

“I think we’re probably in the sweet spot in the bell curve of interest, fans and how passionate fans we can have while also being able to live a pretty normal life,” Andersen said. And the Hurricanes hope all of it can bring them closer to their ultimate goal.

“You want it to work Game 1,” Aho said, “but we’re building toward the goal that we have here, and that is winning the whole thing.”

ASHEEBO ROJAS / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker addresses athletic directors and school representatives at the Region 3 meeting on Sept. 25.

MATT KELLEY / AP PHOTO

immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY

PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Being all of Lot 182 in a Subdivision in Remington, Section Six, according to same duly recorded in Book of Plats 98, Page 122, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 1159 Hallberry Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28314. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve 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

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 o er 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 October 8, 2025 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:

25SP000224-250

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 Gary J Lewis to WILLIAM R. ECHOLS, Trustee(s), which was dated January 29, 2014 and recorded on February 3, 2014 in Book 9371 at Page 876, 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 o er 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

25SP000271-250 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 Chad M. Coleman a/k/a Chad Martel Coleman and Terry Latoya Coleman to APRIL BURKETT, A GEORGIA CORPORATION, Trustee(s), which was dated June 3, 2019 and recorded on June 4, 2019 in Book 10513 at Page 287, 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 o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located,

on October 8, 2025 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:

All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the City of Fayetteville Seventy First Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 148 in a subdivision known as Glen Reilly, Section Three and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 59, Page 63, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 746 Glen Reilly Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28314.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve 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

or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 8, 2025 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 No. 31 in a subdivision known as Warrenwood Estates, Section IV according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 42, Page 80 Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 730 Southview Circle, Fayetteville, NC 28311.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve 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

of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:30 AM on October 6, 2025 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: BEING Lot Number Ten (10), Block B, Bowerwood Acres, as recorded in Plat Book 12, Page 12, O ce of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 819 Mary James Avenue, Thomasville, North Carolina. Property Address: 819 Mary James Ave., Thomasville NC 27360

in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Davidson County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed

25 SP 286 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Patrick Roby Tussey and Lisa A. Whipple Tussey a/k/a Lisa Whipple-Tussey to Robert W. Garrison, Trustee(s), which was dated August 22, 2006 and recorded on September 7, 2006 in Book 1727 at Page 1670 and rerecorded/modi ed/corrected on August 1, 2013 in Book 2112, Page 1445,

BEGINNING at an existing iron stake, said

in

of

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. 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 Ronald E. McDaniel.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor

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 o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. 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 Gary J. Lewis.

PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. 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 Chad Martel Coleman and spouse, Terry Latoya Coleman. An Order for possession of the property may

The property listed in this foreclosure is expresly junior to a Deed of Trust in the original principal amount of $13,045.69 recorded on May 10, 2006 in Book 1697 Page 1954, Davidson County Registry. It is encouraged that a title search be conducted prior to bidding on this property as it is being sold “as is, where is”. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours 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 o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered 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

44” East 425.91 feet to an existing iron stake, said stake being the point and place of the beginning and containing 2,401 square feet more or less as shown on a survey entitled “Survey for Jerry Douglas Darnell and Carolyn K. Darnell” dated July 29, 2003, revised August 18, 2003, known as Job No. 03-10116, by Charles C. Whicker, RLS. For further reference see Deed Book 141, Page 260, Deed Book 411, Page 35 and Deed Book 1264, Page 1337, Davidson County Registry.

TRACT II

BEGINNING at an existing iron pipe, said pipe being located in the right of way of Boggs Road (S. R. 2034), also being the northeast corner of Deed Book 192, Page 170, and a common corner with John Norton in said right of way line, thence with said right of way the following six courses and distances: South 09° 45’ 16” West 234.29 feet to a calculated point; thence South 09° 21’ 15” West 123.51 feet to a calculated point; South 08° 14’ 44” West 73.42 feet to a calculated point; thence South 06° 09’ 39” West 70.39 feet to a calculated point; thence South 04° 25’ 39” West 79.76 feet to a calculated point; thence South 02° 19’ 38” West 40.01 feet to a calculated point; thence North 81° 27’ 13” West 11.21 feet to an existing axle, said axle being located in the line of Banner Boggs as described in Deed Book 481, Page 305, Davidson County Registry; thence continuing with Boggs’ line North 81° 27’ 13” West 66.20 feet to a point; thence North 21° 34’ 23” East 197.48 feet to a point; thence South 83° 38’ 27” East 9.82 feet to a point; thence North 05° 01’ 11” East 277.00 feet to a point; thence North 20° 59’ 13” East 155.20 feet to an existing iron pipe, said pipe being the point and place of the beginning and containing 16,782 square feet (9,466 and 7,316) more or less as shown on a survey entitled “Survey for Jerry Douglas Darnell and Carolyn K. Darnell” dated July 29, 2003, revised August 18, 2003, known as Job

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 e ective 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 §

No. 03-10116, by Charles C. Whicker, RLS. TRACT III

BEGINNING at an existing iron pipe, said pipe being located in the right of way line of Boggs Road (S. R. 2034) and being a common corner with John Norton as described in Deed Book 594, Page 72 and Deed Book 500, Page 435, Davidson County Registry; thence South 20° 59’ 13” West 155.20 feet to a point; thence South 05° 01’ 11” West 277.00 feet to a point; thence North 83° 38’ 27” West 9.82 feet to a point; thence South 21° 34’ 23” West 197.48 feet to a point, said point being located in the line of Banner Boggs as described in Deed Book 481, Page 305, Davidson County Registry; thence with Boggs’ line North 81° 27’ 13” West 198.00 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 04° 33’ 43” East 183.09 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 03° 51’ 44” East 425.91 feet to an existing iron stake, said stake being located in the line of James Long, Jr. as described in Deed Book 1209, Page 1230, Davidson County Registry; thence continuing with Long’s line South 83° 55’ 45” East crossing an existing iron pipe at 104.51 feet and continuing along the same course an additional 169.30 feet and crossing an existing stone and continuing along the same course an additional 42.70 feet to an existing iron pipe, for a total distance traveled of 316.52 feet, said existing iron pipe being the point and place of the beginning and containing 3.684 acres more or less as shown on a survey entitled “Survey for Jerry Douglas Darnell and Carolyn K. Darnell” dated July 29, 2003, revised August 18, 2003, known as Job No. 03-10116, by Charles C. Whicker, RLS. For further reference see Deed Book 141, Page 260, Deed Book 192, Page 170 and Deed Book 411, Page 35, Davidson County Registry.

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

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 e ective 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

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 e ective 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 e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed 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

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 ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the

Trustee

Attorneys

LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite

Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 25-06597-FC01

Said property is commonly known as 226 Boggs Road, Thomasville, NC 27360.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve 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 o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. 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 Lisa A. Whipple Tussey.

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 e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than

DAVIDSON

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

25SP000300-500

designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on October 7, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Benson in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Tract 1 containing 1.00 acres, more or less as shown on that map of survey dated August 19, 2002; prepared by Joyner Piedmont Surveying, Dunn, North Carolina and said map recorded in Map Book 61, Page 44 of the Johnston County Registry. Reference to which is hereby made for greater certainty of description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 70 Rambling Lane, Benson, North Carolina. This being a portion of Lot No. 9 containing 7.06 acres as recorded in Deed Book 840, Page 600, Johnston County Registry. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by William Wilson and Wilma Wilson (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): William Wilson and Wilma Wilson) to Gray Newell Thomas, LLP, Trustee(s), dated April 22, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 6241, at Page 995 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 O ce 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 o er for sale at the courthouse door in Smith eld, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on October 7, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Four Oaks in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being Lot No. 18, as shown at Plat Book 63, Page 174, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 131 Hines Drive, Four Oaks, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours 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 o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance

will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to wit:

Law Partners North Carolina, P.A., Trustee(s), which was dated March 5, 2022 and recorded on March 10, 2022 in Book 6206 at Page 33, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er 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 October 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM, and

All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the Meadow Township, Johnston County, North Carolina and more particularly described and as follows: Being 1.776 acres, more or less, according to a map entitled, “Property of Grace P. Barefoot,” Meadow Township, Johnston County, North Carolina, dated 08-05-2015, drafted by W. Stanton Massengill, PLS, and recorded in Plat Book 81, Page 424, Johnston County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 5745 Godwin Lake Road, Benson, NC 27504.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve 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

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 o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered 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.

“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 o cers, 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 o ered 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 ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered

immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY

PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. 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 Bret Leon Barefoot and spouse, Kelli Ann Barefoot. 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 e ective 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 e ective date of the termination.

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

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

according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Cheryl A. Davis. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered 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 ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will

19th, 2001 in Book 3077, Page 496, as instrument number 2001046913, and subsequently modi ed by Loan Modi cation recorded on February 17th, 2023 in Book 6622 at Page 1644 and/ or Instrument Number 2023003754, New Hanover County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

TO: Doris M. Ragsdale, 6248 Stonewick Drive, Jamestown, NC 27282 Doris M. Ragsdale, 107 Toby Court, Unit 202B, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 Doris M. Ragsdale, Post O ce Box 654, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

relief against you has been led in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Plainti in the above entitled action has led a Complaint for breach of contract in connection with ftyve (55) acre parcel of land bearing parcel identi cation number 96000210 and 859504709829 and located in McNeill Township in Moore County, North Carolina. You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than November 4, 2025 (40 days from the date of rst publication) and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This the 22nd day of September, 2025. HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP By: __________________________ J. Scott Flowers N.C. State Bar No.: 31525 Post O ce Box 2505 Fayetteville, NC 28302 Telephone: (910) 864-6888 Facsimile: (910) 867-8732 Attorney for Plainti Dates of Publication: 9.25.25, 10.2.25, and 10.9.25 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE

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 O ce of the Register of Deeds of New Hanover 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 o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in New Hanover County, North Carolina, at 10:00 AM on October 17th, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 106, Section 2B, of Silva Terra Subdivision, as the same appears in Map Book 12, at Page 8 of the New Hanover County Registry, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 4801 Salix Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412 Tax ID: 55003 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve 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 ve 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 certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered 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(s) of the property is/are Christopher Ray Gurganious and The Heirs of Billy R. Gurganious. 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 e ective on a date stated in the

of

(North

Statutes §4521.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is

(fax) dneill@mtglaw.com osings@mtglaw.com 24-000620-02

NEW HANOVER

MOORE

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY 25 SP 001139-770 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Austin Phillips and Callista Phillips, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $255,272.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., (“MERS”) as bene ciary, as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC dba Veterans United Home Loans , Mortgagee, dated April 17th, 2023 and recorded on April 17th, 2023 in Book D2398, Page 352, as instrument number 2023003532, and subsequently modi ed by Loan Modi cation recorded on May 7th, 2024 in Book D2458 at Page 588 and/or Instrument Number 2024004127, Robeson 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 O ce of the Register of Deeds of Robeson

Lying about six miles North of St. Pauls, on the east side of Highway No. 301, and on the south side of the Parkton-McMillan Siding Road, adjoining the lands of E. G. Canady, Jr. on the east; Max Crenshaw on the west, and the land of J. Browne Evans and Alreda P. Evans, his wife, on the south.

Beginning at a stake in the center of SR 1723 (formerly Parkton-McMillan Siding Road), said stake being E. G. Canady’s northwest corner and runs thence as his west line South 25 degrees 42 minutes West 295.28 feet to his southwest corner; thence as a line parallel to the Parkton Road North 68 degrees 33 minutes West 100 feet to Max

Crenshaw’s southwest corner: thence as Crenshaw’s east line North 25 degrees 39 minutes East 302.57 feet to Crenshaw’s northeast corner in the center of the road; thence as the center of the road South 64 degrees 22 minutes East 100.00 feet to the beginning.

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

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 o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Robeson County, North Carolina, at 10:00 AM on October 7th, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 4, in a Subdivision of 12.4 AC Tract R.T. Musselewhite Property Map Book 5, Page 48 Addition of Lots 1-7, according to a plat of the same being duly recorded in Map Book 57, Page 95, Robeson County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 5524 Tolarsville Road, Saint Pauls, NC 28384 Tax ID: 08020102307 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina

real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Robeson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Rosa P. Shaw, dated June 9, 2017 to secure the original principal amount of $93,600.00, and recorded in Book 2089 at Page 304 of the Robeson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed 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: 4911 Pinedale Blvd, Lumberton, NC 28358 Tax Parcel ID: 100608009 Present Record Owners: The Estate of Rosa P. Shaw

by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, 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

Said property is commonly known as 537 W Parkton Tobermory Road, Parkton, NC 28371.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve 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 o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments,

General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve 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 ve 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 certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered 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(s) of the property is/are Austin Phillips and Callista Phillips.

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 David Greninger Dows and spouse, Cassie L Dows.

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,

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 e ective 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 §4521.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective 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 ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Rosa P. Shaw. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered 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 ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed 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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser

Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Union 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 o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Union County, North Carolina, at 10:00 AM on October 16th, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Beginning at a point in the center of an unnamed road, corner of Lot No. 5 and runs thence with said Lot No. 5 S. 15-01-49 W. 667.52` (Passing an iron in the margin of said road at 30.37`) to an iron, common corner of Tracts No. 6 & 7; thence with the Tract No. 6 S. 64-59-50 W. 293.56` to an iron, the Southeastern corner of Lot No. 7; thence with a line of Lot No. 7 N. 24-27-30 E. 864.14` (passing an iron in the margin of said road at 834.14`); thence with the center of said road with a radius of 360` and an arc of 83.53` to the point and place of beginning and containing 2.53 acres and being Lot No. 6 as shown on unrecorded survey by Walter L. Gordon, RLS, dated June 2, 1977 entitled Division of Tracts 10, 11 and 12 of Wade H. Howey. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 6523 Sadler Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173 Tax ID: 06060027A Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve 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 ve 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 certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered 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(s) of the property is/are The Estate of Wanda Lee Moore f/k/a Wanda L. Glenn. 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

cash the following described property situated in Union County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOTS 5 AND 6, IN BLOCK 8 OF MONROE ANNEX, A PLAT OF WHICH IS FILED IN MAP BOOK 2, PAGE 17, IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR UNION COUNTY TO WHICH PLAT REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 111 East Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve 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 o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. 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 Herman W White Jr. 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

termination (North Carolina General Statutes §4521.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for

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 e ective 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 §

25SP001914-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JUDITH M. PREVATTE AND ALTON LEATH PREVATTE DATED MAY 27, 2004 RECORDED

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAKE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25SP001404-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY TAMMY DENISE MASON DATED MARCH 30, 2023 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 19297, AT PAGE 894 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

and by virtue of the power and

of

contained in the above-referenced

and because of default in

of the

the

and, pursuant to

of the

in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Judith M. Prevatte; Alton Leath Prevatte, dated May 27, 2004 to secure the original principal amount of $120,000.00, and recorded in Book No. 10854, at Page 1563 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral

Address of property: 1218

debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 10:00 AM on October 15, 2025, 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 by Tammy Denise Mason, dated March 30, 2023 to secure the original principal amount of $288,419.00, and recorded in Book No. 19297, at Page 894 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed 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: 5204 Invention Way, Raleigh, NC 27616 Tax Parcel ID: 1736588503 / REID: 0489972

and

therein

of the

24SP002056-910

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by May Sadak and husband Sha c Sadak to PRLAP, INC., Trustee(s), which was dated August 21, 2007 and recorded on August 21, 2007 in Book 12715 at Page 2209, Wake County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er 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 October 15, 2025 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: BEING Lot 3, Block “C”, Yorkshire Downs Subdivision as recorded in Book of Maps 1969, Page 251, Wake County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 2105 Yorkgate Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve 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 o ered pursuant to

Secotan Place, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 Tax Parcel ID: 0238367 The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Courtney P Howell. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Tammy Denise Mason. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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

IN THE MATTER OF: Determination of Surplus Funds paid to the Clerk of Court in Special Proceeding 24SP001373-910 CITIBANK, N.A., Petitioner, v.

25SP000154-910 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Chukwudi Akpe to MCDONNELL AND ASSOCIATES, PA., Trustee(s), which was dated July 27, 2022 and recorded on July 29, 2022 in Book 19104 at Page 550, Wake County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located,

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAKE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

IN THE MATTER OF THE

01524 in

County Registry, North Carolina,

having

made in

of the promissory

Deed of Trust and the

this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. 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 May Sadak. 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

and further

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 e ective 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 e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of

that is

and just. YOU ARE REQUIRED to make defense to such pleading not later than November 4, 2025 after service of publication, and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 15th day of September 2025. /s/ Jason K. Purser_____________________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. 28031 LOGS Legal Group LLP

JAMAL YASIN, Respondents. NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION TO: Jamal Yasin. TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being south is as follows: Plainti prays for an Order: determining that the Petitioner is the owner of the Surplus Funds being held by the Clerk of Superior Court in 24SP001373-910 following the foreclosure of 1208 Ravens Point Circle, Raleigh, NC; disbursing the Surplus Funds to Petitioner to be applied in partial satisfaction of the Note; awarding attorney’s fees as provided by law; and awarding

or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 8, 2025 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: BEING ALL OF LOT 382 OF AUTUMN LAKES SUBDIVISION, PHASE 3, AS DEPICTED ON THAT PLAT RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 2021 AT PAGE 1610 IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF WAKE COUNTY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 725 Fauna Street, Zebulon, NC 27597. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve 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

at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 10:00 AM on October 15, 2025, 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 by Gretchen Marie Robling, dated January 15, 2010 to secure the original principal amount of $128,872.00, and recorded in Book No. 13827, at Page 224 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed 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: 1523 Middle Ridge Drive, Willow Spring, NC 27592 Tax Parcel ID: 0239195

AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. 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 Chukwudi Akpe. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor

(704) 333-8156 Fax STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA UNION COUNTY CITIBANK, N.A., Petitioner, v. JAMAL YASIN, Respondent. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that I have this day served the foregoing Notice of Service by Publication upon:

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 e ective 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 e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Gretchen Marie Robling. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered 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 ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven

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 ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the

and reinstatement of the loan without the

of the

of the

If the

is challenged by

in

the

sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the

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.: 25-00933-FC01

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours 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 o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being

Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce 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 o er for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on October 6, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Holly Springs in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 51, Parkside Village Subdivision, Phase 3, per plat and survey thereof recorded in Book of Maps 2010, Page 929, Wake County Registry, reference to which plat is hereby made for a more particular description of same. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 124 Occidental Drive, Holly Springs, North Carolina.

o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered 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 ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed 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 ling of

Wrapped up

JordanMatthews — and sophomore Lennox Mordecai (5) — were smothered by ALA-Johnston last week, with the Jets falling 41-6. For more, turn to page B1.

the BRIEF this

week

Nebraska joins Trump program to use public money for private school tuition

Omaha, Neb.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has opted Nebraska into a federal program to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition. The move comes despite Nebraska voters repealing a similar state law last year. The federal program is part of the federal tax and budget bill passed in July. It allows taxpayers to direct up to $1,700 in federal income taxes they owe to scholarship groups for private school expenses. Critics argue it undermines the will of the voters. Pillen insists the measure won’t a ect public school funding, saying it bene ts both public and private schools.

U.S. government starts phasing out use of paper checks

Washington, D.C.

The U.S. government is phasing out paper checks for most programs. The change started Tuesday and a ects recipients of bene ts like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds. Nearly 400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients still rely on paper checks. The director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says many of these people lack access to digital services.

President Donald Trump’s Republican administration says electronic payments and collections will speed up processing and cut costs. The Social Security Administration says it will continue issuing paper checks if a bene ciary “has no other means to receive payment.”

$2.00

Chapel Hill considering multiple townhome, apartment developments

The proposed projects could construct up to just under 1,000 units if fully approved

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

CHAPEL HILL — The Chapel Hill Town Council met Sept. 24 with an agenda containing

three conditional zoning applications related to high-density development. The rst hearing was for 45 acres of property located between Interstate 40 and Weave

Dairy Road to go from MixedUse O ce/Institutional and Residential to Mixed-Use Village Conditional Zoning District.

The proposed development would have two buildings, one with between 350 and 575 multifamily units for rent, and one with 100 to 135 for-sale townhome units.

‘Political terrorism’ bill passes NC House with bipartisan support

The measure cited recent political violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — In the wake of the assassination of Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, the North Carolina House last week passed the Politi-

cal Terrorism Prevention Act.

The bill, contained in Senate Bill 13, aims to enhance criminal penalties for politically motivated acts of violence while balancing protections for free expression and democratic engagement.

“You have a First Amendment right to say outrageous things,” House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) told reporters in response to questions about toning down political rhetoric. “If you’re an elected o cial, you probably ought to use good sense when you’re saying those things. And things get heated sometimes. But even in those circumstances, it

US House members hear pleas for tougher justice policies after stabbing death of refugee

The House judiciary subcommittee held a eld hearing in Charlotte

By Erik Verduzco and Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — U.S.

House members visited the state’s largest city on Monday to hear from family members of violent-crime victims who pleaded for tougher criminal justice policies in the wake of last month’s stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train. A judiciary subcommittee meeting convened in Char-

lotte to listen to many speakers who described local court systems in North Carolina and South Carolina that they say have failed to protect the public and keep defendants in jail while awaiting trials.

The meeting was prompted by the Aug. 22 stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a light rail car and the resulting apprehension of a suspect who had been previously arrested more than a dozen times, according to court records. “The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with

See HEARING, page A3

“The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them.”

Mia Alderman, grandmother of a 2020 murder victim

“What I see in this project that I like is that it’s providing a type of home in a place that makes sense that we desperately need,” said council member Theodore Nollert. “The townhomes that are to be added here are the only types of places

See HOMES, page A3

shouldn’t come to physical attacks on people.”

The bill’s language includes a passage referring to “a disturbing rise in politically motivated acts” and lists the attempted assassinations of Congressman Steve Scalise, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the two attempts on Donald Trump during last year’s campaign.

Also mentioned are the arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the assassinations of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and Kirk.

The bill states, “these attacks

See BILL, page A7

THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

CRIME LOG

Sept. 22

• Laquinn Devinee Mordecai, 30, of Siler City, was arrested for breaking and entering, larceny and assault on an individual with disabilities.

• Carl Truman Duane Thompson, 43, of Sanford, was arrested for communicating threats and assault with a deadly weapon.

Sept. 24

• Steven Rashun Scotton, 39, of Pittsboro, was arrested for possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances, possession of marijuana, possession of a rearm by a felon and possessing or selling a gun with an altered serial number.

• Valiev Boburkhuja, 32, of Philadelphia, was arrested for attempted breaking and entering of a motor vehicle and injury to personal property.

• Troy Thomas Blankenship II, 37, of Siler City, was arrested for driving with canceled, revoked or suspended certi cation, operating a vehicle without insurance, driving without registration, simple possession of Schedule II controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying a concealed gun.

• Colon Alston, 67, was arrested for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving while impaired.

• Garry Allen Mitchell, 50, was arrested for conspiracy to tra c opium or heroin.

Sept. 25

• Clifton Tristan Cauley, 30, of Spring eld, TN, was arrested for felony possession of Schedule II controlled substances, tra cking in opium and maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances.

• Edilberto Vargas-Ibarra, 55, of Siler City, was arrested for resisting a public o cer and driving without an operator’s license.

• Priscilla Anne Peavy, 41, of Bear Creek, was arrested for identity theft, obtaining property by false pretenses and nancial card theft.

• Robert Gordon Wilson, 43, was arrested for conspiracy to tra c opium or heroin.

Chatham County PTA thrift shops raise $548K for schools

Volunteer-run stores generated funds through nearly 30,000 hours of community service

Chatham News & Record sta PITTSBORO — Chatham County Schools distributed checks totaling more than $548,500 to individual schools Monday night, funds generated entirely through volunteer-run PTA thrift shops. The Annual PTA Thrift Shop Appreciation and Check Distribution Dinner, held Sept. 22 at Northwood High School, recognized volunteers who contributed 28,300 hours of service across the county’s three thrift shops in Cole Park, Pittsboro and Siler City.

Each school received fund-

ing proportional to its volunteer contributions. Northwood High School earned the largest check at nearly $59,700 through 4,139 volunteer hours. Seaforth High School received about $36,300 for 2,128 hours, while Chatham Central High School earned roughly $33,100 for 1,851 hours.

Bennett School and J.S. Waters School rounded out the top ve recipients, earning about $32,000 for 1,762 hours and $31,750 for 1,737 hours respectively.

“Each volunteer hour has a tangible impact on our students,” Superintendent Anthony D. Jackson said. “This year’s extraordinary turnout is a testament to our community’s commitment to education and to each other.”

The three nonpro t thrift shops sell donated goods

year-round, with all pro ts directed to Chatham County Schools. Community members can donate items, volunteer or shop at the locations.

Other schools receiving funds included George Moses Horton Middle School ($30,330), Jordan-Matthews High School ($29,557), Pittsboro Elementary School ($29,463) and Virginia Cross Elementary ($28,949).

The smallest distributions went to Chatham Grove Elementary ($16,420 for 419 hours), Chatham Early College ($17,019 for 471 hours) and Moncure School ($19,363 for 672 hours).

The Cole Park PTA Thrift Shop is located at 11500 U.S. 15-501 N in Chapel Hill. The Pittsboro location operates at 400 East St., while the Siler City shop is at 218 E. 11th St.

Share with your community! Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@chathamnewsrecord.com The weekly deadline is

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County:

Oct.

2

Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance

The 21st-annual festival brings more than 50 bands performing world, national and regional music on four stages. The four-day celebration includes camping, workshops and dance with musicians from across the country. Runs through Oct. 5. 1439 Henderson Tanyard Road Pittsboro

PlayMakers’ King James at Chatham Community Library

4-6 p.m.

The library hosts a special theatrical performance by PlayMakers Repertory Company. This free community event brings professional theater to Pittsboro in an intimate library setting.

Chatham Community Library 197 N.C. Highway 87 N Pittsboro

Oct. 4

East America Truck Show

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Annual truck and rig show features big rigs, custom trucks, cars and motorcycles competing for cash prizes and trophies. Awards ceremony at 3 p.m. includes best of show $200 prize with food vendors and merchandise booths throughout the day.

Silk Hope Ruritan Club 4221 Silk Hope Road Siler City

Oct. 5

Oktoberfest at The Plant Noon to 6 p.m.

Celebrate fall with German-style beer, bratwurst, live polka music by Folkknot and family activities. The festival features local craft breweries, traditional German food and games in a festive outdoor atmosphere.

The Plant 1240 Farrington Rd. Pittsboro

Sheri ’s inaugural motorcycle ride raises $11K for Special Olympics

More than 100 rode across Chatham to raise money

Chatham News & Record sta

THE CHATHAM County

Sheri ’s O ce’s rst “Cruisin’ for Champions” motorcycle ride raised more than $11,000 for Special Olympics North Carolina on Sept. 20, drawing 121 riders for a scenic tour through the county.

The event began at White Oak Beach at Jordan Lake, where participants gathered for breakfast prepared by the sheri ’s o ce mobile kitchen team. Riders then followed an escorted route through north Chatham into Pittsboro, circling the Historic Chatham County Courthouse before returning to Jordan Lake. Deputies provided tra c control throughout the ride.

“It was a great day in every sense — perfect weather, an outstanding turnout, and strong community spirit all in support of Special Olympics North Carolina,” Sheri Mike Roberson said. “We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this rst-time event such a success.”

Beyond the ride itself, the event featured a live DJ, games and ra e giveaways. The sheri ’s o ce mobile kitchen team served hot dogs for lunch. Each rider received a commemorative T-shirt and custom challenge coin designed for the event.

The fundraiser drew support from numerous local and regional businesses and organizations.

Proceeds will support year-round sports training and competition opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics NC.

The sheri ’s o ce plans to make Cruisin’ for Champions an annual event.

HOMES from page A1

where somebody like me could conceivably nd and buy on an income of under $100,000 a year.”

The conditional zoning would allow a central area within the development to be set aside and reserved for future commercial development without needing additional council approval in the future.

The applicant also proposed allotting 10% of the multifamily units to be affordable to households earning 80% of the area median income (AMI) and 15% of the townhome units to be affordable, split evenly, between households earning 80% and 65% of the AMI.

In addition, the plan calls for a ve-story, south-facing parking deck between the apartments and I-40.

Council and public concerns ranged from noise and pollutant concerns to bu ers, but the main topic of discussion was potential stormwater impact as the area has already been adversely a ected by ooding.

“Places are already ooding, and preventing this is not going to protect the places that are already ooding, which is precisely why the town has to gure out how to address the ooding that is happening now and plan for additional ooding that may happen over time as climate change intensi es,” Nollert said. “Blocking new homes will contribute only to making things more expensive and already less diverse than they already are.”

Councilmember Adam Searing added, “I have multiple reservations about this project, so I look forward to seeing how it changes when it comes back.”

The second hearing was for 19 acres of property located between the Carraway Village development and I-40 to go from Community Commercial and O ce/Institutional to a Residential Conditional Zoning District.

HEARING from page A1

them,” Mia Alderman, the grandmother of 20-year-old Mary Santina Collins, a 2020 Charlotte murder victim, told panelists. Alderman said defendants in her granddaughter’s case still haven’t been tried: “We need accountability. We need reform. We need to ensure that those accused of heinous crimes are swiftly prosecuted.”

A magistrate had allowed the commuter train defendant, Decarlos Brown Jr., to be released on a misdemeanor charge in January on a written promise to appear, without any bond. Now Brown is jailed after being charged with both rst-degree murder in state court and a federal count in connection with Zarutska’s death. Both crimes can be punishable by the death penalty.

Public outrage intensied with the release of security video showing the attack, leading to accusations from Republicans all the way to President Donald Trump that policies by Democratic leaders in Charlotte and statewide are more focused on helping criminals than victims. Democratic committee members argued that Republicans are the ones who have reduced crime-control funds or failed to provide funding for more district attorneys and mental health services. Brown’s mother told media outlets that her son hasbeen diagnosed with schizophrenia.

“The hearing for me is not really about public safety,” Democratic Rep. Alma Adams, who represents most of Charlotte. “It’s about my colleagues trying to paint Democrats as soft on crime — and we’re not — and engaging in political theater, probably to score some headlines.”

Dena King, a former U.S. attorney for western North Carolina during Joe Biden’s administration, testi ed that Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, needs dozens of additional prosecutors to serve e ectively a county of 1.2 million people. And a crime

The maximum amount of units being proposed between all three projects

The rezoning would allow for a proposed residential development that will consist of multiple three-story structures (apartments and townhomes) housing 155-170 multifamily rental units.

“This was not part of the original Carraway Village project, but it is a site that has been back and forth in ownership for many years,” said Thomas and Hutton Regional Director Dan Jewell, who was representing the applicants. “Now the applicant would like to do a sort of extension of Carraway Village and add some housing types that aren’t currently provided in Carraway Village.”

In terms of a ordable housing, the applicant is proposing that 10% of the market-rate units will be a ordable units with half at 60% AMI and the other half at 80% AMI.

Following discussion, the board voted to continue both hearings until Oct. 22 to allow the developers time to address public and council feedback and concerns.

The nal hearing was for four acres of property located at the intersection of East Lakeview Drive and Old Chapel Hill Road to go from Residential (R-1) to Residential (R-6) Conditional Zoning for the purpose of constructing a 76-unit townhome development.

The plan proposes four-story-tall buildings, and the applicant is proposing providing 15% of market rate units as affordable units.

Following the hearing, the council continued the hearing to Oct. 8

The Chapel Hill Town Council will next meet Oct. 8.

data analyst said that rates of murder and violent crime are falling nationwide and in Charlotte after increases early in the 2020s.

Republicans, in turn, blasted Democratic members, saying additional funding alone wouldn’t have prevented the deaths of Zarutska or the other homicide victims highlighted Monday. And they attempted to question the crime gures as misleading.

“This is not time for politics. This is not time for any race. It’s not time of any party. It’s about a time of justice,” said GOP Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, representing in part Charlotte’s suburbs. He spoke while holding a poster of a screenshot of the video showing Zarutska and her attacker. Adams protested Norman’s use of the placard.

In response to Zarutska’s death, the Republican-controlled North Carolina legislature last week approved a criminal justice package that would bar cashless bail in many circumstances, limit the discretion magistrates and judges have in making pretrial release decisions and seek to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations. The bill now sits on Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s desk for his consideration.

Committee Republicans also cited the need for more restrictive bail policies for magistrates and aggressive prosecutors not willing to drop charges for violent crimes.

Another speaker, Steve Federico, from suburban Charlotte, demanded justice for his 22-year-old daughter, Logan, who was shot to death in May at a home in Columbia, South Carolina, while visiting friends. The suspect charged in her killing had faced nearly 40 charges within the last decade, WIS-TV reported.

“I’’m not going to be quiet until somebody helps. Logan deserves to be heard,” Steve Federico told the representatives. “Everyone on this panel deserves to be heard. And we will — trust me.”

COURTESY CCSO

Riders make their way around the Historic Chatham County Courthouse in downtown Pittsboro before heading back toward Jordan Lake.

COURTESY CCSO

Participants and Chatham County Sheri ’s O ce sta gather for a group photo at White Oak Beach before setting out on the Cruisin’ for Champions ride.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

In memory of Mitzi

Pastors often preach this idea as a reference to the dead who, by God’s grace, continue to surround us,

THE REV. MITZI LESHER-THOMAS died last Sunday, Sept. 28, a little more than 3½ years after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor. She was one of my predecessors at Chapel in the Pines, and I admired her, particularly her gift with words. After her diagnosis, Mitzi wrote beautifully and powerfully on her CaringBridge website.

Early into her treatment, Mitzi acknowledged that she tried “all the things I’m supposed to do as a Christian,” such as daily prayer and Bible study. She found comfort in these tasks, yet admitted, “I also realized I spent so much time trying to get ready to die that I hadn’t thought about what does it mean, what does it looks like if, by some miracle, I get to live a bit longer?”

As months turned into years, she wrote less about abstract theological ideas and more about the sunshine in the trees and birds at her feeder. She sat with the pain in her heart, as well as the beauty around her: “The horror of cancer has made everything seem that it is painted in bright colors.”

Of course, not everything was bright and beautiful. With candor, Mitzi added that “swearing helps.” She chuckled at her elderly cat, who still thought he was nimble enough to catch a squirrel. She butted into her husband’s conversations about cars with inappropriate jokes. Once an avid runner, Mitzi described how her tumor caused her to wobble o the walking path. She saw the metaphor: Life is not a straight line. She knew the prophet Jeremiah’s words that the Lord has a plan for each life (Jeremiah 29:11).

This promise does not mean that God’s plan is ours.

Again and again in her blog, Mitzi returned to the scripture of Hebrews 12:1. The verse exhorts readers to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” which appealed to her as a competitive athlete. However, she found this scripture’s mention of “the great cloud of witnesses” to be the most meaningful. Pastors often preach this idea as a reference to the dead who, by God’s grace, continue to surround us, demonstrating the eternal nature of love. But there are also living, breathing, esh-and-blood witnesses around each day.

Once, Mitzi described waiting in the oncology center for chemotherapy when the power went out and the room went dark. As technicians worked furtively to restore electricity, a nurse gave her a warm blanket. Mitzi tried to nap but found that she couldn’t help but overhear the stories of other patients. One person had traveled three hours to this appointment. Another was supposed to end her treatment that day. Mitzi was frustrated about the situation — swearing helped! She also began to pray for each patient around her. Even then, she was part of a great cloud of witnesses.

Rest in peace and power, Mitzi. May your memory always be a blessing.

Andrew Taylor-Troutman’s newest book is “This Is the Day.” He serves as pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church as well as a writer, pizza maker, co ee drinker and student of joy.

Grandchildren and sports, a great combination in life

When things don’t go so well, there’s an opportunity to share a life lesson that you don’t always win them all, but you need to keep on keeping on.

ONE OF THE ADVANTAGES I enjoy in senior adulthood is grandchildren.

I have been blessed with several, each di erent and unique, as you would want, I think. It’s been this side of Heaven to be with them, to watch them grow and to live parts of life all over again, this time with them. While it is true what my grandma said that sometimes they make you happy twice, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

One of life’s events I have come to especially enjoy is watching them participate in athletics. Part of that is because they’re mine and I enjoy seeing them in action, especially when things turn out well. By the same token, when things don’t go so well, there’s an opportunity to share a life lesson that you don’t always win them all, but you need to keep on keeping on.

And, truthfully, they all have more athletic ability than I had. So while I try very hard not to hover or to live my life through them, I do crawl back into my memory cave from time to time and think about those things.

I did play sports as a youngster, although much of it was in someone’s front or back yard. In Little League baseball, what there was in Pittsboro in the 1950s, I played third base. It’s probably more accurate to say I stood on third base and hoped nobody would hit a ball in my direction. Then when my turn at bat came, I was usually good for three pitches before taking my seat on the bench, which for us was an old utility pole laid along the third base line where you took a seat and tried not to get hit by a foul ball.

Then high school came along. Football hurt too much and there was no demand for a third baseman who stood on top of the bag, so I opted for basketball. Although I was taller than about three or four other guys in school, I left my skill in my gym bag. Played freshman ball a couple of years, which was hard to do when you’re in the 10th grade. But my career ended when I started fouling out in the warm-ups and managed to score a couple of baskets on the other team’s goal. Realizing my career was over

before it began, I decided to nd a part-time job. That way I always had enough money for a movie ticket for me and my date, provided I could get one … a date, that is.

In college I played intramural basketball and one year won a campus-wide pingpong tournament, but that may have been because only three other guys signed up and I got lucky. As an adult, I did play some church softball, but I was more interested in the concession stand.

These days, I get to watch my grands. The oldest was a good high school basketball player. Should have been — tall, scored lots of points, good sense of the game and all that stu . Now as a college sophomore, he’s studying chemistry and physics and other things I can’t even pronounce, so sports is starting to fade for him. He has two younger sisters who have played school sports and county rec ball. The oldest has a good shot at a successful basketball career if she’ll get mean on the court, but she’s so tenderhearted, it’s hard for her to foul someone. And her little sister has been a terror in youth softball.

Their cousins, likewise, are in a good place in school ball and county rec. The oldest of those ve is as tall as her grandma, and I once watched her make 10 shots in a row at basketball practice. And I don’t mean layups. Her two younger sisters are rounding into form, especially with softball. With all the places and times they’re playing, I need a travel secretary. That’s where Shirley comes in handy. Next on the scene will be their two younger brothers, who have already discovered baseball. If they ask me for any pointers, I’ll tell them, “Don’t stand on third.”

If you’re still with me at this point, let me conclude by saying, “Thank you for letting me babble on about my grandchildren,” and secondly, if you’ve got some, spend time with them. Play with them.

And go to their games. They won’t last forever.

Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.

COLUMN | BOB WACHS

The Curse of the white rabbit

The White Rabbit, smartly dressed in a waistcoat (good fashion sense) and always focused on his pocket watch because he’s late for a very important engagement. Yep, that White Rabbit.

SUN REFRACTING through a melange of crossed tree branches, seen through the living room window. Hypnotic, but …

But what?

That’s all I’m doing! Staring through the window at nature. Shouldn’t I be doing something more? You know, impactful and world-worthy.

World-worthy?

“The world is hurting, and I’m just lying here looking out the window at nature!” I should be doing something to help better the world!

If you hadn’t already noticed, I was born with an overdeveloped sense of “should.” The “S” word has the capacity to leave splinters in my soul. (I hate splinters! They hurt and are di cult to remove, you know?)

Which leads me to a confession, concerning …

The White Rabbit from “Alice in Wonderland.” You know, the “I’m late, I’m late, I’m late! For a very important date!” character? The White Rabbit, smartly dressed in a waistcoat (good fashion sense) and always focused on his pocket watch because he’s late for a very important engagement. Yep, that White Rabbit … is me.

’Tis often my inner voice when I’m lying around and gazing at nature. Just relaxing. “You’re late, late, late for making changes to our needy world. Do something!” Now!

But what? What must I do?

Something! Don’t just lie there. So far, this conversation has been terribly

bene cial. Sure. Right. Not. Not bene cial because I’m being motivated by a splinter in my tender soul to do something, but I have no idea what that something is. Oy! (You’ve been there?)

Help! OMG, help received! Thank you, thank you, thank you to that late poet (but still so alive in his words) Rainer Maria Rilke. I just need to say one more thank you because I’ve begun breathing again! Hallelujah!

Here be Rilke:

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart. … Do not now seek answers, which cannot be given because you would not be able to live them. Live the questions. Perhaps you will then, without noticing it, live some distant day into the answer.”

My “get-out-of-shoulds pass.” Gazing at nature and my mind wandering are both eventual doorways through which knowing comes to me. Answers often tiptoe through those doors even though I’m not fully cognizant of the questions. I’m not late, thank God. Not late at all. Trusting that the unconscious seeds for wholeness, planted while I’m being fed by nature, will come to fruition in their own time. Not mine.

They usually do.

Returning to my living room window and the trees …

Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.

Keeping government open and our defense intact

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran, and military family.

AS YOUR CONGRESSMAN, I am committed to ghting for your family, your freedoms and your future. That means making sure our government stays open without wasting your tax dollars, and making sure our troops and veterans have the resources they need to keep America safe.

Over the past two weeks, two big issues have come to the forefront: keeping the government open and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I want to share where I stand and what these decisions mean for you.

Last week, House Republicans passed a clean, commonsense funding bill. This short-term, seven-week measure keeps the government open and ensures our troops and families don’t pay the price while Congress continues working toward the long-term reforms needed to rein in Washington’s wasteful spending. It doesn’t raise taxes or add wasteful new spending. It just ensures our government continues to serve our people. Here’s what our bill does:

• Delivers paychecks for our troops, Border Patrol agents, TSA agents and air tra c controllers

• Prevents delays in Social Security and Medicare applications

• Provides uninterrupted health care for veterans

• Keeps National Parks open for families to enjoy

• Continues vital food inspections to protect consumers

However, a CR needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate. Senate Democrats are threatening a shutdown unless their partisan demands are met. They want to use this as an opportunity to tack on a massive $1.5 trillion spending hike. Their list of demands includes restoring taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, sending $500 million to liberal news outlets and pushing diversity programs in foreign countries while cutting bene ts back home.

Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job. We acted well before the deadline and passed a clean bill to keep the government open. If the government shuts down, it will be because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) feels the need to put political games over people.

This shutdown would hurt families, seniors, small businesses and our veterans. I will not stand by and let Washington games hurt North Carolina families.

Alongside keeping our government open. Congress also passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This annual defense bill is one of the

IN TOUCH

BE

What 100 years of craftsmanship can teach us in the age of AI

THIS FALL, the John C. Campbell Folk School will celebrate a century of keeping traditional Appalachian crafts alive, including blacksmithing, weaving, woodcarving, basketry and more. But what we’re really preserving is something deeper: the human need to make, to connect and to belong. And that’s never felt more urgent than now.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities across western North Carolina, we’ve been reminded just how fragile our region — and its rich cultural heritage — can be. As we support recovery e orts, we also rea rm our commitment to sustaining the traditions that root and restore us. Because in a time of disruption, digital overload and AI, the Folk School o ers something powerfully countercultural: A space where making is slow, tactile and grounded in community. Crafting by hand doesn’t just produce beautiful objects, it cultivates qualities we need now more than ever: mindfulness, resilience, creativity and focus. In our studios, people don’t scroll or skim. They observe, try again, and take pride in small, steady progress.

We invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

Recent research shows that engaging in arts and crafts boosts life satisfaction, happiness and a sense of purpose even after accounting for age, health or socioeconomic status. Once engaged, participants also rediscover each other. Learning in a noncompetitive, collaborative environment builds connection and purpose, qualities often eroded in our tech-saturated lives.

most important responsibilities we have. It authorizes funding for our military, sets policy for the Department of War, and makes sure our troops and their families get the funding they deserve.

As Fort Bragg’s congressman, I fought to make sure this bill delivered for our community.

Fort Bragg and NC-09 wins:

• $44.7 million to construct training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg

• $5.3 million for SOF Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg

• $19 million for Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course

• $24 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar

• $80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid

• $6.5 Million for SOF Mission Command Center

• $7.5 million for advanced drone development in North Carolina

On a national level, the NDAA delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops. It codi es 15 of President Donald Trump’s executive orders, reinforces priorities like merit-based promotion, accountability and improving lethality among the ranks. It also provides new authority and funding for DOW to coordinate with Homeland Security on border security.

The NDAA funds Trump’s signature defense platforms, from the Golden Dome missile defense system to nextgeneration ghters, submarines, warships and autonomous systems. It cuts red tape in the Pentagon’s procurement process so innovation can reach the battle eld faster. And it makes new investments in arti cial intelligence, hypersonics and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Iran and other adversaries.

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran and military family who sacri ces for our country. It strengthens our national security, protects our homeland, and honors the service of those stationed at Fort Bragg and around the world.

The contrast in Washington could not be more clear. While we are ghting for a commonsense solution, the Democrats are focused on playing politics with partisan priorities that do nothing to help North Carolinians.

I will continue every day to ght for you, to protect your tax dollars and to support the brave men and women who keep us safe.

Richard Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

We’ve seen what happens when we fail to preserve folkways. Sacred Harp and shape — note singing, once common across the mountains, has nearly vanished from many parts of Appalachia, near casualties of shifting tastes and modern convenience. Fortunately, a devoted community of singers passionate about preserving and perpetuating this traditional American music is working to keep the tradition alive. Thanks to similarly stalwart practitioners, Cherokee white oak basketry, a craft nearly lost, now passes down again through intergenerational teaching and shared storytelling.

The Folk School is part of that continuum. For 100 years, we’ve welcomed people to this corner of the mountains to learn and share traditional skills. And as we mark our centennial, we’re expanding the ways we honor and elevate this region’s heritage. We’ve restored and refreshed our historic Log Cabin Museum and introduced an interactive walking tour on campus. Both were developed in consultation with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Texana, the historic African American community in Murphy, and both will give visitors a layered sense of place and home held by diverse mountain people.

Another powerful symbol of this legacy is a rare, hand-drawn map of the Southern Appalachian region created in the early 1900s by Folk School founder Olive Dame Campbell and researcher Elva M. Dickey. This one- of-a-kind artifact, long hidden from public view, has now been stabilized and unveiled as part of our centennial celebration.

Our 100th anniversary isn’t just a look back. It’s a call forward. This October, during our Fall Festival and yearlong centennial programming, we’ll welcome thousands of visitors to join in that vision: to celebrate Appalachian artistry, share food and stories, and experience rsthand how craft, music and dance traditions still shape hearts and communities. In a world that increasingly and unquestioningly prizes rapid, digitized information, we invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

Come join us. Put your head, heart and hands to work. And rediscover what it means to truly make something that matters.

Bethany Chaney is executive director of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, which will o cially mark its 100th anniversary at its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 5.

Letters to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or mailed to 1201 Edwards Mill Rd., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27607. Letters must be signed; include the writer’s phone number, city and state; and be no longer than 300 words. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com. Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

obituaries

Gregory Ray Laubert

Jan. 5, 1959 –Sept. 24, 2025

Greg was born January 5th, 1959, in Ravenna, Ohio. He died, after a 5-year battle with cancer, September 24th, 2025 (66) at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, due to complications during surgery.

After graduating in 1977 from Gar eld High School in Garrettsville, OH, Greg began his working life, pursuing a love of bowling that started at a very young age, by working at family-owned Sky Lanes in Garrettsville. There he enjoyed playing on several leagues: celebrating many accomplishments.

Greg and Debra were married in 1982. They moved to Bear Creek, North Carolina in 1984 where Greg embraced the country lifestyle working with Purvis Farms and more than 20 years with Townsend Poultry. He enjoyed working with livestock – handling, raising, feeding and caring for them; usually followed closely by one of his many beloved dogs over the years. At his peak, he was owner of multiple poultry houses producing

Joe “Glenn” Dunn Jr.

Feb. 9, 1966 –Sept. 25, 2025

Joseph “Glenn” Dunn Jr., 59, of Bonlee, passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Glenn was born on February 9, 1966, in Siler City, NC, to Joseph “Joe” Dunn, Sr. and the late Mary Gilliland Dunn. From an early age, Glenn carried with him a deep love of cars, racing, the outdoors and the people around him. He graduated from Jordan-Matthews High School and Sandhills Community College.

Glenn’s career re ected both his dedication of hard work and his loyalty to family. He spent many years working alongside his father at the family business, D&S Auto Supply/Carquest, where he was known for his skill and his willingness to help anyone who came through the doors. Most recently, he worked with Mountaire Farms as a wastewater technician, where his steady hand and dependable nature earned the respect of his coworkers.

A true car enthusiast, Glenn found joy in the roar of engines and the thrill of the track, always cheering for Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and enjoying the “classic” days of NASCAR. But beyond cars, Glenn was happiest in the company of family and friends. He loved a good adventure, whether that meant a trip, a gathering, or simply sharing laughter and

approximately 25,000 chickens and countless eggs annually; as well as raising and caring for approximately 60 heads of cattle.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Debra; his daughter whom he loved deeply, Holly Bingham (Scott); siblings, Doug ( Freedom Township), Anette Castello (Bob), of Doylestown, Jodi Alford (Billy) of Lebanon, KY, Shawna Potteiger (Bill) of Garrettsville, Jimmy (Marilyn) Gulf, NC, Kathryn Hodgeman, Kent, OH, Carla Harris (Mike) Windham, OH, and Ron (Stacy) Miller (St. Mary’s, WV); brother-in-law, Steven Sycz; stepparents, Jim Hodgeman, and Ann Laubert; aunts, Mary Tassone and Sandy Gill; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don Laubert and Roberta (Gill) Hodgeman.

His family will welcome friends and family at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, Siler City, NC, Sunday, September 28th, 2025, from 4-7 pm. His family welcomes owers and other gifts of condolence but asks that any monetary gifts be donated to SECU Family House in Chapel Hill in his name for their exceptional service and care during his cancer treatments, www. secufh.org. His family would like to thank Dr. Weiss and Dr. Ho man for their dedicated care over the years, as well as the amazing sta at SECU house.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Laubert family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

stories with those he held dear.

Glenn was a man with a generous spirit and a kind heart. He attended Sandy Branch Baptist Church in Bear Creek, where his faith was a quiet but steady part of his life. Those who knew Glenn will remember not only his sense of humor and love of fun, but his desire to put others rst. His greatest joy was his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Joseph “Jay” Glenn Dunn, III (Erica) of Angier, and Andrew Dunn of Siler City; his father, Joseph “Joe” Glenn Dunn, Sr. of Bonlee; his sister, Janet Dunn Frantz (Jim) of Salem, VA; nephew, Spencer Frantz (Claire) of Charlottesville, VA; niece, Mary Frantz Roberts (Andy) of Austin, TX; aunt, Shirley G. Edmisten, and a large extended family of cousins and friends who will miss him dearly. Glenn is also survived by his former spouses, Sonya Snider Dunn and Ronda Boone Peterson, whose lives remain intertwined with his, through mutual respect and shared family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Sandy Branch Baptist Church. The family will greet friends in the activities building immediately following the service. A private burial will take place at a later date. Above all, Glenn will be remembered as a loving father, son, brother, and friend. His laughter, kindness, and passion for life will continue to inspire all who knew him. Though he is gone too soon, his legacy lives on in the family he loved and the lives he touched.

In honor of Glenn’s generous spirit, memorial contributions may be made to: Sandy Branch Baptist Church (715 Sandy Branch Church Rd., Bear Creek, NC 27207) and to Fellowship Hall - Partner Scholarship Program (5140 Dunstan Rd Greensboro, NC 27405).

IN MEMORY

MARK NEAL SCOTT

MAY 27, 1950 – SEPT. 23, 2025

Mark Neal Scott, 75, of Bennett, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Fall Creek Baptist Church, where he was a member, with Pastor George Townsend and Pastor Bob Wachs o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors. The family will receive friends in the sanctuary prior to the service from 1:00-2:45 pm and in the fellowship hall following the committal. Joyce-Brady Chapel will be open on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. for friends to sign the register.

Mark was born in Chatham County on May 27, 1950 to Clinton and Mollie Gaines Scott. He was a fraud investigator for the State of NC. He served in the National Guard and as a reman with Bennett and Bonlee Fire Depts. for 50 years. He enjoyed shing and kayaking. Mark loved a good bargain and reduced prices. He adored his family, especially his grandchildren and fur baby, Zoey.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mark is survived by his wife of 32 years, Janet McNeill Scott, of the home; children, Wendy Johnson (Chris), of Siler City, Dana Scott, of Siler City and Tina Alford (Brad), of Stem, NC; sister, Janie Riggsbee (Mark), of Bonlee; grandchildren, Ashton Rollins, Aidan Johnson, Sawyer Johnson, Reese Alford and Harper Alford and a host of family and friends.

SARAH FRANCES CAVINESS SPIVEY

JAN. 15, 1944 – SEPT. 28, 2025

Sarah Frances Caviness Spivey, 81, of Bear Creek, went to her Heavenly home on Sunday, September 28th, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.

Frances was born in Chatham County on January 15th, 1944, to the late Ivor Berch and Sallie Brooks Caviness. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Wesley Spivey; her son, Andy Holt; daughter, Cindy Holt; her sisters, Margaret “Tootie” Harris, Ethel Cooper, and Emogene Phillips; her brothers, James Brooks, John Brooks, and Bob Brooks; her half-sister, Julia Lane; her half-brothers, Joe Caviness and Jack Caviness.

Frances worked as an o ce manager in the medical eld up until her retirement. She was a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church where she served as church clerk. She was very active on the Hospitality Committee and the Program Committee. She really enjoyed the Senior Citizen’s activities with others. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Chad Spivey of the home, and Michael Holt of Goldston; her special granddogs; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bobby Cain, member of Clinton 12 who helped integrate Tenn. high schools in 1956, dead at 85

The civil rights pioneer died Monday in Nashville

By Travis Loller

The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bobby Cain, who helped integrate one of the rst high schools in the South in 1956 as one of the socalled Clinton 12, died Monday in Nashville at the age of 85, according to his nephew J. Kelvin Cain.

Bobby Cain was a senior when he entered the formerly all-white Clinton High School in Tennessee on a court order. He had previously attended a black high school about 20 miles away in Knoxville and was not happy about leaving his friends to spend his senior year at a new school in a hostile environment.

“He had no interest in doing it because, you know, he’d gotten to rise up through the ranks at Austin High School as the senior and was nally big sh in the pond. And to have to go to this all-white high school — it was tough,” said Adam Velk, executive director of the Green McAdoo Cultural Center, which promotes the legacy of the Clinton 12. Velk added that the 16-yearold had to do it “with the entire world watching him.”

This was a couple of years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v Board of Education that separating public school children on the basis of race was unconstitutional and a year before Little Rock Central High School was desegregated by force. Unlike the Little Rock Nine, the Clinton 12 students were not hand-picked and trained for the job of desegregation. They just happed to live within the Anderson County school district at the time, Velk said.

Although the court-ordered desegregation in Clinton was accepted by state and local authorities, many in the local white community were against it. They were soon joined by Ku Klux Klan members and other segregationists from outside the community in a series of protests that led to the National Guard being called in to restore order.

Cain managed to stick out the

year, becoming the rst black student in Tennessee to graduate from an integrated staterun school. What should have been a triumphant moment was marred by violence. After receiving his diploma, Cain was jumped and beaten up by a group of white students. In the end, only one other member of the Clinton 12 made it to graduation. Gail Ann Epps graduated the following year, according to the Tennessee State Museum.

Cain had a lot of anger around his experience at the school and didn’t talk about it for many years.

“He didn’t want to remember it,” his nephew said. He received a scholarship to attend Tennessee State University in Nashville, where he met his wife. After graduation, he worked for the Tennessee Department of Human Services and was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. He never joined in the sit-in protests of the era, quipping to The Tennessee Mag-

azine in a 2017 interview that it was because “you had to agree to be nonviolent.”

Cain told the magazine that he had no white friends at Clinton High School.

“You have to realize that if any white students had gone out of their way to be nice to us, they would have been jumped on,” he said.

He also had to stop playing sports because “the coaches at Clinton told me that none of the other high schools would play against us if I was on the eld at the game.”

Velk calls Cain a reluctant hero.

“This is a normal, everyday human being who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances and acted above those circumstances,” Velk said. “This is a person who dealt with this tremendous di culty and rose to the occasion.”

Cain is survived by a daughter, Yvette Cain-Frank, and grandson Tobias Cain-Frank.

ROBIN CONOVER / THE TENNESSEE MAGAZINE VIA AP

Bobby Cain sits in the Civil Rights Room of the Nashville Public Library in October 2017.

Thieves steal $1M worth in craft whiskey from Washington distillery

12,000 bottles of rare

By Rebecca Boone The Associated Press

THIEVES WHO made o with 12,000 bottles of craft whiskey in a rare U.S. liquor heist this summer did more than just snag nearly $1 million worth of product — they also spirited away nearly half the stock of a single malt distillers had worked for more than a decade to make.

Now the Skagit Valley Sheri ’s O ce is investigating, and whiskey a cionados are wondering if — and where — the coveted bottles of Westland Distillery’s rst 10-year Garryana whiskey might turn up.

The bottles disappeared July 31, when someone in a freight truck showed up at Westland Distillery’s warehouse in Burlington, Washington, holding the paperwork that purportedly gave them the right to pick up a shipment of Westland single malt, Watchpost blended, and Garryana whiskies bound for New Jersey.

But the bottles never arrived at their intended destination, and the “sophisticated, fraudulent carrier scheme” was discovered a week later, said Jason

Moore, the managing director of the Seattle-based distillery. The 10th anniversary edition bottles of Garryana are irreplaceable, said Moore. “This is an unfortunate and pretty extraordinary situation,” said Moore.

The Skagit County Sheri ’s O ce didn’t immediately respond to a phone message left by The Associated Press. It could be di cult to sell the

Nearly $1 million in Garryana 10 whiskey was stolen.

stolen goods, said Mark Gillespie, the host of the WhiskyCast podcast who has published more than 3,800 tasting notes for different whiskey varieties.

“It’s going to be really hard for whoever took this to actually get this onto the market because what they took was so rare that everybody knows about it,” Gillespie said. “We see these thefts occasionally in Scotland, where thieves will steal a trailer

Chatham County Aging Services Weekly Activities Calendar

Monday, October 6 Pittsboro Center for Active Living

8:30 a.m. - Total Body Conditioning

9 a.m. - Chair Yoga

10 a.m. - Strong & Fit

11 a.m. - Bingocize!

Noon - Reading Out Loud with Gaines

1 p.m. - Mahjong; Table Tennis

3 p.m. - Caregiver Support Group

3:30 p.m. - Virtual Meditation Siler City Center for Active Living

9 a.m. - Strong & Fit; Horse & Buddy Trip

10 a.m. - Cornhole; Flu/Vaccine Clinic

10:30 a.m. - Blood Pressure Checks; STEP-Tember Celeb ration

2 p.m. - Strength & Tone

3 p.m. - Bocce & Horseshoes

3:15 p.m. - Pickleball

8:30 a.m. - QiGong

9 a.m. - 3G’s Men’s Group

Tuesday, October 7 Pittsboro Center for Active Living

10 a.m. - Woodcarvers; Cardio Drumming; Financial Literacy Class/Wills

10:30 a.m. - Gym Orientation; Healing Hearts

10:45 a.m. - Birthday Bingo with Mr. Ed; Hard of Hea ring Services Specialist Presentation Noon - Hiking with Alan

12:30 p.m. - Arthritis Foundation Exercise

2 p.m. - Zumba Gold Siler City Center for Active Living

8 a.m. - Quilting and Sewing Time

9 a.m. - Cardio Drumming; Walk With Ease

10 a.m. - Blood Pressure Checks; Chair Exercises

10:30 a.m. - Mental Health with Mary Anne Noon - Pickleball

1 p.m. - Rook, Phase 10 & Rummikub

3 p.m. - Bring Your Own Project Wednesday, October 8 Pittsboro Center for Active Living

8 a.m. - Bird Watching Tour

8:30 a.m. - Cardio & Lower Body Strength

10 a.m. - Chair Yoga

11 a.m. - Bingocize!; “The Chosen” with discussion,

11:30 a.m. - German Conversation Lunch

1 p.m. - Spades

2:30 p.m. - Charades Tea Party Siler City Center for Active Living

9 a.m. - Strong & Fit; Walk With Ease

10 a.m. - Sunshine Walkers

10:30 a.m. - Science with Alan

1 p.m. - Pickleball & Cornhole; Crafting Thursday, October 9 Pittsboro Center for Active Living

8:30 a.m. - QiGong

10 a.m. - Hooks & Needles; Chair Zumba Gold; Fall Fest ival at Phillips Farm

12:30 p.m. - Arthritis Foundation Exercise

1 p.m. - Rummikub

1:30 p.m. - Line Dancing

3 p.m. - Gentle Yoga with Liz Siler City Center for Active Living alk With Ease

10 a.m. - Chair Exercises, Crochet Workshop; Music Jam Session

2 p.m. - Strength & Tone

3 p.m. - Thursday Social: Mocktails & Trivia Friday, October 10 Pittsboro Center for Active Living

8:30 a.m. - Cardio & Upper Body Strength

10 a.m. - Strong & Fit

11 a.m. - Storytelling with Neriah

1 p.m. - Euchre; Table Tennis Siler City Center for Active Living

8 a.m. - Quilting and Sewing Time

9 a.m. - Zumba

10:15 a.m. -

7 p.m. -

full of whiskey — and it usually ends up in Russia.”

But getting 12,000 bottles out of the U.S. could be di cult because the bottles are rare and recognizable, and ipping them in the U.S. may be tough because of the nation’s three-tier system for alcohol sales. Distilleries generally have to sell liquor to distributors or wholesalers, who then sell to retailers and restaurants and bars. Selling alcohol on the secondary market — such as when individuals buy up popular bottles and then resell them for a pro t — is generally illegal.

That’s not true in much of Europe, where auction houses and other businesses specialize in secondary market sales.

“The providence of the Garryana is important because it’s their rst 10-year-old whiskey,” Gillespie said. “Basically, age statements state how old the whiskey is, and in this country you have a lot of craft distilleries that aren’t quite 10 years old. So for a craft distillery to be able to release a 10-year-old is an accomplishment.”

Westland focuses on single-malt whiskeys, a style of liquor made from barley, similar to a Scotch whiskey. But Moore says Westland has worked hard to capture the terroir of the Pacific Northwest inside each bottle, using locally produced grains, peat harvested from an Olympic peninsula bog and a speci c type

BILL from page A1

are not random, but intentional e orts to silence speech, suppress dissent, and enforce ideological conformity through terror.”

“Charlie Kirk was murdered because of his beliefs,” House Majority Leader Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) said.

“That is political terrorism in its rawest form. This law makes crystal clear: If you target someone because of their politics in our state, we will throw the book at you and then some.”

The legislation de nes acts of political violence as criminal o enses targeting individuals based on their political beliefs, a liations or public expressions, including advocacy, candidacy or voting history.

A press release from Hall’s o ce said sentence enhancements in the bill include making politically motivated Class A felonies that are “not otherwise capital o enses” eligible for the death penalty. Sentencing enhancement in the bill would also raise felony convictions by one class level and bar parole or early release.

Guardrails for special sentencing would involve requiring indictments alleging political motivation, which can be proven by direct or circumstantial evidence. The political motivation factor is required to be included in any notice of intent to seek the death penalty and can be considered during sentencing even if a defendant is pleading guilty.

The bill would also require district attorneys to contact the attorney general when a politically motivated case is being brought. The attorney general would have the power to appoint a special prosecutor if requested. Additionally, victims and their families would be given the ability to give impact statements at any point during the proceedings. If signed by the governor, the bill would be e ective

of yeast selected to bring out the regional avors. That’s what makes the Garryana special, he said — it’s aged in casks made from the Quercus garryana oak tree, which grows primarily in the Paci c Northwest.

