North State Journal Vol. 10, Issue 9

House bill would extend driver’s licenses to address DMV backlog

Raleigh

A bill filed in the North Carolina House would extend driver’s license expiration dates tied to long wait times at the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. House Bill 821, which has already received approval by the House Transportation Committee, would establish a temporary moratorium on the expiration of certain Class C driver’s licenses in North Carolina. The bill extends the validity of Class C driver’s licenses for up to two years beyond their expiration date. However, the extension does not apply to licenses that are currently canceled, revoked or suspended, nor to Real ID-compliant licenses that have been valid for eight years or more. The extension would be active upon the bill becoming law. The law would only be in effect through Dec. 31, 2027. In March, North Carolina’s Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) Chief Wayne Goodwin announced he was not seeking to keep his post. Goodwin made the announcement while testifying before the House Oversight Committee. Goodwin, a former Insurance Commissioner and Democratic Party chair, was appointed by thenGov. Roy Cooper in 2022 to improve the agency after pandemicrelated challenges. His departure coincided with increasing legislative scrutiny, long wait times and an announced audit of NCDMV spending by State Auditor Dave Boliek.

Senate unveils $65.9B budget proposal

The proposal includes salary increases, hurricane recovery, education spending, tax relief, CON law repeal and more

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Senate unveiled and passed its $65.9 billion budget proposal last week. The bill now goes to the House for consideration, and negotiations are likely.

The 2025 Appropriations Act allocates $32.6 billion in the first year and $33.3 billion

in the second year. Gov. Josh Stein’s budget proposal has roughly $68 billion in spending over the biennium.

Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) led the press conference rolling out the Senate’s budget proposal on April 14. Berger said the budget would likely not be finalized until June.

After a flurry of amendments, the Senate passed the measure 31-16 on April 16. Four Democrats voted in favor: Sens. Dan Blue (Wake), Paul Lowe (Forsyth), Gladys Robinson (Guildford) and Joyce Waddell (Mecklenburg).

“North Carolina’s economy is

See BUDGET, page A3

Public viewings began Wednesday for the pontiff, who died Monday at 88 following a stroke

By Nicole Winfield and Colleen Barry

Press

The Associated

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will be laid to rest Saturday after lying in state for three days in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful are expected to flock to pay their respects to history’s first Latin American pontiff.

The cardinals met Tuesday in the Vatican’s synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis’ successor, as condolences poured in from around the world. According to current norms, the conclave must begin between May 5 and May 10.

The cardinals set the funeral for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. U.S. President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend, and Argentine President Javier Milei is also expected.

The Argentine pope died Monday at age 88 after a stroke put him in a coma and led his

See POPE, page A2

Helene remains priority for NC’s DC delegation

Reps. Tim Moore and Chuck Edwards have both led efforts to aid western communities

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s members of Congress have been actively advocating for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Washington.

U.S. Rep. Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) introduced the Disaster Relief Transparency Act aimed at bringing transparency to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in how it manages and allocates resources for its Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) and Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) programs. “Hurricane Helene taught us that

See HELENE, page A3

“He truly gave everything he had, up to the end.”

Sister Nathalie Becquart

IZZY LAVALETTE FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

A Swannanoa home bears search‑and rescue markings made by FEMA in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Oct. 10.

GREGORIO BORGIA / AP PHOTO

Pope Francis appears on the central lodge of St. Peter’s Basilica at the end of the Easter mass on Sunday. The pontiff died Monday at 88.

the word | So much to worry about

Note: This week begins a three-part series on worrying and the grace of God that will help us overcome it.

I suppose a great many people have causes for worry. Perhaps they feel justified in worrying, because they are confronted with difficulties, and difficulties always create foreboding and fear — unless they are properly met.

I have before me a letter that says: “I was brought up in a ‘worry’ home, therefore I had acquired the habit of worrying from childhood. I have worried regarding my spiritual condition since my early years, and it is hard to rid myself of the habit.”

“A worry home” — what a picture that brings to our minds. No doubt all of us know of such homes. Perhaps some of us have been reared such homes and have acquired the habit of worrying. Many others who have not been reared in “worry homes” have acquired the habit. Worrying is a habit, and a very bad one. It is an inexcusable one for a Christian. The Apostle Paul reminded the Philippians: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

First of all, worry is distrust of God. Christians believe God is watching over their lives. If they believe their Bible, they must believe that God’s wall of protection is round about them and that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. He has told us that all things work together for good, if we truly love him. If we trust our heavenly Father’s care, we will rest in the assurance that he knows and cares and will not fail to help us in every time of trouble. In other words, we have no cause for worry. When we worry, we take ourselves out of God’s hands and try to fight our own battles. I do not mean that we are not Christians; but we do trust in our own efforts, rather than in his grace and loving care. Proverbs 3 tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight

Senate

your paths.” When we trust — we do not worry. When we worry — we do not trust. Worry dishonors God. The goodness of God, his love for his people, and his protecting care — are told over and over in the Bible, proclaimed by preachers, and spoken of in our testimonies. Yet when trouble looms on the horizon — we begin worry, worry, worry. We leave God out of picture, forget his promises, and take the whole burden upon ourselves! He has told us to cast burdens upon him, but we do not do it when worry. We bear our burdens ourselves and add to them by our worry — making them far greater they would be, even without divine help, if we not worry. We are told to do all things to the glory of God. Did you ever worry to the glory of God? Did worry ever make you feel like praising God? Does the fact that you worry make other people feel that you believe in God and expect him help you in your troubles? No! Your worry honors God, and advertises the fact that you not trusting in him.

Worry never makes anything better. Look back over the past and consider the things about which you have worried about. Did worrying make them come out any

better? Did worry give you strength meet your problems?

But you say, “I cannot help worrying.” I am not so sure about that. Many people, even those who are not Christians, go through troubles great as yours without worrying. They have learned to face circumstances, and make the best of them. Christians should not only do this — they should do still more. They should trust the Lord to take them through difficulties, to give them strength, to make them victorious.

How many times in the past have you worried over things, when the outcome showed that you had no reason to worry?

All your worrying was useless and causeless. Trust is a remedy that never fails to cure the worry habit. Therefore, learn to trust.

Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most prolific and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and more than 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.

bill eliminating DEI in UNC System pending in House

No Democrats voted in favor of the legislation

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A North Carolina bill aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within University of North Carolina System schools has passed the Senate and is now pending in the House.

Senate Bill 558 passed the Senate on April 9 by a vote of 28-18 with no Democrats voting in favor. Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) is the bill’s primary sponsor.

“Unfortunately, college campuses are plagued with ‘DEI’ initiatives,” Berger said in a press release. “We want campuses to be welcoming environments for all students. It’s time for our higher education institutions to focus on their core missions, and this bill will do just that.”

If enacted, the UNC Board of Governors and State Board of Community Colleges would be required to adopt policies supporting the bill.

UNC System schools would be prohibited from engaging in “discriminatory practices,” compelling affirmation of “divisive concepts,” endorsing such concepts, maintaining DEI offices or employing staff promoting these concepts.

Institutions must annually certify compliance with these requirements to their governing board, which then re-

heart to fail. He had been recovering in his apartment after being hospitalized for five weeks with pneumonia. He made his last public appearance Sunday, delivering an Easter blessing and greeting followers from his popemobile, looping around St. Peter’s Square.

His Easter appearance from the same loggia where he was introduced to the world as the first pope from the Americas on March 13, 2013, was a fitting bookend to a 12-year papacy that sought to shake up the church and return it to its Gospel-mandated mission of caring for the poorest.

“He truly gave everything he had, up to the end,” said Sister Nathalie Becquart, one of the

ports to legislative committees. The legislation also prohibits requiring courses related to “divisive concepts” for degree completion, with limited exceptions at the chancellor’s discretion for specific degree programs. The bill defines “divisive concepts” to include ideas relating to the inherent superiority of any race or sex, inherent racism or sexism, and individual responsibility for historical actions based on race or sex.

The bill includes provisions stating it should not be construed to limit First Amendment-protected speech, individual research or discussion of divisive concepts when the institution clarifies it doesn’t endorse such concepts.

The legislation also references

highest-ranking women at the Vatican. Vatican officials were allowed to say their goodbyes starting Monday evening, and public viewings began Wednesday. Speaking to reporters after she paid her respects, Becquart marveled at Francis’ final Easter salute to his flock. “He really walked with his people,” she said. Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi said it was specifically Francis’ effort to promote the role of women in the church that will be one of his greatest legacies. Ravasi noted that Francis chose to be buried near his favorite icon of the Madonna, in a basilica across town, and not in the grottoes underneath St. Peter’s, as is typical for popes.

“He wanted to be buried under the shadow of a woman, in

President Donald Trump’s January 2025 executive order and emphasizes the importance of maintaining federal funding for North Carolina’s public higher education, which totaled $2.4 billion last year.

Examples of current courses at NC State identified by North State Journal that could potentially be affected include honors seminars such as “Music Beyond Binaries” and certain international studies courses that examine globalization through various perspectives that could be considered divisive by the bill’s standards.

The “Music Beyond Binaries” course delves into “high art” associated with “whiteness,” and the description states that students in the class “will learn to un-

this case Maria,” said Ravasi, the Vatican’s former culture minister as he arrived for Tuesday’s first meeting of cardinals. “That is significant, his desire for the church to do more for women.”

The first images of Francis’ body were released Tuesday, showing him in red vestments and his bishop’s miter in a wooden casket, with the Vatican secretary of state praying over him in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived and died.

In his final will, Francis said he wanted to be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica, home to the Salus Populi Romani icon of Mary. Before and after every foreign trip, Francis would go to the basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary,

pack binaries — binaries of gender, race, and sexual identity — as they have manifested in classical and popular music, from the songs of Taylor Swift, BTS, and Lil Nas X to the operas of Mozart and blues performances of Bessie Smith.”

A search for DEI in the NCSU course catalog under general education programming turned up HSS 201: Critical Thinking in American Life: Engaging Across Difference. The actual course materials were unavailable online, and the description says the primary goal is to “provide students from all disciplines with humanistic critical thinking skills that will be useful in their future professions.”

Ideas in Action seminars for first-year students at UNC Chapel Hill also appear to overwhelmingly contain racial and diversity themes, with courses such as “Gender Equity in STEM” and “Defining Blackness.”

A search of UNC Chapel Hill’s master course catalog for DEI turned up three courses, one being business course “Diversity and Inclusion and Work,” and another a journalism class called “Cultural Competency in Journalism and Strategic Communication,” which “uses a critical media literacy approach to foster awareness of how media as structure, practice, and product intersect with diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.”

In spring 2024, the UNC Board of Governors replaced its DEI policy with one emphasizing equality and nondiscrimina-

draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus, who in turn holds a jeweled golden book.

Francis stopped by the basilica on his way home from the Gemelli hospital on March 23, after his 38-day stay, to deliver flowers to be placed before the icon. He returned April 12 to pray before it one last time.

The pope’s formal apartments in the Apostolic Palace and in the Santa Marta hotel were sealed Monday evening, following a centuries-old ritual. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who as camerlengo had the task of announcing the death and confirming it once the cause was determined, presided over the rituals.

Francis chose not to live in the palace but in a two-room suite in Santa Marta on the other side of Vatican City. He died

tion. The move followed the UNC Board of Trustees voting to eliminate $2.3 million in annual DEI spending and divert that funding to campus safety purposes.

By last fall, DEI position cuts systemwide totaled more than $17 million, with 59 positions cut and 132 reassigned across the system’s 16 schools.

Another bill filed by Berger addressing DEI in K-12 also resides in the House after being passed by the Senate in March.

Senate Bill 227 would prohibit K-12 public schools from promoting “divisive concepts” and “discriminatory practices,” and it would forbid public school units from compelling students or staff to affirm divisive concepts, providing instruction on such concepts or requiring professional development that includes them.

The K-12 bill defines “divisive concepts” as including ideas such as inherent superiority of one race or sex over another, inherent racism based on race or sex, and assigning moral characteristics or guilt based on race or sex.

The bill would also prohibit schools from maintaining DEI offices or employing staff whose duties would include promoting the prohibited concepts.

Exemptions for First Amendment-protected speech, independent research and impartial historical instruction aligned with state standards are included.

School conduct policies would be required to prohibit discrimination based on federally protected classifications, including antisemitism.

there and his body was transferred to the hotel chapel in the lobby, where the private viewing was underway Tuesday for Vatican officials and members of the pontifical household.

In changes made by Francis last year, his body was not placed in three wooden coffins, as it had been for previous popes. Rather, Francis was placed in a simplified wooden coffin with a zinc coffin inside.

Once in St. Peter’s, his casket will not be put on an elevated bier — as was the case with past popes — but will be placed simply facing the pews, with the Paschal candle nearby.

“He was a pope who didn’t change his path when it came to getting (his hands) dirty,” Francis’ vicar for Rome, Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, said.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Saint Francis in the Desert” by Giovanni Bellini (c. 1480) is a painting in the collection of The Frick Collection in New York.

Wake County DEI office spent nearly $1.2M

Salaries and benefits for staff totaled more than $968,000

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The Wake County Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is costing taxpayers more than a million dollars in 2025.

A public records request revealed the office’s adopted budget for 2025 is more than $1.171 million. That’s a 32.4% increase over the previous year’s approved budget total of $884,245 and a nearly eightfold increase over the first adopted budget in 2022 of $131,008.

The records show the adopted budget for 2025 for salaries and benefits of all staff, including part-time employees, accounts for $968,471 of the overall total. Regular salaries and wages without benefits included totaled $679,489.

In attempting to access the county’s DEI office website before publication, an error message came up, which a Wake County spokesperson addressed in response to a North State Journal inquiry.

“No one is blocked from accessing the website,” the spokesperson said. “The webpage for our Office of DEI is not currently available, because we are taking time to thoughtfully rework the content.”

The website appears to still

from page A1

release. “Families in Western North Carolina were left waiting without answers, and there was no clear explanation for how decisions were made.”

Moore’s bill has bipartisan backing and was filed with the help of Democratic Louisiana Rep. Cleo Fields.

Under the bill, HUD would be required to submit an annual report to Congress on how the agency allocates its CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT funds, with the first report due within 90 days of the measure becoming law. The first report must cover the previous two years of activity, including Hurricane Helene.

On April 15, a report compiled by North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards (R-Flat Rock) on Hurricane Helene and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was sent to the White House and the FEMA task force.

Following Hurricane Helene and President Donald Trump’s visit to western North Carolina, Edwards was appointed to that task force — along with his House colleagues Moore and Virginia Foxx (R-Banner Elk) — in late January 2025. Trump also named Republican Nation-

BUDGET from page A1

stronger than ever before,” Berger said in a press release following the bill’s passage. “We have an incredible opportunity to build on the last 14 years of successes with this budget by providing additional tax relief, supporting teachers and state employees, and continuing our hurricane recovery efforts. And we can do all of that while taking on unnecessary bureaucratic bloat.”

Key spending priorities include Hurricane Helene recovery, replenishing the Rainy Day Fund to $4.75 billion, pay increases for state employees and teachers, income tax cuts, $638.5 million for the state’s first freestanding children’s hospital and health care reform.

A key provision repeals Certificate of Need (CON) laws, with a section dedicated to repealing CON laws for North Carolina’s Children’s Health, Inc.

In North Carolina, CON laws are a regulatory mechanism requiring health care providers to get permission from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services before offering new services and acquiring equipment.

Two bills, Senate Bill 370 and a companion bill, House Bill 455,

be out of service; however, the public can view a saved version on the Wayback Machine internet archive site.

While the office’s website is currently down, a February 2025 archived version of the Wake County DEI Office’s staff page listed four employees: Director Danya Perry, Program Manager Christal Carmichael and DEI Consultants Molly Marcotte and Quianne’ Holmes. Not including benefits, the salaries of these four employees cost taxpayers $454,336 in 2024. Assuming the same num-

al Committee Chair Michael Whatley to lead the task force.

“My recommendations take a WNC-centered approach to address the unique circumstances surrounding our rebuilding process, because typical disaster recovery options will not suffice,” Edwards said in a release unveiling the report. “I’m confident that these recommendations will help our region gain momentum in recovery, and I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump and the FEMA task force in the next phase of the process, where we implement some of these recommendations.”

Trump has said that FEMA should be dismantled, but Republicans at the state and national level seem to want the agency to be reformed rather than eliminated.

The 62-page report describes the extensive recovery challenges faced by western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, which struck on Sept. 27, including an estimated $59.6 billion in damages wrought by the storm.

The report highlights the inadequacy of traditional disaster recovery approaches by federal government agencies and cites the failures in such approaches

ber of employees for 2024 and 2025, the difference between the salary figures for those years represents just under a 50% increase.

According to salary data compiled by the News and Observer (N&O) in 2024, Perry was paid $158,377. He was hired Jan. 14, 2022. Public records show he was making $151,557 in 2023. Carmichael was hired on Nov. 30, 2022. Public records show she was paid $101,444 in 2023, and the N&O’s database shows she received a raise to $102,843 in 2024.

“My recommendations take a WNC-centered approach to address the unique circumstances surrounding our rebuilding process, because typical disaster recovery options will not suffice.”

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Flat Rock)

in dealing with North Carolina’s mountainous terrain while calling for the cutting of “red tape” and more tailored solutions. Key issues Edwards brings up include the destruction of more than 7,000 private roads and bridges, a severe housing shortage with 73,700 homes damaged and a crippled tourism-driven economy with a 70% decline in visitor revenue. Recommendations include passing the Restoring Access to Mountain Homes Act to fund private infrastructure repairs, expediting CDBG-DR approvals for housing and small business grants, and increasing FHWA

were filed this session to repeal the state’s CON laws.

Another key provision adds Berger’s DAVE Act, giving the state auditor $6 million to set up a division examining state agency spending and vacant positions.

Salaries

Teachers will receive an average 2.3% pay increase for fiscal year 2025-26 and an average increase of 3.3% the following year, totaling an 5.6% increase over the biennium. Teachers would also see a $3,000 bonus over the two years. The average teacher pay should rise to $62,417 under the proposal.

A recurring appropriation of $30 million is included for the state-funded teacher supplement. Per Berger’s press release, the revised budget amount for that program is now $230 million with a maximum teacher supplement of $5,000. Teachers serving in advanced roles in districts participating in the Advanced Teaching Roles Program can receive up to $10,000. Stein’s plan gives a 10.6% teacher pay raise over the two years, costing more than $1.047 billion. Stein said the increase would raise the average salary to $53,000 by 2027, making the state’s teachers the

“We do not rely on any state or federal dollars to support the Office of DEI.”

Wake County spokesperson

Marcotte was hired on Nov. 11, 2022. Her rate of pay in 2023 was $88,000. The N&O’s database shows an increase to $96,558 with “increased workload” as the justification. Holmes was hired three days after Marcotte. Public records show a 2023 rate of pay at $88,000. That pay was increased to $96,558 in 2024 with the same justification listed for Marcotte.

According to Wake County’s more than $2.074 billion adopted budget for 2025, DEI is mentioned nine times across various sections. The 2025 budget reflects a property tax hike on county residents of 51.05 cents per $100 of valuation.

The adopted budget shows the Wake DEI office falls under the county manager’s purview, and the office’s specific budget is not outlined in the document but is mentioned regarding “DEI program” training.

Records received by North State Journal show $75,570 is allocated for “other professional services” that include contracted services and consulting fees. Additionally, there is $139,486

and FEMA cost shares to 100% for major corridors like I-40.

The report also proposes FEMA reforms, such as streamlining grant processes, modernizing IT systems and simplifying survivor applications via the Disaster Survivors Fairness Act. Additional requests focus on reducing bureaucratic delays, enhancing state authority, and ensuring program flexibility to prevent further economic and community decline, urging swift federal action to restore the region.

In the U.S. Senate, North Carolina Republican Sens. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis issued a letter to HUD Secretary Scott Turner urging him to expedite North Carolina’s recovery action plan for $1.4 billion in CDBG-DR funding. The letter was also signed by most of North Carolina’s House delegation, including all four of the state’s Democratic congressional members.

“On March 26, 2025, Governor Josh Stein submitted North Carolina’s proposed Action Plan for $1.4 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to address housing, infrastructure, and economic needs in Western North Carolina,” the lawmakers wrote in

highest paid in the Southeast.

Most state employees would see a 1.25% raise along with a $3,000 bonus split into two payments over the biennium.

Under the governor’s plan, state employees would see a 2% raise, and retirees would get a 2% cost-of-living bonus. There’s also a one-time $1,000 bonus for most state employees.

Additional raises in the Senate budget were included for correctional officers (8.9%), probation officers (6.9%) and law enforcement (6.5%) on top of the previously mentioned $3,000 bonus.

Education

Restrictions on wireless devices in classrooms are included, and school districts are directed to develop a corresponding policy. Exceptions include use authorized by a teacher or staff, use for documented medical issues or a device needed to support a student accommodation plan.

The Science of Reading and the use of literacy diagnostics for kindergarten through third grade are expanded to grades four and five.

For each year from 2025-27, the UNC Board of Governors must cut at least $33.66 million from centers and institutes

for contractual services, which consists of a host of items such as leases, equipment, printing, cell phones, training and more.

North State Journal reached out to Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Susan Evans about whether the board has had discussions related to presidential executive orders on DEI as well as state-level pending legislation.

In an email response, a Wake County spokesperson said the board “has not had any formal discussions on DEI related to the president’s executive orders and pending state legislation” and that the topic is “not presently on our meeting agendas for April.”

North State Journal also asked if the board was aware of the increase in expenditure for its DEI office.

“Over the past several years, the commission has approved budget allocations to create and expand the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” wrote the county’s spokesperson. “That information was shared in detail with the Board in the budget book for each fiscal year and publicly on our website.”

The spokesperson also said the funding for the office “is local funding only.”

“We do not rely on any state or federal dollars to support the Office of DEI. In fact, less than 0.1 of 1% of the County’s operating budget goes toward DEI programming,” the spokesperson wrote.

the April 11 letter. “The plan was submitted only 181 days after Hurricane Helene made landfall, making this submission the fastest from any state in the past decade following a major hurricane.

“We appreciate HUD’s focus on this urgent matter and urge expedited consideration of North Carolina’s Action Plan. We stand ready to collaborate with you and your team at HUD to maximize the positive impact of this vital grant funding.”

The same day the letter was sent to Turner, Stein announced his request for another 180-day extension of a 100% reimbursement match was denied by FEMA.

The letter from FEMA to Stein says the immediate emergency response and debris removal received full federal funding for the first 180 days with a 100% matching reimbursement rate and that after that initial 180-day period, the federal government will cover 90% of costs for all other recovery activities throughout the entire “entire lifetime of the disaster,” while the state and local governments would be responsible for the remaining 10%.

The letter also gave Stein 30 days to appeal the decision.

at UNC schools that are underperforming, duplicate other programs, fail to attract federal grants, or conflict with laws or university policies.

The Senate also addressed complaints about NCInnovation, a nonprofit set up to accelerate university research’s path to the marketplace. Under the Senate’s proposal, NCInnovation’s $500 million endowment funding would be taken back and redistributed.

Helene funding

The legislature has invested $1.4 billion toward Helene recovery so far. The Senate proposal adds $700 million to the Hurricane Helene Reserve.

Of that, $685.6 million would be allocated in federal Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for the repair and replacement of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

Another $8 million would go to the UNC System for Appalachian State, UNC Asheville, Western Carolina and the North Carolina Arboretum to improve their emergency response ability.

The Community College System would receive $2.5 million to assist with enrollment losses after Hurricane Helene. Another $5 million would go to the

Division of Community Revitalization at the Department of Commerce, while $10 million would be allocated to the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC).

Taxes and finance

The proposal adjusts the tax reduction and rate trigger schedules. Personal income tax rates would drop in 2026 to 3.99% and then 2.99% after 2027. Tax rates would be automatically reduced if North Carolina’s total General Fund revenue in a specified fiscal year exceeds the “trigger amount” listed in the proposal’s table. The triggers were adjusted with the goal of reaching a 1.99% personal income tax rate.

A tax increase for sports wagering operators doubles the current rate of 18% to 36%.

Other notable budget items include $1.5 billion in federal funds for rural broadband, $319 million added to the Economic Development Project reserve, $40 million allocated for business and tourism marketing, removal of the interim 70% carbon reduction goal, and an unemployment insurance benefits increase from $300 to $450 for claims filed on or after July 6, 2025.

COURTESY WAKE COUNTY

Wake County Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Danya Perry had a salary of over $158,000 in 2024.

HELENE

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Give Harvard your tax money — so they can be “independent”?

Harvard can still say and do whatever they wish. They just can’t do it with public money.

IN ONE DEFIANT Patrick Henry esque statement, Harvard University President Alan Garber encapsulated the divide between what private money and ownership can do and what public taxpayer dollars should do ― even though that was not his intention.

“The University will not surrender its independence or its constitutional rights,” he defiantly wrote in response to the Trump administration’s threat to withhold $900 million of federal funding unless Harvard dismantles its DEI program.

What Garber said can be translated thusly:

“Give Harvard your money so we can continue to do whatever we want to with it without telling you what we are doing with your money whether you like it or not.”

Garber, like many liberals, conflates your public taxpayer money with any private money raised through donations or tuitions. To them, money from government is merely another source of fungible funds to which they are entitled and then spend however and whenever they want as part of their “freedom” of thought, education and research.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

A private university can raise money from any nongovernment source and do with it whatever it wants as long as it doesn’t inflict harm on anyone. Harvard can charge every student $100,000 in tuition and teach them about the terrific advantages of communism and atheism as long as there are zero public taxpayer dollars involved anywhere in their system, including federal student aid or research dollars.

The free market will decide if parents want to send their children to get a diploma with

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

the vaunted “Harvard” name on it regardless. Harvard may be oversubscribed every year in admission applications ― or it may die a quick death and cease operations just like any business that failed to satisfy market demand.

The moment any federal or state taxpayer dollar finds its way into the Harvard bank account, Harvard loses all pretentions of Thomas Jeffersonian “independence.” It becomes subject to the whims of the majority of representatives elected to Congress and state legislatures like any other institution tethered to federal or state tax money.

It is time to “reprivatize” the private sector, as Treasury Scott Bessant is fond of saying. Build a firm firewall between all things public and all things private and see where that takes America in the 21st century.

Harvard could still say and do whatever they wish. They just can’t do it with public money.

Universities implemented DEI programs nationwide under the Biden administration without any prior public hearing or statement. The constitutionality of establishing hiring and admissions policies based solely on race crashed headfirst into the history of antidiscrimination laws and Supreme Court decisions right and left.

When there was a change at the White House, DEI programs were prime targets for repeal. If Harvard wants to use federal funding without any restrictions again, they should work to get a left w ing president and Congress elected who will throw money to them like a railroad boilerman shoveling coal into the engine without any question or oversight.

Garber may have done the United States

Maryland Democrat senator’s embarrassing theatrics

The Trump administration is saying that it had the right to deport him, just not to El Salvador.

MARYLAND DEMOCRATIC U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s embarrassing theatrics have been hard to miss, even for people who don’t watch the news much.

The Maryland Democrat has made himself the face of the party’s Resistance movement against President Donald Trump’s deportation policies after Kilmar Abrego Garcia, 29, an illegal immigrant who resided in the Old Line State, was deported to El Salvador in mid‑March due to alleged ties to the violent MS 13 gang. Upon arrival, he was promptly put in its CECOT (Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo) mega prison.

A 2019 court order reportedly protected him from being sent to El Salvador, allegedly on grounds that rival Salvadoran gangs could target him.

Though the Trump administration has admitted sending him to El Salvador was due to an “administrative error,” it has maintained he is an MS 13 gang member and also a domestic abuser.

As this situation has played out in the courts, with at least one ordering the Trump administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return, the DOJ has said he won’t return to America in part because the original protective order, which didn’t grant asylum, noted

that “withholding from removal, in contrast to asylum, confers only the right not to be deported to a particular country rather than the right to remain in the U.S.”

In other words, the Trump administration is saying it had the right to deport him, just not to El Salvador.

Because Abrego Garcia was living in Maryland and has been falsely portrayed by the press as a “wrongly deported man,” Van Hollen has been trying to play the hero, even going so far as to travel to El Salvador to talk to Abrego Garcia. During the trip, the cameras rolled, and both were seen with margaritas on the table as they conferred.

Van Hollen has said they never drank them.

“As we were talking, one of the government people came over and deposited two other glasses on the table with ice, and I don’t know if it was salt or sugar around the top,” he said.

Whether they sipped the margaritas or not, watching the scene play out was a bitter pill for Maryland resident Patty Morin to swallow.

Her daughter, 37 year old mother of five Rachel Morin, was brutalized, sexually assaulted and murdered on a Maryland walking trail in August 2023 by an illegal immigrant who came to the United States from El Salvador.

Her rapist and killer, Victor

an invaluable service. Every other private university can follow suit and create a universe of for profit private universities tailored to specific niches in the student market. If parents want to send their kids to Harvard and other universities because they have DEI policies firmly in place, they can pay the full tuition and do so.

Each legislature would have to decide what to do with their publicly funded state university system. Liberal blue states such as California and New York could demand DEI policies stay in place at all public universities, and then parents would have to decide if they wanted to send their children to UCLA or SUNY (State University of New York) for their higher education supported by state taxpayer funds. States such as Texas, Florida and North Carolina could decide, as they have already done, to do away with DEI in public universities and focus on the core elements of higher education competency such as math, science, physics, computer science and the liberal arts. Parents would have the choice to send their kids to non DEI public schools supported by state taxpayer funds.

Higher education doesn’t have to be the same for all. A person can buy a coffee at Starbucks with innumerable variations ― why shouldn’t they be able to “buy” higher education with innumerable variations as well?

Families should have the choice about where to send their children by allowing private universities and state supported universities the freedom to segment their educational offerings ― and see where the market takes them and the American university and college system.

Martinez‑Hernandez, illegally entered the country under the Biden Harris administration.

Martinez Hernandez was found guilty earlier this month by a jury, so it’s already been an emotional time for the Morin family.

In an interview that same week, Morin shared that not a single Democrat from Van Hollen up to Biden himself ever reached out to her family.

“(Van Hollen) did not call our family. He did not give condolences. There was no action on the Democratic Party in any way, from Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, (former Homeland Security Director Alejandro) Mayorkas, anyone here in Maryland,” she told Fox News’ Sean Hannity. “None of the senators did anything to help search for the murderer of my daughter.”

That same week, she spoke to reporters in the White House press briefing room and revealed the horrifying details of what happened to her daughter that previously had not been reported. She also begged reporters to “tell the truth” about victims of illegal immigrant crime.

“It’s about national security, protecting Americans, protecting our children,” she told them.

Van Hollen wasn’t there for Rachel Morin’s family despite all the innocent young mother endured. But he’s been bending over backward for an illegal immigrant, suspected gang member and alleged domestic abuser.

As far as I’m concerned, that says all we need to know about him, with none of it being good.

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.

Trump’s next step toward making America safe again

Supervised release is a period of supervision designed for people recently released from federal prison.

ONE OF THE GREATEST successes of President Donald J. Trump’s first term was passage of the First Step Act into law.

This was a major, bipartisan reform that focused on returning fairness, common sense and effectiveness to our justice system — while making our communities safer and more prosperous.

I worked closely with the administration to develop and build support for the law because fixing our prison and justice systems has been a career long effort of mine.

As I wrote in The Washington Post in November 2018, I strongly supported the First Step Act because it aimed to fix some well‑meaning but misguided laws that I and many others supported when in Congress.

It amended overly harsh and disproportionate sentences for people who had been imprisoned for crack cocaine addiction. It put in place robust rehabilitation, substance abuse and learning programs so people who served their time left with the skills and habits to be law abiding, healthy, productive members of society. It offered important second chances for those convicted for nonviolent offenses — many of which were directly related to drug addiction. And it had a fiscal minded goal to reduce the cost and population of our prison system, which costs taxpayers roughly $80 billion a year.

By nearly all measures, the law was a resounding success. In June 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice reported the percentage of people rearrested after being released under the First Step Act’s provisions was 9.7%. This number — known as the recidivism rate — was 46.2% before the law took effect in 2018. This means tens of thousands more Americans are now living law abiding lives. When you consider what this means for their families, communities and their own lives, the impact is remarkable.

Trump and Congress now have the opportunity to take a vital next step toward improving our justice system and making American communities safer.

The Safer Supervision Act can build on the successes of his first term and improve the safety and lives of Americans across the nation.

The Safer Supervision Act seeks to improve and refocus the federal supervised release system. Supervised release is a period of supervision designed for people recently released from federal prison. It’s like probation or parole — but it takes place after a person has fully served his or her prison sentence. Unlike other types of supervision, supervised release can be ordered only to support reentry or protect public safety. It cannot be ordered by the court as punishment for a crime. Congress

intended this program to be used rarely and for people who genuinely need supervision. But now, nearly every person convicted in federal court is assigned supervised release — regardless of the type and severity of his or her crimes, the likelihood of recidivism or other factors.

As a result, this program costs taxpayers roughly $500 million a year and has left federal officers stretched thin keeping tabs on people who pose little or no threat to society. Because of the strict rules of federal supervision, many people get thrown back in jail (sometimes for months or years) if they accidentally miss a meeting, fail to report to their supervisors on time, or have an unfortunate relapse into drug addiction.

Sponsored by Republican Wesley Hunt of Texas in the 118th Congress, the bill is currently cosponsored by six Republicans (Burgess Owens, Byron Donalds, Kelly Armstrong, Nathaniel Moran, Barry Moore and Don Bacon) and three Democrats (Sheila Jackson Lee, Glenn Ivey and David Trone).

The Safer Supervision Act would provide clarity to courts so judges could consider supervised release based on individual people and their situations. Convicted gang members and those with long histories of crime likely need supervised release. First time and nonviolent offenders likely do not.

It would also provide a clearer path for those under supervision to be released early for good conduct. This would incentivize people to follow the law, keep steady jobs, stay off drugs and lead positive lives.

Importantly, the law would also give courts an avenue to determine if those who violate the rules of their supervision because of drug addiction need to be sent back to prison — or enrolled in substance abuse therapy and rehabilitation.

All these provisions would help reduce crime — and give many thousands of Americans the opportunity to change their lives and become productive, law abiding and helpful members of society. They would also reduce the financial burden on taxpayers funding our massive prison system.

Like the First Step Act, the Safer Supervision Act is completely bipartisan. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and House alike support this bill.

Trump took a remarkable first step toward improving our justice and prison systems in his first term. Supporting and signing the Safer Supervision Act would be a remarkable next step.

Newt Gingrich was the 50th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Washington’s latest tax assault on economic success

Democrats in Congress want to charge the investors personal income tax rates of up to 39.6% instead of the 24% capital gains tax.

DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESS want to charge the investors personal income tax rates of up to 39.6% instead of the 24% capital gains tax.

What is it about politicians in Washington that they just can’t stand progress or the thought of anyone getting rich?

That’s the attitude of many Democrats in Congress as they try to cripple the private equity and venture capital industries with higher tax rates. These financers are some of the most dynamic risk takers on the economic playing field. They are disrupting the old, stodgy banking and Wall Street financing networks.

The PE and VC track records in funding small businesses and turning them into the future gazelles is almost a uniquely American success story.

But now, thanks to the industry’s winning track record in saving companies and jobs and making people rich, Washington thinks they are doing too well and wants to raise the tax rate on the industry by nearly 50%.

They want to slay the goose that’s been laying golden eggs for decades.

How golden? Last year alone, PE firms invested $350 billion of risk capital in companies ranging from everyday manufacturing and construction to cutting‑edge artificial intelligence.

These investment firms don’t just provide the flow of dollars; they provide the critical management expertise that enables the firms to thrive. Academic research has shown that when companies take private equity investments, they are more innovative and rise in value.

They employ 13.3 million people in the United States while generating $1.1 trillion in wages and contributing $2 trillion to the nation’s gross domestic product. They also contribute $223 billion in federal tax revenue.

For investors, such as pension funds and foundations, returns have been generally higher from PE and VC funds than from investing in publicly traded stocks.

How are these deal makers villains? You’d have to ask Sen. Bernie Sanders (I Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D N.Y.).

When PE and VC firms invest in companies and add value to their operations, they take a portion of the gains. This “carried interest” arrangement aligns the incentives of the new investors with the old. When these firms successfully create significant new shareholder value, they are well compensated.

No one in the industry has a problem with this. But some Democrats in Congress want to charge the investors personal income tax rates of up to 39.6% instead of the 24% capital gains tax.

A new study by Charles Swenson, a professor at the University of Southern California, shows that implementing the tax changes being pushed by Democrats would trigger nearly 700,000 job losses in the private funds industry over a 10 year period, as well as “a long run net annual loss of up to $9.93 billion in Federal tax revenues.”

That’s right. The proposal could lose revenue for the Treasury.

Some in Congress complain that these investors are really raiders overly focused on get rich quick schemes, including selling off the assets and closing businesses. That happens sometimes with fraudsters, but it’s the exception, not the rule.

The entire structure of the PE investment is to reward long term success due to the equity feature of the terms. As part of the 2017 Trump tax cut deal, the industry agreed to a three year holding period of the stock for the managers of these funds to qualify for the lower capital gains treatment on the appreciated value of the companies they invest in and advise.

In most stock acquisitions, the holding term is only one year for capital gains tax treatment.

This provision was a fair compromise and should be made permanent, just as the entire Trump tax reforms of 2017 should. The goal of the Trump 2.0 tax bill should be to encourage more investment by keeping tax rates low and not raising them.

Stephen Moore is a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation. His new book, co‑authored with Arthur Laffer, is “The Trump Economic Miracle.”

The chains of the Constitution

A SIMPLE WARNING to President Donald Trump: Human nature hasn’t changed.

Presidents are not exempt from the problem of hubris. When married to the awesome power of the presidency, there’s the human tendency to throw caution to the wind, embrace the notion that the end justifies the means and somehow believe one’s own infallibility.

And, for the presidency, it’s a nonpartisan affliction.

Most of us are at least somewhat aware of the Watergate scandal that forced Republican Richard Nixon out of the White House. Buoyed by a landslide election victory, Nixon lied about prior knowledge of the infamous break in and then foolishly fostered a cover up. Sen. Sam Ervin, who chaired the Watergate Committee investigation, discovered, “The president has extended executive privilege way out past the atmosphere.”

The bipartisan congressional committee exposed the presidential overreach, and Nixon resigned.

Less familiar to us now is the story of how Democrat Harry Truman met his constitutional comeuppance. In 1952, Truman was nearing the end of his beleaguered presidency. The Korean War was dragging on, and the domestic labor force was disgruntled over inflationary pressures. These forces came to a head in the all important steel industry, as the steel unions threatened a strike that would cripple the war effort. Truman faced an agonizing decision.

The obvious path to averting an immediate strike was for him to invoke the recently enacted Taft Hartley Act, under which the president can enforce a “cooling off period.”

But, as a partisan Democrat, Truman had bitterly opposed Taft Hartley, and the thought of seeking relief here was anathema to him. But the alternative was to allow the unions to strike and shut down the war effort.

It was against this backdrop that Truman decided on a daring course of action, one which relied on an unprecedented expansion of executive power. If he could declare a wartime emergency and employ the U.S. military to seize the steel mills, Truman could avert the strike without invoking Taft Hartley.

In order to justify his scheme, Truman sought and received sanction from his attorney general. He also unofficially (and quite unethically) sought and received quiet assurance from Supreme Court Chief Justice Fred Vinson that his plan could survive constitutional scrutiny.

As Truman’s plan unfolded, the steel industry sought legal counsel from another Democrat, John W. Davis, the 1924 presidential candidate and senior partner of a leading Wall Street firm. Davis was a Democrat of quite a different stripe than Truman. He was a conservative who had led the fight within his party and in the courts against Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. By 1952 at age 79, Davis had argued 138 cases before the Supreme Court, more than any American since Daniel Webster, and was widely revered as “The Lawyer’s Lawyer.”

In response to Republic Steel’s request for an opinion, Davis wrote a detailed, 11 page opinion that concluded emphatically that the president did not have such power. Davis’ opinion convinced the steel mills to band together and bring suit against the government, and they hired Davis to argue their case.

In the meantime, the crisis intensified as Truman addressed the nation in a demagogic radio speech attacking the intransigence of the industry executives. The stage was now set for a historic showdown, as the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.

On May 12, arguments in what was now Youngstown Steel v. Sawyer were presented before the court. As Davis, clad in his formal morning suit, argued forcefully against “this reassertion of kingly prerogative, the struggle against which illumines all the pages of Anglo‑Saxon history,” a reporter for the Herald Tribune was moved to write that Davis seemed “to personify the spirit of constitutionalism, his voice that of history itself.”

Before a hushed court chamber, Davis concluded dramatically with Thomas Jefferson’s words: “In questions of power, let no more be said of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.”

Despite the premature reassurances of Chief Justice Vinson, the court rendered a decisive 6 3 r uling against Truman. The majority held steadfastly to the sanctity of private property against unlawful confiscation by the government.