The limited-edition whiskey regularly wins awards, said Gillespie, and the 2023 edition was named the third-best whiskey in the world by Whisky Advocate magazine. The Garryana sells out every year, Gillespie said, and with 3,000 of this year’s 7,500-bottle release gone, the price on the secondary market will be driven up.

Moore said the company has taken additional steps to protect its supply chain, and right now they are focusing on serving customers instead of the investigation.

“What happens from there is outside of our control, and we get excited about sharing our whiskey and engaging with the supporters we have,” Moore said.

“This is an extremely rare thing, and while it’s a setback, we’re condent that we’re going to get to share this whiskey. We’re proud to make something people enjoy.”

Losing $1 million in stock would put a lot of distilleries out of business, but Gillespie said he expects Westland to make it through the loss, in part because it was acquired by the Paris-based Remy Cointreau Group in 2016. Still, he has some advice for people eager to get a taste of Westland’s products: stick to the legal supply chains.

“If somebody tries to o er you a case of Westland whiskey right now, I’d call the cops,” Gillespie said.

“Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.”

Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow)

Dec. 1 and apply to o enses committed on or after that date.

The measure passed the House with wide bipartisan support by a vote of 105-6 and was sent to the Senate, which did not act on the bill before the end of the September session.

The six members voting no were all Democrats: Reps. Mary Belk (Mecklenburg), Maria Cervania (Wake), Julia Green eld (Mecklenburg), Pricey Harrison (Guilford), Marcia Morey (Durham) and Renée Price (Orange).

“Like so many young conservatives, I was inspired today and in years past to get involved in public service because of Charlie Kirk,” Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow), who credited Kirk with having met his best friends in college, said on the House oor,

Gable, 23, is the rst member of Gen Z elected to the legislature and was 22 when he became the youngest member elected to the General Assembly in 126 years.

“But I sit here, I feel, because of Charlie and what he created,” Gable said. “He created an organization that I was able to be a part of. I was able to learn, I was able to grow, I was able to network. … Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.”

COURTESY

CLASSIFIED ADS

REAL ESTATE

LEARN ABOUT LAND - Chatham Land Experts, www.learnaboutland.com - 919362-6999. JY2,tfnc

FOR RENT

POWELL SPRINGS APTS. Evergreen Construction introduces its newest independent living community for adults 55 years or older, 1 and 2 bedroom applications now being accepted. O ce hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 919533-6319 for more information, TDD #1800-735-2962, Equal housing opportunity, Handicapped accessible.

A2,tfnc

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS now for onebedroom apartments, adults 55 years or older. Water included, appliances furnished, on-site laundry, elevator, keyless entry. Section 8 accepted. No security deposit. Application fee $25 per adult. Call Braxton Manor, 919-663-1877. Handicap accessible. Equal Housing Opportunity. J14,tfnc

AUCTIONS

RICKY ELLINGTON AUCTIONEERSEquipment, business, liquidation, estates, land, houses, antiques, personal property, coins, furniture, consignments, bene ts, etc., NCAL #7706, 919-548-3684, 919-663-3556, rickyellingtonauctions@yahoo.com. Jy6,tfnc

SERVICES

RAINBOW WATER FILTERED VACUUMS, Alice Cox, Cox’s Distributing - Rainbow - Cell: 919-548-4314, Sales, Services, Supplies. Serving public for 35 years. Rada Cutlery is also available.

A26,tfnc

JUNK CARS PICKED UP Free of charge. Due to many months of low steel prices and unstable steel markets, we cannot pay for cars at this time. Cars, trucks, and machinery will be transported and environmentally correctly recycled at no charge. 919-5422803.

A2,tfnc

LETT’S TREE SERVICE - tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing. Visa & Master Card accepted. Timber. Free estimates. 919-2583594.

N9,tfnc

CASH PAID FOR JUNK CARS AND PICKUPS – Call - 336-581-3423

S11,18,25,O2p

IN SEARCH OF SOMEONE

I met you at Dollar Tree in Siler City on 9/19/25. You paid for a Birthday Gift Bag I was getting. I want to meet you again to thank you. I live on Hwy.902 at 11348, Bear Creek, NC. My phone # is 919-837-5280.

2tp

dishwasher are included in the rent. Rent starts at $630 and up.

Honeysuckle Dr., Pittsboro, NC 27312 919-542-5410 TDD 1-800-735-2962 Email: pittsborovillage@ECCMGT.com

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CARONLINA, CHATHAM COUNTY

THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE, SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT MICHAEL WELCH, Deceased.

FILE NO. 24E001684-180

ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

Having quali ed as Executor/Administrator of the Estate of Robert Michael Welch, deceased, late of Carlsbad, New Mexico, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before December 31, 2025 (90 days date) or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate settlement. This the 2nd day of October, 2025. (1st Thursday Publication Date) Steven Michael Welch 1202 N. Shore Drive Carlsbad, NM 88220

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

TOWN OF PITTSBORO, NC

On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 6:00 pm, the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners will hold the following public hearing in person at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center at 1192 Hwy 64 Business West, Pittsboro, NC: A legislative public hearing on a voluntary, contiguous annexation petition (A-202504/PB-25-468) from Reeves Farm Pittsboro, LLC. The applicant is requesting to annex 94.228 acres south of US Highway 64 and west of Old Goldston Road (Parcel ID 0006767 partial, 6738 partial, and 70127 partial).

PB-25-211 - A legislative public hearing on a Development Agreement from Reeves Farms Pittsboro, LLC. The applicant is requesting to develop 455.04 acres in the Neighborhood Mixed-Use Center District. (PID: 0006738) The applicant is proposing up to 1,700 residences and up to 1,012,000 square feet of retail and commercial uses on the property. A copy of the proposed Development Agreement may be obtained from Carrie Bailey, Town Clerk at cbailey@pittsboronc.gov or Randall Cahoon-Tingle, Planning Director at rcahoon-tingle@pittsboronc.gov.

PB-25-358 – 102 Park Drive General Rezoning – A legislative request by VRC Ltd (Janet Nichols), has been submitted petitioning a map amendment rezoning parcel 79930 from its current classi cation, R-12 (Medium Residential) to C-2 (Highway Business). The parcel is approximately 3.7280 acres and is located behind the Alpha Center. The property is currently vacant, and the owner intends to utilize this parcel for o ces and residential uses.

The hearings will be held in person. The public can also watch the hearing live on the Town’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@townofpittsboronc/streams. Members of the public must attend in person if they wish to speak at any hearing.

Contact the Town Clerk, Carrie Bailey, by 4 pm on October 13, 2025 with written comments or to sign up to speak at the hearing. You can contact Carrie Bailey at cbailey@pittsboronc.gov, (984) 282-6647, or PO Box 759, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

TO CREDITORS

NOTICE

Having quali ed as Personal Representative of the Estate of LINVILLE GARNER, deceased, late of CHATHAM County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at: 1917 BERNARD PURVIS RD BENNETT NC 27208 on or before the 5th day of JANUARY, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and Corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 30th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025.

LARRY MATTHEW SAUNDERS Personal Representative For the Estate of LINVILLE GARNER Frank C. Thigpen Thigpen and Jenkins, LLP Attorney for Estate PO Box 792 Robbins, North Carolina 27325

PUBLICATION DATES: October 2, 2025 October 9, 2025 October 16, 2025 October 23, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Personal Representative of the Estate of FRADYA SARAH BLUESTEIN, deceased of Chatham County, North Carolina, on the 18th day of September, 2025, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of the attorney for the estate on or before the 27th day of December, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 25th day of September, 2024. John Michael Cullen, Personal Representative, c/o Anthony D. Nicholson, Attorney for the estate, McPherson, Rocamora, Nicholson & Hinkle, PLLC, 3211 Shannon Road, Suite 400, Durham, NC 27707. September 25, October 2, 9, 16 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Karen Bruck, Deceased Date of Death: August 14, 2025 • Chapel Hill, North Carolina First Publication Date: September 18, 2025 Claims Deadline: December 18, 2025

All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Karen Bruck, deceased, are hereby noti ed to present them to the undersigned Personal Representative of the Estate of Karen Bruck on or before December 18, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment. Submit claims to: Personal Representative for: Karen Mary Bruck Mailing Address: P.O. Box 97 City/State/ZIP: Flagsta , AZ 86002

Email: drsarahazel@gmail.com Phone: 602-478-7239

This the 18th day of September, 2025.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Nancy H Dixon, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claim to Rebecca Morley at 1330 Songbird Ct, Boulder CO 80303 on or before December 20, 2025.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of James Denson Jones, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before December 13th, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 11th day of September, 2025.

Rebecca Fields Jones Executor of the Estate of James Denson Jones

BENJAMIN SCOTT WARREN, Attorney

IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES:

09/11/25 09/18/25 09/25/25 10/02/25

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

North Carolina Chatham County File#25E000502-180

The undersigned, Helen Frazier having quali ed on the 10th day of September 2025 as EXECUTOR of the ESTATE of JUDITH RAYMOND BOYKIN, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to her on or before the 26th day of December 2025, or this notice will be in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate

CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHATHAM

SELF STORAGE, PURSUANT TO NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES, CHAPTER 44A, SHALL CONDUCT A PUBLIC SALE OF THE UNITS LISTED BELOW AT IT’S FACILITY LOCATED AT 105 WEST

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS

CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED, as Executrix of the Estate of Floyd Teague, Jr., late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before October 15, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 3rd day of September, 2025.

Diane T. Campbell, Executrix 1982 Epps Clark Road Siler City, North Carolina 27344 (919) 663-2533

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

25E000472-180 ALL persons having claims against Judith-Ann Leporino, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Jan 02 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 2nd day of October, 2025.

RENEE EASTMAN, Executor C/O Lenfestey, Maxie & Burger, PLLC 5640 Dillard Drive, Suite 101 Cary, North Carolina 27518 O2, 9, 16 and 23

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

25E000473-180 ALL persons having claims against Stephen Earl Rosenthal, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Dec 18 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 18th day of September, 2025.

JOAN SOBEL ROSENTHAL, Executor C/O Lenfestey, Maxie & Burger, PLLC 5640 Dillard Drive, Suite 101 Cary, North Carolina 27518 S18, 25, 2 and 9

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#2023 E 000668

The undersigned, JEFFREY HOLDER, having quali ed on the 8TH Day of APRIL, 2024 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of BETTY GUNTER HOLDER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 18TH Day DECEMBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 18th DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025.

JEFFREY HOLDER, ADMINISTRATOR 1321 ASBURY CHURCH RD. SANFORD, NC 27330 Run dates: S18,25,O2,9p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000464-180 The undersigned, CRAIGORY DUNN AND STEPHANIE DUNN, having quali ed on the 22ND Day of AUGUST, 2025 as CO-ADMINISTRATORS of the Estate of GWENDOLYN BRYANT DUNN, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 11TH Day DECEMBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 11TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025.

CRAIGORY DUNN, CO-ADMINISTRATOR PO BOX 37 SILER CITY, NC 27344 STEPHANIE DUNN, CO-ADMINISTRATOR 2530 KINGFISHER RD., APT.207 GRAHAM, NC 27253 Run dates: S11,18,25,O2p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000510-180

The undersigned, JOANNE ALSTON AND JUDY C. REAVES, having quali ed on the 16TH Day of SEPTEMBER, 2025 as CO-ADMINISTRATORS of the Estate of HAYWOOD AL REAVES, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd Day JANUARY 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 2ND DAY OF OCTOBER 2025.

*JOANNE ALSTON, CO-ADMINISTRATOR 45 DAISY SCURLOCK RD. MONCURE, NC 27559

JUDY C. REAVES, CO-ADMINISTRATOR 283 PINECREST DR. BEAR CREEK, NC 27207 Run dates: O2,9,16,23p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000395-180

The undersigned, SUSAN BOND TAYLOR, having quali ed on the 5TH Day of SEPTEMBER, 2025 as ADMINISTRATOR CTA, of the Estate of JANET BOND DEWITT, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 18TH Day DECEMBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 18TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025. SUSAN BOND TAYLOR, ADMINISTRATOR CTA

382 PINE LAKE DR. SILER CITY, NC 27344 *THE LAW OFFICE OF LEWIS FADELY, PLLC

119 N FIR AVE. SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: S18,25,O2,9p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM NEWS

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO CREDITORS

All persons having claims against the estate of Anhelica Maria Mata, of Chatham County, NC, who died on October 6, 2024, are noti ed to present them on or before December 25, 2025 to David Plowman, Administrator, c/o Maitland & Sti er Law Firm, 2 Couch Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery.

Michele L. Sti er MAITLAND & STIFFLER LAW FIRM

2 Couch Road Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Attorney for the Estate

FILE#25000500-180 The undersigned, CAROLINE WOOD, having quali ed on the 10TH Day of SEPTEMBER, 2025 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of SUSAN WOOD, deceased, of CHATHAM COUNTY, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 2ND Day JANUARY, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 2ND DAY OF OCTOBER 2025.

CAROLINE WOOD, ADMINISTRATOR 1321 #2 CHILDS DRIVE HILLSBOROUGH, NC 27278 Run dates: O2,9,16,23p

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHATHAM NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Wayne Paul Powers, a/k/a Wayne P. Powers, a/k/a Wayne Powers, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the address below on or before January 4, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 2nd day of October, 2025. Elaine P. Partin Executor of the Estate of Wayne Paul Powers a/k/a Wayne P. Powers a/k/a Wayne Powers The Chatham News & Record B. Pete Jarvis Tennant & Jarvis, P.C. PO Box 4585 Archdale, NC 27263 FOR PUBLICATION: October 2, October 9, October 16 and October 23, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

All persons having claims against Shelly Ray Skalicky, of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present them to Daniel Long, Executor of the Estate of Shelly Ray Skalicky, at NextGen Estate Solutions, 1340 Environ Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27517 or before December 18th, 2025. Failure to present a claim in timely fashion will result in this Notice being pleaded in bar of recovery against the estate, the Personal Representative, and the devisees of Shelly Ray Skalicky. Those indebted to Shelly Ray Skalicky are asked to make prompt payment to the Estate. This this 18th day of September, 2025. Daniel Long, Executor of the Estate of Shelly Ray Skalicky Brittany N. Porter, Attorney NextGen Estate Solutions 1340 Environ Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

25E000480-180 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, Christopher Solow, having quali ed as Limited Personal Representative of the Estate of June R. Solow, deceased, late of Chatham County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the day of December 10, 2025, or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 11th day of September 2025. Christopher Solow Limited Personal Representative Marie H. Hopper Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post O ce Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHATHAM COUNTY, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE, BEFORE THE CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT, FILE NO. 25SP000111180 FOR THE ADOPTION OF T.L.K. TO: THE UNKNOWN FATHER, of a male, caucasian child, born to Leslie Ann Pugh Moore on June 4, 2012 at UNC Hospital in Orange County, North Carolina, conceived approximately September 2011, and placed under the Guardianship of PETITIONER, Connie Lea Beal on December 9, 2016. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a petition has been led by the Petitioners, Connie Lea Beal and Ricky Lee Beal for the purpose of legally adopting the minor child described above. This adoption will terminate all your parental rights regarding the minor child. If you wish to maintain any parental rights regarding this minor child, you must respond and notify the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court in writing, at 40 East Chatham Street, Attn: Special ProceedingsAdoptions, Pittsboro, NC 27312. You must also serve a copy of this writing on the petitioner’s attorney (address below). If you do not notify the court in writing that you wish to retain any parental rights you may have, those parental rights will be terminated upon the entry of the decree of adoption. You are entitled to attend any hearing a ecting your parental rights, and you may present evidence in court that the adoption is not in the best interests of the adoptee.

If you do not respond within forty (40) days of the publication of this notice, you will not be able to participate in the adoption proceeding, and you will receive no further notice of the proceeding, including notice of the time and place of any hearing. You may call the Special Proceedings o ce of the Clerk of Superior Court of Chatham County, at (919)545-3500 for further information. This publication begins the 2nd day of October, 2025. Signed, Derrick J. Hensley, Attorney for Petitioner 401 Meadowlands Drive, Suite 201, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919)480-1999 PUBLISHED: 10/02/25, 10/9/25, 10/16/25

NOTICE

TRUST NOTICE

To all persons regarding Mary Anna Andrews, deceased, who died on or about July 18, 2025: You are hereby noti ed that Gail Greogry is the Trustee of the Rolland Andrews and Mary Anna Andrews Revocable trust dated March 3, 2010. Any action to contest the validity of the trust must be brought in the District Court of Chatham County, North Carolina, within the later to occur of four (4) months from the date of second publication of this notice, or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent, spouse of the decedent, and bene ciaries under the trust whose identities are reasonably ascertainable. Any suit not led within this period shall be forever barred.

Notice is further given that any persons indebted to the decedent or to the trust are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned trustee. Notice is further given that any person or entity possessing a claim against the trust must mail proof of the claim to the trustee at the address listed below via certi ed mail, return receipt requested, by the later to occur of four (4) months from the second publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice if required or the claim shall be forever barred unless paid or otherwise satis ed.

Dated this 17th day of September, 2025.

Rolland Andrews and Mary Anna Andrews Revocable trust dated March 3, 2010.

Gail Gregory, Trustee 125 Bellemont Rd Pittsboro NC 27312

Attorney for Trustee: Vanessa M.Y. Willman Pin# AT0011731 Foss, Kuiken, Cochran, Helling & Willman PC P.O. Box 30 Fair eld, Iowa 52556 Date of second publication: _____ day of _________ 2025.

NOTICE OF ELECTION

CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

The municipal general election for Town of Apex, Town of Cary, Town of Goldston, Town of Pittsboro, and the Town of Siler City will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Voters will be asked to show photo ID when they vote. All voters will be allowed to vote with or without ID. Voters who lack ID can get one for free from their county board of elections. Find out more at ncsbe. gov/voter-id.

Major Lee road Pursuant to the Order for Possession, Custody, Control, and Sale of Real Property led on June 23, 2022, in the above captioned proceeding, NOTICE is hereby given that the subject properties described below will be put up for public sale on October 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.; the sale will be held at the Chatham County Courthouse in the designated area for sale. The subject properties, which are being sold together, are commonly referred to as Major Lee Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Parcel #0080774, and NC 87 N, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Parcel #0005908 and are more particularly described as follows: TRACT 1: BEING ALL of that certain 1.50 acres, more or less, designated as “Tract D-1” on the plat hereinafter referred to,

Helene hit the reset button on one town’s goal of becoming an outdoor tourism mecca

Old Fort is trying to rebuild it’s newly-built mountain biking trails

By Allen G. Breed and Brittany Peterson

The Associated Press

OLD FORT — Morning mist is still burning o the surrounding mountains when they appear: Small groups of helmeted riders on one-wheeled, skateboard-like contraptions, navigating the pitched streets, past the 30-foot granite Arrowhead Monument on the town square.

They are among the 400 or so people converging on this Blue Ridge foothills town for FloatLife Fest, which bills itself as “the ORIGINAL and LONGEST RUNNING” gathering dedicated to motorized Onewheel boards. Swelling Old Fort’s normal population by half, the mid-September festival is injecting much needed money and hope into a town still recovering a year after it was inundated by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

“We should de nitely come back again,” says Jess Jones, a 34-year-old marine biologist from Edinburgh, Scotland.

“The vibe and the welcome that we got there was really nice.”

That the festival occurred at all is a tribute to the area’s natural beauty and the resilience of its people.

Signs of progress are mixed with still-visible scars from Helene in this town about 24 miles east of Asheville. Most of Old Fort’s shops have reopened, even as workers continue clawing away at a debris pile downtown and some homes remain unlivable.

Like other businesspeople in this tourist-dependent mountain region, bike shop owner Chad Schoenauer has been banking on a strong fall leaf-peeping season to help get

him back on track after Helene.

But many seem to assume Old Fort is still a wasteland.

“‘Oh, I didn’t know that you were open,’” he says is a typical reaction.

Helene’s oods, landslides interrupt outdoor tourism makeover

When Helene swept through, Old Fort was well on its way to remaking itself as an outdoor destination, especially after furniture manufacturer Ethan Allen laid o 325 workers when it converted its factory there into a distribution center in 2019.

“When the Ethan Allen layo happened, local leaders started coming together and saying, `How do we use these beautiful natural assets that we have to diversify the manufacturing economy?’” says Kim E er, president and CEO of the McDowell Chamber of Commerce.

Named for a Revolutionary War-era stockade, the town decided to become a world-class destination for hiking, running, horseback riding and, most notably, mountain biking.

“We have a red clay that makes some of the best trails in the country,” FloatLife founder Justyn Thompson says. “The trails are epic.”

In 2021, the G5 Trail Collective — a program led by the nonpro t Camp Grier outdoors complex — got the U.S. Forest Service to agree to 42 miles of new multi-purpose trails. The e ort began paying dividends almost immediately.

“For every trail that we were able to open, we saw a new business open up in town,” says Jason McDougald, the camp’s executive director.

The collective had just completed the 21st mile of trail when Helene, in Schoenauer’s words, hit “the reset button” by washing away trails and damaging businesses.

When the storm blew through on Sept. 27, 2024, the Catawba River converged with the normally placid Mill Creek, leaving much of downtown under several feet of muddy water.

Schoenauer, who opened his Old Fort Bike Shop in 2021, says it took two days before he could make it to town to assess damage to the business

$150,000. Worse yet was the loss of eight months of business, including last year’s foliage season.

“We lost that really critical fourth quarter of the year, which is a beautiful fall,” McKissick says.

Chad Schoenauer poses for a portrait beneath a sign that reads “Come Hell or High Water” in his bike shop in Old Fort in early September.

housed in a refurbished 1901 former general store.

“I was numb coming all the way here,” he says. “And as soon as I got o the exit, I started crying.”

The water rose more than 3 feet inside the shop, leaving behind a 10-inch layer of reddish-brown mud. The beautiful heart pine oors buckled.

Schoenauer says he su ered about $150,000 in uninsured losses.

At the Foothills Watershed mountain biking complex along the Catawba, the storm took 48 large shade trees and an 18,000-square-foot track built with banks and jumps.

“We had a septic eld, a brand-new constructed septic eld for the business that was destroyed,” says Casey McKissick, who spent the last three years developing the bike park. “Never been used; not even turned on yet. And it all went right down the river.”

McKissick says the business didn’t have ood insurance because it was too costly, and the threat of a catastrophic event seemed too remote.

The damage amounted to

Homes, Townhomes & Villas

Blue Ridge Parkway closure slows visitors’ return

Gov. Josh Stein recently announced that travelers had spent a record $36.7 billion in the state last year. But that boom eluded the counties worst hit by Helene.

Visitor spending in Buncombe County — home to Asheville — was down nearly 11% last year compared to 2023, according to the state Department of Commerce.

In McDowell, tourist spending dropped nearly 3% in that same period. E er says this June and July, foot tra c at the county’s largest visitor center was down 50% from last year. She blames much of that on damage to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is consistently one of the most-visited of the national parks. About 35 miles of the North Carolina route — including long stretches in McDowell County — aren’t slated to reopen until fall 2026.

McDougald says nearly every trail in the Old Fort complex was damaged, with landslides taking out “300-foot sections of trail at a time.”

They’ve managed to reopen about 30 miles of trail, but he says about that many miles remain closed.

Schoenauer reopened his shop in December, but tra c was down by about two-thirds this summer.

“My business, revenue-wise, has shifted more to the repair side,” he says. “People trying to still recreate, but use the bike that they have just to keep it going and have some fun.”

The Watershed complex opened in June, but without the planned riverfront gazebo and performance stage. And they’ve moved the bike jumps to higher ground.

“It’s changed our way of looking at the oodplain, for sure,” McKissick says.

ALLEN G. BREED / AP PHOTO

CHATHAM SPORTS

quarterback Kamarie Hadley res a pass down eld during Friday’s game against American Leadership Academy-Johnston.

to ALA.

Jordan-Matthews committed three turnovers against the Patriots

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

SILER CITY — After scoring more than 40 points in three of its rst four games, Jordan-Matthews’ o ense has been grounded.

On their homecoming night, the Jets (4-2) were held scoreless for more than three quarters in a 41-6 loss to American Leadership Academy-Johnston (4-2) on Friday.

Jordan-Matthews mustered only 78 yards rushing and 77

yards passing. It committed three turnovers, including two pick-sixes and a lost fumble.

The Jets have scored less than 10 points in two straight games.

“This wasn’t us,” Jordan-Matthews coach Kermit Carter said.

It simply wasn’t the Jets’ night from the start.

ALA-Johnston junior Kamarri Smallwood took the opening kicko 83 yards to the house, giving the Patriots a 7-0 lead 17 seconds into the game.

In response, Jordan-Matthews — playing without starting center Manny Perez and speedy receiver Nolan Mitchell — couldn’t get running back Jakari Blue going against the

Patriots’ physical defensive line on its rst possession. With early misses in the passing game, they relied on ALA-Johnston penalties to move the ball.

After punting, Jordan-Matthews caught a break with a missed eld goal by ALA-Johnston at the Jets’ 20-yard line. However, the following drive was cut short with a 42-yard pick-six by Smallwood on a pass from senior quarterback Kamarie Hadley.

In Week 5, it was the piling penalties that doomed the Jets, and on Friday, self-in icted mistakes struck again.

Midway through the second quarter, Jordan-Matthews made solid gains on the ground and looked to have

Northwood’s Cruz Arias (18) and Berkley Godehn (6) race Seaforth’s Gavin Braddock (20) to the ball during a 0-0 draw Sept. 24.

Northwood, Seaforth plat to draw on pitch for third time in two seasons

The Chargers won the corners battle but couldn’t nish shots

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The Battle of the Boro always delivers — on the pitch. Despite Northwood winning the corners battle and keeping the ball in Seaforth territory for most of the game, the Hawks held o the Chargers for a 0-0 tie on Sept. 24. It was the third draw be -

“They’re not nishing. For some reason, it’s just not happening.”

Ascary Arias

tween the crosstown rivals in their last four meetings, including the 1-1 nish Sept. 3. The game’s nal minutes mimicked those of the meeting earlier in September, with both teams scrambling to notch a late-game goal.

With 2:23 left to play, Northwood freshman Johnny Santiago corralled a pass in the penalty area with only Seaforth senior Ryan Dibb behind him. Dibb caught up to the side of Santiago at the time of his shot, forcing the attempt to go wide right of the net. In the nal 10 seconds of the game, Dibb got one last chance for a potential-game winner after outracing two Northwood defenders on a long pass to the penalty box.

“We just got to nd a way to push through as a young team and as a team, period.”

Kermit Carter

found a rhythm o ensively, but at the end of a strong run in Patriots territory, Blue fumbled and gave the ball back to ALA-Johnston.

On the ensuing possession, the Patriots were backed up on fourth-and-24, but junior quarterback Ian Wands completed a 35-yard touchdown pass in the middle of the eld

to junior Kegian Blanchard, giving ALA-Johnston a 21-0 lead with over two minutes left in the rst half.

“It wasn’t like a reverse pass or something that we hadn’t seen,” Carter said. “I think a lot of times, we just don’t trust ourselves. I think sometimes the losing like last year kind of creeps in sometimes. A doubt creeps in sometimes when we get down.”

Things began to unravel for Jordan-Matthews in the second half.

Jordan-Matthews committed six of its nine penalties in the nal two quarters. For the second straight week, it

JETS, page B2

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

WEEK 7

Jordan-Matthews at North Moore (Friday at 7 p.m.)

Jordan-Matthews (4-2) will begin Four Rivers 3A/4A conference play at North Moore (3-3). This has the makings of being a season-de ning game for the Jets as they try to avoid a disastrous three-game slide and start league play on the right foot. The Jets last beat North Moore in 2010. The Mustangs have won each of the last three meetings by more than 48 points.

North Moore will arguably be the toughest team the Jets play so far. The Mustangs are coming o a 22-13 loss to Thomasville in Week 6, but they’ve handily won their previous two games over Chatham Central and Seaforth.

Senior Joseph Dunn and junior Stryker Murray have led the way on a run-heavy o ense. Dunn has rushed for more than 100 yards multiple times this season. With the possibility of being without starting center Manny Perez and receivers Nolan Mitchell and Jaden Fisher due to injury, Jordan-Matthews will have to nd a way to win this game in the trenches. Its o ensive and defensive lines have been dominated in the

last two games, halting its ability to wear down defenses with its rushing attack. While North Moore’s hardnosed o ense presents its own challenge, the Jets will need to keep the Mustangs’ big, physical defensive line out the back eld.

Northwood vs. Eastern Randolph (Friday at 7 p.m.)

Northwood’s (1-4) Four Rivers 3A/4A slate starts as tough as it can get as the Chargers host Eastern Randolph (4-2). The Wildcats beat West Stanly 34-6 on Friday, picking up their second win by at least 28 points in three weeks. Quarterback Cade McCallum, running back Kobe Walker and receiver Caden Revelle make up the majority of Eastern Randolph’s o ensive production. Walker broke some big runs and ran for multiple touchdowns last week. He rushed for more than 150 yards in each of the Wildcats’ rst two games. Limiting Walker’s impact

See

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Jordan-Matthews

It was a long night for the Jets, who lost 41-6

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

The last time Jordan-Matthews beat North Moore

Naomi Stevenson

Seaforth, volleyball

Seaforth freshman Naomi Stevenson earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Sept. 22.

In the Hawks’ loss to undefeated Cedar Ridge on Sept. 23, Stevenson led the team in kills (15) and recorded a season-high 23 digs. She followed that performance with a team-high 12 kills in a dominant straight-set win over Durham School of the Arts on Sept. 25.

Stevenson, the younger sister of current UNC basketball forward Jarin Stevenson, has made an immediate impact for Seaforth’s talented volleyball team. As of Sunday, she leads the team in kills (245) and aces (34).

JETS from page B1

entered halftime with a manageable de cit but failed to muster a considerable comeback e ort.

Following a 3-yard touchdown by ALA-Johnston senior Anthony Jimenez, Blanchard killed another Jets drive deep

in Patriots territory by picking o sophomore quarterback Eli Rodriguez and taking it 80 yards to the house for a 35-0 lead in the third quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, Wands found junior Symir Ray on the numbers for a 34-yard touchdown pass, putting the nishing touches on a 41-0 lead.

Boecke commits to Division I lacrosse program

The Seaforth standout recorded 95 goals last spring

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

SEAFORTH GIRLS’ lacrosse

standout Natalie Boecke has decided on her future home.

Boecke, the junior mid elder, announced her commitment to ECU on Instagram on Sept. 23.

“I rst want to thank both my mom and dad for the endless sacri ces that you have made for me and to my sister Ella for the endless encouragement and support,” Boecke shared on Instagram. “None of this would have been possible without the three of you and your constant support. Also, a thank you to all of my teammates through the years for the endless memories, support and for pushing me every day to become a better player.”

Last season, Boecke led the Hawks in goals (95), assists (20), ground balls (83) and caused turnovers (33). She helped Seaforth to its most wins in a season (10) and its second playo win.

Boecke scored six goals, notched an assist and tied with junior Avery Mangum for a team-high ve ground balls in the win over No. 13 Cape Fear in the opening round of last year’s 1A/2A/3A playo s.

As a freshman at Northwood, Boecke, playing alongside her sister Ella, recorded team-highs of 118 goals, 18 assists and 24 caused turnovers. She logged two games with at least 10 goals in the 2023-24 season.

In addition to playing at Seaforth, Boecke plays with the Ultimate Lacrosse Carolina club team.

Boecke will join her sister in playing Division I lacrosse. Ella Boecke is a sophomore defender at Campbell.

ECU added women’s lacrosse as a varsity sport in 2018. Last season, the Pirates went 7-10 overall and 4-2 in American Athletic Conference play.

Hadley avoided the shutout with a 7-yard touchdown run later in the quarter.

Jimenez, who’s been the driving force of the Patriots’ o ense this season, nished the game with 148 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

The game looked almost

identical to the Jets’ loss to Providence Grove a week prior as another running back had a big night against the Jets’ defense. Competition will get even tougher for the Jets as conference play begins Friday. Jordan-Matthews will have to x its o ensive struggles and

stay healthy to earn a playo bid in the season’s nal stretch.

“We just got to nd a way to push through as a young team and as a team, period,” Carter said. “Nobody’s going to feel sorry for you. We’ve got to nd a way to push through and better ourselves. We got the right guys in the locker room.”

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD Seaforth’s Natalie Boecke runs with the ball in last season’s playo game against Cape Fear. The junior plans to play lacrosse at ECU.

Seaforth volleyball falls short to conference’s top team

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

Volleyball

Seaforth, second in the Big Seven 4A/5A conference, fell to rst-place Cedar Ridge 3-1 on Sept. 23. Each set was decided by no more than eight points, including the rst set that the Fighting Red Wolves won in extra play. Ally Forbes, who returned Sept. 17, and Naomi Stevenson combined for 28 kills, and senior Josie Valgus recorded her 1,000th career dig in the loss.

Stevenson led the way with 12 kills in the Hawks’ 3-0 bounceback win over Durham School of the Arts on Sept. 25.

Woods Charter extended its win streak to 12 with a 3-0 win over Ascend Leadership on Sept. 25 and its fourth consecutive straight-set win against Southern Wake Academy on Friday. The Wolves have given up one set since Aug. 18.

Bishop McGuinness, rst place in the Greater Triad 1A/2A conference, ended third-place Chatham Central’s four-game win streak in straight sets Sept. 22. After falling to North Moore 3-2 on Sept. 24, the Bears got back in the win column with a 3-0 win over College Prep and Leadership on Sept. 25.

Chatham Charter earned its fourth win in ve games with a 3-0 victory over Central Carolina Academy on Sept. 23. The Knights fell to Clover Garden School 3-1 on Sept. 25.

Northwood and Jordan-Matthews both lost to Eastern Randolph in straight sets during their losing streaks. The Jets fell short of their fth win against North Moore 3-2 on Sept. 25. Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference)

Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Uwharrie Charter (17-3, 6-0); T2. Southwestern Randolph (11-9, 4-2); T2. North Moore (11-3, 4-2); 4. Eastern Randolph (5-9, 3-3); 5. Northwood (2-13, 1-5); 6. Jordan-Matthews (4-14, 0-6)

from page B1

Only sophomore Calvin Britt, Northwood’s goalkeeper, stood in his way, but Britt slid and kicked the ball away just in time.

“I was listening to what coach said at halftime,” Britt said. “He said to always go out, get the ball, and I decided I’m going to go out, do my best to stop this, and it happened.”

Britt came up with big save after big save, especially in the second half when Seaforth started getting more scoring opportunities.

Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Woods Charter (14-1, 10-0); 2. Clover Garden School (13-4, 9-1); 3. River Mill (9-9, 6-5); 4. Chatham Charter (7-11, 4-5); 5. Ascend Leadership (6-7, 4-6); 6. Southern Wake Academy (3-12, 2-9); 7. Central Carolina Academy (1-14, 0-9)

Greater Triad 1A/2A: 1. Bishop McGuinness (13-3, 8-1); 2. South Stokes (12-6, 7-1); 3. Chatham Central (8-9, 6-2); 4. North Stokes (4-12, 4-5); 5. South Davidson (4-13, 2-5); 6. College Prep and Leadership (3-14, 2-7); 7. Winston-Salem Prep (2-14, 0-8)

Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. Cedar Ridge (15-0, 8-0); 2. Seaforth (11-6, 7-2); 3. Carrboro (8-8, 5-4); 4. Orange (6-9, 4-4); 5. South Granville (5-12, 3-6); 6. Durham School of the Arts (6-11, 2-7); 7. J.F. Webb (8-9, 1-7)

Boys’ soccer

Asheboro snapped Jordan-Matthews’ six-game win streak 5-0 on Sept. 22. The Jets had no answer for Asheboro’s Ozmar Martinez, who recorded a hat trick. Jordan-Matthews responded with a 4-0 win over

Northwood coach Ascary Arias attributed Seaforth’s second half success to a change in the Chargers’ defensive strategy.

“We played three in the back,” Arias said. “We started with four, but then I realized that we were good enough to beat them with three in the back. We took out one player on defense, so they should have been able to do that. It was expected for them to be a little more aggressive.”

Outside of Britt’s saves, Seaforth couldn’t connect on their second half shots. Multiple attempts were too high, and free

Southern Lee on Sept. 25. That was its sixth shutout win this season.

Woods Charter earned its largest win of the year with an 8-0 shutout over Central Carolina Academy. In a battle with Clover Garden School, rst place in the Central Tar Heel 1A conference, the Wolves fell 2-1. Chatham Charter’s losing streak grew to four games with a 3-2 loss to Southern Wake Academy on Sept. 22 and a 6-3 loss to River Mill on Sept. 25. Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference) Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Southwestern Randolph (12-1, 1-0); 2. North Moore (3-2-1, 0-1); 3. Eastern Randolph (3-5-2, 0-0); 4. Jordan-Matthews (8-4, 0-0); 5. Northwood (5-3-4, 0-0); 6. Uwharrie Charter (1-2, 0-0) Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Clover Garden School (10-2, 6-0); 2. Woods Charter (5-2-1, 2-1); 3. Southern Wake Academy (6-3-1, 3-2-1); 4. Ascend Leadership (4 -3-2, 1-1-2); 5. River mill (3-9, 2-4); 6. Chatham Charter (1-7-1, 1-4); 7. Central Carolina Academy (1-7-1, 0-3-1) Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. Orange (9-4, 3-0); 2. Carrboro

kicks toward the penalty box came up empty. Northwood dealt with similar struggles. Near the end of the rst half, a pass attempt from Northwood sophomore Nolan Matthews went through the hands of Seaforth goalkeeper Abel Williams and into the back of the net, but the officials called off the score for goalkeeper interference. Northwood senior Kevin Fortin impeded Williams’ ability to defend the ball. That moment was one of many in which the Chargers also failed to capitalize on

(5-7-1, 3-1); 3. Durham School of the Arts (2-9-1, 2-2); 4. J.F. Webb (5-3-1, 1-1-1); 5. Seaforth (3-7-2, 1-2); 6. South Granville (4 -8-1, 1-3); 7. Cedar Ridge (4 -5-1, 0-2-1) Girls’ tennis

Chatham Charter cruised to a 9-0 win over Chatham Central on Sept. 24. Northwood beat Jordan-Matthews 7-2 on Sept. 24, sweeping the Jets in the season series. After defeating them in a close battle in August, Seaforth fell to Durham School of the Arts 7-2 on Sept. 22.

RPI standings as of Sunday (dual team playo brackets determined on Oct. 10)

1A (all make postseason): 5. Chatham Charter (.51708); 14. Chatham Central (.21627) 3A (all make postseason): 28. Northwood (.42031) 4A (top 48 make postseason): 46. Jordan-Matthews (.30450) 5A: (top 48 make postseason): 15. Seaforth (.56246)

Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference)

Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Uwharrie Charter (7-0, 7-0); 2. South-

scoring opportunities. Northwood controlled the possession in Seaforth territory for the majority of the first half but struggled to get shots on target.

The Chargers earned five corners to Seaforth’s two.

Williams came up huge for the Hawks, especially with his ability to defend Northwood’s free kick attempts in the second half.

“It’s just one of those things, right?” Arias said after a deep sigh. “They’re not finishing. For some reason, it’s just not happening.” With the result, the Char -

Shutout wins for Jordan-Matthews boys’ soccer

western Randolph (8-4, 3-2); 3. Northwood (3-8, 3-3); 4. North Moore (3-8, 2-4); 5. Jordan-Matthews (2-15, 0-6)

Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Chatham Charter (7-4, 4-0); 2. Clover Garden School (3-4, 1-2); 3. Southern Wake Academy (2-6, 0-3)

Greater Triad 1A/2A: 1. Bishop McGuinness (7-4, 5-0); 2. North Stokes (10-2, 4-2); 3. South Davidson (7-4, 3-3); 4. South Stokes (2-9, 2-3); 5. Chatham Central (0-10, 0-6) Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. Carrboro (18-1, 10-0); 2. Seaforth (9- 6, 6-3); T3. Durham School of the Arts (9-8, 5-3); T3. Orange (10 -3, 5-3); 5. South Granville (2-7, 2-7); 6. Cedar Ridge (5-6, 1-6); 7. J.F. Webb (0-10, 0-7) Cross-country

Seaforth’s boys nished fth, and the girls sixth in the Big Seven Conference Meet at South Granville on Sept. 24. In at three-team meet hosted by Northwood on Sept. 23, the Chargers’ boys nished rst, and Jordan-Matthews’ boys ended up second. The two girls’ teams nished in the same order.

Girls’ ag football Scores from Week 2 (Sept. 22): Jordan-Matthews 18, Seaforth 13 Northwood 18, Seaforth 14 Southeast Alamance 19, Jordan-Matthews 0 Northwood 32, Eastern Alamance 12 Records after Week 2: Northwood (3-1), Jordan-Matthews (2-2), Seaforth (1-3)

gers moved to 5-3-4 (win, loss, draw) on the year. The young Northwood squad has shown promise in the first half of the season, but the battle with finishing has been the difference in what could be a better record. Northwood is 2-2-4 in games decided by one goal or less.

Seaforth moved to 3-7-2, taking its winless drought to six games. The Hawks have played a tough schedule for the most part, but they’ve struggled offensively of late. Seaforth has been shut out four times and has only scored four goals in the six games since Sept. 3.

@SEAFORTHVOLLEYBALL / INSTAGRAM

Seaforth’s Josie Valgus celebrates her 1,000th career dig.

SOCCER

Elliott steals Kansas Speedway race in wild overtime nish

his second win of the season.

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —

Chase Elliott somehow stole Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway, where he drove from eighth to the checkered ag during a two-lap overtime sprint to earn a spot in the third round of NASCAR’s Cup Series playo s.

It was a wild ending to a race that probably should have been won by Denny Hamlin, who dominated and led 159 laps until a bevy of late issues denied him his chance at career win No. 60 for Joe Gibbs Racing.

The race had a slew of late cautions — Hamlin dropped from the lead to seventh on a slow pit stop — that put Bubba Wallace in position to win the race. A red- ag stoppage for Zane Smith ipping his car set up the nal overtime restart, and Wallace was holding tight in a door-to-door battle with Christopher Bell for the victory.

Then Hamlin came from nowhere to catch Wallace, who drives for the team Hamlin co-owns with Michael Jordan, and Wallace scraped the wall as he tried to hold o his boss. That’s when Elliott suddenly entered the frame and smashed Hamlin in the door to get past him for

“What a crazy nish. Hope you all enjoyed that. I certainly did,” NASCAR’s most popular driver told the crowd after collecting the checkered ag. Elliott joins Ryan Blaney as the two drivers locked into the third round of the playo s. The eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight after next week’s race in Concord, and Elliott said once he got in position for the victory, he wasn’t giving up.

“I wasn’t going to lift, so I didn’t know what was going to happen. I gured at the end of the day, it was what it was at that point,” Elliott said. “Wherever I ended up, I ended up. At that point, we were all committed. Really cool just to be eighth on the restart and somehow win on a green-and-white checkered. Pretty neat.” Hamlin nished second and was clearly dejected by the defeat. The three-time Daytona 500 winner is considered the greatest driver to never win a Cup title and needed the victory to lock up his spot in the next round of the playo s. He also has a 60th Cup win set as a major career goal and is stuck on 59 victories.

He drove the nal 50-plus laps with his power steering on the fritz.

“Just super disappointing. I wanted it bad. It would have been 60 for me,” Hamlin said.

“Obviously got really, really tight with (Wallace), and it just got real tight and we let (Elliott) win.

Hamlin was followed his JGR teammates Bell and Chase Briscoe, who were third and fourth.

Wallace wound up fth, and even though the victory would

have moved him deeper into the playo s than he’s ever been in his career, he was satis ed considering how poorly his car was running earlier in the race. He wasn’t even upset with Hamlin and shook hands with his boss on pit road.

“To even have a shot at the win with the way we started ...

“What a crazy nish. Hope you all enjoyed that. I certainly did.”

Chase Elliott

you could have fooled me. We were not good,” Wallace said.

“Two years ago I’d probably say something dumb (about Hamlin). He’s a dumbass for that move. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not. But we’re going for the win. I hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there.”

Bottom four

The four drivers in danger of playo elimination headed into next Sunday’s race are Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Tyler Reddick and Wallace.

“Obviously there’s only one thing we can do at Charlotte (win), and that’s what we’ll be focused on,” Reddick said.

Up next

A playo elimination race is next at the hybrid oval/ road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Kyle Larson won a year ago. The playo eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight following next Sunday’s race.

Young fuels US comeback that comes up short at Ryder Cup

The Wake Forest product led a rally from the largest Sunday de cit in history

By Stephen Whyno The Associated Press

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Cameron Young heard his name chanted as he made his way to the 17th green at Bethpage Black, the same golf course he walked with his parents at age 5 in 2002 when it hosted the U.S. Open.

The crowd cheered him going up No. 18 and roared when he sank a nearly 12-foot birdie putt to win the rst singles match Sunday at the Ryder Cup and give the U.S. a bit of hope facing the biggest decit in tournament history. An epic comeback fell short and Europe retained the cup, but the New York native got his moment to wrap up a week when he was one of the home team’s top contributors.

“When we sent out Cam Young rst from New York to lead us out, we had to have that match,” captain Keegan Brad-

ROUNDUP from page B1

and nding ways to move the ball without running back Robert Tripp will be areas of focus for Northwood. Eastern Randolph has played ve teams with winning records and has given up more than 20 points once. In a game like this, ipping the eld and scoring points on special teams, especially with Raje Torres’ kick return skills, will be huge in trying to pull o an upset.

Seaforth vs. Orange (Friday at 7 p.m.)

Seaforth (1-4) will take on Orange (0-5) in its Big Seven 4A/5A conference opener.

Both teams are coming o byes in Week 6. Orange su ered a 35-0 defeat to Eastern Guilford on Sept. 19 which was its second straight shutout loss.

The Panthers’ young roster has struggled on both sides of the ball throughout the season. Orange has given up at least 34 points in all ve of its games while having yet to score more than 22 points. The run-heavy team has played some tough competition though, including Southeast Alamance, Williams and Hillside. All its losses have come to teams with winning records. For Seaforth, this game can be an opportunity get back on the right track after a disappointing end to its nonconference slate. It’ll be inter-

ley said. “He went out there in front of the whole world, in front of his home state, and made a 10-footer to beat Justin Rose, who is an all-time Ryder Cupper, and get to celebrate at Bethpage Black in front of everybody.”

Known for his stoic nature, Young got emotional after send-

ing American fans in the grandstand into a frenzy, even knowing how unlikely victory was.

“This is the biggest event that we have, really,” Young said. “There’s no bigger stage to play on, in my home state, a golf course that I love. There’s 11 other guys on this team that I was working really hard for,

esting to see if Seaforth can start fast and build an early lead through its offense. The Hawks have often had to play from behind in their early games due to failed drives, especially in the redzone.

lege Prep and Leadership Academy

Chatham Central (1-4) will look for its rst conference win over College Prep

and Keegan has put so much into this, all the vice captains. There’s a lot of people that have had so much to do with putting on this week, and I was just playing my hardest for all of them.”

Young, one of a quartet of U.S. rookies participating, wasn’t in Bradley’s lineup for Friday morning foursomes. He played every session the rest of the way and won three of four.

“It was fun watching him out there,” Bradley said earlier in the tournament. “That was really cool to see. He came back to his home state at a golf course that he’s played. I was really proud to go out there and watch him play the way he did. He played awesome. He’s been playing great for a long time.”

That crystallized in singles play against Rose, Europe’s elder statesmen making his seventh Ryder Cup appearance. Young led early, fell behind and went ahead by as many as 3 up on the back nine before Rose tied it on No. 16.

After halving the next hole, Young hit a 308-yard tee shot on No. 18 to the fairway. He

and Leadership (0-5) Friday. CPLA fell big to South Davidson last week 49-8. The Royals have not scored more than 18 points in a game this season, and they have also given up over 40 points in each contest.

Stopping the run has been a huge issue for CPLA. The Royals gave up 370 yards on the ground to South Davidson’s three rushers.

Even with CPLA having a tough season, this game likely won’t be an easy one for the Bears. The small Chatham Central roster has played three games decided by one possession, including two games decided by less than three points. The Bears have struggled to nish games this season, especially if they’ve been ahead for some time. They led Graham big before the Red Devils nearly came back and won. Chatham Central also led East Columbus and North Stokes late until they couldn’t make crucial stops late in the fourth quarter. Playing consistent football through all four quarters will be key for Chatham Central to come out victorious.

Conference standings (overall, conference)

Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Eastern Randolph (4-2, 0-0); 2. Southwestern Randolph (4 -2, 0-0); 3. Jordan-Matthews (4 -2, 0-0); 4. North Moore (3 -3, 0-0); 5. Northwood (1-4, 0-0)

then nailed a near-perfect approach to get the ball on the green, closer than Rose’s.

“To have a putt there on 18 to get a full point for the team was all could I have asked for,” Young said. “I’ve been thinking about having a putt like that for a while. The way things were going halfway through the back nine today, I didn’t want that putt, and then the way things were going through 17, I was very grateful that I had a chance there.”

Young played and won fourballs Friday with Justin Thomas and foursomes Saturday with Bryson DeChambeau before taking care of business himself Sunday. He credited those partners for getting him into a groove, and the 28-year - old showed his best at his rst Ryder Cup that very well might not be his last.

“Apparently Ryder Cups re me up a little bit,” Young said. “I had the help of JT and Bryson over the last couple of days to bring some emotion out, but that one right there I’ll remember for a long time.”

Greater Triad 1A/2A: T1. Bishop McGuinness (5-1, 2-0); T1. North Stokes (2-4, 2-0); T1. South Davidson (5-0, 1-0); 4. South Stokes (2-4, 1-1); T5. Chatham Central (1-4, 0-1); T5. Winston-Salem Prep (0-6, 0-2); T5. CPLA (0-5, 0-2) Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. J.F. Webb (3-2, 0-0); 2. South Granville (1-4, 0-0); 3. Seaforth (1-4, 0-0); 4. Cedar Ridge (1-4, 0-0); 5. Carrboro 0-5, 0-0); 6. Orange (0-5, 0-0) Power Rankings (after Week 6) 1. Jordan-Matthews 2. Seaforth 3. Northwood 4. Chatham Central

Last week’s rankings: 1. Jordan-Matthews; 2. Seaforth; 3. Northwood; 4. Chatham Central

Week 7 score predictions

• North Moore 34, Jordan-Matthews 14

• Seaforth 28, Orange 12 • Eastern Randolph 41, Northwood 12

• Chatham Central 26, CPLA 20 Prediction record (since Week 2): 10-5

Chatham Central at Col-

(Friday at 7 p.m.)

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth quarterback Duncan Parker warms up before a game against Northwood earlier this season. The Hawks will open conference play against Orange Friday.

The playo s now head to Charlotte Motor Speedway

COLIN E. BRALEY / AP PHOTO

Chase Elliott celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.

MATT SLOCUM / AP PHOTO

The United States’ Cameron Young celebrates after a putt on the rst hole during his Ryder Cup singles match.

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL Steelers backup quarterback robbed in Dublin

Dublin

The Pittsburgh Steelers con rmed that backup quarterback Skylar Thompson was involved in an incident Friday night after a report that the player had been robbed. The Irish Independent newspaper reported Thompson was assaulted and robbed in Dublin. Thompson did not play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland’s rst regular-season NFL game. The Steelers said they were “working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident.” Thompson was brie y hospitalized with minor injuries.

NBA Lakers coach Redick receives extension ahead of season

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers know head coach JJ Redick will be a part of their future going forward and plan to give superstar forward LeBron James every chance to do the same. General manager Rob Pelinka said Redick received a contract extension this summer after the 41-year-old completed his rst season leading the Lakers, who went 50-32 to nish third in the Western Conference and lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in ve games in a rst-round playo series.

MLS Owusu scores in 90th minute, CF Montreal beats 10 - man Charlotte 4-1

Charlotte Dante Sealy scored a goal in each half, Prince Owusu added a goal in the 90th minute, and CF Montreal beat 10-man Charlotte FC 4-1. Charlotte (17-13-2) has lost back-to-back games following a record-tying nine-game winning streak. Wilfried Zaha opened the scoring for Charlotte in the 10th minute when he dribbled around the goalkeeper for a shot into an empty net. But Charlotte was reduced to 10-men in the 20th. Sealy tied it in the 41st on a free kick and added another in the 86th. Fabian Herbers put Montreal ahead 2-1 in the 53rd.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Oregon moves to No. 2 behind Buckeyes in AP poll Oregon has moved up to No. 2 in The Associated Press college football poll, while Mississippi has its highest ranking since 2015. Alabama jumped back into the top 10, and Virginia entered the Top 25 for the rst time in six years. Ohio State remains No. 1 for the fth straight week. The Buckeyes received 46 rst-place votes. Oregon’s two-overtime win at Penn State boosted them to their highest ranking since last year. Miami slipped to No. 3, followed by Mississippi and Oklahoma.

Live animal mascots create deep connections with their teams

Football teams have had animals on the sideline since 1889

By Pat Graham The Associated Press

BOULDER, Colo. — The newest star for the Colorado Bu aloes loves molasses-based treats, drinking straight from the water hose at her ranch and galloping in front of a stadium full of fans.

Ralphie VII made her much-anticipated debut last weekend, the year-old, 700-pound ball of bison energy bursting out of her end-zone stall as “Heeeeere comes Ralphie” blared from the Folsom Field speakers. With her romp just past mideld, one of the GOATs of live animal mascots in college football was back. More than symbols; these beloved animals inspire fans, foster a deep connection with their teams and are cherished game-day traditions. Ralphie, whose presence was missing from the opening two home games as the newest version got up to speed, is just one of the most recognizable. There’s Uga, the English

“There are very few things that people are as passionate about as their love of their favorite college football team.”

Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Texas alumni association that cares for Bevo

bulldog from Georgia; Bevo, the longhorn steer at Texas; Mike the Tiger from LSU; the war eagle of Auburn, and the list goes on and on. Navy’s Bill the Goat; Renegade, the Appaloosa horse from Florida State; Rameses, the ram at UNC, and Traveler, the white horse at USC. There’s Nova and her fellow falcon friends at Air Force; Smokey, the bluetick coonhound at Tennessee; and Tusk, a Russian boar at Arkansas. Horses and tigers and boars, indeed.

“There are very few things that people are as passionate about as their love of their favorite college football team. These mascots are just the living symbols of that,” said Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association that oversees the care of Bevo. “They mean a whole lot.”

The live animal mascot has

ACC moving to 9-game football schedule starting next year

The latest move by the conference aligns with its Power Four peers

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — The Atlantic Coast Conference is moving to a nine-game league schedule for football while having teams play at least 10 games against power-conference opponents, though there will be variables due to the league’s odd number of football-playing member schools.

Commissioner Jim Phillips announced the decision, saying athletic directors had “overwhelmingly supported” the move after “incredibly intentional” discussions about scheduling options.

Going from an eight- to a nine-game model would align the ACC with its power-conference peers in the Big 12, Big Ten and Southeastern conferences after unbalanced scheduling between the conferences had been a topic of discussion, and disagreement, when it came to access for the College Football Playo .

The ACC would join the SEC — which announced its move from eight to nine last month — as the only leagues playing 10 games against Power Four opponents as a baseline in the so-called “9+1 model.”

Still, the ACC being the only power conference with an odd number of football-playing members (17) means there are wrinkles.

A person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that most league teams will transition to the nine-game slate next year, though multiple teams will play eight league games and two against Power Four opponents — an “8+2 model” — to accommodate nonconference games already on the books.

By 2027, the person said, 16 of the 17 teams will play a “9+1 schedule,” while one team will have to play an “8+2” slate.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the league hasn’t publicized speci cs of the model. Phillips said the league will present the plan to its faculty athletic representatives for formal adoption.

“There will be additional discussions and more details to be determined, but Monday’s decision showcases the commitment and leadership of our ADs in balancing what is best for strengthening the conference and for their respective programs,” Phillips said in his statement.

The ACC had used an eight-game football schedule since Florida State’s arrival for the 1992 season, the outlier being a 10-game schedule in 2020

been a part of college life since the late 1800s. According to legend, what would be become known as Yale’s Handsome Dan I arrived around 1889 when a student bought him for $5 from a New Haven, Connecticut, blacksmith. The bulldog — believed to be one of the rst live college mascots — was led across the eld before the start of football and baseball games. The school now has Handsome Dan XIX on the sideline.

Live mascots remain a familiar sight on the eld, from dogs (Reveille, Texas A&M’s rough collie; Dubs, Washington’s Alaskan malamute) to birds (Sir Big Spur, the rooster at South Carolina) to mules (Army) to Rambouillet sheep (Colorado State’s “CAM the Ram”). Not all live mascots take the eld.

Mike the Tiger has a view of Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from his expansive habitat, a roughly 15,000-square-foot home complete with two pools, a stream, a comfort rock that’s cold in the summer, warm in the winter, and a night house. A version of Mike stopped showing up inside the stadium on game days in 2015. This is the seventh rendition of Mike since 1936. He’s a Bengal-Siberian mix and checks in at approximately 400 pounds. He has 158,000 followers on Instagram.

“I would say the most common question we get is, ‘Is Mike outside?’ said Ginger Guttner, the communications manager for LSU’s school of veterinary medicine who also creates social media posts on Mike’s behalf. “I don’t think I’ve ever been there when there’s been no one there.”

The veterinarian students who care for Mike VII make “meat art” in the shape of the opponent’s logo for game days. The one of him devouring the Gators logo before the Tigers’ win over Florida received nearly 13,000 likes.

amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phillips had discussed the possibility of going to a ninegame schedule publicly in July during the ACC’s preseason football media days, noting it had been discussed internally multiple times. He said then that he “liked where our league is” and playing marquee nonconference matchups had been good for the league but added: “We’ll adjust if we have to.”

The change could theoretically get trickier now with one less spot available for teams to schedule outside of league play, though ensuring 10 games against power-conference opponents — either inside or outside the ACC schedule — would add another selling point when it came to teams’ CFP résumés.

Some teams had already been hitting that 10-game target through traditional means, such as Clemson playing nonconference games against now-No. 4 LSU to open the

year and its annual instate rivalry game with South Carolina out of the SEC to cap the regular season. Others had taken some creative routes to 10, such as NC State scheduling a nonconference game against longtime ACC member Virginia this month to go with next month’s trip to Notre Dame as part of the league’s scheduling partnership with the Irish. Playing nine league games and 10 against power-conference teams could potentially lead to a nancial boost with the league’s revenue-distribution model being revised to factor TV viewership ratings into the payouts. That change o ers the league’s biggest brands in football and men’s basketball to make more money with higher ratings against top-tier opponents, coming as the league has spent years battling a revenue gap behind the Big Ten and SEC.

JASON JACKSON FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

UNC’s Jaiden Patterson intercepts the Richmond quarterback in front of the Spiders’ sideline. Games like this FBS-FCS matchup will be rarer in the ACC’s new scheduling model.

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP PHOTO

Ralphie VII, Colorado’s new mascot, is guided by handlers during the animal’s ceremonial run before the second half.

Tina Turner Statue unveiled in small Tennessee community

The rock ’n’ roll queen grew up east of Memphis in Nutbush

By Adrian Sainz The Associated Press

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. —

A 10-foot statue of rock ’n’ roll

queen Tina Turner was unveiled Saturday in the rural Tennessee community where she grew up before she became a Grammy-winning singer, electrifying stage performer, and one the world’s most recognizable and popular entertainers.

The statue was unveiled during a ceremony at a park in Brownsville, located about an hour drive east of Memphis. The city of about 9,000 people is near Nutbush, the community where Turner went to school as a child. As a teen, she attended high school just steps from where the statue now stands.

The statue shows Turner with her signature wild hairdo and holding a microphone, as if she was singing on stage. It was designed by sculptor Fred Ajanogha, who said he tried to capture her exibility of movement on stage, how she held the microphone with her index nger extended, and her hair style, which he compared to the “mane of a lion.”

Turner died May 24, 2023,

“She’s a great artist; I love her music. It’s a big deal and a great thing for the community to have Tina Turner in her small town.”

Karen Cook, Tina Turner fan

at age 83 after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich. Her Grammy-winning singing career included the hit songs “Nutbush City Limits,” “Proud Mary,” “Private Dancer,” and “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” from the lm “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.” Her movie credits also include “Tommy” and “Last Action Hero.”

Turner teamed with husband Ike Turner for hit records and live shows in the 1960s and ’70s. She survived her troubled marriage to succeed in middle age with the chart-topping “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” released in 1984. Her admirers ranged from Mick Jagger to Beyoncé and Mariah Carey, and she was known as the “Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll.”

The unveiling was part of the annual Tina Turner Heri-

tage Days, a celebration of her life growing up in rural Tennessee before she moved away as a teenager. The statue was sculpted in clay by Ajanogha in Atlanta and cast in bronze by a West Tennessee foundry, and it took about a year to complete. It is 7 feet and 9 inches tall with a base of 2 feet, making it stand about 10 feet high.

Karen Cook said she traveled from Georgia to attend the event with her friend, a cousin of Turner’s, to honor the legendary performer.

“She’s a great artist, I love her music,” said Cook, 59. “My mom listened to her a lot. It’s a big deal and a great thing for the community to have Tina Turner in her small town.”

About 50 donors gave money for the statue, including Ford Motor Co., which donated $150,000. Ford is building an electric truck factory in nearby Stanton.

The statue stands near a museum honoring Turner at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville. The museum opened in 2014 inside the renovated Flagg Grove School, a one -room building where Turner attended classes in Nutbush. The school closed in the 1960s and was used as a barn before the dilapidated building was moved by tractor-trailer from Nutbush to Brownsville.

ADRIAN SAINZ / AP PHOTO

A newly unveiled statue of singer Tina Turner stands at a park on Saturday in Brownsville, Tennessee.

this week in history

Janis Joplin dies at 27, O.J. found not guilty, “The Jazz Singer” premieres, Great Chicago Fire begins

The Associated Press

OCT. 2

1919: President Woodrow Wilson su ered a serious stroke at the White House that left him paralyzed on his left side.

1942: The RMS Queen Mary, carrying U.S. troops, accidentally rammed and sank the escort ship HMS Curacoa in the North Atlantic, killing more than 300 crew members.

1944: German troops crushed the two-month Warsaw Uprising, during which 250,000 people were killed.

1967: Thurgood Marshall joined the U.S. Supreme Court as its rst African American justice.

OCT. 3

1944: During World War II, U.S. Army troops cracked the Siegfried Line north of Aachen, Germany.

1951: Bobby Thomson’s three-run homer o Ralph Branca, the “Shot Heard ’Round the World,” gave the New York Giants the pennant.

1990: West Germany and East Germany ended 45 years of postwar division, declaring a reuni ed country.

1995: A jury in Los Angeles found O.J. Simpson not guilty in the 1994 killings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

OCT. 4

1777: Gen. George Washington’s troops attacked the British at Germantown, Pennsylvania, but su ered heavy losses and were forced to retreat.

1957: The Space Age began as the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the rst arti cial satellite.

1970: Rock singer Janis Joplin was found dead in her Hollywood hotel room at age 27.

OCT. 5

1892: The Dalton Gang, notorious for train robberies, was nearly wiped out while attempting to rob two banks in Coffeyville, Kansas.

1947: President Harry S. Truman delivered the rst televised White House address on the world food crisis.

1986: Nicaraguan Sandinista soldiers shot down a cargo plane carrying weapons to Contra rebels, exposing illegal arms shipments that

ia launched a surprise attack on Israeli forces in the Sinai and Golan Heights during Yom Kippur.

1981: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was assassinated by members of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad while reviewing a military parade.

OCT. 7

1765: The Stamp Act Congress convened in New York to draw up Colonial grievances against England.

1916: Georgia Tech defeated Cumberland University 2220 in Atlanta in the most lopsided victory in college football history.

led to the Iran-Contra Scandal.

1989: A jury in Charlotte convicted evangelist Jim Bakker of defrauding followers through his television show.

2011: Steve Jobs, the Apple founder and former chief executive who transformed everyday technology with sleek devices, died at age 56.

OCT. 6

1927: The era of talking pictures arrived with the opening of “The Jazz Singer,” starring Al Jolson.

1973: War erupted in the Middle East as Egypt and Syr-

1985: Palestinian gunmen hijacked the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro in the Mediterranean. They killed Leon Klingho er, a Jewish American tourist in a wheelchair, and pushed him overboard.

OCT. 8

1871: The Great Chicago Fire began, killing more than 300 people and destroying more than 17,000 structures during a three-day blaze.

1956: Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in World Series history as the New York Yankees beat the Brooklyn Dodgers 2-0 in Game 5.

Bad Bunny to headline 2026 Super Bowl halftime show

The Grammy winner will host “Saturday Night Live” on Oct. 4

By Jonathan Landrum Jr.

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Bad Bunny will bring his Latin trap and reggaeton swagger to the NFL’s biggest stage next year: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show in Northern California.

The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that Bad Bunny will lead the halftime festivities from Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California.

The Puerto Rican superstar’s selection comes amid another career-de ning run: He’s fresh o a historic Puerto Rico residency this month that drew more than half a million fans and is leading all nominees at the Latin Grammys in November. He has become one of the world’s most streamed artists with albums such as “Un Verano Sin Ti,” an all-Spanish-language LP.

“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” Bad Bunny said in a statement. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que

“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself.”

Bad Bunny

seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”

Roc Nation founder Jay-Z said in a statement that what Bad Bunny has “done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”

The 31-year-old artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio has won three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys. He has become a global ambassador for Latin music, starred in lms such as “Bullet Train,” “Caught Stealing” and “Happy Gilmore 2,” and collaborated with top fashion houses. He’ll enter the Latin Grammys as the leading nominee with 12, dethroning producer and songwriter Édgar Barrera.

Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show.

Hamish Hamilton will serve as director.

“We know his dynamic performances, creative vision, and deep connection with fans will deliver the kind of unforgettable experience we’ve come to expect from this iconic cultural

Antonio

moment,” said Jon Barker, SVP of Global Event Production for the NFL.

“His music has not only broken records but has elevated

Latin music to the center of pop-culture and we are thrilled to once again partner with the NFL and Roc Nation to deliver this historic performance

to millions of fans worldwide,” said Oliver Schusser, the vice president of Apple Music and Beats. “We know this show will be unforgettable.”

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Benito

Martinez Ocasio (aka Bad Bunny) attends the premiere of “Caught Stealing” in 2025 in New York. The Grammy-winning artist will perform during the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.

AP PHOTO

Folk-rock singer Janis Joplin, pictured performing in 1969, died on Oct. 4, 1970. She was 27.

*Must set up Auto Draft for 2nd Month.

valid through February 1st 2024.

famous birthdays this week

Chubby Checker twists to 84, Steve Miller is 82, Alicia Silverstone turns 49, Rev. Jesse Jackson is 84

The Associated Press

OCT. 2

Film critic Rex Reed is 87. Singer-songwriter Don McLean (“American Pie”) is 80. Fashion designer Donna Karan is 77. Photographer Annie Leibovitz is 76. Singer-actor Sting is 74. Actor Lorraine Bracco is 71. Singer-songwriter Gillian Welch is 58. Actor-talk show host Kelly Ripa is 55.

OCT. 3

Composer Steve Reich is 89. Rock ’n’ roll star Chubby Checker is 84. Musician Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac) is 76. Blues musician Keb’ Mo’ is 74. Golf Hall of Famer Fred Couples is 66. Rock drummer Tommy Lee is 63. Singer-TV personality Gwen Stefani is 56.

OCT. 4

Baseball Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa is 81. Actor Susan Sarandon is 79. Actor Armand Assante is 76. Actor Christoph Waltz is 69. Singer Jon Secada is 64. Actor Alicia Silverstone is 49.

OCT. 5

College Football Hall of Fame coach Barry Switzer is 88. Rock musician Steve Miller is 82. Rock singer Brian Johnson (AC/ DC) is 78. Singer-songwriter Bob Geldof is 74. Astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson is 67. Actor Guy Pearce is 58. Actor Kate Winslet is 50. NFL tight end Travis Kelce is 36.

OCT. 6

Actor Britt Ekland is 83. Irish politician Gerry Adams is 77. Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy is 70. Actor Elisabeth Shue is 62. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) is 60.

OCT. 7

Author Thomas Keneally is 90. Singer John Mellencamp is 74. Rock musician Tico Torres (Bon Jovi) is 72. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma is 70. Recording executive

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO Chevy Chase attends the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall in 2025. The actor-comedian turns 82 on Wednesday.

and TV personality Simon Cowell is 66. Rock singer-musician Thom Yorke (Radiohead) is 57.

OCT. 8

Actor Paul Hogan is 86. Civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson is 84. Comedian Chevy Chase is 82. Author R.L. Stine is 82. Actor Sigourney Weaver is 76. Comedian Darrell Hammond is 70. Actor Matt Damon is 55.

SCOTT ROTH / INVISION / AP PHOTO Neil deGrasse Tyson attends the East Hampton Library’s 21st annual Authors Night fundraiser at Herrick Park in 2025. The astrophysicist and author turns 67 on Sunday.

the stream

Taylor Swift, Matthew McConaughey, Jacinda Arderna Glen Powell, Ghost of Yotei

“The Life of a Showgirl” drops on Friday

The Associated Press

TAYLOR SWIFT’S highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl” and Matthew McConaughey playing the real-life bus driver who saved elementary school students during California’s deadliest wild re are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: The classic children’s story “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White turned into an animated series for HBO Max, the documentary “Prime Minister” chronicling the ve-year tenure of former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern and some katana-swinging mayhem with the video game Ghost of Yotei.

MOVIES TO STREAM

McConaughey plays the real bus driver who drove 22 elementary school students to safety during 2018’s Camp Fire that engulfed Paradise, California, in the new lm “The Lost Bus,” streaming Friday on Apple TV+. America Ferrera costars as the teacher who went along for the ride, expecting it to be a straightforward drop o at a nearby school. Paul Greengrass directed the lm like an old-fashioned disaster movie, I wrote in my review, adding, “it’s impossible to take your eyes o the screen, away from the inferno and the sense of our own smallness and helplessness to ‘battle it.’”

Cillian Murphy is the headmaster of a reform school in “Steve,” a taut drama about mental health and a broken education system. The lm, which hits Net ix on Friday, is based on Max Porter’s novella “Shy.” “Steve” was directed by Belgian lmmaker Tim Mielants who also directed Murphy in the terri c Claire Keegan adaptation “Small Things Like These,” (currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+) which focused on the Magdalene laundries in Ireland. Together they could make for a moving double feature. The new documentary “Prime Minister,” now streaming on HBO Max, chronicles the ve-year tenure of Ardern, the former New Zealand PM. Just 37 when she took over and only the second elected world lead-

er to give birth while holding ofce, Ardern was praised around the world for her handling of the nation’s worst-ever mass shooting and the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. But she faced mounting political pressures at home and a level of vitriol from some that hadn’t been experienced by previous New Zealand leaders. In 2023, she shocked the world with her announcement that she was stepping down.

MUSIC TO STREAM

It’s her, hi: Swift returns with her highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” out Friday. The record was completed in Sweden with producers Max Martin and Shellback during the Eras Tour, and while details of the album have been limited, Swift did appear on the “New Heights” podcast in August to tease it. Swift promised infectious melodies

and vivid lyrics across “The Life of a Showgirl,” an album that will be much more “upbeat” than 2024’s “The Tortured Poets Department.”

SERIES TO STREAM

Superman only had to put on a pair of glasses to disguise himself as Clark Kent, but in the new Hulu series “Chad Powers,” Glen Powell wears prosthetics and a wig to masquerade himself — all in the name of football. Powell plays Russ Holliday, a college football quarterback at the top of his game until he makes an embarrassing mistake that ruins his career. Instead of giving up, Holliday decides to transform himself into an alter ego named Chad Powers, who is a walk-on player at a di erent school. The show is based on a character created by Eli Manning for his 2022 ESPN docuseries “Eli’s Places,” where he changed his look to take

part in walk-on tryouts at Penn State. The classic children’s story “Charlotte’s Web” by White is now an animated series for HBO Max. All three episodes drop Friday. The show’s voice cast includes Amy Adams as Charlotte, Elijah Wood as adult Wilbur, Cynthia Erivo as goose and Jean Smart as the narrator. Charlie Hunnam also transforms himself for Net ix’s true crime dramatization called “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” Hunnam plays Gein, a convicted murderer and suspected serial killer from the 1950s. Cocreated by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the “Monster” anthologies tend to illustrate the impact of true crime on pop culture. In this “Monster,” Tom Hollander plays Alfred Hitchcock, whose movie “Psycho” was inspired by Gein. Olivia Williams and Laurie Metcalf also star. It debuts Friday.

“It’s impossible to take your eyes o the screen, away from the inferno and the sense of our own smallness and helplessness to ‘battle it.’”

Lindsey Bahr, AP Film Writer

PBS has two interesting offers for the weekend. On Friday it will air “Great Performances: The Magic of Grace Bumbry” about the real-life opera singer from Missouri who made history as the rst black mezzo-soprano to perform at Germany’s Bayreuth Festival. It also shows her impact on musicians today, including Beyoncé, who is mentioned in the doc. It premieres Friday on PBS and streams on PBS.com and the PBS App.

On Sunday we’re introduced to Jules Maigret, a detective created by author Georges Simenon. His rst Maigret novel was published in 1931 but a new PBS Masterpiece series about the investigator takes place in modern day. Benjamin Wainwright stars as the titular character who — along with his team — use unorthodox methods to solve crimes. “Maigret” will also be available on PBS.com and the PBS App.

The second season of the biblical drama “House of David” premieres Sunday. Available with a Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video, the show details the rise of David, a biblical gure who became the most celebrated king of Israel.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Atsu, the protagonist of Ghost of Yotei, was just a girl when the renegade Lord Saito killed the rest of her family. Sixteen years later, she’s returned to northern Japan to exact vengeance against Saito and his minions. She’s learned some mad samurai skills in the meantime, so expect plenty of katana-swinging mayhem. This new adventure from Sony’s Sucker Punch studio is the follow-up to 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, and it builds on that game’s sprawling scope and lush graphics while blending 1600s history with Japanese folklore. Atsu’s mission begins Thursday on PlayStation 5.

SCOTT A GARFITT / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Matthew McConaughey poses for photographers upon arrival at the screening of the lm ‘The Lost Bus’, which is streaming Friday on Apple TV+.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Glen Powell, the star and co-creator of “Chad Powers,” arrives at the premiere of the series now streaming on Hulu.

Duplin Journal

Joint operation

uncovers meth in Beulaville home

Beulaville

A Beulaville was arrested on Sept. 25, after a joint drug investigation conducted by the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce Special Operations Division and Probation O cers with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

According to authorities, a search of Billy Ray Miller’s residence uncovered crystal methamphetamine and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Miller was charged with felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance; felony possession of methamphetamine; felony maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances; and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was placed under a $50,000 secured bond and is currently being held in the Duplin County Jail.

4 arrested during saturation patrols Duplin County Four people were arrested during a targeted saturation patrol operation in Magnolia and Rose Hill on Sept. 26. The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce, with support from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, conducted 75 tra c stops, issuing 18 citations, seven written warnings, and more than 37 verbal warnings. Of the arrests made, two were for felony methamphetamine charges and two for driving while impaired. The patrols were designed to increase law enforcement visibility and address issues such as impaired driving, drug activity and tra c violations. Sheri Stratton Stokes credited the success of the operation to strong interagency cooperation, emphasizing that collaboration is essential to protecting and serving the citizens of Duplin County.

John Rich Road temporarily closed Magnolia The North Carolina Department of Transportation has temporarily closed the bridge on John Rich Road over Interstate 40 near John Williams Evans Road for maintenance. The road is expected to reopen by Oct. 9. Drivers are advised to use caution in the area.

Camo for a Cause raises $75K for Riley’s Army

Teen musicians Asher Brinson, left, and Charlie Morris donated their time and talent to perform traditional and bluegrass music at Camo for a Cause at Tara Creek on Saturday night. The event raised an estimated $75,000 for the nonpro t Riley’s Army that supports children with cancer and their families. Turn to A6 for the story and photos.

Rep. Dixon reverses retirement decision

The longtime lawmaker told Duplin Journal that he will seek reelection in 2026

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

IN A SURPRISING and exclusive announcement to Duplin Journal, longtime North Carolina Rep. Jimmy Dixon has ocially reversed his decision to retire and con rmed he will seek reelection in 2026. Just one week after stating he would not run again, Dixon says a wave of re ection, family conversations

and overwhelming community support led him to reconsider.

In an in-depth Q&A, the 4th District state representative opened up about what changed his mind, the role his grandson played in that decision, and why he believes now is not the time to step away. From battles over farming rights to the growing polarization in politics, Dixon shared candid insights on the challenges ahead — and why he’s not ready to hand over the reins just yet.

What ultimately in uenced your decision to reverse your retirement and seek reelection?

A Swansboro man is charged with hitting four police vehicles and crashing into a NCSHP building

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — A multiagency pursuit through Duplin County involving a stolen vehicle ended in a crash Thursday

Ultimately, it was my own desire to continue and my assessment that I should not let a few frustrations about internal politics cause me to make a premature decision about retirement. Was there a particular moment or conversation that tipped the scales for you?

Yes. My grandson asked me why I was not going to run again. In trying to answer that question from a 10-year-old, I struggled with an answer, which caused me to re ect deeper about the “Why.” Additionally, a good friend and mentor asked, “If you are frustrated about a few issues, who do you think can go up there

and not be even more frustrated than you are?”

How did your family respond to your decision to remain in public service?

My family has always been super supportive of my e orts through all of the last 15 years. Actually, I initially discussed my possible retirement with only my wife and my daughter. Both were more than happy with both decisions, and they, along with my entire family, remain supportive. I can’t imagine anyone serving in this type of role in this type of political climate without

near Kenansville with the arrest of the suspect. According to the Beulaville Police Department, Edgar Gallagher III, 56, of Swansboro, led police on a chase that began shortly after an o cer spotted a Chevrolet box truck speeding and illegally passing vehicles in the turning lane on West Main Street. When the o cer attempted to initiate a tra c stop, the driver refused to pull over, accelerating westbound onto N.C. 24 Highway East and reaching speeds of up to 90 mph.

Airport board approves $550K cap for fuel tank purchase

“The majority of the taxpayers have no clue the secret treasure this place is.” Dexter Edwards

$2.00

The procurement for the fuel farm begins ahead of the spring 2026 build

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Airport Commission Board reviewed major infrastructure projects, staing progress and long-term planning during its Sept. 23 meeting, signaling continued investment in what board members called one of the county’s “best-kept secrets.” Airport Director Joshua Raynor said the Daniels and Daniels hangar project is still in the midst of moving dirt, and SM&E has concerns about water retention in some clay-heavy areas. Rehabilitation on the metal hangars

is “sharpening its price” and planning how to handle it with available crews. The rehab will be done one hangar at a time to be able to move planes to the ramp and get work done during the airport’s work hours. A proposed $15,000 to $20,000 change order would allow design work to remove a hill near the project area.

The Parrish & Partners taxiway project is nearing completion, pending nal documents and a punch list with S.T. Wooten. A key item on the agenda was approval to move forward with a contract allowing early procurement of fuel tanks for the airport’s new fuel farm — a move that starts a six-month lead time to keep construction on track for spring 2026.

“He did strike the front of our building and thankfully no one was injured.”

See DIXON, page A6

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Jason Casteen, NCSHP rst sergeant

Ena Sellers

Michael Jaenicke

Allison Batts

Advertising Representative

Loretta Carey O ce Manager

CONTACT US

O ce Phone: 910 463-1240

To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042

We stand corrected

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@ nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

THURSDAY

Sept. 22

Justice Romelle Mott, 25, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce (DCSO) for two counts of assault on a female and assault in icting serious injury.

• Charles Manuel Solis, 56, was arrested by DCSO for driving while license revoked, ctitious or altered registration, and expired registration.

• Jessica Renee Lanier, 37, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired and unsafe movement.

• Richard Eugene Lanier, 36, was arrested by the NC Highway Patrol for reckless driving with wanton disregard, driving while impaired, and driving left of center.

Sept. 23

• Ashley Faye Brown, 43, was arrested by DCSO for assault with a deadly weapon in icting serious injury and domestic violence.

• William Austin Inman, 30, was arrested by DCSO for assault on a law enforcement o cer, domestic violence, and assault on a child under 12.

• Nathan Hales McDu e, 41, was arrested by DCSO for second-degree forcible rape and false imprisonment.

• Brian Markelle Benson, 25, was arrested by DCSO for felony probation violation.

New water deal clears path for 600-home development in Wallace

The deal includes the purchase of a three-mile water line for $1 million over 10 years

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

MORE THAN TWO decades ago, the Town of Wallace and Pender County signed a contract for Wallace to provide water to the neighboring county. At the time, Pender did not have enough water to meet the demands of its growing population.

“Wallace had tons of it, so it was a good contract for both of us,” Wallace Town Manager Rob Taylor said in an interview with Duplin Journal.

The contract was good for 40 years.

Since that agreement, things have changed for Pender County. According to Taylor, Pender County has built their own water treatment plant, and the county has been adding wells to its system. As a result, they are not as in need of water from Wallace.

“They’ve been hinting about getting out of that contract for a while,” Taylor said. “It was a take-or-pay contract, meaning if they did not use the water, they still had to pay us.”

The existing contract has been a lucrative one for Wallace. The town has been collecting about $8,000 a month from Pender County in water sales.

After a series of negotiations between Pender County and Wallace, the two parties reached a new agreement that will help Pender County re -

• Rudy Lopez-Ramirez, 22, was arrested by the NC Highway Patrol for driving while impaired.

Sept. 24

• Markeia R. Herring, 35, was arrested by Warsaw PD for breaking or entering, damage to real property, and resisting a public o cer.

• Nina Kaylinda Hu n, 45, was arrested by DCSO for three counts of possession with intent to sell or deliver controlled substances.

• Mark Anthony Stukes, 71, was arrested by DCSO for three counts of tra cking in cocaine.

• Darryl Lewis McGee, 34, was arrested by DCSO for two counts of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Sergio Juan Ramirez, 31, was arrested by DCSO for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia

Sept. 25

• Keith Anthony Clayborne, 36, was arrested by DCSO for domestic violence.

• Stephen Craig Blanton, 65, was arrested by DCSO for misuse of 911 system and damage to property.

• Antonio Carlos Capitano, 18, was arrested by Kenansville PD for two counts of shoplifting and larceny.

“That development should generate, once it’s all built out, about $1.56 million in system development fees.”

Rob Taylor

lieve themselves of the current costs of the contract and allow Wallace a way to still maintain water revenue from the Pender County area.

In a special called meeting on Sept. 23, the Wallace Town Council voted to approve a new contract with Pender County.

The new contract allows the Town of Wallace to purchase three miles of water line currently owned by Pender County. That line leads to 150 acres of land that Wallace annexed in Pender County last year. Plans are in place for 600 quarter-acre home sites to be developed on the property with land remaining for possible commercial development as well. The property is located in the vicinity of the N.C. Highway 11 split from U.S. Highway 117 near Willard.

Under the newly approved agreement, Wallace will purchase the three miles of water line to the property at a cost of $1 million, payable in installments of $100,000 per year for 10 years. The third party in the agreement is the developer of the 150-acre tract who will front the Town of Wallace $100,000 a year for ve years in the form of prepaid system development fees.

• Natalene Deandra Humphrey, 30, was arrested by DCSO for three counts of tra cking in methamphetamine.

• Bernard Jarmon, 76, was arrested by Kenansville PD for habitual impaired driving.

• Edgar Givens Gallagher, 56, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired, failure to report an accident, and hit and run.

• Billy Ray Miller, 48, was arrested by DCSO for felony probation violation, possession with intent to sell or deliver controlled substances, and possession of methamphetamine.

• Joshua Harmon Sanderson, 41, was arrested by Beulaville PD for intoxicated and disruptive behavior and concealed handgun permit violation.

• Stanley Ray Brown, 62, was arrested by DCSO for two counts of maintaining a dwelling for drug activities and possession with intent to sell or deliver controlled substances.

• Elvira Malinek, 72, was arrested by DCSO for two counts of driving while impaired and reckless driving to endanger.

Sept. 26

• Louie Bass, 65, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired, reckless driving, and driving while license revoked for impairment.

“Basically, it’s a wash for us the rst ve years,” Taylor said.

In the long term, the new contract works out in the town’s favor, Taylor said.

“Every house that gets built has to pay a system development fee to tap into the system,” Taylor said. “That development should generate, once it’s all built out, about $1.56 million in system development fees. That pays for the water line plus gives us another $570,000 worth of revenue.”

The contract will still allow Wallace to sell water to Pender County in the event they need backup.

During the special called meeting, Taylor told the council the developer had been waiting for the contract to be approved so he could proceed with getting the land ready.

“This means the developer can do what he needs to since (the negotiations for the new contract) have been a holdup for him. He has someone interested in buying the site, but he can’t get that done until he shows the state where the water supply is coming from. He really wanted to be moving dirt this fall, but because this has taken so long, it’s probably going to end up being further into the winter.”

In the interview with Duplin Journal after the special called meeting, Taylor praised the actions of former Wallace mayor Charley Farrior and previous town council members for having the foresight that put Wallace in a position to be well-supplied with water and an e cient wastewater treatment facility.

• Donald Ray Hall, 46, was arrested by DCSO for domestic violence.

• Dakarie Elijah Tresvant, 26, was arrested by Kenansville PD for driving while impaired.

• Sheena Janell Wimmer, 42, was arrested by DCSO for domestic violence.

Sept. 27

• Joe R. Alford, 22, was arrested by Warsaw PD for going armed to the terror of the public.

• William Richard Degen, 59, was arrested by DCSO for resisting a public o cer, ethnic intimidation, and communicating threats.

Sept. 28

• Karen Ainez, 35, was arrested by the NC Highway Patrol for driving without a license, reckless driving, and driving while impaired.

• James R. Carpenter, 62, was arrested by DCSO for two counts of simple assault and rst-degree trespassing.

• Emanuel Alexander Morales, 33, was arrested by DCSO for probation violation.

• Omar Rasheem Jevon Melvin, 26, was arrested by DCSO for driving while license revoked and expired registration.

DUPLIN happening

SPONSORED BY

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County:

Oct. 11

Latino Cultural Festival

10 a.m.

Experience the vibrant sights, sounds, and avors of Latin America at the Duplin County Latino Cultural Festival. Enjoy live Latin music, traditional food, folk dances, kids’ activities, a soccer tournament, and a special performance by Garifuna Generation. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public — come celebrate culture and community.

115 E Clement St., Wallace

Community Yard Sale

All day event

This community-wide yard sale o ers residents a fun way to connect, shop and support local commerce. Flyers with participating addresses will be distributed to help shoppers nd every sale around town. Want to join in? Email magnolia communityengagement@ gmail.com with your home address to be included on the o cial yer. The rain date is Oct. 18.

Oct.

18

NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet 6 p.m.

The Duplin County NAACP will host its annual Freedom Fund Banquet at the Kemba Center in Warsaw. Join the special evening to celebrate progress, honor local leaders, and support the mission of civil rights, equality, and community unity.

124 Water Tank Rd, Warsaw

Oct. 28

Trunk-or-Treat at the Library 6:30 p.m.

Join the Duplin County Library for a festive Trunk-orTreat at the Events Center. This is a safe, family-friendly Halloween celebration for kids of all ages. Come in costume and enjoy treats, fun and community spirit. 195 Fairgrounds Dr, Kenansville

Got a local event? Let us know and we’ll share it with the community here. Email our newsroom at community@duplinjournal. com. Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.

CRIME LOG

Wastewater woes stall Calypso’s growth

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — As more people move inland in search of a ordable housing, lower taxes and less congestion, towns across Duplin County are seeing steady growth.

While Calypso has been experiencing some growth on the residential front, business development has come to a halt because the town relies on the Mount Olive wastewater treatment system. A series of problems with that system prompted the North Carolina Division of Water Resources to advise the town of Mount Olive that its wastewater treatment plant was not in compliance. That eventually led to the state placing a moratorium on any new wastewater being allowed into the system. That nightmare for Mount Olive has become a nightmare for Calypso as well.

In an interview with Duplin Journal last week, Calypso Mayor Jo Anne Wilson said the town has been able to welcome a little growth despite the restrictions.

“(The growth is) residential-

“We have to tell them we can provide the water, but we don’t have the sewage capacity.”

Mayor Jo Anne Wilson

ly, mostly,” she said, estimating that at least 25 new homes have been built within the town over the past two years.

The town was also able to bring in one new business.

“A few years ago, we had a Dollar General come to town,” Wilson said.

There has been interest expressed in buildings for businesses in town, she said.

“We have to tell them we can provide the water, but we don’t have the sewage capacity,” Wilson said.

The mayor said the town was able to get the individual homes added to the sewage system, but a new business would put them over capacityunder Mount Olive’s moratorium.

“We have a man who wants to build a laundromat and a man who wants to open

a car lot. Because of the moratorium, we aren’t able to accommodate them at this time.”

CSX commits to xing hazardous Rose Hill rail crossings

to make repairs at this crossing and one other in town sometime this month.

The tank budget is capped at $550,000, with funding from ve grants, most of which have already been secured.

The board also approved a work authorization for Michael Baker International to begin design work on the apron rehabilitation project at a cost of just over $227,000. Separately, a site has been cleared for the airport’s upcoming Maintenance Building.

Raynor shared that the airport has received a letter of intent for federal discretionary funding, advising them to prepare for runway rehabilitation in 2029. While 90% of the cost will be covered by federal funds, the airport is expected to contribute roughly $500,000. Plan-

ning must begin by 2026 due to funding timelines and restrictions. The rehabilitation will repave at least three inches.

The board discussed possible ways to raise the matching funds, including having the county set aside money annually over the next three years.

The runway was last updated in 2018, and it is expected to be upgraded every 10-15 years. The board authorized Raynor to begin working with the county manager on the funding plan.

In other business

Approximately 85 acres of airport property currently designated for hay and pasture use is now open for farming bids. Interested farmers can contact the

The company said work could begin as soon as this month if no delays arise

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

ROSE HILL — Duplin Journal reported in August that the railroad crossing at East Church Street and East Railroad Street in Rose Hill has long been a source of frus

tration and concern for town leaders and residents alike. The crossing’s severely rotted railroad ties, now well beyond repair, present a serious safety hazard for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Despite repeated complaints over the past several years, e orts by town leaders and residents to push for

airport with bids on what they would be willing to pay to rent the land.

Raynor updated the board on sta ng, noting that two new hires are performing well, and only one part-time position remains open.

“We are nally getting some much needed help here,” said Raynor. The board discussed employee retention and possible perks to encourage people to work for and stay at the airport.

“Right now, we only close Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It may be better to follow the county’s closures and give us eight to nine actual holidays o ,” Raynor suggested.

Raynor plans to review records of actual usage during the holidays to con rm whether or

“We noted two crossings that need work. One will be torn out and repaved. The other just needs the timbers replaced as the asphalt is good.”

Austin Staton

action from CSX have gone unanswered — until recently.

CSX spokesperson Austin Staton, director of media relations for the railroad, told Duplin Journal in August that he had contacted local teams to assess the situation and work toward a resolution. In a follow-up communication last week, Staton provided updat-

not closure would be e cient and helpful.

Chairman Jack Alphin acknowledged the importance of the partnership between the airport and the county commissioners to make things work.

County Commissioner Dexter Edwards, who also serves on the Airport Commission Board, highlighted the airport’s role as a gateway to the county.

“The airport is the rst impression for everyone who ies in,” he said. “We don’t know how many businesses have been sold on coming here based on just the hospitality and good impressions made of our county through our airport.”

Alphin noted that three of the county’s top businesses are actively working with the airport.

ed information regarding the plans for addressing the deteriorating conditions at the crossing.

“We noted two crossings that need work,” he wrote. “One will be torn out and repaved. The other just needs the timbers replaced as the asphalt is good. We are setting crossing closures up and plan to have this work completed in October.”

Staton also included an important caveat concerning the timeline: “This timeline assumes there are no delays due to weather or emergencies. I would probably be more accurate to say (fourth quarter).”

For now, town leaders and residents are cautiously optimistic, hoping the necessary repairs take place without further complications.

The board approved a resolution to recognize their contributions formally.

“People who are involved understand it, but the majority of the taxpayers have no clue the secret treasure this place is,” Edwards added. “We are very guilty for not telling our own story, but we need to toot our own horn.”

Raynor encouraged public engagement and reminded residents that he is available to give airport tours upon request.

Operationally, the airport had sold 8,078 gallons of fuel as of the meeting date, representing 14% of its projected fuel sales revenue. In capital outlay, major expenses included a new lawn mower, a leased Ford Explorer and a six-passenger golf cart to support airport operations.

Wilson said she hopes the town will be able to resolve the wastewater issues within the next year or two so Calypso can welcome more businesses and residents to town.

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

A wastewater moratorium tied to nearby Mount Olive has stalled business development in Calypso.

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

The railroad crossing at the corner of East Church Street and East Railroad Street in Rose Hill is awaiting repairs from CSX Railroad. A spokesman for the railroad said plans are

AIRPORT from page A1

The town has seen steady residential development, but business expansion is halted by wastewater moratorium tied to Mount Olive

THE CONVERSATION

Trip

Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Keeping government open and our defense intact

AS YOUR CONGRESSMAN, I am committed to ghting for your family, your freedoms and your future. That means making sure our government stays open without wasting your tax dollars, and making sure our troops and veterans have the resources they need to keep America safe.

Over the past two weeks, two big issues have come to the forefront: keeping the government open and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I want to share where I stand and what these decisions mean for you.

Last week, House Republicans passed a clean, commonsense funding bill. This short-term, sevenweek measure keeps the government open and ensures our troops and families don’t pay the price while Congress continues working toward the longterm reforms needed to rein in Washington’s wasteful spending. It doesn’t raise taxes or add wasteful new spending. It just ensures our government continues to serve our people.

Here’s what our bill does:

• Delivers paychecks for our troops, Border Patrol agents, TSA agents and air tra c controllers

• Prevents delays in Social Security and Medicare applications

• Provides uninterrupted health care for veterans

• Keeps National Parks open for families to enjoy

• Continues vital food inspections to protect consumers

However, a CR needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate. Senate

LETTERS

FRIENDS and citizens of House District 4, Duplin/ Wayne Counties

As the result of the tremendous encouragement from many of my constituents in District 4 and a host of others across the entire state including a goodly number of my colleagues in the North Carolina General Assembly, I am withdrawing my decision to retire at the end of my eighth term and seek reelection in November 2026. Thank you for your friendships and loyal support over the last 15 years. Please know that my commitment to promote, support and protect agriculture and our hard working family farmers in District 4 and across our entire state is AS STRONG AS EVER!

Jimmy Dixon

Democrats are threatening a shutdown unless their partisan demands are met. They want to use this as an opportunity to tack on a massive $1.5 trillion spending hike. Their list of demands includes restoring taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, sending $500 million to liberal news outlets and pushing diversity programs in foreign countries while cutting bene ts back home.

Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job. We acted well before the deadline and passed a clean bill to keep the government open. If the government shuts down, it will be because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) feels the need to put political games over people.

This shutdown would hurt families, seniors, small businesses and our veterans. I will not stand by and let Washington games hurt North Carolina families.

Alongside keeping our government open. Congress also passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This annual defense bill is one of the most important responsibilities we have. It authorizes funding for our military, sets policy for the Department of War, and makes sure our troops and their families get the funding they deserve.

As Fort Bragg’s congressman, I fought to make sure this bill delivered for our community.

Fort Bragg and NC-09 wins:

• $44.7 million to construct training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg

• $5.3 million for SOF Joint Intelligence Center

(JIC) at Fort Bragg

• $19 million for Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course

• $24 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar

• $80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid

• $6.5 Million for SOF Mission Command Center

• $7.5 million for advanced drone development in North Carolina

On a national level, the NDAA delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops. It codi es 15 of President Donald Trump’s executive orders, reinforces priorities like merit-based promotion, accountability and improving lethality among the ranks. It also provides new authority and funding for DOW to coordinate with Homeland Security on border security.

The NDAA funds Trump’s signature defense platforms, from the Golden Dome missile defense system to next-generation ghters, submarines, warships and autonomous systems. It cuts red tape in the Pentagon’s procurement process so innovation can reach the battle eld faster. And it makes new investments in arti cial intelligence, hypersonics and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Iran and other adversaries.

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran and military family who sacri ces for our country. It strengthens our national security, protects our homeland, and honors the service of those stationed at Fort Bragg and around the world.

The contrast in Washington could not be more clear. While we are ghting for a commonsense solution, the Democrats are focused on playing politics with partisan priorities that do nothing to help North Carolinians.

I will continue every day to ght for you, to protect your tax dollars and to support the brave men and women who keep us safe.

Richard Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

What 100 years of craftsmanship can teach us in the age of AI

THIS FALL, the John C. Campbell Folk School will celebrate a century of keeping traditional Appalachian crafts alive, including blacksmithing, weaving, woodcarving, basketry and more. But what we’re really preserving is something deeper: the human need to make, to connect and to belong. And that’s never felt more urgent than now. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities across western North Carolina, we’ve been reminded just how fragile our region — and its rich cultural heritage — can be. As we support recovery e orts, we also rea rm our commitment to sustaining the traditions that root and restore us. Because in a time of disruption, digital overload and AI, the Folk School o ers something powerfully countercultural: A space where making is slow, tactile and grounded in community.

Crafting by hand doesn’t just produce beautiful objects, it cultivates qualities we need now more than ever: mindfulness, resilience, creativity and focus. In our studios, people don’t scroll or skim. They observe, try again, and take pride in small, steady progress. Recent research shows that engaging in arts and crafts boosts life satisfaction, happiness and a sense of purpose even after accounting for age, health or socioeconomic status. Once engaged, participants also rediscover each other. Learning in a noncompetitive,

collaborative environment builds connection and purpose, qualities often eroded in our tech-saturated lives. We’ve seen what happens when we fail to preserve folkways. Sacred Harp and shape — note singing, once common across the mountains, has nearly vanished from many parts of Appalachia, near casualties of shifting tastes and modern convenience. Fortunately, a devoted community of singers passionate about preserving and perpetuating this traditional American music is working to keep the tradition alive. Thanks to similarly stalwart practitioners, Cherokee white oak basketry, a craft nearly lost, now passes down again through intergenerational teaching and shared storytelling.

The Folk School is part of that continuum. For 100 years, we’ve welcomed people to this corner of the mountains to learn and share traditional skills. And as we mark our centennial, we’re expanding the ways we honor and elevate this region’s heritage. We’ve restored and refreshed our historic Log Cabin Museum and introduced an interactive walking tour on campus. Both were developed in consultation with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Texana, the historic African American community in Murphy, and both will give visitors a layered sense of place and home held by diverse mountain people.

Another powerful symbol of this legacy is a rare, hand-drawn map of the Southern Appalachian region created in the early 1900s by Folk School founder Olive Dame Campbell and researcher Elva M. Dickey. This one- of-a-kind artifact, long hidden from public view, has now been stabilized and unveiled as part of our centennial celebration.

Our 100th anniversary isn’t just a look back. It’s a call forward. This October, during our Fall Festival and yearlong centennial programming, we’ll welcome thousands of visitors to join in that vision: to celebrate Appalachian artistry, share food and stories, and experience rsthand how craft, music and dance traditions still shape hearts and communities. In a world that increasingly and unquestioningly prizes rapid, digitized information, we invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

Come join us. Put your head, heart and hands to work. And rediscover what it means to truly make something that matters.

Bethany Chaney is executive director of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, which will o cially mark its 100th anniversary at its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5.

COLUMN | BETHANY CHANEY

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

One family’s commitment to responsible farming

From sharecropping roots to modern hog barns, the Herrings have built a life and a legacy on the same Duplin County soil

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

IN NORTHERN DUPLIN

County there is a farm that takes pride in being in its third generation of pork production.

Herring Farm started in the 1930s with Leland Buck Herring, expanded with his son Curtis’ vision in the 1960s, and now continues with his grandson, Chad Herring.

“The most important part of our story is that we all still live here,” Chad Herring said as he toured the land with Duplin Journal. Leland started the farm as a sharecropper with ve children and no particular passion for pigs — he may have even been allergic to them.

“He did a lot of row crops,” Chad recalled.

But everything changed in 1965 when Leland’s son, Curtis, took on a 4-H project and raised nine feeder pigs to market weight. With the money he earned, Curtis reinvested in the farm and began steering the family business toward pork production.

“In 1970, we had a really tough winter. We had been keeping the pigs outside on the ground for years, but that year it froze, and we lost 75% of our livestock,” Chad remembered.

“Grandpa said we either take the pigs inside or we get out of the pig business.”

The following year, the family started building pig barns. With manual controls in the old barn and power controls in the new barn, ventilation systems with curtains now help keep the pigs’ temperature regulated.

Over the years, the family has continued to evolve with the times. Prentice Herring, Chad’s father, left the farm to attend college and later worked for a shirt manufacturer in Wilmington. But in 1978, when Leland fell ill, Prentice returned to help Curtis manage the farm.

“Dad was the business guy, and Uncle Curtis was more the

pigs are transported to Herring Nursery Farm from a sow farm grower. At Herring, they will continue to grow in special ventilated pig barns until they are ready to move on to a nisher farm.

mechanical. They worked together really well using each other’s strengths,” Chad said.

Like his dad, Chad also left the farm. He went to college, got a construction degree and started working in that industry. Still, he ended up coming home as well because of the opportunity that only farm life can provide.

“I had the best childhood growing up on a farm, and I wanted to give my children the same kind of childhood I had growing up here,” Chad said.

“We were independent and had the whole process here from sow to nish until the mid-late ’90s. We even made our own feed; that was one of my jobs in high school,” Chad remembered.

The increased prices on corn in the ’90s made self-made feed more di cult. Ultimately, the family chose to transition to becoming contract growers for Smith eld Foods.

“Smith eld Foods is vertically integrated,” Chad said. “Contract growers own their farms and provide the labor, while Smith eld owns the pigs and feed to grow them. They also provide all the veterinar -

ian care and medicine needed to take care of them.”

Farmers get paid based on feed conversion.

“It is advantageous for the farmer to make sure there are not a lot of feed spills, be ecient with feed and convert it to pork,” Chad said. “We have advanced a lot over the years and can grow a lot more pork with a lot less feed now. At the nursery stage here, we can grow a pound of pork with about 1.5 to 1.6 pounds of feed. The better I take care of my animals, the better the pigs will be, and the better my pay will be. It just makes sense to take care of the animals.”

One of the controversies surrounding pork production is the concern that pig farmers are polluting drinking water. In 1997, a moratorium was placed on hog lagoons, limiting any new pig farms from developing. Even to this day, it is hard to become a pork farmer without buying old farms with existing lagoon permits and remodeling them. Permits are renewed every ve years with public hearings that try to impose more regulations and regulations on farmers.

At Herring Pork Farm, man-made storage ponds leech to Coastal Bermuda grass elds that are harvested and fed to cattle. By law, the waste is regulated to be spread only at a rate that the grass is able to absorb and break down the nutrients.

“We have a zero-discharge policy for this kind of wastewater system,” Chad Herring said. When Herring returned to the farm in 2007-08, he said he made a commitment to it. He went to meetings and events to support pig farming, and he spoke as an advocate for the needs of farming families. In 2018, Herring became the

executive director of NC Farm Families, a nonpro t organization formed in 2015 to advocate for and speak on behalf of farm families in the state. With 40,000 to 50,000 followers on social media today, the organization shares farmer stories to reeducate the public.

“Farmers are just like everybody else (with lives, families to support, and sometimes other careers),” Herring said. “The modern farmer really has to be an activist. We need people to be advocates for this industry by attending meetings and speaking up for the needs of the farmers.”

UMO senior nds voice through Carolina Sound ensemble

Once hesitant to take the stage, Kara Strange now uses her voice to encourage others

Duplin Journal sta

MOUNT OLIVE — Kara

Strange, a senior at the University of Mount Olive, has turned a lifelong love of music into a platform for ministry and personal growth. As a vocalist with Carolina Sound, UMO’s traveling vocal ensemble, Strange now leads worship and inspires others — a far cry from the shy child who once avoided the spotlight.

Strange joined Carolina Sound in 2022 as a Soprano 2 after transferring from Liberty University. A pivotal spring break visit back to Wilson, where she rst

heard Carolina Sound perform, sparked her decision to transfer.

“They weren’t just performing — they were ministering,” Strange said. “I knew I wanted to be part of something like that.”

Now a music education major, Strange says Carolina Sound has helped her grow musically and spiritually.

“At rst it was intimidating,” she said, “but I needed to be challenged. This group isn’t just about talent — it’s about faith, encouragement, and family.”

The ensemble regularly performs at schools, churches and community events, blending performance with ministry.

Beyond the stage, Strange has also grown through UMO’s Campus Ministry and the mentorship of Pastor Matt Sharp. She serves on the worship team

and values the depth of leadership she’s encountered.

“Pastor Matt takes time to honor God’s presence. That’s taught me a lot about leading worship with intention,” she said.

Strange’s preparation for her future extended into a recent internship at Church Alive in Pikeville, where she worked alongside worship leaders and pastors. That experience helped con rm her interest in teaching and ministry, giving her peace about blending her passions for music and education.

Looking ahead to graduation, Strange remains open to wherever her journey leads.

“My prayer is to follow God’s plan, whatever that looks like,” she said. “I’ve learned that growth comes through faith, patience and surrender.”

PHOTOS COURTESY CHAD HERRING

Above, Chad Herring, left, gives a tour of his family’s pork farm to local students. Right, Nursery

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

Kara Strange, a senior at the University of Mount Olive and member of the Carolina Sound ensemble, uses her music to inspire and lead worship both on campus and beyond.

Parents turn loss into hope, raise $75K

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

FAISON — Donna and Denny Lanier faced a parent’s worst nightmare not once but twice. They lost their sons, Hill and Wright, to di erent forms of cancer 10 years apart. Wright died at 6 years old, and Hill died at 18.

In an interview with Duplin Journal, Donna said they were inspired by their own boys to help others experiencing what they had been through.

“Both of them had the heart, seeing what people were doing for our family, to say, ‘When I get better, we’re going to help other people,’” Donna said. “Denny and I felt like we wanted to do what they wanted to do.”

Last September, the Laniers attended the wedding of one of their son Hill’s best friends. He was marrying Jacy Phaneuf, who was associated with Riley’s Army, a nonpro t organization supporting children with cancer and their families in eastern North Carolina. Donna approached Phaneuf with an idea.

“We started talking, and I said, ‘Next September, I want to do something for childhood cancer,’” Donna said, adding she wanted to have it at Tara Creek. “I love this place,” she said.

Out of that conversation grew the Camo for a Cause event held last Saturday night at Tara Creek. The banquet facility was lled with sponsored tables, food, music and lots of people. All the money raised went to Riley’s Army, named after Riley Philpot, the daughter of Kirk and Kelly Philpot, doctors from Greenville. Riley died in 2011 at age 10 after a four-year battle with pediatric cancer.

Lee Graham, who owns Tara Creek with his wife, Amanda, told Duplin Journal

the full support of their family. What do you believe voters in District 4 value most about your leadership?

I have tried to be honest, transparent, passionate about farm life and make sure that House District 4 earned a seat at the decision-making table. I hope they believe I have achieved those goals.

You’ve long been a champion for agriculture — what speci c policies or initiatives will you prioritize in your next term?

Our right to farm laws seem to always attract challenges from a wide range of uninformed people and extreme left-leaning organizations who must think food comes from the grocery store. So we will continue to be alert and mindful of those challenges. Also, it is interesting to note that there are growing numbers of extreme right-leaning MAHA folks who present a di erent set of challenges. One of the continuing serious problems is the “traveling litigant lawyers” who prey on cer-

they were blessed to be a part of the event.

“I have been friends with Donna’s sister’s husband, Chuck Farrior, for quite some time,” Graham said. “I knew the family through Chuck. When they decided they wanted to help Riley’s Army, we certainly wanted to jump in.”

Funds for Riley’s Army were raised through the sale of table sponsorships for dinner, as well as through a silent auction and a live auction.

Amy Turner, marketing and operations manager for Tara Creek, said the event’s support was very successful.

“The sponsored tables were all sold out,” Turner said.

“The food, beverages and the items to be auctioned were all donated by local businesses and individuals.”

Notable at Camo for a Cause was the number of young people volunteering at the event.

“We were very blessed with a lot of young folks,” Graham said. “We reached out to Harrells Christian Academy, to the Beta Club there, and to some sporting teams at the high schools. We were very happy with the response. These children are giving back to children that are going through some hard times. It makes you realize there is still good in the world.”

Two volunteers were teen musicians Asher Brinson and Charlie Morris, who played traditional and bluegrass music during the event.

Another youth volunteer was the 2025 Teen Miss N.C. Poultry Jubilee, Harley Lanier.

“The whole community being involved is a big blessing and I love being a part of it,” Lanier told Duplin Journal. Turner estimated the event raised at least $75,000 for Riley’s Army.

“We’ve already set next year’s date for Sept. 26,” Turner said.

tain areas of our tried and tested farming methods and practices. Labeling on herbicides and pesticides are current areas of ruthless attacks. The lawfare tactics are designed (there are over 10,800 pending) to use state law as a springboard to get into court on issues where the state is bound by federal law. They want to le suit and settle out of court, like so many of our neighbors here in Duplin fell prey to during the infamous hog lawsuits. I will continue to ght them vigorously. What are the most pressing agricultural challenges facing District 4 today?

Weather, input costs, disaster recovery, loss of farmland to development, especially to solar facilities, and low commodity prices. But I am con dent that our well-developed livestock industry here in Duplin will help us stay above water. Most folks don’t realize that livestock accounts for 75% of our farm-gate sales, which produce the No. 1 economic driver for our state at $111.1 billion. Therein lies the strength of Duplin County agriculture. We must

promote and protect livestock production.

Are there any new issues or causes you plan to focus on if reelected?

Absolutely! Everyone is screaming that rampant violence, abusive language, political bashing, attacks on law enforcement, assassination attempts and ugly, debased immorality must stop! But I don’t think anyone is suggesting what will help those kinds of actions stop. We must try to reintroduce God and Christian teaching and behavior back into our schools. Surely we can try to do that. I will try.

You mentioned support from colleagues across the state — how do you see your role evolving in the General Assembly?

The response I have received across the state indicates that we have established a good and significant seat at the decision-making tables in the General Assembly. My e orts will be directed toward maintaining and improving that status for the bene t of District 4 and all future generations.

The pursuit escalated, prompting assistance from the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and police departments from Kenansville and Rose Hill.

Beulaville o cials say Gallagher intentionally struck four law enforcement vehicles. He also damaged two buildings and several road signs before his truck collided with a State Highway Patrol cruiser in Kenansville. Sheri Stratton Stokes was among the o cers involved in the incident. The DCSO conrmed that no injuries were reported to any law enforcement personnel.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Kenansville o ce, Gallagher crashed into the NCSHP building in Kenansville before being apprehended.

“He did strike the front of our building, and thankfully no one was injured,” NCSHP

1st Sgt. Jason Casteen told Duplin Journal. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Gallagher was driving under the in uence.

Gallagher is now facing more than 30 charges, including multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon on law enforcement o cers, hit-and-run o enses, driving while impaired, felony ee to elude arrest, aggressive driving, resisting a public ocer and numerous tra c violations, including driving without a license and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. His total secured bond has been set at just over $1.1 million. He is currently being held in the Duplin County Jail.

Investigators con rmed the truck had been reported stolen earlier that day in Swansboro. Inside, o cers recovered numerous pieces of lawn care equipment, which were also believed to be stolen.

Duplin

PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Above, attendees at Camo for a Cause ll out silent auction forms to cast bids on donated items at the event, raising funds to support children with cancer and their families through the nonpro t Riley’s Army. Bottom left, Harley Lanier, the 2025 Teen Miss Poultry Jubilee, was one of many teen volunteers who helped with Camo for a Cause at Tara Creek. Bottom right, Denny and Donna Lanier prepare to welcome attendees to the Camo for a Cause event at Tara Creek on Saturday night. The Laniers teamed with Tara Creek and Riley’s Army to create the event in honor of their two sons, Hill and Wright, who both lost their battles with childhood cancer.

DIXON from page A1

DWI from page A1

Donna and Denny Lanier honored the memory of their sons and transformed their personal tragedy into purpose by hosting a fundraiser for Riley’s Army

DUPLIN SPORTS

Dawg power, endurance

WRH hangs the rst conference loss on Midway in 52 matches with defense and serving

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Head coach Kevin Williams made an adjustment, and the Wallace-Rose Hill volleyball team treated perennial 3A power Midway as it would any other team: overpower and outlast them.

Kevin

“We’re playing our great volleyball right now and perhaps peaking at the right time,” said Williams, whose squad beat Midway to break the Raiders’ 52-match winning streak in conference play last Friday afternoon on Steve Robinson Court.

WRH won the rst two sets, though, it wasn’t easy in 25-23 and 29-27 decisions before Midway responded with a 25-18 set.

Willliams gave Midway a di erent

schematic look by moving around his frontline players.

“We went to a hybrid that can give us two di erent looks to get more blocking on the right side,” said the coach whose team has gone 84-23 since 2021, improving its record each season. “It worked well in the rst two sets, but they caught on in the third, so I switched it back to how we normally do it.”

The ’Dawgs (15-2, 8-1) avenged a loss to the Raiders on Sept. 2 by taking the next set 25-18 for their rst monumental program win during the regular season.

“There was a lot of energy and electricity in that gym, and we fed o it,” Wiliams said. “We kept it on our side most of the match. Defense and our serving won that match.”

The defense slowed down Raiders outside hitter Kaedyn Moran (255 kills this season) just enough. Though she had 28 unreturnable spikes, WRH

The co-captain’s words and deeds were inspirational

By Bill Rollins For Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Eight-term 4th District state Rep. Jimmy Dixon of Duplin County remembers something senior co-captain Walker “Mac” McNeill told him before Dixon’s rst varsity football game as a starter in 1960.

“I was the ‘snotty-nosed’ sophomore starting quarterback,” Dixon said recently, “and while going through warm-ups before that game, Mac approached me and said, in essence, “‘Jimmy, Coach (Bill) Taylor has chosen you

The senior is averaging 15 yards per carry with 10 touchdowns on 42 carries

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Who is the best running back in Duplin County?

Is it Wallace-Rose Hill’s Jamarae Lamb (124-950, 10 TDs), North Duplin’s Carell Phillips (80-706, 10 TDs), Harells Christian’s Jeremiah Davis (45-541, 5 TDs) East Duplin’s Shawn Davis (80-502, 7 TDs) or James Kenan’s Jeremiah Hall (42-631, 10 TDs)?

If judged by yards per carry, it’s the Tigers senior, who is putting up 15 yards each time he touches the ball.

Phillips is at 8.8, Lamb 7.7, Shawn Davis 6.6 and Jeremiah Davis 12.0.

“Thank you,” said JK coach Tim Grady, who’s running back has had fewer less carries than the other Duplin Journal running backs. He has nearly half the totes Shawn Davis and Phillips have, and 82 fewer carries than Lamb.

And while the race is far from over the Tigers senior, who ran for 1,150 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, could not only claim a Duplin County rushing title but be in line to rank among the all-time best. Marcelias Sutton ran for 1,804 yards and scored 26 touchdowns in 2012 when the Tigers went 15-1 and were 1AAA runners up. But rst Hall will have to run down Brandon Satchell, who had 1,773 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2007 when JK went 16-0 and won a 1AA title.

If he doesn’t make it past these two Tigers icons, it might be because JK has a handful of talented backs, with nearly every Tiger playing both ways.

Hall is a talented linebacker, though he’s not playing as much on defense this season.

“We’ve had long discus-

as our starting quarterback. I want you to know we think he made a good decision. You call the plays, and we’ll make them work.’

“And they did!”

They did it all through that unbeaten (14-0) state championship season, the school’s rst of three football state crowns (2007, 2013) and the rst in any sport for a Duplin County school.

“Mac’s gesture gave me condence that lasted three seasons and 36 games (35-1) at James Kenan,” said Dixon, who also played collegiately at Wake Forest as a defensive back and punt returner.

Now Dixon, who was elected to the JK Hall of Fame in its second class (2016), add-

sions as to how we should handle this situation,” Grady said. “He’s our go-to guy even though we’ve got ve that can run it really well, which is really a blessing. We just can’t have him play all night like that and not get rest, particularly after a long run or long series.”

Hall is averaging 3.5 tackles, but the Tigers defense is getting stronger each week.

“We’re sharing the wealth, yet it hardly seems like he gets any plays o ,” said John Bert Avent, JK’s defensive coordinator. “This kid has worked his tail o and is stronger and faster this year. He’s really a good linebacker, but we run him so hard o ensively.”

Around the JK campus he’s held in high regard by students, teachers and coaches.

“Character-wise he’s top notch,” Grady said. “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like and respect him.”

Yet winning and not personal statistics are the focus of the Tigers, who went 12-2 last season and advanced to the fourth round of the playo s before falling to Northeastern.

Last Thursday, Hall’s four rst-half carries against Rosewood produced 84 yards and a pair of touchdowns as JK won in a 49-7 landslide.

ed a warm Hall of Fame welcome to the memory of McNeill, who died earlier this year.

“Congratulations teammate!” Dixon said.

McNeill will be inducted on Saturday, May 18, with three new fellow JK HOF members: two-time state championship football coach Ken Avent Jr., 2013 football state title game MVP and running back Marcelias Sutton, and three-sport star Cassandra Stroud.

The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in John P. Harmon Gym on campus.

This 10th class brings the Tigers legends roll call to 40

See HOF, page B4 See FOOTBALL, page B4

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

WRH is a handful of wins away from a school record with several matches left to set the mark. The Bulldogs beat Midway last week, and both have one league loss after splitting two matches.

“There was

lot

energy

electricity in that gym, and we fed o it.”

Williams, WRH coach

New James Kenan Hall of Fame inductee Mac McNeill, left, and fellow member Colon Quinn (2015) show o JK’s 1960 East Region and state championship trophies.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Jeremiah Hall is running toward another 1,000-yard season and could rank among the all-time leaders at James Kenan before the season ends.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

Mattie Gavin

Wallace-Rose Hill, volleyball

Bulldog volleyball fans owe Mattie Gavin a round of applause for how e ectively she’s used her hands.

Wallace-Rose Hill’s setter is the stir of the drink for a 15-2 team that upended power Midway last week in three sets in Teachey.

Gavin, who leads Duplin County in assists with 531, had 34 helping hand pushes and nine digs.

It was the 12th match in which Gavin, an all-Duplin player in 2024, had 30 or more assists.

One of her more notable matches came when she had a season-high 54 in a 3-2 win over Rosewood. She’s topped the 40-assist mark four times.

VOLLEYBALL from page B1

didn’t retreat during the match, and the senior wasn’t as e ective during key points.

Gracyn Hall (14) and Cailyn Hewlett (7) helped Midway have a 55-44 edge in kills.

But thunderous shots by the dynamic duo of Angelina Cavallaro (23) and Jansley Page (16) came because of 35 assists and nine digs from Mattie Gavin.

Gabby Debman’s four kills and ve blocks were likewise pivotal in the ’Dawgs fourth win in a row.

Midway (10-5, 9-1) had not lost a conference match in nearly ve years. The Raiders have gone 185-40 (78%) since 2016 and have seven league titles during that span. They advanced to the 2A nal in 2022 (16-1) and 2002, and went to the fourth round last season. The Raiders were 71-7 from 2022-24.

They beat the ’Dawgs 3-0 (25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 25-16) on Sept. 2 in Dunn.

Yet WRH also tamed another beast two days earlier in an easer-than-expected 25 -16, 25 -17, 25-8 triumph over Princeton to clinch the sea-

Bulldogs rumble past Cougars to kick o Swine Valley play

Wallace-Rose Hill ran for 449 yards in a 65-6 win over Goldsboro

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

GOLDSBORO — The Wallace-Rose Hill football team can’t forget the past. Nor can it linger in “what could have been.”

During the bye week, head coach Kevin Motsinger sought to keep it simple as the Bulldogs prepared for their rst Swine Valley Conference game.

“We felt the focus should be on us,” said Motsinger whose team went 1-3 during its nonconference schedule. “We went hard on Monday, Tuesday and half of Wednesday, and Thursday was supposed to all about preparing for Goldsboro.

“But I will say this, it was the best open week we’ve had since I’ve been here (2017), and we’re getting healthy and focused on what we want to do.”

But the league opener was pushed to Thursday to avoid several impending weather fronts predicting heavy rain and possible ooding.

son series with the Bulldogs. Page checked in with 18 kills and Cavallaro 18. Gavin had three aces, two blocks, three digs and 26 assists.

The Bulldogs were slated to face East Duplin (14-2) on Monday in a Duplin County rivalry match.

More battles with Raiders?

Midway (10-5, 9-1) and WRH could meet again in the Swine Valley Conference Tournament, and the two schools could clash in the 3A playo s as well.

WRH started the week as the No. 2 RPI team in 3A and the top team in the East. Midway is No. 8.

WRH raised $1,700 for a teacher in Duplin County with breast cancer during its Pink Out against Midway.

Volleyball — and sports — are about more than money to Williams, who recently won the 100th match of his career.

Cavallaro and Page each have 306 kills as the top spikers in Duplin County. They also both have 104 digs. Gavin’s 536 assists are the most in the county and the Swine Valley.

As per N.C.G.S. 160A-364, the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Kenansville has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall located at 141 Routledge Road, Kenansville, N.C. 28349 to receive public comment on the following zoning matter: The Town of Kenansville has received a request to consider extending the manufactured housing overlay to include the property on the right side of

WRH’s revamped o ensive line that features Shane Miller and Jacob Hester at guard slots, Christian Scarlett and Jacoby Dixon at tackle, and Tashii Hu n at center opened up massive lanes during a 65-6 stomping in Goldsboro.

The Bulldogs ran for 449 yards as running backs Jamarae Lamb and Jamari Carr each had a pair of scores, and wing back/split end Adrian Glover and fullback Montavious

Hall also found the end zone.

“Our o ensive line has made huge strides,” Motsinger said. “They were ring o the ball and executing after the whistle. We’ve made huge strides. They got more physical and created holes against a big front.

“We also got to play some JV kids who made some mistakes but got a taste of playing with the big boys, and that’s going to pay o .” Lamb ran for 192 yards on 10 carries, Carr needed just three to get 101, while Hall six totes produced 80 yards. Lamb is 50 yards shy of the 1,000-yard mark for the season and is averaging 190 yards per game to lead all Duplin County runners. His 10 touchdowns are tied with James Kenan’s Jeremiah Hall and North Duplin’s Carell Phillips. Glover meanwhile tallied 82 yards on the ground and caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Wells. Another physical challenge against Princeton

There will be Bulldogs ying all over the eld on Friday when Princeton comes to Teachey.

While the Johnston County Bulldogs are young, they are 3-2 with the same single-wing o ense that head coach Travis Gaster brought in 2015. He’s guided Princeton to wins in 71% of its games (88-36).

Gaster is the son of the late Jack Gaster (230-72-3), who three-consecutive state titles at Albemarle.

“They have athletes and holy-smoke size,” Motsing-

er said. “Their nose (guard) is 378 pounds and is way bigger than Scarlett, who is 360 on our scales.

“I’m concerned about getting outside to practice and prepare for what they do. Gaster is as good as anyone in getting his players to play in their style.”

WRH will need to control running back Teo McPhatter (1,296 yards, 19 TDs), who torched Midway for 389 yards two weeks ago during a 73-50 loss.

“He has good body control, balance and feel for running,” Motsinger said. “And if he gets six yards past the line, he’s got the speed to take it all the way.” Princeton is averaging 406 yards per game with Gerrell Bogle and Austin Lewallen, and both have run for more than 300 yards.

Princeton’s other loss came against East Duplin (42-20 on Aug. 29), and Gaster’s club had its open week last Friday.

Yet the Princeton defense has many holes as it has given up more points than it has scored (230-208).

“We’ve got to continue to get better and eliminate our one -guy mistakes on plays that cost us big plays,” Motsinger said. “I go back to the East Duplin game where a 4-yard gain turns into a touchdown because of one guy. Everyone on both sides of the ball needs to do their job.”

WRH stays on the road for another Swine Valley test Oct. 10 when the Bulldogs (2 -3, 1-0) take on Midway (5 -1, 2-0), which plays James Kenan (4-1, 2-0) this Friday in Warsaw.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Khajyre Murphy blows up a Goldsboro play and turns it into negative yardage during WRH’s 65-6 rout over the Cougars last Friday.

Crusader ‘playmakers’ shine during road ambush of Lions

Reid Strickland threw a pair of touchdown passes, and Jeremiah Davis and Dashuan McKoy added scores as the Crusaders beat Covenant Day 51-21

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

MATTHEWS — A Wing-T

o ense that has a quarterback with 10 touchdown strikes in six games.

An emerging lead running back who has averaged nearly 140 yards and found the end zone ve times the past three games.

A stable of fast wing backs and hard runners, along with the return of a bruising fullback.

And it’s impossible to not mention a defense that shut out two teams, yielded just a touchdown against another and has not allowed a score in 13 quarters, and has used its special teams for points.

All of this played into the equation as Harrells Christian nished up its nonconference NCISAA schedule with a 5-1 mark after last Friday’s 51-21 win over Covenant Day.

The victory in Matthews was the rst road trip for the Crusaders and helped them avenge

a 28-6 loss to the Lions on opening night in 2024 that cost HCA a spot in the postseason.

Reid Strickland threw a pair of touchdown passes, Jeremiah Davis ran for two scores, and Jarrod Miller had a banner game after returning from an injury.

Strickland hit on all three of his passes for 78 yards, including touchdown strikes to Demetrius Jones and Dashaun McKoy.

The Crusaders’ junior quarterback has thrown for an area-high 10 touchdowns and has 514 yards this season from 26 completions. HCA is averaging 19 yards when a receiver catches his passes. He has also handed the rock o and kept HCA’s o ense centered.

Miller scored a touchdown during a seven-carry, 136-yard performance which also saw him lay down several key blocks as HCA ran for 319 yards.

It was a career high for the 5-foot-9, 205-pound bull, who had 89 yards versus South Wake and 79 against Hickory Grove. The sophomore ran for 528 yards last season and eight touchdowns, second on the Crusaders to Jones.

Yet the brightest and highest-rising back is Davis, who ran the ball seven times for 159

yards. Davis (45-541) has 417 yards, scored ve times in the past three games and has averaged 13.5 yards per carry during that stretch.

His 541 yards this season is more than he had as a sophomore running (35-235) and catching (3-62) the football. Davis has nabbed ve Strickland passes this fall for 160 yards.

McKoy, who was a starter on the HCA basketball team that won a school-record 30 games, returned a punt for a score. He’s also scored twice on kicko returns.

“We’re playing pretty solid football right now and have a bunch of playmakers making plays,” said head coach Clayton Hall. “We’re on a bit of a roll and would like to keep it going.

“Jeremiah has made a lot of explosive plays for us. Our O-line is getting better. The last three games he has just taken o .” The game was the rst road trip this season for HCA.

Trip to City of Oaks will kick o Big East slate

HCA’s second journey will be shorter, though even more important as it travels to the state capital to play North Raleigh Christian to open Big East Conference play on Friday.

Davis

“It’s a shorter and more comfortable trip, but we have to go there ready,” Hall said. “We were lethargic in the rst quarter against Covenant Day. The kids understand how important our next game is. They know I feel we should never lose this game. They got us for the rst time in ’22 (55-6) in what was the rst time they ever beat us.”