Watergate and steel seizure are but two of any number of historical examples of presidential overreach. With the cumulative expansion of presidential power, it has become ever easier for the president to succumb to the lure of hubris and to fall into Constitutional overreach.

A wise president will be mindful of the necessity for these “chains of the Constitution,” and the public should be forever grateful that they “bind him down from mischief.”

President Trump, please tread carefully.

Garland S. Tucker III, retired chairman/CEO of Triangle Capital Corporation, is author of “Conservative Heroes: Fourteen Leaders Who Shaped America – Jefferson to Reagan” (ISI Books) and “The High Tide of American Conservatism: Davis, Coolidge and the 1924 Election” (Emerald Books).

Murphy to Manteo Jones & Blount

Turkey season open for next 3 weeks in NC

Spring turkey hunting season in North Carolina is a much-anticipated tradition for hunters across the state. Running from April 12 to May 10 with a youth-only season from April 5-11, it offers the chance to pursue wild eastern turkeys in forests, fields and game lands. Hunters are limited to one bearded, or male, turkey per day and a season total of two, with only one allowed during the youth season. North Carolina’s diverse terrain — from the mountains of Pisgah National Forest to the rolling hills of Uwharrie — provides excellent opportunities for both beginner and seasoned hunters. Public game lands such as Jordan, Caswell and Sandhills are especially popular for spring hunts. To participate, hunters must have a valid N.C. hunting license, big game privileges and report all harvests. Spring turkey season is not just about the harvest — it’s about the experience, tradition and time outdoors.

1.Pisgah National Forest

2.Uwharrie National Forest

3.Caswell Game Land

4.Jordan Game Land

5.Sandhills Game Land

Chimney Rock holds first Easter sunrise service since Helene Rutherford County Easter morning drew a large crowd to the Tryon International Equestrian Center for the annual Chimney Rock Easter Sunrise Service, the first since Hurricane Helene devastated the area in September 2024. The event featured a variety of activities, including a breakfast that began before the service and continued until 9 a.m. Attendees also enjoyed animal encounters and an Easter brunch. ”One of the things we talked about this morning is we saw it modeled in Christ of love and love for everyone, even though we might not like too much, so I think communities is making a difference, love for each other, helping each other,” said Sharon Decker, a lay pastor at Foothills Village and one of the service’s organizers. Organizers said the service and accompanying events provided a moment of reflection and unity for the community as it continues to rebuild. WLOS

dead. “Our hearts and thoughts are with the family of Geneva Daniels,” BCSO officials said in the release.

PIEDMONT

Man charged in felony cockfighting case

Forsyth County The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office reported last week that more than 100 roosters were seized during an investigation into a cockfighting ring. Forsyth County Animal Services received a complaint concerning possible animal abuse, where 54 roosters and paraphernalia items related to cockfighting were taken. The investigation led authorities to another location where 85 more roosters were seized. Benito Segura Penaloza, 21, of Walkertown, is being charged with one count of felony cockfighting and one other felony charge.

WGHP

Robot deployed in Salisbury wellness check

Rowan County A robot was sent into a Rowan County apartment last week while authorities negotiated with a person believed to be armed and in crisis inside. Deputies said a wellness check was carried out April 14 at an apartment complex in Salisbury. Negotiators began talking to the person through the robot and eventually convinced him to come out. From that point, the person was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

WGHP

N.C. A&T repeats as national cheerleading champs Guilford County North Carolina A&T has repeated at the National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance College National Championship, according to a press release from the school. With a final event score of 95.0093 and no deductions, the N.C. A&T team took first place again in the Intermediate Small Coed Division I group for this year’s event in Daytona, Florida. While their group of 10 included two other North Carolina teams — Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington — no other historically black colleges or universities competed in that division. Last year, the Aggies cheerleaders became the first HBCU team to win this division title and the first HBCU team in North Carolina to win an NCA national championship. This year, A&T was the only HBCU to win a division title in what is considered the premier collegiate cheerleading and dance championship in the United States.

NSJ

EAST

ENC corrections officer dies from lightning strike

Greene County

An eastern North Carolina married father of two who worked as a prison officer died last week from a lightning strike while he was out fishing, officials told local outlets. Santonio Catoe served as the K-9 officer at Eastern Correctional Institution in Maury in Greene County, according to a North Carolina Department of Adult Correction news release. Catoe died after he was hit by lightning while on his fishing boat, the news release said.

Dog rescued from storm drain in Raleigh neighborhood

Wake County A dog that fell between 10 to 15 feet into a storm drain Saturday was rescued by emergency crews in Raleigh. The Raleigh Fire Department told local outlets that Dagger, a medium-sized shepherd mix, was trapped in a storm drain around 2 p.m. on Laurel Glen Drive. When Engine 26 arrived at the scene, firefighters, along with Wake County Animal Control, were able to get the dog out safely.

WNCN Man arrested with 24 pounds of cocaine Cumberland County The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man last week after a traffic stop turned into a drug bust on Interstate 95. Deputies said they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling northbound on I-95 for a motor vehicle violation. As a deputy approached the vehicle, the smell of marijuana was present, according to investigators. As the traffic stop continued, the driver consented to a search of the vehicle. A K-9 deputy responded, and after a “free-air sniff” of the vehicle, the K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics. Arvin Joshua Francisco Bonilla, 26, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, was arrested and charged with several drug charges. Bonilla was processed at the Cumberland County Detention Center and received a $300,000 secured bond.

WITN

SWAYNE B. HALL / AP PHOTO

home in Raeford, up for sale in 2017, could not be purchased by “adversarial” foreign interests under new legislation because it is within 75 miles of Fort Bragg.

NATION & WORLD

White House voices support for Hegseth after latest Signal revelation

The New York Times reported the Defense secretary discussed military details with family in a chat

By Tara Copp and Eric Tucker The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House expressed support Monday for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following media reports that he shared sensitive military details in another Signal messaging chat, this time with his wife and brother.

Neither the White House nor Hegseth denied that he had shared such information in a second chat, instead focusing their responses on what they called the disgruntled workers whom they blamed for leaking to the media and insisting that no classified information had been disclosed.

“It’s just fake news. They just bring up stories,” President Donald Trump told reporters. “I guess it sounds like disgruntled employees. You know, he was put there to get rid of a lot of bad people, and that’s what he’s doing. So you don’t always have friends when you do that,” Trump said.

The administration’s posture was meant to hold the line against Democratic demands for Hegseth’s firing at a time

Broken power poles and power lines dangle across the parking lot of the Quality Inn in Ada, Oklahoma, after severe weather passed through the area over the weekend.

when the Pentagon is engulfed in turmoil, including the departures of several senior aides and an internal investigation over information leaks.

The White House also tried to deflect attention from the national security implications of the latest Signal revelation by framing it as the outgrowth of an institutional power struggle between Hegseth and the career workforce. But some of the recently departed officials the administration appeared to dismiss as disgruntled were part of Hegseth’s initial inner circle, brought in when he took the job.

“This is what happens when the entire Pentagon is working against you and working against the monumental change that you are trying to implement,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in remarks amplified by a Pentagon social media account.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday.

firmed the second chat to The Associated Press. The person said it included 13 people and was dubbed “Defense ‘ Team Huddle.”

White House officials first learned of the second Signal chat from news reports Sunday, according to an official familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations.

The latest news added to questions about the judgment of the embattled Pentagon chief, coming on top of last month’s disclosure of his participation in a Signal chat with top Trump administration leaders in which details about the military airstrike against Yemen’s Houthi militants were shared.

“Pete Hegseth must be fired,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said.

The New York Times reported Sunday that the information shared in a Signal messaging chat with Hegseth’s wife, brother and others was similar to what was communicated in the already disclosed chain with Trump administration officials.

A person familiar with the contents and those who received the messages, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, con-

Hegseth, talking to reporters while attending the White House Easter Egg Roll, didn’t address the substance of the allegations or the national security implications they raised but assailed the media.

“They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees and then they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations,” Hegseth said. “Not going to work with me. Because we’re changing the Defense Department, putting the Pentagon back in the hands of warfighters. And anonymous smears from disgruntled former employees on old news doesn’t matter.”

Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, struck a similar tone, writing on Sunday night on X: “Secretary Hegseth is busy implementing President Trump’s America First agenda, while these leakers are trying to undermine them both. Shameful.”

Tornado-producing storm deals deadly weather to Okla., Texas

were

By Hannah Fingerhut The Associated Press

A SLOW-MOVING, active storm system brought heavy rain, large hail and tornadoes to parts of Texas and Oklahoma and left three people dead as severe weather warnings Sunday continue to threaten parts of the south-central and Midwest U.S.

On Easter Sunday, communities in Texas and Oklahoma began assessing the damage wreaked by tornadoes. There were 17 reported events Saturday, according to Bob Oravec, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center. Five were confirmed in south-central Oklahoma, including one that inflicted substantial damage on a small town still recovering from a March tornado.

The storm also brought heavy rain to a broad swath of north-central Texas across central-eastern Oklahoma, much of which saw 2 to 4 inches accumulate Saturday into Sunday.

Police in Moore, about 10 miles south of Oklahoma City, received dozens of reports of “high-water incidents” over the weekend, including two cars stranded in flood waters Saturday evening. One car was swept away under a bridge, and police said they were able to rescue some people, but a woman and a 12-year-old boy were found dead.

“This was a historical weather event that impacted roads and resulted in dozens of high-water incidents across the city,” Moore police said in a statement Sunday. Moore has about 63,000 residents.

The storm also killed one person about 80 miles farther southeast after a tornado touched down in Spaulding, according to the Hughes County Emergency Management. The department wrote on Facebook that several homes and structures were destroyed, and there were “numerous washouts” of county roads.

The National Weather Service said the preliminary survey of damage showed that the tornado was at least EF1, with wind speeds between 86 and 110 mph, as was another south of Oklahoma City in Love County.

Oravec said the system wasn’t moving much over Texas and Oklahoma Saturday, leaving the area stuck under a very active thunderstorm pattern that produced large hail, flash flooding and tornadoes.

Bill Macon, emergency management director in Oklahoma’s Marshall County, said their early assessments show a tornado “skipped and jumped around” over a path of 6 to 7 miles in the rural area that left at least 20 homes damaged, with some destroyed.

Macon said people were mostly home when the late-night tornado came through, downing “huge” trees and dozens of electric poles and power lines, but there had not been reports of injuries or fatalities.

“We take those things pretty serious down here in Oklahoma,” Macon said of the National Weather Service’s warnings.

One Oklahoma town still rebuilding from an early March tornado was hit again late Saturday. The north side of Ada, a town home to about 16,000 people, sustained damage that the weather service said indicated at least an EF1 tornado based on a preliminary survey. Social me-

Noem’s purse stolen at D.C. restaurant

Washington, D.C.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse was stolen at a Washington, D.C., restaurant Sunday night, according to department officials. The department in an email said Noem had money in her purse to buy gifts for her children and grandchildren and to pay for Easter dinner and other activities. The department in an email didn’t specify what was stolen, but CNN — which was first to report the story — said the thief took about $3,000 in cash, as well as Noem’s keys, driver’s license, passport, checks, makeup bag, medication and Homeland Security badge.

3 dead after Easter fire in Queens

New York

Three people died and a fourth was critically injured early Easter Sunday when a fire tore through an overcrowded Queens home that had no evidence of a working smoke detector and had blocked stairs and exits, fire officials said. Makeshift walls had been erected in the Jamaica Estates home, including through the middle of the kitchen, the New York Fire Department said. Firefighters arrived in less than four minutes, but the blaze in the early morning hours spread quickly to the upper floors of the house. People lived on both floors of the house, as well as its cellar and attic, officials said.

dia posts showed roofs ripped off businesses in town, storefront windows blown in and billboards knocked sideways. In a video posted to Facebook, Jason Keck, Ada director of emergency management, said the tornado seemed to track across the north side of town to a shopping center, “leaving a lot of damage to buildings, power lines and trees.”

One clothing store was “severely damaged,” according to The Ada News, but “bracketed on both sides by intact structures.”

At least two tornadoes crossed west Parker County, Texas, on Saturday, the county’s emergency services said on Facebook. Emergency crews were dispatched to several houses with roofs torn off and homes exposed, photos showed. One detached roof ended up smashed across a driveway. Later Sunday, the storm system moved more quickly northeast but remained active with the risk of hail, high winds and heavy rains in Arkansas, Missouri, southern Illinois and southeastern Iowa. Thousands in Missouri were without power. While heavy rain subsided in Texas and Oklahoma by late Sunday afternoon, additional heavy rain is expected across parts of the Plains this week, Oravec said. With streams already swollen and the ground saturated, the area is at risk of additional flooding.

El Salvador proposes prisoner swap for Venezuelan deportees San Salvador, El Salvador Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele proposed carrying out a prisoner swap with Venezuela on Sunday, suggesting he would exchange Venezuelan deportees from the United States his government has kept imprisoned for what he called “political prisoners” in Venezuela. In a post on the social media platform X, directed at President Nicolás Maduro, Bukele listed off a number of family members of high-level opposition figures in Venezuela, journalists and activists detained during the South American government’s electoral crackdown last year. Among those he listed were the son in-law of former Venezuelan presidential candidate Edmundo González.

3 Haitian soldiers killed in gang ambush Port-au-Prince, Haiti At least three Haitian soldiers were killed in an apparent gang ambush Sunday in a town on the outskirts of Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince, Haitian authorities confirmed. The area of Kenscoff has been under heavy fire in recent days as Haitian law enforcement have warred with the gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm. It’s the latest explosion of violence as Haitian authorities and foreign forces scramble to rein in gang warfare in the Caribbean nation. Local media reported earlier in the day that a military reinforcement mission, traveling in an unarmored car, was transporting soldiers to a conflictive area in Kenscoff, when the soldiers were violently targeted by heavily armed men.

Three people

killed during the weekend’s severe weather

RICHARD R. BARRON / THE ADA NEWS VIA AP

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

catastrophe

questions about when normal

How China will pay for this COVID-19

we begin to get back to normal

The 3 big questions

The comfort

China lied about the origin of the tried to tell the world there were only worldwide panic, economic collapse and needlessly being thrown out of work.

shelter-in-place or stay-at-home majority of Americans “new normal.” end of this month.

taxpayer at least $2.4 trillion in added Federal Reserve backup liquidity to the the U.S. dollar were not the reserve to fund any of these emergency fear of rampant in ation and currency

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”

ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after this COVID-19 virus dissipates around the globe and in the United States, China will pay for this catastrophe one way or another.

fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus and the need to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask questions about the data, and when things can start getting back to normal are treated in some circles with contempt.

WALTER E. WILLIAMS

Cooper stated during don’t know yet” if the be asked as to the vague ones like “we people of this state who undetermined of thousands of cases asked and then had questions about get asked, there is people to treat those can start getting back or are people who others sick. levels become a bad society were supposed course, is my family. I’m worried I will. After the 2009 pandemic, all of this brings up prefer not to repeat. most everyone has

They’re treated as though we as a society simply must accept without question what the government tells us about when it’s safe to begin the process of returning back to normalcy.

aberrant ways and decisions through Diplomacy has obviously not worked world of 21st century health, hygiene communist regimes never take the blame remorse, because that is not what They take advantage of every weakness keep pushing until they win or the event happens such as the Chernobyl experts believe that event, not the Star Wars to the dissolution of the Soviet Union Chernobyl.

Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl.

n.c. FAST FACTS

Fixing college corruption

No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those questions. And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, the more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about when they can get back to providing for their families, will demand answers.

AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with corruption. The nancial squeeze resulting from COVID-19 o ers opportunities for a bit of remediation. Let’s rst examine what might be the root of academic corruption, suggested by the title of a recent study, “Academic Grievance Studies and the Corruption of Scholarship.” The study was done by Areo, an opinion and analysis digital magazine. By the way, Areo is short for Areopagitica, a speech delivered by John Milton in defense of free speech.

In order to put the crisis caused by China in perspective, zero worldwide pandemics can trace their source to the United States over our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th century alone can be directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian u,” 1968 “Hong Kong u,” 1977 “Russian u” and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence that the massive 1918 “Spanish u” pandemic also had its origins in China.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad thing?

Leaders at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but answer with details that give their statements believability.

already talking about the possibility in debt we owe them as one way to get they have caused the US. Don’t hold your “Jubilee” to happen but ask your elected accountable in tangible nancial ways for expected to operate as responsible citizens of nation.

Big Lots to reopen across N.C.

Not one little bit.

Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say that something has gone drastically wrong in academia, especially within certain elds within the humanities. They call these elds “grievance studies,” where scholarship is not so much based upon nding truth but upon attending to social grievances. Grievance scholars bully students, administrators and other departments into adhering to their worldview. The worldview they promote is neither scienti c nor rigorous. Grievance studies consist of disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, gender studies, queer studies, sexuality and critical race studies.

The cavalier manner virus, covered up its spread

business & economy

We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, ourselves, and our communities safe. But we should also still continue to ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home measures are understandable, they should also have an expiration date.

That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed to do, last I checked.

This is all new to Americans, and it is not normal. Not in any way, shape, or form. So while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, at the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new normal.”

RALEIGH — Retail chain

the seriousness of the virus and the need uneasy with how people who simply ask when things can start getting back to circles with contempt. as a society simply must accept without tells us about when it’s safe to begin the normalcy. for us, and we have the right to ask those stay-at-home orders are in place all over the them get in states, such as Michigan, feeling isolated and/or anxious about providing for their families, will demand levels should be as forthcoming as they and again, not vague answers, but answer statements believability. what we can to keep our families, safe. But we should also still continue because while reasonable stay-at-home they should also have an expiration date. and it is not normal. Not in any way, should remain vigilant and stay safe, at comfortable with this so-called “new

EDITORIAL

3,341 related deaths has millions of Americans

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

THIS WEEK, according to members and state and local governments, Americans the curve in the novel coronavirus outbreak. muted — after all, trends can easily reverse have abided by recommendations and orders. to stay at home; they’ve practiced social they’ve donned masks.

There is 100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 originated in Wuhan Province probably from the completely unregulated and unsanitary wet markets. Some believe it came out of a biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army.

Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

Big Lots, which primarily sells furniture and home decor at discounted prices, filed for bankruptcy in September but plans to reopen some of its stores. The company said high inflation and interest rates caused consumers to pull back on their home and seasonal product purchases, two categories the chain depended on for a substantial part of its revenue. Henderson‑based Variety Wholesalers, which operates discount store brands including Roses, Maxway and Super 10, acquired more than 200 Big Lots stores as part of a deal last December. Starting May 1, the company will reopen 60 stores across several states, including in North Carolina Variety Wholesaler also plans to reopen Big Lots stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia, along with other states.

In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, Lindsay and Boghossian started submitting bogus academic papers to academic journals in cultural, queer, race, gender, fat and sexuality studies to determine if they would pass peer review and be accepted for publication. Acceptance of dubious research that journal editors found sympathetic to their intersectional or postmodern leftist vision of the world would prove the problem of low academic standards.

Several of the fake research papers were accepted for publication. The Fat Studies journal published a hoax paper that argued the term bodybuilding was exclusionary and should be replaced with “fat bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive politicized performance.” One reviewer said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article and believe it has an important contribution to make to the eld and this journal.”

written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah RedState and Legal Insurrection.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Big Lots! brand back to life by offering more deals than ever, lots of famous brands and a new apparel department for the entire family,” Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, said. “We’re opening stores quickly so we can serve the community. We know the stores won’t be perfect to start, but each week we’ll add more new products as we build towards the grand opening celebration in the fall.”

These N.C. Big Lots stores will soon reopen:

Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during a recent coronavirus press brie ng that “we just don’t know yet” state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May.

Until China adopts rigorous veri able policing and regulation of their food safety and health protocols, American business has no other choice than to build redundant manufacturing plants elsewhere purely for national security and safety reasons as well as supply and delivery reliability concerns.

“THIS IS in it” (Psalm I know working from be glad” as and dad, the have to be pandemic.

The crisis has cost the debt plus trillions more markets and nancial outlets. currency, we would not measures without immediate depreciation.

The multibillion-dollar park will compete with Disney

By Mike Schneider The Associated Press

“Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity Feminism as an Intersectional Reply to Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was accepted for publication by A lia, a feminist journal for social workers. The paper consisted in part of a rewritten passage from Mein Kampf. Two other hoax papers were published, including “Rape Culture and Queer Performativity at Urban Dog Parks.” This paper’s subject was dog-on-dog rape. But the dog rape paper eventually forced Boghossian, Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out themselves. A Wall Street Journal writer had gured out what they were doing.

Some papers accepted for publication in academic journals advocated training men like dogs and punishing white male college students for historical slavery by asking them to sit in silence on the oor in chains during class and to be expected to learn from the discomfort. Other papers celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life choice and advocated treating privately conducted masturbation as a form of sexual violence against women. Typically, academic journal editors send submitted papers out to referees for review. In recommending acceptance for publication, many reviewers gave these papers glowing praise.

ORLANDO, Fla. — From Harry Potter to Super Ma rio Bros. to Frankenstein’s monster, Universal Orlan do Resort is pulling out all the pop culture stops at its new est and largest theme park in Florida. With five distinctively themed sections and a 500‑room hotel, the multibillion dollar Universal Epic Universe is slated to open to the public on May 22, just in time for the start of summer when the Orlando area’s theme parks are usually jammed with families and young park goers fresh out of school.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed to do, last I checked.

It’s the first major, tradition al theme park to open in Flor ida since 1999, when Universal Islands of Adventure debuted, though Universal opened a themed Orlando water park, Volcano Bay, in 2017. The ad dition of Epic Universe brings

Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran certain grievance studies concepts through the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often they appeared in our press over the years. He found huge increases in the usages of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” “critical race theory” and “whiteness.” All of this is being taught to college students, many of whom become primary and secondary school teachers who then indoctrinate our young people.

Triangle

I doubt whether the coronaviruscaused nancial crunch will give college and university administrators, who are a crossbreed between a parrot and jelly sh, the guts and backbone to restore academic respectability. Far too often, they get much of their political support from campus grievance people who are members of the faculty and diversity and multicultural administrative o ces.

The new company brings a combined half-century of experience

By Dan Reeves North State Journal

The best hope lies with boards of trustees, though many serve as yes-men for the university president. I think that a good start would be to nd 1950s or 1960s catalogs. Look at the course o erings at a time when college graduates knew how to read, write and compute, and make them today’s curricula. Another helpful tool would be to give careful consideration to eliminating all classes/majors/minors containing the word “studies,” such as women, Asian, black or queer studies. I’d bet that by restoring the traditional academic mission to colleges, they would put a serious dent into the COVID-19 budget shortfall.

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

CARY — Since its found ing nearly 40 years ago, Ra leigh ba sed property man agement company Lundy Management Group has built a reputation as a respected local institution, sought af ter by top tier medical facili ties such as Duke Health and UNC. As president, Jamie Bak er of Raleigh has led the com pany through an expansion in the commercial business land scape in North Carolina and beyond. Moss Withers, also of Ra leigh and childhood friend of Baker, worked for 10 years at commercial real estate leader NAI Carolantic. Following his tenure, Moss opened a Raleigh office for Los Angeles ba sed

If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to justi cation for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like must do this out of an abundance of caution.”

We need transparency and honesty from our scienti c experts — we need to know what they know, what they don’t and when they hope to know what they don’t.

The result: a reduction in expected hospitalization According to the University of Washington Metrics and Evaluation model most oft Trump administration, the expected need peak outbreak was revised down by over ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the number August by nearly 12,000.

The most direct way to make China “pay” for this disaster is to o er U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of their production back in the United States. There is approximately $120 billion worth of American direct investment in plants and equipment in China. Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by comparison.

| STACEY

It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of are reliable.

To date, I’ve gone along with what the state has asked and then mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about the data. State Republican leaders have, too.

Here’s the problem: We still don’t know questions that will allow the economy to

Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treat those simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick.

An investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China today, or $60 billion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing investment to the U.S. would cost the U.S. Treasury $18 billion in tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now undertaking to save our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the past.

First, what is the true coronavirus fatality important because it determines whether be open or closed, whether we ought to more liberalized society that presumes ought to lock down further.

Lenten and Easter seasons provide a message of hope that we will once again enjoy sporting events, concerts, family gatherings, church services and many more after our own temporary sacri ces are over.

For me, making. As Corinthians a iction, a iction, God.” If you are re ect on God’s example this di cult con dent In this same neighbors In Concord, money to buy health care

North State Journa l for Wednesday, April 15,

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed to do, last I checked.

My rst concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After su ering from the H1N1 virus (swine u) during the 2009 pandemic, I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings way too many memories of a painful experience I’d prefer not to

We’ve seen case fatality rates — the number the number of identi ed COVID-19 cases and the denominator are likely wrong. We people have actually died of coronavirus. number has been overestimated, given of death, particularly among elderly patients, sources suggest the number is dramatically many people are dying at home.

China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that they intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi.

China has to pay for economic and nancial to bring China into the and fair trade. Totalitarian or express sincere regret totalitarian governments they nd in adversaries adversaries push back. That is, unless an exogenous meltdown in 1986. Some program of Reagan, led in 1989. Perhaps COVID-19 is Senators in Washington of China forgiving $1.2 China to “pay” for the damage breath waiting for a Chinese representatives to hold this disaster. It is about time they the world like any other

Even more importantly, we have no clue actually have coronavirus. Some scientists of identi ed cases could be an order of magnitude number of people who have had coronavirus

But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone

It’s okay to ask questions about when we begin to get back to normal

The comfort and hope

Universal Epic Universe biggest project in Fla.

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

74M

orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”

the total number of parks at the Florida resort to four, in cluding Universal Studios.

“THIS IS THE DAY the lord has made, in it” (Psalm 118:24).

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

Tourists who visit Florida every year

Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during a recent coronavirus press brie ng that “we just don’t know yet” if the state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May.

The opening also raises the stakes in Universal’s competi tion with crosstown rival Walt Disney World for a greater share of Orlando’s annual in flux of 74 million tourists.

Universal officials also de scribe Epic Universe as the company’s most technological ly advanced theme park. For example, it uses a facial recog nition system for ride express lines.

Universal’s owner, Com cast NBCUniversal, also an nounced plans this month for its first Universal brand ed theme park and resort in Europe north of London. A year‑round horror entertain ment experience in Las Vegas should open later this year, and a family oriented theme park is slated to open next year in a Dallas suburb.

en to limit the desire of some Americans to spend on vaca tions. And the rough treatment that some U.S. visitors have ex perienced on arrival, as well as a boycott of the United States by some Canadians, are raising fears that international tour ists will stay away.

I know that during this challenging time working from home or losing a job, it may be glad” as the Bible tells us to do. However, and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded have to be thankful and hopeful for, even pandemic.

If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to the justi cation for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we must do this out of an abundance of caution.”

ment can’t be found in Celes tial Park, which is home to a 133 foot‑high dual launch ing roller coaster, Star dust R acers, and an enormous carousel.

It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases are reliable.

fallen into place. I understand to take precautions, but questions about the data, normal are treated in some They’re treated as though question what the government process of returning back No. The government questions. And the longer country, and the stricter the more people, sitting when they can get back answers.

For me, my faith is an important part making. As I celebrated Easter with my Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our a iction, so that we may be able to comfort a iction, with the comfort which we ourselves God.”

Super Nintendo World

To date, I’ve gone along with what the state has asked and then mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about the data. State Republican leaders have, too.

Tax receipts show Orlando’s tourist economy was booming last year, with Orange County collecting a record $359 mil lion in tourist taxes.

Here’s a look at Epic Uni verse’s different sections.

Celestial Park

Lenten and Easter seasons provide a message of hope that we will once again enjoy sporting events, concerts, family gatherings, church services and many more after our own temporary sacri ces are over.

Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treat those simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick.

Celestial Park is the hub in the spoke like design of Epic Universe, connecting the oth er “worlds.”

If you are celebrating the Easter season, re ect on this message and be comforted, God’s example and comfort all those in this di cult time. Through faith and by con dent we will emerge out of this pandemic

Super Nintendo World is the definition of sensory overload, from its bright primary colors that scream “Look at me!” to the loudness of the steel drum thumping syncopated calypso music.

In this same spirit, I continue to be inspired neighbors helping neighbors.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed to do, last I checked.

Epic Universe’s single day tickets will start at $139 for adults and increase to $199 during peak periods.

Leaders at the local and can be with those answers with details that give their We should all continue ourselves, and our communities to ask questions about measures are understandable, This is all new to Americans, shape, or form. So while the same time we shouldn’t normal.”

In Concord, a high school senior named money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic health care workers out of his own home.

Not one little bit.

My rst concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. I’m worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After su ering from the H1N1 virus (swine u) during the 2009 pandemic, I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up way too many memories of a painful experience I’d prefer not to repeat.

But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has

The Trump administration’s tariff announcements threat

Lee & Associates, North Amer ica’s largest broker owned commercial real estate firm.

The two property man agement leaders recently an

The astronomically themed section is the only one with original characters not based on preexisting intellectual property. Centered around a football field sized water foun tain and filled with abundant, colorful flowers, it’s an oasis of calm between the sensory overload of the four sections.

That’s not to say excite

nounced a merger that will offer a combined team of 50 professionals, becoming the most prevalent locally owned property and facility manage

It has two levels — rare for theme parks — and creates a completely immersive expe rience since nothing outside Super Nintendo World can be seen beyond the towering walls of Peach’s Castle and Mt. Bean pole. There is an augmented reality dark ride, a kid f riendly, slow moving omni mover ride and a Donkey Kong themed coaster. Character perform ers dressed as Mario and Luigi greet members of the crowd in a roped off area.

Stacey Matthews has also and is a regular contributor

ment company in the Triangle.

“Jamie had the depth that we need with his strong focus on medical and professional of fice properties,” Withers said.

“But what we had was a diver sity of products in the industri al and retail space. Now we’re able to integrate our width with his depth to become what is one of the top three or four companies in this market.”

With its expansion, the new enterprise plans to continue its identity as a North Carolina company and local resource.

“When you have folks from outside the market looking at it like it’s just another number,” said Baker,” it’s a totally differ ent experience. … (It’s) a huge differentiator for us to be able to compete with the big guys but have local roots that aren’t going anywhere. Moss and I both have young kids; we’re in this community, and we’re here for the long haul.”

The new company, which will operate under the Lee & Associates brand, is headquar tered in downtown Cary at 216 E. Chatham Street. Lundy will continue operating its brand ed division, maintaining its expertise in medical facilities management, a growing com mercial business, with plans to expand statewide and beyond.

JOHN RAOUX / AP PHOTO

The Universal Helios Grand Hotel Epic Universe Theme Park is seen at Universal Resort Orlando in April.

PHOTOS COURTESY MATTHEW EISLEY

Jamie Baker, left, joins Withers Moss at Lee & Associates following its merger with Lundy Management Group.

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Jason

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senio

Retailers scale for same-day prescription delivery service

Amazon is installing small pharmacies at distribution centers

By Tom Murphy The Associated Press

AMERICA’S TWO largest retailers want to deliver pre scriptions to your doorstep in as little as a few hours.

Amazon and Walmart are undergoing national expan sions in same day prescription deliveries. They’re joining a trend that has gained momen tum since the COVID 19 pan demic, with drugstore chains and companies like Instacart and DoorDash rushing to de liver prescriptions as soon as possible.

Fast prescription delivery options are growing as tradi tional drugstores close, and more people use telemedicine or subscription ba sed care that encourages regular deliveries.

But this trend may run into limits in the complicated U.S. health care system, where drug costs and coverage can out weigh convenience for con sumers, some of whom still like visiting a store.

“It takes a lot to change peo ple’s behavior when it comes to their health care,” said Ari elle Trzcinski, a principal an alyst with the consulting firm Forrester.

Independent drugstores have done same day deliver ies for years, especially for pa tients who are homebound or recovering from surgeries, said Brigid Groves, a vice president with the American Pharma cists Association.

CVS Health started same‑day deliveries in 2017 and has since expanded its reach. The chain delivered more than 4 million prescrip

Media and local officials tour an Amazon pharmacy, adjacent to a fulfillment center, in Corona, California, in 2024.

tions through that service in 2023.

Walgreens also does this na tionally and offers a service at hundreds of locations that will deliver within two hours.

Instacart got into pre scription deliveries during the COVID 19 pandem ic when it started a partner ship with Costco. The grocery delivery company has since launched same day delivery partnerships with Wegmans and Publix.

Amazon expects to offer same day prescription deliv eries to nearly half of its U.S. customers by the end of this year. It’s adding 20 small phar macies to distribution centers around the country to improve delivery speeds.

Separately, the company has opened 10 prescription pro cessing centers in the past few years. It can do same day de liveries from those as well.

“We’re building a modern pharmacy, what we like to think of as a pharmacy in your pocket,” Amazon executive Hannah McClellan said at a

Tariffs seen as beneficial to some small manufacturers

Uncertainty outweighs benefit for others

By Mae Anderson

The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Drew

Greenblatt is fully on board with the Trump administra tion’s use of tariffs to rebalance a global trading system that it says favors foreign companies over U.S. manufacturers.

Greenblatt is the president and owner of Marlin Steel Wire Products in Baltimore, mak ing baskets and racks for med ical device manufacturers, aerospace companies, food pro cessing companies and others. It has 115 employees and makes its products in three locations in Maryland, Indiana and Michigan. The steel is sourced from Tennessee, Illinois and Michigan.

Currently, it’s hard to com pete with baskets made over seas, Greenblatt says, because the countries he competes against have an “unfair advan tage.” For example, due to Eu ropean tariffs and taxes, it costs much more for a German con sumer or company to buy Mar lin wire baskets than it does for Americans to buy a Ger

UNIVERSAL from page A9

Dark Universe

Dark Universe is a throw back to Frankenstein’s mon ster, Dracula and the Invisi ble Man movies that launched Universal’s career in horror franchises.

Visitors enter through a recreated central Europe an village with a storyline about vampires inhabiting the ground underneath. There is

man made basket, creating an uneven playing field, Green blatt said.

“It’s wildly unfair to the American worker,” he said.

“And this has, by the way, been going on for decades.”

The Trump administration has called U.S. manufactur ing an “economic and nation al security” priority. U.S. man ufacturing has been declining for decades. In June 1979, the number of manufacturing workers peaked at 19.6 million.

By January 2025, employment was down 35% to 12.8 million, according to the Bureau of La bor Statistics. Small manufac turers, which make up 99% of all American manufacturing, have been hit particularly hard.

The administration has im plemented some tariffs against major U.S. trading partners while putting a hold on oth er tariffs pending negotiations.

The Trump administration says tariffs will force companies to have more products made in the U.S. to avoid steep price increases on their imports, which will mean “better paying American jobs” for people mak ing cars, appliances and other goods.

Greenblatt agrees, saying he could double his staff if “parity”

a dark ride through Franken stein’s castle, a family f riendly coaster based on the werewolf legend and a tavern topped by a windmill with blades engulfed by flames every few minutes.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter –Ministry of Magic

This is the third installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions that turbocharged the Florida re

Same day deliveries can help people get started quicker on antibiotics or COVID 19 treat ments when they are sick and see a doctor via telemedicine.

McClellan also said custom ers who get their prescriptions quickly are more likely to take them. She said Amazon was doubling down on same‑day deliveries this year and has “big plans to continue to build and scale those capabilities in the years to come.”

Patients may like conve nience, but they like saving money even more.

Same day deliveries can come with additional fees. People who consider them will want to know whether they are getting a better deal on their medicines, Trczinski said. She noted that this is especial ly true with so called mainte nance prescriptions that are refilled repeatedly.

FTC sues Uber

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against Uber on Monday, alleging that the company enrolled consumers in its Uber One subscription program without their consent and made it too difficult for them to cancel. Uber One members pay $9.99 per month or $96 per year for a range of services, including fee‑free Uber Eats food deliveries. The FTC said it received multiple complaints from people enrolled in the program without their knowledge. In a statement, Uber said it was disappointed the FTC chose to move forward with the lawsuit. Uber said its sign up and cancellation process is clear, simple and lawful.

company presentation last fall.

The Amazon Pharmacy vice president added that this in cluded rapid deliveries and around the clock access to pharmacists.

Walmart launched same‑day deliveries last fall in six states and expanded earlier this year to every state except North Da kota, where it has no pharma cies. The company allows cus tomers to get their medicines along with groceries or other store items.

It offers several levels of ser vice, including some deliveries in a half hour.

Customer demand drove Walmart’s expansion, said Kevin Host, a pharmacy se nior vice president. He said prescription deliveries were the top thing customers re quested when surveyed by the company.

Host noted that most peo ple pick a pharmacy based on how close it is to their home or whether it has a drive through window.

“This is just elevating that level of convenience,” he said.

in tariffs becomes a reality.

While other small manufac turing businesses also support the tariffs, other owners have concerns. The Trump tariffs threaten to upend the existing economic order and possibly push the global economy into recession.

For Corry Blanc, the injec tion of uncertainty around the economy outstrips any poten tial benefit.

He started his business, Blanc Creatives in Waynesboro, Virginia, in 2012. He makes handcrafted cookware such as skillets and other kitchenware and bakeware with American steel and wood, and employs 12 staffers. He gets his steel from a plant in South Carolina and a distributor in Richmond. Wood comes from local regional saw mills near the company’s head quarters in Waynesboro, Vir ginia.

He said he’s been fielding worried calls from customers in Canada and overseas. And he says the infrastructure isn’t in place to increase production if more people do start buying American made goods.

Blanc said he survived the pandemic and other tough times, but conditions now are the hardest they’ve ever been.

“There’s so much uncertain ty and not a lot of direction,” he said.

American Giant CEO Bayard Winthrop takes a more positive view. He founded his clothing company in 2011 after watch ing the textile industry go off shore and seeing a lack of qual ity, affordable American made clothing.

He sources cotton from

sort into a genuine challenger to Disney World’s dominance. The arched doorways, wrought iron balconies and cobblestoned streets make vis itors feel like they have para chuted into the “Fantastic Beasts” films set in 1920s Par is. The land’s highlight is the Battle at the Ministry’s om nidirectional lift ride, whose green tiled, faux gold plated atrium is on a scale reminis cent of New York’s Grand Cen tral Terminal.

People with insurance who are taking those mainte nance drugs may already have them delivered, noted Andrew Mulcahy, a senior health econ omist with the nonprofit re search organization RAND Corp.

“The practical implications of these kinds of programs will be very muted,” he said.

Customers will also have to trust that their regular pre scriptions get delivered on time and are covered by their health insurer, especially if they switch pharmacies for de liveries.

Drugstore pharmacists also have started providing more care and working with custom ers to manage conditions like high blood pressure.

Plus, some people just prefer going to drugstores. Don Wat son says he might consider pre scription deliveries “maybe 10 years from now when I’m not able to do it myself.”

The 72 year old Indianap olis resident said as he left a Walgreens store recently that he has no problem picking up prescriptions.

“Sometimes the wait can be a little long. … That’s my only gripe,” Watson said.

Southeastern states like Geor gia, Florida and North Caroli na, and has a factory in North Carolina and a joint partner ship facility in Los Angeles.

“People forget that in about 1985 that all the clothing that Americans bought was made in America,” he said. “It is only in the last 40 years that that we re ally pursued as a country a very aggressive approach to global ization.”

In 1991, more than half of U.S. apparel, about 56%, was made in the U.S., according to statistics from the American Apparel and Footwear Associa tion. By 2023, that number had shrunk to less than 4%.

Winthrop hopes the tar iffs will bring about a return to more American made products.

“The imbalances between our trading, in particularly with China, particularly the textiles, it’s just shocking, to be honest with you,” he said, adding that he hopes Trump’s policies “put domestic manufacturers on a bit more of a competitive foot ing.”

Winthrop understands peo ple’s concerns but said it’s im portant to think longer term.

“Americans are worried about tariffs, and I think there’s a lot of justification for the wor ry because I think the adminis tration can be volatile and un predictable,” he said. But he added that people should put that aside.

“The idea that we’re going to be more protective of our do mestic marketplace and have an industrial policy that in cludes manufacturing jobs is an old idea. It’s not a new idea,” he said.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berke

Next generation anima tronic dragons are the stars in this section, based on the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise.

Anchored by a lagoon at its center with statues, the Vi king inspired land has a coaster, a boat ride and meet‑and‑greets with the surprisingly agile dragons. These aren’t your fa ther’s animatronics.

Chipotle opening in Mexico

Chipotle Mexican Grill is coming to Mexico. The California ba sed chain said Monday it is planning to open restaurants in Mexico for the first time starting early next year. Chipotle is partnering with Alsea, a Mexico City‑based company that operates locations for Domino’s, Starbucks, Burger King, Chili’s and other brands in South America and Europe. Chipotle says it’s confident its classic recipes and fresh ingredients will resonate with Mexican diners. The announcement comes as President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Mexican imports could increase costs for U.S. Chipotle locations.

Capital One purchase of Discover gets regulatory approvals

New York

The pending merger between Capital One and Discover Financial Services received approval from several regulators Friday, bringing the $35 billion tie up closer to completion. The Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency signed off on the deal, which was first announced in February 2024. Under an agreement with the Federal Reserve Board, Discover entered into a consent order and was assessed a $100 million fine for overcharging certain interchange fees from 2007 through 2023. Discover has since terminated these practices and is repaying those fees to affected customers, according to the Fed.