HCA retaliated with wins in 2023 (28-21) and 2024 (34-18).

The Knights (3-2) rallied from a 20-7 de cit last Friday to beat Metrolina Christian 35-28 when Cooper Herakovich connected with Davin McKoy for an 18-yard score.

McKoy had a pair of 9-yard scores and Herakovich a TD pass to Gracyn Jones.

Herakovich (57-82) has thrown for 740 yards and eight touchdowns this season with ve interceptions. McKoy (52-298) is the team’s top runner and third in receptions (9-110).

Senior TE/WR Marcus Moore (19-237, TD) and sophomore WR/DB Jones (20-239, 3 TDs) are the primary targets for Herakovich, a 6-4, 180-pound signal caller who HCA can’t allow to sit in the pocket.

NRC beat Wayne Christian 20-14 earlier this season, while HCA handled the Eagles 34 -14. Wayne Christian will be the fth member of the Big East next season.

Crusader clipboard

Sophomore linebacker Noah Tanner led HCA in tackles with nine. Amir Moore and Jesse Smith had four each. The Lions had a mere 147 yards of o ense (53 running, 94 passing). Moore and Sam McKeithan each had two tackles were for lost yardage. Xander Garcia recovered a fumble. Davis, Miller and McKoy had two-point conversions. HCA’s run o ense is averaging 7.7 yards per rush.

HCA travels to Asheville Christian on Oct. 10. It’s next two games are key league affairs as Ravenscroft (1-4) visits Murphy-Johnson Stadium the following week and the Crusaders nishing the regular season with a trip to Fayetteville to face Trinity Christian (3-1) on Halloween night.

The Bulldogs and Panthers hope to build on momentum; ND gets its second win of the season

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Consistency on the soccer eld almost seems as di cult to develop and control as a ball kicked from outside the penalty box.

A modest two-game winning streak and 3-1-1 mark in its last ve matches has East Duplin (6-5-1) turning the short-term momentum into a much longer movement as play in the ECC started this week.

The Panthers have had their ups and downs in nonconference matches but may have ironed out a few concerns.

Yoskar Canales scored seven goals in wins over Liberty Christian (6-0) and Spring Creek (5-0).

“We need him to score and then maybe teams will pay too much attention to him and other players will step up,” said Panthers coach Blake Lanier. “Our defense is starting to read things better than we did early in the year. We’re not putting ourselves in as many bad situations.”

Canales needed four shots to make four goals against the NCISAA Heat. Brayan Mendez and Luis Ramirez added scores as ED pounded home ve second-half scores.

Brayan Gonzalez had a pair of assists, and goalie Brayan Orozco-Cabrera earned the win by stopping a penalty kick.

Canales, a rst-team all-Duplin player who scored 27 goals last season when ED went 15-7-1 and tied for the ECC title, had a hat trick against the Gators. He scored two of the Panthers’ rst three goals, and Brayan Dominguz added another as ED went in front 3-1 at halftime. After the break, Yobani Gomez connected, and Canales nished out the scoring with his Duplin County-leading 14th goal of fall. Weather permitting, the Panthers have three conference matches this week — Southwest

Onslow (1-7), Trask (2-6-2) and Spring Creek (5-8) — that look winnable.

“If we don’t let up, we’ll be OK,” said Lanier, Duplin’s Coach of the Year in 2024.

ED’s record is a bit deceiving in that it has two losses to 5A Richlands (12-1-2), setbacks to 6A schools Newton-Conover and Jacksonville, and a split with rival Wallace-Rose Hill.

A visit from ECC favorite

Clinton (10-2), which won a 2A title last fall, follows Oct. 6.

Bulldogs’ o ense catching up with defensive e orts

Wallace-Rose Hill, which beat Clinton 1-0, started play in its new conference with shutout wins over Princeton and Midway.

The Bulldogs (5-4-1, 3-0) have skunked three foes this season and allowed just 20 goals.

The defense is run around goalie Angel Seville and freshman keeper Emerson Andronde.

“Angel is a big body in the box and a good keeper,” said rst-year head coach Aaron Murray. He teaches Emerson, and Emerson pushes him every day in practice.”

Meanwhile, senior Brayen Sanchez and sophomore Dorlin Andrande are developing into stellar defenders.

“They step in and manhandle what they can manhandle,” Murray said. “Sometimes that’s the best way to describe it.”

And the WRH o ense is picking up steam.

Felix Funes had goals in both wins and has 11 this fall as the club’s top scorer.

“We’re getting the goals we’ve got to have but not the breakthrough of pounding the net and scoring,” Murray said. “We’ve got to get to the point where we hit the easy ones in the box, even when we play 2-0, 3-2 or 4-3 games. We’re registering between 18 and 20 shots per game. We need more of them to go in, and that will come in time with these guys.”

Wilmer Flores and Junior Ayestas connected during the 3-0 conquest of Princeton.

Funes and Patrick Reyes scored in the 2-0 victory over the Raiders.

Murray also had praise for defender D’Angelo Pineda.

“The rst day of summer workouts he didn’t want to play but said to me, ‘I’ll give you a chance.’ Since then, he’s stepped up and been a key guy back there and is as feisty a player as you will nd.”

WRH’s nonconference slate include brutal matches with Franklin Academy, Clinton, Laney and Cape Fear. The Bulldogs were to face Spring Creek and Rosewood this week and then James Kenan on Oct. 6 in Warsaw.

Tigers clip Cougars, fall to Raiders

James Kenan (4-5-2, 2-2) split two matches last week, falling to Midway 2-1 and shutting out Goldsboro 5-0.

Ismael Covarrubias had the lone score against the Raiders and hit the back of the net twice against the Cougars. He has 11 goals this fall.

Julio Mondragon scored twice and Je ery Flores once for Midway.

Tigers Gerzon Diaz, Fernando Reyes and Kaleb Gallegos scored on the Cougar’s turf.

Rebels nab second win of season

Roberson Godniez, Victor Mata, Esdres Lopes, Sergio Garcio, Sergio Ibarra, Logan Wood and Christian Velasquez scored goals as North Duplin (2-4, 2-3) beat West Columbus 7-0 last Friday in Cerro Gordo in a Carolina 1A/2A Conference match.

The Rebels will look to sweep the season series with East Columbus this week. They won 4-3 on Sept. 8 in Calypso.

Panthers, Rebels spikers seek to have historic nishes

East Duplin is pursuing 22 wins, while North Duplin wants surpass last season

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — East Duplin is turning back the clock.

North Duplin is writing a new chapter in its history.

The Panthers (14-2) won their sixth in a row last week by beating South Lenoir 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-10) and are one win shy of last season’s win total when they were 15-7.

Other milestones await as head coach Susan Raynor’s squad will play ve more ECC matches, play in the league’s postseason tournament and then look to make a run in the 4A playo s.

But that’s probably putting the quest to put a record in front of the daily ball carts the Panthers will serve and spike.

Yet for fun, it’s not impossible for ED to approach the 21 wins it had in 2009, 2012 and 2013. For even bigger fun, imagine a 22-win season that sets the tone for all other seasons that follow.

OK, the Panthers still have serious work to do and must remain the consistent team they have been for the previous 16 matches.

Last Tuesday, Zoe Cavanaugh and Zoe Turner came up big in several categories as ED whipped Pender in

from page B1

members. And the selection committee says it’s not done yet.

Two-way terror

McNeill, of course, was much more in football than a pep-talk guy.

He was a two-way terror at offensive guard and inside linebacker. As a senior, his teammates named him co-captain with Colon Quinn, a rst-ballot JK HOF member in 2015, and McNeill was a two-time, rst-team All-East Central Conference selection.

He also played in the N.C. East-West All-Star Game in Greensboro the summer after his senior year. Fellow senior Tigers lineman Bobby Best had been selected but couldn’t go, and his coach, Taylor, recommended and sent McNeill instead.

McNeill didn’t choose to play college football but graduated from NC State with a degree in science and earned an advanced degree at Virginia Tech before spending his career in dairy science research.

He was also a top student at James Kenan and quite admired by classmates. In their senior year, he was voted most popular, most intellectual and best all-around.

His wife-to-be, Jean Chambers of Kenansville, also was the only JK player to make the 1960-61 all-conference girls’ basketball team.

three quick sets (25-6, 25-15, 25-14).

Cavanaugh had nine kills, three aces and nine digs, while Turner netted ve kills and four aces.

Karsyn Parker and Callie Mewborn combined for 17 digs.

Kinsey Cave’s nine kills, six aces and six digs paced the Panthers past South Lenoir two days later. Cavanaugh pitched in with six kills, Bennett Holley ve kills and two aces and Parker with 10 digs.

ED won 25-21, 25-19 and 25-10.

On Monday of last week, Turner, Cavanaugh and Cave combined for 23 kills in a 3-0 (27-25, 25-13, 25-21) revenge win over Liberty Christian, who beat ED 3-1 on Sept. 8.

Hubert “Pepsi” Merritt was another classmate/teammate, another one of the brains of the bunch, and maybe should have been a tri-captain with McNeill and Quinn.

Merritt played halfback on offense and defense, and he caught winning touchdown passes from Dixon that season against arch-rival Wallace-Rose Hill (13-7, breaking a 20-year victory drought) and Ayden High (19-13), the latter in the Class 1A East Region semi nal.

The Tigers blanked Benvenue High of Rocky Mount 19-0 in the East nal and squeezed past N.C. School for the Deaf 13-12 in the state title game in Morganton.

“Mac was honest and a good man,” Merritt said recently. “All my life I never heard him say anything bad about anybody.

“In football and classwork, he did everything he was supposed to do.”

But Merritt also remembers that when they were sophomores and Johnny Godbold was a star senior fullback/lineman, somebody commented in an early practice about how much weight Godbold had gained.

“Well,” Merritt said, mcNeill quipped, “‘That’s two cases of beer!’

“I thought Johnny was gonna tear him up — but the coaches stopped it right there!”

McNeill’s wife, Jean, remembers a man who was faithful and true, always regarding his family rst, including their three children: James

The seven-game winning streak started after the loss in Richlands.

Can Rebels nish historic run?

North Duplin (11-4, 7-2) is also a win away from matching last season’s win total (12-10) and ve from pushing past the program-best 15-9 mark it had in 2011.

Yet it will take a few upsets for that to happen.

Maggie Brown surpassed the 100 -kill mark last Tuesday during a ve-set win over East Bladen.

Brown’s 18 kills were a season high, and ND needed every one, along with the seven it got from Abby Norris and six apiece it received from Kloe DeHoyas and Melany Sanchez.

ND trailed by a set twice but rallied to win the fourth set 25-10 and tie-breaker 15-9.

The Eagles took the opening set 27-25, ND tied it with a 25-23 conquest and then lost a 25-21 third set to force the Rebels to go the distance.

Senior Lilly Fulghum, who is rst in Duplin County in aces (48) and second in assists (215), came through with two aces, 39 assists and 11 digs.

Marissa Bernal had a season-high 30 digs, including her 200th of the fall. Her 208 digs are tops in the county.

East Bladen beat ND 3-0 on Sept. 2 on the Rebels’ home oor.

The win also kept the Eagles two games away from the third-place Rebels in the Carolina 1A/2A Conference standings.

Walker “Bo” McNeill, Katherine Allene McNeill-Barthel and Michael Boone McNeill.

“Mac was a wonderful husband, a great father and my best friend,” she said. Jean, an all-conference basketball player at JK, also o ered a humorous anecdote about McNeill’s limited run with Tigers hoops.

“He used to joke about it,” she said. “He’d say he only took one shot in a game — and made it. Then he’d say, ‘How many people can say they had a 1.000 shooting percentage for their whole career?’

“That was Mac.”

His younger brother Dan K. McNeill was a four-star general in the U.S. Army (retired in 2008) and in 2007 commanded 35,500 NATO ground forces in Afghanistan during the escalation of the war with the Taliban. Before that, Dan was a paratrooper in the Vietnam War and the commanding o cer at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville.

Their youngest brother, Clarence “Boone” McNeill, gave his life serving his country in Vietnam.

Sister Barbara “Sally” McNeill Miller is a retired former tax o cer in Duplin County.

Bill Rollins is a James Kenan and UNC graduate and lifelong sportswriter, who wrote for Duplin Times and Charlotte Observer during his 40-plus year career.

TOWN OF TEACHEY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

He’s been limited in other games as well. He got 85 on opening night during a 56-3 blowout of Southern Wayne and 164 with three scores in another smoke job versus Spring Creek (77- 0).

Hall had 10 carries and 85 yards against East Duplin, but the Tigers went in front 21-0 and his totes were once again limited.

His breakout game this fall came when he had 202 yards and three touchdowns as JK nearly beat 6A Southern Nash, falling 44-42 in Rocky Mount.

That’s been the lone loss for JK (4-1, 1-0) as it prepares to host Midway (5-1, 2-0) on Friday at Bill Taylor Field.

The Raiders will no doubt get the opportunity to tackle Hall more than a few times.

Raiders piling up points

JK’s defense will be tested as Midway is averaging 47 points per game with a nice balance between running (1,595 yards) and passing (993).

Junior quarterback Tanner Williams has hit on 45 of 76 passes for nine touchdowns and run for 358 yards with eight scores.

Running back Wesly Tew, a 6-2, 190-pound sophomore, has 859 yards and nine scores as the top runner. Gehemiah Blue (36-199, 6 TDs) is also a weapon for head coach Barrett Sloan.

Sloan (30-20 for his career) has guided the Raiders to an 11-4 mark since 2024 after going 19-16 in three seasons at Lakewood.

“It’s de nitely a challenge for us that we are not looking past,” Grady said. “They’ve got good size up front on both sides of the ball, and we expect a physical game like we had against East Duplin.

“We’re excited about the challenge.”

JK leads the all-time series 19-11 and are 8-2 against the Raiders since 2009.

The Tigers’ 77 points against the Gators was three points o the school’s all-time high.

JK beat Midway 80-58 in 2023.

Gridiron notebook

Hill returned the opening kicko for a touchdown against the Eagles and scored after going 31 yards via an Eli Avent pass. Taulil Pearsall added a running score and had an interception, while fullback Cal Avent ran for a season-high 42 yards running up the gut of the defense.

JK led 35-7 at halftime. David Zeleya returned a fumble 63 yards for a score one play after Hall went 31 yards to pay dirt.

JK’s second-string o ense ran eight plays after Pearsall’s pick to eat up the fourth-quarter clock, which ran nonstop once the Tigers went in front with 8:01 left in the third.

Ismael Covarruibus hit all seven of his PAT attempts. The sophomore also scored three goals for the soccer team last week. His 11 goals are second in Duplin County to East Duplin’s Yoskar Caneles’ 14.

Kentrell Morrisey (10-83) added a touchdown.

Free safety Zeleya and senior linebacker Stedman McIver are averaging 10 tackles per game. They are followed by Jacquez Smith (8.3), Zamarion Smith (7.5), Hill (5.6), Alex Vasquez (4.5) and Hall (4.4).

NOTICES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#25E001358-300 The undersigned, SHAMIKA PITTMAN-PICKETT, having quali ed on the 16TH DAY of SEPTEMBER, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of DONNIE VELMA PITTMAN, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 25TH Day of DECEMBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 25TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2025.

SHAMIKA PITTMAN-PICKETT, ADMINISTRATOR 431 JOE HOP WILLIAMS RD. BEULAVILLE, NC 28518 Run dates:S25,O2,9,16p

The Public Hearing for the Town of Teachey to consider lowering the current tax rate and amending the current budget will be 10/13/25 @ 6:00 pm at the Teachey Town Hall in Teachey, NC 28464. Any questions or concerns call 910-285-7564.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ND’s Maggie Brown passed the 100-kill mark last week during a win over East Blades.

HOF

obituaries

Gerry Philip Blake

Dec. 24, 1980 –Sept. 23, 2025

Gerry Philip Blake, 44, of Rocky Point, passed peacefully from his earthly life.

Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

He was born on December 24, 1980, in Wilmington, to the late Gerry Philip Blake Sr. and Michelle Mallory Garrison.

Gerry is survived by his mother, Michelle Garrison and husband, Richard; several aunts; uncles; nieces; nephews; cousins; and a special father-like gure, Bobby Williams.

In addition to his father, Gerry was preceded in death by his brothers, Cody Williams and Scott Blake.

Gerry will be remembered as a kind soul with a gracious heart who had a love for dogs.

Memorial service will be held at a later date.

Craig Mckelpline Crumpler

March 29, 1943 –Sept. 27, 2025

Craig Mckepline Crumpler, 82, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

The funeral service is Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 7 p.m., followed by visitation at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Crumpler of Beulaville, NC; sons Robin Crumpler (Jodi) of Surf City, NC; Joseph Crumpler and Joshua Crumpler, both of Jacksonville, NC; and Shown Brown (Renee) and Casey “Buddy” Brown (Terry), both of Fountaintown, NC; his sister, Debra Smith (Harold) of Pink Hill, NC; brothers Bob Quinn (Rhoda) of Mt. Olive, NC, and Tony Quinn (Teresa) of Raeford, NC; and nine grandchildren.

Je rey Lynn Brogden

Nov. 2, 1972 – Sept. 23, 2025

Magnolia - Je rey Lynn Brogden, 52, of Magnolia, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at his home. Je rey was born in Sampson County, North Carolina, on November 2, 1972, to Linda Ezzell Brogden and the late George Brogden, Sr.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the Devotional Gardens of Warsaw.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Linda E. Brogden of Magnolia; brother, George Brogden Jr. of Magnolia; nephew, George Brogden III; and very close friends, Jamie and Lisa Taylor of Ivanhoe; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Je rey was preceded in death by his father, George Brogden, Sr.

Ivan Harvey

Dec. 30, 1951 – Sept. 25, 2025

Goldsboro- With profound sadness, the family of Mr. Ivan Harvey, age 73, announces his passing on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at UNC Health Wayne, surrounded by his loving wife. Though he is no longer with us, his impact was immeasurable, and his memory will be cherished forever. Join us as we lift this family in prayer as they prepare to make the nal arrangements. “ Earth had no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”

Connie Blizzard Rhodes

Jan. 16, 1957 – Sept. 27, 2025

Connie Blizzard Rhodes, 68, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in ECU Duplin Hospital, Kenansville, NC.

Bobby Carroll Harper

Oct. 29, 1942 – Sept. 24, 2025

Dover- It is with deep sorrow and humble hearts that we announce the passing of Bobby Carroll Harper, age 82, who entered eternal rest on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, due to a tragic accident. The arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced at a later date. Please continue to keep the family lifted in your prayers during their time of bereavement.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl Daniel and Frances Blizzard, and a brother, Marty Blizzard.

Visitation is Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 7-9 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC.

A graveside service will be Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville, NC

She is survived by her son, Daniel Blizzard of Beulaville, NC; sisters Diane Henderson (Vic) of Raleigh, NC, and Emma Kaye Atkinson (Greg) of Beulaville, NC; brother Wally Blizzard (Denise) of Beulaville, NC; and grandchildren Brody Blizzard, Noah Blizzard and Josie Blizzard, along with many beloved family members and friends.

Patricia Dawn Gazaleh

Oct. 18, 1963 – Sept. 24, 2025

Patricia Dawn Gazaleh, 61, of Wallace, passed from this earthly life to her eternal rest on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

She was born on October 18, 1963, in Wilmington, NC, the daughter of Patricia Cockman Gazaleh of Rose Hill and the late Zaki “Zak” Nasralla Gazaleh.

Patsy, as she was a ectionately called, grew up at Wells Chapel Baptist Church, where she played church softball, was a member of GAs, and was very involved in her church.

Surviving in addition to her mother is her brother, Nickolas “Nic” Gazaleh, and wife, Cheryl of Wake Forest, NC; aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous extended family members who loved Patsy dearly.

Patsy was a loving daughter and caring sister who loved her family with all her heart. She was a graduate of Wallace-Rose Hill High School and continued her education at Brevard College for two years. She then attended NC State University, graduating with a BS/BA degree in English. Later in life, Patsy found her true calling, which was nursing. She studied hard and received her nurse’s degree and went to work in a doctor’s o ce. Patsy never met a stranger. She loved people and people loved her in return. Patsy will surely be missed, but she will never be forgotten.

Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Wells Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Stan Jenkins o ciating.

In lieu of owers, donations may be sent to Wells Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 8565 S NC 41 Hwy, Wallace, NC 28466.

Joyce Kennedy Jackson

Nov. 18, 1944 – Sept. 25, 2025

Joyce Kennedy Jackson, 80, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in ECU Health Center, Greenville, NC.

A graveside service will be Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Jackson Family Cemetery at 633 Lyman Road in Beulaville, NC. Visitation will take place at the cemetery.

She is survived by her son, John Clayton Jackson Jr. “Clay” (Kim) of Grifton, NC; daughter Susan Jackson Harper (Lynwood) of Kenansville, NC; brother Carroll Kennedy (Fran) of Pink Hill, NC; sisters Janet Simmons of Beulaville, NC, Myra Jo Smith (Gerald) of Pink Hill, NC, and Jill Sanderson (Doug) of Beulaville, NC; and grandchildren Blythe Jackson, Corbin Jackson and Bodie Harper.

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Jackson family.

Edith Virginia Britt Costin

Oct. 18, 1928 – Sept. 27, 2025

Edith Virginia Britt Costin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, passed away on September 27, 2025. She was born on October 18, 1928, in Wayne County, to the late Charlie Livingston Britt and Lillie Mae Capps Britt of Mount Olive, NC. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, William J. Costin, Sr., with whom she shared 58 wonderful years of marriage.

A dedicated member of the Warsaw United Methodist Church, Edith actively participated in the United Methodist Women and served as a circle chairperson. She was also a Sunday School teacher and the church historian. Edith helped to start the Warsaw 4-H Club and served as a leader for many years. She was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9810 Warsaw Auxiliary, where she held the role of president for several years. An avid reader and passionate bridge player, she found joy in these pastimes for as long as she was able. She also loved spending time with her family at Topsail Beach. Edith was an exceptional cook, with her family especially cherishing her famous rice soup and chicken and pastry. Her love for sharing memories led her to publish a book of memoirs, which is now a treasured keepsake for her family.

In addition to her husband and parents, Edith was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Jeanie Carol Costin; grandson, Robert Costin; brothers, Charlie Britt Jr., Carroll Britt, Willie Britt, Jim Britt, and Ru n Britt; and sisters, Hazel Wiggins, Fannie Jackson, and Ruth Daniels. She is survived by her children: William J. Costin, Jr. and wife Kathy; Gail Costin; Angela Hines and husband David; Wanda Ponton and husband Charlie; and Lori Smith and husband Scotty. She leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Rebekah Roth and husband Laurence, Virginia Wheeler and husband Mike, Samantha Hines, Noah Ponton, and Caleb Ponton; as well as great-grandchildren Lucas Wheeler, Jack Wheeler, Ellie Roth, and Libby Roth. She is also survived by her brother, Cedric Britt; sister-in-law, Kathryn Gardner; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Edith was a kind, caring, and remarkable woman who touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of her family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Warsaw United Methodist Church. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary, with a graveside service immediately following at Pinecrest Cemetery. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to the Warsaw United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 422, Warsaw, NC 28398, or to a charity meaningful to you.

Billy Dail

Aug. 14, 1939 – Sept. 25, 2025

Thursday Afternoon, September 25, 2025, Billy Raybon Dail ascended peacefully to his heavenly home.

Billy, age 86, was born in the Wolfscrape community of Duplin County on August 14, 1939, to parents Currie and Annie Mae Barnette Dail. He was raised in Warsaw, where he continued to live, with the exception of his time served in the US Air Force. After his tenure in the Air Force and upon returning to Warsaw, he met and married Ruth Carolyn Warren. At the time of her death, they had been married for 54+ years. He held several jobs before working and retiring from DuPont in Leland. After retirement, he obtained his CDL and used it while employed with AG Protein in Rose Hill.

He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Warsaw, where in his pre-dementia years he served as a deacon, participated in the choir and other committees on as needed basis. He was a devout Christian which showed in his nal days, despite the dementia. Along with serving his Lord and Savior and spending time with family he enjoyed hunting and shing.

Billy, loving known as PaPa leaves behind a daughter, Lisa C Tyndall of Calypso, a granddaughter, Cora J Gore of Calypso and four greatgrandchildren, Vance Carter, Bailey Foster, Bryce Foster all of Calypso and Blair Cox of Bu alo, OK., a grandson, David Tyndall (Liz), great grandson Andrew Kyle (Deisy), and great great-grandchildren, Ariyanna, Damien and Quinn Kyle all of Clayton, sister Laura Eloise Dail Honeycutt of Macon, GA. He also leaves behind a treasured friend, hunting and shing buddy, Michael Chestnut (Kelly) of Clinton, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Carolyn Warren Dail, son, Vance Warren Dail, grandson, Joel Cox and great granddaughter, Cora Cox, son in law David “T-Bone” Tyndall brother, Currie “Bud” Dail of and sister, Louise Dail Evans.

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the family will have a visitation at 1 p.m. at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw, with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. The Reverend Tim Gore and Currie Dail will o ciate. All visitation will be held at the funeral home.

The family wishes to take this opportunity to express their gratitude for all the care received from the sta at Goldsboro Assisted Living & Alzheimer’s Care and Gentiva Hospice of Goldsboro. He was happy and loved each of you. We couldn’t have asked for better care and attention.

Memorial gifts may be made to either of the following:

Calvary Baptist Church, c/o Earl Rouse 709 Memorial Drive Warsaw, NC 28398

Goldsboro Assisted Living 2201 Royal Avenue Goldsboro, NC 27534

Genitive Hospice of Goldsboro 2309 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534

Flora Mae Horrell Costin

May 9, 1941 – Sept. 25, 2025

Flora Mae Horrell Costin, 84, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 9, 1941, in Bladen County, the daughter of Lawrence Willard Horrell and Nellie Naomi Carter Horrell. In addition to her parents, Flora Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Leverne Costin; brother, Carl Horrell; and sister, Carolyn Woodcock. Flora Mae is survived by her son, Randy Costin (Betsy); daughters, Gay Johnson (Roy) and Camille Harrell (Randy); grandchildren, Andrea Costin (Tripp), Jared Johnson (Ivy), Jessica Blansett (Craven), Chase Harrell, and Mackenzie Harrell; great grandchildren, Banks Strickland, Finlee Johnson, Reynolds Johnson, Caison Blansett, Grayson Harrell, and Charlotte Council; sisters, Janice Rich and Phyllis Strickland; brother, Wayne Horrell (Bonnie); many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In 1958, Flora married the love of her life, Jesse Costin, going on to have three children: Randy, Gay and Camille, building a loving home of 59 years together.

A ectionately known as Grandma to her grandchildren, she found great joy spending as much time as she could with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Being a mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother was one of the most important parts of Flora’s life, a role that gave her much pride and joy. She was loving, kind, and supportive and will be dearly missed.

Flora was a full-time mom and homemaker for several years before working outside the home. After many years, she dedicated over 22 years of service to Myers Craft Manufacturing Company as a canvas fabricator.

LOCAL BRIEFS

60 pounds of marijuana seized during tra c stop

Duplin County

According to the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce, law enforcement agencies conducted a tra c stop near I-40 Exit 373 on Sept. 18 with assistance from K-9 Cortez, who alerted them to the presence of narcotics. Tyler Blackwood, 27, of Charlotte, was arrested at the scene and taken to the Duplin County Jail. He was placed on a $75,000 secured bond. Law enforcement o cials seized 60 pounds of marijuana, valued at more than $150,000. Blackwood faces charges of tra cking marijuana, driving without a valid operator’s license and following too closely.

She had a passion for gardening, which brought much joy and beauty to her home and yard. Any given day, you might see her outside working in her yard, picking up those dreaded pinecones, limbs and tending to her beautiful owers and plants. Not only did she enjoy her outside interests, but she also had many inside ones, including being a great seamstress, sewing costumes for school plays for her children and others as well as curtains, pillows, clothing, and anything else she set her mind to.

She took much pride in cooking and baking, especially during the holidays and family gatherings. Flora also loved the beach, looking for shells, surf shing, and pier shing; the location didn’t matter; she just wanted to catch the biggest sh. Having a competitive spirit, she and her grandchildren began a contest on who could catch the biggest sh. Flora also enjoyed the sport of basketball; she attended and played at Atkinson High School. She continued to talk about the great times that were had and long-lasting friendships she made and maintained with her teammates and classmates throughout the years. Some of her greatest pleasures were her family’s annual pumpkin carving parties, egg hunts, birthday parties, cookouts, sh frys, and all holidays or the just because gettogethers with family and friends.

Flora was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school, served on the Social Committee, and assisted with Bible school over the years. She also looked forward to monthly outings with the ladies of the church; they were great friends in Christ and very special to her.

Flora was a very strong-willed woman. Unfortunately, that would come to an end a few years ago when she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. This condition took away much of her self-su ciency, but her wish was to remain at home, so with the love and care of her family, her request was granted.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, September 29, 2025, at Shiloh Baptist Church with the Reverend Gardner Eakins conducting the service. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Walker Family Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Local artist brings creative spark to Duplin County seniors

The county’s senior services department has expanded its programming to meet evolving interests of older adults

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — A group of senior citizens gathered in a classroom at the Duplin County Senior and Veterans Services building in Kenansville for a hands-on art class led by local artist Timothy Edmonson of Rose Hill. While 15 participants initially signed up, several were unable to attend the rst session, leaving a smaller group to kick o the creative experience.

Edmonson, who was born in Canton, Ohio, moved with his family to southern California in 1966. He discovered his passion for art early in life.

“Early on, I knew that art was my calling,” he said in an interview with Duplin Journal.

school, he apprenticed as an automotive machinist which t in line with another of his loves: cars and motorcycles.

Man arrested following vehicle break-in investigation

Mount Olive

The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce investigated a reported vehicle break-in and theft that occurred on Aug. 14 on Garner Chapel Road near Mount Olive. According to authorities, detectives from the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce obtained arrest warrants based on evidence collected during the investigation, and Billy Earl Overton, 29, of Seven Springs, was arrested on Sept. 11. Overton is being held in the Duplin County Jail and faces multiple charges, including felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft, felony possession of stolen goods, obtaining property by false pretense, and misdemeanor injury to personal property.

After high school, Edmonson earned an associate degree in ne arts from a junior college in southern California, followed by a bachelor’s degree in ne arts from the University of California–Santa Barbara. In 1978, he moved to the Bay Area, where he participated in juried art shows and collaborated with several local arts groups.

At one point, he considered becoming a commercial artist until he remembered watching the classic TV show “Bewitched” in the 1960s. The main male character in the show, the husband of a lady with special powers, was a commercial artist. The character’s name on the show was Darrin.

“Seeing what Darrin had to go through with his boss, I said, ‘Maybe I don’t want to do commercial art,’” Edmonson said.

Inspired by his father, a skilled machinist, Edmonson decided to learn a trade to fall back on. While he was in

In 1996, Edmonson relocated to Rose Hill and took a job working on school buses in Kenansville. He was later o ered a lateral move to teach art at a local middle school but found the age group challenging and returned to his previous role. Today, he continues working with the school bus system, now driving a daily route.

Edmonson’s passion for teaching art never waned. Last year, Edmonson was awarded a grant through Friends of the Arts to teach a 20-day fundamentals in art course to fth graders at Wallace Elementary School. He then taught the same course to middle school students at Rose Hill-Magnolia School where he found the students well-behaved.

That teaching experience soon led to a conversation with Melisa Brown, director of Duplin County Senior Services. When the topic of a senior art class came up, Edmonson volunteered.

“I told her I had taught students in the elementary schools and the middle schools, so I might as well do the same for my peers,” Edmonson said. Brown told Duplin Journal

she was glad they were able to o er the course.

“We feel with the senior population, they want to do more than play bingo,” Brown said. “We’re expanding opportunities for them, and this was an option that became available for us.”

Brown said Edmonson is volunteering his time to teach the course, and the Senior and Veterans Services Center is providing the supplies.

Among the participants, several students shared their personal reasons for joining. Shirley Brown said she hopes to create something that will impress her family.

“I want a beautiful painting for my wall,” she said. “I want to impress my nieces and nephews.”

Eloise James McMahan, another student, said she had taken a class at James Sprunt Community College in the past and was eager to revisit those skills.

“I want to renew what I learned then, especially how to mix my colors and how to darken or lighten the paint,” she said.

For Georgette Turner, the course is simply a creative outlet.

“It’s fun,” she said. “It gets your creative side owing.”

DUPLIN COUNTY TAX FORECLOSURE SALE

Students get to work on their paintings during an art class taught at the Duplin County Seniors and Veterans Services Center in Kenansville.

PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Instructor and artist Timothy Edmonson of Rose Hill shares how to mix paints to achieve

the desired color for a painting during an art class last at the Duplin County Seniors and Veterans Services Center in Kenansville.

Stanly NewS Journal

Sister act

women-owned

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Nebraska joins Trump program to use public money for private school tuition

Omaha, Neb. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has opted Nebraska into a federal program to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition.

The move comes despite Nebraska voters repealing a similar state law last year. The federal program is part of the federal tax and budget bill passed in July. It allows taxpayers to direct up to $1,700 in federal income taxes they owe to scholarship groups for private school expenses. Critics argue it undermines the will of the voters. Pillen insists the measure won’t a ect public school funding, saying it bene ts both public and private schools.

U.S. government starts phasing out use of paper checks

Washington, D.C.

The U.S. government is phasing out paper checks for most programs. The change started Tuesday and a ects recipients of bene ts like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds. Nearly 400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients still rely on paper checks. The director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says many of these people lack access to digital services. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration says electronic payments and collections will speed up processing and cut costs. The Social Security Administration says it will continue issuing paper checks if a bene ciary “has no other means to receive payment.”

Stanly school board revises grant application

The total required funding for the project has been lowered

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Education unanimously voted on Monday morning to move forward with a revised Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund grant application.

The potential funding for two major facility improvement projects would build a new elementary school to replace Oakboro Choice STEM School while also adding capacity at West Stanly Middle School.

“I can get behind $2.6 million more than $30 million.”

Meghan Almond, board member

grant would potentially rebuild Oakboro as a 600-student elementary campus, while West Stanly Middle would be expanded to hold 950 students.

The size and scope of both projects were reduced from the original application to lower funding costs.

The school board’s original $84.35 million plan, as presented to the Stanly County Board of Commissioners at a special-called joint session last week, would have needed a 38% local match from the county with a funding gap of nearly $30 million.

During Monday’s special-called meeting at the Stanly County Schools Central Ofce, the school board approved a $54.6 million plan consisting of $52 million in grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, along with a $2.6 million county contribution.

At that meeting, commissioners raised questions about the proposal, particularly the gap that would require additional taxpayer-backed loans. The board went on to approve a 5% county match that is required by the application’s guidelines.

With a planned completion date of July 2028, the state

Albemarle’s grant program delivers downtown boost

The city recently won an award for the program

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Now in its fourth year, Albemarle’s Downtown Catalyst Grant Program continues to play a key role in revitalizing the city’s downtown municipal services district.

ElectriCities, a nonpro t association of municipally owned electric utilities, recognized Albemarle’s grant program at last month’s city council meeting, presenting the association’s inaugural Innovation in Economic Development Award.

“The reason we won this award was that multiple Elec-

triCities communities and my counterparts from across the state voted on what they thought was the most innovative program for economic development,” said Lindsey Almond, Albemarle’s economic development director.

Although Albemarle makes up only 26% of Stanly County’s population, the city generates 67% of the county’s annual retail sales — a gure boosted by the Downtown Catalyst Grant Program.

“It was really humbling that my peers saw how it had generated revenue,” Almond said of the program. “I’ve had some of them contact me to ask how it’s been working. It’s really simple, quite frankly, as

“It was really humbling that my peers saw how it had generated revenue.”

Lindsey Almond, Albemarle economic development director

“It’s uplifting to see that we can add an addition for a smaller amount, or we can renovate a school for a smaller amount because I know that we have other buildings coming after these two,” board member Carla Poplin said. “There are other areas of our county that we’re going to have to start looking at, and all four of those middle schools are built kind of on the same plan. If we’re lacking science labs and facilities at one, we’re like that at three more.” Board member Meghan

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The second annual Sisterhood of Success event drew crowds to Meadow Creek Farm in Locust on Sunday afternoon, featuring more than 30

business vendors, food trucks and live music. Proceeds from the expo will help Faith Alive Ministries provide transitional housing for foster children in Stanly County.

MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SCHOOLS

The Stanly County Board of Education held a special-called meeting on Monday morning in Albemarle.

The plane arrived at CLT from Europe on Sunday morning

The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — Airplane

maintenance workers found the body of a suspected stowaway in the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines ight that had recently arrived from Europe, police said. The body was found Sunday morning while the plane was undergoing maintenance at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a statement

that it is investigating the death.

Neither the airline nor police have o ered information about the person who died, including a possible cause of death, or said where the ight originated.

The airport said it was deeply saddened by the discovery and said it will support the police investigation. American Airlines said it was working with law enforcement on its investigation and directed questions to police.

Experts believe roughly three-quarters of stowaways do not survive if they hide on a plane’s undercarriage because of the extreme cold and lack of oxygen they ex-

perience as the plane reaches cruising altitude.

In January, two bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The bodies were discovered in the wheel well area during a routine postight inspection. The aircraft had arrived in Fort Lauderdale shortly after ight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The jet had been in both Kingston, Jamaica, and Salt Lake City earlier that day.

In December, a body was found in the wheel well of a United Airlines plane after it landed in Maui from Chicago.

Sept. 22

• Timothy Nelson Carter, 51, was arrested for domestic criminal trespass and domestic violence protective order violation.

Sept. 23

• Justin Blair Austin, 41, was arrested for insurance fraud.

Sept. 27

• James Monroe Leake, 39, was arrested for resisting a public o cer, driving while license revoked, driving while impaired, nonsupport of a child, and possession of controlled substance on prison/jail premises.

Sept. 28

• Jose Luis Sonora, 52, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor domestic violence.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County:

Oct. 4

Uwharrie Brewing Firehouse Walk/Run 5K 9 a.m. Annual 5K run/walk bene ting local re department with race T-shirts for early registrants. Participants over 21 receive a complimentary Uwharrie beer after the race.

Uwharrie Brewing 121 N. 3rd St. Albemarle

Oct. 8-11

Stanly County Library Fall Book Sale

Wed.-Fri., hours vary Annual book sale featuring thousands of donated books at bargain prices with everything $1 per bag. Early access preview night Oct. 8 for members only with memberships available at door.

Stanly County Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Keeping government open and our defense intact

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran, and military family.

AS YOUR CONGRESSMAN, I am committed to ghting for your family, your freedoms and your future. That means making sure our government stays open without wasting your tax dollars, and making sure our troops and veterans have the resources they need to keep America safe. Over the past two weeks, two big issues have come to the forefront: keeping the government open and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I want to share where I stand and what these decisions mean for you.

Last week, House Republicans passed a clean, commonsense funding bill. This short-term, seven-week measure keeps the government open and ensures our troops and families don’t pay the price while Congress continues working toward the long-term reforms needed to rein in Washington’s wasteful spending. It doesn’t raise taxes or add wasteful new spending. It just ensures our government continues to serve our people. Here’s what our bill does:

• Delivers paychecks for our troops, Border Patrol agents, TSA agents and air tra c controllers

• Prevents delays in Social Security and Medicare applications

• Provides uninterrupted health care for veterans

• Keeps National Parks open for families to enjoy

• Continues vital food inspections to protect consumers

However, a CR needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate. Senate Democrats are threatening a shutdown unless their partisan demands are met. They want to use this as an opportunity

to tack on a massive $1.5 trillion spending hike. Their list of demands includes restoring taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, sending $500 million to liberal news outlets and pushing diversity programs in foreign countries while cutting bene ts back home.

Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job. We acted well before the deadline and passed a clean bill to keep the government open. If the government shuts down, it will be because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) feels the need to put political games over people.

This shutdown would hurt families, seniors, small businesses and our veterans. I will not stand by and let Washington games hurt North Carolina families.

Alongside keeping our government open. Congress also passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This annual defense bill is one of the most important responsibilities we have. It authorizes funding for our military, sets policy for the Department of War, and makes sure our troops and their families get the funding they deserve.

As Fort Bragg’s congressman, I fought to make sure this bill delivered for our community.

Fort Bragg and NC-09 wins:

• $44.7 million to construct training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg

• $5.3 million for SOF Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg

• $19 million for Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course

• $24 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar

• $80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid

What 100 years of craftsmanship can teach us in the age of AI

We invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

THIS FALL, the John C. Campbell Folk School will celebrate a century of keeping traditional Appalachian crafts alive, including blacksmithing, weaving, woodcarving, basketry and more. But what we’re really preserving is something deeper: the human need to make, to connect and to belong. And that’s never felt more urgent than now.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities across western North Carolina, we’ve been reminded just how fragile our region — and its rich cultural heritage — can be. As we support recovery e orts, we also rea rm our commitment to sustaining the traditions that root and restore us. Because in a time of disruption, digital overload and AI, the Folk School o ers something powerfully countercultural: A space where making is slow, tactile and grounded in community.

Crafting by hand doesn’t just produce beautiful objects, it cultivates qualities we need now more than ever: mindfulness, resilience, creativity and focus. In our studios, people don’t scroll or skim. They observe, try again, and take pride in small, steady progress.

Recent research shows that engaging in arts and crafts boosts life satisfaction, happiness and a sense of purpose even after accounting for age, health or socioeconomic status. Once engaged, participants also rediscover each other. Learning in a noncompetitive,

collaborative environment builds connection and purpose, qualities often eroded in our tech-saturated lives.

We’ve seen what happens when we fail to preserve folkways. Sacred Harp and shape — note singing, once common across the mountains, has nearly vanished from many parts of Appalachia, near casualties of shifting tastes and modern convenience. Fortunately, a devoted community of singers passionate about preserving and perpetuating this traditional American music is working to keep the tradition alive. Thanks to similarly stalwart practitioners, Cherokee white oak basketry, a craft nearly lost, now passes down again through intergenerational teaching and shared storytelling.

The Folk School is part of that continuum. For 100 years, we’ve welcomed people to this corner of the mountains to learn and share traditional skills. And as we mark our centennial, we’re expanding the ways we honor and elevate this region’s heritage. We’ve restored and refreshed our historic Log Cabin Museum and introduced an interactive walking tour on campus. Both were developed in consultation with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Texana, the historic African American community in Murphy, and both will give visitors a layered sense of

• $6.5 Million for SOF Mission Command Center

• $7.5 million for advanced drone development in North Carolina

On a national level, the NDAA delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops. It codi es 15 of President Donald Trump’s executive orders, reinforces priorities like merit-based promotion, accountability and improving lethality among the ranks. It also provides new authority and funding for DOW to coordinate with Homeland Security on border security.

The NDAA funds Trump’s signature defense platforms, from the Golden Dome missile defense system to next-generation ghters, submarines, warships and autonomous systems. It cuts red tape in the Pentagon’s procurement process so innovation can reach the battle eld faster. And it makes new investments in arti cial intelligence, hypersonics and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Iran and other adversaries.

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran and military family who sacri ces for our country. It strengthens our national security, protects our homeland, and honors the service of those stationed at Fort Bragg and around the world.

The contrast in Washington could not be more clear. While we are ghting for a commonsense solution, the Democrats are focused on playing politics with partisan priorities that do nothing to help North Carolinians.

I will continue every day to ght for you, to protect your tax dollars and to support the brave men and women who keep us safe.

Richard L. Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in Congress.

place and home held by diverse mountain people.

Another powerful symbol of this legacy is a rare, hand-drawn map of the Southern Appalachian region created in the early 1900s by Folk School founder Olive Dame Campbell and researcher Elva M. Dickey. This one- of-a-kind artifact, long hidden from public view, has now been stabilized and unveiled as part of our centennial celebration.

Our 100th anniversary isn’t just a look back. It’s a call forward. This October, during our Fall Festival and yearlong centennial programming, we’ll welcome thousands of visitors to join in that vision: to celebrate Appalachian artistry, share food and stories, and experience rsthand how craft, music and dance traditions still shape hearts and communities. In a world that increasingly and unquestioningly prizes rapid, digitized information, we invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

Come join us. Put your head, heart and hands to work. And rediscover what it means to truly make something that matters.

Bethany Chaney is executive director of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, which will o cially mark its 100th anniversary at its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 5.

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

US House members hear pleas for tougher justice policies after stabbing death of refugee

The House judiciary subcommittee held a eld hearing in Charlotte

By Erik Verduzco and Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — U.S. House members visited the state’s largest city on Monday to hear from family members of violent-crime victims who pleaded for tougher criminal justice policies in the wake of last month’s stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train.

A judiciary subcommittee meeting convened in Charlotte to listen to many speakers who described local court systems in North Carolina and South Carolina that they say have failed to protect the public and keep defendants in jail while awaiting trials.

The meeting was prompted by the Aug. 22 stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a light rail car and the resulting apprehension of a suspect who had been previously arrested more than a dozen times, according to court records.

“The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them,” Mia Alderman, the grandmother of 20-year-old Mary Santina Collins, a 2020 Charlotte murder victim, told panelists. Alderman said defendants in her granddaughter’s case still haven’t been tried: “We

need accountability. We need reform. We need to ensure that those accused of heinous crimes are swiftly prosecuted.”

A magistrate had allowed the commuter train defendant, Decarlos Brown Jr., to be released on a misdemeanor charge in January on a written promise to appear, without any bond. Now Brown is jailed after being charged with both rst-degree murder in state court and a federal count in connection with Zarutska’s death. Both crimes can be punishable by the death penalty.

Public outrage intensi ed with the release of security video showing the attack, lead-

ing to accusations from Republicans all the way to President Donald Trump that policies by Democratic leaders in Charlotte and statewide are more focused on helping criminals than victims. Democratic committee members argued that Republicans are the ones who have reduced crime-control funds or failed to provide funding for more district attorneys and mental health services. Brown’s mother told media outlets that her son has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

“The hearing for me is not really about public safety,” Democratic Rep. Alma Adams, who represents most of Charlotte.

“The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them.”

Mia Alderman, grandmother of a 2020 murder victim

“It’s about my colleagues trying to paint Democrats as soft on crime — and we’re not — and engaging in political theater, probably to score some headlines.”

Dena King, a former U.S. attorney for western North Carolina during Joe Biden’s administration, testi ed that Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, needs dozens of additional prosecutors to serve e ectively a county of 1.2 million people. And a crime data analyst said that rates of murder and violent crime are falling nationwide and in Charlotte after increases early in the 2020s.

Republicans, in turn, blasted Democratic members, saying additional funding alone wouldn’t have prevented the deaths of Zarutska or the other homicide victims highlighted Monday. And they attempted to question the crime gures as misleading.

“This is not time for politics. This is not time for any race. It’s not time of any party. It’s about a time of justice,” said GOP Rep.

ICE arrests leader of Iowa’s largest school district, claim he was living, working in US illegally

The government claims Ian Roberts was given a nal order of removal in May 2024

By Hannah Fingerhut and Ryan J. Foley The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa — Federal immigration agents targeted the well-liked leader of Iowa’s largest school district in a trafc stop last Friday and arrested him after he ed into the woods, leaving educators and community members stunned.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Des Moines Public School Superintendent Ian Roberts was in the country illegally and had no work authorization. Roberts, who is from Guyana in South America, was considered an ICE fugitive because he was subject to a nal removal order issued in 2024, the agency said.

ICE said that it targeted Roberts for arrest by initiating a trafc stop last Friday while he was driving in his school-issued vehicle. After he ed, o cers discovered his vehicle abandoned near a wooded area. He was eventually located and taken into ICE custody with the help

of Iowa State Patrol o cers. Roberts was brought to Woodbury County’s jail in northwest Iowa late Friday afternoon, according to jail and ICE records. It was unclear if Roberts had an attorney to represent him.

Phil Roeder, the district’s spokesperson, said he was supposed to meet Roberts at a school event last Friday morning, but Roberts sent a text saying he could not make it. Roeder said he got a video call from Roberts soon after and watched o cials detain him.

Roeder told The Associated Press that the district has seen “nothing that would suggest that he’s not a citizen.” The district said a third party was hired to conduct a comprehensive background check on Roberts and that Roberts completed an I-9, which requires workers to present documents showing that they were authorized to work. District o cials also stated they had no knowledge of an order of removal issued in 2024.

Roberts, who has described himself as a longtime gun owner and hunter, was in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash and a xed-blade hunting knife when arrested, ICE said.

“This should be a wake-up

ing information about the situation, which they called legally complex. They described Roberts as a dynamic leader who connected with students of all backgrounds.

The Des Moines school board voted unanimously to place Roberts on paid leave during a three-minute-long special meeting. The board said Roberts was not available to carry out his duties for the 30,000-student district and stated that o cials would reassess his status after getting more information.

call for our communities to the great work that our o cers are doing every day to remove public safety threats,” ICE enforcement and removal operations regional o cial Sam Olson said in a statement. “How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a nal order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.”

Des Moines school o cials said that they were still gather-

After the meeting, school board president Jackie Norris read a statement, saying word of Roberts’ arrest last Friday made for a “jarring day” but noting that board members still didn’t have all the facts. She also said Roberts has been an “integral part of our school community” who has “shown up in ways big and small.”

A longtime leader at school districts across the nation, the 54-year-old began his term as superintendent of Des Moines schools in July 2023. In that position, he oversaw a district that serves more than 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees. The state board of educational examiners issued Roberts

Ralph Norman of South Carolina, representing in part Charlotte’s suburbs. He spoke while holding a poster of a screenshot of the video showing Zarutska and her attacker. Adams protested Norman’s use of the placard. In response to Zarutska’s death, the Republican-controlled North Carolina legislature last week approved a criminal justice package that would bar cashless bail in many circumstances, limit the discretion magistrates and judges have in making pretrial release decisions and seek to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations. The bill now sits on Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s desk for his consideration.

Committee Republicans also cited the need for more restrictive bail policies for magistrates and aggressive prosecutors not willing to drop charges for violent crimes.

Another speaker, Steve Federico, from suburban Charlotte, demanded justice for his 22-year-old daughter, Logan, who was shot to death in May at a home in Columbia, South Carolina, while visiting friends. The suspect charged in her killing had faced nearly 40 charges within the last decade, WIS-TV reported.

“I’’m not going to be quiet until somebody helps. Logan deserves to be heard,” Steve Federico told the representatives. “Everyone on this panel deserves to be heard. And we will — trust me.”

a professional administrator license in 2023, which remains active.

He earned a $270,000 annual base salary, according to his rst contract with the district, which was in e ect until June 30 this year.

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds was made aware last Friday morning that Roberts was in custody, according to her spokesperson Mason Mauro. Reynolds was in contact with state and federal authorities.

In a joint statement, the presidents of unions representing teachers and other school employees in Des Moines and across the state said they were shocked by Roberts’ detention. They described his compassion for all students of all backgrounds as “a beacon of light in one of the state’s most diverse school districts.”

Before coming to Iowa, Roberts had previously worked as superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania. The district said in an email they were aware of the reports but declined further comment.

A biography for Roberts listed on the district’s website says he was born to immigrant parents from Guyana and spent much of his childhood in Brooklyn, New York.

ICE said that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999. The next year, he competed for Guyana in the Olympics in track and eld.

NELL REDMOND / AP PHOTO

Steve Federico gathers himself as he waits to testify about his daughter Logan Federico, who was murdered, during the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight eld hearing on violent crime in Charlotte on Monday.

WOI LOCAL 5 NEWS VIA AP

Des Moines schools Superintendent Ian Roberts, pictured above in a screengrab from a local news station, was detained by ICE last week.

‘Political terrorism’ bill passes NC House with bipartisan support

The measure cited recent political violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — In the wake of the assassination of Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, the North Carolina House last week passed the Political Terrorism Prevention Act.

The bill, contained in Senate Bill 13, aims to enhance criminal penalties for politically motivated acts of violence while balancing protections for free expression and democratic engagement.

“You have a First Amendment right to say outrageous things,” House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) told reporters in response to questions about toning down political rhetoric. “If you’re an elected o cial, you probably ought to use good sense when you’re saying those things. And things get heated sometimes. But even in those circumstances, it shouldn’t come to physical attacks on people.”

The bill’s language includes a passage referring to “a disturbing rise in politically motivated acts” and lists the attempted assassinations of Congressman Steve Scalise, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the two attempts on Donald Trump during last year’s campaign.

Also mentioned are the arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the assassinations of

“Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.”

Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow)

Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and Kirk. The bill states, “these attacks are not random, but intentional e orts to silence speech, suppress dissent, and enforce ideological conformity through terror.”

“Charlie Kirk was murdered because of his beliefs,” House Majority Leader Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) said. “That is political terrorism in its rawest form. This law makes crystal clear: If you target someone because of their politics in our state, we will throw the book at you and then some.”

The legislation de nes acts of political violence as criminal o enses targeting individuals based on their political beliefs, a liations or public expressions, including advocacy, candidacy or voting history.

A press release from Hall’s o ce said sentence enhancements in the bill include making politically motivated Class A felonies that are “not otherwise capital o enses” eligible for the

A tribute to Charlie Kirk is shown on the Jumbotron before a NASCAR Cup Series race last month in Bristol, Tennessee.

death penalty. Sentencing enhancement in the bill would also raise felony convictions by one class level and bar parole or early release.

Guardrails for special sentencing would involve requiring indictments alleging political motivation, which can be proven by direct or circumstantial evidence. The political motivation factor is required to be included in any notice of intent to seek the death penalty and can be considered during sentencing even if a defendant is pleading guilty.

The bill would also require district attorneys to contact the attorney general when a politically motivated case is being brought. The attorney general would have the power to appoint a special prosecutor if requested. Addi-

tionally, victims and their families would be given the ability to give impact statements at any point during the proceedings. If signed by the governor, the bill would be e ective Dec. 1 and apply to o enses committed on or after that date.

The measure passed the House with wide bipartisan support by a vote of 105-6 and was sent to the Senate, which did not act on the bill before the end of the September session.

The six members voting no were all Democrats: Reps. Mary Belk (Mecklenburg), Maria Cervania (Wake), Julia Green eld (Mecklenburg), Pricey Harrison (Guilford), Marcia Morey (Durham) and Renée Price (Orange).

“Like so many young conservatives, I was inspired today and in years past to get involved in public service because of Charlie Kirk,” Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow), who credited Kirk with having met his best friends in college, said on the House oor, Gable, 23, is the rst member of Gen Z elected to the legislature and was 22 when he became the youngest member elected to the General Assembly in 126 years.

“But I sit here, I feel, because of Charlie and what he created,” Gable said. “He created an organization that I was able to be a part of. I was able to learn, I was able to grow, I was able to network. … Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.”

GRANT from page A1

Established in 2022 through a public-private partnership with the City of Albemarle, Uwharrie Bank and the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation, the grant program serves as an economic development tool aimed at spurring growth in the city’s historic downtown and addressing aging infrastructure. Individuals with a solid business plan and secured nancing can apply for grants to purchase or lease vacant buildings and begin rehabilitation work. Eligible businesses and entrepreneurs can receive up to $50,000 for building stabilization, facade improvements and interior upgrades.

In its rst year, the program funded several projects, including $36,000 for equipment up-

BOARD from page A1 the business submits the project. It’s one of the only grant projects that pays in advance of the project.”

grades at Albemarle Sweet Shop, $14,400 for roof repairs at Albemarle Printers, and $10,000 for HVAC and window upgrades at Uwharrie Hearing Doctors.

Most recently, the program sparked a surge of redevelopment projects that provided signi cant private investment, allocating $90,000 in grants to leverage more than $1.5 million in private investment as a return on the initial grant funding.

Colton Baker, owner of Uwharrie Brewing, used a $35,000 grant to purchase canning equipment and quality-control instruments for a $100,000 expansion cost.

Due to that investment, the brewery can now distribute regionally to gas stations and restaurants because of its new fermentation tanks and canning system capable of producing 30 cases per hour.

“It was something I de nitely saw as a daunting bit of debt to take on additionally,” Baker said. “But the catalyst grant and

Albemarle Economic Development Director Lindsey

left, stands next to ElectriCities CEO Roy

with the Innovation in Economic Development Award.

getting the nancial backing to help pay for a lot of those things really helped me make the decision to push forward with

that capital expenditure. I don’t think that I would have spent the money to expand as quickly as I did if I didn’t have that ex-

see that we did have a backup plan and that we can do these two projects — hopefully if we get the grant — at only the expense of $2.6 million from the taxpayer.”

Resolutions backing the school district’s grant application were previously passed by the Oakboro Board of Commissioners, Stan eld Town Council and Locust City Council.

tra blanket or push in the right direction to do that.”

Other recent investments include a $15,000 grant supported roof and window replacement for Downtown Cantina, a $27,500 grant-enabled restoration of upper- oor window restoration and glass installation for Consigning Kids, and $15,000 grant to transform the historic Sinclair Station into an art studio and residential space.

“This catalyst grant is solely for our downtown businesses, but I do think there’s an opportunity to expand it in the future,” Almond said. “I would love to see it go into di erent corridors to spur investment.” Additional information about the grant program is available online at albemarlenc.gov.

All applications are reviewed by a seven-member oversight committee and evaluated based on alignment with downtown revitalization goals, project readiness and potential longterm economic impact.

The Stanly County Board of Education is now set to hold a special-called meeting on Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Stanly County Schools Central O ce in Albemarle.

COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE

Almond,

Jones

WADE PAYNE / AP PHOTO

OBITUARIES

IN

MEMORY

NANCY ELIZABETH ABERNATHY

JUNE 9, 1959 – SEPT. 23, 2025

Nancy Elizabeth Abernathy, 66, of New London, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus, surrounded by her loving family.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Kendall Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 3 p.m., o ciated by Pastor Kent Little. A private burial, with family only, o ciated by Pastor Dusty Laney will follow after the service.

Born on June 9, 1959, in Iredell County, Nancy was the daughter of the late Daniel Abernathy Sr. and Peggy Abernathy, who survives her. She was a woman of quiet strength and deep faith, known for her humility, artistic spirit, and boundless compassion. She found joy in the simple things; her Savior Jesus Christ, caring for others, and the companionship of her beloved dogs.

Nancy is lovingly survived by her mother, Peggy Abernathy; her siblings, Rebecca Laney, Daniel Abernathy Jr. (Mary Ann), John Abernathy (Janis), and Philip Abernathy (Tina); her sister-in-law, Meg Bowers (David); as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Abernathy, and brother-in-law, Rick Laney.

Nancy touched the lives of many with her thoughtfulness, creativity, and the quiet strength of her faith. She always placed others before herself, and her memory will continue to inspire kindness and love in those who knew her.

In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to Kendall Baptist Church, 32157 Kendalls Church Road, New London, NC 28127, or to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Abernathy family.

MARY

SUE BRADHAM BLACK

FEB. 9, 1941 – SEPT. 25, 2025

Mary Sue Bradham Black, 84, of Albemarle, formerly of Lexington, SC, entered her heavenly home on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Second Street Presbyterian Church with her son, Rev. John C. Black, o ciating. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the church sanctuary. A graveside service will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Orangeburg, SC, on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 1 p.m.. Born on February 9, 1941, in Manning, SC, Mary Sue was the daughter of the late Peter Thomas Bradham and Sara Brooke Jones Bradham, both of whom she dearly loved. She devoted her life to teaching and retired after many years as an elementary and Junior High school teacher, primarily in Chester and Orangeburg, SC. She was a graduate of the University of South Carolina. She touched countless young lives with her kindness, humor, and encouragement, and she cherished staying connected with her former students, often through social media.

Mary Sue will be remembered by her family and friends as gregarious, sociable, and fun-loving—a woman who brought laughter and joy wherever she went. She adored her various cats and dogs throughout her years as well as chocolate mochas and Cheez-Its. She loved music, and especially found joy in singing in her church choirs over the years. Above all, she treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Her faith was central to who she was. A devoted follower of Christ, her favorite verse was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She often expressed her desire that at her funeral it be said: “This is just a shell, the nut has departed.” Mary Sue was a longtime member of Lexington Baptist Church in Lexington, SC, where she found fellowship, worship, and joy in song.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Roy Black, in 1999. She missed him greatly and is surely rejoicing now in his presence.

She is survived by her son, Rev. John C. Black and wife Amy of Oakboro, NC; her daughter, Tammy Lynn Ray of Lexington, SC; her sister, Frances May Smith and husband Ray of Greenville, SC; her cousin, Anne Boyd of Greenville, SC; ve beloved grandchildren, Michael Lewis LaFrance, Snezhanna Baziluk Black, Ian Thomas Black, Chandler Evan Black, and Mary Lillian “Lilli” Ray; and nine precious great-grandchildren.

Mary Sue’s legacy of love, faith, and joy will live on in all who were blessed to know her. If you knew her, you were touched by her compassion and vibrant sense of humor.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the Sta and residents of the Taylor House of Albemarle and Tillery Compassionate Care for their loving care of “Miss Mary”.

In lieu of owers, you may send a memorial to either Second Street Presbyterian Church, 105 Hearne St., Albemarle, NC, 28001, or to Taylor House Assisted Living, 319 Palmer St., Albemarle, NC, 28001.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ northstatejournal.com

JUSTIN JAQUIN LYES TAYLOR

MAY 5, 1992 – SEPT. 25, 2025

Justin Jaquin Lyes Taylor, 33, of Norwood, departed on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Justin was born at Stanly Memorial Hospital on May 5, 1992, to the late Henry “Oink” Taylor and Sandra Ledbetter. Growing up, Justin fell in love with the game of football. He played football and basketball throughout the years from grade school to high school. During his senior year, he received an athletic scholarship to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He graduated from South Stanly High School in 2010. In the fall of 2010, he attended Virginia Tech, where he played football.

Upon his return to Stanly County, Justin was employed in multiple positions as a landscaper. Although he enjoyed those jobs, his most recent employer was Martins Sprocket and Gear in Albemarle, NC. Justin was a member of First Baptist Church in Norwood, NC. The pastor is Rev. Cecil Rayzor.

In addition to his father, Justin was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Bertha Taylor and Charlie Lilly; and maternal grandparents, Terry and Martha Ledbetter.

Justin is survived by his mother, Sandra Ledbetter, of Norwood, NC; his sisters, Shaquett Peterson and Debbie Crouch; brothers, Armani Merriman and Hassie J. Little. A special Big Sister Keiana SanHannibl-ish (Justin knows her Heart) and a special brother Alec (Stephanie) Shue.

Justin’s Nieces and nephews meant the world to him. T*shara Ledbetter, Ari Peterson, Alasia Little, Jasmen(Holly) Barrier and Greyson Shue brought him joy. Justin had no biological children, but being a father was his dream. Kara Marie Waldroop was his biggest heartbeat, along with his “Son” Blaze Erick Taylor.

Along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Justin was a bright light that refused to be extinguished.

JACKI RIVERS HOWELL

OCT. 19, 1967 – SEPT. 26, 2025

Jacki Rivers Howell, 57, of Norwood, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2025.

Born on October 19, 1967, Jacki was the daughter of the late Edward Rivers Sr., and Mickey Tucker Rivers.

Jacki ercely loved her family and devoted her life to them. From a young age, she captured her mother’s love for children and carried it with her throughout her life. Her children’s friends became like her own, and her door was always open. She shared that same open heart with her schoolchildren and freely gave her love to all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Todd Howell, and their children: Ashley Scarborough (Logan) of Polkton, NC; Christopher “Bucky” Cummings (Sarah) of Hamlet, NC; Taylor Tarlton (Tyler) of Monroe, NC; Nicholas Cummings of Peachland, NC; Brandon Howell of Norwood, NC; and Brandi Talbert (Wesley) of Troy, NC. Her greatest joy was being “Nana” to her grandchildren: Rivers Scarborough, Craven Scarborough, Ryder Cummings, Walker Cummings, Kaya Lowery, Bella Tarlton, Hailey Cummings, Tryston Cummings, and Lily Dawkins.

Jacki was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Mickey Rivers, her brother, Ed Rivers Jr., and her niece, Hilary Babu. She is also survived by her sisters, Deana Napier (Michael) of Polkton, NC, and Sammi Williams (Kenny) of Norwood, NC; her parents-inlaw Ken and Sue Howell of Norwood, NC; her sisters-in-law, Linda Rivers of Mt. Gilead, NC, and Angie McSwain (Barry) of Norwood, NC; her brother-in-law, Kurt Howell of Norwood, NC; along with her beloved nieces, nephews, and friends that were like family.

Jacki faced her illness with courage and determination, ghting bravely through every challenge. The family is deeply grateful to Duke Cancer Institute for their compassionate care and for giving Jacki hope during her most di cult times. In honor of her life and in keeping with her wishes, memorials may be made to cancer research, speci cally to the Duke Cancer Institute Development O ce, 300 W Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham, NC 27701; and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (designated to adrenal cancer research), P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210.

A service to celebrate Jacki’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in the fellowship hall at Hamer Creek Baptist Church, Highway 109, Mt. Gilead, NC. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception immediately following the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Homes, and online condolences may be shared at www. edwardsfuneralhomes.com.

ANNIE (ANN) SMITH EDWARDS

MARCH 4, 1935 – SEPT. 27, 2025

Annie (Ann) Smith Edwards, 90, of Oakboro, peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust. The funeral service, o ciated by Rev. Dr. Kenny Wallace, will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Mineral Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Oakboro Cemetery.

Ann was born in Stanly County on March 4, 1935, to the late Oswald Smith and Nellie Floyd Smith. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, William (W.A.) Edwards Jr.; three brothers, Clinton, Willis, and Lemuel (Slim) Smith; and her sister, Geneva Smith Lambert.

Ann is survived by her daughter, Renda Edwards Williams and Husband Jerry of Oakboro; her son, Todd Edwards and wife Heather of Oakboro; her grandson, Orie Edwards and wife Makayla of Oakboro; and her sister, Christine Smith Mullis of Stan eld. She also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews.

She loved to cook and garden and especially enjoyed working alongside her husband in the greenhouses they purchased together. For many years, they grew and sold tomatoes and cucumbers, sharing the fruits of their labor with family, friends, and the community.

Memorials can made to Tillery Compassionate Care of Albemarle (960 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001) or Mineral Springs Baptist Church (4694 NC-205, Oakboro, NC 28129).

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is serving the Edwards family.

STANLY SPORTS

South Stanly aims for fourth consecutive win

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls will host North Rowan

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — As the seventh week of the high school football season arrives, two Stanly County teams will face each other, one will open conference play and another looks to rebound after dropping its league opener last week.

Local results have been split so far — two teams with win-

ning records are a combined 9-1, while the other two sit at a combined 3-7.

North Rowan at South Stanly

Following a 14-6 road win at Union Academy, South Stanly will look to win its fourth consecutive game on Friday as the Rowdy Rebel Bulls (4-1, 1-0 Yadkin Valley) host the North Rowan Cavaliers (2-3, 1-0 YVC).

Despite achieving its rst winning campaign in six years last season (6-5), the team was

9-1

Combined record for North and South Stanly

unable to string together more than two back-to-back victories. This season, the Bulls have bounced back well after a close loss to Piedmont on Aug. 29 with victories over Anson, Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy and Union Academy.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are riding high after a 59-0 home shutout over BCLA and aiming to win their third contest in a row.

Albemarle at North Stanly

North Stanly is hoping to be 6-0 on Friday night as the Comets (5-0, 2-0 YVC) host the Albemarle Bulldogs (2-3, 0-1 YVC), who are trying to snap a three-game losing skid.

North won 23-6 at Thomas Je erson Classical Academy last week as the Comets opened conference play with a resounding victory. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, were shutout in a 14-0 nonconference loss at Mountain Island Charter — the same Raptors team that North defeated 51-21 earlier this season.

Making the short trip to New London to face the Comets, Albemarle has its eyes set on re-

venge after falling to North 24-0 at Bulldog Stadium late last season.

West Stanly at Anson

With a road trip to Wadesboro coming up to face Anson, West Stanly will begin Rocky River Conference play when the Colts (1-4) try to move on from a tough 34-6 home loss to Eastern Randolph. The winless Bearcats (0-5) could provide West with a manageable opportunity to bounce back from two blowout losses where the Colts were outscored 69-20. Anson is coming o a 46-28 home loss to Pender as the Bearcats allowed their season high in points against. West went 1-4 in conference play last season, including a 38-15 road loss at Anson. The Colts’ only league win in 2024 was a 33-20 road victory at Piedmont.

North Stanly football remains undefeated after road win

The Comets are 5-0 on the season

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

NEW LONDON — North

Stanly’s undefeated start to the season reached new heights Friday night as the Comets moved to 5-0 for the rst time since the 2020 season with a 23-6 road win at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy in Mooresboro.

Senior running back Zay Dockery carried the o ense, scoring all three of North’s touchdowns and nishing with 113 yards on 11 carries. His performance helped the Comets secure their second straight Yadkin Valley Conference victory and extend what has become their best start in ve years.

The Comets are the rst YVC team to reach two conference wins this season.

After a scoreless opening quarter, Dockery put North on the board early in the second with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Comets (5-0, 2-0 YVC) took that 7-0 lead into halftime as their defense bottled up a Gryphons (3-2, 1-1 YVC) o ense that managed little rhythm. Midway through the third quarter, Dockery struck again — this time through the air — as junior quarterback Brady

Lowder found the senior on a short 5-yard pass to make

COURTESY NFHS NETWORK

North Stanly’s o ense gets past mid eld during the third quarter of the Comets’ 23-6 win over TJCA on Friday night.

it 14 - 0. Lowder nished the game on 10-of-21 passing for 129 yards. TJCA (3-2, 1-1) caught a break minutes later when North mu ed a punt return. The Gryphons scooped up the loose ball and raced 50 yards to the end zone, but a missed extra point left the margin at 14-6. North quickly regained con-

trol when the Comets forced a safety on a fumbled snap late in the third. Dockery later broke multiple tackles on a highlight 52-yard run to seal the win.

North’s ground attack racked up 317 yards, with freshman Demetrius Brooks providing a spark with 123 yards on 12 carries. Sophomore receiver Racere Bruton hauled in two catches for 87 yards to lead the passing game. Defensively, North limited the Gryphons’ o ense to a single touchdown that came on special teams, taking care of business as linebackers Juice Lilly and Maddox Cody each reached 10 tackles in the matchup. The Comets opened the season with three one-score wins but have now won their last two contests by a combined 47 points, showcasing steady improvement on both sides of the ball.

North Stanly will try to stay perfect Friday when it returns home to New London to face the Albemarle Bulldogs (2 -3, 0-1 YVC), who are hoping to snap a three-game losing streak.

COURTESY CALEB STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY

South Stanly quarterback Kaleb Richardson navigates the pocket during a home game against BCLA.

Elliott steals Kansas Speedway race in wild overtime nish

The playo s now head to Charlotte Motor Speedway

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Chase Elliott somehow stole Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway, where he drove from eighth to the checkered ag during a two-lap overtime sprint to earn a spot in the third round of NASCAR’s Cup Series playo s. It was a wild ending to a race that probably should have been won by Denny Hamlin, who dominated and led 159 laps until a bevy of late issues denied him his chance at career win No. 60 for Joe Gibbs Racing.

The race had a slew of late cautions — Hamlin dropped from the lead to seventh on a slow pit stop — that put Bubba Wallace in position to win the race. A red- ag stoppage for Zane Smith ipping his car set up the nal overtime restart, and Wallace was holding tight in a door-todoor battle with Christopher Bell for the victory.

Then Hamlin came from nowhere to catch Wallace, who drives for the team Hamlin co-owns with Michael Jordan, and Wallace scraped the wall as he tried to hold o his boss. That’s when Elliott suddenly entered the frame and smashed Hamlin in the door to get past him for his second win of the season.

“What a crazy nish. Hope you all enjoyed that. I certainly did,” NASCAR’s most popular driver told the crowd after collecting the checkered ag.

Elliott joins Ryan Blaney as the two drivers locked into the third round of the playo s. The eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight after next week’s race in Concord, and Elliott said once he got in position for the victory, he wasn’t giving up.

“I wasn’t going to lift, so I didn’t know what was going to happen. I gured at the end of the day, it was what it was at that point,” Elliott said. “Wherever I ended up, I ended up. At that point, we were all committed. Really cool just to be eighth on the restart and somehow win on a green-and-

Elliott celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.

white checkered. Pretty neat.” Hamlin nished second and was clearly dejected by the defeat. The three-time Daytona 500 winner is considered the greatest driver to never win a Cup title and needed the victory to lock up his spot in the next round of the playo s. He also has a 60th Cup win set as a major career goal and is stuck on 59 victories.

He drove the nal 50-plus laps with his power steering on the fritz.

“Just super disappointing. I wanted it bad. It would have been 60 for me,” Hamlin said. “Obviously got really, really tight with (Wallace), and it just got real tight and we let (Elliott) win.

Hamlin was followed his JGR teammates Bell and Chase Briscoe, who were third and fourth.

Wallace wound up fth, and even though the victory would have moved him deeper into the playo s than he’s ever been in his career, he was satis ed considering how poorly his car was running earlier in the race. He wasn’t even upset with Hamlin and shook hands with his boss on pit road.

“To even have a shot at the win with the way we started ... you could have fooled me. We were not good,” Wallace said. “Two years ago I’d probably say something dumb (about Hamlin). He’s a dumbass for that move. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not. But we’re going for the win. I hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there.”

Bottom four

The four drivers in danger of playo elimination headed into next Sunday’s race are Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Tyler Reddick and Wallace.

“Obviously there’s only one thing we can do at Charlotte (win), and that’s what we’ll be focused on,” Reddick said.

Up next

A playo elimination race is next at the hybrid oval/road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Kyle Larson won a year ago. The playo eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight following next Sunday’s race.

COLIN E. BRALEY / AP PHOTO

Chase

Volleyball regular seasons hit the home stretch

Stanly News Journal sta

South Stanly volleyball, 6-10, 4-2 in Yadkin Valley

2A/3A

Last week’s scores:

Lost 3-2 at Piedmont

Won 3-2 vs. Albemarle

This week’s schedule: Sept. 30 at North Stanly Oct. 2 vs. Union Academy

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls split two games last week and are now two games over .500 in the Yadkin Valley with four to play.

South Stanly boys’ soccer, 2-6, 0-5 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A

Last week’s scores: Lost 9-1 to Gray Stone Day

This week’s schedule: Oct. 1 vs. Albemarle Oct. 6 vs. North Rowan

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls saw their losing streak reach six matches. They’ve given up an average of 8.5 goals per game over that span.

West Stanly volleyball, 16-3, 9-0 in Rocky River

4A/5A

Last week’s scores: Won 3-0 vs. Parkwood

Won 3-0 at Piedmont

This week’s schedule: Sept. 30 at Monroe Oct. 6 vs. Forest Hills

The Colts swept both of last week’s matches and have now won four straight and eight of the last nine. They’ve won 12 of 13 sets over the current win streak.

West Stanly boys’ soccer, 4-9-1, 2-3-1 in Rocky River 4A/5A

Last week’s scores: Won 5-0 vs. Anson Lost 1-0 vs. Piedmont

This week’s schedule: Oct. 6 vs. Parkwood

The Colts snapped a four -match winless streak with a 5-0 shutout of Anson. West will try to get to .500 in the league with a game against Parkwood.

North Stanly volleyball, 11-10, 6-1 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores: Won 3-0 at Gray Stone Day Lost 3-0 at Cox Mill

This week’s schedule: Sept. 30 vs. South Stanly Oct. 2 at North Rowan Oct. 6 at Concord

The Comets had their four -match win streak snapped but remain a game over break even after splitting two outings last week.

North Stanly boys’ soccer, 4-8-1, 1-2-1 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores: Tied 2-2 vs. North Rowan Lost 6-2 at Albemarle

This week’s schedule: Oct. 1 at Union Academy Oct. 6 at Gray Stone Day

The Comets had an 0-1-1 week, going winless despite scoring two goals in each game.

Albemarle volleyball, 5-6, 1-6 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores: Lost 3-2 at South Stanly Lost 3-0 vs. Union Academy

This week’s schedule: Oct. 2 at Gray Stone Day

The Bulldogs lost both matches last week to drop below .500 for the rst time this season with three to play.

Albemarle boys’ soccer, 7-7, 3-2 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores: Won 6-2 vs. North Stanly Won 5-2 at Math and Science Academy

This week’s schedule: Oct. 1 at South Stanly Oct. 6 vs. Union Academy

The Bulldogs won back-to -back games last week by a combined 11-3 score. Moi Carrillo (2), Paul Mendikute (5), Noah Carpenter (2), Isaias Garcia and Jack Sanchez scored goals for Albemarle.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlynewsjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Yadkin Valley 2A/3A

North Stanly: 5-0, 2-0

South Stanly: 4-1, 1-0

North Rowan: 2-3, 1-0

Thomas Je erson: 3-2, 1-1

Albemarle: 2-3, 0-1

Union: 2-3, 0-2

Games last week Sept. 26

• Mountain Island Charter 14, Albemarle 0

• North Stanly 23, Thomas Je erson 6

• South Stanly 14, Union Academy 6

• Eastern Randolph 34, West Stanly 6

Rocky River 4A/5A

Forest Hills: 6-0, 1-0

Mount Pleasant: 3-2, 0-0 Parkwood: 1-5, 0-1

West Stanly: 1-4, 0-0

Monroe: 1-3, 0-0

Anson: 0-5, 0-0

Games this week Oct.3

• Albemarle at North Stanly

• North Rowan at South Stanly

• West Stanly at Anson

FOR RENT

Brick house • Two Bedroom, Livingroom, Dining room, One full bath all new, New kitchen, new oors, and new paint throughout. Fully renovated • Central heating and air, New refrigerator and stove. $1700 per month • Good location • 1216 West Main Street 704-991-6486

Let’s Work Together

Full-Time

Become part of something great...

We are eager to welcome individuals who are dedicated to our mission and committed to enhancing our community. Interested candidates are invited to browse our open full and part time positions via the website below to nd out how to apply for one of our job openings at SCC.

NOTICES NOTICES

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

FAMILY COURT OF THE

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT CASE NO.: 2025-DR-13-087 Lauren Cassidy Honeycutt, Plainti , vs. Tanarius Mandrey Blackmon, Defendant. SUMMONS TO: DEFENDANT ABOVE-NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action, of which a copy is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your answer on the subscribers, LUCAS, WHITE, & MITCHELL at their o ce located at 508 South Fourth Street in Hartsville, South Carolina, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, Judgment by Default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. LUCAS, WHITE & MITCHELL

Cody T. Mitchell (Bar No.: 100184) Adam C. Gainey (Bar No.: 105756) Attorney for Plainti SC Bar No.:100184 508 South Fourth Street Post O ce Box 1408 Hartsville, South Carolina Hartsville, SC 29551 Tel: (843) 332-5050 September 11, 2025 Fax: (843) 332-5105

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY In the District Court Petitions to Terminate Parental Rights to Michael Clark Jr. (25JT000041830): Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled actions. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: A Petition to Terminate Parental Rights against you for JAYCE AHMIR CLARK You are required to make defense to such pleadings no later than forty days from the rst date of publication and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This the 26th day of September, 2025. Chris Purkey Attorney for Petitioner 18125 W. Catawba Avenue Cornelius, North Carolina 28031

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT DIVISION Jamie Hartsell Glover vs. Ricky Dale Glover 25CV000702-830 ATTENTION: Ricky Dale Glover TAKE NOTICE that a COMPLAINT in the above-entitled civil action has been led against you at: Civil District Court at Stanly County Courthouse, Albemarle, NC. The Nature of the relief sought is as follows: Absolute Divorce You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than November 7, 2025; and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 18th day of September, 2025. Jeremy D. Gri n Attorney at Law PO Box 422 Locust, NC 28097

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 25-E-488

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Clyde N. Overcash Sr., deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before December 30, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 1st day of October, 2025.

CLYDE N. OVERCASH, JR.

EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF CLYDE N. OVERCASH, SR.

MARK T. LOWDER

ATTORNEY AT LAW

PO Box 1284 206 E. North St. Albemarle, NC 28001 Telephone (704) 982-8558

Please run Notice: October 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2025

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA

Sección 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 y fondos estatales aplicables, o una combinación de los mismos. Esto es para informar al público que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública sobre la solicitud propuesta del Programa de Transporte Comunitario del Condado de Stanly que se presentará al Departamento de Transporte de Carolina del Norte a más tardar el 30 de octubre de 2025. La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo el 20 de octubre de 2025 a las 6:00 p. m. ante los comisionados del condado de Stanly (junta directiva) en la sala de reuniones Gene McIntyre ubicada en 1000 N. Primera calle, Albemarle, NC 28001. Aquellos interesados en asistir a la audiencia pública y que necesiten ayudas y servicios auxiliares bajo la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) o un traductor de idiomas deben comunicarse con Tyler Brummitt antes del 16 de octubre de 2025, al número de teléfono 704-986-3602 o por correo electrónico al tbrummitt@ stanlycountync.gov. El Programa de Transporte Comunitario brinda asistencia para coordinar los programas de transporte existentes que operan en el condado de Stanly, así como también brinda opciones y servicios de transporte para las comunidades dentro de esta área de servicio. Estos servicios se prestan actualmente mediante rutas de demanda y respuesta y suscripción. Los servicios se prestan en furgonetas y vehículos ligeros. El monto total estimado solicitado para el período del 1 de julio de 2026 al 30 de junio de 2027.

NOTA: El monto de la participación local está sujeto a la disponibilidad de fondos estatales.

Esta aplicación puede ser inspeccionada a 1000 N. First Street, Suite 15, Albemarle, NC de 9:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. Los comentarios escritos deben dirigirse a Andy Lucas antes del 16 de octubre de 2025. Fin del aviso

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Section 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 and applicable State funding, or combination thereof. This is to inform the public that a public hearing will be held on the proposed Stanly County Community Transportation Program Application to be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation no later than October 30, 2025. The public hearing will be held

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF STANLY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NUMBER 25E000485-830 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES LARRY BOLES, SR. Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of James Larry Boles, Sr., this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate to present such claims to the undersigned or his attorney on or before the 10th day of December, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This the 10th day of September, 2025. Administrator: James Larry Boles, Jr. 72 Pine Ridge Drive Whispering Pines, NC 28237

Attorney for the estate: Connie Edwards Mosher First Street Legal 239 N 1st Street Albemarle, NC 28001

Dates of publication: September 10, 17, 24, October 1

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000508-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Mary Horton Pemberton, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Mary Horton Pemberton to present them to the undersigned on or before December 18, 2025 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 17th day of September, 2025. Robert Joe Horton 315 Martin Luther King Drive Apt. A Albemarle, NC 28001

PUBLISHED NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of

Taylor Swift, Matthew McConaughey, Jacinda Arderna Glen Powell, Ghost of Yotei

“The Life of a Showgirl” drops on Friday

The Associated Press

TAYLOR SWIFT’S highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl” and Matthew McConaughey playing the real-life bus driver who saved elementary school students during California’s deadliest wild re are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: The classic children’s story “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White turned into an animated series for HBO Max, the documentary “Prime Minister” chronicling the ve-year tenure of former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern and some katana-swinging mayhem with the video game Ghost of Yotei.

MOVIES TO STREAM

McConaughey plays the real bus driver who drove 22 elementary school students to safety during 2018’s Camp Fire that engulfed Paradise, California, in the new lm “The Lost Bus,” streaming Friday on Apple TV+. America Ferrera costars as the teacher who went along for the ride, expecting it to be a straightforward drop o at a nearby school. Paul Greengrass directed the lm like an old-fashioned disaster movie, I wrote in my review, adding, “it’s impossible to take your eyes o the screen, away from the inferno and the sense of our own smallness and helplessness to ‘battle it.’”

Cillian Murphy is the headmaster of a reform school in “Steve,” a taut drama about mental health and a broken education system. The lm, which hits Net ix on Friday, is based on Max Porter’s novella “Shy.” “Steve” was directed by Belgian lmmaker Tim Mielants who also directed Murphy in the terri c Claire Keegan adaptation “Small Things Like These,” (currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+) which focused on the Magdalene laundries in Ireland. Together they could make for a moving double feature.

The new documentary “Prime Minister,” now streaming on HBO Max, chronicles the ve-year tenure of Ardern, the former New Zealand PM. Just 37 when she took over and only the second elected world leader to give birth while holding ofce, Ardern was praised around the world for her handling of the nation’s worst-ever mass shooting and the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. But she faced mounting political pressures at home and a level of vitriol from some that hadn’t been experienced by previous New Zealand leaders. In 2023, she shocked the world with her announcement that she was stepping down.

NOTICES

MUSIC TO STREAM

It’s her, hi: Swift returns with her highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” out Friday. The record was completed in Sweden with producers Max Martin and Shellback during the Eras Tour, and while details of the album have been limited, Swift did appear on the “New Heights” podcast in August to tease it. Swift promised infectious melodies and vivid lyrics across “The Life of a Showgirl,” an album that will be much more “upbeat” than 2024’s “The Tortured Poets Department.”

SERIES TO STREAM

Superman only had to put on a pair of glasses to disguise himself as Clark Kent, but in the new Hulu series “Chad Powers,” Glen Powell wears prosthetics and a wig to masquerade himself — all in the name of football. Powell plays Russ Holliday, a college football quarterback at the top of his game until he makes an embarrassing mistake that ruins his career. Instead of giving up, Holliday decides to transform himself into an alter ego named Chad Powers, who is a walk-on player at a di erent school. The show is based on a character created by Eli Manning for his 2022 ESPN docuseries “Eli’s Places,” where he changed his look to take part in walk-on tryouts at Penn State.

The classic children’s story “Charlotte’s Web” by White is now an animated series for HBO Max. All three episodes drop Friday. The show’s voice cast includes Amy Ad-

ams as Charlotte, Elijah Wood as adult Wilbur, Cynthia Erivo as goose and Jean Smart as the narrator. Charlie Hunnam also transforms himself for Net ix’s true crime dramatization called “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” Hunnam plays Gein, a convicted murderer and suspected serial killer from the 1950s. Cocreated by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the “Monster” anthologies tend to illustrate the impact of true crime on pop culture. In this “Monster,” Tom Hollander plays Alfred Hitchcock, whose movie “Psycho” was inspired by Gein. Olivia Williams and Laurie Metcalf also star. It debuts Friday. PBS has two interesting offers for the weekend. On Friday

it will air “Great Performances: The Magic of Grace Bumbry” about the real-life opera singer from Missouri who made history as the rst black mezzo-soprano to perform at Germany’s Bayreuth Festival. It also shows her impact on musicians today, including Beyoncé, who is mentioned in the doc. It premieres Friday on PBS and streams on PBS.com and the PBS App.

On Sunday we’re introduced to Jules Maigret, a detective created by author Georges Simenon. His rst Maigret novel was published in 1931 but a new PBS Masterpiece series about the investigator takes place in modern day. Benjamin Wainwright stars as the titular character who — along with his team — use unorthodox methods to

“It’s impossible to take your eyes o the screen, away from the inferno and the sense of our own smallness and helplessness to ‘battle it.’”

Lindsey Bahr, AP Film Writer

solve crimes. “Maigret” will also be available on PBS.com and the PBS App.

The second season of the biblical drama “House of David” premieres Sunday. Available with a Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video, the show details the rise of David, a biblical gure who became the most celebrated king of Israel.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Atsu, the protagonist of Ghost of Yotei, was just a girl when the renegade Lord Saito killed the rest of her family. Sixteen years later, she’s returned to northern Japan to exact vengeance against Saito and his minions. She’s learned some mad samurai skills in the meantime, so expect plenty of katana-swinging mayhem. This new adventure from Sony’s Sucker Punch studio is the follow-up to 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, and it builds on that game’s sprawling scope and lush graphics while blending 1600s history with Japanese folklore. Atsu’s mission begins Thursday on PlayStation 5.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Glen Powell, the star and co-creator of “Chad Powers,” arrives at the premiere of the series now streaming on Hulu.

SCOTT A GARFITT / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Matthew McConaughey poses for photographers upon arrival at the screening of the lm ‘The Lost Bus’, which is streaming Friday on Apple TV+.

Solution to last week’s puzzle

Solution to this week’s puzzles

Concerning developments

Congressmen Pat Harrigan, left, and Addison McDowell listen at the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight hearing on violent crime in Charlotte on Monday. For more on the hearing, turn to page A2.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Nebraska joins Trump program to use public money for private school tuition

Omaha, Neb.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has opted Nebraska into a federal program to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition. The move comes despite Nebraska voters repealing a similar state law last year. The federal program is part of the federal tax and budget bill passed in July. It allows taxpayers to direct up to $1,700 in federal income taxes they owe to scholarship groups for private school expenses. Critics argue it undermines the will of the voters. Pillen insists the measure won’t a ect public school funding, saying it bene ts both public and private schools.

U.S. government starts phasing out use of paper checks

Washington, D.C.

The U.S. government is phasing out paper checks for most programs. The change started Tuesday and a ects recipients of bene ts like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds. Nearly 400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients still rely on paper checks. The director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says many of these people lack access to digital services. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration says electronic payments and collections will speed up processing and cut costs.

$2.00

WSFCS will no longer provide district-funded dental bene ts

The move to a model funded by employees is set to save the district

$2.5 million annually

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM —

Winston-Salem/Forsyth Coun-

ty Schools is changing its employee dental bene ts.

As part of the district’s work to reduce its outstanding debt and balance future budgets, the WSFCS Board of Education approved the changes at its Sept. 23 meeting.

The district will no longer fund employee and retiree dental bene ts, instead moving to an employee-funded model.

“I know that this is a change,” said Interim Superintendent Catty Moore. “Moving this to an employee-funded model is in

“I

look at this as a tradeo . It’s either lose positions or lose employer-funded dental

Leah Crowley, board member

line with what you’ll nd in other districts, and the practice of providing funding for dental insurance to retirees is not a common practice. I don’t know any other district that does that.”

According to sta , the move will save the school system

$1.3 million this scal year and $2.5 million in annual savings every future year, which is equivalent to 33 average-salary positions, according to Moore.

“I look at this as a trade-o ,” said board member Leah Crowley. “It’s got to go one way or the other. It’s either lose positions or lose employer-funded dental insurance.”

insurance.”

Starting next year, Ameritas will assume liability for district employee dental expenses.

The vote to change the bene ts passed 7-2, with board members Sabrina Coone and Robert Barr voting against it.

The board was also provided an update on the district’s e orts to work down their outstanding debt with SSC.

SSC, which WSFCS contracted with for custodial services in December 2022, is owed around $4.25 million from the district for services provided last year.

In order to work through the debt, district sta and SSC have

‘Political terrorism’ bill passes NC House with bipartisan support

The measure cited recent political violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — In the wake of the assassination of Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, the North Carolina House last week passed the Political Terrorism Prevention Act. The bill, contained in Senate Bill 13, aims to enhance criminal penalties for politically motivated acts of violence while balancing protections for free expression and democratic engagement.

“You have a First Amendment right to say outrageous things,” House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) told reporters in response to questions about toning down political rhetoric. “If you’re an elected o cial, you probably ought to use good sense when you’re saying those things. And things get heated sometimes. But even in those circumstances, it shouldn’t come to physical attacks on people.”

The bill’s language includes a passage referring to “a disturbing rise in politically motivated acts” and lists the attempted assassinations of Congressman Steve Scalise, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the two at-

tempts on Donald Trump during last year’s campaign.

Also mentioned are the arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the assassinations of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and Kirk.

The bill states, “these attacks are not random, but intentional e orts to silence speech, suppress dissent, and enforce ideological conformity through terror.”

“Charlie Kirk was murdered because of his beliefs,” House Majority Leader Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) said.

“That is political terrorism in its rawest form. This law makes crystal clear: If you target someone because of their politics in our state, we will throw

been working together to come up with options to amortize the outstanding debt through extended contractual terms.

The school system is currently in the third year of a ve-year agreement with SSC.

“This really is an option that is being considered through negotiations on a way to amortize our debt so that it does not need to be a part of our debt repayment plan and is instead a part of our contract with SSC moving forward,” Moore said.

The two options being considered are a contract extension through either 2035 (10-year extension) or 2032 (seven-year extension).

According to Chief Operations O cer Lauren Richards, SSC has continued to provide services to the schools even with the outstanding debt.

The WSFCS Board of Education will next meet Oct. 14.

“Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.” Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow)

the book at you and then some.”

The legislation de nes acts of political violence as criminal o enses targeting individuals based on their political beliefs, a liations or public expressions, including advocacy, candidacy or voting history.

A press release from Hall’s o ce said sentence enhancements in the bill include making politically motivated

See BILL, page A2

“Join the conversation”

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Trip Ho

US House members hear pleas for tougher justice policies after stabbing death of refugee

The House judiciary subcommittee held a eld hearing in Charlotte

By Erik Verduzco and Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — U.S.

House members visited the state’s largest city on Monday to hear from family members of violent-crime victims who pleaded for tougher criminal justice policies in the wake of last month’s stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train.

A judiciary subcommittee meeting convened in Charlotte to listen to many speakers who described local court systems in North Carolina and South Carolina that they say have failed to protect the public and keep defendants in jail while awaiting trials.

Send address changes to:

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: forsythcommunity@ northstatejournal.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

The meeting was prompted by the Aug. 22 stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a light rail car and the resulting apprehension of a suspect who had been previously arrested more than a dozen times, according to court records.

“The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them,” Mia Alderman, the grandmother of 20-year-old Mary Santina Collins, a 2020 Charlotte murder victim, told panelists. Alderman said defendants in her granddaughter’s case still haven’t been tried: “We need accountability. We need reform. We need to ensure that those accused of heinous crimes are swiftly prosecuted.”

A magistrate had allowed the commuter train defendant, Decarlos Brown Jr., to be released on a misdemeanor charge in January on a written promise to appear, without any bond.

Now Brown is jailed after being charged with both rst-degree murder in state court and a federal count in connection with Zarutska’s death. Both crimes can be punishable by the death penalty.

Public outrage intensi ed with the release of security vid-

Class A felonies that are “not otherwise capital o enses” eligible for the death penalty. Sentencing enhancement in the bill would also raise felony convictions by one class level and bar parole or early release.

Guardrails for special sentencing would involve requiring indictments alleging political motivation, which can be proven by direct or circumstantial evidence. The political motivation factor is required to be included in any notice of intent to seek the death penalty and can be considered during sentencing even if a defendant is pleading guilty.

The bill would also require district attorneys to contact the attorney general when a politically motivated case is being brought. The attorney general would have the power to appoint a special prosecutor if requested. Additionally, victims and their families would be given the ability to give impact statements at any point during the proceedings.

If signed by the governor, the bill would be e ective Dec. 1 and apply to o ens -

“The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them.”

Mia Alderman, grandmother of a 2020 murder victim

eo showing the attack, leading to accusations from Republicans all the way to President Donald Trump that policies by Democratic leaders in Charlotte and statewide are more focused on helping criminals than victims. Democratic committee members argued that Republicans are the ones who have reduced crime-control funds or failed to provide funding for more district attorneys and mental health services. Brown’s mother told media outlets that her son has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

“The hearing for me is not really about public safety,” Democratic Rep. Alma Adams, who represents most of Charlotte. “It’s about my colleagues trying to paint Dem-

ocrats as soft on crime — and we’re not — and engaging in political theater, probably to score some headlines.”

Dena King, a former U.S. attorney for western North Carolina during Joe Biden’s administration, testi ed that Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, needs dozens of additional prosecutors to serve e ectively a county of 1.2 million people. And a crime data analyst said that rates of murder and violent crime are falling nationwide and in Charlotte after increases early in the 2020s.

Republicans, in turn, blasted Democratic members, saying additional funding alone wouldn’t have prevented the deaths of Zarutska or the other homicide victims highlighted Monday. And they attempted to question the crime gures as misleading.

“This is not time for politics. This is not time for any race. It’s not time of any party. It’s about a time of justice,” said GOP Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, representing in part Charlotte’s suburbs. He spoke while holding a poster of a screenshot of the video showing Zarutska and her attacker. Adams protested Norman’s use of the placard.

In response to Zarutska’s death, the Republican-controlled North Carolina legislature last week approved a criminal justice package that would bar cashless bail in many circumstances, limit the discretion magistrates and judges have in making pretrial release decisions and seek to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations. The bill now sits on Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s desk for his consideration. Committee Republicans also cited the need for more restrictive bail policies for magistrates and aggressive prosecutors not willing to drop charges for violent crimes.

Another speaker, Steve Federico, from suburban Charlotte, demanded justice for his 22-year-old daughter, Logan, who was shot to death in May at a home in Columbia, South Carolina, while visiting friends. The suspect charged in her killing had faced nearly 40 charges within the last decade, WIS-TV reported.

“I’’m not going to be quiet until somebody helps. Logan deserves to be heard,” Steve Federico told the representatives. “Everyone on this panel deserves to be heard. And we will — trust me.”

es committed on or after that date.

The measure passed the House with wide bipartisan support by a vote of 1056 and was sent to the Senate, which did not act on the bill before the end of the September session.

The six members voting no were all Democrats: Reps. Mary Belk (Mecklenburg), Maria Cervania (Wake), Julia Green eld (Mecklenburg), Pricey Harrison (Guilford),

Marcia Morey (Durham) and Renée Price (Orange).

“Like so many young conservatives, I was inspired today and in years past to get involved in public service because of Charlie Kirk,” Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow), who credited Kirk with having met his best friends in college, said on the House oor, Gable, 23, is the rst member of Gen Z elected to the legislature and was 22 when he became the youngest

member elected to the General Assembly in 126 years.

“But I sit here, I feel, because of Charlie and what he created,” Gable said. “He created an organization that I was able to be a part of. I was able to learn, I was able to grow, I was able to network. … Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.”

NELL REDMOND / AP PHOTO

Steve Federico gathers himself as he waits to testify about his daughter Logan Federico, who was murdered, during the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight eld hearing on violent crime in Charlotte on Monday.

tribute to Charlie Kirk is shown on the Jumbotron before a NASCAR Cup Series race last month in Bristol, Tennessee.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Keeping government open and our defense intact

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran, and military family.

AS YOUR CONGRESSMAN, I am committed to ghting for your family, your freedoms and your future. That means making sure our government stays open without wasting your tax dollars, and making sure our troops and veterans have the resources they need to keep America safe. Over the past two weeks, two big issues have come to the forefront: keeping the government open and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I want to share where I stand and what these decisions mean for you. Last week, House Republicans passed a clean, commonsense funding bill. This short-term, seven-week measure keeps the government open and ensures our troops and families don’t pay the price while Congress continues working toward the long-term reforms needed to rein in Washington’s wasteful spending. It doesn’t raise taxes or add wasteful new spending. It just ensures our government continues to serve our people.

Here’s what our bill does:

• Delivers paychecks for our troops, Border Patrol agents, TSA agents and air tra c controllers

• Prevents delays in Social Security and Medicare applications

• Provides uninterrupted health care for veterans

• Keeps National Parks open for families to enjoy

• Continues vital food inspections to protect consumers

However, a CR needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate. Senate Democrats are threatening a shutdown unless their partisan demands are met. They want to use this as an opportunity

What

100 years of

to tack on a massive $1.5 trillion spending hike. Their list of demands includes restoring taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, sending $500 million to liberal news outlets and pushing diversity programs in foreign countries while cutting bene ts back home.

Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job. We acted well before the deadline and passed a clean bill to keep the government open. If the government shuts down, it will be because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) feels the need to put political games over people.

This shutdown would hurt families, seniors, small businesses and our veterans. I will not stand by and let Washington games hurt North Carolina families.

Alongside keeping our government open. Congress also passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This annual defense bill is one of the most important responsibilities we have. It authorizes funding for our military, sets policy for the Department of War, and makes sure our troops and their families get the funding they deserve.

As Fort Bragg’s congressman, I fought to make sure this bill delivered for our community.

Fort Bragg and NC-09 wins:

• $44.7 million to construct training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg

• $5.3 million for SOF Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg

• $19 million for Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course

• $24 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar

• $80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid

craftsmanship can teach us in the age of AI

We invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

THIS FALL, the John C. Campbell Folk School will celebrate a century of keeping traditional Appalachian crafts alive, including blacksmithing, weaving, woodcarving, basketry and more. But what we’re really preserving is something deeper: the human need to make, to connect and to belong. And that’s never felt more urgent than now.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities across western North Carolina, we’ve been reminded just how fragile our region — and its rich cultural heritage — can be. As we support recovery e orts, we also rea rm our commitment to sustaining the traditions that root and restore us. Because in a time of disruption, digital overload and AI, the Folk School o ers something powerfully countercultural: A space where making is slow, tactile and grounded in community.

Crafting by hand doesn’t just produce beautiful objects, it cultivates qualities we need now more than ever: mindfulness, resilience, creativity and focus. In our studios, people don’t scroll or skim. They observe, try again, and take pride in small, steady progress.

Recent research shows that engaging in arts and crafts boosts life satisfaction, happiness and a sense of purpose even after accounting for age, health or socioeconomic status. Once engaged, participants also rediscover each other. Learning in a noncompetitive,

collaborative environment builds connection and purpose, qualities often eroded in our tech-saturated lives.

We’ve seen what happens when we fail to preserve folkways. Sacred Harp and shape — note singing, once common across the mountains, has nearly vanished from many parts of Appalachia, near casualties of shifting tastes and modern convenience. Fortunately, a devoted community of singers passionate about preserving and perpetuating this traditional American music is working to keep the tradition alive. Thanks to similarly stalwart practitioners, Cherokee white oak basketry, a craft nearly lost, now passes down again through intergenerational teaching and shared storytelling.

The Folk School is part of that continuum. For 100 years, we’ve welcomed people to this corner of the mountains to learn and share traditional skills. And as we mark our centennial, we’re expanding the ways we honor and elevate this region’s heritage. We’ve restored and refreshed our historic Log Cabin Museum and introduced an interactive walking tour on campus. Both were developed in consultation with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Texana, the historic African American community in Murphy, and both will give visitors a layered sense of

• $6.5 Million for SOF Mission Command Center

• $7.5 million for advanced drone development in North Carolina

On a national level, the NDAA delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops. It codi es 15 of President Donald Trump’s executive orders, reinforces priorities like merit-based promotion, accountability and improving lethality among the ranks. It also provides new authority and funding for DOW to coordinate with Homeland Security on border security. The NDAA funds Trump’s signature defense platforms, from the Golden Dome missile defense system to next-generation ghters, submarines, warships and autonomous systems. It cuts red tape in the Pentagon’s procurement process so innovation can reach the battle eld faster. And it makes new investments in arti cial intelligence, hypersonics and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Iran and other adversaries.

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran and military family who sacri ces for our country. It strengthens our national security, protects our homeland, and honors the service of those stationed at Fort Bragg and around the world.

The contrast in Washington could not be more clear. While we are ghting for a commonsense solution, the Democrats are focused on playing politics with partisan priorities that do nothing to help North Carolinians.

I will continue every day to ght for you, to protect your tax dollars and to support the brave men and women who keep us safe.

Richard Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

place and home held by diverse mountain people.

Another powerful symbol of this legacy is a rare, hand-drawn map of the Southern Appalachian region created in the early 1900s by Folk School founder Olive Dame Campbell and researcher Elva M. Dickey. This one- of-a-kind artifact, long hidden from public view, has now been stabilized and unveiled as part of our centennial celebration. Our 100th anniversary isn’t just a look back. It’s a call forward. This October, during our Fall Festival and yearlong centennial programming, we’ll welcome thousands of visitors to join in that vision: to celebrate Appalachian artistry, share food and stories, and experience rsthand how craft, music and dance traditions still shape hearts and communities. In a world that increasingly and unquestioningly prizes rapid, digitized information, we invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

Come join us. Put your head, heart and hands to work. And rediscover what it means to truly make something that matters.

Bethany Chaney is executive director of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, which will o cially mark its 100th anniversary at its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5.

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Thieves steal $1M worth in craft whiskey from Washington distillery

12,000 bottles of rare booze were stolen in a brazen freight fraud scheme

By Rebecca Boone The Associated Press

THIEVES WHO made o with 12,000 bottles of craft whiskey in a rare U.S. liquor

heist this summer did more than just snag nearly $1 million worth of product — they also spirited away nearly half the stock of a single malt distillers had worked for more than a decade to make.

Now the Skagit Valley Sheri ’s O ce is investigating, and whiskey a cionados are wondering if — and where — the coveted bottles of Westland Distillery’s rst 10-year Garryana whiskey might turn up.

The bottles disappeared July 31, when someone in a freight truck showed up at Westland Distillery’s warehouse in Burlington, Washington, holding the paperwork that purportedly gave them the right to pick up a shipment of Westland single malt, Watchpost blended, and Garryana whiskies bound for New Jersey.

But the bottles never arrived

“This is an unfortunate and pretty extraordinary situation.”

Jason Moore, Westland Distillery

at their intended destination, and the “sophisticated, fraudulent carrier scheme” was discovered a week later, said Jason Moore, the managing director of the Seattle-based distillery.

The 10th anniversary edition bottles of Garryana are irreplaceable, said Moore.

“This is an unfortunate and pretty extraordinary situation,” said Moore.

The Skagit County Sheri ’s O ce didn’t immediately respond to a phone message left by The Associated Press.

It could be di cult to sell the stolen goods, said Mark Gillespie, the host of the WhiskyCast podcast who has published more than 3,800 tasting notes for different whiskey varieties.

“It’s going to be really hard for whoever took this to actually get this onto the market because what they took was so rare that everybody knows about it,” Gillespie said. “We see these

thefts occasionally in Scotland, where thieves will steal a trailer full of whiskey — and it usually ends up in Russia.”

But getting 12,000 bottles out of the U.S. could be di cult because the bottles are rare and recognizable, and ipping them in the U.S. may be tough because of the nation’s three-tier system for alcohol sales. Distilleries generally have to sell liquor to distributors or wholesalers, who then sell to retailers and

restaurants and bars. Selling alcohol on the secondary market — such as when individuals buy up popular bottles and then resell them for a pro t — is generally illegal.

That’s not true in much of Europe, where auction houses and other businesses specialize in secondary market sales.

“The providence of the Garryana is important because it’s their rst 10-year-old whiskey,” Gillespie said. “Basically, age statements state how old the whiskey is, and in this country you have a lot of craft distilleries that aren’t quite 10 years old. So for a craft distillery to be able to release a 10-year-old is an accomplishment.”

Westland focuses on single-malt whiskeys, a style of liquor made from barley, similar to a Scotch whiskey. But Moore says Westland has worked hard to capture the terroir of the Paci c Northwest inside each bottle, using locally produced grains, peat harvested from an Olympic peninsula bog and a speci c type of yeast selected to bring out the regional avors.

That’s what makes the Garryana special, he said — it’s aged in casks made from the Quercus garryana oak tree, which

grows primarily in the Paci c Northwest.

The limited-edition whiskey regularly wins awards, said Gillespie, and the 2023 edition was named the third-best whiskey in the world by Whisky Advocate magazine. The Garryana sells out every year, Gillespie said, and with 3,000 of this year’s 7,500-bottle release gone, the price on the secondary market will be driven up.

Moore said the company has taken additional steps to protect its supply chain, and right now they are focusing on serving customers instead of the investigation.

“What happens from there is outside of our control, and we get excited about sharing our whiskey and engaging with the supporters we have,” Moore said. “This is an extremely rare thing, and while it’s a setback, we’re con dent that we’re going to get to share this whiskey. We’re proud to make something people enjoy.”

Losing $1 million in stock would put a lot of distilleries out of business, but Gillespie said he expects Westland to make it through the loss, in part because it was acquired by the Paris-based Remy Cointreau Group in 2016. Still, he has some advice for people eager to get a taste of Westland’s products: stick to the legal supply chains.

“If somebody tries to o er you a case of Westland whiskey right now, I’d call the cops,” Gillespie said.

ICE arrests leader of Iowa’s largest school district, claim he was living, working in US illegally

The government claims Ian Roberts was given a nal order of removal in May 2024

By Hannah Fingerhut and Ryan J. Foley

The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa — Federal immigration agents targeted the well-liked leader of Iowa’s largest school district in a trafc stop last Friday and arrested him after he ed into the woods, leaving educators and community members stunned.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Des Moines Public School Superintendent Ian Roberts was in the country illegally and had no work authorization. Roberts, who is from Guyana in South America, was considered an ICE fugitive because he was subject to a nal removal order issued in 2024, the agency said.

ICE said that it targeted Roberts for arrest by initiating a trafc stop last Friday while he was driving in his school-issued vehicle. After he ed, o cers discovered his vehicle abandoned near a wooded area. He was eventually located and taken into ICE custody with the help

of Iowa State Patrol o cers. Roberts was brought to Woodbury County’s jail in northwest Iowa late Friday afternoon, according to jail and ICE records. It was unclear if Roberts had an attorney to represent him.

Phil Roeder, the district’s spokesperson, said he was supposed to meet Roberts at a school event last Friday morning, but Roberts sent a text saying he could not make it. Roeder said he got a video call from Roberts soon after and watched o cials detain him.

Roeder told The Associated Press that the district has seen “nothing that would suggest that he’s not a citizen.” The district said a third party was hired to conduct a comprehensive background check on Roberts and that Roberts completed an I-9, which requires workers to present documents showing that they were authorized to work. District o cials also stated they had no knowledge of an order of removal issued in 2024.

Roberts, who has described himself as a longtime gun owner and hunter, was in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash and a xed-blade hunting knife when arrested, ICE said. “This should be a wake-up

ing information about the situation, which they called legally complex. They described Roberts as a dynamic leader who connected with students of all backgrounds.

The Des Moines school board voted unanimously to place Roberts on paid leave during a three-minute-long special meeting. The board said Roberts was not available to carry out his duties for the 30,000-student district and stated that o cials would reassess his status after getting more information.

Des Moines Schools

Superintendent Ian Roberts was put on paid leave after he was taken into custody by ICE agents in

call for our communities to the great work that our o cers are doing every day to remove public safety threats,” ICE enforcement and removal operations regional o cial Sam Olson said in a statement. “How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a nal order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.” Des Moines school o cials said that they were still gather-

After the meeting, school board president Jackie Norris read a statement, saying word of Roberts’ arrest last Friday made for a “jarring day” but noting that board members still didn’t have all the facts. She also said Roberts has been an “integral part of our school community” who has “shown up in ways big and small.”

A longtime leader at school districts across the nation, the 54-year-old began his term as superintendent of Des Moines schools in July 2023. In that position, he oversaw a district that serves more than 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees. The state board of educational examiners issued Roberts

a professional administrator license in 2023, which remains active.

He earned a $270,000 annual base salary, according to his rst contract with the district, which was in e ect until June 30 this year.

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds was made aware last Friday morning that Roberts was in custody, according to her spokesperson Mason Mauro. Reynolds was in contact with state and federal authorities.

In a joint statement, the presidents of unions representing teachers and other school employees in Des Moines and across the state said they were shocked by Roberts’ detention. They described his compassion for all students of all backgrounds as “a beacon of light in one of the state’s most diverse school districts.” Before coming to Iowa, Roberts had previously worked as superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania. The district said in an email they were aware of the reports but declined further comment.

A biography for Roberts listed on the district’s website says he was born to immigrant parents from Guyana and spent much of his childhood in Brooklyn, New York.

ICE said that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999. The next year, he com-

for

peted

Guyana in the Olympics in track and eld.

WOI LOCAL 5 NEWS VIA AP

Des Moines schools Superintendent Ian Roberts, pictured in a screengrab from a local news station, was detained by ICE last week.

COURTESY

Nearly $1 million in Garryana 10 whiskey was stolen.

SCOTT MCFETRIDGE / AP PHOTO

Iowa.

Forsyth SPORTS

Young fuels US comeback that comes up short at Ryder Cup

The Wake Forest product led a rally from the largest Sunday de cit in history

By Stephen Whyno

The Associated Press

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Cameron Young heard his name chanted as he made his way to the 17th green at Bethpage Black, the same golf course he walked with his parents at age 5 in 2002 when it hosted the U.S. Open.

The crowd cheered him going up No. 18 and roared when he sank a nearly 12-foot birdie putt to win the rst singles match Sunday at the Ryder Cup and give the U.S. a bit of hope facing the biggest de cit in tournament history. An epic comeback fell short and Europe retained the cup, but the New York native got his moment to wrap up a week when he was one of the home team’s top contributors.

“When we sent out Cam Young rst from New York to lead us out, we had to have that match,” captain Keegan Bradley said. “He went out there in front of the whole world, in front of his home state, and made a 10-footer to beat Justin Rose, who is an all-time Ryder Cupper, and get to celebrate at Bethpage Black in front of everybody.”

Known for his stoic nature, Young got emotional after sending American fans in the grandstand into a frenzy, even knowing how unlikely victory was.

“This is the biggest event that we have, really,” Young said. “There’s no bigger stage to play on, in my home state, a golf course that I love. There’s 11 other guys on this team that I was working really hard for, and Keegan has put so much

into this, all the vice captains. There’s a lot of people that have had so much to do with putting on this week, and I was just playing my hardest for all of them.”

Young, one of a quartet of U.S. rookies participating, wasn’t in Bradley’s lineup for Friday morning foursomes. He played every session the rest of the way and won three of four.

“It was fun watching him out there,” Bradley said earlier in the tournament. “That was really cool to see. He came back to his home state at a golf course that he’s played. I was really proud to go out there and watch him play the way he did. He played awesome. He’s been playing great for a long time.”

That crystallized in singles play against Rose, Europe’s elder statesmen making his seventh Ryder Cup appearance. Young led early, fell behind and went ahead by as many as 3 up on the back nine before Rose tied it on No. 16.

After halving the next hole, Young hit a 308-yard tee shot on No. 18 to the fairway. He

then nailed a near-perfect approach to get the ball on the green, closer than Rose’s.

“To have a putt there on 18 to get a full point for the team was all could I have asked for,” Young said. “I’ve been thinking about having a putt like that for a while. The way things were going halfway through the back nine today, I didn’t want that putt, and then the way things were going through 17, I was very grateful that I had a chance there.”

Young played and won fourballs Friday with Justin Thomas and foursomes Saturday with Bryson DeChambeau before taking care of business himself Sunday. He credited those partners for getting him into a groove, and the 28-year - old showed his best at his rst Ryder Cup that very well might not be his last.

“Apparently Ryder Cups re me up a little bit,” Young said. “I had the help of JT and Bryson over the last couple of days to bring some emotion out, but that one right there I’ll remember for a long time.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jacob Smith

Reagan, football

Jacob Smith is a senior quarterback on the Reagan football team. He’s also a shortstop and pitcher on the baseball team and is committed to play both sports at NC State.

Smith is returning from a torn ACL that cost him all but two games of his junior season. He led the 4-1 Raiders to a win over Lake Norman last week, throwing for 167 yards and rushing for two touchdowns.

This week, he was one of two quarterbacks named to the North Carolina roster for the 2025 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.

Elliott steals Kansas Speedway race in wild overtime nish

The

By Jenna Fryer

The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Kan.

—

Chase Elliott somehow stole Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway, where he drove from eighth to the checkered ag during a two-lap overtime sprint to earn a spot in the third round of NASCAR’s Cup Series playo s.

It was a wild ending to a race that probably should have been won by Denny Hamlin, who dominated and led 159 laps until a bevy of late issues denied him his chance at career win No. 60 for Joe Gibbs Racing.

The race had a slew of late cautions — Hamlin dropped from the lead to seventh on a slow pit stop — that put Bubba Wallace in position to win the race. A red- ag stoppage for Zane Smith ipping his car set up the nal overtime restart, and Wallace was holding tight in a door-to-door battle with Christopher Bell for the victory.

Then Hamlin came from nowhere to catch Wallace, who drives for the team Hamlin co-owns with Michael Jordan, and Wallace scraped the wall as he tried to hold o his boss. That’s when Elliott suddenly entered the frame and smashed Hamlin in the door to get past him for his second win of the season.

“What a crazy nish. Hope you all enjoyed that. I certainly did,” NASCAR’s most popular driver told the crowd after collecting the checkered ag.

Elliott joins Ryan Blaney as the two drivers locked into the third round of the playo s. The eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight after next week’s race in Concord, and Elliott said once he got in position for the victory, he wasn’t giving up.

“I wasn’t going to lift, so I didn’t know what was going to

happen. I gured at the end of the day, it was what it was at that point,” Elliott said. “Wherever I ended up, I ended up. At that point, we were all committed. Really cool just to be eighth on the restart and somehow win on a green-and-white checkered. Pretty neat.” Hamlin nished second and

was clearly dejected by the defeat. The three-time Daytona 500 winner is considered the greatest driver to never win a Cup title and needed the victory to lock up his spot in the next round of the playo s. He also has a 60th Cup win set as a major career goal and is stuck on 59 victories.

He drove the nal 50-plus laps with his power steering on the fritz.

“Just super disappointing. I wanted it bad. It would have been 60 for me,” Hamlin said. “Obviously got really, really tight with (Wallace), and it just got real tight and we let (Elliott) win.

“What a crazy nish. Hope you all enjoyed that. I certainly did.”

Chase Elliott

Hamlin was followed his JGR teammates Bell and Chase Briscoe, who were third and fourth.

Wallace wound up fth, and even though the victory would have moved him deeper into the playo s than he’s ever been in his career, he was satis ed considering how poorly his car was running earlier in the race. He wasn’t even upset with Hamlin and shook hands with his boss on pit road.

“To even have a shot at the win with the way we started ... you could have fooled me. We were not good,” Wallace said.

“Two years ago I’d probably say something dumb (about Hamlin). He’s a dumbass for that move. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not. But we’re going for the win. I hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there.”

Bottom four

The four drivers in danger of playo elimination headed into next Sunday’s race are Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Tyler Reddick and Wallace.

“Obviously there’s only one thing we can do at Charlotte (win), and that’s what we’ll be focused on,” Reddick said.

Up next

A playo elimination race is next at the hybrid oval/ road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Kyle Larson won a year ago. The playo eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight following next Sunday’s race.

playo s now head to Charlotte Motor Speedway

COLIN E. BRALEY / AP PHOTO

Chase Elliott celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.

MATT SLOCUM / AP PHOTO

The United States’ Cameron Young celebrates after a putt on the rst hole during his Ryder Cup singles match.

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL Steelers backup quarterback robbed in Dublin

Dublin

The Pittsburgh Steelers con rmed that backup quarterback Skylar Thompson was involved in an incident Friday night after a report that the player had been robbed. The Irish Independent newspaper reported Thompson was assaulted and robbed in Dublin. Thompson did not play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland’s rst regular-season NFL game. The Steelers said they were “working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident.” Thompson was brie y hospitalized with minor injuries.

NBA Lakers coach Redick receives extension ahead of season

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers know head coach JJ Redick will be a part of their future going forward and plan to give superstar forward LeBron James every chance to do the same. General manager Rob Pelinka said Redick received a contract extension this summer after the 41-year-old completed his rst season leading the Lakers, who went 50-32 to nish third in the Western Conference and lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in ve games in a rst-round playo series.

MLS Owusu scores in 90th minute, CF Montreal beats 10-man Charlotte 4 -1

Charlotte Dante Sealy scored a goal in each half, Prince Owusu added a goal in the 90th minute, and CF Montreal beat 10-man Charlotte FC 4-1. Charlotte (17-13-2) has lost back-to-back games following a record-tying nine-game winning streak. Wilfried Zaha opened the scoring for Charlotte in the 10th minute when he dribbled around the goalkeeper for a shot into an empty net. But Charlotte was reduced to 10-men in the 20th. Sealy tied it in the 41st on a free kick and added another in the 86th. Fabian Herbers put Montreal ahead 2-1 in the 53rd.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Oregon moves to No. 2 behind Buckeyes in AP poll

Oregon has moved up to No. 2 in The Associated Press college football poll, while Mississippi has its highest ranking since 2015. Alabama jumped back into the top 10, and Virginia entered the Top 25 for the rst time in six years. Ohio State remains No. 1 for the fth straight week. The Buckeyes received 46 rst-place votes. Oregon’s two-overtime win at Penn State boosted them to their highest ranking since last year. Miami slipped to No. 3, followed by Mississippi and Oklahoma.

NHL

Live animal mascots create deep connections with their teams

Football teams have had animals on the sideline since 1889

By Pat Graham The Associated Press

BOULDER, Colo. — The newest star for the Colorado Bu aloes loves molasses-based treats, drinking straight from the water hose at her ranch and galloping in front of a stadium full of fans.

Ralphie VII made her much-anticipated debut last weekend, the year-old, 700-pound ball of bison energy bursting out of her end-zone stall as “Heeeeere comes Ralphie” blared from the Folsom Field speakers. With her romp just past mideld, one of the GOATs of live animal mascots in college football was back. More than symbols; these beloved animals inspire fans, foster a deep connection with their teams and are cherished game-day traditions. Ralphie, whose presence was missing from the opening two home games as the newest version got up to speed, is just one of the most recognizable. There’s Uga, the English

“There

are very few things that people are as passionate about as their love of their favorite college football team.”

Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Texas alumni association that cares for Bevo

bulldog from Georgia; Bevo, the longhorn steer at Texas; Mike the Tiger from LSU; the war eagle of Auburn, and the list goes on and on. Navy’s Bill the Goat; Renegade, the Appaloosa horse from Florida State; Rameses, the ram at UNC, and Traveler, the white horse at USC. There’s Nova and her fellow falcon friends at Air Force; Smokey, the bluetick coonhound at Tennessee; and Tusk, a Russian boar at Arkansas. Horses and tigers and boars, indeed.

“There are very few things that people are as passionate about as their love of their favorite college football team. These mascots are just the living symbols of that,” said Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association that oversees the care of Bevo. “They mean a whole lot.”

The live animal mascot has

ACC moving to 9-game football schedule starting next year

The latest move by the conference aligns with its Power Four peers

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — The Atlantic Coast Conference is moving to a nine-game league schedule for football while having teams play at least 10 games against power-conference opponents, though there will be variables due to the league’s odd number of football-playing member schools.

Commissioner Jim Phillips announced the decision, saying athletic directors had “overwhelmingly supported” the move after “incredibly intentional” discussions about scheduling options.

Going from an eight- to a nine-game model would align the ACC with its power-conference peers in the Big 12, Big Ten and Southeastern conferences after unbalanced scheduling between the conferences had been a topic of discussion, and disagreement, when it came to access for the College Football Playo . The ACC would join the SEC — which announced its move from eight to nine last month — as the only leagues playing 10 games against Power Four opponents as a baseline in the so-called “9+1 model.”

Still, the ACC being the only power conference with an odd number of football-playing members (17) means there are wrinkles.

A person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that most league teams will transition to the nine-game slate next year, though multiple teams will play eight league games and two against Power Four opponents — an “8+2 model” — to accommodate nonconference games already on the books.

By 2027, the person said, 16 of the 17 teams will play a “9+1 schedule,” while one team will have to play an “8+2” slate.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the league hasn’t publicized speci cs of the model. Phillips said the league will present the plan to its faculty athletic representatives for formal adoption.

“There will be additional discussions and more details to be determined, but Monday’s decision showcases the commitment and leadership of our ADs in balancing what is best for strengthening the conference and for their respective programs,” Phillips said in his statement.

The ACC had used an eight-game football schedule since Florida State’s arrival for the 1992 season, the outlier being a 10-game schedule in 2020

been a part of college life since the late 1800s.

According to legend, what would be become known as Yale’s Handsome Dan I arrived around 1889 when a student bought him for $5 from a New Haven, Connecticut, blacksmith. The bulldog — believed to be one of the rst live college mascots — was led across the eld before the start of football and baseball games. The school now has Handsome Dan XIX on the sideline. Live mascots remain a familiar sight on the eld, from dogs (Reveille, Texas A&M’s rough collie; Dubs, Washington’s Alaskan malamute) to birds (Sir Big Spur, the rooster at South Carolina) to mules (Army) to Rambouillet sheep (Colorado State’s “CAM the Ram”). Not all live mascots take the eld.

Mike the Tiger has a view of Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from his expansive habitat, a roughly 15,000-square-foot home complete with two pools, a stream, a comfort rock that’s cold in the summer, warm in the winter, and a night house. A version of Mike stopped showing up inside the stadium on game days in 2015. This is the seventh rendition of Mike since 1936. He’s a Bengal-Siberian mix and checks in at approximately 400 pounds. He has 158,000 followers on Instagram.

“I would say the most common question we get is, ‘Is Mike outside?’ said Ginger Guttner, the communications manager for LSU’s school of veterinary medicine who also creates social media posts on Mike’s behalf. “I don’t think I’ve ever been there when there’s been no one there.”

The veterinarian students who care for Mike VII make “meat art” in the shape of the opponent’s logo for game days. The one of him devouring the Gators logo before the Tigers’ win over Florida received nearly 13,000 likes.

amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phillips had discussed the possibility of going to a ninegame schedule publicly in July during the ACC’s preseason football media days, noting it had been discussed internally multiple times. He said then that he “liked where our league is” and playing marquee nonconference matchups had been good for the league but added: “We’ll adjust if we have to.”

The change could theoretically get trickier now with one less spot available for teams to schedule outside of league play, though ensuring 10 games against power-conference opponents — either inside or outside the ACC schedule — would add another selling point when it came to teams’ CFP résumés.

Some teams had already been hitting that 10-game target through traditional means, such as Clemson playing nonconference games against now-No. 4 LSU to open the

year and its annual instate rivalry game with South Carolina out of the SEC to cap the regular season. Others had taken some creative routes to 10, such as NC State scheduling a nonconference game against longtime ACC member Virginia this month to go with next month’s trip to Notre Dame as part of the league’s scheduling partnership with the Irish. Playing nine league games and 10 against power-conference teams could potentially lead to a nancial boost with the league’s revenue-distribution model being revised to factor TV viewership ratings into the payouts. That change o ers the league’s biggest brands in football and men’s basketball to make more money with higher ratings against top-tier opponents, coming as the league has spent years battling a revenue gap behind the Big Ten and SEC.

JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

UNC’s Jaiden Patterson intercepts the Richmond quarterback in front of the Spiders’ sideline. Games like this FBS-FCS matchup will be rarer in the ACC’s new scheduling model.

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP PHOTO

Ralphie VII, Colorado’s new mascot, is guided by handlers during the animal’s ceremonial run before the second half.

the stream

Taylor Swift, Matthew McConaughey, Jacinda Arderna Glen Powell, Ghost of Yotei

“The Life of a Showgirl” drops on Friday

The Associated Press

TAYLOR SWIFT’S highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl” and Matthew McConaughey playing the real-life bus driver who saved elementary school students during California’s deadliest wild re are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: The classic children’s story “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White turned into an animated series for HBO Max, the documentary “Prime Minister” chronicling the ve-year tenure of former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern and some katana-swinging mayhem with the video game Ghost of Yotei.

MOVIES TO STREAM

McConaughey plays the real bus driver who drove 22 elementary school students to safety during 2018’s Camp Fire that engulfed Paradise, California, in the new lm “The Lost Bus,” streaming Friday on Apple TV+. America Ferrera costars as the teacher who went along for the ride, expecting it to be a straightforward drop o at a nearby school. Paul Greengrass directed the lm like an old-fashioned disaster movie, I wrote in my review, adding, “it’s impossible to take your eyes o the screen, away from the inferno and the sense of our own smallness and helplessness to ‘battle it.’”