Agreement reached in Ohio derailment lawsuit

Norfolk Southern reached an agreement with one of the two companies it has been trying to force to help pay for the $600 million class action settlement it agreed to over its disastrous 2023 train derailment near the Ohio Pennsylvania border and the toxic chemicals that were released and burned. The railroad and the OxyVinyls chemical company announced the settlement last Thursday in the midst of the ongoing trial over who should pay for that settlement over the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment. But they didn’t disclose any details. The lawsuit won’t change the amount of money residents will receive from the settlement; it will just affect which companies pay for it.

NCDOT CASH REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 17

Beginning Cash $2,632,379,211 Receipts (income) $48,475,928 Disbursements $176,938.797 Cash Balance $2,503,926,160

TERRY PIERSON / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER VIA AP

features

‘Sinners’

surges past ‘Minecraft’ to lead box office

“Snow White” dropped to 10th place, earning $1.2 million

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Brand names, not filmmakers or stars, are said to rule the box office these days. But Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” led by twin Michael B. Jordans, proved a bloody exception to modern movie rules, launch ing with $45.6 million in ticket sales in U.S. and Canadian the aters, according to studio esti mates Sunday.

“Sinners,” a Warner Bros. re lease that cost about $90 million to produce, was a bold gamble on originality — albeit with genre elements — and one of the most bankable American directors in Coogler. The “Creed” and “Black Panther” director wrote and produced “Sinners,” a 1932‑set vampire movie about bootleg ging brothers (both played by Jordan) who open a juke joint in their Mississippi hometown.

“A Minecraft Movie,” the year’s biggest Hollywood hit, followed close behind in second, collecting $41.3 million in its third week of release. That gave Warner Bros., after a handful of disappointments, an enviable one t wo punch at the box office with one original, director driv en movie and one IP‑based property.

“A Minecraft Movie,” which Warner Bros. co produced with Legendary Pictures, has amassed $720.8 million world wide in three weeks of release.

Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca, co chairs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, cele

brated the two films’ resonance with moviegoers. The studio accounted for 64% of the do mestic box office for the Easter weekend.

“Movies have the power to transport us to worlds only seen on the big screen, and Warner Bros. Pictures remains commit ted to bringing singular in the ater experiences to audiences looking for bold movies, both original and those based on be loved existing properties,” Abdy and De Luca said in a statement Sunday.

But all eyes were on the per formance of “Sinners,” which Warner Bros. went to extreme lengths to secure. Abdy and De Luca agreed to give Coogler a cut of gross ticket sales and ownership of the film after 25 years — a virtually unheard of concession.

But Coogler and Jordan, whose collaborations stretch back to “Fruitvale Station,” make up one of the indus try’s most potent director ac tor duos. Reviews (98% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes) were stel lar for “Sinners,” and audienc es were also enthralled by its supernatural twists. The film earned an “A” CinemaScore from moviegoers.

Overseas, “Sinners” faced a more uphill battle. It collected $15.4 million in 71 internation al markets. Domestically, “Sin ners” attracted a diverse audi ence: 38% black, 35% white, 18% Hispanic and 5% Asian. Before “Sinners,” dual roles had been rough business for Warner Bros. The studio saw flops in both “The Alto Knights” (a period gangster film featur ing a doubled Robert De Niro) and “Mickey 17” (a sci fi movie

with two Robert Pattinsons).

But the strong opening for “Sinners,” which should be sus tained in the coming weeks giv en the strong word of mouth, ce ments Coogler’s place as one of a handful of filmmakers whose name draws big audiences. An other would be Jordan Peele, whose “Nope” (2022) debuted similarly with $44.3 million.

Angel Studios’ “The King of

Kings,” an animated tale of Je sus’ life aimed at Christian au diences, capitalized on the Eas ter weekend, grossing $17.2 million in its second week of re lease. That was nearly equal to its opening weekend ($19.1 mil lion) and brought “The King of Kings” to a domestic total of $45.3 million. Bleecker Street’s “The Wed ding Banquet,” Andrew Ahn’s

Zimbabwe’s stone carvers seek revival

By Farai Mutsaka The Associated Press

CHITUNGWIZA, Zimba

bwe — A pair of white hands blinding a black face. A smiling colonizer with a Bible, crush ing the skull of a screaming na tive with his boot. Chained men in gold mines, and a pregnant woman.

These stone sculptures from Zimbabwe will take cen ter stage at an upcoming exhi bition at Oxford University in Britain, aiming to “contextual ize” the legacy of British impe rialist Cecil John Rhodes with depictions of religious decep tion, forced labor and sexual abuse.

Rhodes conquered large parts of southern Africa in the late 19th century. He made a fortune in gold and diamond mining and grabbed land from the local population. His grave lies under a slab of stone atop a hill in Zimbabwe.

Oxford’s Oriel College, where the exhibition will be held in September, is a symbolic set ting. A statue of Rhodes stands there despite protests against it since 2015. Rhodes, who died in 1902, was an Oriel stu dent who left 100,000 pounds (now valued at about 10.5 mil lion pounds, or $13.5 million) to the school. His influence en dures through a scholarship for students from southern African countries.

For Zimbabwean stone carv ers at Chitungwiza Arts Cen ter near the capital, Harare, the exhibition is more than an op portunity for Western audienc es to glimpse a dark history. It is also a chance to revive an an‑

cient but struggling art form. Stone sculpture, once a thriv ing local industry, has suffered due to vast economic challeng es and declining tourism. “This will boost business. Buyers abroad will now see our work and buy directly from the artists,” said sculptor Wallace Mkanka. His piece, depicting the blinded black face, was se lected as the best of 110 entries and will be one of four winning sculptures on display at Oxford. Zimbabwe, meaning “House of Stone,” derives its identity from the Great Zimbabwe ru ins, a 1,800 a cre Iron Age city built with precision cut stones delicately stacked without mor tar. It is a UNESCO World Her itage site. The southern African coun try has long used stone sculp ture as a form of storytelling

“The only solution now is to get out there to the markets ourselves. If we don’t, no one will.”

Tendai Gwaravaza, chairman of Chitungwiza Arts Center

to immortalize history. The craft survived close to a centu ry of colonial rule that sought to erase local traditions, religion and art forms. It thrived internationally in stead. Thousands of pieces were plundered from Africa. Some later became subjects of repa triation campaigns. Others be came prized by tourists and col lectors. A permanent collection of 20 Zimbabwean stone sculp

tures is displayed in a pedestri

an tunnel at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest.

At its peak following inde pendence, Zimbabwe’s stone sculpture industry thrived, with local white farmers pur chasing pieces for their homes and facilitating international sales.

“Customers were every where. They would pay up front, and I always had a queue of cli ents,” recalled Tafadzwa Tandi, a 45 year old sculptor whose work will feature in the Oxford exhibition.

However, the industry has struggled over the past two decades.

Zimbabwe’s global image suffered after controversial land reforms more than two de cades ago displaced more than

reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 queer comedy of errors, opened on 1,142 North American screens with $922,906 in ticket sales. “The Wedding Banquet,” a hit at the Sundance Film Festi val, stars Lily Gladstone, Bow en Yang, Kelly Marie Tran and newcomer Han Gi chan.

Top 10 movies by domestic box office

This list factors in the esti mated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Ca nadian theaters, according to Comscore:

1. “Sinners,” $45.6 million

2. “A Minecraft Movie,” $41.3 million

3. “The King of Kings,” $17.3 million

4. “The Amateur,” $7.2 million

5. “Warfare,” $4.9 million

6. “Drop,” $3.4 million

7. “Colorful Stage: The Movie,” $2.8 million

8. “Pride & Prejudice” (2005), $2.7 million

9. “The Chosen: Last Supper,” $1.8 million

10. “Snow White,” $1.2 million

4,000 white farmers to redis tribute land to about 300,000 black families, according to government figures. Late rul er Robert Mugabe defended the reforms as necessary to address colonial era inequities, but theyhad unintended economic consequences.

“Many of our customers were friends of the farmers. That is where the problem originated from,” said Tendai Gwaravaza, chairman of Chitungwiza Arts Center.

At the center, the sound of grinders filled the air as sculp tors carved. Hundreds of fin ished pieces, ranging from small carvings to life sized sculptures, waited for buyers.

“The only solution now is to get out there to the markets ourselves. If we don’t, no one will,” Gwaravaza said.

The Oxford exhibition rep resents such an opportunity for exposure, he said. It is the brainchild of the Ox ford Zimbabwe Arts Partner ship, formed in response to the “Rhodes Must Fall” campaign during the Black Lives Matter protests in the U.S.

The group, consisting of Zimbabwean artists, an Ox ford alumnus and a profes sor of African history, initially envisioned a larger project ti tled “Oxford and Rhodes: Past, Present, and Future.” It includ ed enclosing Rhodes’ statue in glass, installing 100 life size bronze statues of African lib eration fighters and creating a collaborative sculpture using recycled materials to represent the future.

However, the project re quired an estimated 200,000 pounds, far beyond available re sources. Eventually, Oriel Col lege provided 10,000 pounds for a scaled down exhibition.

“It’s still my hope that one day it could happen, but for now, we have just accepted something very small to make a start and to do something,” said Richard Pantlin, the Oxford alumnus and OZAP co founder.

An Oxford exhibition confronts a British colonial legacy

AARON UFUMELI / AP PHOTO

Wallace Mkanka holds his winning sculpture, which will be part of an upcoming exhibition at Oxford University aiming to contextualize the legacy of British imperialist Cecil John Rhodes, at the Chitungwiza Arts Centre near Harare, Zimbabwe, in March.

WARNER BROS. PICTURES VIA AP

A twinned Michael B. Jordan and Omar Benson Miller star in “Sinners.”

SCOTT A. GARFITT / INVISION / AP

Jack Black poses for photographers with a model wolf character from “A Minecraft Movie” upon arrival of the film’s March 30 premiere in London.

NOTICE

Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

NOTICE

State of North Carolina County of Cumberland In the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division Estate File #25E000489 250 Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the estate of Carrie Canady, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of July, 2025. Derek Townsend 5215 Foxfire Rd Fayetteville, NC 28303 Of the Estate of Carrie Canady, Deceased

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 25E000452250 Administrator’s / Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Jo Ann McLean Capps, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of July, 2025 (which is three months after the day of the first 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 26th day of March, 2025. James David Capps, Administrator 539 West Summerchase Drive Fayetteville, NC 28311 Of the Estate of Jo Ann McLean Capps, Deceased

Estate of Glen Eugene Borg, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS: IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NUMBER: 25E000364 250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Ronald E. Bredell, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all person, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 7318 Avalon Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303, on or before July 17, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 15th day of April, 2025. Denise Bredell Hill,Executor of the Estate of Ronald Ellis Bredell 7318 Avalon Drive Fayetteville,NC 28303 2419 (910) 538 0 077

The undersigned, having qualified as Shanna Mcclurkin of the Estate of Joann Mcclurkin, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms and Corporation having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 10th day July, 2025.(which date three months after the day of 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 10th day of April in the year 2025 Shanna Mcclurkin Administrator/Executor 937 Brookridge Fayetteville,NC 28314 Address Fayetteville, NC 28314 City, State, Zip Of the Estate of Joann Mcclurkin ,Deceased

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division County of Cumberland Estate File # 25E000448 250

Administrator’s/ Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator/Executor of the Estate of Brenda Bowen Maynor, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations havingclaims against said estate to present their claims to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of July 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first 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 2nd day of April 2025. Beverly Jean Edenfield, Administrator 2341 Crosshill Street Eastover, NC 28312 Of the Estate of Brenda Bowen Maynor, Deceased

NOTICE

State of North Carolina In the General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File: 23E1935

Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Tito A Matos, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 17 July 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first 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 14 day of April, 2025. Gilberto Matos Jr Administrator/Executor 218 Old Gate Rd Fayetteville NC 28314 Of the Estate of Tito A Matos, Deceased

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court Of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court

Division Estate File # 25E000360 250

Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having qualified as executor of the estate of Alice Faye Kiley, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of July, 2025, (which is three months after the day of the first 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 1st day of April, 2025 Lisa Lampkins Administrator/Executor 207 Peachtree St. Address Fayetteville, NC 28305 City, State, Zip Of the estate of Alice Faye Kiley , Deceased

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court

Division Estate File #25E000484 250

Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Minnie P. Keyes, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of July, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first 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 10th day of April, 2025. Felix Maurice Keyes Executor 993 Kingscote Drive Fayetteville, NC 28314 Of the Estate of Minnie P. Keyes, Deceased

Executor’s Notice IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 25 E 0 00284 250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Ruby Cooper Jackson, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 4338 Macedonia Church Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28312 on or before July 3, 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 3rd day of April, 2025. Sandra Faye Jackson Bradshaw Executor of the Estate of Ruby Cooper Jackson, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 04/03/2025, 04/10/2025,

NASCAR returns to the Rock, B3

Welcome back

Kahne was back in a Cup Series car for NASCAR’s return to Rockingham over the weekend.

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

NWSL

Pickett shot from distance gives Bay win over Courage

Cary Kiki Pickett scored a long-range goal in the 33rd minute to give Bay FC a 1-0 road win to keep the Courage winless. Pickett collected a pass from Joelle Anderson for her second goal of the season. Bay limited the Courage (0-3-2) to just five total shots.

NCAA FOOTBALL

NCAA football panel gives final OK to faked injury rule

Indianapolis

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel gave final approval to a rule designed to discourage football players from faking injuries to stop the game clock. If medical personnel go onto the field to evaluate a player with an apparent injury, that player’s team will be charged a timeout. If the team has no timeouts remaining, a 5-yard delay-of-game penalty will be assessed.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Former Heisman winner Ward to take over as Florida A&M’s basketball coach

Tallahassee, Fla.

Former Florida State dual-sport star and 1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward will become the men’s basketball coach at Florida A&M University. The 54-year-old Ward graduated from Florida State in 1994 and went on to have an 11-year NBA career. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Most recently, he served as a high school boys’ basketball coach in Tallahassee.

Could the Panthers get defensive in the draft?

Carolina hasn’t taken a defensive player with its top two picks in the last three drafts

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

THE NFL DRAFT starts Thursday night in Green Bay, and there’s a good chance the Carolina Panthers will break with recent tradition. Not since the team took cornerback Jaycee Horn in the first round in 2021 has Carolina used one of its top two draft picks on a defensive player.

The Panthers took receiver Terrace Marshall in the second round, after Horn, offensive tackle Ickey Ekwonu and quarterback Matt Corral (a third-rounder, but the team’s second pick) in 2022, Bryce Young and Jonathan Mingo in

2023 and Xavier Leggette and Jonathan Brooks last year. While not all of those picks are still with the team, as the

Friends as foes: Hurricanes recall facing familiar opponents

Playing against a former teammate can be exciting, fun or induce anxiety

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — The Carolina Hurricanes are seeing several familiar faces during their first round series with the New Jersey Devils, including Dougie Hamilton, Erik Haula and Stefan Noesen.

But no face this playoff season will look stranger lining up across the Hurricanes’ players than Brett Pesce.

Pesce was drafted by Carolina 66th overall in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft and lasted just three games in the AHL during his first full professional season in 2015 before earning a promotion to Raleigh.

Nine seasons and more than 600 games later, Pesce, an unrestricted free agent last summer, signed with the Devils, staying in the division and setting up this and possibly future playoff clashes.

Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho said “there are no friends in a series,” and the lines of communication with his former teammate are “radio silence.”

Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour seems pained every time one of his mainstay players — Brock McGinn, Nino Niederreiter, Vincent Trocheck, Brady Skjei or Pesce, for example — takes their services elsewhere. He also knows what this time of year is all about.

“He’s a great player,” Brind’Amour said of Pesce on the eve of Game 1. “There’s a reason they went and grabbed him out of free agency. There’s a

Panthers enter the 2025 draft, Carolina has more needs on defense than offense. That’s true even after an offseason during

which the team bulked up on D in the free agent market, adding two tackles to the interior of the defensive line while also inking a pair of linebackers and a safety.

The biggest areas of need entering the draft are edge rusher on defense and receiver on offense. Carolina also could use more help at safety and, to a lesser extent, cornerback. Given the players likely to be left on the board when the team hits the clock with the eighth pick, it will probably come down to a pass rusher or pass catcher.

While it’s not unanimous, there is a consensus among mock drafts that the Panthers will use the top pick on Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker. The Salisbury native was the Gatorade Player of the Year in North Carolina in 2021, and his father is a longtime college coach in the state. Walker won a national title and the Butkus Award during his time with UGA.

He’s a big linebacker or a small end, but many observers grade him as the best pass rusher in the draft. Walker’s speed and big-play ability likely give him the highest ceiling of

See PANTHERS, page B3

JOHNNIE IZQUIERDO / AP PHOTO

Predators defenseman Dante Fabbro and Hurricanes forward Tyson Jost, longtime friends, exchange shoves during a preseason game on Oct. 5 in Nashville, Tennessee.

JASON JACKSON

RICK SCUTERI / AP PHOTO

Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) reaches for a touchdown catch against West Virginia during a game last October.

Kasey

For more from the Rock, turn to B3.

TRENDING

Seth Jar vis:

The right wing was named the Carolina Hurricanes team MVP in voting by the Professional Hockey Writers Association It was

honor Sebastian Aho won the award six of the previous seven seasons Jarvis matched his career high with 67 points and scored 32 goals, his second straight 30-plus goal season Aho received the Josef Vasicek Award for cooperation with the local media

Cooper Flagg:

The Duke star is headed to the NBA as the favorite to be the No. 1 overall draft pick That came after a lone college season that saw the 18-year-old win national player of the year while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four He averaged 19.2 points 7 5 rebounds 4 2 assists 1 4 blocks and 1 4 steals to lead Duke in each category

Cole Sulser: The right-handed reliever became to participate in two no-hitters for the Durham Bulls after combining with Joe Boyle and Jacob Waguespack to no-hit Scranton Wilkes-Barre on Saturday It was the seventh no-no in Durham s Triple-A six years Sulser also relieved in a 2019 Bulls no-hitter Sulser is 8-3 in four seasons with Durham He also pitched for the Carolina Mudcats in 2014

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

AUTO RACING

Indy Car announced the protocols for using replacement dr ivers dur ing the Indianapolis 500, one year af ter Kyle Larson’s plans for completing the “Double” nearly wa shed out on the day of the race, and w ith the NA SCA R star eyeing the Indy 500 and the Coca- Cola 600 in Charlotte again on May 25. A replacement dr iver w ill only be considered if the pr imar y dr iver is “ par ticipating in another marquee event on race day ”

“I haven’t felt like I owed anybody a decision at any point.”

Free agent quar terback Aaron Rodgers who hasn’t made up his mind about playing nex t season

6-0-1

Charlotte FC ’ s record this sea son when Pep Biel contr ibutes to a goal Biel had his leag ue-leading si x th a ssist in a 3- 0 v ictor y over San Diego FC Charlotte ha s a per fect home record af ter its

Former Charlotte Hornets player and current Celtics assistant coach Kemba Walker announced that he’s coming out of retirement to play in the BIG3 three-on-three leag ue this summer. Games r un from June to Aug ust Walker was a three-time all-star w ith the Hornets and is the franchise’s career points leader

Defenseman Brent Burns won the 2024 -25 Steve Chiasson Award, g iven to the Carolina Hurricanes player and dedication while prov ing to be an inspiration to his teammates through his per formance and approach to the game The honor is voted on by Carolina players

Two NC State women ’ s ba sketball players were the W NBA Draf t Saniya R ivers went eighth overall to the Connecticut Sun, and A ziaha James (r ight) went 12th to the Dalla s Wings R ivers and also Atlantic Coa st Conference A ll-Defensive Team for a second straight year James (lef t) is a t wo-time A ll-ACC

NASCAR returns to Rockingham Speedway

Sammy Smith claims an Xfinity Series victory amid controversy and nostalgia

By Jason Jackson For North State Journal

ROCKINGHAM — The NASCAR Xfinity Series roared back into action on the Saturday before Easter for the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 at The Rockingham Speedway. It was the series’ first race around the iconic 0.94-mile oval since 2004.

The vibe was electric with all the nostalgic charm of the old Busch Series races that used to light up “The Rock.” However, the race’s dramatic conclusion — punctuated by a postrace disqualification of Jesse Love’s No. 2 Chevrolet and a victory handed to Sammy Smith’s No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet — made sure this wasn’t just a trip down memory lane.

Love’s DQ gives Smith the win

The race’s defining moment came after the checkered flag. Love, behind the wheel of the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, powered through an intense overtime showdown, edging out Smith on the final restart. It looked like Love had locked down his second win of the 2025 season — and his third career victory — making it a triumphant highlight for the series’ Rockingham comeback. However, postrace inspection

revealed a violation of Rule 14.14.2.I-5.h, which governs trailing arm spacers and pinion angle shims.

“All mating surfaces of those parts need to be in complete contact with each other,” Xfinity Series director Eric Peterson said, “and unfortunately, they violated that rule and were disqualified.”

The disqualification stripped Love of the win, relegating him to last place. Richard Childress Racing fired back, announcing an appeal on April 21, but no hearing as been set. The ruling gave Smith, who finished in second on the track, the victory.

A new chapter for “The Rock”

This race delivered a blend of modern NASCAR drama and Busch Series nostalgia, with Smith’s controversial win and Kasey Kahne’s resilient return anchoring the narrative.

Love’s disqualification was a stark reminder of how tight NASCAR’s technical rules are now, a far cry from the looser days of the Busch Series era. Still, the packed stands and slick multigroove racing showed Rockingham’s got plenty of life left, producing memorable moments that’ll stick with fans just like it did in the past.

As the Xfinity Series rolls on to Talladega, the echoes of “The Rock” will linger, with fans and drivers alike wondering if the Cup Series will be the next to return for another chapter at the historic track.

the pass-rushing options available at pick eight. Walker is the Panthers’ pick on more than half of the major outlets’ mock drafts. If someone beats the Panthers to the punch, or if the team decides to go in a different direction, they don’t need to look much farther than Walker’s linemate with the Bulldogs. Mykel Williams also got plenty of mention by Carolina mock drafts. He’s bigger than Walker — at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, he has three inches and more than

20 pounds on than his teammate — and is more of a classic pass-rushing end than a linebacker/end hybrid. He’ll also be an asset against the run, especially lining up next to the Panthers’ much-improved interior defense up front. The Panthers have had both Bulldogs in for predraft visits. Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart has plenty of potential, but he’s also a big risk since his college production was fairly limited. There’s still a strong chance that a team will take a flier on him, perhaps in the first 10 picks. There hasn’t been much

smoke swirling around interest on the Panthers’ part, however. The next two best edge rushers are Tennessee’s James Pearce and Marshall’s Mike Green. Both seem likely to go late in the first round, and it would raise eyebrows around the league if the Panthers used the eighth pick on them. If the Panthers decide to address receiver, keeping their streak of early offense picks intact, the most likely choice is Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan. His 3,423 yards in three seasons are the most in Arizona history, and he finished runner-up for the Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the nation’s best college receiver. Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka is the next-best receiver prospect, but eight seems too early to take him. Assuming the Panthers go edge rusher in the first round, they may choose to address the safety position with their next pick, at 25 in the second round. That’s based on the falloff at the receiver position and who is likely to still be around when Carolina is back on the clock. Penn State’s Kevin Winston or Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts could be the choice. Or

the Panthers could pull the trigger on receiver, with TCU’s Jack Bech or Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel as players to watch. Noel paid a predraft visit to Carolina, and Bech has been a fast riser on draft boards after the Combine. The Panthers will then likely address whichever spot they neglected with the first two choices with their third-round pick, scheduled to come 17 spots later. Of course, Carolina has a pair of fourth-rounders and three fifth-round selections, so there is plenty of capital to swing a trade to move up, if necessary.

PANTHERS from page B1

PHOTOS BY JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

NASCAR made its return to Rockingham with an Xfinity race over Easter weekend.

Pit crews work on the cars of Nick Sanchez and Josh Williams during the race.

Sammy Smith (8) was awarded the victory after Jesse Love’s No. 2 Chevy was declared to have violated equipment rules.

New names coming to a football team near you

With the second transfer portal window opened, there’s been yet another shifting of talent

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

THE SPRING FOOTBALL transfer portal opened last week, which is the second window for players to submit their names and find a new home before the start of the new collegiate season.

Every year it seems like more and more players are taking their chances in the portal, and this year is no exception.

Although the losses can hurt, on the flipside, it also presents teams with the opportunity to bring in plenty of talented players as well.

Here are some of the top names coming to the state’s FBS programs.

UNC Tar Heels (24)

After an abysmal season that ended in coach Mack Brown getting fired, the Tar Heels quickly became one of the biggest storylines in college football with the arrival of new coach Bill Belichick.

As of late, UNC addressed a need at quarterback, landing South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez, one of the top-rated transfer targets.

The sophomore threw for

2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, along with nearly 500 yards and seven additional scores on the ground. He arrives w ith three years of eligibility remaining.

Belichick and staff have been busy beyond that, landing a top linebacker in Mikai Gbayor from Missouri, cornerback Thaddeus Dixon from Washington, offensive tackle Daniel King from Troy and defensive lineman Pryce Yates from UConn, to name a few.

NC State Wolfpack (13)

One of the biggest needs for the Wolfpack heading into this season was to improve the offensive line for quarterback C.J. Bailey, so the team added a trio of players in interior offensive linemen Jalen Grant from Purdue and Brock Stukes from N.C. A&T, as well as offensive tackle Teague Andersen from Utah State.

The team also had a lot of work to do in the portal to replace the secondary after a mass exodus following the departure of defensive coordinator Tony Gibson. The Wolfack added cornerback Jaren Sensabaugh from Mizzou, safety JJ Johnson from Georgia State and cornerback Jamel Johnson from Temple.

NC State has also brought in six EDGEs/linebackers, headlined by linebacker Sterling Dixon from Alabama.

Medieval-armored cage fighting league coming this weekend to Winston-Salem

Armored MMA will feature 12 matches at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

FOR THOSE who enjoy the appeal of combat sports and medieval warfare, there’s an opportunity to see both in one setting.

Armored MMA, a medieval cage fighting league that pairs armor and weapons with mixed martial arts, is bringing its unique sport to Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem on Saturday.

Starting at 7 p.m., spectators can watch 12 one-on-one matches of fighters dressed head to toe in silver armor battling with swords, maces, shields and other medieval weapons. It isn’t just for show — these are real fights where competitors are looking to score points and do some damage in the ring.

“We built our rule set about the idea that if the weapons were razor sharp, and we were trying to kill each other, what would it really look like?” Mickey Gallus, owner of AMMA, said. “There’s

CANES from page B1

reason we wanted to keep him. It’s all part of it. … He’s not on our team anymore. We’ll always be friends, and he’s always part of the Hurricanes family. But not these couple of weeks.”

Long story short, friendships get set aside come playoff time. But that doesn’t mean facing a former team or teammate can’t be difficult and awkward.

I asked a handful of Hurricanes about some of the first times they experienced those moments in their playing careers.

Frederik Andersen

“The one that came to mind was my first game against (former Ducks teammate Andrew) Cogliano,” Andersen said. “I was in Toronto, and they came to Toronto and he was still there. That was the first time playing a close friend.

“I think I got the better of

Duke Blue Devils (7)

While Duke may have been caught by surprise by the exit of quarterback Maalik Murphy following the close of their 9-4 season, they wasted no time in finding his replacement in Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah.

In his one year of collegiate football, Mensah threw for 2,723 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 65.9% of his passes.

In addition, the Blue Devils added to their vicious defense with lineman Josiah Green from Dartmouth and two defensive backs in Caleb Weaver from Sam Houston and Jaiden Francois from Utah State.

ECU Pirates (15)

Despite losing a good number of players to the portal, the Pirates have been active and aggressive to try and fill the gaps.

For one, ECU is bringing in a ton of support for quarterback Katin Houser, with three wide receivers coming to Greenville from the portal: Jaquaize Pettaway from Oklahoma, Tyler Johnson from Penn State and Payton Mangrum from South Carolina.

Add in a few EDGEs and cornerbacks, and the Pirates are hoping to keep up the momentum they picked up in the sec-

ond half of last season after Blake Harrell took over the program reins from Mike Houston.

Appalachian State Mountaineers (20)

The Mountaineers had their work cut out for themselves heading into their first season under coach Dowell Loggins, who previously served as South Carolina’s offensive coordinator, as the team saw an exodus of players to the portal.

However, App State has begun to rebuild, with quite a few SEC pickups.

Quarterback AJ Swann comes to Boone by way of LSU and Vanderbilt before that. Swann has a dozen collegiate starts under his belt and has thrown for 2,741 yards and 22 touchdowns in 17 total appearances.

The Mountaineers also added running back Khalifa Keith from Tennessee, wide receiver Davion Dozier from Arkansas and linebacker Brooks Yurachek from Arkansas, just a few names amongst their 20 transfer additions.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (24)

The Deacons are another team looking to replace a whole heck of a lot following a coaching change.

After longtime coach Dave Clawson stepped down, Wash-

ington State coach Jake Dickert was brought in to take control of the program.

Wake has brought in two quarterbacks from the portal, landing Deshawn Purdie from Charlotte and Robby Ashford from South Carolina to battle with Jeremy Hecklinski for the starting role.

The team has also replaced nearly the entire offensive line, with four interior offensive linemen and three offensive tackles added. Dickert has also added four cornerbacks, five wide receivers, three EDGEs, two defensive linemen and a linebacker, so the Demon Deacons will feature nearly almost a completely new roster.

Charlotte 49ers (21)

The 49ers are also under a new coach as Ohio University’s Tim Albin replaced Biff Poggi, and as is common with the introduction of a new coach, the team lost a ton of players to the portal. Albin has been active since coming on board.

To beef up the quarterback room, Charlotte brought in some familiar in-state faces in Conner Harrell from UNC and Grayson Loftis from Duke. There isn’t really a position group that the 49ers haven’t added to from the portal, with more than 20 additions coming to Charlotte, including quite a few former Bobcats who played for Albin.

fencing, there’s HEMA, there’s all these different sword work stuff out there, but once they score that point, they stop, and then they assess a point. We don’t stop. It’s just like a UFC fight.”

In matches with three two-minute rounds, fighters, who are categorized into different weight classes, can win by knockout, technical knockout or by outstriking, or outscoring, their opponents. Fighters earn two points for strikes to the head, two points for strikes to the body and one point for hitting limbs.

The weapons are rebated. But even if the fighters can’t cut each other, they could still break bones and draw blood.

Championship matches for each weight class are determined by a ranking system. Near the time for a championship match, the top fighters in a weight class battle each other for a chance at the title.

Because the sport incorporates different combat techniques, the fighters come from a variety of fighting backgrounds. Some have more experience with the MMA aspect, while others may have the upper

him the times we played. I’m pretty sure he would have let me know if he had scored one. I don’t think he got one, but that was the first one.”

A quick fact check: Cogliano had one assist in seven career games — three with Anaheim, two with Dallas, and one each with San Jose and Colorado — against Andersen, while the goalie had a 3-3-0 record in those games.

Tyson Jost

“I can’t really remember the first,” Jost said. “You have so many buddies and stuff like that throughout the NHL. My first time, I guess, was one of my best friends, Dante Fabbro, who played on Nashville. That was kind of cool because we grew up together, played in Penticton (BCHL, 2014-16) together, lived together. That was definitely cool. Our families are super close as well. So

hand with wielding swords.

“It’s a mix of everything,” Gallus said. “It’s such a unique sport with so many different elements built into it. There’s grappling and the striking, and then the sword work, and then just being able to function in armor is a huge hurdle for most people to get over.”

According to Gallus, who is a fighter himself, armored cage fighting has been around for over 20 years and came to the United States more than a decade ago. Over the years, there’s been different versions of the sport, including team fights and one-on-one duals focused on the use of weapons.

“A few years ago, probably about five years ago, they really started doing the punches, kicks and throws MMA-style armored fighting in Russia,” Gallus said. “It kind of started trickling out into the rest of the world. I joined the sport right when that was happening.”

that was kind of the first time.”

I followed up and asked Jost if he was anxious about that game.

“I was just kind of excited and it was cool, I’d say,” he said. “No nerves or butterflies or anything like that — it was just cool.”

Jesperi Kotkaniemi

“Probably the first game back in Montreal was a little interesting,” Kotkaniemi predictably said. “Otherwise, nothing pops in my mind really.”

Andrei Svechnikov

“I don’t really remember that I was nervous playing against someone, but obviously, I got goosebumps playing against my brother,” he said of playing against older sibling Evgeny. “That was one thing. Another thing, just playing my first games. It’s always kind of special and a little bit nervous, ex-

Four years ago, there weren’t many others in the Nashville, Tennessee, area doing armored combat, so Gallus would invite people over to his back porch and teach them techniques he learned from armored fighting gyms across the country.

He eventually built a consistent group of about 20 students and moved sessions into warehouses and larger spaces to accommodate the growing interest.

Wednesdays became “fight nights” for the fighters in training where they’d suit up in armor and spar. Gallus and his group eventually opened a gym in Nashville and moved the fight nights there.

“Instead of Wednesday being our sparring night where we just kind of did it for fun, we decided to open it up to the public,” Gallus said. “We had about 200-ish people every week to our gym to watch these fights.”

Said Gallus, “A lot of us were

citing. But I was never, like, nervous playing against someone.”

As far as playing against familiar faces on the Devils, he said the opposite is true.

“I would put it the other way,” he said. “It’s kind of nice to play against those guys because you already know them. He’s a player, he’s a guy, so it’s kind of fun to play against those guys.”

Sean Walker

“Probably the first time I was traded from LA,” Walker said. “I was there for a really long time, kind of came into the league with a lot of those guys. So that first time is definitely a little funny. I was definitely anxious for that game.

“But you kind of forget about it and you get used to it. Now, it’s great. I love playing against all those guys and stuff; still battle out there and everything. I almost took (Adrian) Kempe into the boards this year, and

doing multiple fights and whatnot. We’d put a big show on, and we’d have the music and the lights and even had a company come and cater our bartending and everything like that. So it became like a real sporting event.”

After garnering enough attention, the event moved into a honky-tonk bar for a year. In 2024, the league purchased a real MMA cage and moved the event into a downtown arena with more investment in production. Following an event in June, AMMA’s Instagram following went from about 1,000 to 200,000 within a month.

“We’re still in that really grassroots phase regarding how we operate because we’re so new,” Gallus said.

Spectators at Saturday’s event can expect a similar feel to any sporting event or a big fight. Some dress up in medieval clothing, but the Middle Ages feel is mostly reserved for the ring.

Gallus highlighted talented heavyweight fighters Jimmy Shock and Spencer Waddell as two names to watch. Although they won’t battle each other Saturday, the respective first- and second-ranked heavyweights from 2024 are contending for a title and are expected to fight hard for the crown.

There’s also a new rising star in Mario Aguilar, a 155-pound fighter with an MMA background, who will be fighting an opponent with a wrestling background.

Tickets for the event start at $42 and can only be bought online at armoredmmaxp.com. Doors open at 6 p.m.

we’re really good buddies. So it’s good, but I think that first time around was a little funny.”

Rod Brind’Amour

“The only time I was ever that was when I got traded here,” Brind’Amour said. “But we did play Philadelphia fairly early. But we didn’t go back there that whole year. So that would have been tough to go back in, the home crowd.

“But playing against the guys, it wasn’t that tough. Everybody’s laughing, joking out there. So it felt weird in a sense, like, ‘Golly.’ But it’s not that big a deal. I think it would have been really tough had it been like a week later and playing in Philadelphia, that would have just been really rough. But I had almost a whole year. We didn’t play there the rest of the year, and then by the time we got there, it was really late. So I had already settled in.”

COURTESY AMMA

Armored MMA competitors battle with swords, shields and suits of armor in a steel cage.

In the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, Estate file

#25E000352-250, state of North Carilina, Cumberland County. Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Janie McDaris, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims

make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 28th date of March 2025. Don McDaris, 1107 Legend Creek Dr., Hope Mills, NC 28348.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 25E000456-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Hugh Edward Smith Executor’s NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the estate of Hugh Edward Smith, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of July, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first 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 10th day of April, 2025. Terri Pettigrew 115 Glenn Oak Dr, Sanford, NC 27332, Executor of the estate of Hugh Edward Smith, deceased February 08, 2025.

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File #25E000540-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor in the Estate of Freddie L Thompson, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 11th day of July, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first 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 7th day of April, 2025. George D Thompson, Administrator/Executor 967 Demeter Lane Hope Mills, NC 28348 Of the Estate of Freddie L Thompson, deceased

NOTICE

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the estate of Edda Angelina Wade, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 24Th day of July, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first 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 7th day of April, 2025 Angelica Applegate 5004 Redwood Drive Fayetteville, North Carolina 28304 Of the Estate of Edda Angelina Wade, Deceased Estate file # 21E22

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 2023 E 001634 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE

late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, the undersigned hereby notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, care of their attorney, on or before July 18, 2025 (which date is at least three (3)

of the Estate of Alice M. Barille c/o Randall S. Hoose, Jr. Hoose Law, PLLC 705 Princess Street Wilmington, NC 28401-4146 Please publish 04/17, 04/24, 05/01, 05/08

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, NORMAN B. MITCHELL,

qualified as the Executor of the Estate of MARY REBECCA ROLSTON, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said NORMAN B. MITCHELL, at the address set out below, on or before July 25, 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 16th day of April, 2025. NORMAN B. MITCHELL Executor OF THE ESTATE OF MARY REBECCA ROLSTON c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS

THE UNDERSIGNED, Andrew T. Fairbanks, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Marjorie A. Fairbanks (25E001183-640), deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of July, 2025, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned. This 3rd day of April, 2025. Andrew T. Fairbanks Executor, ESTATE OF Marjorie A. Fairbanks 133 Trombay Dr. Wilmington, NC 28412

Publish: April 3, 2025 April 10, 2025 April 17, 2025 April 24, 2025

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, HEATHER LANDRETH, having qualified as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of KAREN L. HAGEN, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said HEATHER LANDRETH, at the address set out below, on or before July 5, 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 26th day of March. HEATHER LANDRETH EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF KAREN L. HAGEN 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, Claire Daughtry, having qualified on the 18th day of February 2025, as Executor of the Estate of Mary S. Daughtry (2025E-001240-640), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 7th day of July, 2025, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 3rd day of April 2025. Claire Daughtry Executor ESTATE OF MARY S. DAUGHTRY David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411

Publish: April 3, 2025 April 10, 2025 April 17, 2025 April 24, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25E001443-640

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Dennis Gene Reed, Senior, deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of Dennis Gene Reed, Senior to present them to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of July, 2025 (this date being 3 months from the first publication date of this notice) or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 3rd day of April 2025.

Deborah Reed Smith 6115 Myrtle Grove Road Wilmington, NC 28409 Executor of the Estate of Dennis Gene Reed, Senior. NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, STEVEN MICHAEL HOSTETLER, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of JOHN MICHAEL PCOLA, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said STEVEN MICHAEL HOSTETLER, at the address set out below, on or before July 25, 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 16th day of April, 2025.