Cillian Murphy is the headmaster of a reform school in “Steve,” a taut drama about mental health and a broken education system. The lm, which hits Net ix on Friday, is based on Max Porter’s novella “Shy.” “Steve” was directed by Belgian lmmaker Tim Mielants who also directed Murphy in the terri c Claire Keegan adaptation “Small Things Like These,” (currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+) which focused on the Magdalene laundries in Ireland. Together they could make for a moving double feature. The new documentary “Prime Minister,” now streaming on HBO Max, chronicles the ve-year tenure of Ardern, the former New Zealand PM. Just 37 when she took over and only the second elected world lead-

er to give birth while holding ofce, Ardern was praised around the world for her handling of the nation’s worst-ever mass shooting and the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. But she faced mounting political pressures at home and a level of vitriol from some that hadn’t been experienced by previous New Zealand leaders. In 2023, she shocked the world with her announcement that she was stepping down.

MUSIC TO STREAM

It’s her, hi: Swift returns with her highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” out Friday. The record was completed in Sweden with producers Max Martin and Shellback during the Eras Tour, and while details of the album have been limited, Swift did appear on the “New Heights” podcast in August to tease it. Swift promised infectious melodies

and vivid lyrics across “The Life of a Showgirl,” an album that will be much more “upbeat” than 2024’s “The Tortured Poets Department.”

SERIES TO STREAM

Superman only had to put on a pair of glasses to disguise himself as Clark Kent, but in the new Hulu series “Chad Powers,” Glen Powell wears prosthetics and a wig to masquerade himself — all in the name of football. Powell plays Russ Holliday, a college football quarterback at the top of his game until he makes an embarrassing mistake that ruins his career. Instead of giving up, Holliday decides to transform himself into an alter ego named Chad Powers, who is a walk-on player at a di erent school. The show is based on a character created by Eli Manning for his 2022 ESPN docuseries “Eli’s Places,” where he changed his look to take

part in walk-on tryouts at Penn State. The classic children’s story “Charlotte’s Web” by White is now an animated series for HBO Max. All three episodes drop Friday. The show’s voice cast includes Amy Adams as Charlotte, Elijah Wood as adult Wilbur, Cynthia Erivo as goose and Jean Smart as the narrator. Charlie Hunnam also transforms himself for Net ix’s true crime dramatization called “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” Hunnam plays Gein, a convicted murderer and suspected serial killer from the 1950s. Cocreated by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the “Monster” anthologies tend to illustrate the impact of true crime on pop culture. In this “Monster,” Tom Hollander plays Alfred Hitchcock, whose movie “Psycho” was inspired by Gein. Olivia Williams and Laurie Metcalf also star. It debuts Friday.

“It’s impossible to take your eyes o the screen, away from the inferno and the sense of our own smallness and helplessness to ‘battle it.’”

Lindsey Bahr, AP Film Writer

PBS has two interesting offers for the weekend. On Friday it will air “Great Performances: The Magic of Grace Bumbry” about the real-life opera singer from Missouri who made history as the rst black mezzo-soprano to perform at Germany’s Bayreuth Festival. It also shows her impact on musicians today, including Beyoncé, who is mentioned in the doc. It premieres Friday on PBS and streams on PBS.com and the PBS App.

On Sunday we’re introduced to Jules Maigret, a detective created by author Georges Simenon. His rst Maigret novel was published in 1931 but a new PBS Masterpiece series about the investigator takes place in modern day. Benjamin Wainwright stars as the titular character who — along with his team — use unorthodox methods to solve crimes. “Maigret” will also be available on PBS.com and the PBS App. The second season of the biblical drama “House of David” premieres Sunday. Available with a Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video, the show details the rise of David, a biblical gure who became the most celebrated king of Israel.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Atsu, the protagonist of Ghost of Yotei, was just a girl when the renegade Lord Saito killed the rest of her family. Sixteen years later, she’s returned to northern Japan to exact vengeance against Saito and his minions. She’s learned some mad samurai skills in the meantime, so expect plenty of katana-swinging mayhem. This new adventure from Sony’s Sucker Punch studio is the follow-up to 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, and it builds on that game’s sprawling scope and lush graphics while blending 1600s history with Japanese folklore. Atsu’s mission begins Thursday on PlayStation 5.

SCOTT A GARFITT / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Matthew McConaughey poses for photographers upon arrival at the screening of the lm ‘The Lost Bus’, which is streaming Friday on Apple TV+.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Glen Powell, the star and co-creator of “Chad Powers,” arrives at the premiere of the series now streaming on Hulu.

STATE & NATION

In rivers and streams, cleanup of Helene’s fury seems never-ending

The hurricane’s damage extended well beyond residences and roads

By Allen G. Breed and Brittany Peterson

The Associated Press

WOODFIN — Bracing himself against the current in waistdeep water, Clancy Loorham wrestles a broken length of PVC pipe from the rocky bottom of the French Broad River and peers inside.

“I got a cat sh in the pipe,” the 27-year-old with wispy beard and mustache shouted to fellow cleanup workers oating nearby in rafts, canoes and kayaks piled with plastic pipe and other human-made detritus. “He’s right here. I’m looking him in the eyes!”

It’s been just a year since oodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Helene washed these pipes out of a nearby factory with such force that some pieces ended up in Douglas Lake, about 90 miles away in Tennessee. But they’re already slick with algae and lled with river silt — and creatures.

Helene killed more than 250 people and caused nearly $80 billion in damage from Florida to the Carolinas. In the North Carolina mountains, rains of up to 30 inches turned gentle streams into torrents that swept away trees, boulders, homes and vehicles, shattered century-old ood records, and in some places carved out new channels.

In the haste to rescue people and restore their lives to some semblance of normalcy, some fear the recovery e orts compounded Helene’s impact on the ecosystem. Contractors hired to remove vehicles, shipping containers, shattered houses and other large debris from waterways sometimes damaged sensitive habitat.

“They were using the river al-

most as a highway in some situations,” said Peter Raabe, Southeast regional director for the conservation group American Rivers.

Conservationists found instances of contractors cutting down healthy trees and removing live root balls, said Jon Stamper, river cleanup coordinator for MountainTrue, the North Carolina-based nonpro t conducting the French Broad work.

“Those trees kind of create sh habitats,” he said. “They slow the ow of water down. They’re an important part of a river system, and we’ve seen kind of a disregard for that.”

The Army Corps of Engineers said in a statement that debris removal missions “are often challenging” due to the large volume storms can leave behind across a wide area. The Corps said it trains its contractors to minimize disturbances to waterways and to prevent harm to wildlife.

North Carolina Emergency Management said debris removal after Helene took into account safety and the environment, and that projects reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency met that agency’s standards for minimizing impact.

Battered rst by Helene, then by cleanup

Hannah Woodburn, who tracks the headwaters and tributaries of the New River as MountainTrue’s Upper New Riverkeeper, said waters are much muddier since Helene, both from storm-related vegetation loss and from heavy machinery used during cleanup.

She said it’s been bad for the eastern hellbender, a “species of special concern” in North Carolina. It’s one of only three giant salamanders found in the world, growing up to 2 feet long and weighing more than 3 pounds.

“After the storm, we had so

many reports and pictures of dead hellbenders, some nearly a mile from the stream once the waters receded,” said Woodburn.

Of even greater concern is the Appalachian elktoe, a federally endangered mussel found only in the mountains of North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Helene hurt the Appalachian elktoe, but it also su ered from human-caused damage, said Mike Perkins, a state biologist.

Perkins said some contractors coordinated with conservation teams ahead of river cleanups and took precautions. Others were not so careful.

He described snorkeling in the cold waters of the Little River and “ nding crushed individuals, some of them still barely alive, some with their insides hanging out.” On that river, workers moved 60 Appalachian elktoe to a refuge site upstream. On the South Toe River, home to one of the most important populations, biologists collected a dozen and took them to a hatchery to store in tanks until it’s safe to return them to the wild.

“It was shocking and unprecedented in my professional line of work in 15 years,” Perkins said of the incident. “There’s all of these processes in place to prevent this secondary tragedy from happening, and none of it happened.”

Andrea Leslie, mountain habitat conservation coordinator with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said she hopes the experience can inform future recovery e orts.

“To a certain degree, you can’t do this perfectly,” she said. “They’re in emergency mode. They’re working to make sure that people are safe and that infrastructure is safe. And it’s a big, complicated process. And there are multiple places in my observation where we could shift things to be more careful.”

Humans along river also still recovering

Like the hellbender and the Appalachian elktoe, humans cling to the river, too.

Vickie and Paul Revis’ home sat beside old U.S. 70 in a bend of the Swannanoa River. As Helene swept through, the Swannanoa took their home and scraped away a big chunk of their half-acre lot.

With the land paid for and no ood insurance payment to move away, they decided to stay put.

“When you own it and you’re not rich, you know, you can’t,” Vickie Revis said, staring across the river at a row of condemned commercial buildings.

After a year in a donated

camper, they’ll soon move into their new house — a double-wide modular home, also donated by a local Christian charity. It sits atop a 6-foot mound that Paul Revis piled up near the front of the property, farther from the river.

Using rock, ll dirt and broken concrete dumped on his property by friendly debris-removal contractors, Paul has reclaimed the frontage the Swannanoa took. His wife planted it with marigolds for beauty and a weeping willow for stability. And they’ve purchased ood insurance.

“I hope I never see another one in my lifetime, and I’m hoping that if I do, it does hold up,” Vickie said. “I mean, that’s all we can (do). Mother Nature does whatever she wants to do, and you just have to roll with it.”

Tons of debris pulled out, tons still to go

Back on the French Broad, the tedious cleanup work continues. Many on the crew are rafting guides knocked out of work by the storm.

MountainTrue got a $10 million, 18-month grant from the state for the painstaking work of pulling small debris from the rivers and streams. Since July, teams have removed more than 75 tons from about a dozen rivers across ve watersheds.

Red-tailed hawks and osprey circle high overhead as the otilla glides past banks lined with willow, sourwood and sycamore, ablaze with goldenrod and jewelweed. That peacefulness belies its fury of a year ago that upended so many lives.

“There are so many people who are living in western North Carolina right now that feel very afraid of our rivers,” said Liz McGuirl, a crew member who managed a hair salon before Helene put her out of work. “They feel hurt. They feel betrayed.”

Downstream, as McGuirl hauled up a length of pipe, another cat sh swam out.

“We’re creating a habitat, but it’s just the wrong habitat,” crew leader Leslie Beninato said ruefully. “I’d like to give them a tree as a home, maybe, instead of a pipe.”

First radar images from new Earth-mapping satellite showcase Maine coast, North Dakota farmland

The pictures will show shifts in land and ice over time

By Marcia Dunn The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.

— NASA’s rst radar images from a new Earth-mapping satellite show the Maine coast and North Dakota farmland in incredible detail.

The pictures, released Thursday, are from a spacecraft that rocketed into orbit from India two months ago.

The joint U.S.-Indian mission, worth $1.3 billion, will

survey virtually all of the world’s land and ice masses multiple times. By tracking even the slightest shifts in land and ice, the satellite will give forecasters and rst responders a leg up in dealing with oods, landslides, volcanic eruptions and other disasters.

NASA said these rst pictures are a preview of what’s to come once science operations begin in November.

The satellite, ying 464 miles high in a near polar orbit, is called NISAR, short for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. ISRO is the Indian Space Research Organization.

NISAR imaged land adjacent to northeastern North Dakota’s Forest River, light-colored wetlands and forests line the river’s banks, while circular and rectangular plots throughout the image appear in shades that indicate the land may be pasture or cropland with corn or soy.

CHRIS CARLSON / AP PHOTO

Members of the MountainTrue cleanup crew remove PVC pipes from the French Broad River last month in Asheville.

Randolph record

Crowning achievement

any

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Nebraska joins Trump program to use public money for private school tuition

Omaha, Neb. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has opted Nebraska into a federal program to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition. The move comes despite Nebraska voters repealing a similar state law last year. The federal program is part of the federal tax and budget bill passed in July. It allows taxpayers to direct up to $1,700 in federal income taxes they owe to scholarship groups for private school expenses. Critics argue it undermines the will of the voters. Pillen insists the measure won’t a ect public school funding, saying it bene ts both public and private schools.

U.S. government starts phasing out use of paper checks

Washington, D.C.

The U.S. government is phasing out paper checks for most programs. The change started Tuesday and a ects recipients of bene ts like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds. Nearly 400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients still rely on paper checks. The director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says many of these people lack access to digital services. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration says electronic payments and collections will speed up processing and cut costs. The Social Security Administration says it will continue issuing paper checks if a bene ciary “has no other means to receive payment.”

‘Political terrorism’ bill passes NC

House with bipartisan support

The measure cited recent political violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk

By A.P. Dillon Randolph Record

RALEIGH — In the wake of the assassination of Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, the North Carolina House last week passed the Political Terrorism Prevention Act.

The bill, contained in Senate Bill 13, aims to enhance criminal penalties for politically motivated acts of violence while balancing protections for free expression and democratic engagement.

“You have a First Amendment right to say outrageous things,” House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) told reporters in response to ques -

tions about toning down political rhetoric. “If you’re an elected o cial, you probably ought to use good sense when you’re saying those things. And things get heated sometimes. But even in those circumstances, it shouldn’t come to physical attacks on people.”

The bill’s language includes a passage referring to “a disturbing rise in politically motivated acts” and lists the attempted assassinations of Congressman Steve Scalise, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the two attempts on Donald Trump during last year’s campaign.

Also mentioned are the arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the assassinations of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and Kirk.

The bill states, “these attacks are not random, but intentional e orts to silence

speech, suppress dissent, and enforce ideological conformity through terror.”

“Charlie Kirk was murdered because of his beliefs,” House Majority Leader Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) said. “That is political terrorism in its rawest form. This law makes crystal clear: If you target someone because of their politics in our state, we will throw the book at you and then some.”

The legislation de nes acts of political violence as criminal o enses targeting individuals based on their political beliefs, a liations or public expressions, including advocacy, candidacy or voting history.

“Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.”

Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow)

A press release from Hall’s o ce said sentence enhancements in the bill include making politically motivated Class A felonies that are “not otherwise capital o enses” eligible for the death penalty. Sentencing enhancement in the bill would also raise felony convictions by one class level and bar parole or early release.

Guardrails for special sentencing would involve requiring indictments alleging political

US House members hear pleas for tougher justice

policies after stabbing death of refugee

The House judiciary subcommittee held a eld hearing in Charlotte

By Erik Verduzco and Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — U.S. House members visited the state’s largest city on Monday to hear from family members of violent-crime victims who pleaded for tougher criminal justice policies in the wake of last month’s stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train.

A judiciary subcommittee meeting convened in Charlotte to listen to many speakers who described local court systems in North Carolina and South Carolina that they say have failed to protect the public and keep defendants in jail while awaiting trials.

The meeting was prompted by the Aug. 22 stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a light rail car and the resulting apprehension of a suspect who had been previously arrested more than a dozen times, according to court records.

“The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them,” Mia Alderman, the grandmother of 20-year-old Mary Santina Collins, a 2020 Charlotte murder victim, told panelists. Alderman said defendants in her granddaughter’s case still haven’t been tried: “We need accountability. We need reform. We need to ensure that those accused of heinous crimes are swiftly prosecuted.”

“The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them.”

Mia Alderman, grandmother of a 2020 murder victim

eo showing the attack, leading to accusations from Republicans all the way to President Donald Trump that policies by Democratic leaders in Charlotte and statewide are more focused on helping criminals than victims. Democratic committee members argued that Republicans are the ones who have reduced crime-control funds or failed to provide funding for more district attorneys and mental health services. Brown’s mother told media outlets that her son has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Now Brown is jailed after being charged with both rst-degree murder in state court and a federal count in connection with Zarutska’s death. Both crimes can be punishable by the death penalty. Public outrage intensi ed with the release of security vid-

A magistrate had allowed the commuter train defendant, Decarlos Brown Jr., to be released on a misdemeanor charge in January on a written promise to appear, without any bond.

“The hearing for me is not really about public safety,” Democratic Rep. Alma Adams, who represents most of Charlotte. “It’s about my colleagues trying to paint Democrats as soft on crime — and we’re not — and engaging in

Ti

Rush of Asheboro is crowned Miss Moore County 2025 by outgoing queen Tori Gross of Trinity during the Miss Moore County-Miss Sandhills pageant last Saturday. Rush is the second consecutive winner from Randolph County to hold the title.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR RANDOLPH RECORD

THURSDAY 10.2.25

Randleman sorts through variety of nance issues

The city has been without a nance director for several months

Randolph Record sta

RANDLEMAN — The City of Randleman’s nancial situation remains unclear as the city has been without a nance director for about three months.

The issues include a lack of a 2024 nancial audit that’s about 11 months tardy. City manager Hank Raper has been in the position since

late spring. He’s formerly city manager for Siler City. Before that, Raper had a short stay in a similar position for a couple of in-state communities — at Fairmont and in Nashville.

Finance director Elizabeth Sechriest departed in early July with what was termed a “mutual separation.” She had been in that role since December 2022. That separation came with compensation that totaled approximately $59,000 for five months of wages, insurance reimbursements

and accrued vacation time. The city has a position available for nance director and is looking to create a position for an assistant nance director. Based on various reports, the city has acknowledged deciencies within the 401k program related to employer contributions. The number of potentially impacted employees is unclear.

Randleman is operating on an annual budget of more than $9.7 million. That comes with a tax rate of $0.63 per $100 of property value.

RCC honors outgoing board member

Brooke Schmidly has taken a position as deputy secretary of state

Randolph Record sta

ASHEBORO — Randolph Community College expressed appreciation for now-former board of trustees member Brooke Schmidly.

Schmidly has left the board upon her appointment as deputy secretary of state.

“She’s stepping down but leaves a lasting legacy of leadership,” according to information from RCC. At a mid-September board

CRIME LOG

Sept. 22

• Kristopher Hines, 51, of Randleman, was arrested by Randleman PD for assault on a female.

• Joshua Rich, 38, of Star, was arrested by Randolph County Sheri ’s O ce (RCSO) for possession of a rearm by a felon, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Roger Southern, 60, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for communicating threats.

• Michael Wallace, 45, of Franklinville, was arrested by RCSO for breaking and entering a motor vehicle (multiple counts), larceny after breaking and entering (multiple counts) and nancial card fraud.

Sept. 23

• Malena Church, 31, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD (APD) for larceny with intent to remove/ destroy/deactivate components,

HEARING from page A1

political theater, probably to score some headlines.”

Dena King, a former U.S. attorney for western North Carolina during Joe Biden’s administration, testi ed that Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, needs dozens of additional prosecutors to serve e ectively a county of 1.2 million people. And a crime data analyst said that rates of murder and violent crime are falling nationwide and in Charlotte after increases early in the 2020s. Republicans, in turn, blasted Democratic members, saying additional funding alone wouldn’t have prevented the deaths of Zarutska or the other homicide victims highlighted Monday. And they attempted to question the

BILL from page A1

motivation, which can be proven by direct or circumstantial evidence. The political motivation factor is required to be included in any notice of intent to seek the death penalty and can be considered during sentencing even if a defendant is pleading guilty. The bill would also require district attorneys to contact the attorney general when a politically motivated case is being brought. The attorney general would have the power to appoint a special prose -

COURTESY RCC

Brooke Schmidly

of trustees meeting, Schmidly was presented with an ofcial portrait from RCC after seven years on the board. The community college said her

possession of heroin, misdemeanor larceny, possession of stolen property and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

• Derek Clodfelter, 39, of Archdale, was arrested by RCSO for nancial card theft, misdemeanor larceny and obtaining property by false pretense.

• Danny Dixon, 38, of Randleman, was arrested by RCSO for misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen property.

• Casandra Gray, 36, of Randleman, was arrested by Randleman Police Department for misdemeanor breaking and entering.

T • anya Kaufman, 41, of Asheboro, was arrested by APD for misdemeanor larceny, possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, ctitious/altered title/registration card/tag, driving while license revoked and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Joel Thompson, 37, of Asheboro, was

crime gures as misleading.

“This is not time for politics. This is not time for any race. It’s not time of any party. It’s about a time of justice,” said GOP Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, representing in part Charlotte’s suburbs. He spoke while holding a poster of a screenshot of the video showing Zarutska and her attacker. Adams protested Norman’s use of the placard.

In response to Zarutska’s death, the Republican-controlled North Carolina legislature last week approved a criminal justice package that would bar cashless bail in many circumstances, limit the discretion magistrates and judges have in making pretrial release decisions and seek to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations. The bill now sits on Democrat-

cutor if requested. Additionally, victims and their families would be given the ability to give impact statements at any point during the proceedings.

If signed by the governor, the bill would be e ective Dec. 1 and apply to o enses committed on or after that date. The measure passed the House with wide bipartisan support by a vote of 105-6 and was sent to the Senate, which did not act on the bill before the end of the September session.

The six members voting

Randolph Guide

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Randolph County:

Oct. 4-5

50th Annual Asheboro Fall Festival

9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“dedication, vision and expertise — from her distinguished legal and military career to her deep community involvement — have strengthened RCC’s mission and enriched the lives of our students and community.”

Schmidly, once an attorney at Moser Schmidly & Roose practicing civil litigation, was sworn in as a district court judge in 2019 for District 19B, which serves Randolph County. Then, she lled a vacancy upon James Hill’s election as Superior Court judge. Schmidly has had past involvement with the Randolph County Bar Association.

arrested by RCSO for violation of court order.

• Kenneth Trogdon, 40, of Asheboro, was arrested by APD for disorderly conduct, possession of a rearm by a felon (multiple counts), possession of methamphetamine, carrying a concealed gun, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, driving while license revoked, assault by pointing a gun (multiple counts) and going armed to the terror of people.

Sept. 24

• Brant Bailey, 36, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for possession of stolen property, attempted obtaining property by false pretense, breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and felony larceny.

• Cameron Brown, 28, of Liberty, was arrested by Liberty Police Department for breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft (two counts), assault in icting physical injury on law enforcement/probation/parole o cer and resisting a public o cer.

ic Gov. Josh Stein’s desk for his consideration.

Committee Republicans also cited the need for more restrictive bail policies for magistrates and aggressive prosecutors not willing to drop charges for violent crimes.

Another speaker, Steve Federico, from suburban Charlotte, demanded justice for his 22-year-old daughter, Logan, who was shot to death in May at a home in Columbia, South Carolina, while visiting friends. The suspect charged in her killing had faced nearly 40 charges within the last decade, WIS-TV reported.

“I’’m not going to be quiet until somebody helps. Logan deserves to be heard,” Steve Federico told the representatives. “Everyone on this panel deserves to be heard. And we will — trust me.”

no were all Democrats: Reps. Mary Belk (Mecklenburg), Maria Cervania (Wake), Julia Green eld (Mecklenburg), Pricey Harrison (Guilford), Marcia Morey (Durham) and Renée Price (Orange).

“Like so many young conservatives, I was inspired today and in years past to get involved in public service because of Charlie Kirk,” Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow), who credited Kirk with having met his best friends in college, said on the House oor, Gable, 23, is the rst member of Gen Z elected to the leg-

The Randolph Arts Guild celebrates a milestone with its 50th annual festival featuring more than 150 handcrafted vendors spanning the historic streets of downtown. Sunday brings the revival of performing arts at the Fall Festival with ticketed events featuring live music, theater, dance and poetry.

Downtown Asheboro

Oct. 4-12

American Craft Week Seagrove Pottery Celebration

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Seagrove potters celebrate American Craft Week with special demonstrations, kiln openings and behind-the-scenes studio activities. More than 50 working studios participate in this self-guided tour through America’s largest pottery community.

Various pottery studios N.C. Pottery Highway (NC-705) Seagrove

Oct. 18

37th Annual Ramseur Fall Festival “A Day on Main Street”

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This festival takes you back in time with Victorian homes and historic business buildings lining Main Street. The 37th-annual event features local arts and crafts, food vendors, live music and games in a lovely historical setting.

Downtown Ramseur

NASCAR Day Festival

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Downtown Randleman honors the Petty family and NASCAR heritage with Richard Petty signing autographs from 10-11 a.m. Features three stages of entertainment, car show, handmade crafts, racing memorabilia and food vendors throughout Main Street and Commerce Square.

Downtown Randleman

islature and was 22 when he became the youngest member elected to the General Assembly in 126 years.

“But I sit here, I feel, because of Charlie and what he created,” Gable said. “He created an organization that I was able to be a part of. I was able to learn, I was able to grow, I was able to network. … Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.”

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill,

senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Keeping government open and our defense intact

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran, and military family.

AS YOUR CONGRESSMAN, I am committed to ghting for your family, your freedoms and your future. That means making sure our government stays open without wasting your tax dollars, and making sure our troops and veterans have the resources they need to keep America safe. Over the past two weeks, two big issues have come to the forefront: keeping the government open and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I want to share where I stand and what these decisions mean for you. Last week, House Republicans passed a clean, commonsense funding bill. This short-term, seven-week measure keeps the government open and ensures our troops and families don’t pay the price while Congress continues working toward the long-term reforms needed to rein in Washington’s wasteful spending. It doesn’t raise taxes or add wasteful new spending. It just ensures our government continues to serve our people. Here’s what our bill does:

• Delivers paychecks for our troops, Border Patrol agents, TSA agents and air tra c controllers

• Prevents delays in Social Security and Medicare applications

• Provides uninterrupted health care for veterans

• Keeps National Parks open for families to enjoy

• Continues vital food inspections to protect consumers

However, a CR needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate. Senate Democrats are threatening a shutdown unless their partisan demands are met. They want to use this as an opportunity

What

100 years

to tack on a massive $1.5 trillion spending hike. Their list of demands includes restoring taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, sending $500 million to liberal news outlets and pushing diversity programs in foreign countries while cutting bene ts back home.

Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job. We acted well before the deadline and passed a clean bill to keep the government open. If the government shuts down, it will be because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) feels the need to put political games over people.

This shutdown would hurt families, seniors, small businesses and our veterans. I will not stand by and let Washington games hurt North Carolina families.

Alongside keeping our government open. Congress also passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This annual defense bill is one of the most important responsibilities we have. It authorizes funding for our military, sets policy for the Department of War, and makes sure our troops and their families get the funding they deserve.

As Fort Bragg’s congressman, I fought to make sure this bill delivered for our community.

Fort Bragg and NC-09 wins:

• $44.7 million to construct training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg

• $5.3 million for SOF Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg

• $19 million for Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course

• $24 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar

• $80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid

of craftsmanship can teach us in the age of AI

We invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

THIS FALL, the John C. Campbell Folk School will celebrate a century of keeping traditional Appalachian crafts alive, including blacksmithing, weaving, woodcarving, basketry and more. But what we’re really preserving is something deeper: the human need to make, to connect and to belong. And that’s never felt more urgent than now.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities across western North Carolina, we’ve been reminded just how fragile our region — and its rich cultural heritage — can be. As we support recovery e orts, we also rea rm our commitment to sustaining the traditions that root and restore us. Because in a time of disruption, digital overload and AI, the Folk School o ers something powerfully countercultural: A space where making is slow, tactile and grounded in community.

Crafting by hand doesn’t just produce beautiful objects, it cultivates qualities we need now more than ever: mindfulness, resilience, creativity and focus. In our studios, people don’t scroll or skim. They observe, try again, and take pride in small, steady progress.

Recent research shows that engaging in arts and crafts boosts life satisfaction, happiness and a sense of purpose even after accounting for age, health or socioeconomic status. Once engaged, participants also rediscover each other. Learning in a noncompetitive,

collaborative environment builds connection and purpose, qualities often eroded in our tech-saturated lives.

We’ve seen what happens when we fail to preserve folkways. Sacred Harp and shape — note singing, once common across the mountains, has nearly vanished from many parts of Appalachia, near casualties of shifting tastes and modern convenience. Fortunately, a devoted community of singers passionate about preserving and perpetuating this traditional American music is working to keep the tradition alive. Thanks to similarly stalwart practitioners, Cherokee white oak basketry, a craft nearly lost, now passes down again through intergenerational teaching and shared storytelling.

The Folk School is part of that continuum. For 100 years, we’ve welcomed people to this corner of the mountains to learn and share traditional skills. And as we mark our centennial, we’re expanding the ways we honor and elevate this region’s heritage. We’ve restored and refreshed our historic Log Cabin Museum and introduced an interactive walking tour on campus. Both were developed in consultation with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Texana, the historic African American community in Murphy, and both will give visitors a layered sense of

• $6.5 Million for SOF Mission Command Center

• $7.5 million for advanced drone development in North Carolina

On a national level, the NDAA delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops. It codi es 15 of President Donald Trump’s executive orders, reinforces priorities like merit-based promotion, accountability and improving lethality among the ranks. It also provides new authority and funding for DOW to coordinate with Homeland Security on border security. The NDAA funds Trump’s signature defense platforms, from the Golden Dome missile defense system to next-generation ghters, submarines, warships and autonomous systems. It cuts red tape in the Pentagon’s procurement process so innovation can reach the battle eld faster. And it makes new investments in arti cial intelligence, hypersonics and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Iran and other adversaries. This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran and military family who sacri ces for our country. It strengthens our national security, protects our homeland, and honors the service of those stationed at Fort Bragg and around the world. The contrast in Washington could not be more clear. While we are ghting for a commonsense solution, the Democrats are focused on playing politics with partisan priorities that do nothing to help North Carolinians.

I will continue every day to ght for you, to protect your tax dollars and to support the brave men and women who keep us safe.

Rep. Richard L. Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in Congress.

place and home held by diverse mountain people.

Another powerful symbol of this legacy is a rare, hand-drawn map of the Southern Appalachian region created in the early 1900s by Folk School founder Olive Dame Campbell and researcher Elva M. Dickey. This one- of-a-kind artifact, long hidden from public view, has now been stabilized and unveiled as part of our centennial celebration.

Our 100th anniversary isn’t just a look back. It’s a call forward. This October, during our Fall Festival and yearlong centennial programming, we’ll welcome thousands of visitors to join in that vision: to celebrate Appalachian artistry, share food and stories, and experience rsthand how craft, music and dance traditions still shape hearts and communities. In a world that increasingly and unquestioningly prizes rapid, digitized information, we invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

Come join us. Put your head, heart and hands to work. And rediscover what it means to truly make something that matters.

Bethany Chaney is executive director of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, which will o cially mark its 100th anniversary at its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5.

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Mark Neal Scott

May 27, 1950 –Sept. 23, 2025

Mark Neal Scott, 75, of Bennett, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Fall Creek Baptist Church, where he was a member, with Pastor George Townsend and Pastor Bob Wachs o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors. The family will receive friends in the sanctuary prior to the service from 1-2:45 p.m. and in the fellowship hall following the committal. Joyce-Brady Chapel will be open on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 1-5 p.m. for friends to sign the register.

Mark was born in Chatham County on May 27, 1950, to Clinton and Mollie Gaines Scott. He was a fraud investigator for the State of NC. He served in the National Guard and as a reman with the Bennett and Bonlee Fire Departments for 50 years. He enjoyed shing and kayaking. Mark loved a good bargain and reduced prices. He adored his family, especially his grandchildren and fur baby, Zoey.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mark is survived by his wife of 32 years, Janet McNeill Scott, of the home; children, Wendy Johnson (Chris), of Siler City, Dana Scott, of Siler City and Tina Alford (Brad), of Stem, NC; sister, Janie Riggsbee (Mark), of Bonlee; grandchildren, Ashton Rollins, Aidan Johnson, Sawyer Johnson, Reese Alford and Harper Alford and a host of family and friends.

Feb. 23, 1942 - Sept. 25, 2025

Joyce Carolyn Haddock Coleman, age 83, of Asheboro, passed away on September 25, 2025, at the Randolph Hospice House.

Mrs. Coleman was born in Randolph County on February 23, 1942, to Robert and E e Overton Haddock. Joyce retired from the textile industry with over 30 years of service. She attended Harmony Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Coleman, daughter, Betty Ann Spencer Owen, and brother, Harvey Lee Haddock. Joyce was an avid NASCAR follower and worked a second job at Caraway Speedway. Rumor has it that she would babysit Dale Earnhardt Jr. while his dad raced at Caraway. She is survived by her sonin-law, Brian Owen of Venice, FL and sister-in-law, Kay Haddock of Asheboro.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 10-10:45 a.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. A graveside service will follow on Monday at 11 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery with Pastor Faron Overton o ciating. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Dr., Asheboro, NC 27203.

obituaries

Mary Vanessa DeBerry Evans

Aug. 21, 1924 –Sept. 23, 2025

Mary Vanessa DeBerry Evans, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-greatgrandmother, godmother, friend, and devout woman of faith, departed this life peacefully on September 23, 2025, at the age of 101.

Born on August 21, 1924, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Irene Young and Homer DeBerry, Mary spent her childhood in North Carolina as an only child under the care of her paternal grandparents. She was doted on by her ve uncles and drew inspiration from hearing one of them sing in the church and play the piano. At an early age, Mary was deeply moved by the teachings of her faith, and they became the guiding light that directed her path and gave her strength and comfort to weather life’s challenges with grace and resolve.

As a young woman, Mary established her career and family in New York, where she raised her two sons and bought her rst house in a time where such a feat was insurmountable for a woman of her time and circumstance. However, she persisted with success and later went on to purchase a family home with her late husband, Ralph Evans, and had a rewarding career as an accountant and entrepreneurial businesswoman that spanned decades. Upon her retirement, she and her husband would live out their years spending time with family and friends before his peaceful passing after almost 55 years of marriage.

As a long-time member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Asheboro, North Carolina, Mary dedicated herself to serving others with compassion and generosity. She regularly donated her time and resources to numerous charities, programs, and organizations, which exempli ed her commitment to servant leadership and faith in action. She regularly participated in the community outreach activities at Christians United

June 4, 1932 – Sept. 25, 2025

Hazel Brower York, 93, of Franklinville, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025, at her residence. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Sunset Avenue Church of God, Asheboro. O ciating, Rev. Boyd Byerly. Burial, Randolph Memorial Park, Asheboro. Hazel was born in Moore County on June 4, 1932, and was a longtime resident of Randolph County. She had retired at Black & Decker on the assembly line and was a member of Sunset Avenue Church of God in Asheboro for nearly 30 years. She enjoyed crocheting and making prayer shawls. In 2007, Hazel and her husband Bill won the mission award from her church for her dedication to

Outreach Center and gave her time immeasurably to helping the needy and providing elder wisdom and nurturance to all who sought her guidance.

With a deep love for her community, Mary contributed much of her time to social causes and helping to make life better for those around her. She provided tutoring to English language learners, was a member of the Board of DSS, supported causes ghting poverty and food insecurity, and regularly contributed her time to the Board of Elections. She was known throughout her life for her dedication, sharp wit, playfulness, and humor.

Mary had an unshakeable optimism, and her life was a living testimony to resilience and perseverance. Her smile was disarming, her laughter infectious, and her spirit full of light and love. She regarded each day as a blessing and made the most of every moment she was given. She lived not just a long life, but a full and remarkable one that serves as a reminder to us all that each day is a gift that should be lived to its fullest.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of love carried forward by her son, Thomas Cain, goddaughters Deborah Price and Chris McCracken, daughter-in-law RoseAnne Cain, grandchildren Vannessa Gharbi(Adel), Claudine Cain, Rosemary Petersen Goine(Henry), Desmond Jackson, Habeeb DeHaney, Deandre Cain, nine great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who adored her and will dearly miss her. She is reunited in eternal rest with her son, Dennis Cain, husband, Ralph Evans, and stepson, Ralph Evans Jr., who went before her.

We will honor her life and cherished memories with services at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203. Guests are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from noon to 5 p.m. Her nal going home funeral service will be Monday, September 29, 2025, at noon, and she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Randolph Memorial Park.

A special thanks is extended to the dedicated sta at Cross Road Retirement Community and Gentiva Hospice Care for the support, nurturance, and care provided during this season of her life. Her family takes comfort in knowing that Mary’s wisdom, laughter, and deep faith will continue to guide and inspire all who were touched by her grace and generosity for generations to come.

service. She was involved with the House of Hope and had a true heart for helping others. Hazel was known as a great cook and enjoyed making Hershey bar cakes and fresh coconut cakes. She was a hands-on grandmother and found great joy in playing and spending time with her grandchildren. In her free time, Hazel enjoyed gardening and working with her owers. All who knew her will miss her “spunk and sass”. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Bill York; parents, George Dewey and Rossie Hussey Brower; and siblings, Richard Brower, Jimmy Brower, Edwin Brower, Janice Ann Curin, and Imogene Moore. Over the recent years, Hazel had struggled with her eyesight and her family takes comfort in knowing that she “was blind but now can see”.

Survivors: son, Terry York of Blufton, SC, daughter, Lynne Owens and husband Byron of Asheboro, grandchildren, Sarah Browne and husband Eric of Blufton, SC, Victoria Owens of Seagrove, Matthew Owens and wife Irena of Asheboro, and Elizabeth Owens of Washington DC, great-grandchildren, Avery Browne, Rosalie Quinn, and Beckham Owens, special niece, Joyce Brower, as well as many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation, 1-2 p.m., Monday, Sunset Avenue Church of God, Asheboro.

Ronald “Dean” Hu man

Oct. 21, 1934 – Sept. 25, 2025

Ronald “Dean” Hu man, 90, of Asheboro, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Randolph Health. Dean was born in High Point, NC, on October 21, 1934, the son of the late Arlie Mae Hu man Sr., and Alma Georgia Caviness Hu man. After working for C. W. Henley, Dean enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Dean left the Army in January 1960 with an Honorable discharge. After returning to Randolph County, he went into business with his brother Buddy. They had a carpet store in Trinity, NC, Hu man Carpet. After closing the store Dean went in business for himself selling and installing ooring. Dean closed out his working years working in maintenance at the Randleman Housing Authority. He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. He loved shing and the beach where he and Carol spent their retirement years before moving back to Asheboro. Dean was a man of few words, a gentle soul who loved all people. If you knew Dean well or not a lot you can vouch for his dry sense of humor, always making jokes.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death his wife of 70 years Carol, brother, Arlie Mae (Buddy) Hu man, and sister, Bernice Hu man Varner. He is survived by, son Michael Hu man (Yvette) of Asheboro, NC, daughter Candace Seabolt (Greg) of Denton, NC, grandchildren, Paige Martin (Jason), Tyler Hu man (Jameykay), Hunter Seabolt (Sammie), Jordan Singley (Colby), great grandchildren, Noah Martin, Jude Martin, David Seabolt, Bo Singley, Scout Seabolt, Walker Singley, and Clay Seabolt, daughter-in-law, Lisa Hu man, and many nieces and nephew whom he loved.

A private service will be held at Foster Street Wesleyan Church with Pastor Charles Moses o ciating. The family wants to thank caregiver, Becki Brown, for her support over the past several years.

Howard

“Howie” Marvin Brown

June 14, 1970 –Sept. 25, 2025

Howard “Howie” Marvin Brown, 55, of Robbins, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at FirstHealth Moore Regional. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at New Testament Baptist Church with Pastor Darren Richardson presiding. Howie was born in Montgomery County on June 14, 1970, to James and Linda Spain Brown. He was employed as a welder. He enjoyed metal detecting, video games, fast cars and all things outdoors. He was preceded in death by his father, James Floyd Brown. Howie is survived by his mother, Linda Brown, of Robbins; sister, Carrie Anne Brown, of Robbins, and a host of family and friends.

Roger Darrell Hicks

June 13, 1975 –Sept. 24, 2025

Roger Darrell Hicks, of Sophia, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his residence on September 24, 2025, at the age of 50. He was born in Welch, West Virginia, on June 13, 1975.

Roger was a dedicated and skilled master plumber and carpenter, having spent many years perfecting his craft. His hard work and integrity earned him the respect and friendship of colleagues and clients alike. Beyond his professional life, Roger cherished the moments spent with family and friends, valuing the simple joys of life and the bonds that truly matter. Roger was a member of the Pentecostal church, where he found comfort and community throughout his life.

Preceding him in death were his paternal grandparents, Media Noon and Ira Hicks, and maternal grandparents, Je Woody and Edna Keen.

He leaves behind a legacy of love through his surviving family: wife, Ronda Miller Hicks; his daughter, Nikki Hale of Ramseur, NC; his sons, Demetrius England of Beckley, WV, and Quintin Hicks of Sophia, NC; his parents, Carlos and Elizabeth Woody Hicks of Sophia, NC; his sisters, Wanda Zepeda of Randleman and Mya Hicks of Sophia, NC; his brother, Je ery Hicks of Princeton, WV; and his beloved granddaughter, Maddy Hale of Ramseur, NC.

The family will celebrate Roger’s life and honor his memory with a service to be conducted at a later date in Welch, WV. Details will be announced when available. Roger’s presence, warmth, and laughter will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched.

June 30, 1958 –Sept. 24, 2025

Belinda Poole Willetts, age 67, of Asheboro, passed away on September 24, 2025, at her home. Mrs. Willetts was born in Central Falls, NC, to Jimmy and Mildred Poole. She was employed with Tyco Electronics for 12 years. In addition to her parents, Belinda was preceded in death by her brother, Eddie Poole and wife Jeannie, and sister, Lisa Poole. Belinda was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, and always made sure her whole family attended church. She loved to travel, especially up and down the East Coast with her family. She loved to read and garden. She is survived by her husband, Dean Willetts; daughter, Jennifer Roberts and son-in-law Michael and son, Chris Willetts; grandchildren, Alexis True, Devin Roberts, Dallas Roberts and Lexi Lynn Willetts; and sisters, Karen Poole and Sue McMasters.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 10-11 a.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Glenn “Mac” Pugh Chapel with Rev. Je Joyce o ciating. Burial will be held at Randolph Memorial Park.

Hazel Brower York

Joyce Carolyn Haddock Coleman

Belinda Poole Willetts

Bobby “Glynn” Bright Jr.

April 17, 1968 – Sept. 27, 2025

Bobby Glynn Bright Jr., 57, of Washington, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital.

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Glynn’s life from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington, and at other times at the home of his mother. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Haven’s Gardens waterfront—a place that re ects Glynn’s love for nature and the water.

Born in Beaufort County on April 17, 1968, Glynn was the son of the late Bobby Glynn Bright Sr., and Jennie “Marie” Hill Bright, who survives. A graduate of Washington High School, he went on to earn an associate’s degree from NC State University as a proud member of the Wolfpack. Guided by his appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation, Glynn built a career as the owner and operator of Turf Wise Lawncare in Winterville, NC.

Glynn’s happiest moments were spent outdoors— shing on quiet waters, hunting in the early

Raymond “Bud” Gene DeMeyer

Jan. 21, 1946 –Sept. 24, 2025

Raymond “Bud” Gene DeMeyer, 79, of Randleman, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at his home.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Born on January 21, 1946, in Lake County, Indiana, Raymond was the son of the late Raymond DeMeyer and Evelyn Lorene Morris DeMeyer. He honorably served in the US Army during Operation Desert Storm. He retired from Alamance Regional Hospital. He had worked at numerous hospitals throughout the country since he was gifted in his eld. Raymond was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He was an avid gun enthusiast, a gifted tennis player, and he enjoyed going to Key West, watching Jeopardy, and doing Sudoku puzzles. He loved a wide range of music, everything from Classical to Classic Rock.

In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Sue DeMeyer; and sister, Sandy Roessing.

Surviving are his daughter, Lisa Harridance, and husband Adam of Raleigh; son, Je DeMeyer, and wife Mary Ann of Mebane; sister, Dolly Karp of Rosewell, GA; and grandchildren, Gavin, Cali, Nyla, Courtney and Kirsten.

Memorials may be made to Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317; or any animal charity of the donor’s choice.

morning light, and sharing those experiences with his beloved black labs. Above all, he cherished his family and found his faith as an active member of Latitude Church in Bayboro. His warm spirit, steadfast work ethic, and devotion to the people and places he loved will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Glynn leaves behind his beloved mother, Marie, whom he cared for dearly; his sister, Jennie B. Singleton, and her husband Jim, who share Glynn’s love of shing; niece Katelyn Gaskins and her husband Josh of Washington; nephew Dylan Singleton of Winston-Salem; niece Shanna Steinert and her husband Nick of Bethel; his greatniece, Stella James Gaskins, and greatnephews, Sawyer and Liam Steinert. He will forever be remembered as a loving son, brother, uncle, great-uncle and friend to many. His kindness and faith touched all who knew him and his well-known sense of humor was truly unmatched. “And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you shers of men.’” — Matthew 4:19

Glynn’s family wants to extend their sincerest gratitude to the sta of Ridgewood Nursing Home for the care they provided Glynn over the last seven years, especially his treasured nurse and family friend, Paige Wallace.

In lieu of owers, Glynn’s family kindly asks that donations be made to the Beaufort County Community College Foundation for the Glynn Bright LPN Scholarship to honor those who have cared for Glynn during his residence at Ridgewood Nursing Home and those who will care for others in the future. Donations may be mailed to BCCCF 5337 Highway 264 East, Washington, NC 27889 or by card by calling 252-940-6326.

Linda Sue Ezzell

Aug. 13, 1952 – Sept. 25, 2025

Linda Sue Ezzell, 73, of Asheboro, died Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Randolph Health in Asheboro. Funeral Services, 3 p.m., Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Lo in Funeral Home Chapel, Ramseur.

O ciating, Rev. Bobby Cooke.

Burial, Chatham Memorial Park, Siler City, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Sue was a native of Duvall County, FL and a longtime resident of Randolph County.

Sue attended Randolph Community College and the Abound Health Day Program, where she enjoyed socializing with her friends. She loved everybody, especially her nieces and nephews. Sue enjoyed art, jewelry (making necklaces and bracelets for family & friends), and liked doing puzzles. Also she loved her dog, ‘Lucy” and loved going out to eat, however her favorite meal was her mother’s chicken and dumplings. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Franklin and Azalean Davis Ezzell, brothers, Paul Franklin “Buddy” Ezzell and Warren Albert Ezzell, and sister, Karen Ezzell.

Survivors: sister, Vickie Teague, of Asheboro, many nieces, nephews and extended family.

The family extends a special thanks to Debbie West and Cindy Cooke for their loving care and support, as well as Amedisys Home Health of Burlington and all the doctors and nurses who cared for Sue through the years. Visitation, 1:45-2:45 p.m., Sunday, Lo in Funeral Home, Ramseur.

Patricia Jean Austin Smith

Sept. 8, 1953 –Sept. 26, 2025

Patricia Jean Austin Smith, age 72, a resident of Washington, NC, died Friday, September 26, 2025, at her home.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter and will be o ciated by Travis Boyd. Pallbearers include Bobby Kelley, Blake Cutler, Thomas Church, Henry Austin, Francisco Garcia, and Zachary Andrews.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington. Mrs. Smith was born in Dare County on September 8, 1953, to the late Wilbur Austin and Vera Blake Beacham. She graduated from Beaufort County Community College and became a Registered Nurse. She was also an ordained minister. On October 26, 1984, she married Jack Smith Jr. Mrs. Smith loved to read, trying new food, laughing, going to Cape Hatteras and being with her family.

Survivors include her four children, Bobby Kelley and wife Rebecca of Washington, Sharon Mullis and husband David of Dallas, Susan Polen of Grimesland, Jack Smith, III, eleven grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and a brother, Henry Austin of Washington. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Smith Jr., and a sister, Vanessa Jennings.

Danny Simmons

Nov. 8, 1937 – Sept. 26, 2025

Danny Lynn Simmons, 87, of Asheboro, died Friday, September 26, 2025, at the NC State Veterans Home in Salisbury.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Friday, October 3, 2025, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Rev. Wyatt Hoogkamp o ciating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park with military honors provided by the Randolph County Honor Guard.

Born on November 8, 1937, in Randolph County, NC, Danny was the son of the late Peter Napoleon Simmons and Rosa Brown Simmons. Over the years, he worked for United Brass, Maxco, Frederickson Trucking and Amsoil. Danny also owned and operated Covenant Books with his wife, Linda. He attended Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church for many years and in the last few years he attended Neighbors Grove Wesleyan Church. Danny honorably served in the US Army.

In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Robbins Simmons; sisters, Christine Ritter, Gloria Evelyn Simmons; and brother, Dillard Simmons.

Surviving are his nephew, Je rey Ritter, and numerous nieces and nephews by marriage.

The family will receive friends from 9:45-10:45 a.m., Friday, prior to the service at Ridge Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Randolph County Honor Guard, PO Box 1672, Asheboro, NC 27204.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and sta at the NC State Veterans Home for the loving care given to Danny.

Alma Gray Mercer Barnes

Jan. 17, 1934 – Sept. 23, 2025

Mrs. Alma Gray Mercer Barnes “Mema”, age 91, a resident of Washington, NC, died Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in Washington. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory, o ciated by Daniel Woods. A burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Seth Barnes, Jonathan Barnes, Matthew Barnes, Michael Barnes, Blake Ennis, and Tom Tison.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the funeral hour on Saturday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Barnes was born in Wilson

Willie “Bill” Franklin Varner

Feb. 14, 1937 – Sept. 26, 2025

Willie “Bill” Franklin Varner, 88, of Asheboro, passed away on September 26, 2025, at the Salisbury Department of Veterans’ A airs Medical Center, with his brothers at his side.

Bill was a North Carolina native, born on Valentine’s Day in 1937 to Charles Raymond and Mary Hunt Varner. At just 16 years old, he began what would turn out to be a lifelong career in the textiles industry. Bill enlisted in the military as a young man and served our country proudly in the United States Army. He was a lifelong outdoorsman, especially keen on hunting and shing. He is remembered by his family as being a great cook, frequently cleaning and preparing the game he’d gone out and obtained himself.

Bill loved to pick and cut up, always making those around him laugh with his quick, witty humor. He was a long time regular at 220 Grill in Asheboro. He could often be found there in the early morning hours, before the sun was even up, ready to get inside as soon as the doors opened and start socializing. Bill su ered signi cant losses throughout the years, but he and his siblings remained close, loving one another until the end.

He is survived by his sister, Clara McDu e of Asheboro, brother, J.C. Varner (Melissa) of Thomasville, sister, Norene Parrish of Asheboro, and brother, Marshall Varner (Judy) of Trinity. He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his late wife, Shirley Cox Varner, his son, Tim Varner, and his sister, Louise Aikens.

The Varner Family will receive friends in a public visitation at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. A memorial service will follow the visitation in the funeral home chapel at 11 a.m., with brother Mike Thompson o ciating. 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203. Services will conclude with burial at Randolph Memorial Park, 4538 US Highway 220 Business N. Asheboro, NC 27203.

County on January 17, 1934, the daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin Mercer and the late Betsy Lamm Mercer. On January 21, 1950, she married Clifton Alton Barnes, who preceded her in death on September 8, 2016. She loved cooking, taking care of houseplants, her own family and her church family. She had a home daycare for many years and loved children. She chose to worship at Wesleyan Pentecostal Holiness Church. In addition to her parents and husband, Alma was preceded in death by her son, David Scott Barnes, her brothers, Ernest, Ben, Louis and George Mercer, her sister, Hazel Beck and a grandchild, Bryan Lee Barnes.

Survivors include her son: Steve Barnes and his wife Cheryle of Williamston; a daughter: Debbie Wood and her husband Randy of Washington; grandchildren: Suzanne Ennis and her husband Blake, Sara Tison and her husband Tom, Seth Barnes and his wife Kelly, Jonathan Barnes and his wife Rhonda, Michael Barnes and his wife Samantha, Matthew Barnes, and eight great grandchildren. In lieu of owers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to Wesleyan Pentecostal Holiness Church, 7656 US Hwy. 264, Washington, NC 27889.

Latoya Lashay Wilson

May 13, 2009 –Sept. 23, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Latoya Lashay Wilson, a ectionately known as “Queenie,” who left this world on September 23, 2025, at Randolph Hospice House. Born on May 13, 2009, in Orange County, NC, Latoya graced us with 16 years of her beautiful spirit.

From the very beginning, Latoya faced life’s challenges with courage and strength despite enduring lifelong health conditions. Her resilience was a testament to her ghting spirit, and she will always be remembered as a sweet soul who spread joy wherever she went. Those who knew her cherished the delight she took in listening to music and the comfort she found in having cartoons playing softly in the background. She had a unique way of responding most to the gentle touch of her lower legs and feet, a reminder of the power of connection and love. Latoya attended Pirate Academy, where she received interactive instruction and learning, thriving in an environment that nurtured her love for life and creativity.

She is survived by her mother, Estepfania Wilson, siblings, Valencia Wilson and Tashawn Wilson, and her grandmother, Mona Lupo. Latoya also leaves behind a host of dedicated caregivers who ensured her continuous care, including the compassionate teams at Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center, RHA Howell Center, and Randolph Hospice House, among many others who were touched by her spirit.

Services honoring Latoya’s life will include a graveside memorial service to be conducted at a later date. Her body will lie in state at Midstate Cremation & Funeral Service from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025. Though our hearts are heavy with her loss, we nd solace in the memories of the joy she brought into our lives.

Latoya Lashay Wilson, our beloved Queenie, will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her bravery, warmth, and the light she shared with all who were privileged to know her. Midstate Cremation & Funeral Service is honored to provide services for Ms. Latoya Lashay Wilson.

STATE & NATION

In rivers and streams, cleanup of Helene’s fury seems never-ending

The hurricane’s damage extended well beyond residences and roads

By Allen G. Breed and Brittany Peterson

The Associated Press

WOODFIN — Bracing himself against the current in waistdeep water, Clancy Loorham wrestles a broken length of PVC pipe from the rocky bottom of the French Broad River and peers inside.

“I got a cat sh in the pipe,” the 27-year-old with wispy beard and mustache shouted to fellow cleanup workers oating nearby in rafts, canoes and kayaks piled with plastic pipe and other human-made detritus. “He’s right here. I’m looking him in the eyes!”

It’s been just a year since oodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Helene washed these pipes out of a nearby factory with such force that some pieces ended up in Douglas Lake, about 90 miles away in Tennessee. But they’re already slick with algae and lled with river silt — and creatures.

Helene killed more than 250 people and caused nearly $80 billion in damage from Florida to the Carolinas. In the North Carolina mountains, rains of up to 30 inches turned gentle streams into torrents that swept away trees, boulders, homes and vehicles, shattered century-old ood records, and in some places carved out new channels.

In the haste to rescue people and restore their lives to some semblance of normalcy, some fear the recovery e orts compounded Helene’s impact on the ecosystem. Contractors hired to remove vehicles, shipping containers, shattered houses and other large debris from waterways sometimes damaged sensitive habitat.

“They were using the river almost as a highway in some situations,” said Peter Raabe, South-

east regional director for the conservation group American Rivers.

Conservationists found instances of contractors cutting down healthy trees and removing live root balls, said Jon Stamper, river cleanup coordinator for MountainTrue, the North Carolina-based nonpro t conducting the French Broad work.

“Those trees kind of create sh habitats,” he said. “They slow the ow of water down. They’re an important part of a river system, and we’ve seen kind of a disregard for that.”

The Army Corps of Engineers said in a statement that debris removal missions “are often challenging” due to the large volume storms can leave behind across a wide area. The Corps said it trains its contractors to minimize disturbances to waterways and to prevent harm to wildlife.

North Carolina Emergency Management said debris removal after Helene took into account safety and the environment, and that projects reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency met that agency’s standards for minimizing impact.

Battered rst by Helene, then by cleanup

Hannah Woodburn, who tracks the headwaters and tributaries of the New River as MountainTrue’s Upper New Riverkeeper, said waters are much muddier since Helene, both from storm-related vegetation loss and from heavy machinery used during cleanup.

She said it’s been bad for the eastern hellbender, a “species of special concern” in North Carolina. It’s one of only three giant salamanders found in the world, growing up to 2 feet long and weighing more than 3 pounds.

“After the storm, we had so many reports and pictures of dead hellbenders, some nearly a mile from the stream once the waters receded,” said Woodburn.

Of even greater concern is the Appalachian elktoe, a federally endangered mussel found only in the mountains of North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Helene hurt the Appalachian elktoe, but it also su ered from human-caused damage, said Mike Perkins, a state biologist.

Perkins said some contractors coordinated with conservation teams ahead of river cleanups and took precautions. Others were not so careful.

He described snorkeling in the cold waters of the Little River and “ nding crushed individuals, some of them still barely alive, some with their insides hanging out.” On that river, workers moved 60 Appalachian elktoe to a refuge site upstream. On the South Toe River, home to one of the most important populations, biologists collected a dozen and took them to a hatchery to store in tanks until it’s safe to return them to the wild.

“It was shocking and unprecedented in my professional line of work in 15 years,” Perkins said of the incident. “There’s all of these processes in place to prevent this secondary tragedy from happening, and none of it happened.”

Andrea Leslie, mountain hab-

itat conservation coordinator with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said she hopes the experience can inform future recovery e orts.

“To a certain degree, you can’t do this perfectly,” she said. “They’re in emergency mode. They’re working to make sure that people are safe and that infrastructure is safe. And it’s a big, complicated process. And there are multiple places in my observation where we could shift things to be more careful.”

Humans along river also still recovering

Like the hellbender and the Appalachian elktoe, humans cling to the river, too.

Vickie and Paul Revis’ home sat beside old U.S. 70 in a bend of the Swannanoa River. As Helene swept through, the Swannanoa took their home and scraped away a big chunk of their half-acre lot.

With the land paid for and no ood insurance payment to move away, they decided to stay put.

“When you own it and you’re not rich, you know, you can’t,” Vickie Revis said, staring across the river at a row of con-

demned commercial buildings.

After a year in a donated camper, they’ll soon move into their new house — a double-wide modular home, also donated by a local Christian charity. It sits atop a 6-foot mound that Paul Revis piled up near the front of the property, farther from the river.

Using rock, ll dirt and broken concrete dumped on his property by friendly debris-removal contractors, Paul has reclaimed the frontage the Swannanoa took. His wife planted it with marigolds for beauty and a weeping willow for stability. And they’ve purchased ood insurance.

“I hope I never see another one in my lifetime, and I’m hoping that if I do, it does hold up,” Vickie said. “I mean, that’s all we can (do). Mother Nature does whatever she wants to do, and you just have to roll with it.”

Tons of debris pulled out, tons still to go

Back on the French Broad, the tedious cleanup work continues. Many on the crew are rafting guides knocked out of work by the storm.

MountainTrue got a $10 million, 18-month grant from the state for the painstaking work of pulling small debris from the rivers and streams. Since July, teams have removed more than 75 tons from about a dozen rivers across ve watersheds.

Red-tailed hawks and osprey circle high overhead as the otilla glides past banks lined with willow, sourwood and sycamore, ablaze with goldenrod and jewelweed. That peacefulness belies its fury of a year ago that upended so many lives.

“There are so many people who are living in western North Carolina right now that feel very afraid of our rivers,” said Liz McGuirl, a crew member who managed a hair salon before Helene put her out of work. “They feel hurt. They feel betrayed.” Downstream, as McGuirl hauled up a length of pipe, another cat sh swam out.

“We’re creating a habitat, but it’s just the wrong habitat,” crew leader Leslie Beninato said ruefully. “I’d like to give them a tree as a home, maybe, instead of a pipe.”

First radar images from new Earth-mapping satellite showcase Maine coast, North Dakota farmland

The pictures will show shifts in land and ice over time

By Marcia Dunn

The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.

— NASA’s rst radar images from a new Earth-mapping satellite show the Maine coast and North Dakota farmland in incredible detail.

The pictures, released Thursday, are from a spacecraft that rocketed into orbit from India two months ago.

The joint U.S.-Indian mission, worth $1.3 billion, will

survey virtually all of the world’s land and ice masses multiple times. By tracking even the slightest shifts in land and ice, the satellite will give forecasters and rst responders a leg up in dealing with oods, landslides, volcanic eruptions and other disasters.

NASA said these rst pictures are a preview of what’s to come once science operations begin in November.

The satellite, ying 464 miles high in a near polar orbit, is called NISAR, short for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. ISRO is the Indian Space Research Organization.

NISAR imaged land adjacent to northeastern North Dakota’s Forest River, light-colored wetlands and forests line the river’s banks, while circular and rectangular plots throughout the image appear in shades that indicate the land may be pasture or cropland with corn or soy.

CHRIS CARLSON / AP PHOTO

Members of the MountainTrue cleanup crew remove PVC pipes from the French Broad River last month in Asheville.

RandolpH SPORTS

Wildcats, Cougars tune up for league

The football teams from Eastern Randolph and Southwestern Randolph put together solid records through six games

Randolph Record sta

EASTERN RANDOLPH and Southwestern Randolph look like they might be the top football teams in the Four Rivers Conference through the completion of nonconference play.

Both teams are 4-2, sharing that mark with Jordan-Matthews.

Randleman players gather after defeating Lexington.

Southwestern Randolph will have a week o before an Oct. 10 visit to Eastern Randolph. Meanwhile, the Wildcats open league play Friday night at Northwood.

Even though it’s a new conference beginning this school year, Eastern Randolph has won four straight league championships (formerly in the Piedmont Athletic Conference) and holds a 20-game winning streak in conference play.

This year, Eastern Randolph and Southwestern Randolph had a pair of common opponents in nonleague play. Eastern Randolph defeated Randle -

man and Providence Grove, while the Cougars lost to both of those teams.

Each of Southwestern Randolph’s victories have come by at least 24 points, with the closest of those coming Friday night.

Southwestern Randolph 50, McMichael 26: At Asheboro, Brody Sheppard ran for 234 yards and three touchdowns as the Cougars notched the home victory.

Devonte Jenkins, Nathan Garner and Thomas Costello also scored on runs for Southwestern Randolph, which overcame a 20-14 halftime de cit.

Clutch plays boost Tigers at Lexington

Randleman is 2-0 in conference play thanks to a variety of clutch performances

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

LEXINGTON — Randleman’s big-play o ense was on display for a few minutes against Lexington.

The Tigers’ defense showed up even more times in critical situations Friday night, helping

Randleman to a 21-19 victory in Piedmont Athletic Conference football.

“Defense has kind of carried us this season,” rst-year coach David Diamont said. That group came through with a few second-half stops, including after Lexington regained possession with 2:56 remaining at its own 26-yard line. Randleman’s Kaden Beasley and Cayden Stamey combined for a fourth-down tackle that clinched the outcome.

“It’s di erent,” Stamey said.

“It’s de nitely still a great win even if it’s a tight game. It’s always an interesting game when it’s this tight.” Randleman (4-2 overall, 2-0 PAC) scored all its points in the nal 4½ minutes of the rst half, wiping out a 13-0 de cit.

John Kirkpatrick threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns, completing 17 of 26 throws, and he also led the team with 51 rushing yards and a touchdown run.

Diamont said the failure to

Levi Dalke threw a touchdown pass to Jaxon Campbell.

Kai Tart threw for 303 yards for McMichael (2-3), which held an early 14-0 lead.

Eastern Randolph 34, West Stanly 6: At Oakboro, the Wildcats secured the road victory, leading 28-0 at halftime.

West Stanly (1-4) had 153 yards of total o ense, with 134 of those on the ground from Dominik Danzy. Eastern Randolph intercepted three passes, though no other information was available regarding the Wildcats despite requests to the coaching sta .

FRIDAY’S GAMES

• Northern Guilford at Asheboro

• Montgomery Central at Randleman

• Eastern Randolph at Northwood

• East Davidson at Trinity

• Thomasville at Wheatmore

• Providence Grove at West Davidson

The induction class will be honored in this week on the school’s campus

Randolph Record sta ASHEBORO — Four di erent teams and seven individuals will be recognized as part of this fall’s class for Asheboro High School’s Sports Hall of Fame. The teams picked are the 1956, 1958 and 1959 boys’ basketball teams along with the 1967 baseball team.