STEVEN MICHAEL HOSTETLER Executor OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN MICHAEL PCOLA c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

Notice to Creditors Having

RANDOLPH

COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 15SP001338-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WILLIAM F. LUTHER, III AND MICHELLE B. LUTHER DATED NOVEMBER

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 542 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Robert K. England (Deceased) and Louise M. England (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD

OWNER(S): Robert K. England and Louise M. England) to Alex Trullinger, Trustee(s), dated November 19, 2008, and recorded in Book No. 1895, at Page 373 in Davidson County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Davidson County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:30 AM on May 5, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Lexington in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain Lot or Parcel of land

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 25sp000095

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ALAINA MARIE FILER AND JOSHUA EARNEST HORTON DATED JANUARY 10, 2018 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2299 AT PAGE 2138 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED MAY 10, 2022 IN BOOK 2546, PAGE 555 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24-CVS-2886

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF DAVIDSON AMERISAVE MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, v. MEAGAN J. CHESTER, JENNIFER R. CHESTER, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT and SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC.Substitute Trustee Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY 6002 DEER HUNTER LANE LEXINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 27295 UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain

4 591 Mill St, Hope Mills, NC 28348 Tax Parcel ID: 0 424-11-5668Present Record Owners: William F. Luther, III and Michelle B. Luther The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are William F. Luther, III and Michelle B. Luther. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater,

situated in the Township of Tyro, Davidson County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: beginning at an existing iron in the line of Dameatrice Swing (Deed Book 978, Page 39), corner to Timothy L Garrison (Deed Book 832, Page 274); thence with Swings line North 13 degrees 10 minutes 29 seconds East 185.00 feet to an iron, new corner, said iron being South 13 degrees 10 minutes 29 seconds West 68.54 feet from an iron, Swing corner (tie line); thence with two new lines South 79 degrees 38 minutes 43 seconds East 235.74 feet to an iron; thence South 13 degrees 10 minutes 29 seconds West 185.00 feet to an iron in the line of Timothy L Garrison, said iron being North 79 degrees 38 minutes 43 seconds West 253.11 feet from an iron (tie line); thence with Timothy L Garrisons line North 79 degrees 38 minutes 43 seconds West 235.74 feet to the point and place of beginning and containing 1.00 acre, more or less, according to survey by J. Todd Everhart, RLS, dated October 20, 2000. Together with a right of way and easement of ingress, egress and regress over and upon a 30 feet access easement and road right of way, said 30 feet easement to be parallel to and to the East of the following lines: beginning at a railroad spike found in the centerline of Michael Road (NCSR 1215), said railroad spike being a corner to Curtis Garrison and Joseph D. Stamey, Jr., thence with Stameys line South 17 degrees 29 minutes West 350.61 feet to a point, a corner to Joseph D Stamey, Jr, and Ralph M Poole; thence with Poole and Bettencourts line South 10 degrees 29 minutes 30 seconds West 438.63 feet to

demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Davidson County courthouse at 11:00AM on April 28, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Alaina Marie Filer and Joshua Earnest Horton, dated January 10, 2018 to secure the original principal amount of $190,909.00, and recorded in Book 2299 at Page 2138 of the Davidson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 376 North Mohawk Drive, High Point, NC 27262 Tax Parcel ID: 01027A0000037

Order filed on APRIL 7, 2025, in the above-captioned matter and pursuant to applicable law, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. as Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) will place for sale, at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the DAVIDSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 110 WEST CENTER STREET LEXINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 27293 on MAY 7, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. that certain parcel of land, including improvements thereon, situated, lying and being in the County of Davidson, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT NUMBER 40, AS SHOWN ON THE PLAT OF WOOD POINTE, SECTION TWO, AS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR DAVIDSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, IN PLAT BOOK 18, PAGE 78 REFERENCE TO

a point at the corner of Bettencourt and John M Barnes; thence with Barnes line South 10 degrees 14 minutes 44 seconds West 245.50 feet to an iron, said iron located at the northeast corner of Joyce K Garrisons tract recorded at Deed Book 623, Page 617; thence with Garrisons line South 13 degrees 17 minutes 50 seconds west 422.47 feet to existing iron pipe; thence south 13 degrees 19 minutes 30 seconds West 253.67 feet to a new iron pipe at the southwest corner of the above described tract herein, said right of way and easement to be for the benefit of and to be appurtenant to and run with the said 1.00 acre tract described herein. Tax id: 1803300600053A. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 491 Curtis Drive, Lexington, North Carolina. Being the same fee simple property conveyed by General Warranty Deed from Joseph Edward Garrison and Lynn Garrison wife to Robert K England and Louise M England wife, dated 12/06/2000 recorded on 12/19/2000 in Book 1211, Page 970 in Davidson County Records, State of NC.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered

Present Record Owners: Alaina Marie Filer and Joshua Earnest Horton The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Alaina Marie Filer and Joshua Earnest Horton. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure.

is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration

and David Carson Goss to Daniel D. Hornfeck, Trustee(s), which was dated May 7, 2010 and recorded on May 11, 2010 in Book 6472 at Page 228, Durham County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned

Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on May 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Durham County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 77, Lockeland Subdivision, as shown on map recorded in Map Book 6B at Page 159, Durham County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 2705 Broad St, Durham, NC 27704-2605. A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING

pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be

WHICH IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. Address of property: 6 002 Deer Hunter Lane Lexington, North Carolina 27295 Parcel Number: 03005K0000040 Present Record Owners: Meagan J. Chester and Jennifer R. Chester The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold to the highest bidder. The Commissioner reserves the right to require certified funds not to exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00). The successful bidder shall also be required to pay revenue stamps on the Commissioner’s Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and the tax required by N.C.G.S. Section 7A-308(a)(1) unless the person entitled to enforce the instrument is exempt from paying these sums. The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS” and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid

COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. 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 RANDY PRINCE. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the

clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DURHAM COUNTY 24SP002082-310

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY TERRY W. BULLOCK AND SHELA KAHIN DATED SEPTEMBER 23, 2004 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4568 AT PAGE 84 IN THE DURHAM COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

or

Deed of

having directed that

foreclosed,

Substitute Trustee

sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Durham in the County of Durham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain property situated in the City of Durham in the County of Durham and State of North Carolina, being more fully described in a deed dated 04/29/1970 and recorded 04/29/1970, among the land records of the County and State set forth above, in Deed Volume 364 and Page 258. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2019 Athens Street, Durham, North Carolina. Tax Map or Parcel ID No.: 179500 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%)

NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Durham County courthouse at 11:00AM on April 30, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Terry W. Bullock and Shela Kahin, dated September 23, 2004 to secure the original principal amount of $88,000.00, and recorded in Book 4568 at Page 84 of the Durham County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 8 05 South Alston Avenue, Durham, NC 27701 Tax Parcel ID: 0 831-21-0264 Present Record Owners: Terry W. Bullock and Sheila Kahin The record owner(s) of the property,

of the purchase price, or seven

of Trust and the undersigned, Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Forsyth County, North Carolina, in Book RE 3792, Page 752, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales,

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION FORSYTH COUNTY 17SP479

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY THOMAS E. JOHNSON AND JEANNETTE

M. JOHNSON DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2605 AT PAGE 838 IN THE FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for

on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 11:00am, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 6865-98-1345 ADDRESS: 615 SUNNYFIELD DR., KERNERSVILLE, NC 27284 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): UNKNOWN HEIRS OF HELEN J. MARSHALL AKA HELEN J. DURR, DECEASED THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF FORSYTH, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK RE 2864, PAGE 4295 AS FOLLOWS: ALL THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF KERNERSVILLE IN THE COUNTY OF FORSYTH AND STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN A DEED DATED 07/09/1980 AND RECORDED 07/09/1980, AMONG THE LAND RECORDS OF THE COUNTY AND STATE SET FORYTH ABOVE, IN DEED VOLUME 1307 AND PAGE 1201. TAX ID: 6865-98-1345

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise

sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Forsyth County courthouse at 11:00AM on April 30, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Thomas E. Johnson and Jeannette M. Johnson, dated September 30, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $151,488.00, and recorded in Book 2605 at Page 838 of the Forsyth County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 4 05 Bangor Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27107 Tax Parcel ID: 6 855-63-9279.00 Present Record Owners: Thomas E. Johnson and Jeannette M.

place of sale at the Forsyth County

6,

at 10:00 AM

and any improvements situated thereon, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Lance R. Kellar, dated June 25, 2001 to secure the original principal amount of $66,000.00, and recorded in Book No. 2182, at Page 4411 of the Forsyth County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 2643 Spicewood Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27106 Tax Parcel ID: 5 897-93-6523.00

The record owner(s) of the property,

according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Terry W. Bullock and Sheila Kahin. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the

tax, as well as the court costs of FortyFive Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to

Johnson The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Thomas E. Johnson and Jeannette M. Johnson. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the

according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Estate Of Lance R. Kellar, c/o Taylor Steven Kellar, administrator and Taylor Steven Kellar. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure.

AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety

this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the

amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY

tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable

except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANK-RUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT

and

Leann

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25 SP 84 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Helmsman Homes, LLC, a North Carolina Limited Liability Company (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Helmsman Homes, LLC, a North Carolina Limited Liability Company) to Sean C. Walker, Trustee(s), dated February 23, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 2901, at Page 546 in Iredell County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Iredell County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25 SP 57

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Helmsman Homes, LLC, a North Carolina Limited Liability Company (PRESENT RECORD

OWNER(S): Helmsman Homes, LLC, a North Carolina Limited Liability Company) to The Lake Law Office PLLC, Trustee(s), dated February 29, 2024, and recorded in Book No. 3046, at Page 2265 in Iredell County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Iredell County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Statesville, Iredell

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25 SP 85 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Helmsman Homes, LLC (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Helmsman Homes, LLC) to Anthony Scott Faulkner, Trustee(s), dated August 22, 2023, and recorded in Book No. 3011, at Page 1591 in Iredell County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Iredell County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25 SP 52 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Helmsman Homes, LLC (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Helmsman Homes, LLC) to Anthony Scott Faulkner, Trustee(s), dated August 22, 2023, and recorded in Book No. 3011, at Page 1559 in Iredell County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Iredell County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina, or the customary location

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25 SP 56 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Helmsman Homes, LLC, a North Carolina Limited Liability Company (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Helmsman Homes, LLC, a North Carolina Limited Liability Company) to Todd J. Farlow, Trustee(s), dated February 29, 2024, and recorded in Book No. 3046, at Page 1956 in Iredell County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Iredell County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Statesville, Iredell

Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on May 8, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Mooresville in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land is described as follows: BEING all of Lot 2 of the Exempt Plat of Eva Sue J. Haire Property as shown in Map Book 74 at Page 20, the same being a revision of Map Book 73 at Page 103. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1502 Mt Ulla Highway, Mooresville, North Carolina. Also known as 1502 Mt Ulla Highway, Mooresville, NC 28115 Parcel ID: 4679321103.000

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on May 8, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Mooresville in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 10 Silverwood Court Subdivision, as the same is shown on a map thereof platted, planned, and recorded in Plat Book 79, at Page 29; as recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Iredell County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 115, Silverwood Court, Mooresville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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)

foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on May 8, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Statesville in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 3 of “Minor Subdivision Plat of Cloaninger Estates Parcel 4744933149”; as shown on Map thereof recorded in Map Book 79, Page 101, Iredell County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1729 East Cloaninger Avenue, Statesville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on May 8, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Statesville in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 2 of “Minor Subdivision plat of Cloaninger Estates Parcel 4744933149”; as shown on map thereof recorded in Map Book 79, Page 101, Iredell County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1727 East Cloaninger Avenue, Statesville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on May 8, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Mooresville in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lots 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15 Silverwood Court Subdivision, as the same is shown on a Map thereof platted, planned, and recorded in Plat Book 79, at Page 29; as recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Iredell County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 105, 107, 109, 111, and 113 Silverwood Court, Mooresville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §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)

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to

required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is

pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance

“AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered

pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance

“AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered

per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00)

required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred

greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan

Helmsman Homes, LLC) to Anthony Scott Faulkner, Trustee(s), dated August 22, 2023, and recorded in Book No. 3011, at Page 1527 in Iredell County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Iredell County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for

foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on May 8, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Statesville in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 1 of “Minor Subdivision plat of Cloaninger Estates Parcel 4744933149”, as shown on map thereof recorded in Map Book 79, Page 101, Iredell County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1725 East Cloaninger Avenue, Statesville, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered

pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered

in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the

property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90

in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 23670 - 117708

fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor

in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

25SP000100-500

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Sidney W. Seals (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Sidney W. Seals and Laurie Fleenor Seals) to John L. Matthews or Timothy M. Bartosh, Trustee(s), dated November 10, 2004, and recorded in Book No. 02795, at Page 0498 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 23SP001671-500

foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on May 6, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wendell in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 31, Deer Tracks, Section Two, as shown recorded in Plat Book 53, Page 36, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 160 Deer Tracks Drive, Wendell, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CHERI BIANCA AND PETER BIANCA DATED JULY 30, 2021 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6005 AT PAGE 947 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Johnston County courthouse at 11:00AM on May 8, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Cheri Bianca and Peter Bianca, dated July 30, 2021 to secure the original principal amount of $303,975.00, and recorded in Book 6005 at Page 947 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 1 81 Palmer Dr, Clayton, NC 27527 Tax Parcel ID: 05104080 Present Record Owners: Cheri Biance and Peter Bianca

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 24SP000409-500 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed ROBERT A GOULDING AND PAMELA K GOULDING DATED APRIL 28, 2008 IN THE AMOUNT OF $105,656.44 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3537 AT PAGE 756 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA, by Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Johnston County, North Carolina, in Book 6709, Page 880, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on May 9, 2025 at 11:00am, and will sell to the highest bidder

for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 05F01040K ADDRESS: 133 JULIO LANE GARNER, NC 27529 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): PAMELA K GOULDING THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF JOHNSTON, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 3537, PAGE 756 AS FOLLOWS: ALL THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY SITUTATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF CLEVELAND IN THE COUNTY OF JOHNSTON AND STATE OF NORTH CARDLINA, BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN A DEED DATED 09/18/1997 AND RECORDED 09/23/1997, AMONG THE LAND RECORDS OF THE COUNTY AND STATE SET FORTH ABOVE, IN DEED VOLUME 1634 AND PAGE 818. TAX MAP OR PARCEL ID NO.: 05F01040K Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of FortyFive Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred

executed by Isaiah Seth Higgins and Logan Ashli Higgins to Jerry B. Flowers III and Jack Hampton Lane Jr, Trustee(s), which was dated October 11, 2022 and recorded on October 11, 2022 in Book 6358 at Page 799, 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 offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on April 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of that parcel of land containing 0.385 acre, more or less, as shown on a map recorded in Plat Book 56, Page 352, Johnston County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a full and complete description of said parcel of land. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 110 N Peedin Ave, Pine Level, NC 27568. A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY

DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 24SP000390-500 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY KENASHI J. CORRIDERS DATED MAY 15, 2019 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5347 AT PAGE 343 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual

NEW HANOVER

place of sale at the Johnston County courthouse at 11:00AM on April 30, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Kenashi J. Corriders, dated May 15, 2019 to secure the original principal amount of $193,325.00, and recorded in Book 5347 at Page 343 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 1 17 Majestic Dr, Princeton, NC 27569 Tax Parcel ID: 0 4P11036X Present Record Owners: Majestic Group, LLC The record owner(s) of the property,

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Cheri Biance and Peter Bianca. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the

Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole

THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING

COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. 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 Isaiah Seth Higgins and wife, Logan Ashli Higgins.

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

according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Majestic Group, LLC. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater,

in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy

amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified

remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property:

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. 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”.

is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will

tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANK-RUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. Samantha J. Kelley ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee P.O. Box 160 Jacksonville, NC 28541-0160 Telephone: (470) 321-7112

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the

If the

of the sale is challenged by any

the trustee, in their

discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 24-28321-FC01

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 23sp241

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY TAMMIE J. HEDRICK DATED APRIL 29, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1918 AT PAGE 3732 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual

ALL OF LOT 91, WOODLAKE AT LORD’S CREEK, PHASE 2A-1, AS SHOWN ON A PLAT ENTITLED, “SURVEY PLAT WOODLAKE AT LORD’S CREEK, PHASE 2A-1, LOTS 14-19, 71, 72, 85-93, 121, 150-153”, SAID PLAT DULY RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 60, PAGES 204-205, INCLUSIVE IN THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY REGISTRY, REFERENCE TO WHICH 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 525 Bubbling Creek Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412.

A certified check only (no personal

checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. 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 Robin

Michelle Baize a/k/a Robin Martin.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that

place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse at 11:00AM on May 7, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Tammie J. Hedrick, dated April 29, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $97,440.00, and recorded in Book 1918 at Page 3732 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 309 Lake Dr, Archdale, NC 27263 Tax Parcel ID: 7708786200 Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Tammie J. Hedrick The record owner(s) of the property,

according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Tammie J. Hedrick. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 24sp000084-750 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HAL H. WALKER AND ROSILAND W. WALKER DATED JULY 3, 2002 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1772 AT PAGE 1123 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse at 1:00PM on April 30, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Hal H. Walker and Rosiland W. Walker, dated July 3, 2002 to secure the original principal amount of $116,850.00, and recorded in Book 1772 at Page 1123 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 815 Trollinger Rd, Asheboro, NC 27203 Tax Parcel ID: 7 760191751 Present Record Owners: Matthew Lambert Walker and Hal Hammer Walker III The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Matthew Lambert Walker and Hal Hammer Walker III. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY 25 SP 000023-770 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Richard Flegal, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $103,770.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”) as beneficiary, as nominee for Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC , Mortgagee, dated July 25th, 2019 and recorded on July 31st, 2019 in Book D 2188, Page 759, as instrument number 2019006486, and subsequently modified by Loan Modification recorded on March 25th, 2022 in Book D 2338 at Page 203 and/or Instrument Number 2022002912, 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 Office of the Register of Deeds of Robeson County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other

usual place of sale in Robeson County, North Carolina, at 10:00 AM on May 8th, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: In Smiths Township, Robeson County, North Carolina, about two miles Southeast from the Village of Wakulla, and on the Southwest side of and adjacent to Secondary Road No. 1342, and more particularly bounded and described according to a survey thereof made by J.P. McMillan, Jr., Registered Surveyor, dated 29 December 1971, as follows, to-wit: BEGINNING at a stake in the Southwestern right of way line of Secondary Road No. 1342, said beginning point being South 46 degrees 45 minutes East 900 feet from the Northwest corner of that certain 54 acre tract of which this is part, said 54 acre corner being in the center of Secondary Road No, 1303, the beginning corner of this parcel being 30 feet West from the center of NC Highway No. 1342, and runs thence South 43 degrees 15 minutes West 231 feet to a stake; thence South 37 degrees East 512 feet to a stake in the center of Bear Swamp Canal, said canal being the Eastern boundary of the original tract of which this is a part; thence as the center of the bear Swamp Canal North 23 degrees 30 minutes East 198 feet to a stake in the Western right of way line of Secondary Road No. 1342, and 30 West 231 feet to a stake; thence still as the Western right of way line of said road North 23 degrees West 228

feet to the point of beginning, containing TWO (2) ACRES, more or less, and being a portion of the Second Tract described in and conveyed by deed from Willie Frank McRae to Sarah N. McRae Buie, dated 15 June 1971, and recorded in Book of Deeds 18-B, Page 317, Robeson County Registry. See also the last Will and Testament of Margaret McRimmon McRae, as recorded in File No. 69 E 167, in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of Robeson County. LESS AND EXCEPT the one (1) acre devised and conveyed to John W. Oxendine and described in Deed Book 1128, Page 867, Robeson County Registry. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 1329 McArthur Rd, Maxton, NC 28364 Tax ID: 231601004 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 §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of

dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration

certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Richard Flegal. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of

RANDOLPH

NEW HANOVER

TRENDING

Seth Jarvis:

The right wing was named the Carolina Hurricanes’ team MVP in voting by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. It was honor. Sebastian Aho won the award six of the previous seven seasons. Jarvis matched his career high with 67 points and scored 32 goals, his second straight 30-plus goal season. Aho received the Josef Vasicek Award for cooperation with the local media.

Cooper Flagg:

The Duke star is headed to the NBA as the favorite to be the No. 1 overall draft pick. That came after a lone college season that saw the 18-year-old win national player of the year while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals to lead Duke in each category.

Cole Sulser: The right-handed reliever became to participate in two no-hitters for the Durham Bulls after combining with Joe Boyle and Jacob Waguespack to no-hit Scranton Wilkes-Barre on Saturday. It was the seventh no-no in Durham’s Triple-A six years. Sulser also relieved in a 2019 Bulls’ no-hitter. Sulser is 8-3 in four seasons with Durham He also pitched for the Carolina Mudcats in 2014.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“I’m not taking credit for it yet.”

after the Braves won after he joined the team.

“I haven’t felt like I owed anybody a decision at any point.”

Free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers who hasn’t made up his mind about playing next season.

6-0-1

Charlotte FC’s record this season when Pep Biel contributes to a goal Biel had his league-leading sixth assist in a 3-0 victory over San Diego FC.

Charlotte ha s a perfect home record after its

AUTO RACING

IndyCar announced the protocols for using replacement drivers during the Indianapolis 500, one year after Kyle Larson’s plans for completing the “Double” nearly washed out on the day of the race, and with the NA SCA R star eyeing the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte again on May 25. A replacement driver will only be considered if the primar y driver is “participating in another marquee event on race day.”

Former Charlotte Hornets player and current Celtics assistant coach Kemba Walker announced that he’s coming out of retirement to play in the BIG3 three-on-three league this summer. Games run from June to August Walker was a three-time all-star with the Hornets and is the franchise’s career points leader.

Defenseman Brent Burns won the 2024-25 Steve Chiasson Award, given to the Carolina Hurricanes player and dedication while proving to be an inspiration to his teammates through his performance and approach to the game The honor is voted on by Carolina players.

Two NC State women’s basketball players were the WNBA Draft Saniya Rivers went eighth overall to the Connecticut Sun, and Aziaha James (right) went 12th to the Dalla s Wings. Rivers and also Atlantic Coast Conference All-Defensive Team for a second straight year James (left) is a two-time All-ACC

Slow down, we’re working here!

This week marks National Work Zone Awareness Week, for which NCDOT is the national host organization this year. Preliminary data shows nearly 7,000 work zone crashes occurred in North Carolina in 2024, resulting in 47 deaths. This year’s theme is “Respect the zone so we all get home.” Above, construction equipment lines a work zone on U.S. 64 west near Asheboro earlier this week.

the BRIEF this week

Federal report on Lumbee Tribe recognition path expected

Pembroke

Members of the Lumbee Tribe are awaiting the release of a Department of the Interior report that could light a path for federal recognition as a tribal nation. President Donald Trump issued a memo in January directing the department to create a plan to “assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits.” The deadline for the plan is this week. The Lumbee have had a difficult time convincing the federal government, Congress and some recognized tribes that their claims to Native ancestry are legitimate.

Student loans in default to be referred to debt collection Washington, D.C. The Education Department will begin collection next month on roughly 5.3 million student loan borrowers who are in default, including the garnishing of wages for potentially millions of borrowers, officials said Monday. Beginning May 5, the department will start involuntary collection through the Treasury Department’s offset program, which withholds payments from the government, including tax refunds, federal salaries and other benefits, from people with past-due debts to the government. After a 30-day notice, the department will also begin garnishing wages for borrowers in default.

$2.00

Traffic changes coming to Pittsboro Elementary School Road

The board voted to implement an all-way stop and a no-parking zone

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — Safety improvements were the main point of discussion at the Town of Pittsboro Board of Commis-

sioners’ most recent meeting.

At its April 14 meeting, the board first approved two changes related to Pittsboro Elementary School Road.

The first change was the implementation of an all-way stop at the intersection of Farrell Street and Pittsboro Elementary School Road. Currently, there are only stop signs from traffic from Farrell Street.

“We clearly value safety, especially when it’s near a school or a public recreation facility,” said assistant town manager Kent Jackson. “Recently, we visited the site to observe some of the conditions. The primary limitation is the approach from Highway 87. It really has a challenging sightline

See PITTSBORO, page A3

“We clearly value safety.” Kent Jackson, Pittsboro assistant town manager

Supreme Court signals support for Maryland parents who object to LGBTQ books in public schools

Three justices live in the Maryland county at issue in the parental rights case

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court’s conservative majority on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using storybooks with LGBTQ characters.

The court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, D.C., could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material. The case is one of three religious rights cases at the court this term. The justices have repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination in recent years.

Like Bragg, Fort Benning takes back an old name but honors a new soldier

“What sets him apart was his unwavering dedication to his soldiers, his understanding of the soldiers’ needs.”

Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley, commander of Fort Benning, on Fred Benning

The base joins Fort Bragg in having a new namesake

By Charlotte Kramon and Russ Bynum The Associated Press

FORT BENNING — The Army officially restored the name Fort Benning to its storied training post in Georgia, only this time to honor an 18-year-old corporal who fought in World War I rather than a Confederate general. A ceremony to make the name change official was held Wednesday at the base just outside Columbus.

The school district introduced the storybooks in 2022, with such titles as “Prince and Knight” and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” as part of an effort to better reflect the district’s diversity.

Roughly 70,000 soldiers, civilian workers and military family members are stationed at Fort Benning, which trains infantry troops and tank crews and is home to the elite Army Ranger School. It’s the second time in less than two years that Fort Benning commanders have been tasked with swapping out the post’s name on everything from signs marking gates, streets, police cars and buildings to official stationery and websites. That will cost around $653,000, according to Fort Benning officials.

Parents initially were allowed to opt their children out of the lessons for religious and other reasons, but the school board reversed course a year later, prompting protests and eventually a lawsuit.

See BOOKS, page A7

PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

CRIME LOG

April 14

• Juan Plata, 35, of Siler City, was arrested for theft, communicating threats, resisting arrest and assault on a female.

• Mark Austin Crider, 27, of Pittsboro, was arrested for theft, possessing stolen property, and resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer.

April 15

• Kimberly Marie Riddle, 40, of Pittsboro, was arrested for breaking and entering and theft.

• Juan Plata, 35, of Siler City, was arrested for possessing methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances and possessing drug paraphernalia.

April 16

• Juan Plata, 35, of Siler City, was arrested for forgery, identity theft and theft.

• Lawrence Steven Alston, 31, of Siler City, was arrested for violating a domestic violence protective order and disclosing private images.

• Luis Alonso Velasco, 28, of Siler City, was arrested for domestic violence.

April 17

• Jessica Grey Starnes, 42, of Moncure, was arrested for assault and domestic violence.

• Tiree Sintell Rone, 39, of Pittsboro, was arrested for stealing a motor vehicle.

April 19

• John Edward Mclean, 37, of Siler City, was arrested for resisting an officer, assaulting a government official, assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a female, damaging property, communicating threats, child abuse and carrying a concealed weapon.

The last name change in 2023 redesignated the post as Fort Moore as part of a move started by Congress in 2020 and completed during President Joe Biden’s administration to remove names that honored Confederate leaders, including from nine Army posts.

The name of Henry L. Benning, a former Georgia Supreme Court justice who vocally supported secession and served as a Confederate brigadier general in the Civil War, had adorned the base since it opened as Camp Benning in 1918.

Federal law now prohibits naming military bases for Confederates. The Pentagon under President Donald Trump has found a workaround for reverting bases back to what they were formerly called by finding new soldiers to honor with the same last name.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month ordered the change back to Fort Benning to honor Fred Benning, who was awarded the nation’s second-highest honor for battlefield bravery as an 18-yearold corporal in 1918 and later was promoted to sergeant — a fact uncovered after Hegseth issued the memo. Sue Conger-Williams, Benning’s granddaughter, recalled summers in Nebraska fishing with her grandfather and digging for earthworms

• 204 Sugarland Drive (Apex), 0.18 acres, 3 bed/2 bath, $400,000

• 471 Deer Run (Pittsboro), 4.92 acres, 3 bed/ 2 bath, $389,000

• 298 E. Salisbury Street (Pittsboro), 0.40 acres, 3bed/2 bath, $600,000

• 9550 Silk Hope Liberty Road (Siler City), 73.740 acres, 3 bed/3bath, $1,450,000

• 557 Olives Chapel Road (Apex), 12.802 acres, 3 bed/3 bath, $2,500,000

while he watched for cars but said she never learned much about his time in the Army.

“I am grateful for this glimpse into history, and I see some similarities, though, between Fred Benning the soldier and Fred Benning my grandpa,” Conger-Williams said. “These are integrity, hard work and a commitment to service.”

Fred Benning received his Distinguished Service Cross after returning home to Nebraska, where he started a bakery and served as mayor of the small town of Neligh. He died in 1974.

Conger-Williams sat up front at the ceremony with Benning’s great-granddaughter and 10-month-old great-great-granddaughter as soldiers, veterans and locals milled around behind them.

Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley, the fort’s commanding general, said people at Fort Benning knew little about Fred Benning, which sent historians poring over old records to piece together his legacy. During last Wednesday’s ceremony, Tuley noted that Benning took charge of his machine-gun platoon in October 1918 in France, leading 20 survivors through heavy fire, after their commander was killed.

“What sets him apart was his unwavering dedication to his soldiers, his understanding of the soldiers’ needs,” said Tuley.

• 37 E Cotton Road (Pittsboro), 0.996 acres, $100,000

• 170 Cherokee Drive (Chapel Hill), 1.150 acres, $100,000

• 188 Cherokee Drive (Chapel Hill), 1.150 acres, $100,000

• 327 Poplar Trail (Siler City), 5.022 acres, $150,000

• 9311 NC Highway 87 (Pittsboro), 4.602 acres, $225,000

• Tract 1 Robedo Road (Mount Gilead), 15.123 acres, $227,000

• 9231 NC Highway 87 (Pittsboro), 5.630 acres, $250,000

RESIDENTIAL

• 2930 Wayne White Road (Climax), 7.60 acres, 3 bed/2.5 bath, $250,000

• 1115 Manco Dairy Road (Pittsboro), 14 acres, 3 bed/1 bath, $500,000

• 389 Dewitt Smith Road (Pittsboro), 9.109 acres, 3 bed/2 bath, $500,000

During its short time as Fort Moore, the Georgia post became the first in the Army named for a couple: the late Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and his wife, Julia Moore.

Hal Moore served in Vietnam as commander of a cavalry battalion based at Fort Benning and was also a Distinguished Service Cross recipient. Julia Moore successfully lobbied the Pentagon to adopt a policy that military families would be notified of war casualties in person rather than by telegram.

“Whatever a name may be on an installation board, the Moores are an interwoven part of this installation and that will never go away,” said Tuley.

In his March 3 memo ordering the return to the name Fort Benning, Hegseth directed the Army to find a new way to honor the Moores “in a manner that celebrates their significant contributions to the local community and the Army.”

The Army hasn’t said how much the switch back to Fort Benning will cost. An Army commission in 2022 estimated the change to Fort Moore would cost at least $4.9 million.

Fort Benning is the second U.S. military base to have its 2023 name change reversed. The nation’s largest Army installation was rechristened Fort Bragg in North Carolina last month, following a brief two years as Fort Liberty.

• Tract 3 Robedo Road (Mount Gilead), 17.029 acres, $256,000

• Tract 2 Robedo Road (Mount Gilead), 17.425 acres, $262,000

• 323 Wagon Trace (Pittsboro), 10.255 acres, $295,000

• 639 Hills of the Haw Road (Pittsboro), 5.2470 acres, $450,000

• 0 Chatham Church Road (Moncure), 15.94 acres, $750,000

• 00 US Highway 64 W (Siler City), 7.87 acres, $800,000

• 0 JB Morgan Road (Apex), 21 acres, $825,000

• 1834 Dewitt Smith Road (Pittsboro), 30.49 acres, 3 bed/2.5 bath, $850,000 LAND

• 1701 Mitchells Chapel Road (Pittsboro), 10 acres, $200,000

• 0 Pasture Branch Road (Rose Hill), 29 acres, $1,250,000

• 8636/8710 Johnson Mill Road (Bahama),182.888 acres, $2,800,000

• 0 US 64 W (Siler City), 9.670 acres, $4,500,000

• 0 Olives Chapel Road (Apex), 75.4330 acres, $15,300,000

COMMERCIAL IMPROVED

• 13604 US Hwy 64 W (Siler City), 4.36 acres, $650,000

• 140 & 148 East Street (Pittsboro), 1.49 acres, $1,350,000

• 00 Hamlets Chapel Road (Pittsboro), 118.742 acres, $4,250,000 COMMERCIAL UNIMPROVED

• 10681 US Hwy 64 E (Apex), 3.97 acres, $1,000,000

• 1700 Hillsboro Street (Pittsboro), 29.79 acres, $4,500,000

CHATHAM happening

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

April 24

Opinionation Trivia at House of Pops

6-8 p.m.

Join House of Hops every Thursday, 6-8 p.m. for Opinionation Trivia. This Family Feud-style trivia game is so much fun! Play at 6 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. for two chances to win $15 or $25 House of Hops gift cards. More events at House of Hops; part of Chatham County’s Craft Beverages and Country Inns Trail.

112 Russet Run Suite 110 Pittsboro

April 26

Fifth Annual Found It! A Chatham Rabbit Hunt

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Welcome Chatham and The Pittsboro Gallery of Arts are hosting the 5th Annual Found it! A Chatham Rabbit Hunt.

This event, sponsored by True Value Hardware, encourages everyone to get outside, enjoy the spring weather and explore Pittsboro. Five embellished rabbit statues will be hidden outside along Hillsboro Street from the courthouse to Hanks Street and the first block of East and West Salisbury Streets.

Downtown Pittsboro

Chatham Mills

Farmers Market

8 a.m. to noon

Join us each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the growers-only farmers market.

480 Hillsborough St. Pittsboro

April 30

Jazz Night at The Sycamore at Chatham Mills

6-9 p.m.

Every Wednesday night, from 6-9 p.m., The Sycamore at Chatham Mills hosts live Jazz Nights. The series features a rotating list of local musicians. The Sycamore also offers their Lounge Menu in the dining room on Wednesday nights. Reservations are highly recommended.

480 Hillsboro St. Suite 500 Pittsboro

April 30May 4

Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival 2025

Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival 2025 is set to bring an uplifting blend of music, arts and community spirit to Pittsboro. This beloved festival, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse performances, creates an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.

3408 Castle Rock Farm Road Pittsboro

Carrboro man charged with kidnapping, human trafficking of Siler City girl

The suspect, 22, is being held without bond

Chatham News & Record staff

A 22-YEAR-OLD Carrboro man is being held without bond after allegedly kidnapping and trafficking a juvenile victim from Chatham County.

Edwin Silva-Badillo was arrested on April 16 and charged with three counts of felony kidnapping and three counts of felony human trafficking of a child victim, according to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and court documents from his first appearance in court last week.

Silva-Badillo has a previous conviction for indecent liberties with a child dating back to 2022, when he was 19 and the victim was 13. As a result, he is a registered sex offender and is on probation.

he picked up the juvenile and transported her to his apartment in Carrboro. Court documents indicate the alleged crimes occurred on multiple dates between March 29 and April 12.

The Carrboro Police Department executed a search warrant at Silva-Badillo’s apartment and is conducting a parallel investigation.

This marks the second human trafficking case involving an underage victim in Chatham County in recent months.

Church News

OAKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

Chance Walters will be speaking at our AM (10:30) and special PM (6:30) service on April 27. Please join us for this special service!

PRAISE CHURCH OF DELIVERANCE MINISTRIES

Pastor James And Prophetess Pastor Callie Peoples

Pastor’s Aide Program at Fellowship House Of God 444 Stage Road

The investigation began April 12 when a concerned mother reported her child missing. Deputies later discovered the juvenile had been communicating with an unidentified adult male through social media. Further examination of the juvenile’s phone revealed conversations with Silva-Badillo.

In March, Ronny Jonahibel Suarez, 24, of Siler City, was charged with multiple felonies including human trafficking of a child victim and statutory rape related to his relationship with a 15-year-old girl who allegedly ran away with him for nine days in January.

Investigators determined that Silva-Badillo had made three separate trips from Carrboro to Siler City, during which

Silva-Badillo is currently being held at the Chatham County Detention Center without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 7 in Chatham District Court.

Abortions are resuming at Wyoming clinic after judge suspends new law

The judge says the laws are unlikely to survive judicial scrutiny

By Mead Gruver The Associated Press

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming’s only abortion clinic is resuming abortions after a judge on Monday suspended two state laws.

One suspended law would require clinics providing surgical abortions to be licensed as outpatient surgical centers. The other would require women to get an ultrasound before a medication abortion.

Wyoming Health Access in Casper had stopped providing abortions Feb. 28, the day after Republican Gov. Mark Gordon signed the licensing requirement into effect.

The result: At least some women seeking abortions had to travel out of state. Now, women will once again be able to get abortions in central Wyoming while the two laws continue to be contested in court, Wellspring Health Access founder and president Julie Burkhart said Monday.

“We are immediately shouting it from the rooftop to make sure our patients know,” Burkhart said following the ruling.

“We are back to seeing patients the way we were on Feb. 27.”

An abortion opponent questioned the need to contest the laws if the clinic was safe.

“The abortion business here in Casper could prove that they are providing safe services by complying with laws. Would that not make their point?”

Ross Schriftman, president of Natrona County Right to Life, said in an email statement Monday.

Abortion has remained legal in Wyoming despite bans passed since 2022. The bans include the nation’s first

explicit ban on abortion pills.

A judge in Jackson blocked the bans then struck them down in November on the grounds that abortion is allowed by a 2012 state constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right of competent adults to make their own health care decisions.

The Wyoming Supreme Court heard arguments in that case Wednesday and is unlikely to rule for at least several weeks.

Meanwhile, the same people challenging the bans — Wellspring Health Access, the abortion access advocacy group Chelsea’s Fund, and four women, including two obstetricians — have sued to block Wyoming’s most recent two abortion laws.

The surgical center licensing requirement would require costly renovations to make Wellspring Health Access compliant, the clinic said in its lawsuit.

Gordon vetoed the requirement for an ultrasound at least 48 hours before a pill abortion, calling it onerous in cases of abuse, rape, or when a woman’s

and opportunities are there for accidents.”

In addition, the board also approved the creation of a no-parking zone on Pittsboro Elementary School Road between Farrell and Cotton streets.

“The school has a modest amount of off-street parking but not a substantial amount, and what is happening is that when there are events, especially at the Little League field, vehicles are parking on both sides of the street,” Jackson said.

According to Jackson, con-

cerns had been raised about children potentially running in between the cars parked along the street, and due to the tight and crowded parking situation there, it could be a potential danger.

“It will add to safety to prohibit parking,” Jackson said. “It’s clear that it seems needed.”

According to town manager Jonathan Franklin, the town — in conjunction with the school system — is looking into expanding the existing lot near the baseball field for parking.

The board also approved amendments to its Code of Ordinances to implement rules

health is at risk. State lawmakers voted to override the veto on March 5.

The ultrasound requirement did not significantly affect clinic operations but Wellspring Health Access also suspended offering pill abortions to avoid legal complications. The law stands to add to the cost and complications for women getting pill abortions.

Opponents call laws like Wyoming’s requirements “targeted restrictions on abortion providers” because they can regulate clinics and abortion access out of existence even if abortion remains legal.

In blocking the laws while the lawsuit proceeds, District Judge Thomas Campbell in Casper ruled that they too stand to violate the constitution.

Despite the new restrictions, Wellspring Health Access has remained open to consult with patients and provide hormone replacement therapy for transgender patients. The clinic opened in 2023, almost a year late after heavy damage from an arson attack.

and regulations related to the new skatepark.

The new amendments establish that the use of the park is at the risk of the user, requirements for using protective helmets and pads, hours of operation (sunrise to sunset), enforcement policy and other various rules and regulations of use.

“The intended purpose is to outline what our expectations are,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Katy Keller. “This is something that we looked at and were advised to do by our insurance agent.”

Another thing that the ordi-

Carthage

Speaker: Pastor T. Petway

Bishop Willie Gilmore and Pastor Faye Gilmore Saturday, April 26 at 3 p.m.

We will be glad to have you come and be with us in service and lift up the name of Jesus! Please come and bring someone with you!

If you can’t come at this time, maybe you can come and be with us another time. Thank you

Prophetess Pastor Callie Peoples 984-368-2942

Pastor James Peoples 984-270-3011

nance does is forbid the use of roller skates and skateboards on any sidewalk, public street, public parking lot, pedestrian walkway and any other place where pedestrians gather.

Finally, the board authorized town staff to apply for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant for Knight Farm Park improvements.

“The existing amenities that are out there now are really catered to the smaller age groups and what we really want to prioritize for all of our parks especially, is being able to have something for everyone who attends no matter

your age or ability,” Keller said. Some of the things that Keller stated the town is looking into were picnic tables (solar seating), a mini multipurpose court, putting greens, a foosball and ping pong table, shelter structures, outdoor exercise equipment, a multipurpose field, additional greenway connections and an amphitheater. The grant is a 50/50 match, so if the full $500,000 was awarded, the town would be responsible for $250,000. The Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners will next meet May 12.

COURTESY CHATHAM COUNTY SHERIFF

Edwin Silva-Badillo

MEAD GRUVER / AP PHOTO

Wellspring Health Access in Casper is Wyoming’s only abortion clinic.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

We are all river keepers

I helped to raise money for the preservation efforts of the Haw River Assembly, which benefits everyone.

EARTH DAY is officially April 22, but by the time you read this column, it’s not too late to mark the occasion and make a positive difference. This Saturday, April 26, the Haw River Assembly hosts a family-friendly event at the Plant in Pittsboro from 1-5 p.m. The following day, Emily Sutton, the Haw Riverkeeper, will speak at my church, Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian, on April 27, at 9:15 and 11 a.m. She leads the fight against river pollution on behalf of over 1 million people in the Haw River Watershed. I’m reminded of Barry Lopez’s quote, “To put your hands in a river is to feel the chords that bind the earth together.”

The notion of sacred chords that bind also reminds me of other religious teachings. Versions of the Golden Rule are found in dozens of religions and philosophies across the world, and I appreciate the formulation by Wendell Berry: “Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto

you.” We forget that our actions impact the health and well-being of neighbors hundreds of miles away. That’s why community events are important and life-giving.

A couple of weeks ago, I ran in the Haw River Island Ramble, a 6K race around the island park in Saxapahaw. I was under no illusions of finishing first; in fact, the winner lapped me! But I helped to raise money for the preservation efforts of the Haw River Assembly, which benefits everyone.

I also found an incredible community among the race participants and spectators. A diverse crowd, including cheering grandparents and giggling babies, gathered at the finish line. There were “fur babies” barking their approval and wagging their tails with enough force to shake their entire bodies. Was it my imagination, or were the songbirds also singing their approval? Deep, enduring connections bind us together.

Sometimes less really is more

Long ago and far away, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and I was in my third year as a college freshman, I won the coveted title of “Best Sleeper” in my dorm.

MUCH OF SOCIETY’S drive today centers on the notion “the bigger, the better.”

That’s true, I suppose, if you’re looking for a room to hold 100 people and, so far, you’ve only found an 8-by-10 shed.

But more and more, I’m being reminded that while sometimes it takes just a bit more to make things better and that, at the same time, less can be more.

As a nation and a people, we’ve gotten into the mindset that you need to get really big or bigger than the next guy to be successful. Moderation or even abstinence just doesn’t figure into our lifestyles very much.

The reasons for that mindset, I think, are many.

For starters, think back, if you can and will, to when fast-food hamburger joints were coming onto the scene — quite a big difference from today’s offerings.

For one thing, then the burgers were only 15 cents and the fries a dime. Of course, the minimum wage was $1.25 and gas was 20 cents. But beyond that, appetites — both physical and emotional — didn’t seem all that big, certainly not as big as they have come to be today. The burger we got then was about four bites worth, pretty much the size that’s available in what most of today’s chains call a “kid’s meal.”

At some point in the fast-food world, it became a good thing, even the best thing, to “super-size” your lunch, and competition was on. Catchy slogans and radio jingles, “combo deals” and similar factors contributed to the notion that we needed more food.

So instead of a reasonably sized lunch, we began to consume half a cow on a bun, a bag of potatoes and four gallons

of sugar water we call tea or a six-pack of soft drinks. With that, in time, came obese folks — you can’t say “fat” anymore, even though I have personally been there and could easily slide down that slippery slope if left unattended. The results were especially noticeable among youngsters.

Other benefits to over-consumption were diabetes, high blood pressure and a host of other health concerns.

Now, please don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting we completely boycott the Golden Arches or your favorite local dive. Rather, I’m using that part of our society to make the point (hopefully) that we don’t have to have the most of anything to be a complete and happy human being.

Long ago and far away, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and I was in my third year as a college freshman, I won the coveted title of “Best Sleeper” in my dorm. It was generally accepted among my peers that I could sleep through anything — my alarm clock, my roommate’s, a hurricane, most of my classes, pretty much anything. The problem with that is, of course, that if you sleep late, you’re going to miss a lot of stuff, especially and including your classes.

Today, I’m still a pretty good sleeper, but I’m finding that less really can be more. Maybe it’s mental — that I don’t want to sleep away what’s left. Maybe it’s emotional — what’s left is and can be pretty good. Maybe it’s physical, that it really doesn’t take as much as it once did. Maybe it’s all three. Maybe it’s something else I don’t even recognize.

All I know is that now, instead of a short six-hour nap in the middle of the day, I can get along pretty well after a brief “power nap.”

As Sutton, our fearless Riverkeeper, says, “There is much that needs to be addressed right now.” Under her leadership, the Haw River Assembly has filed lawsuits against polluters in Burlington and Greensboro to stop the discharge of PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals,” into our drinking water. These toxins have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer. These are not partisan issues but values that we can all support.

So let’s all be our brother’s and our sister’s keepers and obey the Golden Rule. I hope to see you out this weekend or, if not, perhaps along one of the walking trails that run along the beautiful Haw.

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, coffee drinker and student of joy.

Case in point: Some time ago, it fell my lot to conduct a couple of memorial services on a Sunday afternoon at two different locations some miles apart. Timing was not an issue since all involved had come to an agreement about the time of all the proceedings. What was going on for me, however, was that I was a bit pooped after Sunday morning services, which always takes energy and such out of me.

Follow that up with enough lunch to meet the need, and by the time I finished the first service and traveled to the site of the second, my eyelids were heavier than they had been. When I showed up at the second site, no one else had arrived since I got there early, which in and of itself is a different animal than normal.

There followed a brief internal discussion between me and myself about how to make things better. After some more conversation and finding a patch of woods, I parked under a large oak and surrendered, hoping the internal alarm would not fail to go off. Fortunately, I awoke before it was time to start.

Amazing what a 10-minute snooze (less) can do to refresh body and soul (more) so we can go on with what it is that lies before us.

I recommend we eat less so we can be more, that we learn some of the admonition in The Book to “be content with what we have,” and in so doing, take on the Army advertising slogan of yesteryear and “be all you can be.”

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

Am I fixed yet?

From one turtle lover to another, I opened my car window, stuck my head out in the pouring rain, shouting “thank you” several times over.

I WAS DRIVING BACK to my North Carolina home at dusk in unrepentant rainfall.

Excuse me? Unrepentant?

Ever heard of Hurricane Helene? (If not, where the hell have you been?) Yes, Helene was unrepentant in her devastating encompass of North Carolina. My little college town was considerably east of the worst damage in the mountains, but Helene was still intent on leaving her calling card in Chapel Hill. Buckets, buckets and even more buckets of that wet stuff, plunging down. What, in heaven‘s name, motivated me to drive in this madness? It was my vanity’s fault! (Vanity, are you paying attention?) I was desperate for a haircut.

Geez, in Helene?

Vanity can be a driving little sucker …

An outcome of my untoward vanity was that the rural road leading to my neighborhood might be flooded. I was already deep into worry about abandoning my car by the side of the road and walking home. No fan favorite, here, of wet, cold feet … (Well, are you?)

Suddenly, a car pulled out of a driveway right in front of me and, whoa, came to an abrupt halt. I panicked. Just panicked. My car slipped and slid, trying to stop. No, no, please, not in the ditch!

I skidded to a halt, fortunately, minus any ditch-dunking. The driver who’d triggered this fear-inducing stop opened his window and waved me around him on the sopping wet two-lane road.

Scared and furious. My heart pounding to beat the band. I was also fast-composing a script in my mind, replete with searing judgments about the insensitive driver in front of me. Jeez, doesn’t he know we’re in a hurricane? (Just like I knew I was in a hurricane, but was driving anyway ... hmmm.)

COLUMN | KIRA WALSH

Slowly, I began to pull around his car. Suddenly, I saw the reason for his abrupt and, in my mind, completely unsafe stop in the midst of Hurricane Helene. A beautiful box turtle was slowly inching across the road. The driver, who I’d begun cutting to smithereens in my mind, had scrunched to a stop to avoid hitting the little crawler.

He exited his car in the pouring wetness, wearing no rain gear, picked up the critter and moved it to the other side of the road. So much for my quickly jelling judgmental script. It just went poof. From one turtle lover to another, I opened my car window, stuck my head out in the pouring rain, shouting “thank you” several times over. Felt much better for doing so.

Like the soaking-wet rescuer, I’m an ardent turtle mama. Such a turtle rescue mama that I’ve narrowly avoided being hit by a car in my own mania to save a turtle. In my craze of “gotta save that turtle,” I literally slam on the brakes and jump out of my car (generally, forgetting to look both ways for other cars). Barreling toward moving the turtle to the other side of the road.

Oh, as an FYI for possible future rescuers, frightened turtles often pee on the hands of their turtle saviors. I did say I love turtles, didn’t I?

Am I fixed yet? Did my psyche receive a powerful enough change stimulant to stop me from making instantaneous negative judgments of others? Who am I kidding? As a human, I’m always going to be a work in progress. This doesn’t mean I can’t continually try to up my game, even as the fallible person I am. Like all turtles I adore, I may move slowly, but I’m moving …

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

North Carolina’s clean energy boom:

a

blueprint for economic growth and American energy independence

TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high‑quality jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000.

NORTH CAROLINA is at the forefront of the clean energy economy, emerging as a national leader in research, innovation and technology. Lawmakers’ bipartisan efforts to advance clean energy are a direct investment in the middle class, revitalizing communities statewide.

North Carolina’s strategic clean energy investments are not just strengthening the state’s economy; they are reshaping global supply chains and strengthening the nation’s position on the world stage. By reducing reliance on foreign energy and bringing manufacturing back to American soil, these investments are stimulating innovation, creating high-paying jobs and advancing the nation’s energy independence — all of which are key to long-term growth and competitiveness in the global market.

North Carolina’s south-central region is the epitome of this, with major investments from Sunlight Batteries and Toyota transforming the historically rural and lowincome communities.

With a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector innovation, North Carolina can now be a prime destination for both international and domestic investment, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy economy are widespread.

Our congressional district exemplifies how clean energy projects are no longer confined to urban tech hubs as they are revitalizing communities across the state. More than 62% of new clean energy jobs, 70% of new clean energy investments and nearly half of all projects in North Carolina are located in low-income communities. These investments are fostering job creation, strengthening supply chains and promoting long-term economic stability.

Toyota’s first North American battery plant (TBMNC) is taking shape in Liberty, marking a $13.9 billion investment in advanced manufacturing. TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high-quality jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000 — more than 60% higher than the county’s current average wage. This is a major win for the American industry, strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

In Alamance County, Sunlight Batteries USA — a tech company specializing in energy storage systems — seeks to transform Mebane with its $40 million investment in a lithium-ion production facility. Projected to create more than 200 jobs and contribute approximately $390 million to the state economy, the company reflects North Carolina’s broader commitment to American energy dominance and statewide economic prosperity. Nevertheless, the clean energy transition comes with its own set of challenges.

Wolfspeed, a silicon carbide chip manufacturing company, plans to invest $5 billion in Chatham County, which is projected to create 1,800 well-paying jobs

and transform a county that is 84% rural.

However, following the company’s massive stock drop, leadership changes and uncertainty surrounding federal incentives like the CHIPS Act, the future of Wolfspeed remains uncertain. Such setbacks underscore the importance of bipartisan efforts to provide long-term policy stability and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in clean energy manufacturing.

While market challenges have slowed some projects, several other new clean energy projects are on the horizon in the district, putting the state in a great position to remain a technology and energy epicenter. Most recently, Gov. Josh Stein announced Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, LLC’s (PTT) plan to expand its transformer manufacturing capacity in Hoke County. A leading domestic manufacturer of power and distribution transformers for innovative energy markets, PTT will advance clean American energy and economic growth.

Sadly, the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier future has long been hindered by its politicization, yet North Carolinians know economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand. The state’s investments in clean energy have yielded tangible benefits, from spurring innovation to new infrastructure to record-breaking job creation, proving we do not need to sacrifice the economy in the name of the environment.

Public opinion reflects this reality, with polling data from Clear Path Action finding that 62% of Republicans believe it is important that their congressional representative support clean energy policies. This widespread support aligns with North Carolina’s pro -growth, pro-business approach to energy, which prioritizes market- driven solutions and strategic investments that attract private-sector innovation. By leveraging tax incentives and fostering a competitive business climate, the state has positioned itself as a leader in the energy markets of the future. Ultimately proving that conservative principles and environmental progress can go hand in hand to bolster American energy independence.

As a North Carolinian in the 9th district, I have witnessed firsthand how clean energy investments have transformed our state. The future is bright. With artificial intelligence expanding at an unprecedented pace alongside President Donald Trump’s new $500 billion vision for advancing infrastructure, North Carolina has both the resources and the opportunity to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies. By embracing innovation and fostering an environment where economic growth and environmental stewardship move in unison, the state can continue to lead the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Kira Walsh is a volunteer with the American Conservation Coalition, based in Pittsboro.

SUSAN ESTRICH

Doing the right thing

DOING THE RIGHT THING isn’t easy when you have a would-be dictator and a squad of political terrorists threatening you.

That’s what these people really are, and they are frankly scary. They don’t care whether they destroy whoever and whatever stands in their way. I don’t blame the law firms or universities that have caved to the terror tactics. I don’t blame the federal employees who remain quiet in the hopes of keeping their jobs.

Until you’re in their shoes, how can you know what you would do?

But I stand in awe of those individuals and institutions with the courage to speak out, and the determination to preserve freedom and the rule of law.

This week, the kudos go to Harvard University, the law firms that are saying no to the Trump administration and the courageous federal judges who are insisting that the administration respect the rule of law. They just might save our Constitution.

I underestimated Donald Trump. Oh, I wrote mountains of columns when he was running, and in his first term, about the threat he posed to our democracy. It was bad. But this is worse.

I didn’t think he would try to destroy our colleges and universities. But that’s just what they are doing. The letter he sent to Harvard was beyond the pale.

To claim it was an effort to address antisemitism is an offense to Jews. They are using Jews as a pretext for a war against academic freedom, as an excuse to audit who gets in and who gets hired, and as a sword to second guess what is taught and who does the teaching.

Alan Garber, a Jew, is the president of Harvard University. I trust him to fight antisemitism more than anyone should trust Trump and the DOGE boys. I was a student at Harvard Law School and also a tenured professor there. I taught criminal law to first-year students. I introduced rape into the curriculum of the criminal law course — with a focus on the law’s racism and sexism. If Trump had his way, 30-plus years later, that would be prohibited.

My course on gender discrimination would have flatly violated the Trumpian ban on anything remotely smelling like DEI. My books — notably “Real Rape” and “Sex and Power” — could never be assigned and, if Trump had his way, would be banned. In the name of antisemitism? How dumb does he think we are?

What Trump is doing in the name of enforcing immigration law is itself a violation of the law. This week, two federal judges stood up to Trump.

On Wednesday, Judge Jeb Boasberg, who was first appointed to the bench by President George W. Bush, found probable cause to believe that the Trump administration was in criminal contempt for willfully ignoring his order not to deport migrants to El Salvador under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.

In doing so, he made clear that if the Trump Justice Department had no interest in pursuing contempt, he would appoint a prosecutor to do so. “The Constitution,” Boasberg wrote, “does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders — especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it.”

The day before, in Maryland, federal district Judge Paula Xinis sharply rebuked the Trump administration for doing nothing in the face of a Supreme Court order that it take steps to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland father who — because of what the administration had conceded was an “administrative error” — was illegally deported to El Salvador.

The most powerful man in the world — and the biggest bully — is taking the position that he is powerless to undo a mistake that threatens a man’s life. That dog don’t hunt. Xinis wouldn’t buy the administration’s BS and made clear that she intends to get to the bottom of it, demanding that the administration produce details of its efforts under oath and giving Abrego Garcia’s lawyers permission to depose as many as six Trump administration officials.

On the same day, Susman Godfrey, the law firm that represented Dominion Voting Systems in cases dealing with the false claims that the 2020 election was fraudulent, won a temporary restraining order against a Trump edict targeting the firm and its clients. Susman joined two other firms, WilmerHale and Perkins Coie, in suing the administration for what the judge called its unconstitutional “coercion.” Nine firms have cut deals with the administration.

The administration has made clear that it will expect more of these firms than pro bono work for veterans and against antisemitism. Hopefully, firms that have not been targeted yet will be moved to follow the example of Godfrey, WilmerHale and Perkins Coie in standing up to Trump.

If law firms are afraid to fight back, and Republican senators are afraid, as Sen. Lisa Murkowski admitted on Thursday, what hope do we have? Now is the time for courage, as the federal judiciary has shown. Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

obituaries

Robert Tucker Grimes

April 23, 2002 –April 16, 2025

Robert Tucker Grimes, 22, of Sanford went to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, at home surrounded by family.

Tucker was born April 23, 2002, in Lee County to Stephen Grimes and Jo Ann Murchison Carpenter. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, John F. Grimes, III.

Tucker was an honorary fireman at both Goldston Fire Department and Siler City Fire Department. He attended Goldston Methodist Church with his family. Tucker was an avid train lover and loved to sit and watch trains with his Poppie. He loved riding in his 1994 pickup, going camping and fishing, and riding his scooter around Siler City. He was a huge NC State fan and loved watching the games. He loved dogs and 18 wheelers as well. Tucker really enjoyed spending

Ned Steven Headen

Nov. 18, 1941 –April 19, 2025

Ned Steven Headen, 83, of Siler City, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Ned was born November 18, 1941, to the late Hallie Everett Headen and the late Edna Louise Phillips. In addition to his parents Ned was preceded in death by his brother, Dilton Headen. Ned was a member of Plainfield Friends Meeting where he sang in the church choir. He was a painter and a school bus driver, driving for both Bonlee school and Sage Academy. Ned was a retired member of the Silk Hope Fire Department for more than 30 years. He was also a past member of the Silk Hope Ruritan Club and

time with his family and coming down to Budd Tire and answering the phones.

Left to honor Tucker’s memory, he is survived by his mother, Jo Ann Murchison Carpenter and her husband, Keith; his father, Stephen Grimes and his wife, Marcia; his sister, Sophia Grimes; his brother, Daniel Grimes; his paternal grandmother, Cecilia Grimes Allen and her husband, Archie; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Sunny Murchison; his uncle, J.T. Grimes and his wife, Alysia; his aunt, Angie Tally and her husband, Dennis; and a host of cousins that he loved dearly.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, April 19th, 2025, at 3 pm, at Goldston Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 1 – 2:30 pm at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow in Goldston Memorial Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Reverend David King, Reverend Kerry Wood, and special speaker, J.T. Grimes.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Make A Wish Foundation https:// secure2.wish.org/site/ SPageServer?pagename=dfr_ landing&chid=100-000

The family wishes to thank Duke Palliative Care and Dr. Lee, Primary HealthChoice and Cassondra McClean, and Amedisys Hospice for their care and attention of Tucker.

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

a proud supporter of the Silk Hope Old Fashioned Farmers Day and Antique Collectibles. Ned was a scout master with the Boy Scouts of America, Silk Hope Troop 911 and Siler City Troop 924; and he was a Silver Beaver Award Recipient.

Ned is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gwen Hargrove Headen; sons, Steven Headen and John Will Headen and wife, Tisha; grandchildren, Jackson Headen, Avery Headen, Haley and Caleb Nixon, and Cole and Kaitlin Morris; great grandchildren, Phoebe Nixon and Ason Morris; sisters, Peggy Routh and Brenda Bare; brothers, Tommy and Joyce Headen and Mike and Vivian Headen; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:00 am at Plainfield Friends Meeting, with Wayne Lamb and Josh Conrad officiating.

The family request memorials be made to Plainfield Friends Meeting care of Iris Terry 7400 Siler City Snow Camp Road, Siler City 27344 or to Amedisys Hospice 2975 Crouse Lane, Burlington NC 27215. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Headen family. Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

Ellie Faith Sipe

April 16, 2025 –April 17, 2025

IN MEMORY

Ellie Faith Sipe, infant daughter of Jimmy Lee and Cambria Michelle Sipe passed away in her Daddy’s arms on Thursday, April 17th, 2025, at Randolph Health, and woke up in the arms of Jesus.

Ellie was born on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025. Left to cherish her memory are her parents, Jimmy and Cambria; her brothers, Carter and Easton Sipe; her maternal grandparents, Mitchell Hicks and his wife, Melissa of Sanford, and Laura Moore of Ramseur; her aunt, Sarah Hicks of Ramseur her

paternal grandparents, James Sipe of Bear Creek, and Sonia Craveiro of Sanford; her paternal great grandparents, James and Pat Sipe of Bear Creek; and her maternal great grandmother, Sue Tighe; and her paternal great grandmother, Mary Rodgers. Visitation will be held Monday, April 21st, 2025, from 5-7 pm, at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Sipe family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

CHARLES WILLIAM WOLFE

MARCH 15, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our family member, Charles William Wolfe, age 71. Charles was the founder and owner of Wolfe Properties, Inc. He passed away at his home in Pittsboro, NC on March 15th, 2025. He was the son of the late Kemp and Sylvia Wolfe. He was predeceased by sister Linda and brother Russell. He was of Christian faith. He recently said, “Death will be my Greatest Adventure”. Please keep the family in your prayers.

FONNIE MELISSA CHRISCO JOYNER

APRIL 16,

2025

Fonnie Melissa Chrisco Joyner, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Central Carolina Hospital surrounded by family. A devoted mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, she lived a life full of love, kindness, and care for others. She was born in Moore County to the late Ernest Chrisco and Ollie Lassiter Chrisco. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Johnny Ray Joyner and brothers Fred, Junior, James and Edward Chrisco. Mrs. Joyner worked many years in food service with the Lee County School System. She found her greatest joy in the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought endless light into her life. Her home was always a welcoming place, filled with the comforting smells of home-cooked meals. Fonnie is survived by her loving husband, Clarence who lovingly referred to her as “Dearie” and she referred to him as “Cupcake”; her children LaVerne Joyner, Shelia Joyner and George C. Joyner, II, all of Sanford; sisters Louise Francis of Indiana, Maggie Bristoe of Carthage, Ann Black (James) of East Bend and Emma Yow of Seagrove; daughter-in-law Diane Joyner; grandchildren Melissa Bray (Rob) of Carthage, Audra Edwards (Ryan) of Augusta, Jonathan Joyner (April) of Deep River, Skylar Donathan of Sanford and great-grandchildren Sarah Jane Bray of Carthage, Jeremiah Joyner-Staley of Pennsylvania, Skylaleigh Donathan of Sanford and Cynthia Moore (Chris) of Deep River

Jay Sigel, considered America’s best amateur since Bobby Jones, dies of cancer at 81

The Wake Forest grad finally turned pro at age 50

The Associated Press

BERWYN, Pa. — Jay Sigel, who was widely viewed as America’s best amateur since Bobby Jones, has died of pancreatic cancer, the U.S. Golf Association said Sunday.

The USGA said Sigel died Saturday at age 81. Along with his two U.S. Amateur titles and three U.S. Mid-Amateur victories, Sigel played in nine Walker Cup matches, twice serving as a playing captain.

Sigel was low amateur in the Masters three times, and once each at the U.S. Open and British Open during his sterling career.

His intention was to turn pro when he starred at Wake Forest on an Arnold Palmer scholarship. But his left hand went through a pane window on a swinging door that re-

Shoppe in Pittsboro. Bring a small group or a friend. Sponsored by Donaldson Funeral

quired 70 stitches. Sigel decided to remain amateur and started a successful insurance business.

“I always thought things happen for a reason,” Sigel once said. “The hand injury was the best thing to happen to me.”

He won his first U.S. Amateur in 1982, and the following year became the first player to win the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Mid-Amateur — for players at least 25 years old — in

the same season. He also captured some of the nation’s most prestigious titles, such as the Sunnehanna Amateur, the Northeast Amateur and the Porter Cup.

Sigel joined the PGA Tour Champions when he turned 50 and won eight times, though his legacy was amateur golf. He was on eight winning Walker Cup teams, and played as the captain in 1983 and 1985.

AL GOLDIS / AP PHOTO

Jay Sigel watches his tee shot during a golf tournament in Michigan in May 2002.

Teachers, are you looking for new opportunities to fund projects for your classroom? Central Electric is awarding up to $15,000 in Bright Ideas education grants to local educators in K-12 classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year.

The final deadline for all grant applications is Sept. 15, but don’t wait to apply. Applications submitted prior to the early-bird deadline on Aug. 15 will be entered to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards. Scan the QR code or visit NCBrightIdeas.com for more information or to apply!

Monday, April 28 Pittsboro Center for Active Living

8:30 a.m. - Total Body Conditioning Exercise

10 a.m. - Geri-Fit

11 a.m. - Bingo with Mr. Ed Noon - Reading Out Loud with Gaines

1 p.m. - Mahjong; Table Tennis

1:30 p.m. - Open Quilting Space

6 p.m. - Caregiver Support Group (via Zoom) Siler City Center for Active Living

9 a.m. - Strong & Fit

10 a.m. - Cornhole

10:30 a.m. - Health and Wellness with Kathryn

2 p.m. - Strength & Tone Tuesday, April 29 Pittsboro Center for Active Living

8:30 a.m. - QiGong

9 a.m. - 3G’s Men’s Group

10 a.m. - Woodcarvers; Cardio Drumming

11 a.m. - Tax Reappraisals with Jenny Williams

12:30 p.m. - Hiking with Alan

1 p.m. - Rummikub

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

8 a.m. - Quilting and Sewing Time

9 a.m. - Cardio Drumming

10 a.m. - Chair Exercises

10:30 a.m. - Tuesdays with Talyse

1 p.m. - Rook, Phase 10 & Rummikub Wednesday, April 30 Pittsboro Center for Active Living

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

10 a.m. - Chair Yoga with Liz; Music Jam

11 a.m. - The Chosen with discussion; Haw River Crawdaddies Performance

2 p.m. - Chess Siler City Center for Active Living

9 a.m. - Strong & Fit

10 a.m. - Bible Study

1 p.m. - Crafts; Pickleball & Cornhole

from page

The case hit unusually close to home, as three justices live in the county, though none sent their children to public schools.

“I guess I am a bit mystified as a lifelong resident of the county how it came to this,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh said. Kavanaugh also expressed surprise that the school system was “not respecting religious liberty,” especially because of the county’s diverse population and Maryland’s history as a haven for Catholics.

Pressed repeatedly about why the school system couldn’t reinstitute an opt-out policy, lawyer Alan Schoenfeld said, “It tried that. It failed. It was not able to accommodate the number of opt-outs at issue.”

“I guess I am a bit mystified as a lifelong resident of the county how it came to this.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh

Sex education is the only area of instruction in Montgomery schools that students can be excused from, Schoenfeld said.

Justices referred to several of the books, but none as extensively as “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” in which a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married to another man.

Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor and conservative Justice Samuel Alito, who are on opposite sides of most culture-war clashes, offered competing interpretations.

“Is looking at two men getting married, is that the religious objection?” Sotomayor said, noting there’s not even any kissing involved.

Alito described the book as an endorsement of same-sex marriage. “The book has a clear message, and a lot of people think it’s a good message, and maybe it is a good message, but it’s a message that a lot of people who hold on to traditional religious beliefs don’t agree with,” he said. In all, five books are at issue in the high court case, touching on the same themes found in classic stories that include Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system’s lawyers wrote. In “Prince and Knight,” two men fall in love after they rescue the kingdom, and each other. “Love, Violet” deals with a girl’s anxiety about giving a valentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of a transgender boy’s decision to share his gender identity with his family and the world. “Intersection Allies” describes nine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-fluid.

Billy Moges, a board member of the Kids First parents’ group that sued over the books, said the content is sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren.

The writers’ group Pen America said in a court filing what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year. A decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor is expected by early summer.

2:30 p.m. - Lifelong Gardening: Changing the Garden (Mind and Body Adjustments) Thursday, May 1 Pittsboro Center for Active Living

8:30 a.m. - QiGong

10 a.m. - Hooks & Needles; Chair Zumba Gold

1 p.m. - Rummikub; Bridge

1:30 p.m. - Line Dancing

3 p.m. - Gentle Yoga with Liz Siler City Center for Active Living

9 a.m. - Men’s Coffee & Conversations

10 a.m. - Chair Exercises; Crochet Workshop; Music Jam Session

1 p.m. - Powerful Tools for Caregivers; Book Club

2 p.m. - Strength & Tone

3 p.m. - Thursday Social: Bocce

8:30

9

REAL ESTATE

LEARN ABOUT LAND - Chatham Land Experts, www.learnaboutland.com - 919362-6999. JY2,tfnc

RENT

FOR

30’ X 40’ SHOP BUILDING FOR RENT –Includes heat, water & electrical. Gravel parking area – Two 12ft high bay doors – Additional space available –Call 919-259-6182 for more information. 4tp

FOR RENT – 2BDR/2BA MOBILE HOME IN Bonlee Elementary and Chatham Central High School District – No Pets –Call 919-548-1332 and leave a message. A17,24p

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. Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 919-533-6319 for more information, TDD #1-800-735-2962, 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, 919-6631877. Handicap accessible. Equal Housing Opportunity. J14,tfnc

AUCTIONS

RICKY ELLINGTON AUCTIONEERSEquipment, business, liquidation, estates, land, houses, antiques, personal property, coins, furniture, consignments, benefits, etc., NCAL #7706, 919-548-3684, 919663-3556, rickyellingtonauctions@ yahoo.com. Jy6,tfnc

FOR SALE

CEMETRY PLOT FOR SALE – Located at Chatham Memorial Park, Section C in Siler City, NC.

Valued at $2,349.00. $600.00 or best offer. Please call 919-799-7170. 2tp

Dining Room Set w/China Cabinet,

several Curio Cabinets, Treadmill, Sofa and 2 end tables, 2 upright freezers, dishes, Bedroom Suite, 2 Recliners, etc. 919-799-8243.

HELP WANTED

HANDYMAN NEEDED! Gardening and small projects! Please call 919-548-2943. M27,4tp

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. 919-542-2803. A2,tfnc LETT’S TREE SERVICE - tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing. Visa & Master Card accepted. Timber. Free estimates. 919-258-3594. N9,tfnc

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having qualified on the 28th day of March 2025, as Co-Executors of the Estate of Dolores Bilangi, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of July 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. On this 3rd day of April 2025

Dona Bilangi & Richard Bilangi, Co-Executors of the Estate of Dolores Bilangi Candace B. Minjares, Esquire Kennon Craver, PLLC

4011 University Drive, Suite 300 Durham, North Carolina 27707 4/03, 4/10, 4/17 and 4/24 The Chatham News

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEAPart B, Public Law 108.446) Project is presently being amended. The Project describes the special education programs that Chatham Charter School proposes for Federal funding for the 2025-2026 School Year. Interested persons are encouraged to review amendments to the Project and make comments concerning the implementation of special education under this Federal Program. All comments will be considered prior to submission of the amended Project to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh, North Carolina. The IDEA-Part B Project is open to the public for review and comments during the days of May 16 through May 21, 2025, in the office of Julie Franklin, located at 2200 Hamp Stone Rd, Siler City, NC 27344. The school phone number is (919) 742-4550. Notice

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY Special Proceedings No. 24 SP 1129 Substitute Trustee: Philip A. Glass NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Date of Sale: April 29, 2025 Time of Sale: 10:30 a.m.

Place of Sale: Chatham County Courthouse Description of Property: See Attached Description Record Owners: Roderick Deshun Alston, devisee under the probated Will of Henry Roderick Alston Address of Property: 54 Pattishall Road Pittsboro, NC 27312 Deed of Trust: Book : 02370 Page: 0803 Dated: July 07, 2023 Grantors: Henry Roderick Alston an unmarried person Original Beneficiary: State Employees’

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

All persons having claims against Laurice Ferris, of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to present them to Gwendolyn H Waddell-Schultz, Personal Representative of the Estate of Laurice Ferris, at NextGen Estate Solutions, 500 Westover Dr. #35317, Sanford, NC 27330 or before July 17, 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 Laurice Ferris. Those indebted to Laurice Ferris are asked to make prompt payment to the Estate.

Gwendolyn Waddel-Schults, Personal Representative

Patricia Lewis, Co-Personal Representative C/O Brittany N. Porter, Attorney NextGen Estate Solutions 500 Westover Dr. #35317 Sanford, NC 27330

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of JOSEPH J. MINORICS, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the offices of Munson Law Firm PLLC, P.O. Box 1811 Pittsboro, NC 27312, on or before the 3rd day of July, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 3rd day of April, 2025.

JOSHUA MINORICS, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF JOSEPH J. MINORICS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of DIANNE

GAINES DAVIS, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned Matthew G. Davis hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to present them to him at P. O. Box 233, Goldston, NC 27252 on or before the 10th day of July, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All of those indebted to the said estate are hereby requested to make prompt payment to the undersigned.

This the 10th day of April, 2025.

Matthew G. Davis Executor of the Estate of DIANNE GAINES DAVIS P. O. Box 233 Goldston, NC 27252 Please publish the above Notice April 10, 17, and 24, and May 1, 2025.

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against CLARICE DRIGGERS COTTEN, a/ ka/ CLARICE D COTTEN, deceased, of Chatham County, NC are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of July 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 3rd day of April, 2025. Billy Driggers, Executor c/o Hopler, Wilms & Hanna, PLLC, 2314 S. Miami Blvd. Suite 151, Durham, NC 27703. April 3, 2025 April 10, 2025 April 17, 2025 April 24, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Probate #25E000116-180______

All persons, firm and corporations having claims against Barbara B. Modisett, late of Chatham County, North Carolina are hereby notified to present them to Kendall H. Page, as Executor of the decedent’s estate in care of Kendall H. Page, Attorney, 210 N Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 on or before the 3rd day of July, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the above-named Executor.

Kendall H. Page 210 N Columbia Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Bar # 14261

Notice to Run: 4/3/2025,4/10/2025, 4/17/2025 & 4/24/2025

terminate the

agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to

effective on a date stated in the notice that is at

10 days, but not 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. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. Dated: March 25, 2025

Philip A. Glass, Substitute Trustee Nodell, Glass & Haskell, L.L.P. Posted on March 25, 2025 Exhibit A A CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN CENTER TOWNSHIP, CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT NUMBER 2, A TRACT OF 1.510 ACRES, AS SHOWN BY SURVEY FOR WILLIE MAE PATTISALL, DATED FEBRUARY 4, 1997, PREPARED BY VAN R. FINCH - LAND SURVEY, P.A., RECORDED IN PLAT SLIDE 97-46, CHATHAM COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH PLAT REFERENCE IS MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. THIS BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO HENRY RODERICK ALSTON, DATE 04/04/2001 AND RECORDED ON 04/04/2001 IN BOOK 861, PAGE 771, IN THE CHATHAM COUNTY RECORDERS OFFICE. Subject to easements, restrictions and rights of way of record, and utility lines and rights of way in existence over, under or upon the above-described property. PIN: 974220715790 Property Address: 54 Pattishall Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312 and commonly known as 54 Pattisall Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312

against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the attorney of the undersigned at OMEGA ELDER LAW, PO Box 820, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 and the EXECUTOR at 241 High Ridge Lane, Pittsboro, NC 27312 on or before the

Notice to Creditors ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against MARY ANN WILLIAMS a/k/a ANN SWAINEY WILLIAMS, deceased of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned at, on or before July 11, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 10th day of April, 2025.

Robert R. Oakley, Limited Personal Representative, c/o Deborah A. McDermott, Smith Anderson Blount Dorsett Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P., P.O. Box 2611, Raleigh, NC 27602-2611

Chatham News & Record: 4/10/25, 4/17/25, 4/17/25 & 4/24/25

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against MARJORIE J. EDWARDS, who died on December 22, 2024, late of Chatham County, NC, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before July 17, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 17th day of April, 2025.

Ronald C. Edwards, Executor c/o John R. Cella, Jr. Ragsdale Liggett PLLC 2840 Plaza Place, Suite 400 Raleigh, NC 27612

For Publication: April 17, 2025; April 24, 2025; May 1, 2025; May 8, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Martha Ashley Orr qualified before the Chatham

County Clerk of Court on April 9th, 2025 as The Executor of The Estate of Tamla Crisp Orr, 568 Lydia Perry Road, Sanford, NC 27330. This is to notify all persons, firms and corporations, as required by NCGS 28A-14-1, having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the attorney designated below on or before the 22nd Day of July, 2025 or this notice will be pled in bar of their recovery.

All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payments to the undersigned. Payments and claims should be presented to M. Andrew Lucas, P.O. Box 1045, Sanford, NC 27331-1045

Please Publish: April 24th, May 1st, 8th & 15th, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000169-180

The undersigned, RICK BARKER, having qualified on the 27TH Day of MARCH 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of FRANCES V. BARKER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 10TH Day of JULY 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 is the 10TH DAY OF APRIL, 2025.

RICK BARKER, EXECUTOR 24103 MERCERS CROSSING CT. ALDIE, VA 20105

Run dates: A10,17,24,M1p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000002-180

The undersigned, NICHOLAS B. STARR, having qualified on the 3RD Day of JANUARY, 2025 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of FREDDY LLOYD STARR, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 10TH Day of JULY 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 10TH DAY OF APRIL, 2025.

NICHOLAS B. STARR, ADMINISTRATOR 2122 ED CLAPP RD. SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: A10,17,24,M1p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000186-180

The undersigned, KEITH FREDERICK ALEXANDER,

having qualified on the 4TH Day of APRIL, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of KATHLEEN ANN ALEXANDER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 17TH Day of JULY 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 17TH DAY OF APRIL, 2025.

KEITH FREDERICK ALEXANDER, EXECUTOR

111 LANTERN RIDGE LANE CARY, NC 27519 Run dates: A17,24,M1,8p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of RACHEL JESSUP JOHNSON, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned James Keith Johnson hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to present them to him at 308 Elbert Johnson Road, Siler City, NC 27344 on or before the 17th day of July, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All of those indebted to the said estate are hereby re- quested to make prompt payment to the undersigned.

This the 17th day of April, 2025. James Keith Johnson Executor of the Estate of RACHEL JESSUP JOHNSON 308 Elbert Johnson Road Siler City, NC 27344 Please publish the above Notice April 17 and 24, and May 1 and 8, 2025.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000203-180

The undersigned, LUKE SMITH AND LISA SMITH

having qualified on the 14TH Day of APRIL, 2025 as CO-EXECUTORS of the Estate of RANDY LEE SMITH, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 24TH Day of JULY 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 24TH DAY OF APRIL, 2025. LUKE SMITH, CO-EXECUTOR 1853 POPE HILL CT KERNERSVILLE, NC 27284 LISA SMITH, CO-EXECUTOR 11274 US HWY 220 STONEVILLE, NC 27048 Run dates: A24,M1,8,15p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000205-180

The undersigned, WILLIAM ARTHUR BURGESS having qualified on the 15TH Day of APRIL, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of VIRGINA L. BURGESS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 24TH Day of JULY 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 24TH DAY OF APRIL, 2025.

WILLIAM ARTHUR BURGESS, EXECUTOR 7949 NC HWY 902 PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: A24,M1,8,15p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000195-180

The undersigned, ETHAN DUNLAP SMITH having qualified on the 14TH Day of APRIL, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of HELEN JANE DUNLAP, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 24TH Day of JULY 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 24TH DAY OF APRIL, 2025.

ETHAN DUNLAP SMITH, EXECUTOR

156 WINDSOR CIRCLE

CHAPEL HILL, NC 27516 Run dates: A24,M1,8,15p

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. 23CvD000193-180

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION COUNTY OF CHATHAM Plaintiff, vs The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of DONALD DEE LOWE, et al Defendants.

TO: The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and

JOHNSON MCSWAIN, et al Defendants.

TO: The HEIRS, ASSIGNS and DEVISEES of PEGGY LOU “ARMA” JOHNSON MCSWAIN and spouse, if any, which may include The HEIRS, ASSIGNS and DEVISEES of JAMES ARTHUR MCSWAIN and spouse if any, and JANUS P. MCSWAIN, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder A pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action and notice of service of process by publication began on April 24, 2025. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Foreclosure on tax parcel(s) more completely described in the Complaint, to collect delinquent ad valorem taxes (assessments). Plaintiff seeks to extinguish any and all claim or interest

Karen Read’s second murder trial revives debate over who killed her Boston police officer boyfriend

Read has become a cause célèbre among the true crime podcast set

By Michael Casey The Associated Press

DEDHAM, Mass. — The second murder trial of Karen Read, whose case has sparked a national debate on police accountability and won her legions of devoted fans, began with opening statements Tuesday, more than three years after the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend.

Read is accused of striking her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, with her SUV in 2022 and leaving him to die alone in the snow outside of a house party in Canton, a suburb about 20 miles south of Boston. She has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene.

During the first trial last year, prosecutors said Read intentionally backed into O’Keefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The defense said that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that O’Keefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party.

A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.

The biggest difference in the current trial is the lead prosecutor, Hank Brennan. Brought in as a special prosecutor after the mistrial, the former defense attorney has represented a number of prominent clients, including notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger.

Brennan began his opening statement Tuesday by describing the firefighter who raced to the scene in near-blizzard conditions and found Read and two other women surrounding O’Keefe’s body on the ground.

“He stepped out into bedlam,” he said.

The firefighter then asked Read what had happened, he said.

“You’ll hear her words, ‘I hit

him. I hit him. I hit him,’” Brennan said. “She admitted what she had done that night.”

Brennan told jurors that “facts and data” will lead them to the truth, and that Read’s own statements will confirm it. But Defense Attorney Alan Jackson began his opening statement by saying the prosecution’s case was based on a “brazen and flawed assertion that is untethered to the facts and the evidence.”

“John O’Keefe did not die from being hit by a vehicle,” he said. “The facts will show that. The evidence will show that. The data will show that. The science will show that, and the experts will tell you that.”

Many of the factors that made the first trial must-see television will feature in the second.

Most of the the same witnesses are back, as are Read’s aggressive defense team and dozens of her supporters camped out near the courthouse — many carrying “Free Karen Read” signs and

wearing pink. Read, who has been featured in several documentaries about her case, has become a minor celebrity.

A few dozen of Read’s supporters, many holding American flags, stood in front of the courthouse Tuesday morning before moving a block away to comply with a court-ordered buffer zone. Those who were reuniting hugged each other, while others took time to bring newcomers up to speed on the case.

“I’m here for justice,” said Ashlyn Wade, a Read supporter from Canton. “The murderer going to jail and Karen being exonerated, that would be justice.”

The prosecution, however, stands to benefit from a pretrial ruling from Judge Beverly Cannone that defense attorneys can’t mention potential third-party culprits in their opening statements. They can develop a case against two law enforcement officers but cannot

implicate Albert’s nephew, Colin Albert, as they did in the first trial.