Former standout athletes Elliott Armstrong (football, track and eld), Nick Coe (football, wrestling), Lyle Hartgrove (baseball), Emily Hayes (volleyball) and Emmauel Jones (football, basketball) are part of the induction class. They’ll be joined as inductees by former athletics director and coach Steve Luck, who was an athlete at the school as a student, and longtime ath-

letics volunteer Skip Hurley. Luck retired as AD in 2022. Armstrong, who went on to play college football and participated in track and eld during the early 1990s at Elon and is a member of that university’s Sports Hall of Fame, died in 2019 at age 49. Coe was an Auburn football standout with his professional career ending in the Canadian Football League in 2022. Hartgrove, 53, played collegiately for East Carolina before spending time professionally in the minor leagues. Hayes went on to play college volleyball for Elon before spending 18 seasons as volleyball coach at Guilford College, where she became known as Emily Gann and also was an assistant athletics director. The induction will be held at 6 p.m. Friday in the gym. That comes prior to a football game vs. Northern Guilford, with the inductees to be honored during an on- eld recognition at halftime.

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Southwestern Randolph’s Brody Sheppard picks up a big chunk of yardage during Friday night’s victory against visiting McMichael.

BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD

Selina Arroyo

Trinity, girls’ tennis

Arroyo has been a key member of rstplace team in the Central Carolina 3A Conference.

Arroyo is a senior who has produced in the middle of the Bulldogs’ lineup in singles. She also has turned in doubles victories with partner Alexi Austin.

The Bulldogs entered this week, which consists of the nal matches in the regular season, without a team loss. The closest matches in conference play have come with a pair of 6-3 victories against Providence Grove.

Arroyo also has been a member of the basketball and track and eld teams at Trinity.

Cougars avenge soccer loss from state nal

Asheboro had a couple of games with strong o ense

Randolph Record sta

THE SOUTHWESTERN

Randolph boys’ soccer team won a rematch of last year’s Class 2A state nal by notching a 5-1 victory at Clinton last week.

That came with two goals apiece from Jonathan Hernandez and Aaron Avina, plus one goal from Chris Betancourt as the Cougars stretched their winning streak to six games.

Jonathan Perez made six saves.

Clinton won 3-1 in the 2024 title game.

Earlier in the week, Betancourt and Braydon Tyl each scored two goals in a 9-0 Four Rivers Conference romp past visiting North Moore.

• Ozmar Martinez scored three goals and assist on another when Asheboro defeated visiting Jordan-Matthews 5-0.

In a 5-5 draw with visiting Kernersville Glenn, Carlos Gonzalez had two goals for Asheboro, while Erik Gervacio, Julian Bitti and Martinez all scored one goal.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@randolphrecord.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Every public high school team in Randolph County won at least one match last week

Randolph Record sta

ASHEBORO — Uwharrie

Charter Academy’s volleyball moved its winning streak to 13 matches with a 25-23, 25-20, 25-14 sweep of visiting Southwestern Randolph in the Four Rivers Conference, ending the Cougars’ ve-match winning streak last week.

Sadie Upchurch racked up 21 digs, and Caroline Way had 16 kills and 16 digs for the Eagles (17-3).

Emory Johnson of UCA racked up 25 assists, and Carly Rush added 13 digs in a sweep of host Ragsdale.

TIGERS from page B1

score in the second half was unacceptable, but he liked the game’s result.

“The game is about players making plays,” he said. “We made a couple more than they did.”

Lexington feasted on third downs, with Kamari McDonald making a pair of 19-yard leaping touchdown grabs in the end zone by outjumping Randleman defenders to snatch Colin Weeks’ passes.

Then it was the Tigers’ turn, with Kirkpatrick throwing for 67 yards and running for 12 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown rush, on an 80-yard scoring drive. That came with 4:21 left in the half.

Then as rain fell, Randleman was back in business when Kirkpatrick threaded a pass to Matthew Bowman for

NBA

Lakers coach Redick receives extension ahead of season

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers know head coach JJ Redick will be a part of their future going forward and plan to give superstar forward LeBron James every chance to do the same. General manager Rob Pelinka said Redick received a contract extension this summer after the 41-year-old completed his rst season leading the Lakers, who went 50-32 to nish third in the Western Conference and lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in ve games in a rst-round playo series.

• Two goals from Laurel Ortiz Suarez and one from Easton DeWitt weren’t enough for host Wheatmore in a 4-3 loss to Thomasville.

• In Central Carolina 3A Conference, Providence Grove’s Seth Johnson scored in a 1-1 draw at West Davidson, while Trinity had the same score vs. visiting East Davidson.

Providence Grove’s Kevin Bautista had a goal in a 2-1 loss at Southern Guilford.

• Eastern Randolph drilled host Eastern Guilford 4-2 to snap a four-game losing streak.

• Randleman topped host Wheatmore 4-1 behind Owen Leonard’s two goals and one assist, along with one goal each from Ivan Collazo and Mitchell Carranza. The Tigers also whipped host Lexington 7-1 with Leonard scoring three goals. But Randleman lost 4-1 at Montgomery Central.

UCA stays on volleyball roll

The Eagles also swept host Northwood, aided by Way’s 15 kills and 11 digs.

• Southwestern Randolph swept visiting Jordan-Matthews with Cheyenne Dixon supplying 12 kills and eight digs and Hailey Kennedy providing 21 assists. Dixon had 13 kills and Stella Brown recorded 13 service points in a home sweep of North Moore.

• Randleman won in three sets at Asheboro. The Tigers also swept visiting Lexington and host Montgomery Central.

• Asheboro held host Southern Guilford to 26 total points in a sweep as Emma Ingold had 12 digs, and Emma Little notched 10 digs and seven aces.

a 42-yard touchdown. The Tigers were ahead 14-13 on Owen Leonard’s extra-point kick.

On its nal possession of the half, Randleman needed to go 73 yards in short time. Kirkpatrick’s heave to Nazir Staton was caught as Staton tumbled to the turf for a 54-yard play.

“Just a couple of broken plays,” Kirkpatrick said of the long throws. “It’s just good when you’ve got athletes for receivers that trust you and are going to go make a play. I trust all my receivers, so broken plays are not really broken plays for us.

“That broken play where Naz went and made a play, that was awesome. It got us a good condence boost. And then (Lincoln Lawson) going to make a play in the end zone.”

Two snaps later, Kirkpatrick red a 7-yard touchdown strike to Lawson with 7.9 seconds to spare.

MLS Owusu scores in 90th minute, CF Montreal beats 10 - man Charlotte 4-1

Charlotte Dante Sealy scored a goal in each half, Prince Owusu added a goal in the 90th minute, and CF Montreal beat 10-man Charlotte FC 4-1. Charlotte (17-13-2) has lost back-to-back games following a record-tying nine-game winning streak. Wilfried Zaha opened the scoring for Charlotte in the 10th minute when he dribbled around the goalkeeper for a shot into an empty net. But Charlotte was reduced to 10-men in the 20th. Sealy tied it in the 41st on a free kick and added another in the 86th. Fabian Herbers put Montreal ahead 2-1 in the 53rd.

Wheatmore was a threeset winner at Thomasville behind 13 kills from Madeline Mullinix and 12 kills from Alexis Holi eld.

• Eastern Randolph swept host Jordan-Matthews and visiting Northwood. Mirianna Corea delivered 11 kills vs. Jordan-Matthews, while in the Northwood match, Callie Craven had 27 assists and ve kills and Vivian Underwood produced 25 digs and four aces.

• Providence Grove never allowed more than 11 points in a set in sweeping visiting Thomasville.

• Trinity swept rival Wheatmore at home with highlights including Avery Mo tt’s 12 kills and seven aces and Avalynn Johnson’s 38 assists. Trinity also swept host East Davidson with Johnson’s 25 assists and 12 digs and Charlee Phillips’ 21 digs boosting the e ort.

The Yellowjackets (3-2, 0-1) put together a third-quarter drive, scoring a touchdown in the nal minute of the period. They opted to kick the extra point instead of a potential tying two-point play, and Tate Andrews blocked the attempt.

Later, the Tigers had to rely on more defense.

“We locked back in and got it back,” Stamey said.

Kirkpatrick said Randleman can count on the defense.

“They’re going to respond,” he said. “It’s awesome to be able to have trust in a defense like that.”

On o ense, the Tigers gained 359 yards, but they would like more e ciency.

“When we protect and call the right play, we look really good,” Diamont said. “But we’ve got to put it all together for us to take that next step.”

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Florida captain Aleksander Barkov could miss the entire regular season due to a knee injury, impacting the Panthers’ quest for a third consecutive Stanley Cup. Barkov got hurt during his rst o cial practice of training camp and underwent surgery Friday. He is expected to miss several months, jeopardizing his season and his chance to represent Finland in the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February. Barkov led the Panthers in assists last season and was second in points. This is the rst time he faces an injury that could keep him out for an entire season. SIDELINE REPORT

NHL Florida’s Barkov has surgery, could miss entire season with knee injury

COURTESY TRINITY

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

Janis Joplin dies at 27, O.J. found not guilty, “The Jazz Singer” premieres, Great Chicago Fire begins

The Associated Press

OCT. 2

1919: President Woodrow Wilson su ered a serious stroke at the White House that left him paralyzed on his left side.

1942: The RMS Queen Mary, carrying U.S. troops, accidentally rammed and sank the escort ship HMS Curacoa in the North Atlantic, killing more than 300 crew members.

1944: German troops crushed the two-month Warsaw Uprising, during which 250,000 people were killed.

1967: Thurgood Marshall joined the U.S. Supreme Court as its rst African American justice.

OCT. 3

1944: During World War II, U.S. Army troops cracked the Siegfried Line north of Aachen, Germany.

1951: Bobby Thomson’s three-run homer o Ralph Branca, the “Shot Heard ’Round the World,” gave the New York Giants the pennant.

1990: West Germany and East Germany ended 45 years of postwar division, declaring a reuni ed country.

1995: A jury in Los Angeles found O.J. Simpson not guilty in the 1994 killings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

OCT. 4

1777: Gen. George Washington’s troops attacked the British at Germantown, Pennsylvania, but su ered

heavy losses and were forced to retreat.

1957: The Space Age began as the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the rst arti cial satellite.

1970: Rock singer Janis Joplin was found dead in her Hollywood hotel room at age 27.

OCT. 5

1892: The Dalton Gang, notorious for train robberies, was nearly wiped out while attempting to rob two banks in Co eyville, Kansas.

1947: President Harry S. Truman delivered the rst televised White House address on the world food crisis.

1986: Nicaraguan Sandinista soldiers shot down a cargo plane carrying weapons to Contra rebels, exposing illegal arms shipments that led to the Iran-Contra Scandal.

1989: A jury in Charlotte convicted evangelist Jim Bakker of defrauding followers through his television show.

2011: Steve Jobs, the Apple founder and former chief exec-

utive who transformed everyday technology with sleek devices, died at age 56.

OCT. 6

1927: The era of talking pictures arrived with the opening of “The Jazz Singer,” starring Al Jolson.

1973: War erupted in the Middle East as Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israeli forces in the Sinai and Golan Heights during Yom Kippur.

1981: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was assassinated by members of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad while reviewing a military parade.

OCT. 7

1765: The Stamp Act Congress convened in New York to draw up Colonial grievances against England.

1916: Georgia Tech defeated Cumberland University 222-0 in Atlanta in the most lopsided victory in college football history.

1985: Palestinian gunmen hijacked the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro in the Mediterranean. They killed Leon Klingho er, a Jewish American tourist in a wheelchair, and pushed him overboard.

OCT. 8

1871: The Great Chicago Fire began, killing more than 300 people and destroying more than 17,000 structures during a three-day blaze.

1956: Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in World Series history as the New York Yankees beat the Brooklyn Dodgers 2-0 in Game 5.

1997: Scientists reported that the Mars Path nder had yielded strong evidence that Mars might once have been hospitable to life.

AP PHOTO

Folk-rock singer Janis Joplin, pictured performing in 1969, died on Oct. 4, 1970. She was 27.

DAVE CAULKIN / AP PHOTO

Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, at left with former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, right, in 1975, was assassinated by members of Egyptian Islamic Jihad on Oct. 6, 1981.

Tina Turner Statue unveiled in small Tennessee community

The rock ’n’ roll queen grew up east of Memphis in Nutbush

By Adrian Sainz

The Associated Press

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn.

— A 10-foot statue of rock ’n’ roll queen Tina Turner was unveiled Saturday in the rural Tennessee community where she grew up before she became a Grammy-winning singer, electrifying stage performer, and one the world’s most recognizable and popular entertainers.

The statue was unveiled during a ceremony at a park in Brownsville, located about an hour drive east of Memphis. The city of about 9,000 people is near Nutbush, the community where Turner went to school as a child. As a teen, she attended high school just steps from where the statue now stands.

The statue shows Turner with her signature wild hairdo and holding a microphone, as if she was singing on stage. It was designed by sculptor Fred Ajanogha, who said he tried to capture her exibility of movement on stage, how she held the microphone with her index nger extended, and her hair style, which he compared to the “mane of a lion.”

Turner died May 24, 2023, at age 83 after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich. Her Grammy-winning singing career included the hit songs “Nutbush City Limits,” “Proud Mary,” “Private Dancer,” and “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” from the lm “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.” Her movie credits also include “Tommy” and “Last Action Hero.”

Turner teamed with husband Ike Turner for hit records and live shows in the 1960s and ’70s. She survived her troubled marriage to succeed in middle age with the chart-topping

A newly unveiled statue

“She’s a great artist; I love her music. It’s a big deal and a great thing for the community to have Tina Turner in her small town.”

Karen Cook, Tina Turner fan

“What’s Love Got To Do With It,” released in 1984. Her admirers ranged from Mick Jagger to Beyoncé and Mariah Carey, and she was known as the “Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll.”

The unveiling was part of the annual Tina Turner Heritage Days, a celebration of her life growing up in rural Tennessee before she moved away as a teenager. The statue was sculpted in clay by Ajanogha in Atlanta and cast in bronze by a West Tennessee foundry, and it took about a year to complete. It is 7 feet and 9 inches tall with a base of 2

feet, making it stand about 10 feet high.

Karen Cook said she traveled from Georgia to attend the event with her friend, a cousin of Turner’s, to honor the legendary performer.

“She’s a great artist, I love her music,” said Cook, 59. “My mom listened to her a lot. It’s a big deal and a great thing for the community to have Tina Turner in her small town.”

About 50 donors gave money for the statue, including Ford Motor Co., which donated $150,000. Ford is building an electric truck factory in nearby Stanton.

The statue stands near a museum honoring Turner at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville. The museum opened in 2014 inside the renovated Flagg Grove School, a one -room building where Turner attended classes in Nutbush. The school closed in the 1960s and was used as a barn before the dilapidated building was moved by tractor-trailer from Nutbush to Brownsville.

Literary mystery meets dystopian future in McEwan’s ‘What

We Can Know’

The author made his name with unsettling works like “The Comfort of Strangers”

By Jill Lawless The Associated Press

LONDON — When novelists look to the future, the view is often grim. There are a lot more ctional dystopias than utopias.

Ian McEwan has good news and bad news about what lies ahead in “ What We Can Know,” a book he calls “science ction without the science.”

The British author’s 19th novel is set in 2119 and follows a professor of literature researching a famed 21st-century poet and his circle.

So far, so cozy. But it’s a world in which nuclear war, pandemics, economic collapse and climate change — a period known as The Derangement — have halved the global population. The United States is a lawless land of feuding warlords. Nigeria is the global superpower. Inundated England has been reduced to a string of small island republics.

McEwan, 77, said that his working assumption is that humanity will “just scrape through” the next century of crises and catastrophes. The novel seeks “to look at the present through the rather envious eyes of someone in the future.”

As dystopias go, it’s a gentle one. Tom sifts through reams of 21st-century social media detritus for nuggets of information gold that may lead to the missing poem. He later undertakes an adventurous journey with touches of “Treasure Island.”

To Tom, our era is a barely imaginable time of abundance, natural diversity and human folly.

“What brilliant invention and boneheaded greed,” he says.

“There is something very reminiscent to me of the ninth century about contemporary life: passionately superstitious, even as we have extraordinary discoveries in biomedicine and in cosmology,”

SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

“At one point I describe the process of social media as if some medieval horde had run onto the wrong stage.” Ian McEwan

dramatically shifts the reader’s perspective. It’s something he has done before, notably in 2001’s “Atonement” — the bestselling novel many consider his best.

The book’s second half delivers surprise, violence, betrayal and — another McEwan trademark — evidence of the “terrible things that perfectly ordinary people can do.”

McEwan said that he wants readers “to be, not disoriented but just to pass through a different mirror turning the page from part one to part two.

“I hope to bring the reader back to the title.”

Those eyes belong to Tom Metcalfe, an English academic studying the famous ( ctional) poet Francis Blundy, and a legendary lost poem that he read aloud at a dinner party in 2014.

McEwan told The Associated Press. “At one point I describe the process of social media as if some medieval horde had run onto the wrong stage.”

McEwan says he’s not an “issues novelist,” although his books often touch on social problems and world a airs: the 2003 invasion of Iraq in “Saturday,” climate change in “Solar,” arti cial intelligence in “Machines Like Me.” In “What We Can Know,” humanity has wreaked havoc on nature. But McEwan says “this isn’t really a novel about climate change. “It’s already a given. The last thing I want to do is warn people about it. No one needs any warning about it,” he said. “All that matters is your response to it.” BOOK REVIEW

Partway through the book, McEwan delivers a twist that

ADRIAN SAINZ / AP PHOTO

of singer Tina Turner stands at a park on Saturday in Brownsville, Tennessee.

JOANNA CHAN / AP PHOTO

British novelist and screenwriter Ian McEwan meets with the press during an interview in London in 2025.

famous birthdays this week

Chubby Checker twists to 84, Steve Miller is 82, Alicia Silverstone turns 49, Rev. Jesse Jackson is 84

The Associated Press

OCT. 2

Film critic Rex Reed is 87. Singer-songwriter Don McLean (“American Pie”) is 80. Fashion designer Donna Karan is 77. Photographer Annie Leibovitz is 76. Singer-actor Sting is 74. Actor Lorraine Bracco is 71. Singer-songwriter Gillian Welch is 58. Actor-talk show host Kelly Ripa is 55.

OCT. 3

Composer Steve Reich is 89. Rock ’n’ roll star Chubby Checker is 84. Musician Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac) is 76. Blues musician Keb’ Mo’ is 74. Golf Hall of Famer Fred Couples is 66. Rock drummer Tommy Lee is 63. Singer-TV personality Gwen Stefani is 56.

OCT. 4

Baseball Hall of Fame man-

ager Tony La Russa is 81. Actor Susan Sarandon is 79. Actor Armand Assante is 76. Actor Christoph Waltz is 69. Singer Jon Secada is 64. Actor Alicia Silverstone is 49.

OCT. 5

College Football Hall of Fame

coach Barry Switzer is 88. Rock musician Steve Miller is 82. Rock singer Brian Johnson (AC/ DC) is 78. Singer-songwriter Bob Geldof is 74. Astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson is 67. Actor Guy Pearce is 58.

Actor Kate Winslet is 50. NFL tight end Travis Kelce is 36.

OCT. 6

Actor Britt Ekland is 83. Irish politician Gerry Adams is 77. Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy is 70. Actor Elisabeth Shue is 62. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) is 60.

OCT. 7

Author Thomas Keneally is 90. Singer John Mellencamp is 74. Rock musician Tico Torres

the stream

Taylor Swift, Matthew McConaughey, Jacinda Arderna Glen Powell, Ghost of Yotei

“The Life of a Showgirl” drops on Friday

The Associated Press

TAYLOR SWIFT’S highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl” and Matthew McConaughey playing the real-life bus driver who saved elementary school students during California’s deadliest wild re are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: The classic children’s story “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White turned into an animated series for HBO Max, the documentary “Prime Minister” chronicling the ve-year tenure of former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern and some katana-swinging mayhem with the video game Ghost of Yotei.

MOVIES TO STREAM

McConaughey plays the real bus driver who drove 22 elementary school students to safety during 2018’s Camp Fire that engulfed Paradise, California, in the new lm “The Lost Bus,” streaming Friday on Apple TV+. America Ferrera costars as the teacher who went along for the ride, expecting it to be a straightforward drop o at a nearby school. Paul Greengrass directed the lm like an old-fashioned disaster movie, I wrote in my review, adding, “it’s impossible to take your eyes o the screen, away from the inferno and the sense of our own smallness and helplessness to ‘battle it.’”

Cillian Murphy is the headmaster of a reform school in “Steve,” a taut drama about mental health and a broken education system. The lm, which hits Net ix on Friday, is based on Max Porter’s novella “Shy.” “Steve” was directed by Belgian lmmaker Tim Mielants who also directed Murphy in the terri c Claire Keegan adaptation “Small Things Like These,” (currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+) which focused on the Magdalene laundries in Ireland. Together they could make for a moving double feature. The new documentary “Prime Minister,” now streaming on HBO Max, chronicles the ve-year tenure of Ardern, the former New Zealand PM. Just 37 when she took over and only the second elected world lead-

er to give birth while holding ofce, Ardern was praised around the world for her handling of the nation’s worst-ever mass shooting and the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. But she faced mounting political pressures at home and a level of vitriol from some that hadn’t been experienced by previous New Zealand leaders. In 2023, she shocked the world with her announcement that she was stepping down.

MUSIC TO STREAM

It’s her, hi: Swift returns with her highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” out Friday. The record was completed in Sweden with producers Max Martin and Shellback during the Eras Tour, and while details of the album have been limited, Swift did appear on the “New Heights” podcast in August to tease it. Swift promised infectious melodies

and vivid lyrics across “The Life of a Showgirl,” an album that will be much more “upbeat” than 2024’s “The Tortured Poets Department.”

SERIES TO STREAM

Superman only had to put on a pair of glasses to disguise himself as Clark Kent, but in the new Hulu series “Chad Powers,” Glen Powell wears prosthetics and a wig to masquerade himself — all in the name of football. Powell plays Russ Holliday, a college football quarterback at the top of his game until he makes an embarrassing mistake that ruins his career. Instead of giving up, Holliday decides to transform himself into an alter ego named Chad Powers, who is a walk-on player at a di erent school. The show is based on a character created by Eli Manning for his 2022 ESPN docuseries “Eli’s Places,” where he changed his look to take

part in walk-on tryouts at Penn State. The classic children’s story “Charlotte’s Web” by White is now an animated series for HBO Max. All three episodes drop Friday. The show’s voice cast includes Amy Adams as Charlotte, Elijah Wood as adult Wilbur, Cynthia Erivo as goose and Jean Smart as the narrator. Charlie Hunnam also transforms himself for Net ix’s true crime dramatization called “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” Hunnam plays Gein, a convicted murderer and suspected serial killer from the 1950s. Cocreated by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the “Monster” anthologies tend to illustrate the impact of true crime on pop culture. In this “Monster,” Tom Hollander plays Alfred Hitchcock, whose movie “Psycho” was inspired by Gein. Olivia Williams and Laurie Metcalf also star. It debuts Friday.

“It’s impossible to take your eyes o the screen, away from the inferno and the sense of our own smallness and helplessness to ‘battle it.’”

Lindsey Bahr, AP Film Writer

PBS has two interesting offers for the weekend. On Friday it will air “Great Performances: The Magic of Grace Bumbry” about the real-life opera singer from Missouri who made history as the rst black mezzo-soprano to perform at Germany’s Bayreuth Festival. It also shows her impact on musicians today, including Beyoncé, who is mentioned in the doc. It premieres Friday on PBS and streams on PBS.com and the PBS App.

On Sunday we’re introduced to Jules Maigret, a detective created by author Georges Simenon. His rst Maigret novel was published in 1931 but a new PBS Masterpiece series about the investigator takes place in modern day. Benjamin Wainwright stars as the titular character who — along with his team — use unorthodox methods to solve crimes. “Maigret” will also be available on PBS.com and the PBS App. The second season of the biblical drama “House of David” premieres Sunday. Available with a Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video, the show details the rise of David, a biblical gure who became the most celebrated king of Israel.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Atsu, the protagonist of Ghost of Yotei, was just a girl when the renegade Lord Saito killed the rest of her family. Sixteen years later, she’s returned to northern Japan to exact vengeance against Saito and his minions. She’s learned some mad samurai skills in the meantime, so expect plenty of katana-swinging mayhem. This new adventure from Sony’s Sucker Punch studio is the follow-up to 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, and it builds on that game’s sprawling scope and lush graphics while blending 1600s history with Japanese folklore. Atsu’s mission begins Thursday on PlayStation 5.

SCOTT A GARFITT / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Matthew McConaughey poses for photographers upon arrival at the screening of the lm ‘The Lost Bus’, which is streaming Friday on Apple TV+.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Glen Powell, the star and co-creator of “Chad Powers,” arrives at the premiere of the series now streaming on Hulu.

HOKE COUNTY

Supporting veterans

District Attorney Mike Hardin announced the formation of a Veterans Treatment Court for District 29 last week. The specialized court will help veterans address substance use, mental health and trauma issues that may have contributed to their crimes. From left, Chief District Court

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Nebraska joins Trump program to use public money for private school tuition

Omaha, Neb. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has opted Nebraska into a federal program to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition. The move comes despite Nebraska voters repealing a similar state law last year. The federal program is part of the federal tax and budget bill passed in July. It allows taxpayers to direct up to $1,700 in federal income taxes they owe to scholarship groups for private school expenses. Critics argue it undermines the will of the voters. Pillen insists the measure won’t a ect public school funding, saying it bene ts both public and private schools.

U.S. government starts phasing out use of paper checks

Washington, D.C.

The U.S. government is phasing out paper checks for most programs. The change started Tuesday and a ects recipients of bene ts like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds. Nearly 400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients still rely on paper checks. The director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says many of these people lack access to digital services. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration says electronic payments and collections will speed up processing and cut costs. The Social Security Administration says it will continue issuing paper checks if a bene ciary “has no other means to receive payment.”

‘Political terrorism’

bill passes NC House with bipartisan support

The

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — In the wake of the assassination of Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, the North Carolina House last week passed the Political Terrorism Prevention Act.

The bill, contained in Senate Bill 13, aims to enhance criminal penalties for politically motivated acts of violence while balancing protections for free expression and democratic engagement.

“You have a First Amendment right to say outrageous

things,” House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) told reporters in response to questions about toning down political rhetoric. “If you’re an elected o cial, you probably ought to use good sense when you’re saying those things. And things get heated sometimes. But even in those circumstances, it shouldn’t come to physical attacks on people.”

The bill’s language includes a passage referring to “a disturbing rise in politically motivated acts” and lists the attempted assassinations of Congressman Steve Scalise, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the two attempts on Donald Trump during last year’s campaign.

Also mentioned are the arson

See BILL, page A2

US House members hear pleas for tougher justice policies after stabbing death of refugee

The House judiciary subcommittee held a eld hearing in Charlotte

By Erik Verduzco and Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — U.S. House members visited the state’s largest city on Monday to hear from family members of violent-crime victims who pleaded for tougher criminal justice policies in the wake of last month’s stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train. A judiciary subcommittee meeting convened in Charlotte to listen to many speakers who described local court systems in North Carolina and South Carolina that they say have failed to protect the public and keep defendants in jail while awaiting trials. The meeting was prompted

by the Aug. 22 stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a light rail car and the resulting apprehension of a suspect who had been previously arrested more than a dozen times, according to court records.

“The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them,” Mia Alderman, the grandmother of 20-year-old Mary Santina Collins, a 2020 Charlotte murder victim, told panelists. Alderman said defendants in her granddaughter’s case still haven’t been tried: “We need accountability. We need reform. We need to ensure that those accused of heinous crimes are swiftly prosecuted.”

A magistrate had allowed the commuter train defendant, Decarlos Brown Jr., to be released on a misdemeanor charge in January on a written promise to appear, without any bond.

“The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them.”

Mia Alderman, grandmother of a 2020 murder victim

Now Brown is jailed after being charged with both rst-degree murder in state court and a federal count in connection with Zarutska’s death. Both crimes can be punishable by the death penalty. Public outrage intensi ed with the release of security video showing the attack, leading to accusations from Republicans all the way to President Donald Trump that policies by Democratic leaders in Char-

lotte and statewide are more focused on helping criminals than victims. Democratic committee members argued that Republicans are the ones who have reduced crime-control funds or failed to provide funding for more district attorneys and mental health services. Brown’s mother told media outlets that her son has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

“The hearing for me is not really about public safety,” Democratic Rep. Alma Adams, who represents most of Charlotte. “It’s about my colleagues trying to paint Democrats as soft on crime — and we’re not — and engaging in political theater, probably to score some headlines.”

Dena King, a former U.S. attorney for western North Carolina during Joe Biden’s administration, testi ed that Mecklenburg County, which

measure cited recent political violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk

WADE PAYNE / AP PHOTO

A tribute to Charlie Kirk is shown on the Jumbotron before a NASCAR Cup Series race last month in Bristol, Tennessee.

Judge Don “Skipper” Creed, Hardin, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Michael Stone, attorney Matthew Rothbeind and Clerk of Superior Court Todd Maness pose for a photo.

COURTESY

attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the assassinations of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and Kirk.

The bill states, “these attacks are not random, but intentional e orts to silence speech, suppress dissent, and enforce ideological conformity through terror.”

“Charlie Kirk was murdered because of his beliefs,” House Majority Leader Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) said. “That is political terrorism in its rawest form. This law makes crystal clear: If you target someone because of their politics in our state, we will throw the book at you and then some.”

The legislation de nes acts of political violence as criminal o enses targeting individuals based on their political beliefs, a liations or public expressions, including advocacy, candidacy or voting history.

A press release from Hall’s o ce said sentence enhancements in the bill include making politically motivated Class A felonies that are “not otherwise capital o enses” eligible for the death penalty. Sentencing enhancement in the bill would also raise felony convictions by one class level and bar parole or early release.

Guardrails for special sentencing would involve requiring indictments alleging political motivation, which can be proven by direct or circumstantial evidence. The political motivation factor is required to be included in any notice of intent to seek the death penalty and can be considered during sentencing even if a defendant is pleading guilty.

The bill would also require district attorneys to contact the attorney general when a polit-

HOUSE from page A1

includes Charlotte, needs dozens of additional prosecutors to serve e ectively a county of 1.2 million people. And a crime data analyst said that rates of murder and violent crime are falling nationwide and in Charlotte after increases early in the 2020s.

Republicans, in turn, blasted Democratic members, saying additional funding alone wouldn’t have prevented the deaths of Zarutska or the other homicide victims highlighted Monday. And they attempted to question the crime gures as misleading.

“This is not time for politics. This is not time for any race. It’s not time of any party. It’s about a time of justice,” said GOP Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, representing in part Charlotte’s suburbs. He spoke while holding a poster of a screenshot of the video showing Zarutska and her attacker. Adams protested Norman’s use of the placard.

In response to Zarutska’s death, the Republican-controlled North Carolina legislature last week approved a criminal justice package that would bar cashless bail in many circumstances, limit the discretion magistrates and judges have in making pretrial release decisions and seek to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations. The bill now sits on

ically motivated case is being brought. The attorney general would have the power to appoint a special prosecutor if requested. Additionally, victims and their families would be given the ability to give impact statements at any point during the proceedings.

If signed by the governor, the bill would be e ective Dec. 1 and apply to o enses committed on or after that date.

The measure passed the House with wide bipartisan support by a vote of 105-6 and was sent to the Senate, which did not act on the bill before the end of the September session.

The six members voting no were all Democrats: Reps. Mary Belk (Mecklenburg), Maria Cervania (Wake), Julia Green eld (Mecklenburg), Pricey Harrison (Guilford), Marcia Morey (Durham) and Renée Price (Orange).

“Like so many young conservatives, I was inspired today and in years past to get involved in public service because of Charlie Kirk,” Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow), who credited Kirk with having met his best friends in college, said on the House oor, Gable, 23, is the rst member of Gen Z elected to the legislature and was 22 when he became the youngest member elected to the General Assembly in 126 years.

“But I sit here, I feel, because of Charlie and what he created,” Gable said. “He created an organization that I was able to be a part of. I was able to learn, I was able to grow, I was able to network. … Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.”

Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s desk for his consideration.

Committee Republicans also cited the need for more restrictive bail policies for magistrates and aggressive prosecutors not willing to drop charges for violent crimes.

Another speaker, Steve Federico, from suburban Charlotte, demanded justice for his 22-year-old daughter, Logan, who was shot to death in May at a home in Columbia, South Carolina, while visiting friends. The suspect charged in her killing had faced nearly

40 charges within the last decade, WIS-TV reported.

“I’’m not going to be quiet until somebody helps. Logan deserves to be heard,” Steve Federico told the representatives. “Everyone on this panel deserves to be heard. And we will — trust me.”

NELL REDMOND / AP PHOTO

Steve Federico gathers himself as he waits to testify about his daughter Logan Federico, who was murdered, during the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight eld hearing on violent crime in Charlotte on Monday.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Keeping government open and our defense intact

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran, and military family.

AS YOUR CONGRESSMAN, I am committed to ghting for your family, your freedoms and your future. That means making sure our government stays open without wasting your tax dollars, and making sure our troops and veterans have the resources they need to keep America safe. Over the past two weeks, two big issues have come to the forefront: keeping the government open and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I want to share where I stand and what these decisions mean for you.

Last week, House Republicans passed a clean, commonsense funding bill. This short-term, seven-week measure keeps the government open and ensures our troops and families don’t pay the price while Congress continues working toward the long-term reforms needed to rein in Washington’s wasteful spending. It doesn’t raise taxes or add wasteful new spending. It just ensures our government continues to serve our people. Here’s what our bill does:

• Delivers paychecks for our troops, Border Patrol agents, TSA agents and air tra c controllers

• Prevents delays in Social Security and Medicare applications

• Provides uninterrupted health care for veterans

• Keeps National Parks open for families to enjoy

• Continues vital food inspections to protect consumers

However, a CR needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate. Senate Democrats are threatening a shutdown unless their partisan demands are met. They want to use this as an opportunity

to tack on a massive $1.5 trillion spending hike. Their list of demands includes restoring taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, sending $500 million to liberal news outlets and pushing diversity programs in foreign countries while cutting bene ts back home.

Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job. We acted well before the deadline and passed a clean bill to keep the government open. If the government shuts down, it will be because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) feels the need to put political games over people.

This shutdown would hurt families, seniors, small businesses and our veterans. I will not stand by and let Washington games hurt North Carolina families.

Alongside keeping our government open. Congress also passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This annual defense bill is one of the most important responsibilities we have. It authorizes funding for our military, sets policy for the Department of War, and makes sure our troops and their families get the funding they deserve.

As Fort Bragg’s congressman, I fought to make sure this bill delivered for our community.

Fort Bragg and NC-09 wins:

• $44.7 million to construct training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg

• $5.3 million for SOF Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg

• $19 million for Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course

• $24 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar

• $80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid

What 100 years of craftsmanship can teach us in the age of AI

We invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

THIS FALL, the John C. Campbell Folk School will celebrate a century of keeping traditional Appalachian crafts alive, including blacksmithing, weaving, woodcarving, basketry and more. But what we’re really preserving is something deeper: the human need to make, to connect and to belong. And that’s never felt more urgent than now.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities across western North Carolina, we’ve been reminded just how fragile our region — and its rich cultural heritage — can be. As we support recovery e orts, we also rea rm our commitment to sustaining the traditions that root and restore us. Because in a time of disruption, digital overload and AI, the Folk School o ers something powerfully countercultural: A space where making is slow, tactile and grounded in community.

Crafting by hand doesn’t just produce beautiful objects, it cultivates qualities we need now more than ever: mindfulness, resilience, creativity and focus. In our studios, people don’t scroll or skim. They observe, try again, and take pride in small, steady progress.

Recent research shows that engaging in arts and crafts boosts life satisfaction, happiness and a sense of purpose even after accounting for age, health or socioeconomic status. Once engaged, participants also rediscover each other. Learning in a noncompetitive,

collaborative environment builds connection and purpose, qualities often eroded in our tech-saturated lives.

We’ve seen what happens when we fail to preserve folkways. Sacred Harp and shape — note singing, once common across the mountains, has nearly vanished from many parts of Appalachia, near casualties of shifting tastes and modern convenience. Fortunately, a devoted community of singers passionate about preserving and perpetuating this traditional American music is working to keep the tradition alive. Thanks to similarly stalwart practitioners, Cherokee white oak basketry, a craft nearly lost, now passes down again through intergenerational teaching and shared storytelling.

The Folk School is part of that continuum. For 100 years, we’ve welcomed people to this corner of the mountains to learn and share traditional skills. And as we mark our centennial, we’re expanding the ways we honor and elevate this region’s heritage. We’ve restored and refreshed our historic Log Cabin Museum and introduced an interactive walking tour on campus. Both were developed in consultation with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Texana, the historic African American community in Murphy, and both will give visitors a layered sense of

• $6.5 Million for SOF Mission Command Center

• $7.5 million for advanced drone development in North Carolina

On a national level, the NDAA delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops. It codi es 15 of President Donald Trump’s executive orders, reinforces priorities like merit-based promotion, accountability and improving lethality among the ranks. It also provides new authority and funding for DOW to coordinate with Homeland Security on border security. The NDAA funds Trump’s signature defense platforms, from the Golden Dome missile defense system to next-generation ghters, submarines, warships and autonomous systems. It cuts red tape in the Pentagon’s procurement process so innovation can reach the battle eld faster. And it makes new investments in arti cial intelligence, hypersonics and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Iran and other adversaries.

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran and military family who sacri ces for our country. It strengthens our national security, protects our homeland, and honors the service of those stationed at Fort Bragg and around the world.

The contrast in Washington could not be more clear. While we are ghting for a commonsense solution, the Democrats are focused on playing politics with partisan priorities that do nothing to help North Carolinians.

I will continue every day to ght for you, to protect your tax dollars and to support the brave men and women who keep us safe.

Rep. Richard Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

place and home held by diverse mountain people.

Another powerful symbol of this legacy is a rare, hand-drawn map of the Southern Appalachian region created in the early 1900s by Folk School founder Olive Dame Campbell and researcher Elva M. Dickey. This one- of-a-kind artifact, long hidden from public view, has now been stabilized and unveiled as part of our centennial celebration.

Our 100th anniversary isn’t just a look back. It’s a call forward. This October, during our Fall Festival and yearlong centennial programming, we’ll welcome thousands of visitors to join in that vision: to celebrate Appalachian artistry, share food and stories, and experience rsthand how craft, music and dance traditions still shape hearts and communities. In a world that increasingly and unquestioningly prizes rapid, digitized information, we invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

Come join us. Put your head, heart and hands to work. And rediscover what it means to truly make something that matters.

Bethany Chaney is executive director of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, which will o cially mark its 100th anniversary at its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5.

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Thieves steal $1M worth in craft whiskey from Washington distillery

12,000 bottles of rare booze were stolen in a brazen freight fraud scheme

By Rebecca Boone The Associated Press

THIEVES WHO made o with 12,000 bottles of craft whiskey in a rare U.S. liquor heist this summer did more than just snag nearly $1 million worth of product — they also spirited away nearly half the stock of a single malt distillers had worked for more than a decade to make.

Now the Skagit Valley Sheri ’s O ce is investigating, and whiskey a cionados are wondering if — and where — the coveted bottles of Westland Distillery’s rst 10-year Garryana whiskey might turn up.

The bottles disappeared July 31, when someone in a freight truck showed up at Westland Distillery’s warehouse in Burlington, Washington, holding the paperwork that purportedly gave them the right to pick up a shipment of Westland single malt, Watchpost blended, and Garryana whiskies bound for New Jersey.

But the bottles never arrived at their intended destination, and the “sophisticated, fraudulent carrier scheme” was discovered a week later, said Jason Moore, the managing director

“This is an unfortunate and pretty extraordinary situation.”

Jason Moore, Westland Distillery

of the Seattle-based distillery.

The 10th anniversary edition bottles of Garryana are irreplaceable, said Moore.

“This is an unfortunate and pretty extraordinary situation,” said Moore.

The Skagit County Sheri ’s O ce didn’t immediately respond to a phone message left by The Associated Press.

It could be di cult to sell the stolen goods, said Mark Gillespie, the host of the WhiskyCast podcast who has published more than 3,800 tasting notes for different whiskey varieties.

“It’s going to be really hard for whoever took this to actually get this onto the market because what they took was so rare that everybody knows about it,” Gillespie said. “We see these thefts occasionally in Scotland, where thieves will steal a trailer full of whiskey — and it usually ends up in Russia.”

But getting 12,000 bottles out of the U.S. could be di cult because the bottles are rare and recognizable, and ipping them in the U.S. may be tough because of the nation’s three-tier

system for alcohol sales. Distilleries generally have to sell liquor to distributors or wholesalers, who then sell to retailers and restaurants and bars. Selling alcohol on the secondary market — such as when individuals buy up popular bottles and then resell them for a pro t — is generally illegal.

That’s not true in much of Europe, where auction houses and other businesses specialize in secondary market sales.

“The providence of the Garryana is important because it’s their rst 10-year-old whiskey,” Gillespie said. “Basical-

ICE arrests leader of Iowa’s

ly, age statements state how old the whiskey is, and in this country you have a lot of craft distilleries that aren’t quite 10 years old. So for a craft distillery to be able to release a 10-year-old is an accomplishment.”

Westland focuses on single-malt whiskeys, a style of liquor made from barley, similar to a Scotch whiskey. But Moore says Westland has worked hard to capture the terroir of the Paci c Northwest inside each bottle, using locally produced grains, peat harvested from an Olympic peninsula bog and a speci c type of yeast selected

largest school district, claim he was living, working in US illegally

The government claims Ian Roberts was given a nal order of removal in May 2024

By Hannah Fingerhut and Ryan J. Foley

The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa — Federal immigration agents targeted the well-liked leader of Iowa’s largest school district in a trafc stop last Friday and arrested him after he ed into the woods, leaving educators and community members stunned.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Des Moines Public School Superintendent Ian Roberts was in the country illegally and had no work authorization. Roberts, who is from Guyana in South America, was considered an ICE fugitive because he was subject to a nal removal order issued in 2024, the agency said.

ICE said that it targeted Roberts for arrest by initiating a trafc stop last Friday while he was driving in his school-issued vehicle. After he ed, o cers discovered his vehicle abandoned near a wooded area. He was eventually located and taken into ICE custody with the help

of Iowa State Patrol o cers. Roberts was brought to Woodbury County’s jail in northwest Iowa late Friday afternoon, according to jail and ICE records. It was unclear if Roberts had an attorney to represent him.

Phil Roeder, the district’s spokesperson, said he was supposed to meet Roberts at a school event last Friday morning, but Roberts sent a text saying he could not make it. Roeder said he got a video call from Roberts soon after and watched o cials detain him.

Roeder told The Associated Press that the district has seen “nothing that would suggest that he’s not a citizen.” The district said a third party was hired to conduct a comprehensive background check on Roberts and that Roberts completed an I-9, which requires workers to present documents showing that they were authorized to work. District o cials also stated they had no knowledge of an order of removal issued in 2024.

Roberts, who has described himself as a longtime gun owner and hunter, was in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash and a xed-blade hunting knife when arrested, ICE said.

“This should be a wake-up

news station, was detained by ICE last week.

call for our communities to the great work that our o cers are doing every day to remove public safety threats,” ICE enforcement and removal operations regional o cial Sam Olson said in a statement. “How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a nal order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.” Des Moines school o cials said that they were still gather-

ing information about the situation, which they called legally complex. They described Roberts as a dynamic leader who connected with students of all backgrounds.

The Des Moines school board voted unanimously to place Roberts on paid leave during a three-minute-long special meeting. The board said Roberts was not available to carry out his duties for the 30,000-student district and stated that o cials would reassess his status after getting more information.

After the meeting, school board president Jackie Norris read a statement, saying word of Roberts’ arrest last Friday made for a “jarring day” but noting that board members still didn’t have all the facts. She also said Roberts has been an “integral part of our school community” who has “shown up in ways big and small.”

A longtime leader at school districts across the nation, the 54-year-old began his term as superintendent of Des Moines schools in July 2023. In that position, he oversaw a district that serves more than 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees. The state board of educational examiners issued Roberts

to bring out the regional avors.

That’s what makes the Garryana special, he said — it’s aged in casks made from the Quercus garryana oak tree, which grows primarily in the Paci c Northwest.

The limited-edition whiskey regularly wins awards, said Gillespie, and the 2023 edition was named the third-best whiskey in the world by Whisky Advocate magazine. The Garryana sells out every year, Gillespie said, and with 3,000 of this year’s 7,500-bottle release gone, the price on the secondary market will be driven up.

Moore said the company has taken additional steps to protect its supply chain, and right now they are focusing on serving customers instead of the investigation.

“What happens from there is outside of our control, and we get excited about sharing our whiskey and engaging with the supporters we have,” Moore said. “This is an extremely rare thing, and while it’s a setback, we’re con dent that we’re going to get to share this whiskey. We’re proud to make something people enjoy.”

Losing $1 million in stock would put a lot of distilleries out of business, but Gillespie said he expects Westland to make it through the loss, in part because it was acquired by the Paris-based Remy Cointreau Group in 2016. Still, he has some advice for people eager to get a taste of Westland’s products: stick to the legal supply chains.

“If somebody tries to o er you a case of Westland whiskey right now, I’d call the cops,” Gillespie said.

a professional administrator license in 2023, which remains active. He earned a $270,000 annual base salary, according to his rst contract with the district, which was in e ect until June 30 this year.

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds was made aware last Friday morning that Roberts was in custody, according to her spokesperson Mason Mauro. Reynolds was in contact with state and federal authorities. In a joint statement, the presidents of unions representing teachers and other school employees in Des Moines and across the state said they were shocked by Roberts’ detention. They described his compassion for all students of all backgrounds as “a beacon of light in one of the state’s most diverse school districts.”

Before coming to Iowa, Roberts had previously worked as superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania. The district said in an email they were aware of the reports but declined further comment.

A biography for Roberts listed on the district’s website says he was born to immigrant parents from Guyana and spent much of his childhood in Brooklyn, New York.

ICE said that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999. The next year, he competed for Guyana in the Olympics in track and eld.

Brad McRae

Robert General has been a resident at Open Arms since August 2021. He was born in South Carolina, relocated to Richmond Virginia and later moved to North Carolina. Robert enjoys BINGO, church and knitting. He is a joy to have here at Open Arms Retirement Center.

Brad has been with Integrity Open Arms off and on for several years. One of the resident’s said, “This might just be your home because you’re always coming back, and you miss us.” The residents love Brad because of his personality and the amount of time he spends with them. Brad’s hobbies include playing basketball, watching sports and being with family.

Mrs. Florence Herbert has been a resident here since May 2021. She moved to North Carolina from Pennsylvania to escape the bad weather. Florence enjoys word searches, BINGO, watching TV and spending time with her friends on the Special Care Unit at Integrity Open Arms.

Mrs. Betty Purcell is from Raeford, North Carolina. She moved into our assisted living this past June. Besides being the mother of two, she worked for many years at Burlington Mills. Betty enjoys church, watching youtube and doing word searches.

Integrity would like to THANK YOU for a job well done!

Des Moines schools Superintendent Ian Roberts, pictured above in a screengrab from a local

COURTESY

Nearly $1 million in Garryana 10 whiskey was stolen.

HOKE SPORTS

Hoke County volleyball, soccer remain red hot

Football can’t

overcome the weather

North State Journal sta

Football

You can’t beat Mother Nature, although she may have helped the Bucks avoid an L on Friday.

Hoke gave up three rst-quarter touchdowns and fell behind visiting Middle Creek 21- 0. The two teams exchanged scores in the second quarter, and Hoke trailed 28 -8 prior to halftime.

That’s when the rains came. The game was delayed and then waved o . It is not expected to be made up, and since it didn’t make it to halftime, it isn’t an o cial game.

That means Hoke’s record remains 1-3. The Bucks will get a second chance to try to snap a two -game losing streak this Friday at Overhills. The Jaguars are 2-3 and have lost three in a row.

Volleyball

The win streak has reached a

The Bucks and Middle Creek tried to play through the rain, but the elements eventually won out.

baker’s dozen. Hoke won three matches last week and are undefeated over the last 13. Hoke’s three wins last week all came on the road — 3 -1 over Jack Britt and 3 - 0 sweeps of Seventy-First and Overhills.

Hoke is 16 -2, 6 - 0 in conference.

Hoke returns home to play Pine Forest then travels to Richmond. Both matches are conference battles.

Soccer

Hoke soccer has now won

ve in a row. The Bucks posted a win last week to improve to 8 -2 -3, 2- 0 in conference.

The Bucks shut out Pine Forest 2 - 0, recording their fth clean sheet of the season and third over the current win streak. Sophomore Alexander Garcia and junior Derrick Patricio scored goals, and sophomore Derek Calandrino -Logan had three steals.

The Bucks head out for two conference road games this week at Pinecrest and Jack Britt.

ACC moving to 9-game schedule

The latest move by the conference aligns with its Power Four peers

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — The Atlantic Coast Conference is moving to a nine-game league schedule for football while having teams play at least 10 games against power-conference opponents, though there will be variables due to the league’s odd number of football-playing member schools.

Commissioner Jim Phillips announced the decision, saying athletic directors had “overwhelmingly supported” the move after “incredibly intentional” discussions about scheduling options.

Going from an eight- to a ninegame model would align the ACC with its power-conference peers in the Big 12, Big Ten and Southeastern conferences after unbalanced scheduling between the conferences had been a topic of discussion, and disagreement, when it came to access for the College Football Playo .

The ACC would join the SEC — which announced its move from eight to nine last month — as the only leagues playing 10 games against Power Four opponents as a baseline in the socalled “9+1 model.”

Still, the ACC being the only power conference with an odd number of football-playing members (17) means there are wrinkles.

A person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that most league teams will transition to the nine-game slate next year, though multiple teams will play eight league games and two against Power Four opponents — an “8+2 model” — to accommodate nonconference games already on the books.

By 2027, the person said, 16 of the 17 teams will play a “9+1 schedule,” while one team will have to play an “8+2” slate.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the league hasn’t publicized speci cs of the model. Phillips said the league will present the plan to its faculty athletic representatives for formal adoption.

“There will be additional discussions and more details to be determined, but Monday’s decision showcases the commitment and leadership of our ADs in balancing what is best for strengthening the conference and for their respective programs,” Phillips said in his statement.

The ACC had used an eight-game football schedule since Florida State’s arrival for the 1992 season, the outlier being a 10-game schedule in 2020 amid the COVID -19 pandemic.

Phillips had discussed the possibility of going to a ninegame schedule publicly in July during the ACC’s preseason football media days, noting it had been discussed internally multiple times. He said then that he “liked where our league is” and playing marquee nonconference matchups had been

good for the league but added: “We’ll adjust if we have to.”

The change could theoretically get trickier now with one less spot available for teams to schedule outside of league play, though ensuring 10 games against power- conference opponents — either inside or outside the ACC schedule — would add another selling point when it came to teams’ CFP résumés.

Some teams had already been hitting that 10 -game target through traditional means, such as Clemson playing nonconference games against now-No. 4 LSU to open the year and its annual instate rivalry game with South Carolina out of the SEC to cap the regular season.

Others had taken some creative routes to 10, such as NC State scheduling a nonconference game against longtime ACC member Virginia this month to go with next month’s trip to Notre Dame as part of the league’s scheduling partnership with the Irish.

Playing nine league games and 10 against power- conference teams could potentially lead to a nancial boost with the league’s revenue- distribution model being revised to factor TV viewership ratings into the payouts. That change offers the league’s biggest brands in football and men’s basketball to make more money with higher ratings against top -tier opponents, coming as the league has spent years battling a revenue gap behind the Big Ten and SEC.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Marcus Monsanto

Hoke County, boys’ soccer

Marcus Monsanto is a senior goalkeeper on the Hoke County boys’ soccer team.

The Bucks have won ve straight, with Monsanto and Brentley Blumer splitting time in goal.

Monsanto had ve saves in last week’s 2-0 win over Pine Forest. It’s the fth shutout that he’s been a part of this season. Monsanto ranks ninth in NC Class 8A in saves and 12th in goals against average.

COURTESY MARCUS MONSANTO / FACEBOOK

HAL NUNN FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Elliott steals Kansas Speedway race in wild overtime nish

The playo s now head to Charlotte Motor Speedway

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —

Chase Elliott somehow stole Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway, where he drove from eighth to the checkered ag during a two -lap overtime sprint to earn a spot in the third round of NASCAR’s Cup Series playo s.

It was a wild ending to a race that probably should have been won by Denny Hamlin, who dominated and led 159 laps until a bevy of late issues denied him his chance at career win No. 60 for Joe Gibbs Racing.

The race had a slew of late cautions — Hamlin dropped from the lead to seventh on a slow pit stop — that put Bubba Wallace in position to win the race. A red- ag stoppage for Zane Smith ipping his car set up the nal overtime restart, and Wallace was holding tight in a door-to - door battle with Christopher Bell for the victory.

Then Hamlin came from nowhere to catch Wallace, who drives for the team Hamlin co-owns with Michael Jordan, and Wallace scraped the wall as he tried to hold o his boss. That’s when Elliott suddenly entered the frame and smashed Hamlin in the door to get past him for his second win of the season.

“What a crazy nish. Hope you all enjoyed that. I certainly did,” NASCAR’s most popular driver told the crowd after collecting the checkered ag.

Elliott joins Ryan Blaney as the two drivers locked into the third round of the playo s. The eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight after next week’s race in Concord, and Elliott said once he got in position for the victory, he wasn’t giving up.

“I wasn’t going to lift, so I didn’t know what was going to

happen. I gured at the end of the day, it was what it was at that point,” Elliott said. “Wherever I ended up, I ended up. At that point, we were all committed. Really cool just to be eighth on the restart and somehow win on a green-and-white checkered. Pretty neat.” Hamlin nished second and

was clearly dejected by the defeat. The three -time Daytona 500 winner is considered the greatest driver to never win a Cup title and needed the victory to lock up his spot in the next round of the playo s. He also has a 60th Cup win set as a major career goal and is stuck on 59 victories.

He drove the nal 50 -plus laps with his power steering on the fritz.

“Just super disappointing. I wanted it bad. It would have been 60 for me,” Hamlin said. “Obviously got really, really tight with (Wallace), and it just got real tight and we let (Elliott) win.

“What a crazy nish. Hope you all enjoyed that. I certainly did.”

Chase Elliott

Hamlin was followed his JGR teammates Bell and Chase Briscoe, who were third and fourth.

Wallace wound up fth, and even though the victory would have moved him deeper into the playo s than he’s ever been in his career, he was satis ed considering how poorly his car was running earlier in the race. He wasn’t even upset with Hamlin and shook hands with his boss on pit road.

“To even have a shot at the win with the way we started ... you could have fooled me. We were not good,” Wallace said.

“Two years ago I’d probably say something dumb (about Hamlin). He’s a dumbass for that move. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not. But we’re going for the win. I hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there.”

Bottom four

The four drivers in danger of playo elimination headed into next Sunday’s race are Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Tyler Reddick and Wallace.

“Obviously there’s only one thing we can do at Charlotte (win), and that’s what we’ll be focused on,” Reddick said.

Up next

A playo elimination race is next at the hybrid oval/ road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Kyle Larson won a year ago. The playo eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight following Sunday’s race.

Young fuels US comeback that comes up short at Ryder Cup

The Wake Forest product led a rally from the largest Sunday de cit in history

By Stephen Whyno The Associated Press

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Cameron Young heard his name chanted as he made his way to the 17th green at Bethpage Black, the same golf course he walked with his parents at age 5 in 2002 when it hosted the U.S. Open. The crowd cheered him going up No. 18 and roared when he sank a nearly 12-foot birdie putt to win the rst singles match Sunday at the Ryder Cup and give the U.S. a bit of hope facing the biggest de cit in tournament history. An epic comeback

fell short and Europe retained the cup, but the New York native got his moment to wrap up a week when he was one of the home team’s top contributors.

“When we sent out Cam Young rst from New York to lead us out, we had to have that match,” captain Keegan Bradley said. “He went out there in front of the whole world, in front of his home state, and made a 10 -footer to beat Justin Rose, who is an all-time Ryder Cupper, and get to celebrate at Bethpage Black in front of everybody.”

Known for his stoic nature, Young got emotional after sending American fans in the grandstand into a frenzy, even knowing how unlikely victory was.

“This is the biggest event that we have, really,” Young said. “There’s no bigger stage

to play on, in my home state, a golf course that I love. There’s 11 other guys on this team that I was working really hard for, and Keegan has put so much into this, all the vice captains. There’s a lot of people that have had so much to do with putting on this week, and I was just playing my hardest for all of them.”

Young, one of a quartet of U.S. rookies participating, wasn’t in Bradley’s lineup for Friday morning foursomes. He played every session the rest of the way and won three of four.

“It was fun watching him out there,” Bradley said earlier in the tournament. “That was really cool to see. He came back to his home state at a golf course that he’s played. I was really proud to go out there and

watch him play the way he did. He played awesome. He’s been playing great for a long time.”

That crystallized in singles play against Rose, Europe’s elder statesmen making his seventh Ryder Cup appearance.

Young led early, fell behind and went ahead by as many as 3 up on the back nine before Rose tied it on No. 16.

After halving the next hole, Young hit a 308-yard tee shot on No. 18 to the fairway. He then nailed a near-perfect approach to get the ball on the green, closer than Rose’s.

“To have a putt there on 18 to get a full point for the team was all could I have asked for,” Young said. “I’ve been thinking about having a putt like that for a while. The way things were going halfway through the back

nine today, I didn’t want that putt, and then the way things were going through 17, I was very grateful that I had a chance there.”

Young played and won fourballs Friday with Justin Thomas and foursomes Saturday with Bryson DeChambeau before taking care of business himself Sunday. He credited those partners for getting him into a groove, and the 28-year-old showed his best at his rst Ryder Cup that very well might not be his last.

“Apparently Ryder Cups re me up a little bit,” Young said. “I had the help of JT and Bryson over the last couple of days to bring some emotion out, but that one right there I’ll remember for a long time.”

COLIN E. BRALEY / AP PHOTO

Chase Elliott celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.

Donald Bullard

Nov. 21, 1944 –Sept. 26, 2025

Mr. Donald Bullard, age 80 of Maxton, North Carolina, was born on November 21, 1944, to the late Buck Barton and the late Annie Ruth Locklear Barton in Robeson County, North Carolina. He departed this life on September 26, 2025, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Fayetteville, North Carolina. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings Hal Barton, George Barton, John L. Barton, Sanford Barton, Douglas Barton, Callie Mae Bullard, Hazel Bryant, Lannie Mae Chavis, Lizzie Mae Cummings and Bertha.

Mr. Donald leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 55 years: Peggy Barton, one son: Trent Barton of Maxton, North Carolina, one sister: Meta Pearl Cooper of Wagram, North Carolina, four grandchildren: John Barton, Ashley Barton, Francisa Barton, Lee Barton, ve great-grandchildren along with a host of other relatives and friends.

May 26, 1951 –Sept. 20, 2025

Mr. Henike Harris, age 74, went home to rest with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 28, at 2 p.m. at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Henike will be greatly missed.

obituaries

Laura Lee Lyon

April 10, 1958 –Sept. 26, 2025

Laura Lee Lyon, of Raeford, North Carolina, formerly of Paxton, Illinois and Savoy, Illinois, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the age of 67. She was born in Illinois on April 10, 1958, to Harold and LaVerda Lyon. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Laura graduated from Paxton Community High School, Paxton, IL, in 1977. After graduation, she worked in the Sorensen Division at Switchcraft, as well as Ford County Nursing Home in Paxton.

In the late 1980s, she moved to Savoy, IL and worked as a food porter and kitchen aide at Windsor of Savoy Retirement and Assisted Living Center.

Laura retired in the early 2000s. She moved to Raeford, NC in 2007 to be near her sister and family.

She loved animals and had several special ones during her lifetime: Ashley and Andy (parakeets), Princess (German Shepherd), Laci Renee (Welsh Terrier), and Gar eld (yellow tabby house cat). She had a green thumb, and family would often bring plants to her to revive them and bring them back to life. She enjoyed Bible study and reading devotional material, doing word search puzzles, cross-stitching, and making hooked rugs.

Laura was a member of the Raeford Presbyterian Church. When she was able, she participated in Senior luncheons, games, and bingo in Raeford. She was a fan of the Illinois Fighting Illini football program representing the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She liked NASCAR (Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr.) and country music. While living in IL, Laura once won season tickets to the Fighting Illini and an all-expense paid trip to a Music Awards Program in Nashville, Tennessee.

She is survived by her beloved sister, Lucinda (Tim) Nance, and nephews Timothy Nance Jr. and his ancé Christine, and David Nance.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Raeford Presbyterian Church, 128 W. Edinborough Avenue, Raeford, North Carolina, 28376.

A service will follow at noon with Pastor Jason Clark o ciating.

The church will serve lunch for the family and guests immediately following the service.

The internment and graveside services will be held at a later date and time in Glen Cemetery, 602 East Summer Street, Paxton, Illinois. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to the Hoke County Animal Shelter, 353 CC, Steele Road, Raeford, North Carolina 28376.

Bobby Cain, member of Clinton 12 who helped integrate Tenn. high schools in 1956, dead at 85

The civil rights pioneer died Monday in Nashville

By Travis Loller The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bobby Cain, who helped integrate one of the rst high schools in the South in 1956 as one of the so-called Clinton 12, died Monday in Nashville at the age of 85, according to his nephew J. Kelvin Cain.

Bobby Cain was a senior when he entered the formerly all-white Clinton High School in Tennessee on a court order. He had previously attended a black high school about 20 miles away in Knoxville and was not happy about leaving his friends to spend his senior year at a new school in a hostile environment.

“He had no interest in doing it because, you know, he’d gotten to rise up through the ranks at Austin High School as the senior and was nally big sh in the pond. And to have to go to this all-white high school — it was tough,” said Adam Velk, executive director of the Green McAdoo Cultural Center, which promotes the legacy of the Clinton 12. Velk added that the 16-yearold had to do it “with the entire world watching him.”

This was a couple of years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v Board of Education that separating public school children on the basis of race was unconstitutional and a year before Little Rock Central High School was desegregated by force. Unlike the Little Rock Nine, the Clinton 12 students were not hand-picked and

the Clinton 12 made it to graduation. Gail Ann Epps graduated the following year, according to the Tennessee State Museum.

Cain had a lot of anger around his experience at the school and didn’t talk about it for many years.

“He didn’t want to remember it,” his nephew said. He received a scholarship to attend Tennessee State University in Nashville, where he met his wife. After graduation, he worked for the Tennessee Department of Human Services and was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. He never joined in the sit-in protests of the era, quipping to The Tennessee Magazine in a 2017 interview that it was because “you had to agree to be nonviolent.”

trained for the job of desegregation. They just happed to live within the Anderson County school district at the time, Velk said.

Although the court-ordered desegregation in Clinton was accepted by state and local authorities, many in the local white community were against it. They were soon joined by Ku Klux Klan members and other segregationists from outside the community in a series of protests that led to the National Guard being called in to restore order.

Cain managed to stick out the year, becoming the rst black student in Tennessee to graduate from an integrated staterun school. What should have been a triumphant moment was marred by violence. After receiving his diploma, Cain was jumped and beaten up by a group of white students. In the end, only one other member of

Cain told the magazine that he had no white friends at Clinton High School.

“You have to realize that if any white students had gone out of their way to be nice to us, they would have been jumped on,” he said.

He also had to stop playing sports because “the coaches at Clinton told me that none of the other high schools would play against us if I was on the eld at the game.”

Velk calls Cain a reluctant hero.

“This is a normal, everyday human being who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances and acted above those circumstances,” Velk said. “This is a person who dealt with this tremendous di culty and rose to the occasion.”

Cain is survived by a daughter, Yvette Cain-Frank, and grandson Tobias Cain-Frank.

Russell M. Nelson, oldest president of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dead at 101

He became president of the church in 2018, the rst to reach 100 years of age

The Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY — Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Saturday night at the age of 101, church o cials announced. Nelson died at his home in Salt Lake City, the church announced.

Nelson, a former heart surgeon, spent four decades in the highest levels of church leadership after he was selected in 1984 to join a top church governing body called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He ascended to the presidency in January 2018 when Thomas S. Monson died and in 2024 became the rst president of the faith to hit the century mark.