“I view it as a blow to the defense strategy but not a knockout punch,” Daniel Medwed, a law professor at Northeastern University, said of the ruling. “All the defense needs to do is create reasonable doubt about Karen (Read’s) guilt, and that doesn’t require pointing to an alternative perpetrator as a matter of law.”

Legal experts expect prosecutors to focus on Read’s behavior as they did during the first trial — her volatile relationship with O’Keefe and their night of heavy drinking. They also predict the prosecution will lay out a stronger and more coherent case that Read clipped O’Keefe with the back of her SUV and sent him tumbling to the ground — using data from her car, video and stronger expert testimony.

“The Commonwealth will focus on the theme drilled into us since middle school — Drink-

ing, Driving, Deadly Consequences,” Michael Coyne, the dean of Massachusetts School of Law at Andover, said in an email.

The defense is expected to offer evidence that what they see as a sloppy police investigation was biased and that law enforcement officers set Read up to protect the real killers. They could be helped by an audit of the Canton Police Department released last month that found several mistakes with the investigation — but no evidence of a cover-up.

One of the key witnesses will be former State Trooper Michael Proctor. He led the investigation but has since been fired after a disciplinary board found that he sent sexist and crude texts about Read to his family and colleagues.

“Michael Proctor and his dismissal from the force may very well serve as the elephant in the courtroom throughout the proceedings,” Medwed said.

STUART CAHILL / THE BOSTON HERALD VIA AP

Karen Read listens during opening arguments at Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts.

CHATHAM SPORTS

a pitch on her way to a

Orange boys’ lacrosse downs Seaforth, takes top conference spot

The Panthers outscored the Hawks 5-2 in the second quarter

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

Chatham Central softball bests Seaforth, clinches regular season conference title

The Bears handed Seaforth its first shutout this season

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

BEAR CREEK — Behind a 13-strikeout performance from sophomore pitcher Maddie Kaczmarczyk, the Chatham Central softball team beat conference foe Seaforth 6-0 on April 17 and clinched the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A regular season conference title.

The Bears have now won three regular season conference titles in the past four seasons.

Kaczmarczyk’s 13 strikeouts tied a season-high, and on top of her stellar performance on the mound, she notched a team-high two hits (2-for-3) and an RBI. With the help of solid play by the defense behind her, Kaczmarczyk and the Bears didn’t allow a hit until the top of the fourth inning.

“I really had my curveball working tonight which is really good because it’s something I’ve been working on a lot,” Kaczmarczyk said. “The change up wasn’t working as good, so you have to go away from that, and I had my rise ball going too, so that really helped.”

Kaczmarczyk, who pitched seven innings against the Hawks, also pitched five innings against Jordan-Matthews the night before, holding the Jets to just two hits.

Chatham Central originally planned to start Kaczmarczyk and make changes if needed, but the need never came.

“The key (against Jordan-Matthews) was keeping the pitch count down,” Chatham Central coach John Warf said. “As a team, manufacturing runs to get up as quick as we did allowed us not to not pitch a whole lot. So, it allowed us to go a little longer tonight.”

Up 2-0 going into the bottom of the fourth inning, Chatham Central took complete control of the game with a fourrun batting turn.

The Bears recorded five hits in the inning, including four in a row, after only notching two leading up to that moment.

Talented Seaforth pitcher Emma Grace Hill did what she could to limit Chatham Central’s production, striking out four batters and allowing two hits in the first three innings. However, the Bears focused in on their plan for her pitches.

“The key to the win tonight was getting on top of the ball,” Chatham Central coach John

“I really had my curveball working tonight”

Maddie Kaczmarczyk

Warf said. “Staying on top to the middle of the ball. That’s what we were working on because we knew she was going to elevate the pitches, and if we got on the bottom side, they could catch fly balls.”

Senior Caleigh Warf got the fourth-inning explosion started with a single on the first at-bat. After a strikeout, Kaczmarczyk knocked a pitch to center field and reached second base, knocking home Warf before Seaforth’s attempt to throw her out.

Sophomore Madalyn Holton followed that with a double to send Kaczmarczyk home, and after a double from Heidi Vicente Perez in the ensuing atbat, sophomore Chloe Brewer scored Holton with a single.

Perez made it home on a groundout by sophomore Maeson Smith, ending the streak of hits but giving the Bears a sixrun lead.

“I feel like our girls are pretty good offensively with hitting the ball, seeing the ball and seeing where it’s going,” Holton said. “We know that that pitcher knows our weak spots, so we know how to target what our weak spot is and how to hit that ball.”

For Seaforth, it was the first time being shut out this year.

The Hawks, who sit at 8-6 overall as of Sunday, have made a huge jump from 2024

See SOFTBALL, page B2

PITTSBORO — Orange, coming in as second in the Central/Mid-Carolina boys’ lacrosse conference, scored five goals in the second quarter to avenge an earlier loss to then first-place Seaforth 10-8 on April 15. Tied at two goals apiece after the first quarter, Orange outscored Seaforth 5-2 in the next period, flipping the momentum and giving itself the lead for the rest of the night. Junior Brett Clark scored a team-high three goals for Orange, and junior Matthew Macneir poured in two. Seven different Panthers scored a goal throughout the game.

Orange, which lost to Seaforth 11-6 on March 13, also

“They did a really good job of guarding our guys” Joe Hubbard

held the Hawks to their second-worst offensive performance of the season. Seaforth recorded its lowest scoring output since opening the year with a 13-6 loss to East Chapel Hill on Feb. 25.

“I was proud of our guys’ effort, so it wasn’t necessarily that,” Seaforth coach Joe Hubbard said. “It was more about their gameplan. Hats off to them. They did a really good job of guarding our guys, playing aggressively on the ground balls, and that, at the end of the day, is what was the difference and gave them that win.”

Seaforth jumped on Orange with two early goals from junior

SUPA presents plans for large sportsplex to Pittsboro commissioners

The facility plans to feature four large field houses and an arena

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

CHATHAM County-based sports and training club SUPA (Supreme Athletics) proposed its plan to build a more than 600,000-square-foot, multibuilding youth sportsplex facility during the Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners meeting on April 14. The proposed facility features four field houses, including North Carolina’s first and only fully hydraulic banked indoor track, nine regulation-sized basketball courts (that can also be transformed into 18 regulation-sized volleyball courts), two multipurpose turf fields and

“As long as this building is up and running, it will generate revenue from clean energy.”

Quincy Brown

a separate arena. With plans to be built in Chatham County, the goal is to provide local youth an opportunity to participate in multiple sports while also attracting large sporting events, such as national tournaments and track meets, to the area. SUPA, owned by Chatham County resident Latonya Brown, plans to build the facility through ECO-Living LLC, an environmentally friendly

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth’s Cameron Exley (32) fires a shot on goal early in the Hawks’ showdown with Orange last week. Exley finished with three goals in the game.

PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Chatham Central sophomore Maddie Kaczmarczyk snaps off

13-strikeout win over Seaforth.

Seaforth selects Tolbert Matthews as new head football coach

Matthews coached linebackers at Fayetteville State the last two seasons

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

SEAFORTH announced Tolbert Matthews as its new head football coach on social media last week.

Matthews, who’s replacing former Seaforth coach Terrance Gary, spent the last two seasons coaching linebackers at Fayetteville State. Prior to FSU, he served as the defensive quality control analyst and assistant athletic director for football operations and compliance at William & Mary, and he was a co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Virginia University of Lynchburg from 2018-19.

“We are extremely excited and grateful to have Coach Matthews on board to lead us into the new era of Hawk Football,” the school said in a statement posted on social media.

Before landing at Seaforth, Matthews took on various coaching roles in the Wake County Public Schools system. He interned at NC State and Duke in multiple positions within the athletic departments from 2014 to 2017.

LACROSSE from page B1

attack Ivan Grimes and senior attack Cameron Exley, who finished the night with three goals each.

However, Orange quickly returned the favor with Clark’s first score just minutes later. Three minutes after that, senior Drew Jouannet intercepted a Seaforth pass near midfield and ran it all the way in for the tying goal.

Grimes quickly put the Hawks back on top with a score less than a minute into the second quarter, but that was the last time Seaforth would have an advantage.

Starting with Clark’s second goal early in the quarter, the Panthers found a fast-paced offensive groove.

Senior Aidan Monteith gave Orange a 4-3 lead with nine minutes remaining in the first half, and then Clark found the back of the net again with a strike from the right side of the goal.

After goals from junior Jay Parker and Macneir, Orange’s lead grew to four with over a minute left until the break.

Exley stopped the bleeding with a last-minute score, making it a manageable 7-4 deficit at halftime. Although the game wasn’t out of reach, it felt as if Orange was in complete control by then.

“We’ve been here before,” Hubbard said he told his team at halftime. In the first meeting, Seaforth trailed Orange 5-2 in the second quarter before completing the comeback win. “We know what we’re doing in that situation, so come out, bring the energy. We like to think that the second half is ours and the fourth quarter, we own it.”

Seaforth slowed Orange’s offense down in the second half, but it couldn’t muster enough of its own to make a comeback.

It seemed as if Orange had an answer for every time Seaforth made progress. After a goal from Seaforth freshman Liam McCann brought the Hawks within two, Macneir notched his second goal late in the third quarter to put the Panthers ahead 9-6.

Orange held Seaforth scoreless for the eight minutes of the fourth quarter while adding one more score from senior Gray Crabtree.

SOFTBALL from page B1

to this spring, already surpassing last year’s win total (6) and on track to finish much higher in the conference (finished sixth last year and sitting in third as of Sunday).

Coming in at 22nd in Sunday’s 2A East RPI rankings, Sea-

Matthews, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, played football at Delaware State and Elizabeth City State, graduating from ECSU with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He has a master’s degree in sports management from Liberty University. Prior to the new era under Matthews, Seaforth went 9-21 in its first three varsity seasons. After going 2-8 in 2022, the Hawks won a program-high

four games in 2023, including a program-best 4-4 conference record.

In 2024, Seaforth went 3-7 overall and 3-5 in conference play. Although they missed the playoffs for the third straight season, the Hawks played in a program-high of three one-possession games, including a 18-16 season-opening loss to Westover, a 9-6 loss to Northwood and a 27-24 loss to Bartlett Yancey.

Gary, who became the school’s first football coach in 2021, announced his decision to step down in January.

In a thank you letter to the school and its community, Gary said it was a “difficult decision.”

“My intentions were to stay on the sidelines for as long as I could, but I must prioritize what is best for my family and myself at this time,” Gary said.

“This decision has not come eas-

“We are extremely excited and grateful to have Coach Matthews on board to lead us into the new era of Hawk Football.”

Seaforth High School

ily, and I will deeply miss being part of this wonderful team.”

Gary told the Chatham News & Record his decision came down to how he and the sacrifices made to build the program “neglected” his health.

“His hard work, commitment, and passion for the sport laid a strong foundation for the program’s future success,” Seaforth athletic director Jared Worley said in a statement.

Seaforth’s future already looks much different with Matthews taking over.

In the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s realignment from four to eight classes, Seaforth transitioned from the 2A classification to 5A. Seaforth, which has been a member of the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference for the past three football seasons, will now play in the Big 7 4A/5A conference alongside Orange, Cedar Ridge, South Granville, Webb and Carrboro. None of those teams had a winning record last season, and only South Granville made the playoffs in 2024.

The Hawks will open their season on Aug. 22 at Chapel Hill. They will host Orange on Oct. 3 to open conference play.

The Panthers didn’t only get revenge on the Hawks with the win — Orange moved back into the conference’s driver’s seat for now. Seaforth fell to second place.

As the regular season winds down over the next three weeks, it’ll be interesting to watch the race for the Central/ Mid-Carolina conference title.

Orange, sitting at 11-1 in conference play as of Sunday,

forth is also in position to make the playoffs for the first time. After a rematch with fourthplace Jordan-Matthews Tuesday and the resuming of a postponed matchup with Southeast Alamance Wednesday, Seaforth will host third-place North Moore Friday to end its regular season.

his game-tying goal during last week’s game against Seaforth.

has four conference games remaining while Seaforth, sitting at 9-1 in conference play, has six conference matchups left.

Southern Alamance and Williams are also still in the running for a conference title with only three conference losses.

Orange and Seaforth are also jockeying for a high seed in the 3A/2A/1A state playoffs. As of Sunday, Seaforth

As for the Bears, there’s not a need to worry about the conference title — not be

cause it’s a weight lifted over their shoulders, but because they feel the job isn’t finished.

“It’s not clinched until next Thursday,” John Warf said. “That’s the mindset.”

sits at fourth in the 3A/2A/1A East RPI standings (RPI of 0.586356) while Orange sits at third (0.618036). A claim to the conference title will automatically grant a higher seed as conference champions are seeded first.

Seaforth was in a similar position in 2024, battling for a conference title and eventually finishing second behind Orange. The Hawks have stormed

Following road trips to Northwood (Tuesday) and Lee County (Wednesday), Chatham Central, sitting at 14-2 overall and 12-0 in conference play as of Sunday, will finish its regular season also hosting North Moore Thursday.

back in 2025 with improvement, going on a program-best six-game winning streak and winning 10 of their first 13 games (won 9 of their first 13 in 2024) this season.

“Got to give some celebration to our seniors,” Hubbard said. “They’re really driving the ship right now. They’ve been at it now for four years, and they want it. They’re hungry.”

Should the Bears beat Northwood, they’ll have a chance to go undefeated in regular season conference play for the first time since 2019.

“It all goes to the girls,” John Warf said. “Because they had the mindset from the get-go that this was their year, and they said we’re going to work together as a team, and that’s what they’ve done.”

COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE

Tolbert Matthews leaves Fayetteville State to coach the Hawks.

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD Orange’s Drew Jouannet (54) celebrates

of construction through partnerships that we’ve developed with vendors.”

construction company owned by Brown’s husband Quincy. Latonya Brown said SUPA’s non-profit organization, SUPA Cares, will help raise funds for the project.

According to the slide show presented to the BOC, the SUPA sportsplex aims to benefit the local economy through the potential for new businesses, increased spending from attracting large events, 5060 new jobs and the use of local vendors for building materials. SUPA is also offering a “public-private” partnership through the facility to help local schools save money on sporting expenses and to help families save on energy costs through a “community solar” program.

As for the environment, the proposed facility hopes to be a LEED Gold or Platinum certified building with its use of sustainable building materials and clean energy generation with over 4,000 roof-mounted solar panels.

“As long as this building is up and running, it will generate revenue from clean energy,” Quincy Brown said. “Meaning, I’ve been able to reduce the cost

There’s still plenty of crucial details to be finalized, though, such as the location and the exact cost.

During the meeting, SUPA sought a resolution from the town giving its support to the project so that it could fund the project “philanthropically.”

“You can’t get the funding until you get the location,” Quincy Brown said.

Per the discussion, Pittsboro Town Manager Jonathan Franklin proposed 18 acres of town property along Moncure Pittsboro Road “on the north side of the creek,” which is only enough to build phase one of the facility (indoor track, basketball courts and parking). The rest of the facility would have to be built in other locations.

Despite Quincy Brown eventually asking for a minimum of 14 acres to build phase one, the town did not pass a resolution of support in the meeting.

“It’s been unclear what you all want from the town, and certainly, I think the county probably shares in that sentiment,” Franklin said. “I think earlier, it was asked how much this is go-

ing to cost, and we didn’t hear an answer. So, we don’t know what it’s going to cost, we don’t truly know how much land that you need. A lot of these would be very helpful in terms of like a pro forma or something that we could look at and put numbers on paper.”

Latonya Brown said the idea for the facility came about when driving her daughter Amber to Durham multiple times a week for track practice.

“I spoke with a lot of other parents in the neighborhood or in the community that have children who are athletic,” Brown said. “They found that they were driving outside of Chatham County to provide athletic services for their children. So, we came up with the idea to provide a sportsplex facility in Chatham County that would be beneficial to Pittsboro.”

SUPA, which was founded in October, already has a track club that utilizes the athletic facilities at Seaforth High School. Outside of sports performance, SUPA recently helped two of its athletes, Amber Brown and Virginia basketball signee Gabby White, sign NIL deals with sports apparel line Greatness Wins.

Sofia Viana

Seaforth, girls’ soccer

Seaforth girls’ soccer’s Sofia Viana earns athlete of the week honors for the week of April 14.

In her second game back from injury, Viana scored a team-high seven goals in a 15-0 win over Bartlett Yancey on April 14. That’s her third time scoring more than five goals in a game this season (seven games played as of Sunday). Viana also scored two goals in the Hawks’ 4-1 win over 3A opponent Orange on April 16, and against 4A opponent Middle Creek on April 17, her lone goal was all Seaforth needed to win its sixth straight game 1-0.

The junior striker has been lights out for Seaforth this season, leading the team in goals with 28.

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

SPORTSPLEX from page B1

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The proposed SUPA sportsplex would include a fully hydraulic banked track, the first one in North Carolina.

SIDELINE REPORT

AUTO RACING

Gronkowski taking on entertainment role in “Snake Pit” during first Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis Rob Gronkowski will have an entertainment role for his first Indianapolis 500 next month. The longtime NFL tight end will be the grand marshal for the “Snake Pit,” the infield party that takes place during “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Gronkowski is now an NFL studio analyst for Fox, which is the new broadcaster of the IndyCar Series and the Indy 500. Dance producer Illenium will headline a lineup of global electronic music artists in the Snake Pit in Turn 3 of Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the May 25 race.

MLB

It’s a girl! 2-way star Ohtani of Dodgers now a father Arlington, Tex.

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani is now a father. The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger has posted on Instagram that his wife gave birth to a girl. “Congratulations Sho!” Manager Dave Roberts proclaimed while saying he wasn’t sure what the baby’s name was. The 30-year-old Ohtani missed the first two games of the series matching the past two World Series champions.

NCAA GYMNASTICS

Michigan men, Oklahoma women take national crowns Fort Worth, Tex. Audrey Davis posted a 9.9250 on the uneven bars to help the Oklahoma Sooners win their seventh NCAA women’s gymnastics championship. Oklahoma finished with 198.0125 points in their 11th trip to the Final Four in the last 12 seasons. UCLA — with eight national titles — placed second. Meanwhile in Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Fred Richard and Paul Juda finished first and second in the all-a round and the Wolverines edged them past five-time defending champion Stanford to win their first NCAA men’s gymnastics title since 2014.

NBA

Cleveland’s Atkinson wins coach of the year award after leading Cavs to 64-win season

Cleveland Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson has been announced as the winner of the National Basketball Coaches Association’s coach of the year award after leading the Cavaliers to a 64-win season and the No. 1 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs. The NBA will also give out a coach of the year award in the coming weeks. The NBCA has done its own separate award since 2017 named for Michael H. Goldberg, the organization’s first executive director.

NCAA SOFTBALL

Stanford softball team sets NCAA attendance record playing in football stadium vs. Cal Stanford, Calif. Playing in Stanford’s football stadium, the school’s softball home game against rival California set the NCAA attendance record with a crowd of 13,207. That surpassed the mark of 12,566 from the first day of the 2024 Women’s College World Series last May 30 in Oklahoma City. The regular-season record had been held by Oklahoma, which drew 9,259 against Oklahoma State earlier this month.

Hurricanes overwhelm Devils in Game 1 win

Carolina outshot the Devils 45-24 to take a 1-0 series lead

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour shrugged off a question on the local broadcast before the game about who he thinks his team’s surprise player might be this postseason. Instead, Brind’Amour said his team will be successful if everyone does their job.

He got exactly that in Sunday’s Game 1 against the New Jersey Devils.

Logan Stankoven had two second period goals and Carolina nearly doubled up the Devils in shots, dominating Game 1 for a 4-1 Easter matinee win at Lenovo Center.

“For us to win, we’re going to need 20 guys chipping in and after a game going, ‘OK, I contributed some way, somehow,’” Brind’Amour said. “And I think that’s what we got tonight.”

After a dominant opening 20 minutes, the Hurricanes took control in the second —

and it was Stankoven doing the damage. Already up 1-0 on a Jalen Chatfield goal at 2:24 of the first, Carolina doubled its lead early in the second thanks to its forecheck.

Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook pressured Nico Hischier behind the New Jersey net, and the Devils captain bobbled the puck.

Martinook whacked it to Stankoven in the slot, and the rookie’s shot trickled through Jacob Markstrom (41 saves) to double the lead at 6:37 of the second.

“I love playing in the big games and meaningful hockey,” said Stankoven, who played 19 playoff games with the Stars last season and came to Carolina at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Mikko Rantanen to Dallas. “I’m motivated to try and contribute in any way possible, and it’s always a nice feeling to get on the score sheet.”

Stankoven then struck again, this time on the power play. Taylor Hall corralled a bouncing puck along the left boards and zipped a cross-ice pass to Stankoven, who shot off the far post and in to ex-

“It’s

just one game, and hopefully a long run ahead of us here, and we’ll take the win.”

tend the lead to 3-0 at 13:08 of the middle frame.

“Those are two great additions for us,” Brind’Amour said of acquiring Hall and Stankoven in midseason trades.

Hischier’s goal late in the second period — at 4-on-4 because Timo Meier and Shayne Gostisbehere were serving matching minors — came on a rush up the left wing, and he fired a shot past Frederik Andersen (23 saves) to the far side to give New Jersey a glimmer of hope.

But after a good push by the Devils to start the third, Carolina regained control of the game, and Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-net goal with 2:28 remaining to seal the win.

“It’s just one game,” Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal said, “and hopefully a long

run ahead of us here, and we’ll take the win.”

The Hurricanes got off to a fast start thanks to an offensive zone faceoff win.

Jack Roslovic won a draw that Eric Robinson pushed back to the right point.

Chatfield’s shot made its way through a William Carrier screen and past Markstrom to make it 1-0 at 2:24 of the opening period.

“The building was already rocking before, but after we got the first one, it got even louder,” Chatfield said. “And we can build behind that, and we’re gonna continue to do that and just keep playing our game. “ Brind’Amour had tough decisions to make with a fully healthy lineup, going with Roslovic over Mark Jankowski on the fourth line, starting Andersen over Pyotr Kochetkov and deciding to keep his defense intact instead of shoehorning in prized prospect Alexander Nikishin.

“I guess you could say we made the right decisions,” Brind’Amour said. “I think we really couldn’t go wrong.”

Devils coach Sheldon Keefe, meanwhile, said the second period — when New Jersey was outshot 21-8 — sealed his team’s fate.

“I thought the second period we were just overwhelmed. … To a man, myself included, we’re going to have to be better in Game 2, clearly,” he said.

Fashion, heritage and talent: Players turn the WNBA draft into a cultural showcase

Players opted for designers from their home countries of Nigeria, France, Croatia and Samoa

By Bryanna Maxwell The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The WNBA draft has increasingly become a platform for more than just athleticism — it is a celebration of identity, heritage, culture, and self-expression.

Paige Bueckers may have been the No. 1 pick, but it was Kiki Iriafen who arguably stole the show when it came to fashion. Even Bueckers herself said Iriafen had the best look of the night.

Iriafen, drafted fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, is a forward who just wrapped up her senior season at USC, where she averaged 18 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. On the orange carpet, she made a statement — one rooted deeply in her Nigerian heritage.

“I’m Nigerian so I wanted to work with a Nigerian designer,” she said. “I was really adamant. I want a slip. I want the waist snapped. I can’t really breathe. I wanted to feel good, I wanted to look good.”

Future stars are using draft night as more than an opportunity to step into the spotlight for their talent on the court, but to use the moment to honor where they come from,

showcase who they are beyond the jersey, and make powerful statements through fashion, family, and tradition.

Iriafen wore a custom, shimmering gold dress embellished with intricate detailing, designed by Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander — who also created Chiney Ogwumike’s wedding gown. To complete the look, Iriafen wore a traditional orange-beaded Nigerian bracelet, seamlessly blending modern glam with cultural pride.

The 6-foot-3 Iriafen was not alone.

Dominique Malonga, the gifted 6-6 forward from France and the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm, brought a piece of home with her. She stepped out in a sleek suit designed by none other than Louis Vuitton — one of France’s, and the world’s, most iconic fashion houses.

“A huge collaboration between them,” Malonga said. “I’m like a simple, classic person.”

Still, she made it clear that while her style might be understated, her game is anything but. As a forward, she knows she can do it all. At just 19, she’s already been playing high-level basketball overseas for four years.

Malonga wasn’t the only Storm player showcasing her roots on the orange carpet.

Seattle Storm point guard and former UConn Husky Nika Muhl also proudly em-

braced her Croatian heritage.

“I came all the way from Croatia to be here,” Muhl said.

“I had to bring Croatia with me.”

Muhl was wearing a black pantsuit with a black crop top underneath, complemented by a chain of keys draped across her body. The entire look was designed by Croatian brand Y/ GIA and styled by a Croatian stylist.

“I wanted to feel good, I wanted to look good.”

Even the players who couldn’t attend the draft found ways to let their identities shine.

Te-Hina Paopao, the sharp-shooting South Carolina guard, was selected 18th overall by the Atlanta Dream. Appearing on TV from her draft party, she wore a traditional Samoan dress, along with several flower lei around her neck—symbolic necklaces in Samoan culture that honor and celebrate.

“I am so blessed to be Samoan,” said Paopao. “When you think of Samoan culture you think of family and I am so ready to bring that culture to Atlanta.”

And family was definitely present — about 300 people gathered behind her at her draft party in California, a powerful visual of support and pride.

As they step into the professional spotlight, they carry with them not just their skills, but the pride of their families, their communities, and their cultures. The future of the WNBA isn’t just about basketball; it’s about creating a space where every player can be their true, authentic self—on the court and beyond.

PAMELA SMITH / AP PHOTO

USC’s Kiki Iriafen poses in her dress from Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander before the WNBA draft last week.

Kiki Iriafen

Jordan Staal

KARL DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven (22) hugs Jordan Staal following the first of the rookie’s two goals in Carolina’s 4-1 win Sunday over the Devils in Game 1 of their first round playoff series.

Local pitchers shine in last week’s baseball, softball games

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

Baseball

Chatham Charter senior Zach Cartrette struck out a career-high 13 batters in the Knights’ 12-1 win over River Mill on April 16.

Down 6-0 to Southwestern Randolph after four innings, Chatham Charter scored 10 runs in the fifth and sixth innings to comeback and beat the Cougars 10-6 in the Zookeeper Classic on Friday.

Seaforth outscored opponents 44-0 during the week, beating Jordan-Matthews 13-0 on April 15, Bartlett Yancey 19-0 on April 16 and Jordan-Matthews again 12-0 on April 17. In the second game against the Jets, sophomore Easton Sykes threw 11 strikeouts and allowed one hit in five innings.

Northwood and Chatham Central split their two-game series with the Bears taking a 9-7 win on April 15 and the Chargers winning 8-2 on April 17. Northwood senior Kaleb Howell went 3 for 4 from the plate and recorded a team-high four RBIs in game two.

Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday) (overall, conference): 1. Southeast Alamance (15-5, 10-1); 2. Seaforth (12-7, 8-1); 3. Northwood (10-8, 7-5); 4. North Moore (7-7, 4-5); 5. Chatham Central (6-13, 4-6); 6. Bartlett Yancey (5-12, 3-7); 7. Jordan-Matthews (0-15, 0-11) Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday):

1. Chatham Charter (10-7, 6-0); 2. Clover Garden School (6-9, 3-1); 3. River Mill (9-6, 5-3); 4. Southern Wake Academy (1-7, 1-6); 5. Triangle Math and Science (2-7, 0-5)

Softball

Chatham Central scored 10 runs in the first inning on the way to a 13-1 win over Jordan-Matthews on April 16. That’s the Bears’ largest win over their in-county rivals since 2021. The Jets bounced back the next day with an 11-0 win over Bartlett Yancey. Junior Lilli Hicks threw 10 strikeouts and allowed two hits in five innings on the mound. Seaforth dominated Bartlett Yancey 23-6 on April 16. Three

different Hawks recorded three hits. Alyssa Harris went 3-for-3 from the plate with a team-high six RBIs.

Chatham Charter beat Northwood 11-3 in a nonconference in-county matchup on April 17.

Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Chatham Central (14 -2, 12- 0); 2. North Moore (13-4, 9-3); 3. Seaforth (8-6, 8-3); 4. Jordan-Matthews (10-6, 8-4); 5. Southeast Alamance (8-8, 6-6); 6. Northwood (4-12, 4-9); 7. Graham (2-13, 1-11); 8. Bartlett Yancey (1-13, 1-13) Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Clover Garden School (10-4, 7-1); 2. Chatham Charter (7-7, 5-3); 3. River Mill (9-6, 5-4); 4. Ascend Leadership (0-10, 0-10) Girls’ soccer

Seaforth junior Sofia Viana scored seven goals in Seaforth’s 15-0 win over Bartlett Yancey on April 14. In the Hawks’ 4-1 win over Orange on April 16, Viana and senior Caitlin Erman scored two goals each. And against 4A opponent Mid-

dle Creek on April 17, Seaforth needed just one goal from Viana to win 1-0.

After beating both River Mill (April 14) and Chatham Charter (April 16) 9-0, Woods Charter tied Thales Academy Apex 2-2 on April 17. Sophomore Annabel Unah scored a team-high five goals in the win over River Mill.

Northwood continued its win streak with a 7-0 win over Jordan-Matthews on April 16 and a 9-0 victory over Bartlett Yancey the next day. The Chargers have won four straight games as of Sunday (all shutouts).

Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Seaforth (9-2-1, 7-0); 2. Northwood (9-6, 8-2); 3. Southeast Alamance (7-5-2, 6-2); 4. North Moore (7-2, 3-2); 5. Bartlett Yancey (5-9, 4-5); 6. Jordan-Matthews (5-10, 3-6); 7. Graham (1-9, 1-8); 8. Cummings (0-9, 0-7)

Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Woods Charter (8-3-1, 7-0); 2. Southern Wake Academy (5-3, 5-1); 3. Clover Garden School (6-7, 4-2); 4. River Mill (7-6 -1, 5-3); 5. Chatham Charter (3-9,

2-5); T6. Ascend Leadership (1-7, 0-6); T6. Triangle Math and Science (0-10, 0-6)

Boys’ lacrosse

Despite three goals from junior Grayson Cox, Northwood fell to Orange 9-5 on April 17. Central/Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Orange (13-3, 11-1); 2. Seaforth (10-3, 9-1); 3. Southern Alamance (13-3, 7-3); 4. Williams (8-6, 6-3); 5. Northwood (6-8, 6-6); 6. Cedar Ridge (5-7, 4-6); 7. Eastern Alamance (5-9, 3-8); 8. Western Alamance (1-10, 1-8); 9. Southeast Alamance (2-14, 1-12)

Girls’ lacrosse

After an 18-9 loss to Chapel Hill on April 14, Seaforth sophomore Natalie Boecke scored a team-high four goals to help the Hawks beat Riverside Durham 15-3 on April 16. DC/Northern Lakes Athletic/Central/Mid-Carolina conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Chapel Hill (14-1, 9-0); 2. East Chapel Hill (12-1, 5-1); 3. Seaforth (6-5, 5-3); 4. Carr -

straight shutouts for the Northwood girls’ soccer team

boro (5-5, 3-3); 5. Jordan (2-6, 1-3); 6. Northwood (2-6, 0-5); 7. Riverside-Durham (0-14, 0-8)

Track and field

Team results from the Northwood Meet No. 2 on April 16:

Boys

Northwood (147.5); 2. Seaforth (142.5); 3. Jordan-Matthews (71); 4. Bartlett Yancey (65); 5. Chatham Charter (42); 6. Eno River (41); T7. Chatham Central (30); T7. Woods Charter (30); 9. Hawbridge School (13); 10. Triangle Math and Science (9)

Girls

Northwood (136); 2. Seaforth (128); 3. Bartlett Yancey (113); 4. Jordan-Matthews (83); 5. Woods Charter (74); 6. Chatham Charter (35); 7. Chatham Central (32); 8. Triangle Math and Science (23); 9. Hawbridge School (12); 10. Eno River Academy (9)

Boys’ golf

Team scores from the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A Conference Match No. 7 at the Siler City Country Club: Seaforth (153); 2. Chatham Central (167); 3. North Moore (172); 4. Northwood (174); 5. Southeast Alamance (188); 6. Bartlett Yancey (239); 7. Graham (249); Jordan-Matthews (+17)

Boys’ tennis

Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Seaforth (10-5, 7-0); 2. Northwood (9-5, 6-2); T3. Jordan-Matthews (3-9, 2-4); T3. North Moore (3-6, 2-4); 5. Southeast Alamance (0-8, 0-6) Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Triangle Math & Science (4-4, 3-0); 2. Chatham Charter (6-9, 2-1); 3. Clover Garden School (2-6, 0-5)

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Northwood’s Grayson Cox (2) had a three-goal game against Orange last week.

Katy Perry gears up for ‘Lifetimes’ world tour

The singer credits Transcendental Meditation for inner strength

By Krysta Fauria The Associated Press

ONTARIO, Calif. — In less than a year, Katy Perry has released an album, campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris and, just last week, flown to space. As she heads to Mexico City to kick off a world tour, the pop superstar shows no intention of slowing down.

“I’m always open and I say, ‘Why not?’ and ‘Let’s just try,’” she told The Associated Press. “The power of your thoughts are so incredible because everything starts with a thought. I had this thought, ‘I want to go on tour.’ And here we are.”

With that openness to try comes accepting that not every endeavor will be a victory. Her September album, “143,” was critically panned, and celebrities like Olivia Munn and Emily Ratajkowski critiqued the spaceflight’s use of resources as superfluous and indulgent.

But Perry’s longevity and the scale of her fame since her 2008 breakout hit, “I Kissed a

“The power of your thoughts are so incredible because everything starts with a thought. I had this thought, ‘I want to go on tour.’ And here we are.”

Katy Perry

Girl,” are attributable at least in part to her willingness to get back up in the wake of a setback, as she belts in her 2013 empowerment anthem, “Roar.”

“I can control what I can control,” she said.

That mantra has been refined over the past 15 years through her practice of Transcendental Meditation. The meditation technique has been embraced by a handful of celebrities, including — perhaps most zealously — the late David Lynch, whom Perry credits with spreading the practice and its message.

“That changed my life. And I’ve gone on a long inner space journey to untangle some wires, to answer some questions, to become more grounded, to find the power within myself,” she said.

Perry is fascinated by all things spiritual, casually weaving into conversation references to astrology, the enneagram

and cardology, which purports to impart mystical insights into an individual’s personality through playing cards. That journey has informed her approach to music and performing, down to the narrative of her sci-fi themed “Lifetimes Tour.”

Perry’s tour of more than 80 performances will primarily be a career-spanning showcase of past hits but with a dance-infused flare to some of the traditional pop songs. In the nearly two decades since Perry emerged as a pop star, she has made tongue-in- cheek lyricism — in line with her “very sarcastic” sense of humor — and catchy messages of empowerment a signature of her songs. Critical reception to her more recent albums has been less than enthusiastic, but that hasn’t stopped the 40-year-old from going all out for this tour, calling it “Disneyland on wheels.”

JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Katy Perry appears at an “American Idol” Season 22 Top 10 tastemaker event in 2024.

this week in history

Chernobyl melts down, mutiny on the Bounty, Saigon falls

The Associated Press

APRIL 24

1916: Irish republicans launched the Easter Rising, a rebellion against British rule in Ireland.

1915: The Ottoman Empire began rounding up Armenian political and cultural leaders in Constantinople, marking the start of the Armenian genocide.

1980: The United States launched Operation Eagle Claw, an unsuccessful attempt to free 53 American hostages in Iran that resulted in the deaths of eight U.S. service members.

APRIL 25

1507: A world map produced by German cartographer Martin Waldseemueller contained the first recorded use of the term “America” in honor of Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci.

1859: Ground was broken in Egypt for construction of the Suez Canal.

1915: Allied soldiers invaded the Gallipoli Peninsula in an unsuccessful attempt to take

the Ottoman Empire out of World War I.

1990: The Hubble Space Telescope was deployed in orbit from the space shuttle Discovery.

APRIL 26

1607: English colonists went ashore at present-day Cape Henry, Virginia, on an expedition to establish the first permanent English settlement in the Western Hemisphere.

1977: The legendary nightclub Studio 54 had its opening night in New York.

1986: An explosion and fire at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine caused radioactive fallout to begin spewing into the atmosphere, resulting in dozens of immediate deaths and a long-term death toll in the thousands.

APRIL 27

1521: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan in the Philippines as he attempted to expand Spanish colonization in the region.

1813: U.S. forces defeated the British garrison in present-day Toronto in the Battle of York during the War of 1812.

1865: The steamer Sultana, carrying freed Union prisoners

ED KOLENOVSKY / AP PHOTO

Heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title by the World Boxing Association on April 28, 1967, after refusing induction into the military as a conscientious objector.

of war, exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee, killing between 1,100 and 1,800 people.

APRIL 28

1789: Mutineers led by Fletcher Christian took control of the ship HMS Bounty three weeks after departing Tahiti, setting the ship’s captain, Lt. William Bligh, and 18 other crew members adrift in the Pacific Ocean.

1945: Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, were executed by Italian partisans.

1967: Heavyweight boxing

champion Muhammad Ali was stripped of his WBA title after he refused to be inducted into the armed forces.

APRIL 29

1945: American soldiers liberated the Dachau concentration camp.

1992: A jury in Simi Valley, California, acquitted four Los Angeles police officers charged with assault and using excessive force in the videotaped beating of motorist Rodney King.

2011: Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in an opulent ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey.

APRIL 30

1789: George Washington took the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York as the first president of the United States.

1803: The United States completed its purchase of the 828,000-square-mile Louisiana Territory from France for 60 million francs.

1945: Adolf Hitler took his own life in his Berlin bunker as Soviet troops approached, as did his wife Eva Braun.

1975: The Vietnam War ended as the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon fell to communist forces.

Black Crowes, Jimmy Page revisit unique 25-year-old live set

“Live at the Greek” anniversary restores missing Crowes hits

By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press

NEW YORK — One of the more puzzling live albums of all time came out in 2000. It featured songs from a two -n ight stand with The Black Crowes and Led Zeppelin icon Jimmy Page. But fans hoping to hear “Hard to Handle” or “She Talks to Angels” were out of luck. Bizarrely, not a single Black Crowes song was on it.

That misstep has been fixed 25 years later. The 36-track “Jimmy Page & The Black Crowes: Live at the Greek,” restores 16 previously unreleased songs, offering a better window into the trans-Atlantic rock combination.

“The whole project was special, very electric for us, very something very alive,” says singer-songwriter Chris Robinson.

The live tracks were recorded Los Angeles’ The Greek Theatre over two nights in October 1999. An album missing something

The album that came out had Zeppelin tunes like “Celebration Day,” “In My Time of Dying” and “Whole Lotta Love,” as well as old blues and R&B standards like “Woke Up This Morning,”

“Sloppy Drunk,” “Mellow Down Easy” and “Shake Your Money Maker,” plus the Yardbirds’ “Shape of Things to Come” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well.”

But no Black Crowes songs were included due to contractual reasons: The band had just left their label and weren’t allowed to use anything from their catalog.

“We were happy with what came out. We were bummed that we weren’t able legally to put our songs on the record,” says songwriter and guitarist Rich Robinson.

solutions

“I felt really bad about that because they extended this hand of friendship that I could come and join the band,” says Page.

The anniversary edition of “Live at the Greek” includes the once-dropped Black Crowes’ tunes “No Speak No Slave,” “Hard to Handle,” “Wiser Time,” “Remedy” and a version of “She Talks to Angels,” which Rich Robinson says Page took “to a totally different direction and a new level.” Zeppelin tunes like “Misty Mountain Hop” and “Bring It

on Home” are also included.

Hits and some soundchecks

Fans will delight in the restored songs but also in some outtakes, including five songs at soundcheck and the never-before-released song Rich Robinson and Page wrote while jamming, called simply “Jams.”

“I think the surprises are the things that really excite us as well,” says Chris Robinson. “We didn’t even know that we had this extra mate -

“We were all then joined in the hip when we were playing, and it was just such a joyful event to for me to be playing with these guys, and I guess them to be playing with me, too.”

Jimmy Page

rial or the other things that we hadn’t really thought about until this project came around.”

The concerts at The Greek Theatre capture a partnership that would endure. Page and the Black Crowes would go on a full-length American tour in the summer of 2000 and remain friends today.

“We were all then joined in the hip when we were playing, and it was just such a joyful event to for me to be playing with these guys, and I guess them to be playing with me, too,” says Page.

Chris Robinson is philosophical about the timing of the anniversary release.

“I do have a firm belief that things happen when they’re supposed to happen because they’re supposed to happen,” he says.

ROSS HALFIN VIA AP

Chris Robinson, left, and Rich Robinson, center, of The Black Crowes, appear with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin in London on April 2, 2025.