The next president of the faith, known widely as the Mormon church, was not immediately named but is expected to be Dallin H. Oaks, per church protocol. He is the next longest-tenured member of the church’s governing Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Sen. Mike Lee of Utah posted a warm tribute to Nelson on social media shortly after the announcement.

“For as long as I’ve known him, he has exuded — and for me, he’s come to personify — the kind of faith, humility, and quiet con dence that tends to be the constant companion of a devoted servant and follower of Jesus Christ,” Lee wrote.

M. Nelson looks on during The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ conference

Nelson made signi cant changes to church

The former heart surgeon had a vibrant and transformative tenure, especially in 2018, his rst year, when he made a surprising announcement calling on people to stop using the shorthand names “Mormon” and “LDS” as substitutes for the full name of the religion, a sharp shift after previous church leaders spent millions to promote the moniker over decades. Nelson also made headlines the next year when he repealed rules that banned baptisms for children of gay parents and labeled same-sex couples as sinners eligible for expulsion. Those 2015 policies had generated widespread backlash. But even though Nelson’s administration was gentler and more welcoming to LGBTQ+ people than those of previous presidents, the church stance on same-sex marriage didn’t

change. His administration also sharpened rules limiting the participation of members who pursue gender-a rming medical procedures or change their names, pronouns or how they dress, leading to criticism that it would marginalize transgender members.

Nelson and one of his top counselors described their approach to LGBTQ+ members as trying to balance the “love of the Lord and the law of the Lord.” Presidents of the Utah-based faith are considered prophets who lead the church through revelations from God in collaboration with two top counselors and members of the Quorum of the Twelve.

Nelson was known for leading the church through the COVID-19 pandemic and severing the faith’s century-long ties with the Boy Scouts of America, creating the church’s own youth program that also could serve the more than half of its 17 million members who live outside the U.S. and Canada. The disassociation came after the Boy Scouts decided to allow LGBTQ+ youth members and adult volunteers to join.

Born in Salt Lake City in 1924, Nelson joined the religion in young adulthood. He was a doctor at the age of 22 and served a two-year Army medical tour of duty during the Korean War before resuming a career that included being director of thoracic surgery residency at the University of Utah. Nelson and his rst wife, Dantzel White, had 10 children together. After she died in 2005, Nelson married Wendy Watson in 2006.

Henike Harris

ROBIN CONOVER / THE TENNESSEE MAGAZINE VIA AP

Bobby Cain sits in the Civil Rights Room of the Nashville Public Library in October 2017.

RICK BOWMER / AP PHOTO

Church President Russell

in 2019.

STATE & NATION

In rivers and streams, cleanup of Helene’s fury seems never-ending

The hurricane’s damage extended well beyond residences and roads

By Allen G. Breed and Brittany Peterson

The Associated Press

WOODFIN — Bracing himself against the current in waistdeep water, Clancy Loorham wrestles a broken length of PVC pipe from the rocky bottom of the French Broad River and peers inside.

“I got a cat sh in the pipe,” the 27-year-old with wispy beard and mustache shouted to fellow cleanup workers oating nearby in rafts, canoes and kayaks piled with plastic pipe and other human-made detritus. “He’s right here. I’m looking him in the eyes!”

It’s been just a year since oodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Helene washed these pipes out of a nearby factory with such force that some pieces ended up in Douglas Lake, about 90 miles away in Tennessee. But they’re already slick with algae and lled with river silt — and creatures.

Helene killed more than 250 people and caused nearly $80 billion in damage from Florida to the Carolinas. In the North Carolina mountains, rains of up to 30 inches turned gentle streams into torrents that swept away trees, boulders, homes and vehicles, shattered century-old ood records, and in some places carved out new channels.

In the haste to rescue people and restore their lives to some semblance of normalcy, some fear the recovery e orts compounded Helene’s impact on the ecosystem. Contractors hired to remove vehicles, shipping containers, shattered houses and other large debris from waterways sometimes damaged sensitive habitat.

“They were using the river al-

most as a highway in some situations,” said Peter Raabe, Southeast regional director for the conservation group American Rivers.

Conservationists found instances of contractors cutting down healthy trees and removing live root balls, said Jon Stamper, river cleanup coordinator for MountainTrue, the North Carolina-based nonpro t conducting the French Broad work.

“Those trees kind of create sh habitats,” he said. “They slow the ow of water down. They’re an important part of a river system, and we’ve seen kind of a disregard for that.”

The Army Corps of Engineers said in a statement that debris removal missions “are often challenging” due to the large volume storms can leave behind across a wide area. The Corps said it trains its contractors to minimize disturbances to waterways and to prevent harm to wildlife.

North Carolina Emergency Management said debris removal after Helene took into account safety and the environment, and that projects reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency met that agency’s standards for minimizing impact.

Battered rst by Helene, then by cleanup

Hannah Woodburn, who tracks the headwaters and tributaries of the New River as MountainTrue’s Upper New Riverkeeper, said waters are much muddier since Helene, both from storm-related vegetation loss and from heavy machinery used during cleanup.

She said it’s been bad for the eastern hellbender, a “species of special concern” in North Carolina. It’s one of only three giant salamanders found in the world, growing up to 2 feet long and weighing more than 3 pounds.

“After the storm, we had so

many reports and pictures of dead hellbenders, some nearly a mile from the stream once the waters receded,” said Woodburn.

Of even greater concern is the Appalachian elktoe, a federally endangered mussel found only in the mountains of North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Helene hurt the Appalachian elktoe, but it also su ered from human-caused damage, said Mike Perkins, a state biologist.

Perkins said some contractors coordinated with conservation teams ahead of river cleanups and took precautions. Others were not so careful.

He described snorkeling in the cold waters of the Little River and “ nding crushed individuals, some of them still barely alive, some with their insides hanging out.” On that river, workers moved 60 Appalachian elktoe to a refuge site upstream. On the South Toe River, home to one of the most important populations, biologists collected a dozen and took them to a hatchery to store in tanks until it’s safe to return them to the wild.

“It was shocking and unprecedented in my professional line of work in 15 years,” Perkins said of the incident. “There’s all of these processes in place to prevent this secondary tragedy from happening, and none of it happened.”

Andrea Leslie, mountain habitat conservation coordinator with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said she hopes the experience can inform future recovery e orts.

“To a certain degree, you can’t do this perfectly,” she said. “They’re in emergency mode. They’re working to make sure that people are safe and that infrastructure is safe. And it’s a big, complicated process. And there are multiple places in my observation where we could shift things to be more careful.”

Humans along river also still recovering

Like the hellbender and the Appalachian elktoe, humans cling to the river, too.

Vickie and Paul Revis’ home sat beside old U.S. 70 in a bend of the Swannanoa River. As Helene swept through, the Swannanoa took their home and scraped away a big chunk of their half-acre lot.

With the land paid for and no ood insurance payment to move away, they decided to stay put.

“When you own it and you’re not rich, you know, you can’t,” Vickie Revis said, staring across the river at a row of condemned commercial buildings.

After a year in a donated

camper, they’ll soon move into their new house — a double-wide modular home, also donated by a local Christian charity. It sits atop a 6-foot mound that Paul Revis piled up near the front of the property, farther from the river.

Using rock, ll dirt and broken concrete dumped on his property by friendly debris-removal contractors, Paul has reclaimed the frontage the Swannanoa took. His wife planted it with marigolds for beauty and a weeping willow for stability. And they’ve purchased ood insurance.

“I hope I never see another one in my lifetime, and I’m hoping that if I do, it does hold up,” Vickie said. “I mean, that’s all we can (do). Mother Nature does whatever she wants to do, and you just have to roll with it.”

Tons of debris pulled out, tons still to go

Back on the French Broad, the tedious cleanup work continues. Many on the crew are rafting guides knocked out of work by the storm.

MountainTrue got a $10 million, 18-month grant from the state for the painstaking work of pulling small debris from the rivers and streams. Since July, teams have removed more than 75 tons from about a dozen rivers across ve watersheds.

Red-tailed hawks and osprey circle high overhead as the otilla glides past banks lined with willow, sourwood and sycamore, ablaze with goldenrod and jewelweed. That peacefulness belies its fury of a year ago that upended so many lives.

“There are so many people who are living in western North Carolina right now that feel very afraid of our rivers,” said Liz McGuirl, a crew member who managed a hair salon before Helene put her out of work. “They feel hurt. They feel betrayed.” Downstream, as McGuirl hauled up a length of pipe, another cat sh swam out.

“We’re creating a habitat, but it’s just the wrong habitat,” crew leader Leslie Beninato said ruefully. “I’d like to give them a tree as a home, maybe, instead of a pipe.”

First radar images from new Earth-mapping satellite showcase Maine coast, North Dakota farmland

The pictures will show shifts in land and ice over time

By Marcia Dunn The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.

— NASA’s rst radar images from a new Earth-mapping satellite show the Maine coast and North Dakota farmland in incredible detail.

The pictures, released Thursday, are from a spacecraft that rocketed into orbit from India two months ago.

The joint U.S.-Indian mission, worth $1.3 billion, will

survey virtually all of the world’s land and ice masses multiple times. By tracking even the slightest shifts in land and ice, the satellite will give forecasters and rst responders a leg up in dealing with oods, landslides, volcanic eruptions and other disasters.

NASA said these rst pictures are a preview of what’s to come once science operations begin in November.

The satellite, ying 464 miles high in a near polar orbit, is called NISAR, short for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. ISRO is the Indian Space Research Organization.

NISAR imaged land adjacent to northeastern North Dakota’s Forest River, light-colored wetlands and forests line the river’s banks, while circular and rectangular plots throughout the image appear in shades that indicate the land may be pasture or cropland with corn or soy.

CHRIS CARLSON / AP PHOTO

Members of the MountainTrue cleanup crew remove PVC pipes from the French Broad River last month in Asheville.

MOORE COUNTY

Crowning achievement

Ti any Rush of Asheboro is crowned Miss Moore County 2025 by outgoing queen

Saturday, Sept. 27.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Nebraska joins Trump program to use public money for private school tuition

Omaha, Neb. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has opted Nebraska into a federal program to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition. The move comes despite Nebraska voters repealing a similar state law last year. The federal program is part of the federal tax and budget bill passed in July. It allows taxpayers to direct up to $1,700 in federal income taxes they owe to scholarship groups for private school expenses. Critics argue it undermines the will of the voters. Pillen insists the measure won’t a ect public school funding, saying it bene ts both public and private schools.

U.S. government starts phasing out use of paper checks

Washington, D.C.

The U.S. government is phasing out paper checks for most programs. The change started Tuesday and a ects recipients of bene ts like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds. Nearly 400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients still rely on paper checks. The director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says many of these people lack access to digital services. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration says electronic payments and collections will speed up processing and cut costs. The Social Security Administration says it will continue issuing paper checks if a bene ciary “has no other means to receive payment.”

$2.00

‘Political terrorism’ bill passes NC House with bipartisan support

The measure cited recent political violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — In the wake of the assassination of Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, the North Carolina House last week passed the Political Terrorism Prevention Act. The bill, contained in Senate Bill 13, aims to enhance criminal penalties for politically motivated acts of violence while balancing protec -

tions for free expression and democratic engagement.

“You have a First Amendment right to say outrageous things,” House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) told reporters in response to questions about toning down political rhetoric. “If you’re an elected o cial, you probably ought to use good sense when you’re saying those things. And things get heated sometimes. But even in those circumstances, it shouldn’t come to physical attacks on people.”

The bill’s language includes a passage referring to “a disturbing rise in politically

Helene hit the reset button on one town’s goal of becoming a tourism spot

Old Fort is trying to rebuild it’s newly-built mountain biking trails

By Allen G. Breed and Brittany Peterson The Associated Press

OLD FORT — Morning mist is still burning o the surrounding mountains when they appear: Small groups of helmeted riders on one-wheeled, skateboard-like contraptions, navigating the pitched streets, past the 30-foot granite Arrowhead Monument on the town square.

They are among the 400 or so people converging on this Blue Ridge foothills town for FloatLife Fest, which bills itself as “the ORIGINAL and LONGEST RUNNING” gathering dedicated to motorized Onewheel boards. Swelling Old Fort’s normal population by half, the mid-September festival is injecting much needed money and hope into a town still recovering a year after it

was inundated by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

“We should de nitely come back again,” says Jess Jones, a 34-year-old marine biologist from Edinburgh, Scotland. “The vibe and the welcome that we got there was really nice.”

That the festival occurred at all is a tribute to the area’s natural beauty and the resilience of its people.

Signs of progress are mixed with still-visible scars from Helene in this town about 24 miles east of Asheville. Most of Old Fort’s shops have reopened, even as workers continue clawing away at a debris pile downtown and some homes remain unlivable.

Like other businesspeople in this tourist-dependent mountain region, bike shop owner Chad Schoenauer has been banking on a strong fall leaf-peeping season to help get him back on track after Helene. But many seem to assume Old Fort is still a wasteland.

“‘Oh, I didn’t know that you

were open,’” he says is a typical reaction.

Helene’s oods, landslides interrupt outdoor tourism makeover

When Helene swept through, Old Fort was well on its way to remaking itself as an outdoor destination, especially after furniture manufacturer Ethan Allen laid o 325 workers when it converted its factory there into a distribution center in 2019.

“When the Ethan Allen layo happened, local leaders started coming together and saying, `How do we use these beautiful natural assets that we have to diversify the manufacturing economy?’” says Kim E er, president and CEO of the McDowell Chamber of Commerce. Named for a Revolutionary War-era stockade, the town decided to become a worldclass destination for hiking, running, horseback riding and, most notably, mountain biking.

In 2021, the G5 Trail Collective — a program led by the nonpro t Camp Grier outdoors complex — got the U.S. Forest Service to agree to 42 miles of new multipurpose trails. The e ort began paying dividends almost immediately.

“We have a red clay that makes some of the best trails in the country,” FloatLife founder Justyn Thompson says. “The trails are epic.” In 2021, the G5 Trail Collective — a program led by the nonpro t Camp Grier outdoors complex — got the U.S. Forest Service to agree to 42 miles of new multi-purpose trails. The e ort began paying dividends almost immediately.

“For every trail that we were able to open, we saw a new business open up in town,” says Jason McDougald, the camp’s executive director.

The collective had just completed the 21st mile of trail

WADE PAYNE / AP PHOTO

A tribute to Charlie Kirk is shown on the Jumbotron before a NASCAR Cup Series race last month in Bristol, Tennessee.

Tori Gross of Trinity during the Miss Moore County-Miss Sandhills pageant

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

10.2.25

“Join the conversation”

North

Trip

POSTMASTER:

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

Sept. 24

Hannah Machelle Davis, 21, was arrested by MCSO for injury to personal property.

Sept. 25

April Johnston Gibbs, 37, was arrested by MCSO for possession of schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Wayne Francis Sands Sr., 61, was arrested by MCSO for second degree sexual exploitation of a minor and third degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Sept. 26

• Corrina Jo Evers, 48, was arrested by MCSO for misuse of 911 system.

Ashley Kay Garner, 32, was arrested by MCSO for disorderly conduct at school.

• Adreidous Makiri Tillman, 26, was arrested by MCSO for resisting public o cer and possession of marijuana.

Sept. 27

Shawn James Copeland Jr., 37, was arrested by MCSO for felony larceny and possession of stolen property.

Sept. 28

• Niklas Alexander Anderson, 35, was arrested by Carthage PD for violating a domestic violence protection order.

• Timmy Lee Barnes, 66, was arrested by Robbins PD for possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license revoked, ctitious or altered title/registration/tag and no liability insurance.

• Dylan Michael Garner, 30, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for resisting public o cer and second degree trespass.

when Helene, in Schoenauer’s words, hit “the reset button” by washing away trails and damaging businesses.

When the storm blew through on Sept. 27, 2024, the Catawba River converged with the normally placid Mill Creek, leaving much of downtown under several feet of muddy water.

Schoenauer, who opened his Old Fort Bike Shop in 2021, says it took two days before he could make it to town to assess damage to the business housed in a refurbished 1901 former general store.

“I was numb coming all the way here,” he says. “And as soon as I got o the exit, I started crying.”

The water rose more than 3 feet inside the shop, leaving behind a 10-inch layer of reddish-brown mud. The beautiful heart pine oors buckled.

Schoenauer says he su ered about $150,000 in uninsured losses.

At the Foothills Watershed mountain biking complex along the Catawba, the storm took 48 large shade trees and an 18,000-square-foot track built with banks and jumps.

“We had a septic eld, a brand-new constructed septic eld for the business that was

destroyed,” says Casey McKissick, who spent the last three years developing the bike park. “Never been used; not even turned on yet. And it all went right down the river.”

McKissick says the business didn’t have ood insurance because it was too costly, and the threat of a catastrophic event seemed too remote.

The damage amounted to $150,000. Worse yet was the loss of eight months of business, including last year’s foliage season.

“We lost that really critical fourth quarter of the year, which is a beautiful fall,” McKissick says.

Blue Ridge Parkway closure slows visitors’ return

Gov. Josh Stein recently announced that travelers had spent a record $36.7 billion in the state last year. But that boom eluded the counties worst hit by Helene.

Visitor spending in Buncombe County — home to Asheville — was down nearly 11% last year compared to 2023, according to the state Department of Commerce.

In McDowell, tourist spending dropped nearly 3% in that same period. E er says this

June and July, foot tra c at the county’s largest visitor center was down 50% from last year. She blames much of that on damage to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is consistently one of the most-visited of the national parks. About 35 miles of the North Carolina route — including long stretches in McDowell County — aren’t slated to reopen until fall 2026.

McDougald says nearly every trail in the Old Fort complex was damaged, with landslides taking out “300-foot sections of trail at a time.”

They’ve managed to reopen about 30 miles of trail, but he says about that many miles remain closed.

Schoenauer reopened his shop in December, but tra c was down by about two-thirds this summer.

“My business, revenue-wise, has shifted more to the repair side,” he says. “People trying to still recreate, but use the bike that they have just to keep it going and have some fun.”

The Watershed complex opened in June, but without the planned riverfront gazebo and performance stage. And they’ve moved the bike jumps to higher ground.

“It’s changed our way of looking at the oodplain, for sure,” McKissick says.

moore happening

Here’s a

Oct.

3

Anything Goes Art Exhibit

6-8 p.m.

The Arts Council of Moore County opens its October exhibit featuring the diverse work of artists Jane Casnellie, Jean Smyth, Jessie Mackay and Alana Knu . The reception o ers the public an opportunity to meet the artists and view their varied artistic styles.

Arts Council of Moore County Gallery

180 SW Broad St. Southern Pines

Carolina Philharmonic 16th Annual Fall Gala “Community” 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The Carolina Philharmonic hosts its annual fundraising gala supporting music education programs throughout Moore County. This special evening event brings together community members to celebrate and support the philharmonic’s educational initiatives.

The Pinehurst Fair Barn 200 Beulah Hill Road S Pinehurst

Oct. 4

47th Annual AutumnFest

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BILL from page A1

motivated acts” and lists the attempted assassinations of Congressman Steve Scalise, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the two attempts on Donald Trump during last year’s campaign.

Also mentioned are the arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the assassinations of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and Kirk.

The bill states, “these attacks are not random, but intentional e orts to silence speech, suppress dissent, and enforce ideological conformity through terror.”

“Charlie Kirk was murdered because of his beliefs,” House Majority Leader Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) said. “That is political terrorism in its rawest form. This law makes crystal clear: If you target someone because of their politics in our state, we will throw the book at you and then some.”

The legislation de nes acts of political violence as criminal o enses targeting individuals based on their political beliefs, a liations or public expressions, including advocacy, candidacy or voting history.

A press release from Hall’s o ce said sentence enhance -

ments in the bill include making politically motivated Class A felonies that are “not otherwise capital o enses” eligible for the death penalty. Sentencing enhancement in the bill would also raise felony convictions by one class level and bar parole or early release.

Guardrails for special sentencing would involve requiring indictments alleging political motivation, which can be proven by direct or circumstantial evidence. The political motivation factor is required to be included in any notice of intent to seek the death penalty and can be considered during sentencing even if a defendant is pleading guilty.

The bill would also require district attorneys to contact the attorney general when a politically motivated case is being brought. The attorney general would have the power to appoint a special prosecutor if requested. Additionally, victims and their families would be given the ability to give impact statements at any point during the proceedings. If signed by the governor, the bill would be e ective Dec. 1 and apply to o enses committed on or after that date.

The measure passed the House with wide biparti-

san support by a vote of 1056 and was sent to the Senate, which did not act on the bill before the end of the September session.

The six members voting no were all Democrats: Reps. Mary Belk (Mecklenburg), Maria Cervania (Wake), Julia Green eld (Mecklenburg), Pricey Harrison (Guilford), Marcia Morey (Durham) and Renée Price (Orange).

“Like so many young conservatives, I was inspired today and in years past to get involved in public service because of Charlie Kirk,” Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow), who credited Kirk with having met his best friends in college, said on the House oor.

Gable, 23, is the rst member of Gen Z elected to the legislature and was 22 when he became the youngest member elected to the General Assembly in 126 years.

“But I sit here, I feel, because of Charlie and what he created,” Gable said. “He created an organization that I was able to be a part of. I was able to learn, I was able to grow, I was able to network. … Charlie’s assassination was not just an attack on a man. It was an attack on free speech that every member of this General Assembly holds dear. This is why this bill matters.”

Moore County’s premier fall arts and crafts festival features over 100 vendor booths with handmade crafts, local artists and food vendors. Live entertainment includes performances by the Encore Center Choir, McKenzie Brothers and Whiskey Pines throughout the day.

Downtown Park 185 SE Broad St. Southern Pines

Reggie Rice: Comedy Illusionist 7 p.m.

The BPAC Family Fun Series presents comedy illusionist Reggie Rice for an evening of magic and laughs suitable for all ages. The show combines sleight of hand, comedy and audience participation at the Sandhills region’s premier performing arts venue.

Owens Auditorium, Bradshaw Performing Arts Center 3395 Airport Road Pinehurst

quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County.

ALLEN G. BREED / AP PHOTO

Chad Schoenauer poses for a portrait beneath a sign that reads “Come Hell or High Water” in his bike shop in Old Fort in early September.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Keeping government open and our defense intact

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran, and military family.

AS YOUR CONGRESSMAN, I am committed to ghting for your family, your freedoms and your future. That means making sure our government stays open without wasting your tax dollars, and making sure our troops and veterans have the resources they need to keep America safe. Over the past two weeks, two big issues have come to the forefront: keeping the government open and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I want to share where I stand and what these decisions mean for you. Last week, House Republicans passed a clean, commonsense funding bill. This short-term, seven-week measure keeps the government open and ensures our troops and families don’t pay the price while Congress continues working toward the long-term reforms needed to rein in Washington’s wasteful spending. It doesn’t raise taxes or add wasteful new spending. It just ensures our government continues to serve our people.

Here’s what our bill does:

• Delivers paychecks for our troops, Border Patrol agents, TSA agents and air tra c controllers

• Prevents delays in Social Security and Medicare applications

• Provides uninterrupted health care for veterans

• Keeps National Parks open for families to enjoy

• Continues vital food inspections to protect consumers

However, a CR needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate. Senate Democrats are threatening a shutdown unless their partisan demands are met. They want to use this as an opportunity

What

100 years of

to tack on a massive $1.5 trillion spending hike. Their list of demands includes restoring taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, sending $500 million to liberal news outlets and pushing diversity programs in foreign countries while cutting bene ts back home.

Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job. We acted well before the deadline and passed a clean bill to keep the government open. If the government shuts down, it will be because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) feels the need to put political games over people.

This shutdown would hurt families, seniors, small businesses and our veterans. I will not stand by and let Washington games hurt North Carolina families.

Alongside keeping our government open. Congress also passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This annual defense bill is one of the most important responsibilities we have. It authorizes funding for our military, sets policy for the Department of War, and makes sure our troops and their families get the funding they deserve.

As Fort Bragg’s congressman, I fought to make sure this bill delivered for our community.

Fort Bragg and NC-09 wins:

• $44.7 million to construct training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg

• $5.3 million for SOF Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg

• $19 million for Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course

• $24 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar

• $80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid

craftsmanship can teach us in the age of AI

We invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

THIS FALL, the John C. Campbell Folk School will celebrate a century of keeping traditional Appalachian crafts alive, including blacksmithing, weaving, woodcarving, basketry and more. But what we’re really preserving is something deeper: the human need to make, to connect and to belong. And that’s never felt more urgent than now.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities across western North Carolina, we’ve been reminded just how fragile our region — and its rich cultural heritage — can be. As we support recovery e orts, we also rea rm our commitment to sustaining the traditions that root and restore us. Because in a time of disruption, digital overload and AI, the Folk School o ers something powerfully countercultural: A space where making is slow, tactile and grounded in community.

Crafting by hand doesn’t just produce beautiful objects, it cultivates qualities we need now more than ever: mindfulness, resilience, creativity and focus. In our studios, people don’t scroll or skim. They observe, try again, and take pride in small, steady progress.

Recent research shows that engaging in arts and crafts boosts life satisfaction, happiness and a sense of purpose even after accounting for age, health or socioeconomic status. Once engaged, participants also rediscover each other. Learning in a noncompetitive,

collaborative environment builds connection and purpose, qualities often eroded in our tech-saturated lives.

We’ve seen what happens when we fail to preserve folkways. Sacred Harp and shape — note singing, once common across the mountains, has nearly vanished from many parts of Appalachia, near casualties of shifting tastes and modern convenience. Fortunately, a devoted community of singers passionate about preserving and perpetuating this traditional American music is working to keep the tradition alive. Thanks to similarly stalwart practitioners, Cherokee white oak basketry, a craft nearly lost, now passes down again through intergenerational teaching and shared storytelling.

The Folk School is part of that continuum. For 100 years, we’ve welcomed people to this corner of the mountains to learn and share traditional skills. And as we mark our centennial, we’re expanding the ways we honor and elevate this region’s heritage. We’ve restored and refreshed our historic Log Cabin Museum and introduced an interactive walking tour on campus. Both were developed in consultation with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Texana, the historic African American community in Murphy, and both will give visitors a layered sense of

• $6.5 Million for SOF Mission Command Center

• $7.5 million for advanced drone development in North Carolina

On a national level, the NDAA delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops. It codi es 15 of President Donald Trump’s executive orders, reinforces priorities like merit-based promotion, accountability and improving lethality among the ranks. It also provides new authority and funding for DOW to coordinate with Homeland Security on border security. The NDAA funds Trump’s signature defense platforms, from the Golden Dome missile defense system to next-generation ghters, submarines, warships and autonomous systems. It cuts red tape in the Pentagon’s procurement process so innovation can reach the battle eld faster. And it makes new investments in arti cial intelligence, hypersonics and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Iran and other adversaries.

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran and military family who sacri ces for our country. It strengthens our national security, protects our homeland, and honors the service of those stationed at Fort Bragg and around the world.

The contrast in Washington could not be more clear. While we are ghting for a commonsense solution, the Democrats are focused on playing politics with partisan priorities that do nothing to help North Carolinians.

I will continue every day to ght for you, to protect your tax dollars and to support the brave men and women who keep us safe.

Rep. Richard L. Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in Congress.

place and home held by diverse mountain people.

Another powerful symbol of this legacy is a rare, hand-drawn map of the Southern Appalachian region created in the early 1900s by Folk School founder Olive Dame Campbell and researcher Elva M. Dickey. This one- of-a-kind artifact, long hidden from public view, has now been stabilized and unveiled as part of our centennial celebration. Our 100th anniversary isn’t just a look back. It’s a call forward. This October, during our Fall Festival and yearlong centennial programming, we’ll welcome thousands of visitors to join in that vision: to celebrate Appalachian artistry, share food and stories, and experience rsthand how craft, music and dance traditions still shape hearts and communities. In a world that increasingly and unquestioningly prizes rapid, digitized information, we invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

Come join us. Put your head, heart and hands to work. And rediscover what it means to truly make something that matters.

Bethany Chaney is executive director of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, which will o cially mark its 100th anniversary at its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 5.

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

12,000 bottles of rare booze were stolen in a brazen freight fraud scheme

By Rebecca Boone

The Associated Press

THIEVES WHO made o with 12,000 bottles of craft whiskey in a rare U.S. liquor

heist this summer did more than just snag nearly $1 million worth of product — they also spirited away nearly half the stock of a single malt distillers had worked for more than a decade to make.

Now the Skagit Valley Sheri ’s O ce is investigating, and whiskey a cionados are wondering if — and where — the coveted bottles of Westland Distillery’s rst 10-year Garryana whiskey might turn up.

The bottles disappeared July 31, when someone in a freight truck showed up at Westland Distillery’s warehouse in Burlington, Washington, holding the paperwork that purportedly gave them the right to pick up a shipment of Westland single malt, Watchpost blended, and Garryana whiskies bound for New Jersey.

But the bottles never arrived

The government claims Ian Roberts was given a nal order of removal in May 2024

By Hannah Fingerhut and Ryan J. Foley

The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa — Federal immigration agents targeted the well-liked leader of Iowa’s largest school district in a trafc stop last Friday and arrested him after he ed into the woods, leaving educators and community members stunned.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Des Moines Public School Superintendent Ian Roberts was in the country illegally and had no work authorization. Roberts, who is from Guyana in South America, was considered an ICE fugitive because he was subject to a nal removal order issued in 2024, the agency said.

ICE said that it targeted Roberts for arrest by initiating a trafc stop last Friday while he was driving in his school-issued vehicle. After he ed, o cers discovered his vehicle abandoned near a wooded area. He was eventually located and taken into ICE custody with the help

Jason Moore, Westland Distillery

at their intended destination, and the “sophisticated, fraudulent carrier scheme” was discovered a week later, said Jason Moore, the managing director of the Seattle-based distillery.

The 10th anniversary edition bottles of Garryana are irreplaceable, said Moore.

“This is an unfortunate and pretty extraordinary situation,” said Moore.

The Skagit County Sheri ’s O ce didn’t immediately respond to a phone message left by The Associated Press.

It could be di cult to sell the stolen goods, said Mark Gillespie, the host of the WhiskyCast podcast who has published more than 3,800 tasting notes for different whiskey varieties.

“It’s going to be really hard for whoever took this to actually get this onto the market because what they took was so rare that everybody knows about it,” Gillespie said. “We see these

thefts occasionally in Scotland, where thieves will steal a trailer full of whiskey — and it usually ends up in Russia.”

But getting 12,000 bottles out of the U.S. could be di cult because the bottles are rare and recognizable, and ipping them in the U.S. may be tough because of the nation’s three-tier system for alcohol sales. Distilleries generally have to sell liquor to distributors or wholesalers, who then sell to retailers and

restaurants and bars. Selling alcohol on the secondary market — such as when individuals buy up popular bottles and then resell them for a pro t — is generally illegal.

That’s not true in much of Europe, where auction houses and other businesses specialize in secondary market sales.

“The providence of the Garryana is important because it’s their rst 10-year-old whiskey,” Gillespie said. “Basically, age statements state how old the whiskey is, and in this country you have a lot of craft distilleries that aren’t quite 10 years old. So for a craft distillery to be able to release a 10-year-old is an accomplishment.”

Westland focuses on single-malt whiskeys, a style of liquor made from barley, similar to a Scotch whiskey. But Moore says Westland has worked hard to capture the terroir of the Paci c Northwest inside each bottle, using locally produced grains, peat harvested from an Olympic peninsula bog and a speci c type of yeast selected to bring out the regional avors.

That’s what makes the Garryana special, he said — it’s aged in casks made from the Quercus garryana oak tree, which

grows primarily in the Paci c Northwest.

The limited-edition whiskey regularly wins awards, said Gillespie, and the 2023 edition was named the third-best whiskey in the world by Whisky Advocate magazine. The Garryana sells out every year, Gillespie said, and with 3,000 of this year’s 7,500-bottle release gone, the price on the secondary market will be driven up.

Moore said the company has taken additional steps to protect its supply chain, and right now they are focusing on serving customers instead of the investigation.

“What happens from there is outside of our control, and we get excited about sharing our whiskey and engaging with the supporters we have,” Moore said. “This is an extremely rare thing, and while it’s a setback, we’re con dent that we’re going to get to share this whiskey. We’re proud to make something people enjoy.”

Losing $1 million in stock would put a lot of distilleries out of business, but Gillespie said he expects Westland to make it through the loss, in part because it was acquired by the Paris-based Remy Cointreau Group in 2016. Still, he has some advice for people eager to get a taste of Westland’s products: stick to the legal supply chains.

“If somebody tries to o er you a case of Westland whiskey right now, I’d call the cops,” Gillespie said.

a professional administrator license in 2023, which remains active.

of Iowa State Patrol o cers. Roberts was brought to Woodbury County’s jail in northwest Iowa late Friday afternoon, according to jail and ICE records. It was unclear if Roberts had an attorney to represent him.

Phil Roeder, the district’s spokesperson, said he was supposed to meet Roberts at a school event last Friday morning, but Roberts sent a text saying he could not make it. Roeder said he got a video call from Roberts soon after and watched o cials detain him.

Roeder told The Associated Press that the district has seen “nothing that would suggest that he’s not a citizen.” The district said a third party was hired to conduct a comprehensive background check on Roberts and that Roberts completed an I-9, which requires workers to present documents showing that they were authorized to work. District o cials also stated they had no knowledge of an order of removal issued in 2024.

Roberts, who has described himself as a longtime gun owner and hunter, was in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash and a xed-blade hunting knife when arrested, ICE said.

“This should be a wake-up

ing information about the situation, which they called legally complex. They described Roberts as a dynamic leader who connected with students of all backgrounds.

The Des Moines school board voted unanimously to place Roberts on paid leave during a three-minute-long special meeting. The board said Roberts was not available to carry out his duties for the 30,000-student district and stated that o cials would reassess his status after getting more information.

call for our communities to the great work that our o cers are doing every day to remove public safety threats,” ICE enforcement and removal operations regional o cial Sam Olson said in a statement. “How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a nal order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.”

Des Moines school o cials said that they were still gather-

After the meeting, school board president Jackie Norris read a statement, saying word of Roberts’ arrest last Friday made for a “jarring day” but noting that board members still didn’t have all the facts. She also said Roberts has been an “integral part of our school community” who has “shown up in ways big and small.”

A longtime leader at school districts across the nation, the 54-year-old began his term as superintendent of Des Moines schools in July 2023. In that position, he oversaw a district that serves more than 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees. The state board of educational examiners issued Roberts

He earned a $270,000 annual base salary, according to his rst contract with the district, which was in e ect until June 30 this year.

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds was made aware last Friday morning that Roberts was in custody, according to her spokesperson Mason Mauro. Reynolds was in contact with state and federal authorities.

In a joint statement, the presidents of unions representing teachers and other school employees in Des Moines and across the state said they were shocked by Roberts’ detention. They described his compassion for all students of all backgrounds as “a beacon of light in one of the state’s most diverse school districts.” Before coming to Iowa, Roberts had previously worked as superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania. The district said in an email they were aware of the reports but declined further comment.

A biography for Roberts listed on the district’s website says he was born to immigrant parents from Guyana and spent much of his childhood in Brooklyn, New York. ICE said that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999. The next year, he competed for Guyana in the Olympics in track and eld.

Moines schools Superintendent Ian Roberts, pictured above in a screengrab from a local news station, was detained by ICE last week.

whiskey was stolen.

MOORE SPORTS

FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Union Pines extends win streak to 4

North State Journal sta

North Moore

North Moore fell 22-13 to Thomasville on the road. The loss dropped the Mustangs to 3-3 on the year.

North Moore will try to get back above .500 when it hosts Jordan-Matthews on Friday at 7 p.m.

Jordan-Matthews (4-2) will begin Four Rivers 3A/4A conference play at North Moore (3-3). This has the makings of being a season-de ning game for the Jets as they try to avoid a disastrous three-game slide and start league play on the right foot.

The Jets last beat North Moore in 2010. The Mustangs have won each of the last three meetings by over 48 points.

North Moore will arguably be the toughest team the Jets play so far. The Mustangs are coming o the loss to Thomasville in Week 6, but they handily won

the two previous games over Chatham Central and Seaforth. Their run-heavy o ense is led by senior Joseph Dunn and junior Stryker Murray. Dunn has rushed for over 100 yards multiple times this season. With the possibility of being without starting center Manny Perez and receivers Nolan Mitchell and Jaden Fisher due to injury, Jordan-Matthews will have to nd a way to win this game in the trenches. Its o ensive and defensive lines have been dominated in the last two games, halting its ability to wear down defenses with its rushing attack. While North Moore’s hard-nosed o ense presents its own challenge, the Jets will need to keep the Mustangs’ big, physical defensive line out the back eld.

Union Pines

The Vikings won their third straight with a 15-0 win over

South Johnston. It was their rst shutout since Sept. 6 of last season. Union Pines has now held four opponents to single digits in points this season. The Vikings are now 4-1, 2-0 in the Carolina Pines 6A. Union Pines returns home this week to host Harnett Central.

Pinecrest

The Patriots enjoyed some extra time at 4-1 with an o week. They’ll get back in action this week against Jack Britt.

Moore County Week Six High School Schedule

Friday Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Jordan-Matthews Jets (4-2) at North Moore Mustangs (3-3)

Friday Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Harnett Central Trojans (4-1) at Union Pines Vikings (4-1)

Friday Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Pinecrest Patriots (4-1) at Jack Britt Buccaneers (3-2)

After a week o , 4-1 Pinecrest will be back on the eld Friday.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Carly Stayskal

Pinecrest,

volleyball

Carly Stayskal is a junior outside and middle hitter on the Pinecrest volleyball team. The Patriots split two conference games last week. In a ve-set loss to Jack Britt, Stayskal led the way with 17 kills, 15 receptions, seven digs and ve aces. In a win over Richmond, she had 11 kills, 18 receptions, 12 digs and three aces. Stayskal currently ranks 11th in NC Class 8A in service aces.

Elliott steals Kansas Speedway race in wild overtime nish

The playo s now head to Charlotte Motor Speedway

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Chase Elliott somehow stole Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway, where he drove from eighth to the checkered ag during a two-lap overtime sprint to earn a spot in the third round of NASCAR’s Cup Series playo s.

It was a wild ending to a race that probably should have been won by Denny Hamlin, who dominated and led 159 laps until a bevy of late issues denied him his chance at career win No. 60 for Joe Gibbs Racing.

The race had a slew of late cautions — Hamlin dropped from the lead to seventh on a slow pit stop — that put Bubba Wallace in position to win the race. A red-flag stoppage for Zane Smith flipping his car set up the final overtime restart, and Wallace was holding tight in a door-to-door battle with Christopher Bell for the victory.

Then Hamlin came from nowhere to catch Wallace, who drives for the team Hamlin co - owns with Michael Jordan, and Wallace scraped the wall as he tried to hold o his boss. That’s when Elliott suddenly entered the frame and smashed Hamlin in the door to get past him for his second win of the season.

“What a crazy nish. Hope you all enjoyed that. I certainly did,” NASCAR’s most popular driver told the crowd after collecting the checkered ag.

Elliott joins Ryan Blaney as the two drivers locked into the third round of the playo s. The eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight after next week’s race in Concord, and Elliott said once he got in position for the victory, he wasn’t giving up.

“I wasn’t going to lift, so I didn’t know what was go -

ing to happen. I gured at the end of the day, it was what it was at that point,” Elliott said.

“Wherever I ended up, I ended up. At that point, we were all committed. Really cool just to be eighth on the restart and somehow win on a green-and-white checkered. Pretty neat.” Hamlin nished second and was clearly dejected by the defeat. The three-time Daytona 500 winner is considered the greatest driver to never win a Cup title and needed the victory to lock up his spot in the next round of the playo s. He also has a 60th Cup win set as a major career goal and is stuck on 59 victories. He drove the nal 50-plus

laps with his power steering on the fritz.

“Just super disappointing. I wanted it bad. It would have been 60 for me,” Hamlin said. “Obviously got really, really tight with (Wallace), and it just got real tight and we let (Elliott) win. Hamlin was followed his JGR teammates Bell and Chase Briscoe, who were third and fourth.

Wallace wound up fth, and even though the victory would have moved him deeper into the playo s than he’s ever been in his career, he was satis ed considering how poorly his car was running earlier in the race. He wasn’t even upset with Hamlin and shook

hands with his boss on pit road.

“To even have a shot at the win with the way we started ... you could have fooled me. We were not good,” Wallace said.

“Two years ago I’d probably say something dumb (about Hamlin). He’s a dumbass for that move. I don’t care if he’s my boss or not. But we’re going for the win. I hate that we gave it to Chevrolet there.”

Bottom four

The four drivers in danger of playo elimination headed into next Sunday’s race are Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Tyler Reddick and Wallace.

“What a crazy nish. Hope you all enjoyed that. I certainly did.”

Chase Elliott

Up next

A playo elimination race is next at the hybrid oval/road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Kyle Larson won a year ago. The playo eld will be cut from 12 drivers to eight following next Sunday’s race.

“Obviously there’s only one thing we can do at Charlotte (win), and that’s what we’ll be focused on,” Reddick said.

DAVID

COLIN E. BRALEY / AP PHOTO

Chase Elliott celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL Steelers backup quarterback robbed in Dublin

Dublin

The Pittsburgh Steelers con rmed that backup quarterback Skylar Thompson was involved in an incident Friday night after a report that the player had been robbed. The Irish Independent newspaper reported Thompson was assaulted and robbed in Dublin. Thompson did not play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland’s rst regular-season NFL game. The Steelers said they were “working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident.” Thompson was brie y hospitalized with minor injuries.

NBA Lakers coach Redick receives extension ahead of season

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers know head coach JJ Redick will be a part of their future going forward and plan to give superstar forward LeBron James every chance to do the same. General manager Rob Pelinka said Redick received a contract extension this summer after the 41-year-old completed his rst season leading the Lakers, who went 50-32 to nish third in the Western Conference and lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in ve games in a rst-round playo series.

MLS Owusu scores in 90th minute, CF Montreal beats 10-man Charlotte 4 -1

Charlotte Dante Sealy scored a goal in each half, Prince Owusu added a goal in the 90th minute, and CF Montreal beat 10-man Charlotte FC 4-1. Charlotte (17-13-2) has lost back-to-back games following a record-tying nine-game winning streak. Wilfried Zaha opened the scoring for Charlotte in the 10th minute when he dribbled around the goalkeeper for a shot into an empty net. But Charlotte was reduced to 10-men in the 20th. Sealy tied it in the 41st on a free kick and added another in the 86th. Fabian Herbers put Montreal ahead 2-1 in the 53rd.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Oregon moves to No. 2 behind Buckeyes in AP poll Oregon has moved up to No. 2 in The Associated Press college football poll, while Mississippi has its highest ranking since 2015. Alabama jumped back into the top 10, and Virginia entered the Top 25 for the rst time in six years. Ohio State remains No. 1 for the fth straight week. The Buckeyes received 46 rst-place votes. Oregon’s two-overtime win at Penn State boosted them to their highest ranking since last year. Miami slipped to No. 3, followed by Mississippi and Oklahoma.

Live animal mascots create deep connections with their teams

Football teams have had animals on the sideline since 1889

By Pat Graham The Associated Press

BOULDER, Colo. — The newest star for the Colorado Bu aloes loves molasses-based treats, drinking straight from the water hose at her ranch and galloping in front of a stadium full of fans.

Ralphie VII made her much-anticipated debut last weekend, the year-old, 700-pound ball of bison energy bursting out of her end-zone stall as “Heeeeere comes Ralphie” blared from the Folsom Field speakers. With her romp just past mideld, one of the GOATs of live animal mascots in college football was back. More than symbols; these beloved animals inspire fans, foster a deep connection with their teams and are cherished game-day traditions. Ralphie, whose presence was missing from the opening two home games as the newest version got up to speed, is just one of the most recognizable. There’s Uga, the English

“There

are very few things that people are as passionate about as their love of their favorite college football team.”

Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Texas alumni association that cares for Bevo

bulldog from Georgia; Bevo, the longhorn steer at Texas; Mike the Tiger from LSU; the war eagle of Auburn, and the list goes on and on. Navy’s Bill the Goat; Renegade, the Appaloosa horse from Florida State; Rameses, the ram at UNC, and Traveler, the white horse at USC. There’s Nova and her fellow falcon friends at Air Force; Smokey, the bluetick coonhound at Tennessee; and Tusk, a Russian boar at Arkansas. Horses and tigers and boars, indeed.

“There are very few things that people are as passionate about as their love of their favorite college football team. These mascots are just the living symbols of that,” said Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association that oversees the care of Bevo. “They mean a whole lot.”

The live animal mascot has

ACC moving to 9-game football schedule starting next year

The latest move by the conference aligns with its Power Four peers

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — The Atlantic Coast Conference is moving to a nine-game league schedule for football while having teams play at least 10 games against power-conference opponents, though there will be variables due to the league’s odd number of football-playing member schools.

Commissioner Jim Phillips announced the decision, saying athletic directors had “overwhelmingly supported” the move after “incredibly intentional” discussions about scheduling options.

Going from an eight- to a nine-game model would align the ACC with its power-conference peers in the Big 12, Big Ten and Southeastern conferences after unbalanced scheduling between the conferences had been a topic of discussion, and disagreement, when it came to access for the College Football Playo . The ACC would join the SEC — which announced its move from eight to nine last month — as the only leagues playing 10 games against Power Four opponents as a baseline in the so-called “9+1 model.”

Still, the ACC being the only power conference with an odd number of football-playing members (17) means there are wrinkles.

A person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that most league teams will transition to the nine-game slate next year, though multiple teams will play eight league games and two against Power Four opponents — an “8+2 model” — to accommodate nonconference games already on the books.

By 2027, the person said, 16 of the 17 teams will play a “9+1 schedule,” while one team will have to play an “8+2” slate.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the league hasn’t publicized speci cs of the model. Phillips said the league will present the plan to its faculty athletic representatives for formal adoption.

“There will be additional discussions and more details to be determined, but Monday’s decision showcases the commitment and leadership of our ADs in balancing what is best for strengthening the conference and for their respective programs,” Phillips said in his statement.

The ACC had used an eight-game football schedule since Florida State’s arrival for the 1992 season, the outlier being a 10-game schedule in 2020

been a part of college life since the late 1800s.

According to legend, what would be become known as Yale’s Handsome Dan I arrived around 1889 when a student bought him for $5 from a New Haven, Connecticut, blacksmith. The bulldog — believed to be one of the rst live college mascots — was led across the eld before the start of football and baseball games. The school now has Handsome Dan XIX on the sideline. Live mascots remain a familiar sight on the eld, from dogs (Reveille, Texas A&M’s rough collie; Dubs, Washington’s Alaskan malamute) to birds (Sir Big Spur, the rooster at South Carolina) to mules (Army) to Rambouillet sheep (Colorado State’s “CAM the Ram”). Not all live mascots take the eld.

Mike the Tiger has a view of Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from his expansive habitat, a roughly 15,000-square-foot home complete with two pools, a stream, a comfort rock that’s cold in the summer, warm in the winter, and a night house. A version of Mike stopped showing up inside the stadium on game days in 2015. This is the seventh rendition of Mike since 1936. He’s a Bengal-Siberian mix and checks in at approximately 400 pounds. He has 158,000 followers on Instagram.

“I would say the most common question we get is, ‘Is Mike outside?’ said Ginger Guttner, the communications manager for LSU’s school of veterinary medicine who also creates social media posts on Mike’s behalf. “I don’t think I’ve ever been there when there’s been no one there.”

The veterinarian students who care for Mike VII make “meat art” in the shape of the opponent’s logo for game days. The one of him devouring the Gators logo before the Tigers’ win over Florida received nearly 13,000 likes.

amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phillips had discussed the possibility of going to a ninegame schedule publicly in July during the ACC’s preseason football media days, noting it had been discussed internally multiple times. He said then that he “liked where our league is” and playing marquee nonconference matchups had been good for the league but added: “We’ll adjust if we have to.”

The change could theoretically get trickier now with one less spot available for teams to schedule outside of league play, though ensuring 10 games against power-conference opponents — either inside or outside the ACC schedule — would add another selling point when it came to teams’ CFP résumés.

Some teams had already been hitting that 10-game target through traditional means, such as Clemson playing nonconference games against now-No. 4 LSU to open the

year and its annual instate rivalry game with South Carolina out of the SEC to cap the regular season. Others had taken some creative routes to 10, such as NC State scheduling a nonconference game against longtime ACC member Virginia this month to go with next month’s trip to Notre Dame as part of the league’s scheduling partnership with the Irish. Playing nine league games and 10 against power-conference teams could potentially lead to a nancial boost with the league’s revenue-distribution model being revised to factor TV viewership ratings into the payouts. That change o ers the league’s biggest brands in football and men’s basketball to make more money with higher ratings against top-tier opponents, coming as the league has spent years battling a revenue gap behind the Big Ten and SEC.

JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

UNC’s Jaiden Patterson intercepts the Richmond quarterback in front of the Spiders’ sideline. Games like this FBS-FCS matchup will be rarer in the ACC’s new scheduling model.

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP PHOTO

Ralphie VII, Colorado’s new mascot, is guided by handlers during the animal’s ceremonial run before the second half.

Sandra Kay Beane Richardson

April 11, 1954 –Sept. 26, 2025

Sandra Kay Beane Richardson, age 71, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 26, 2025, in Carthage, with her loving family by her side.

Born April 11, 1954, in Randolph County, to the late Grady and Alma Wilson Beane, she was ercely independent, and there was nothing she couldn’t accomplish, from reupholstering furniture, repairing motors, or building a new gazebo.

Sandy retired from the CAT Manufacturing Plant after 20+ years as a Materials Planner. She is remembered for loving her

Lynda Dale Muse

Jan. 20, 1951 – Sept. 24, 2025

Lynda Dale Christian Muse, 74, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at FirstHealth Hospice House in West End.

Lynda was born on January 20, 1951, in Sanford, North Carolina.

She is remembered by her family and friends as a deeply loving person. Sandy remembers her as a terri c mother and wife. She worked as a Registered Nurse for 41 years, working for FirstHealth and CCH as a travel nurse.

Lynda is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Verna Morris Christian; her sister, Barbara Collins; her brother, Kenneth Christian; her daughterin-law, Tammy Andrews; and her great-granddaughter, Brynlee Rae Beck.

She survived by her husband, Sandy Muse of 42 years; son, Greg Andrews; sisters: Peggy Marsh, Bonnie Roberts, Carol Christian Deese, Dana Trolio; and her 4 grandchildren: Waylon, Jessie, Jenna, and Leeland Andrews, all of Carthage, NC.

A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 4 p.m.

family immensely. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, was an avid sherman, enjoyed deer hunting, and enjoyed horseback riding – her favorite horse was “Poco”. But most of all, Sandy loved spending time with her grandsons, whether that was taking them shing, tinkering in the garage shop, or watching them play sports.

Sandy attended Solid Rock Community Church and, in her nal days, she looked forward to weekly home visits with Pastor Dr. Brad Marona for fellowship and prayer.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Anne Julian; brother, Ronnie Beane; brothers-in-law: William Julian, David Richardson, and Danny Richardson; and mother-in-law, Letha Gilbo.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Tommy Joe Richardson, of 22 years; her son, Tommy Joe Richardson (Crystal) II; and her grandsons, Koby and Ryan Richardson, of Cameron. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Solid Rock Community Church in Sanford at 2 p.m.. The family will receive visitors at 1 p.m. prior to the service. Pastor Brad Marona will o ciate the service. Burial will follow the service at the Cameron Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Cameron, NC.

Ethel Lawson Games

July 6, 1945 – Sept. 23, 2025

Ethel Lawson Games, age 80, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Moore Regional Hospital, surrounded by her family.

A native of Moore County, Ethel, was the daughter of the late Hobart and E e Bullins Lawson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Thomas Games, and her son, Steven McIntosh. Ethel lived a simple and joyful life. She loved to share laughter with her family and friends and found great enjoyment in crocheting and working puzzles. She also liked to sh and had a special love for her animals. Above all, her greatest joy was her family, whom she cherished deeply.

Ethel is survived by her daughters, Loretta Games and Betty Garner; sons, John Games Jr. (Helen Sullivan Games), Dickie Lee Games, Ben Games, and Billy Games. She also has ve beautiful grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at New Home Baptist Church Cemetery, 1000 Lobelia Road, Vass, NC 28394, with Pastor John Stinnett o ciating.

Margaret Holden Chase

July 29, 1928 – Sept. 27, 2025

Margaret Holden Chase, 97, went home to be with her Lord on September 27, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Margaret was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and great-greatgrandmother. She was active in

Slyvia Maness Gibbons

March 8, 1945 –Sept. 24, 2025

Sylvia Alice Maness Gibbons, 80, of High Falls, passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born on March 8, 1945, in Moore County, North Carolina, to the late Alex Taft Maness and Ola Starnes Maness. Sylvia was preceded in death by brothers Billy, Bobby, and Gene and sisters Elaine and Dorothy. She is survived by her sister Carolyn.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, Sylvia is also survived by her three sons and six grandchildren: Brian Gibbons and his wife Laura (children Ashley, Luke, and Ola Mae); Tommy Gibbons (children Trevor, Sawyer, and Tucker); and Alex Gibbons and his wife Kat ( rst child due May 2026). She was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Emma J. Gibbons.

Sylvia graduated from High Falls High School in 1963 and went on to dedicate her career to serving others at the Moore County Department of Social Services. She attended Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church and will be laid to rest in the cemetery there alongside her parents and other family members.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, with Reverend Vic Hill o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends and visitors at Sylvia’s home following the burial.

her community and participated in many PTA school functions when her children were young. She was a homemaker as well as a gifted seamstress for many.

Margaret loved her Lord and her church with all her heart. She was a faithful member at Flint Hill Baptist Church and served as a teacher for the Women’s Sunday School class for 45 years. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to serve the ladies whether young or old with the assistance they needed or just to listen. Given the opportunity, she loved to witness to others about the Lord and his Saving Grace.

Margaret, being a woman of deep faith, loved her family and was an encouragement to each one. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill of 67 years and her granddaughter Karen Upchurch. She is survived by her children Shelby Hunsucker; Lisa Chase; Debra Clark and husband Steve. Five grandchildren: Michelle

James Purdy

Dec. 2, 1941 – Sept. 25, 2025

Mr. James H. Purdy, 83, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care in West End, North Carolina. James Purdy was born in Laurinburg, North Carolina. He went to New York in his late teen years and worked as a Footwear Care Specialist. When James retired, he married Rebecca Oats and moved to Southern Pines, North Carolina. He loved God and going to church; especially the one in Laurinburg. James watched his father and uncles build that church. He loved singing his favorite song, “I will trust in the Lord until I die.” James loved his family. His grandson, Brandon Wildy was there during this illness and daughter Cynthia Purdie. We love you!

Good-Bye...

A precious one from us is gone

A voice we love is still.

A place is vacant in our hearts, Which can never be lled. And after a lovely heartache, And many a silent tear. But always a beautiful memory, of one we love so dear.

Love always, The Family

A private burial will take place at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

Strickland, Jennifer Jackson, Kim Beck, Carrie Beverly and Eric Stanley. Nine great grandchildren: Dillon Smith, Lauren Lewallen, Olivia Thompson, Willow Morgan, River Morgan, Connie McDermott, April Culberson, Angela Caviness, Lily Stanley, seven great-great grandchildren: Gunner Smith, Ethan Luke and Ensley Drew, Ayla and June McDermott, Leslie and Zoey Culberson. siblings: Jack Williams (and wife Amanda), Ted Williams (and wife Phyllis), Sam Williams, Catherine Williams. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Flint Hill Baptist Church, with Reverend Zach Garner o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the Committal service.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers who assisted them, Libby Garner, Cathy Brewer, Sue Callicutt, and Liberty Home Care and Hospice.

Tony Dale Patterson

Sept.19, 1964 –Sept. 26, 2025

Tony Dale Patterson, age 61, of Cameron, passed away after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis, on Friday, September 26, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Cox Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ralph Smith o ciating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home from 2-3 p.m.

Tony was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina on September 19, 1964, to the late Charles Grier Patterson and Lillie Estelle Cockman Patterson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Kelly Patterson, mother-in-law, Thelma Wilkie.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cheryl Wilkie Patterson; sons, Justin Patterson (Megan) of Carthage, Tony Patrick Patterson of Cameron; sister, Diane Stewart (David) of Robbins; brothers, Nelson Patterson of Glendon, Johnny Patterson (Joanette) of Spies, Charles Patterson (Jamie) of South Carolina; father-in-law, Charles Wilkie and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Tony proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines. He enjoyed hunting, target practicing and going to gun shows, but especially enjoyed entertaining his family with jokes and stories. He will be greatly missed.

STATE & NATION

In rivers and streams, cleanup of Helene’s fury seems never-ending

The hurricane’s damage extended well beyond residences and roads

By Allen G. Breed and Brittany Peterson

The Associated Press

WOODFIN — Bracing himself against the current in waistdeep water, Clancy Loorham wrestles a broken length of PVC pipe from the rocky bottom of the French Broad River and peers inside.

“I got a cat sh in the pipe,” the 27-year-old with wispy beard and mustache shouted to fellow cleanup workers oating nearby in rafts, canoes and kayaks piled with plastic pipe and other human-made detritus. “He’s right here. I’m looking him in the eyes!”

It’s been just a year since oodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Helene washed these pipes out of a nearby factory with such force that some pieces ended up in Douglas Lake, about 90 miles away in Tennessee. But they’re already slick with algae and lled with river silt — and creatures.

Helene killed more than 250 people and caused nearly $80 billion in damage from Florida to the Carolinas. In the North Carolina mountains, rains of up to 30 inches turned gentle streams into torrents that swept away trees, boulders, homes and vehicles, shattered century-old ood records, and in some places carved out new channels.

In the haste to rescue people and restore their lives to some semblance of normalcy, some fear the recovery e orts compounded Helene’s impact on the ecosystem. Contractors hired to remove vehicles, shipping containers, shattered houses and other large debris from waterways sometimes damaged sensitive habitat.

“They were using the river almost as a highway in some situations,” said Peter Raabe, South-

east regional director for the conservation group American Rivers.

Conservationists found instances of contractors cutting down healthy trees and removing live root balls, said Jon Stamper, river cleanup coordinator for MountainTrue, the North Carolina-based nonpro t conducting the French Broad work.

“Those trees kind of create sh habitats,” he said. “They slow the ow of water down. They’re an important part of a river system, and we’ve seen kind of a disregard for that.”

The Army Corps of Engineers said in a statement that debris removal missions “are often challenging” due to the large volume storms can leave behind across a wide area. The Corps said it trains its contractors to minimize disturbances to waterways and to prevent harm to wildlife.

North Carolina Emergency Management said debris removal after Helene took into account safety and the environment, and that projects reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency met that agency’s standards for minimizing impact.

Battered rst by Helene, then by cleanup

Hannah Woodburn, who tracks the headwaters and tributaries of the New River as MountainTrue’s Upper New Riverkeeper, said waters are much muddier since Helene, both from storm-related vegetation loss and from heavy machinery used during cleanup.

She said it’s been bad for the eastern hellbender, a “species of special concern” in North Carolina. It’s one of only three giant salamanders found in the world, growing up to 2 feet long and weighing more than 3 pounds.

“After the storm, we had so many reports and pictures of dead hellbenders, some nearly a mile from the stream once the waters receded,” said Woodburn.

Of even greater concern is the Appalachian elktoe, a federally endangered mussel found only in the mountains of North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Helene hurt the Appalachian elktoe, but it also su ered from human-caused damage, said Mike Perkins, a state biologist.

Perkins said some contractors coordinated with conservation teams ahead of river cleanups and took precautions. Others were not so careful.

He described snorkeling in the cold waters of the Little River and “ nding crushed individuals, some of them still barely alive, some with their insides hanging out.” On that river, workers moved 60 Appalachian elktoe to a refuge site upstream. On the South Toe River, home to one of the most important populations, biologists collected a dozen and took them to a hatchery to store in tanks until it’s safe to return them to the wild.

“It was shocking and unprecedented in my professional line of work in 15 years,” Perkins said of the incident. “There’s all of these processes in place to prevent this secondary tragedy from happening, and none of it happened.”

Andrea Leslie, mountain hab-

itat conservation coordinator with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said she hopes the experience can inform future recovery e orts.

“To a certain degree, you can’t do this perfectly,” she said. “They’re in emergency mode. They’re working to make sure that people are safe and that infrastructure is safe. And it’s a big, complicated process. And there are multiple places in my observation where we could shift things to be more careful.”

Humans along river also still recovering

Like the hellbender and the Appalachian elktoe, humans cling to the river, too.

Vickie and Paul Revis’ home sat beside old U.S. 70 in a bend of the Swannanoa River. As Helene swept through, the Swannanoa took their home and scraped away a big chunk of their half-acre lot.

With the land paid for and no ood insurance payment to move away, they decided to stay put.

“When you own it and you’re not rich, you know, you can’t,” Vickie Revis said, staring across the river at a row of con-

demned commercial buildings.

After a year in a donated camper, they’ll soon move into their new house — a double-wide modular home, also donated by a local Christian charity. It sits atop a 6-foot mound that Paul Revis piled up near the front of the property, farther from the river.

Using rock, ll dirt and broken concrete dumped on his property by friendly debris-removal contractors, Paul has reclaimed the frontage the Swannanoa took. His wife planted it with marigolds for beauty and a weeping willow for stability. And they’ve purchased ood insurance.

“I hope I never see another one in my lifetime, and I’m hoping that if I do, it does hold up,” Vickie said. “I mean, that’s all we can (do). Mother Nature does whatever she wants to do, and you just have to roll with it.”

Tons of debris pulled out, tons still to go

Back on the French Broad, the tedious cleanup work continues. Many on the crew are rafting guides knocked out of work by the storm.

MountainTrue got a $10 million, 18-month grant from the state for the painstaking work of pulling small debris from the rivers and streams. Since July, teams have removed more than 75 tons from about a dozen rivers across ve watersheds.

Red-tailed hawks and osprey circle high overhead as the otilla glides past banks lined with willow, sourwood and sycamore, ablaze with goldenrod and jewelweed. That peacefulness belies its fury of a year ago that upended so many lives.

“There are so many people who are living in western North Carolina right now that feel very afraid of our rivers,” said Liz McGuirl, a crew member who managed a hair salon before Helene put her out of work. “They feel hurt. They feel betrayed.” Downstream, as McGuirl hauled up a length of pipe, another cat sh swam out.

“We’re creating a habitat, but it’s just the wrong habitat,” crew leader Leslie Beninato said ruefully. “I’d like to give them a tree as a home, maybe, instead of a pipe.”

First radar images from new Earth-mapping satellite showcase Maine coast, North Dakota farmland

The pictures will show shifts in land and ice over time

By Marcia Dunn

The Associated Press

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.

— NASA’s rst radar images from a new Earth-mapping satellite show the Maine coast and North Dakota farmland in incredible detail.

The pictures, released Thursday, are from a spacecraft that rocketed into orbit from India two months ago.

The joint U.S.-Indian mission, worth $1.3 billion, will

survey virtually all of the world’s land and ice masses multiple times. By tracking even the slightest shifts in land and ice, the satellite will give forecasters and rst responders a leg up in dealing with oods, landslides, volcanic eruptions and other disasters.

NASA said these rst pictures are a preview of what’s to come once science operations begin in November.

The satellite, ying 464 miles high in a near polar orbit, is called NISAR, short for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. ISRO is the Indian Space Research Organization.

NISAR imaged land adjacent to northeastern North Dakota’s Forest River, light-colored wetlands and forests line the river’s banks, while circular and rectangular plots throughout the image appear in shades that indicate the land may be pasture or cropland with corn or soy.

CHRIS CARLSON / AP PHOTO

Members of the MountainTrue cleanup crew remove PVC pipes from the French Broad River last month in Asheville.