*Must set up Auto Draft for 2nd Month. Offer valid through February 1st 2024.

famous birthdays this week

Jay Leno, former host of “The Tonight Show” and a wellknown car enthusiast, turns 75

Shirley MacLaine is 91, Tim Duncan turns 49, Willie Nelson celebrates 92, Jerry Seinfeld turns 71 THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

APRIL 24

Actor Shirley MacLaine is 91. Actor-singer-filmmaker Barbra Streisand is 83. Actor Michael O’Keefe is 70. Actor-comedian Cedric the Entertainer is 61. Singer-TV personality Kelly Clarkson is 43.

APRIL 25

Actor Al Pacino is 85. Actor Hank Azaria is 61. Sportscaster Joe Buck is 56. Actor Renée Zellweger is 56. Actor Jason Lee is 55. Basketball Hall of Famer Tim Duncan is 49.

APRIL 26

Actor-comedian Carol Burnett is 92. Composer-producer Giorgio Moroder is 85. Actor Giancarlo Esposito is 67. Actor Jet Li is 62. First lady Melania Trump is 55.

APRIL 27

Singer Kate Pierson of the B-52’s is 77. Guitarist Ace Frehley (Kiss) is 74. Singer Sheena Easton is 66. Singer Jim James of My Morning Jacket is 47.

APRIL 28

Actor-singer Ann-Margret is 84. Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno is 75. Actor Mary McDonnell is 73. Actor Bridget Moynahan (“Blue Bloods”) is 54. Actor Penelope Cruz is 51.

APRIL 29

Singer Willie Nelson is 92. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is 71. Actor Daniel Day-Lewis is 68. Actor Michelle Pfeiffer is 67. Actor Eve Plumb (“The Brady Bunch”) is 67. Actor Uma Thurman is 55.

APRIL 30

Director Jane Campion is 71. Actor-director Paul Gross (“Due South”) is 66. Actor Kirsten Dunst is 43.

PETER A. HARRIS / AP PHOTO Former Wake Forest and San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan is 49 on Friday.

JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP PHOTO First lady Melania Trump turns 55 on Saturday.

RICH PEDRONCELLI VIA AP

on Monday.

‘Andor,’ ‘Babygirl,’ Brett Goldstein standup on Max

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The second season of the Star Wars series “Andor” and the streaming release of the Wu Tang Clan’s latest album are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: Willie Nelson releases his 77th solo studio album, “Oh What a Beautiful World,” and the arrival of Nicole Kidman’s “Babygirl” on Max. MOVIES TO STREAM

Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl” (streaming April 25 on Max) stars Kidman as a CEO who has an affair with a much younger male intern (Harris Dickinson). The A24 film, which earned Kidman a Golden Globe nomination, resurrects the steamy, campy atmosphere of erotic thrillers like “Basic Instinct” and “9 ½ Weeks” but tells it from a more female perspective. In my review, I wrote that the “ever-shifting gender and power dynamics make ‘Babygirl’ seldom predictable — even if the film is never quite as daring as it seems to think it is.” Gareth Evans, the Welsh filmmaker of “The Raid” franchise, returns with more brutal, choreographed mayhem in “Havoc” (Friday on Netflix), an action thriller starring Tom Hardy as a detective battling a criminal underworld. Jessie Mei Li, Timothy Olyphant, Forest Whitaker and Luis Guzmán co-star.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Wu-Tang Clan is forever, but their touring days are numbered. In June, the legendary hip-hop group will embark on a final tour titled “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber.” Whether you’re planning on attending or not, there is no bad time to throw on one of their records. On Friday, Wu-Tang’s joint album with Mathematics, “Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman,” released earlier this month as a Record Store Day exclusive, will hit streaming platforms. Why not start there?

Calling Nelson prolific is about as revelatory as saying the sky is blue; it is self-evident. On Friday, he’ll release his 77th solo studio album, “Oh What a Beautiful World,” celebrating the work of songwriter Rodney Crowell. Nelson embodies many Crowell classics — like 1976’s “Banks of The Old Bandera,” recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker and 1981’s “Shame on the Moon” for Bob Seger. Crowell and Nelson join forces on the song’s title cut. The album also arrives just five months after his 76th solo studio album, “Last Leaf on the Tree,” his first produced entirely by his son Micah. “He’s a real artist,” Nelson described his son to The Associated Press at the time. “He picked all the songs.”

TELEVISION TO STREAM

The “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” prequel series “Andor” returns for its second and final season on Disney+. Diego Luna stars as Rebel spy Cassian Andor and follows his radicalization against the Galactic Empire lead-

ing up to “Rogue One” and “Star Wars.”

The first season of “Andor” was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding drama series and received praise from critics. It also stars Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgard, Fiona Shaw and Genevieve O’Reilly.

Penn Badgley is closing out his chapter as the stalking serial killer Joe Goldberg — who is also disturbingly likeable, but that’s for a therapy session — in Netflix’s “You.” Its fifth and final season debuts Thursday. While Season 4 took place in London with Joe working as a literature professor, he’s now returned to his hometown of New York. Joe is married to Kate Lockwood (played by Charlotte Ritchie) whom he met in Season 4 — and they’re a New York power couple. Joe is happy with Kate and intends to stop killing people, but the guy is prone to building tangled webs of obsession that leave dead bodies in his wake. The new episodes also feature Madeline Brewer of “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Anna Camp.

In Season 1 of Hulu’s “Vanderpump Villa,” Lisa Vanderpump oversaw a young staff at a French chateau that both lived and worked together for the

summer. For Season 2, she’s relocated to a castle in Italy and brought roughly half of the “Villa” staff with her. She’s also invited “Vanderpump” all-star, Stassi Schroeder to be a special VIP and to serve as her eyes and ears with the staff. Schroeder starred on “Vanderpump Rules” for eight seasons before she was fired for slurs and racial profiling in 2020. Schroeder has since written two best-selling books, launched a new podcast, got married and become a mother of two. “Vanderpump Villa” premieres Thursday. When Brett Goldstein isn’t writing and acting in hit shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking,” he’s a busy standup comedian. Goldstein recently taped his first comedy special, “Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life,” on Max. Bravo has tapped some of its most famous single ladies from “The Real Housewives” to star in a new dating show called “Love Hotel.” Cameras follow Shannon Storms Beador (“The Real Housewives of Orange County”), Luann de Lesseps (“The Real Housewives of New York City”) and Gizelle Bryant and Ashley Darby (“The Real Housewives of

Potomac”) as they stay at a hotel in Los Cabos, Mexico, and meet eligible bachelors who are just visitors to the property, unless they get an official invite from one of the ladies to check in. Bravo superfan Joel Kim Booster hosts as their “Love Concierge.” “Love Hotel,” is now streaming on Peacock.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Every year, the mystical Paintress paints a new number, and every person of that age dies. This year’s number is 33, so it’s up to the crew of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to try to stop her. It’s the debut title from French developer Sandfall Interactive, and it aspires to the storytelling, exploration and turn-ba sed team combat of classic role-playing games like Final Fantasy and Persona. The graphics evoke the lush glamor of Belle Epoque Paris, while the voice cast features heavyweights like Charlie Cox (“Daredevil”) and Andy Serkis (“The Lord of the Rings”). It’s rare for a young studio to launch such an ambitious RPG series — and we’ll see if it pays off Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

Willie Nelson drops his 77th solo album

“Andor,” “You” and the comedy special “Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life” are now streaming.

SONY VIA AP

Willie Nelson’s new album, “Oh What a Beautiful World,” drops Friday.

Duplin Journal

the BRIEF this week

Parks and Rec puts out call for volunteers

Kenansville

Kenansville Parks and Recreation needs volunteers for their concession stand during the season’s games. If you are interested in helping, contact Courtney Brown at recreation@ kenansville.org

Poetry lovers unite at JSCC

Kenansville Words will take center stage at Partners in Poetry on April 24 from 6:30 -8:30 p.m. at James Sprunt Community College in the Boyette Building. Whether one wants to share your own work, read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the performances of others, the event offers a welcoming space for creativity and connection. The event is open to the public.

K-9 unit live demonstration

Pink Hill

Discover the responsibilities of the furry, four-legged members of the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit on April 24 at 4:30 p.m. at the Pink Hill Public Library. Watch a live demonstration and learn more about their important work and ask questions. To register, call 252-568-3631.

Rose Hill Library to host free community baby shower

Rose Hill

Soon-to-be moms are invited to attend the Duplin County Community Baby Shower on April 26 at 10 a.m. at the Rose Hill Library. This free event offers valuable resources and support for pregnancy and postpartum. Participants will have access to informative sessions and can pick up gently used and new baby essentials. Expecting families or those with children aged 2 years or younger are encouraged to preregister.

See life as a released prisoner with reentry simulation

Kenansville

It’s challenging for those released from jail to rejoin society. Whether it’s finding a job, securing stable housing, attending treatment regularly or adhering to release conditions, many factors stand in the way of success. To help the public better understand what released prisoners face, Trillium is hosting a Reentry Simulation on May 13 at 9 a.m. at the Britt Agricultural Service Center, 165 Agriculture Drive in Kenansville. Visit trilliumhealthresources.org/ events for more.

$2.00

Local fire departments need volunteers amid nationwide shortage

“It’s not really just here, it’s an everywhere problem.” Cody Herring

New efforts focus on educating, training, and retaining homegrown heroes to protect Duplin County

By K.D. Beard Duplin Journal

FIRE

DEPARTMENTS

throughout Duplin County are actively seeking new recruits as departments nationwide face a steady decline in volunteer firefighters.

Community involvement plays a critical role in ensuring public safety for the county’s volunteer fire and rescue teams, owing to a long-standing tradition of neighborly support — though many of the surrounding areas and municipalities employ career or paid firefighters, all but two of the 20 active fire departments in Duplin County are operated on a volunteer basis.

“We’re in a very unique situation in Duplin County,” re -

Industry leaders

marked Cody Herring, Fire Training Coordinator with James Sprunt Community College’s Fire Academy, who says several factors have contributed to the shortage locally, including out-ofcounty work commutes and rigorous training standards.

For much of Duplin County’s history, volunteers in tight-knit communities have dedicated themselves to ensuring the public’s safety and well-being, often sacrificing time with family to answer life-saving calls.

“A lot of people don’t know these guys and girls work a full-time job. People are having to drive to Wilmington, Jacksonville, Goldsboro to work, so it’s harder for them to make the calls,” said Herring, adding that for a growing number of Americans, finding time to volunteer can be challenging, especially when some have to work two or

See FIRE DEPT, page A2

inspire next generation at roundtable

“Hearing their stories and advice firsthand has given me a deeper perspective on what it means to be a successful and ethical leader.”

Macy Parkhurst, moderator

The University of Mount Olive hosted a leadership event that connected students with leaders

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

THE TILLMAN Execu-

tive Roundtable recently held at the University of Mount Olive was a hit among students and faculty, providing a powerful platform for attendees to learn directly from business leaders.

“These individuals are not only accomplished professionals but also visionary leaders who understand the importance of service and community,” stated Kathy Best, Tillman School of Business dean, in a media announcement. “They provided our students

with sound and solid advice that will guide them as they prepare to enter and lead in the business world.”

The event attracted a full house at the Rodgers Chapel, where participants gathered to learn from the featured speakers:

• Bill Bryan is the executive chairman, former president, and CEO of Mount Olive Pickle Company. Bryan is known for promoting innovation and community support. He joined the company in 1985 and led it for 25 years, establishing it as the leading brand in the pickle industry.

• Drew Covert is the chairman and CEO of Southern Bank and Trust Company. With over 30 years in banking, Covert has guided the bank

Magnolia churches unite for a day of faith, fun and egg hunts

An adventurous egg‑hunter at Magnolia’s Easter Celebration proudly shows off her latest find. The Saturday event, sponsored by the town’s churches, celebrated both the holiday and the spirit of the Magnolia community with music, prayer, free food, egg hunting and more.

Turn to page B6 for more.

Planning board appointments stir discussion over consent agenda use

Wastewater plant and board procedures dominated Warsaw’s meeting discussions

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Last week’s town board for the town of Warsaw addressed some key governance and procedural issues that sparked internal debate among commissioners and prompted critical public commentary.

A central point of contention was the approval process for the meeting agenda. Initially, a motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as it was presented. However, questions arose regarding the procedural correctness, reflecting ongoing tensions between board members and town leadership.

Commissioner Ebony Wills-Wells proposed an addition to the agenda to receive updates about the waste treatment plant, she also made a motion to remove consent agenda Item #5 for the approval of planning board members to move it to the regular agenda for discussion, which failed due to the lack of a second.

The planning board appointments drew criticism for being approved without open discussion. While the consent agenda passed, the process

See WARSAW, page A2

THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Sills

Ena Sellers News Editor

K.D. Beard Reporter

Michael Jaenicke Sports Editor

Loretta Carey Office Manager

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THURSDAY

illuminated confusion over when items should be separated for public deliberation.

“My concern is the protocol and the procedures of how as a board, how we are handling these items on the consent agenda,” said Wells, adding that a consent agenda is used for the board approval of matters that do not require individual consideration or discussion. “Any appointment to any board, whether it’s the planning board, the health board, or any board should have individual consideration as well as discussion of us as an entire board.”

The two appointees are Peggy Doeran and Sandra Hill. Wells expressed support for the individuals, but voiced concerns about the process itself, specifically that appointments were made through the consent agenda with no prior public or board discussion.

“I know one of the individuals, Ms. Sandra, I know her personally. I think she’ll be a phenomenal asset to our planning board and to help continue to grow the town of Warsaw. My concern is the protocol and the procedures of how as a board, how we are handling this items on the consent agenda,” she said. ”A consent agenda is used for the

FRIDAY APRIL

DUPLIN CALENDAR

April 25-26

• Join the North Carolina Pickle Festival on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Mount Olive. There will be a variety of activities, including the Tour de Pickle, a beer and wine garden, a pickle eating contest, a recipe contest, live music, a car show, a costume contest and the crowning of the Pickle Princess The festivities kick off on Friday, April 25 with the Cuke Patch 5K Glow Run at 8 p.m.

• Immerse yourself in the beauty of Southeastern North Carolina’s lush gardens at the Garden Gala and celebrate the kickoff of the Carolina Strawberry Festival on April 26. Dress to impress and enjoy an afternoon filled with live music by the Blackwater Band, drinks, a selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Tickets are $75. The gala will take place from 1 5 p.m. with an after party hosted at the Mad Boar. A free shuttle service will be available between the Mad Boar and the Gardens.

• Get ready for a day of excitement at the Greenevers Annual Firemen’s Day Parade on Saturday, April 26. The fun kicks off at 10 a.m. as the parade marches down Hartgrove Drive. After the festivities, families can head to the community building on Clinic Circle Drive to savor some mouthwatering BBQ, juicy grilled chicken, and scrumptious desserts — all while supporting the local fire department’s fundraiser. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including raffles with cash prizes, local vendors, games and entertainment for everyone. Raffle tickets are available for $10.

FIRE DEPT from page A1

three jobs to make ends meet. Volunteers are also required to undergo extensive training— often comparable to that of career firefighters, with some certifications recommended by the North Carolina Department of Insurance requiring over 500 hours of training.

board approval of matters that do not require individual consideration or discussion.”

Mayor A.J. Connors responded to these concerns by affirming that the town followed proper procedures and that both appointees had submitted paperwork and met expectations. He defended the town’s compliance with state and county processes and assured that if something were amiss, external oversight would have flagged it. Finally, both Turner and the mayor hinted at potential closed sessions in the upcoming board meeting to address personnel.

Additional public frustration was voiced by a resident concerned about a months-long delay in ditch repairs. Turner, responded that supplies had been ordered and engineering coordination was underway, but no completion date could be confirmed at the time of the meeting.

While the board defended the procedural legitimacy of its actions, the strong public feedback suggested growing concern over how business is conducted and who gets a voice in that process.

Turner reminded the board and public of critical upcoming dates, including the May 1 budget meeting and the May 12 public hearing, she also reminded those in attendance that the

Pet Friends of Duplin County will host a Rabies Clinic on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will take place in the parking lot of First Baptist Church, located at 208 West Main St. in Wallace. Rabies shots are free for the first five dogs, cats and ferrets. There will be a charge of $5 for each additional pet. Duplin County Animal Services will be administering the vaccinations. Dogs must be leashed at all times, and cats and ferrets should be placed in crates or carriers. For more information, contact 910 271 4709.

James Sprunt Community College’s Social Behavioral Science Club will be hosting a Notes of Honor event, a tribute to wounded warriors, at the Ed Emory Auditorium in Kenansville on Saturday, April 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will feature music from the band Better Days and artist Lily White from Clinton, as well as food provided by Mission BBQ. General Admission is $25 per person. For more information, call 910 275 6313.

April 27

• Interested in entering the Carolina Strawberry Festival Recipe Contest? The public is welcome to drop off their tasty strawberry creations at the Wallace Depot on April 27 at 3 p.m. Contestants will compete for cash prizes in both youth and adult categories, as well as the coveted Best in Show award.

April 28

• Join the annual Shred a thon event hosted by Duplin County Senior Services on Monday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants can shred old documents to protect themselves against identity theft and reduce clutter in their homes. The Shred a thon will be at the side parking lot of the senior services building, located at 156 Duplin Commons Drive in Kenansville. Last year, seniors shredded 1,500 pounds of paper during the first Shred a thon. For more information, call 910 296 2140.

April 29

• The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Duplin County Center, will host a pressure canning workshop on April 29 at 10 a.m. at the Cooperative Extension office

“We’re trying to help bridge that gap here,” said Herring, adding that departments are working to combat the shortage by educating the public on fire safety and by bolstering recruitment efforts through events, marketing and social media. “We’re hoping we can train local people and keep local people here.”

National Day of Prayer will be on May 1 at Veterans Memorial Park under the trees, weather permitting. Also, on May 26 the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce will host the Memorial Day ceremony at 9 a.m. at Parks and Recreation on Memorial Drive.

The more contentious discussion centered around a state investigation into the town’s pretreatment program and wastewater treatment plant issues with Wells raising concerns about exclusion from a meeting involving engineering consultants and town officials. Turner clarified that the specific meeting in question was initiated by the engineers.

Turner reported that the town is actively complying with the state’s review process and submitting requested documents.

“They did give us a report on our pretreatment permit and stated that we are still in the review process and there were some more documents that they needed before they completely approved of our program. We have received part of that information and we have gotten that to them and our engineers are working on the other information that was requested. And we are continuing to monitor and surcharge our businesses that are in violation,” said Turner.

located at 165 Agriculture Drive in Kenansville. In this workshop, learn the science behind creating shelf stable products and how to use a pressure canner to process jars of vegetables and meats for shelf stability. The cost is $10. To register, call 910 296 2143.

May 2-3

• Join the Carolina Strawberry Festival on May 2 and May 3 in Historic Downtown Wallace. Friday evening will include carnival rides and live music with Carl Newton’s Review and the Band of Oz taking the main stage. Early risers can kick off Saturday with the Strawberry Festival 5K Run and the Strawberry Jam Fun Run at 8 a.m., both starting and finishing at the Campbell Center. The annual Strawberry Pageant will be at 10:30 a.m. on the main stage. The two‑day festival will feature Ed’s Dinosaurs, a variety of local craft and food vendors, a beer and wine garden, and live music with Chocolate Chip & Company followed by The Embers. For more details, visit carolinastrawberryfestival.com.

Happening monthly

• The Board of County Commissioners meets the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at 224 Seminary St. in Kenansville. For information, call 910 296 2100. The Beulaville town board meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 508 East Main St. in Beulaville. For more information, call 910 298 4647.

• The Town of Calypso meets at the council chambers the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at 103 W. Trade St. For information, call 919 658 9221.

The Faison town board meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., at 110 NE Center St. in Faison. For more information, call 910 267 2721.

• The Economic Development Board meets the first Friday of the month at 7 a.m. at the Duplin County Airport Conference Room.

The Duplin County NAACP holds its monthly meetings on the first Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church, 336 West Hill St., Warsaw.

Herring indicated that volunteer departments throughout the nation are facing similar challenges — and often for similar reasons. “It’s not really just here; It’s an everywhere problem,” he said, indicating that more could be done to better educate members of the community on the process of becoming a firefighter.

In other business the board:

Parks and Recreation has been actively supporting youth and school outreach programs, including field trips for preschoolers and second graders, as well as a free golf program organized by a community volunteer. Although a larger multi purpose field project is currently on hold due to pending land acquisition, temporary facilities are being set up to accommodate soccer and football practices. Organizers are preparing for a busy summer, offering programs such as basketball, soccer, cheerleading, and the introduction of flag football.

In a recent call to action, Chief Matthew Casey of the Chinquapin Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad highlighted the potential consequences of the recruitment shortage on Duplin County’s emergency response teams, emphasizing the need for courageous individuals ready to serve and protect their communities.

• The Police Department has reported a steady pace of operations, with both visible duties and less visible investigations into serious offenses. Chief Patrick Giddeons acknowledged the ongoing criticism of the department, some of which he considers unfair, but emphasized the dedication and unseen efforts of his officers. He also reminded the public to remain vigilant about scams, particularly those targeting seniors, and welcomed ongoing support and communication from residents.

“I hear comments sometimes, and they come from places that sometimes it’s a little bothersome, when it’s particularly from leadership positions, that question the legitimacy of some of these young men and women and the work they do. Please understand that these people are working really hard for all of you. You may not see it, but I want you to have some faith,” said Giddeons “There ain’t a long line of y’all waiting to do this job… If you want to take up arms with my brothers and sisters and do this dangerous job, I welcome it.”

• At DreamWorks, the town’s recreation and wellness facility, membership continues to grow, now totaling 829 members. A newly launched loyalty program has further encouraged member participation. The center is also supporting educational initiatives reinforcing its role as a hub for youth development and community wellness.

WARSAW from page A1

CAROLINA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Listen up!

The Gospel requires you to be open to God’s truth that might confront your ways of thinking.

IN A CONVERSATION about the challenge of preaching in our politically divided society, a friend said, “The Gospel speaks for itself. The question is if anyone will listen.” His comment reminded me of Jesus’ Word to the crowd when he told the Parable of the Sower: “Let anyone with ears listen!” There is a difference between hearing and listening. When I introduce a scripture reading in worship, I invite the congregation to “listen for” rather than to “listen to” the Word of God. Simply listening to the words requires little effort. However, listening for the deeper meaning of the Gospel requires you to be open to God’s truth that might confront your ways of thinking.

I keep a quote journal in which I record interesting ideas from a variety of people. As I looked through my journal, I found several entries about the importance of listening for the truth and our tendency to resist the truth when it doesn’t agree with what we already think. Let me share some of these thoughts with you and, as

Jesus said, “Let anyone with ears listen!”

In a sermon at the Wallace Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Edward F. Johnston Jr. said, “The Gospel is true. It doesn’t depend on my preaching or anything else I do. The Gospel is true.”

The American author Mitch Albom wrote in his book “Have a Little Faith,” “Did you ever hear a sermon that felt as if it were being screamed into your ear alone? When that happens, it usually has more to do with you than with the preacher.”

In what I think is a good commentary on the purpose of Jesus’s parables, the Irish New Testament scholar Ernest Best describes the Gospel as “not a set of abstract truths to be announced but a way of life to be lived.”

Wilmington-born author and graduate of UNC Chapel Hill Sharyn McCrumb offers this unsettling but accurate description in her 2014 novel Prayers the Devil Answers: “People seldom thank you for telling the truth.” Along the same lines, British New Testament scholar N.T. Wright observes,

“People often get upset when you teach them what is in the Bible rather than what they presume is in the Bible.”

New York politician Thurlow Weed congratulated President Abraham Lincoln on his second inaugural address in which he called for “malice toward none, with charity for all,” Lincoln knew his speech would not be received well by those who wanted to punish the Southern states. He responded to Weed, “I expect (it) to wear as well as — perhaps better than — anything I have produced, but I believe it is not immediately popular. Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them.”

The Message translation of James 1:22 is, “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!” That’s still good advice. Philip Gladden is a retired minister who lives in Wallace.

North Carolina’s clean energy boom: a blueprint for economic growth and American energy independence

TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high‑quality jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000.

NORTH CAROLINA is at the forefront of the clean energy economy, emerging as a national leader in research, innovation and technology. Lawmakers’ bipartisan efforts to advance clean energy are a direct investment in the middle class, revitalizing communities statewide.

North Carolina’s strategic clean energy investments are not just strengthening the state’s economy; they are reshaping global supply chains and strengthening the nation’s position on the world stage. By reducing reliance on foreign energy and bringing manufacturing back to American soil, these investments are stimulating innovation, creating high-paying jobs and advancing the nation’s energy independence — all of which are key to long-term growth and competitiveness in the global market.

North Carolina’s south-central region is the epitome of this, with major investments from Sunlight Batteries and Toyota transforming the historically rural and lowincome communities.

With a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector innovation, North Carolina can now be a prime destination for both international and domestic investment, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy economy are widespread.

Our congressional district exemplifies how clean energy projects are no longer confined to urban tech hubs as they are revitalizing communities across the state. More than 62% of new clean energy jobs, 70% of new clean energy investments and nearly half of all projects in North Carolina are located in low-income communities. These investments are fostering job creation, strengthening supply chains and promoting long-term economic stability.

Toyota’s first North American battery plant (TBMNC) is taking shape in Liberty, marking a $13.9 billion investment in advanced manufacturing. TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high-quality

jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000 — more than 60% higher than the county’s current average wage. This is a major win for the American industry, strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

In Alamance County, Sunlight Batteries USA — a tech company specializing in energy storage systems — seeks to transform Mebane with its $40 million investment in a lithium-ion production facility. Projected to create more than 200 jobs and contribute approximately $390 million to the state economy, the company reflects North Carolina’s broader commitment to American energy dominance and statewide economic prosperity.

Nevertheless, the clean energy transition comes with its own set of challenges. Wolfspeed, a silicon carbide chip manufacturing company, plans to invest $5 billion in Chatham County, which is projected to create 1,800 well-paying jobs and transform a county that is 84% rural. However, following the company’s massive stock drop, leadership changes and uncertainty surrounding federal incentives like the CHIPS Act, the future of Wolfspeed remains uncertain. Such setbacks underscore the importance of bipartisan efforts to provide long-term policy stability and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in clean energy manufacturing.

While market challenges have slowed some projects, several other new clean energy projects are on the horizon in the district, putting the state in a great position to remain a technology and energy epicenter. Most recently, Gov. Josh Stein announced Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, LLC’s (PTT) plan to expand its transformer manufacturing capacity in Hoke County. A leading domestic manufacturer of power and distribution transformers for innovative energy markets, PTT will advance clean American energy and economic growth.

Sadly, the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier future has long been hindered by its politicization, yet North Carolinians know economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand. The state’s investments in clean energy have yielded tangible benefits, from spurring innovation to new infrastructure to record-breaking job creation, proving we do not need to sacrifice the economy in the name of the environment.

Public opinion reflects this reality, with polling data from Clear Path Action finding that 62% of Republicans believe it is important that their congressional representative support clean energy policies. This widespread support aligns with North Carolina’s pro -growth, pro-business approach to energy, which prioritizes market- d riven solutions and strategic investments that attract private -sector innovation. By leveraging tax incentives and fostering a competitive business climate, the state has positioned itself as a leader in the energy markets of the future. Ultimately proving that conservative principles and environmental progress can go hand in hand to bolster American energy independence.

As a North Carolinian in the 9th district, I have witnessed firsthand how clean energy investments have transformed our state. The future is bright. With artificial intelligence expanding at an unprecedented pace alongside President Donald Trump’s new $500 billion vision for advancing infrastructure, North Carolina has both the resources and the opportunity to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies. By embracing innovation and fostering an environment where economic growth and environmental stewardship move in unison, the state can continue to lead the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Kira Walsh is a volunteer with the American Conservation Coalition, based in Pittsboro.

COLUMN | PHILIP GLADDEN

COLUMN | KIRA WALSH

Mount Olive gears up for dill‑icious weekend

Music, rides and a glowing start will set the stage for the 2025 NC Pickle Festival

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WHETHER YOU are a pickle lover or looking for a fun weekend outing, the 2025 North Carolina Pickle Festival is back and ready to relish the spotlight. From Friday, April 25 to Saturday, April 26, the town of Mount Olive will burst to life with delicious treats, toe-tapping tunes, and a ton of family-friendly activities.

Each year, this two-day event attracts thousands of people from all over the state for a celebration of all things pickle. The festivities kick off Friday night with a free concert by Spare Change from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in front of R&R Brewing. Additionally, runners can participate in the Cuke Patch 5K Glow Run at 7:30 p.m., with prizes awarded for the best male and female costumes, as well as the best group costume.

Meanwhile, carnival rides will be spinning in the Steele Memorial Library parking lot from 5 to 9 p.m., with $15 wristbands granting unlimited access to the rides.

The pickle-powered celebration will ramp up on Saturday, April 26, starting at 9 a.m. with a variety of exciting activities in downtown Mount Olive. The Tour de Pickle bike ride will begin at the Mt. Olive Pickle Company’s Walker Warehouse. Cyclists will pedal through Wayne and Duplin counties in 50- and 25-mile routes, all for a good cause—proceeds benefit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue in Surf City. The main stage will feature live music with Dreamwave per-

forming at 9 a.m. bringing ‘80s rock, pop, and country vibes. They will be followed by Erik Hawks and the Hard Luck Band at 11:20 a.m., and The Lounge Lizards at 1:40 p.m., performing a throwback mix of hits from the ’70s through the 2000s. The Brodie Cormack Band will take the stage at 4 p.m., delivering boogie-woogie, classic country, and southern rock.

Additional entertainment includes roaming performances by One Man Band at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. At noon, brave con-

tenders will compete in the pickle-eating contest, attempting to devour as many Mt. Olive pickles as possible in just 5 minutes. Winners will receive a cash prize and the coveted NC Pickle Eating Champion Trophy. Join Ollie Q. Cumber, the festival’s mascot, on the main stage at 1:30 p.m. for the Ollie’s Costume Contest, which will award prizes for Best Overall, Best Couple, Best Group and Best Children categories. Enjoy hometown talent and entertainment at the dancers’ stage, featuring performances throughout the day, with special appearances by the NC Pickle Festival Queens at noon and Miss Goldsboro and Miss Goldsboro Teen at 1 p.m.

For the first time in over 30 years, the festival will not include a classic car show. This decision was made due to heightened safety concerns following recent national incidents, including the vehicle attack in New Orleans, which raised worries about crowd protection.

The planning committee worked with police, fire, and EMS to establish a secure perimeter and eliminate vehicle access during festival hours. This decision led to the removal of the car show because its timing and

movement within the crowded area posed safety challenges.

This year, the number of shuttle buses has increased from seven to 12, with three drop-off zones to improve visitor flow and reduce congestion in the surrounding neighborhoods. Free park-and-ride shuttles will operate throughout the day on Saturday, starting at 9 a.m., making it easier for everyone to enjoy the festivities downtown.

To enhance the festival’s immersive pickle experience, this year food vendors were required to offer pickle-themed items, and arts and crafts sellers were encouraged to do the same. Additional attractions this year include a classic tractor show on James Street, helicopter rides, a beer and wine garden, free Mt. Olive pickles, a petting zoo, art displays, an open house at Mount Olive’s History Museum, and an indoor pickleball tournament running from April 24 through April 26 at 612 S. Breazeale Ave., Mount Olive. The N.C. Pickle Festival also hosts an annual recipe contest, encouraging culinary creativity with prizes awarded in appetizer, main dish, dessert, and beverage categories. Winners will receive a year’s supply of Mt. Olive Pickles.

Duplin’s dog lovers to unite for a day of fun, fundraising

Strutt with your Mutt will be held Sunday, May 9 in Magnolia

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

MAGNOLIA — Lace up your sneakers and leash up your dogs

for a “pawsome” day at Strutt with your Mutt on Sunday, May 4, at 9 a.m. at The English Country Barn in Magnolia. This fundraising event will feature dog-friendly, timed trail runs with options for runners of all levels along with their furry friends. Participants can choose between a 5K Fun Run/Walk at

9:30 a.m. and a 1 Mile Fun Run/ Walk at 10 a.m. Registration is required. The event will including a pet contest, face painting, caricatures, a DJ, a pet photographer, food trucks, raffles, and a vendor village. Medals will be awarded to the first-place overall, along with prizes for the first, second, and

third place winners in both men’s and women’s categories for each race.

“Last year, Adoption First saved 1,190 lives, and the money raised from this event will help them continue their amazing work,” said Jessica Kasunic with Adoption First Animal Rescue.

Don’t forget to dress your pups in their cutest outfits for a chance to win the Strutt With Your Mutt dog costume contest.

Kasunic told Duplin Journal that they are looking forward to hosting the event and supporting the rescue in its lifesaving efforts while raising awareness. All proceeds will directly benefit Adoption First Animal Rescue.

Downtown Mount Olive

PJ WARD-BROWN / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Dylan Rinker was the 2024 Pickle Eating Contest champion in the male division, eating 13 pickles in five minutes.

Service‑learning initiative enriches student education

Student volunteers completed nearly 100 returns during the 2024 tax season

By K.D. Beard Duplin Journal

ACCOUNTING students at the University of Mount Olive seized an opportunity to earn real-world experience by offering free tax preparation services to qualifying community members through the university’s Tillman School of Business Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) program.

Student volunteers completed IRS tax law training and examinations to assist clients who may not be able to afford tax services otherwise. Following preparation, students re-

“It’s an opportunity to give back while gaining so much in return”

Kate Carter

viewed the returns with clients before electronic submission to the IRS.

“VITA gives students practical experience and offers the community a much-needed, reliable service,” said senior accounting major Kate Carter, adding that the experience reaffirmed her desire to pursue a career in accounting. “It’s an opportunity to give back while gaining so much in return.”

Carter noted that the program plays an important role in bridging the gap between classroom education and profession-

Winners crowned at Miss Harrells Christian Academy Pageant

The annual event awarded scholarships and raised $8,000 for future pageants

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

HARRELLS CHRISTIAN Academy recently celebrated a sparkling milestone with the 20th annual Miss Harrells Christian Academy Pageant, recently held at the Newkirk Auditorium. This year’s theme, “What Dreams Are Made Of,” set the stage for a dazzling evening as students, families, and faculty gathered for an evening filled with grace, talent, and school spirit.

The event concluded with the crowning of five young ladies, each showcasing poise and charm. The 2025 winners are:

• Avery Dew (Tiny Miss)

• Ellie Colville (Little Miss)

• Isla Blanton (Young Miss)

• Anna Williams (Junior Miss and Miss Congeniality)

• Windsor Farrior (Miss Harrells Christian Academy)

Special recognitions were awarded to:

• Claire Barnhill for the Sponsorship Award

• Hailey Smith for Extra Effort, and

• Carter Strickland who earned the title of Sugar and Spice Each crowned queen received a $1,000 scholarship. The pageant also had a philanthropic impact as contestants raised over $8,000 in sponsorships, which will help support future pageants and keep this cherished tradition for years to come.

As the event came to a close, the spirit of “What Dreams Are Made Of” resonated in every smile, tiara, and round of applause.

al application for those interested in accounting as a career. She also indicated that the volunteers were able to navigate and overcome even complex scenarios involving multi-state tax returns with their professor’s guidance, ensuring the best possible outcome for the client.

“It allowed me to interact with clients and solve real issues — something you can’t always replicate in a classroom,” said Carter.

According to Dyllan Cardoza, a junior at UMO, the 2024 tax season brought significant growth to the university’s VITA program, with completed returns nearly doubling the 50 filed by UMO volunteers in 2023. Cardoza recalled a moment when he and other volunteers were almost overwhelmed with clients waiting outside for tax assistance.

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through significant growth and modernization, emphasizing customer service, employee development, and ethical practices.

• Bob Tillman is Lowe’s Companies’ former president, CEO, and chairman. Starting as an entry-level employee, Tillman rose through the ranks and played a key role in expanding the company’s national presence and solidifying its position in the

“Despite the pressure, every one of my classmates worked efficiently,” said Cardoza. “It was a true team effort.”

Cardoza shared that the experience has aided him in cultivating both his technical and interpersonal skills, inspiring confidence in his abili-

home improvement industry.

Each panelist shared invaluable insights honed from decades of high-level experience, offering students practical and inspirational advice on leadership, navigating challenges and business strategy.

The event bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world leadership, giving students a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed with integrity in business and presented an opportunity to connect with influen-

ties by requiring him to make complicated tax topics accessible to his clients through clear communication. It also allowed him to make a positive difference in people’s lives, which he explained was “one of the most rewarding aspects” of the VITA program.

tial leaders. Beyond business success, the panelists emphasized the importance of values like service, community involvement, and ethical decision-making.

Macy Parkhurst, a senior business major who moderated the event, expressed that engaging with such impactful leaders was an honor.

“Hearing their stories and advice firsthand has given me a deeper perspective on what it means to be a successful and ethical leader,” said Parkhurst.

Events Center 195 Fairgrounds Dr.,

N.C. ITEMS NOT TO BRING TO SHRED: Cans, Bottles, Food/Wrappers, Thick Material, Copier/ Printer Cartridges, Corrugated Cardboard, Nonrecyclable Materials, Plastics, Biohazard Materials, Medical Waste, & 3-Ring Notebooks.

910-296-2140

Duplin

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

Student VITA volunteers Dyllan Cardoza, an accounting major from Goldsboro, looks over tax documents.

PANEL

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

From left to right are Macy Parkhurst, Drew Covert, Robert “Bob” Tillman and William “Bill” Bryan. Each panelist offered students practical advice on navigating challenges, driving innovation and leading with integrity.

The winners of the annual Miss Harrells Christian Academy Pageant held on April 11 were Avery Dew (Tiny Miss), Ellie Colville (Little Miss), Isla Blanton (Young Miss), Anna Williams (Jr. Miss and Miss Congeniality) and Windsor Farrior (Miss HCA). COURTESY HARRELLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

DUPLIN SPORTS

PANTHERS’ TURN

East Duplin won a one-run thriller over the Hawks

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

DEEP RUN — Gavin Holmes and Sawyer Marshburn find ways to help East Duplin win games.

Holmes used his legs and a timely hit from Marshburn to score the winning run in the sixth inning during the Panthers 6-5 win road win over South Lenoir last Friday in one of the most difficult places for visitors to win.

Marshburn, a catcher, had three hits and oversaw three pitchers, who limited a powerful Blue Devils lineup to five hits, two of which were homers.

Holmes was the final reliever, hurling 2.2 innings of no-hit ball, as the Panthers swept the season series. East Duplin (11-6, 8-3) gave North Lenoir (12-6, 8-2) its first ECC loss two days earlier in Beulaville.

The outcome of the sweep moved South Lenoir (14-2, 9-1) into the top spot in the league.

The two Lenoir schools play in two weeks for the regular season

title and the league’s top seed in the 2A playoffs.

North Lenior whipped ED three times last season, the last of which ended the Panthers’ season in the first round of the postseason.

Cain Graham gave up a hit and a run in 2.2 innings and JP Murphy went 1.2 frames as the Panthers won their fourth in a row on Saturday by nipping Southern Wayne 6-5 in the first of three games in the Kinston Easter Classic at Grainger Stadium.

ED has won five of six since falling 3-2 to Southwest Onslow (12-6, 7-4) in a 12-inning affair in Jacksonville. The two schools play for third place in the league next Tuesday in Beulaville.

Tied at 5-5 in the fifth, Holmes doubled off Hawk ace Garrett Byrd, and two hitters later Marshburn ripped a single to center to give the Panthers a 5-4 lead.

Austin Rouse, Marshburn and Calvin Harper all knocked in a run in the three-run third and Rouse went yard in the fourth as ED led 4-0. It was all erased when the Hawks got homers from

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COLUMN

| MICHAEL JAENICKE ED’s Thigpen humbled and overjoyed following a revenge sweep of Hawks

BRANDON THIGPEN asked for a pause during the postgame interview after East Duplin rallied to beat South Lenoir last Friday in Deep Run.

The Panthers’ ninth-year coach placed his hands above his knees in a third-base coach’s position as he awaited a pitch and concentrated on understanding what his team has accomplished.

Yet Thigpen’s stare and facial expressions said everything.

They spoke about his playing days for the Panthers, how he returned shortly after playing four seasons at Methodist University, wanting to turn the program into a consistent winner and make ED a conference champ and so much more.

Brandon Thigpen is 119-56 as he finishes his ninth season as head coach of East Duplin, where he played and graduated from in 2008.

Yet the glory days of going 23-1 seem light years away, though it was only in 2022.

Yeah, that’s how quickly fans, coaches and players forget. It took just one season — last spring’s a 10-14 campaign — to put doubt and worry into the head of anyone wearing a blue uniform.

Thigpen turned the Panthers into a competitive baseball team that did things the right way — on and off the field. That means players or coaches never disrespecting the game or the opposition. ED’s foes don’t always play by that rule book.

East Duplin had beaten and given powerhouse Midway all it wanted during the first five years of Thigpen’s tenure, which started in 2017.

Yet the new ECC of 2022 didn’t include the Raiders but did have two solid 2A baseball programs at North Lenoir and South Lenior.

ED finished second to South Lenoir in the league in 2023, going 14-9.

But the Panthers went 0-4 against the sister schools last spring, en route to a 10-12 finish.

East Duplin’s name as a baseball school was on the chopping block last week.

The Panthers responded with a 9-8 home win last Tuesday. Friday’s 5-4 victory on the Hawks’ home field, a difficult place for any visiting teams, was a huge statement for East Duplin (11-6, 8-3) and a severe blow to North Lenoir (12-6, 8-2) winning the ECC

See THIGPEN, page B3

While consecutive losses to North Lenoir eliminated the Panthers from league title contention, they recovered with a big win over Rosewood

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Everything will be OK.

And the hurt nearly stopped for Panthers fans when East Duplin dumped Rosewood 7-2 last Saturday, the second of three games played during a mini-Easter tournament in Beulaville.

Earlier in the week, the Eagles beat North Duplin (6-3).

East Duplin (11-7, 8-3) was recovering from 5-1 and 7-1 losses earlier in the week to South Le-

noir (10-6, 8-1) that left the Panthers dream of a league title in the dumpster. The Blue Devils meanwhile face cross-county rival North Lenoir (12-2, 8-2) on May 1 for the ECC crown.

So, the Panthers are destined to finish in third place with just Southwest Onslow (6-11, 3-8) left to play in the ECC, and will likely be on the road for at least the second round of the 2A playoffs. If East Duplin produces like it did against the Eagles, head coach Greg Jenkins will

like its odds in the postseason.

Five players drove in runs and Morgan Brown limited Rosewood to four hits, while whiffing four and walking two.

Sophie Jones drove in two runs and Emory Raynor, Kinsey Cave, Karsyn Parker and Brown each knocked in a teammate. Callie Mewborn was the only multiple-hit player for either school.

Jones left first base to scatter eight hits and pick up the win an 11-2 win in the circle against White Oak in the first game of the day.

Five players — Brown, Cave, Parker and Mewborn —

See SOFTBALL, page B2

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

JP Murphy and East Duplin beat North Lenoir twice, and he had a hand in both wins, hitting, running the bases and pitching.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Sophomore Callie Mewborn is hitting .307 and leads East Duplin in RBIs (19) and doubles (seven).

Colton Holmes and East Duplin make the most of their offensive opportunities by beating out ground balls for hits.

Rebels rocked by Eagles as bats go cold against Strickland

Rosewood hurler Skylar Strickland kept North Duplin off balance during a 6-3 win that deadlocked the schools atop the CC leaderboard

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — The prom and spring break are often a major distraction to spring sports.

North Duplin softball coach Jaime Kylis Higginbotham discounted the first in regard to the Rebels’ 6-3 loss to Rosewood and the second had little weight since Easter started Duplin County’s Christian holiday.

She chose the truth over excuses.

“We weren’t at our best,” Kylis Higginbotham said. “We have runners on and no one was hitting, except Lilly (Fulghum). Our best hitters struggled. Our outfield play was atrocious.”

The loss tied the two teams atop the Carolina 1A Conference standings.

They will likely have a rematch in the CC Tournament finals next week.

The Rebels (10-2, 7-1) had won the 12 previous games against Rosewood (15-3, 7-1), including a 6-4 victory on March 27 in Calypso.

“They threw their No. 2 pitcher, and we just weren’t ready,” Kylis Higginbotham said. “it was a girl our hitter had not seen, and no one seemed to learn how to handle her pitches, even after seeing their teammates make mistakes in the box.”

“This is a big win for us,” said Rosewood coach T.J. Smoothers. “That’s a great coach and a classy program. We have a lot of respect for them and coach Higginbotham.”

Rosewood led 3-1 in the first and upped it to 4-1 the next inning on a Haley Bedfrord run-scoring double.

Addy Higginbotham’s groundout scored Hannah Gon-

from page B1

drove in a run, while Jones hit two to the plate.

Two “ouches” sink Panthers in standings

Yet Jenkins and company would trade both victories for wins against their league rival Hawks, whose field looks like a poorly-kept recreation field compared to the Yankee-stadium looking baseball diamond to its left.

The second-rate feeling was a stronger emotion as the Blue Devils scored four times in the third and twice in the fourth, knocking out Morgan with two outs in the third after surrendering five hits, five earned runs, which include three doubles. Zoe Turner didn’t fare much better to give ED a narrow offensive window to mount a comeback.

Maddie Rouse scattered seven hits but found a way to get out of trouble.

Mewborn had three and Jones two of ED’s hits.

Rouse got a 6-4-3 inning-ending double play in the first, with the bases loaded.

ED tied it at 1-1 in the second via an RBI double by Jones, who plated Sophia Jones,

zalez in the fifth. Fulghum followed with a doble to plate Marissa Bernal to trim the lead to 4-3 off hurler Skylar Strickland, who got in a jam in the sixth and was relieved by McCandless St. John, the Eagles No. 1 pitcher. She whiffed two hitters with two runners on the bases in the sixth to thwart a Rebel comeback.

An error and run-scoring single by St. John gave Rosewood a buffer entering the seventh, as St. John retired the Rebels in order.

ND traveled to Topsail (9-7) on Tuesday to face the 4A Pirates, who have been competitive with everyone on their schedule and only blown out once — a 10-0 loss to 14-2 South Brunswick, which is tied with Laney for first place in a 3A/4A conference of Wilmington-area schools.

ND’s other game last week was a 16-1 rout of Hobbton. The Wildcats (6-13, 3-5) or Leopards (5-10-1, 3-5) will be the Rebels’ first round foe in the CC Tournament, which will be played at Hobbton.

While a third Rosewood game is big for the Rebels, Kylis Higginbotham says it still plays into the team’s philosophy that, “the regular season is a prep for the state playoffs.”

Bulldogs, Tigers heading toward May 1 collision

Wallace-Rose Hill rallied for all four of its runs in the final two innings to slip past Pender 4-3 last Thursday in Teachey. It was the third-straight victory for the Bulldogs (7-10, 4-6).

The Patriots beat the Bulldogs 17-7 on March 6 in Burgaw.

WRH plays three games in

who earned a one-out walk.

She got Emory Raynor to ground out to end the fourth with a runner on third and a strikeout and ground out with two on in the fourth.

The right hander breezed after getting out of the fourth and fifth with runners at first and second base, facing eight batters final two frames.

Hallie Fowler’s double down the third base line in the third scored two, as did a double by Alyssa Hatcher two hitters later.

Rebecca Beach and Raynor each poked two hits in the 5-1 loss on Wednesday. Frosh Leighton Davis was 3 for 3 and knocked in the lone Panthers’ run in the fourth with a

four days to end the regular season. The season finale in May 1 against James Kenan. The Tigers lost two 16-1 games to South Lenoir last

solo homer run to trim the deficit to 2-1, which turned to 3-1 the next inning.

South Lenoir’s two in the seventh was more insurance for Rouse, who once again gave up hits (eight), yet did not walk a hitter.

chatter

Dugout

The Panthers are off for 10 days. Their next game is a meaningless matchup in Beulaville on Tuesday against Southwest Onslow (6-11, 3-8). They finish the regular season by traveling to East Bladen the following day. Two wins puts them into the 2A bracket with a 13-7 record.

They entered the week at No. 14 in RPI for schools in the 1A East. Midway, who will be in the ECC next season with the Panthers, are No.1. South Lenoir and North Lenoir are eight and 10, respectively.

Parker (.443) and Beach (.429) pace the team in hits with 27 and 24, respectively. Cave (.400) and Brown (.309) follow. Beach’s 18 RBIs are second to Mewborn’s 19. Parker has 12 and Brown and Leighton Davis 10 each. Beach and Parker have eight extra-base hits. Leadoff hitter Parker has touched home plate a team-high 25 times.

week on Monday and Wednesday. They host WRH in a game that each might need to make the 2A playoff field.

The Tigers and Bulldogs are

34th and 36th in the RPI ratings among school in the 2A East. Thirty-two schools are in the bracket.play by traveling to Henderson to complete the loop series against the Spartans.

SOFTBALL

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

A Hobbton base runner is not scoring with North Duplin catcher Abby Norris on the beat.

Bulldogs look for strong finish behind sophomore contingent

Wallace-Rose Hill has won three of its last four matches during its drive to reach the 2A playoffs

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Not many soccer fans took notice when the Wallace-Rose Hill soccer team lost 2-0 to East Duplin two weeks ago in Beulaville.

Yet the two-goal difference was significant since the Panthers had won the previous 21 matches in a streak that goes to 2012.

“I thought we played pretty well, though not getting many scoring opportunities,” said head coach Jordan Boser. “I was proud of how well we played defensively.

The Bulldogs entered the match having won their last two matches, which served as a relief after dropping five of six, even though two were one-goal losses over an 11-day period in March.

WRH, 7-7 overall and 4-5 in ECC play, turned its fortunes around by toughing out 1-0 and 2-0 road wins over North Lenoir and South Lenoir, respectively. After the Panthers’ setback they whipped Pender 3-0.

The Bulldogs start nine sophomores, many of which played last spring, and have only one senior, Melanie Maradiaga.

“Our players now know how hard it is to win and someone like Melanie has seen us from a 3-14 team to one that is in the playoffs. When she was younger, she used to tease me—I had two babies and that I got too soft (on our players), and maybe she was right.”

These days, Boser is having fun watching a young team mature.

“We really are getting better and as a team know more about the game and how to manage situations,” said Boser, a line coach during football season. “You have to play strong — and physical — every night.”

WRH had to turn misfortune into opportunity when the Bulldogs lost starting goalie Kaylann Leon, a sophomore, to a season-ending injury early this year.

Enter sophomore Angela Rosales, was a right wing in 2024.

“We started giving her reps in January and she’s made big strides,” Boser said. “Found out she played goalie in a summer league.”

Gabby Debman, a sophomore

THIGPEN from page B1

over South Lenoir (14-2, 9-1). The two schools play on May 5 in the regular season finale. While the Panthers can’t capture the league flag and will face Southwest Onslow (12-6, 7-4) where an ED victory would clinch third place, Thigpen and his club reminded everyone they are a football school with a solid foundation.

A team that won’t beat itself with walks, errors, baserunning and mental miscues. And they will play until the final out.

who led WRH is goals last season, hit two during the 3-0 conquest of the Hawks.

“Her job is to chase everything down,” said Boser seriously and as joke. “No, really, last season as a freshman she would get some 50/50 balls. Now she gets most of them because she has wheels and just takes off for it.”

Bri Maradiaga and Bella Sabillion added assist and leading scorer Bayleen Flores notched a h cage ringer

“One thing I like about this team is how we have played hard every night,” Boser said. “The effort and work has been there, and they’ve improved. This team is a fun group that know how much effort it takes.”

Debman, who had 12 goals a season ago, has seven scores. Close losses are a part of the story for the Bulldogs, which have four one-goal losses.

Bri Maradiaga’s pass to Flores gave WRH a 1-0 revenge win over South Lenoir and kept the Bulldogs alive for a spot for the postseason.

Flores scored two times and Bria Maradiagia once when WRH b eat Pender 3-0 last Thursday. Flores has 14 goals this season.

WRH has ECC games left against South Lenoir next Tuesday, James Kenan on May 1. and a nonconference affair with East Columbus.

Panthers get second shot at Stallions

East Duplin’s RPI rating is No. 13 among all 2A schools in the East Region.

The Panthers (10-7-2, 8-1) will have a second showdown with Southwest Onslow (12-22, 9-0) in Beulaville next Tuesday. The Stallions beat the Panthers 4-0 earlier this season in Jacksonville.

In addition, East Duplin started the season without its best player from 2024, Baines Raynor (.480, 10 doubles, triple, 18 RBIs), who is playing baseball at the Eastern Carolina Academy in Goldsboro.

And in that moment of the sweep of the Hawks, Thigpen was “having a moment” he won’t soon forget.

He knew some of his worry had ended and that his team had returned to the limelight. So did the bulk of Lenoir County.

Yet Thigpen also knew it all could have never happened. In

Wallace-Rose Hill’s leading scorer, Bayleen Flores, works between East Duplin’s Tabor Holley and Kayleigh Chase during a recent game.

The Panthers, who won the ECC last season will have to be up to task to beat the Stallions, who have given up just 13 goals in 16 games.

ED extended its winning streak to five games last week with a pair of wins (4-0, 7-0) over North Lenior.

Tigers pushed aside by SWO

James Kenan was stamped 5-0 by the Stallions on March 18, but played to the next level with a 2-0 setback last Wednesday at the usually-soggy Corral, a day after rain forced teams off the pitch.

The Tigers (7-5, 4-4) had not played in eight days and face the prospect of playing five matches (four ECC affairs) to close the season.

JK whipped North Lenoir twice last week in a pair of 2-1 matches, as Katherine Enamorado scored a pair of goals both times.

Rebels win three of four vs CC foes

North Duplin took care of business two weeks ago in the Carolina 1A Conference, with wins over Lakewood (9-0) and Union (3-0).

The triumphs were welcome as the Rebels were coming off consecutive setbacks to Hobbton (4-1) and Neuse Charter (3-0).

Leading scorer Tristen Stemmler scored four times against the Leopards. Sasha Arguijo had two goals and Jazmine Manzanares and Carrly Strickland each popped in their fourth score of the season.

The Rebels (8-5, 7-3) slipped by Rosewood 2-0 last Thursday in Calypso and were handled by Hobbton, 5-1, the following day in Calypso.

fact, he and his team have been learning that since pitching ace Nick Cavanaugh left in 2022.

The other thing that awakened Thipgen was the never-give-up spirit of his team. For as many times as the Panthers got knocked down, they stood up and continued to fight.

The last six games became about finding a way to win.

The Panthers did the proper amount of celebrating along the foul line in left field following the game. Thipgen arrived and pumped his fist as he jumped into a victory leap with players.

Karsyn Parker

East Duplin, softball

Karsyn Parker has been a sparkplug for the East Duplin softball team.

The sophomore leads the Panthers in hits (27), average (.443), runs (27), on-base-percentage (.528) and fewest strikeouts (three) while ranking second in RBIs (18), walks (eight) and extra-base hits (eight) and fewest strikeouts (three). She is also tied for tops in extra-base hits (eight).

The shortstop/third baseman has made just two errors in 64 chances at arguably the most difficult field position.

Parker hit .435 last spring and was one of two freshmen on the Duplin Journal’s All-Duplin County first team.

What she — and the Panthers — missed the most this season was her classmate and shortstop Ava Noble (.538), who was also a first-team player. Noble had knee injury in basketball and was unable to play the sport she wants to play in college.

Parker has certainly rivaled her on the field, though no one is comparing the duo. Fans want them both on the diamond.

That one moment in time said so much about Thigpen and his team. To a player they knew only a “next-man up” approach would be enough to beat the best teams around.

“They’re resilient,” Thigpen said. “I’m super proud of them. They beat the No. 1 team in ECC twice. No one else has done that. We just ran out of games.”

Thigpen, who crystalized the concept that East Duplin brings a lunch box to battles that are hard and possibly long.

“We had four or five one-run losses so it’s incredible that our

players did what we did against a program like North Lenoir. It says everything about our players.”

And while the Panthers aren’t expected to make a long run in the 2A playoffs, any team that draws their number will be in for a dogfight. Thigpen is 119-56 during his tenure and his game face is a mental image the Panthers have engraved on the baseball hearts.

East Duplin has one demon to exorcise: Southwest Onslow, the team that beat the Panthers 3-2 in 12 innings on March 28 in Jacksonville.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Rebels run headfirst into tough 2A competition

ND takes a break from 1A conference play at the Kinston Easter event

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

KINSTON — First-year coach Cody Langston gave his team a reward during spring break: An opportunity to play games at a minor league baseball park.

But it came with one cavate: North Duplin, a 1A school, would be playing three 2A schools that have baseball roots deep into their diamonds.

It’s a time when most schools are knee-deep into conference battles, so playing teams in a higher class could result in bad losses, depleted pitching staffs and a loss in team and player confidence.

North Duplin likely accepted the invitation to the Kinston Easter Tournament at Grainger Stadium not knowing it and fellow Carolina 1A Conference member Rosewood would be the lone 1A schools, though both have solid programs and the hardware from the past to prove it.

North Duplin’s pitching staff has led the way, yet not in the traditional way.

“Everyone is surprised by it, but it’s like this, we have a lot of kids who can pitch, yet not one arm we go to in a big game,” Langston said. “To me, we have multiple arms on the mound and whoever I put there has got backup, a backup that he can sense will help him out if he’s in trouble.”

Yet the biggest factor going in favor of the Rebels, who are in second place in the CC to Rosewood and will likely have a rematch in the conference tournament finals in two weeks, is the different levels of players in the program.

It starts at the top with senior outfielder Wesley Holmes junior pitcher\third baseman Garris Warren (.333, tops among teammates with seven doubles, 16 RBIs and 14 stolen bases) and junior second baseman Hunt Pate (.300), a four-year starter.

Holmes is hitting 348 with a team-high 17 RBIs.

TAKE NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#25E001058-300 The undersigned, WILMA L. COLE, having qualified on the 14TH DAY of FEBRUARY, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of WILMA FAYE LANIER, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 10TH Day of JULY 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 10th Day of APRIL 2025 WILMA L. COLE, ADMINISTRATOR 184 WILLIE HATCHER RD. CHINQUAPIN, NC 28521 Run dates: A10,17,24,M1p

“He’s the staple and backbone of the team,” Langston said. “From his leadership to his ability to communicate.”

Warren is at .333 with 16 RBIs and tops among his teammates with seven doubles and 14 stolen bases.

Pate, a four-year starter at second base, is at .300 with many hits in critical situations.

While those performances were expected, catcher Noa Quintanilla (.341, five doubles, triple, three HRs, 14 RBIs) has proven his skills.

“Nothing much gets by him defensively and he’s going to throw you out so run fast,” Langston said. “I’d like to see him cut back on his swing to not go so hard for home runs.”

Juniors Kayden Bowden (.314), James Graham (.444) and Vance Carter (.281) and sophomore Keiz Brock (.300) have each stepped up to be consistent contributors.

Langston coaxed Carter to the field, has played Graham, a Southern Wayne transfer, more of late and he’s producing, while smiling from ear-to-ear at both Brok and Bowden as players that are only getting better with each game.

“You need a lot of players to contribute and that’s what that group has done,” Langston said.

BASEBALL from page B1

That’s another level, yet one in which freshman shortstop/ pitcher Noah Price has passed.

Price is hitting .292, with six doubles and is an ace-in-training for the pitching staff.

“He’s one of the best shortstops I’ve seen in a long time,” Langston said. “He definitely has Division 1 capabilities. It doesn’t get any better than having him in the two hole because he’s going to get a hit or walk or find his way on base however he can.”

North Duplin was beaten for the third time by South Lenoir in the opening day at Grainger Stadium.

The setback came after a 3-2 conquest of Rosewood last Wednesday and a 3-2 trimming of Hobbton the next day.

Pate and Warren had big RBI swings against the Eagles (15-7, 9-2) during a 3-2 loss in Goldsboro. Warren had a pair of walks, single and scored. Holmes, Bowden, and Quintanilla each stroked a hit as the Rebels out-hit the Eagles 6-4.

The next day, Holmes belted a three-RBI triple and Waren and Pate each had two hits and scored twice during a 4-1 push past Hobbton.

Price scattered six hits, two walks for a complete game win in which he threw 99 pitches. While North Duplin can

Byrd and Jayden Miller in the four-run home-half of the inning.

Marshburn was the most consistent hitter, going 3 for 3 with singles and a double.

“We had to do our best to keep them off the bases,” said Holmes, who was running sprints in the outfield following the game with Graham. “They’re one of the best teams in the state.”

“They disrespected us when we beat them at our place,” Graham added.

“The plan was to keep our three pitchers under 40-45 pitches. And give our offense credit for beating their best pitcher.

Marshburn drove in three and Rouse

tie Rosewood for the league title, the Eagles would be the No. 1 seed from the conference for the postseason via a higher RPI number.

CC tournament, revenge and the state playoffs

Langston bunch had won five of six before falling 13-2 to South Lenoir in the first day of games in Kinston. The Rebels will play either Lakewood (7-11, 4-6) or Hobbton (12-7, 4-4) in the first round of the conference tournament in two weeks. If it’s the Leopards, revenge could provide inspiration.

ND was beaten 2-1 by Lakewood, a loss that cost it a chance at its third league crown in four years. It was a road game the Rebels were not prepared to take on April 9. Rosewood entered the week at No. 7 in RPI among all 2A East schools. ND is 14th.

Wildcats snap six-game skid

Marcus Branthoover and Maron Machado each went 1 for 3 when the Wildcats fell to Jacksonville 5-1 last Monday in the first round of the Touchstone Energy Classic in Richlands. That’s all the Wildcats (6-11)

and Graham two apiece 9-8 two days previous.

Panthers rallied for four runs in the seventh after trailing 8-5 entering the frame.

Kyle Kern whiffed nine, walked three and gave up five earned runs in 6.2 innings.

Graham got the final out. Carter Chadwick homered against both pitchers.

Dugout chatter

Murphy and Graham each went three frames on Saturday against Southern Wayne, with Holmes finishing it up. ED got all six of its runs in the fourth after the Saints went up 5-0.

NOTICE

could muster against hurlers Carter Moore and Cannon Smith, who each drove in a run for the Cardinals. Vasco Sutton added a pair of RBIs for Jacksonville (10-9). Tanner Brinson had three hits and three RBIs and Ashton Courdle and Machado chipped in run-scoring hits in a 6-4 loss to White Oak, which scored three times in the bottom of the fifth. Neither team scored the rest of the way.

Jacob Flemming and Jaden Goins each had a pair of hits. The Wildcats broke a sixgame skid with an 11-2 push through Northside-Jacksonville.

Blue Devils sock Tigers twice

Jake Howard and Noah Rouse each drove in three runs last Wednesday to lead South Lenoir to a 14-1 win over James Kenan in Warsaw.

JK (4-9, 2-8) lost its third in a row and eighth of 10 since starting 2-1.

Two days earlier, the Blue Devils (14-2, 9-1) rocked the Tigers 16-0 in Deep Run. The Tigers host Wallace-Rose Hill in their regular season finale next Thursday. WRH won the first encounter 7-0 on March 7. JK has been outscored 131-57 this spring.

Stallings, Smith homers lift HCA

Dawson Smith and Jaden Stallings hit home runs last Thursday to send Harrells Christian to its third win of the spring following a 7-2 triumph over Kerr -Vance Academy. Smith had three RBIs, Stallings scored three times, and Luke Weeks had a pair of hits. Weeks got two more against Wake Christian earlier in the week when the Crusaders fell 8-2. Jesse Smith had a run-scoring single.

HCA (3-9, 2-3) played in the Clinton Easter Tournament early this week and return to league play by traveling to Henderson to complete the loop series against the Spartans.

Graham and Jack Tuck each punched a pair of RBIs. Holmes walked twice, drove in a run and scored. Murphy also walked and scored. Jesus Mojica reached on an error and crossed the plate two hitters later.

The Panthers played 1A Rosewood (15-7) on Monday and 3A Charles B. Aycock (8-11) on Tuesday. Rouse leads ED in RBIs with 18. Tuck (.340) Holmes (.375) each have 12. Marshburn has 10 and raised his average to .300. Holmes’ nine doubles are three more than Rouse has punched. Graham, Harper and Murphy each have three two-baggers. Kern entered this week three strikeouts shy of 100. He’s 4-1 with a 1.52 ERA in 50 innings.

Notice is hereby given that the Duplin County Board of Equalization and Review will hold its first meeting on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the Commissioner’s Room, Duplin County Administrative Building, 224 Seminary Street, Kenansville, NC. This meeting is held for the purpose of review and hearing appeals of listings and valuations. The following is a schedule for all meetings of the Board of Equalization and Review to be held at the above stated location: 2nd meeting – Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 2:00 pm. The Board expects to adjourn on May 29, 2025. In the event of earlier or later adjournment, notice to that effect will be published in this newspaper.

Gary M. Rose, Clerk to the Board of E&R

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

North Duplin let loose after beating conference rival Rosewood.

Betty (Teachey) Kelley

Nov. 24, 1945 — April 14, 2025

Betty Teachey Kelley, 79, of Wallace passed away on Monday, April 14 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on November 24, 1945, in Duplin County and was the daughter of the late Hill C. Teachey Sr. and Sarah Mobley Teachey. Betty was also preceded in death by her husband Larry Thomas Kelley; their sons, Maurice Kelley and Richard “Ricky” Kelley; and her siblings, Mary Pearl Price, Esta Mason, Sarah Rivenbark, Hill Teachey Jr. and Geraldine Franz.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and follower of Jesus Christ.

Surviving to cherish her memory is her daughter, Susan Kelley Rivenbark and husband Scottie of Wallace; grandchildren, Reverend Brandon Kelley and wife Sarah, Matthew Rivenbark and wife Kaitlyn, Courtney Kelley Hollingsworth and husband Justin, Dylan Rivenbark and wife Sydney, Briley Kelley and wife Haley, Maggianna Rivenbark, Brianna Kelley and Brailan Kelley; great grandchildren, Isaac Kelley, Lydia Kelley, Hayes Rivenbark, Rowan Rivenbark, Scotland Rivenbark, Sarah Holland Rivenbark and Everleigh Hollingsworth; daughter in laws, Carol Kelley and Teresa Kelley, both of Wallace; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Betty dearly.

Betty married her husband Larry on April 17, 1965. Shortly after, they had their son Ricky in 1966, their daughter Susan in 1968, and their second son Maurice in 1972. She was a stay at home mom until she began her working career at A&P of Wallace. After working there for 8 years, she left and pursued her education at James Sprunt Community College. After graduation, she became a certified nursing assistant working with Duplin Home Health and Hospice. Betty was a loyal preacher’s wife. She followed her husband for years as the Lord called them to different churches until they ultimately moved to Raleigh to pastor Emmanuel Pentecostal Holiness Church in 2001. After much prayer, Betty and Larry decided to retire and move back to be able to spend time with their family. She devoted the majority of her life to raising her children and making memories with her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling the U.S. with family and friends. She was loved tremendously by her family and will be dearly missed.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with Reverend Buster Price and Betty’s grandson, Reverend Brandon Kelley officiating.

The family received friends on Friday, one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial followed in Little Pin Hook Cemetery, Teachey.

Casketbearers will be Matthew Rivenbark, Dylan Rivenbark, Briley Kelley, Brailan Kelley, Trey Maready and Justin Hollingsworth.

Memorial gifts may be given to The Bluefields Memory Care, Leland.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Laurie Romand and the entire staff of The Bluefields Memory Care facility as well as Gentiva Home Health and Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care they gave to Betty and her family.

Peggy Watts Dickerson

July 18, 1949 — April 14, 2025

Peggy Watts Dickerson, at the age of 75, passed away peacefully late Monday afternoon, April 14, while being loved and cared for at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.

Peggy was a native of Mount Olive and had lived in the Pleasant Grove area near Mount Olive for many years. She had a long tenure of employment with the Boling Company, and an even longer association with Taylor’s Nursery and Plant Farm where she assisted the Marvin Taylor family with farming, plant nursery, and care giving duties. Peggy worshiped at the Cricket Ridge Church.

She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Glen H. Dickerson, of the home; a step son, Glen Patrick Dickerson and wife Annette of Goldsboro; a brother, Walter H. Watts Jr. and companion Linda of Greenville; two sisters, Rebecca W. Outlaw of Mount Olive and Patsy W. Gonzalez of Grantham; four grandchildren; a great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Walter W. Watts and Mildred Strickland Watts; brothers, George Thomas Watts and James Earl Watts; and sisters, Norma Carol Watts and Mollie Watts. A service of remembrance for Peggy was held Good Friday, April 18 at Tyndall Funeral Home, followed by a period of visitation with the family.

David Lee Cole

Dec. 26, 1957 — April 18, 2025

David Lee Cole passed away on Friday, April 18at his home. He is preceded in death by his parents, Troy Waxell Cole and Fonnie Mae Cole; brothers, James Cole and Johnnie Cole; and sisters, Carrie Lou Thompson, Bertnice Colley and Fay Lanier. Surviving are his brothers, Harold Jarman, Henry Jarman (Betty) and Eugene Cole (Nancy); sister, Clara Mae Whaley (Carl); and multiple nieces and nephews. All services are private.

Jonathan Carl “Buddy” Worrell

Nov. 18, 1944 — April 15, 2025

Jonathan Carl “Buddy” Worrell passed from this life into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 15 at Wayne UNC Health Care. A resident of Goldsboro, Buddy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and quiet strength.

He spent his career as a truck driver for both Chas. F. Cates & Son Pickle Company and Allen Canning Company. Known for his reliability and friendly spirit, Buddy earned the respect and admiration of his coworkers and all who crossed his path.

A man of deep faith, Buddy was a longtime and faithful member of Mount Olive First Pentecostal Holiness Church, where he found great comfort and joy in worship and fellowship.

Born to the late Jonathan Carl Worrell and Florence Perry Worrell Tucker, Buddy was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Jean Worrell and his brother, Henry J. Worrell. He is survived by his children, John Allan Worrell, Don Williams, and Tina Patrick; his grandchildren, Crystal Williford and husband Scott, Kasey Casbarro and husband Jack, Ivey Woodard and husband Tre, and Phillip Williams; as well as six great grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his beloved fiancée, Linda Kaye Herring.

A funeral service to honor Buddy’s life was held on Friday, April 18 at Tyndall Funeral Home, with Pastor Jeff Dail officiating. Visitation was held prior to the service. Burial followed in Maplewood Cemetery.

Lillian Gertrude Hall Bowen

Jan. 19, 1932 — April 17, 2025

Lillian Gertrude Bowen, age 93, of Beulaville passed away on Thursday, April 17 at home.

A viewing will be on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Church of God and True Holiness Church in Beulaville, followed immediately by the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow at Hall Cemetery in Beulaville.

Left to cherish her precious memories, three sons: James Bowen (Deborah) of Beulaville, Harold Bowen (Sheila) of Pink Hill, and Kelvin Bowen (Cindy) of Beulaville; four daughters: Lillian Whitfield of Beulaville, Paula Crawford of High Point, Beatrice Savage (Lynn) of Beulaville and Marian Fort (Dexter) of Kenansville; five brothers: Paul Hall (Marie) and Benjamin Hall (Mattie) both of Beulaville, Milton Hall (Barbara) of Durham, Dennis Hall (Teresa) of Dudley, and Richard Farland (Eva) of Philadelphia, NC; Three sisters: Mamie Williams of Beulaville, Zoye Marie Dobson of Virginia, Debra Batts(Richard) of Henderson; twenty six grandchildren, thirty eight great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren; son in law, Tony Hall; sisters in law: Eleanor Hall and Donna Hall; brothers in law: Elder Lynn Beanum and Maxwell Williams; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly. House Set up will be at 339 S. Blizzardtown Road in Beulaville.

Roger Calhoun Parker Sr.

Dec. 18, 1944 — April 13, 2025

Roger Calhoun Parker Sr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 13 surrounded by his loving family. Born to Jacob Franklin Parker Sr. and Lucy Elizabeth Brooks Parker in the town of Rose Hill, Roger grew up with the values of hard work, faith, and love. Roger was preceded in death by his siblings: Fred Milton Parker, Durwood Lee Parker, Margaret Louise Farrior, Mildred Alene Schineller, Mary Frances Nitschke, Jacob Franklin Parker Jr., Mae Ernestine Hoffmann, Ruth Gray Parker, Joseph Charles Parker, Jeniva Dee Albrycht, Judy Brooks Parker, and Forest Gene Parker. He cherished their memories and the family heritage they shared.

Roger is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Joan Teachey Parker. Together, they built a loving family. He leaves behind his children: Katie Knowles (Stephen), Roger “Cal” Parker Jr. (Kirstin), Jake Parker (Emma), and Jarrod Powell (Juliana). Roger’s greatest joy was being “Pa” to his grandchildren: Dylan Powell, Rebecca Powell, Kristina Halamuzdava, Connor Powell, Parker Knowles, Carson Parker, Bella Powell, Wyatt Knowles, Kinsley Parker, Raylon Parker, Levi Parker, Reese Parker, and Payton Knowles. He is also survived by his sister, Ruby Parker Merritt of South Carolina; along with many nieces and nephews.

Roger was a lifelong member of Rose Hill Baptist Church, where his deep faith in Jesus Christ guided his life. He made sure his children grew up knowing and loving Jesus, which he considered his most important legacy. His faith filled heart touched everyone he met.

Roger dedicated his career to the poultry industry, earning accolades for his many achievements. But above all, he was a devoted husband, inspiring and caring father, and nurturing grandfather. His kindness, strength, and commitment to his family and faith made him irreplaceable.

A Celebration of Life was held at Rose Hill Baptist Church on Friday, April 18. Visitation preceded the funeral service., and burial followed at the Parker Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Though he will be deeply missed, Roger’s spirit will continue to guide and inspire his loved ones for generations to come. May he rest in eternal peace, embraced by the everlasting love of his Savior.

Joe Nathan Rhodie

March 21, 1958 — April 9, 2025

Joe Nathan Rhodie, 67, of Rose Hill entered eternal rest April 9. A joint memorial service will be held with his brother, Dannie Rhodie, at 1:00pm April 26 in the chapel at Hawes Funeral Home in Warsaw.

Mary Frances (Woodcock) Futrell

June 20, 1949 — April 13, 2025

Mary Frances (Woodcock) Futrell entered her forever home in Heaven early Palm Sunday morning, April 13. Frances, as she was affectionately called by friends and family, was born on June 20th, 1949 in Atkinson. She grew up and spent her childhood years in that same area. At a young age, Frances learned what hard work and servitude were and all throughout her life she instilled these qualities in those she has now left behind. As she rejoices in the presence of her Savior, Frances’ family and friends mourn their loss, but have the eternal hope they will be reunited with her in due time.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents Viola King and Cecil Woodcock and 2 of her 4 siblings, Helen Pridgen and NA Woodcock. She is survived by her husband, John Douglas Sr.; two siblings, Rachel Boone and Mackey Woodcock; son, John Douglas Futrell Jr.(Michelle) and his family; daughter, Mary Esther (James) and her family; and daughter Mildred (Joseph) Lanier and her family. Frances also is survived by her 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Family was her passion and each of them were deeply cherished, loved and prayed for by Frances.

Frances and JD, as he is lovingly known, met through family connections and married on December 17th,1968. They lived in Rose Hill and Burgaw where they raised their children. In recent years the couple lived in Wallace. Over her life, Frances dedicated her time to the service of others and honored the Lord through her talents. She would often be seen crocheting blankets, hats, or scarfs which she lovingly gave not only her grandchildren, but also to the homeless and those in need. Both Frances and JD faithfully served in various capacities at Wallace Church of God. Frances’ passion and service centered around children as she taught Sunday school, VBS and served in nursery over the years. She also actively volunteered in the church’s food bank and was willing to do whatever was needed of her. Frances served her comminity by visiting those who were home bound and in nursing homes. Her love for Lord and a heart for others will be remembered for generations to come.

The Futrell family received friends on Friday, April 18 for a public viewing, followed by a Celebration of Life service at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wallace. Burial followed the service at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey.

Volunteers, music and joy fill Magnolia’s

Magnolia’s

PHOTOS BY KD BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, proud Magnolia cooks admired their work as they prepared free plates for event-goers at Saturday’s celebration. Right, Greenville-based band Hope in Christ with the Potters House Church gave powerful performances at Saturday’s event.

Slow down, we’re working here!

This week marks National Work Zone Awareness Week, for which NCDOT is the national host organization this year. Preliminary data shows nearly 7,000 work zone crashes occurred in North Carolina in 2024, resulting in 47 deaths. This year’s theme is “Respect the zone so we all get home.” Above, construction equipment lines a work zone on U.S. 64 west near Asheboro earlier this week.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Federal report on Lumbee Tribe recognition path expected

Pembroke

Members of the Lumbee Tribe are awaiting the release of a Department of the Interior report that could light a path for federal recognition as a tribal nation. President Donald Trump issued a memo in January directing the department to create a plan to “assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits.”

The deadline for the plan is this week. The Lumbee have had a difficult time convincing the federal government, Congress and some recognized tribes that their claims to Native ancestry are legitimate.

Student loans in default to be referred to debt collection

Washington, D.C.

The Education Department will begin collection next month on roughly 5.3 million student loan borrowers who are in default, including the garnishing of wages for potentially millions of borrowers, officials said Monday. Beginning May 5, the department will start involuntary collection through the Treasury Department’s offset program, which withholds payments from the government, including tax refunds, federal salaries and other benefits, from people with past due debts to the government. After a 30 day notice, the department will also begin garnishing wages for borrowers in default.

$2.00

Stanly County commissioners get Badin Lake restoration update

The lake is facing a black mat algae infestation

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — At the Stanly County Board of Com missioners meeting on Mon day, an environmental group presented an update on its Ba din Lake restoration project. Representatives from Re store Badin Lake, a 501c3 non profit made up of volunteers advocating for Badin Lake re vitalization, spoke to the com missioners about their plan to remove black mat algae from the lake.

David Holton, president of RBL, told the commissioners on Monday that Cube Hydro

and the North Carolina De partment of Environmental Quality paid for a pilot test on Badin Lake that was initiated during the past three years.

While the nonprofit also pre sented algaecide alternatives and newer technologies to the NCDEQ, those methods were tabled due to a lack of peer re view studies and longevity.

This left RBL unsure of what direction to go next — up un til recently.

“Two weeks ago, NC State announced that the project they’ve been working on at Lake Gaston has completed, and they’ve been doing about 300 acres up there,” Holton said. “They feel like they have the right formula for apply ing this algaecide and the right mixture. They’re saying that

six treatments per year for four years in a dedicated area will remove the algae.”

Holton clarified that the long term effectiveness of the Captain XTR + AMP chemical formula used at Lake Gaston is still to be determined.

“It hasn’t come back yet, but that’s not to say it won’t come back in five or six years. There may be some spot treatment, but right now, they’re satis fied that this is cleaning out the area. They announced they were expanding statewide.”

He noted that along with se curing a provider for the ser vice, Cube Hydro has given him a verbal agreement to fa cilitate the plan for Badin Lake and that he is now waiting for an approval license to arrive “any day now.”

Albemarle City Council votes to oppose House Bill 765

The bill would limit the city’s power over zoning and land use

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Albe marle City Council has voiced its opposition to a proposed bill in the N.C. General Assembly that would affect the city’s de velopment regulation process. At their recent meeting on Monday night, Albemarle’s councilmembers unanimous ly voted to ratify Resolution 25‑03, signed on April 11, op posing House Bill 765 and oth er legislation that would lim it local control of planning and zoning matters.

That same night, the Stanly County Board of Commission

ers also approved a resolution opposing the bill.

Local Gov. Develop ment Regulations Omnibus (H.B. 765), which was creat ed to address the housing cri sis in North Carolina, was in troduced by Rep. Jeff Zenger (R Forsyth) on April 3 with bi partisan support; Reps. Jarrod Lowery (R Robeson), Matthew Winslow (R Franklin), Mark Brody (R Union) and Car la Cunningham (D Mecklen burg) are additional sponsors of the bill.

The legislation passed its first reading on April 7 and re ceived a favorable committee report and edit on April 17.

Critics of the bill say it would weaken the powers of munici pal governments to control lo cal zoning and land use, while proponents of the bill hope that

“We’ve got nine other municipalities in this county that need to be on board with this.”

Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Sue Hall

it could lead to more housing growth in the state by bypass ing regulations. H.B. 765 would mandate zoning and site plan decisions within 90 days of application, allow developers to sue local of ficials for positions they take on land use decisions, and limit municipalities’ authority to en act parking and street design standards.

The legislation would also create minimum density re

The first phase of the plan is to treat up to 11 acres of wa ter surface area starting this spring, with six annual treat ments deployed from April to September for the next two to four years.

NC State University’s Aqua Plant Management Program determined that the Captain XTR + AMP formula is safe for all aquatic life, people and pets. RBL is now planning to host informational meetings at the Heron Bay and Uwharrie Point residential communities to let residents know how mon ey will be raised for the project through a grassroots commu nity effort.

Because of time constraints of introducing the initiative to

quirements based on popu lation size. In a county with a population between 50,000 and 274,999 like Stanly Coun ty (population of 65,699), five units per acre would be devel opable by right.

Mayor Pro Tem Martha Sue Hall asked City Manager Todd Clark if he could share Albe marle’s resolution with oth er local governmental manag ers throughout Stanly County; Clark confirmed that he would present the information to oth er cities and towns in the area.

“We’ve got nine other mu nicipalities in this county that need to be on board with this,” Hall said. “Things are running rapid through the House, and they’re running quickly. This has not yet passed both hous es, but we need to have as much information as we can for our smaller towns here. I would love it if there’s a diplomatic way to be able to say to the oth er managers that we’ve done this with you all.”

The Albemarle City Council is set to meet again on May 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Fort Benning takes back old name but instead honors different soldier

North State Journal

(USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Neal Robbins, Publisher

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Jesse Deal, Reporter

P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

BUSINESS

David Guy, Advertising Manager Published

We stand corrected

BOARD from page A1

the local area, RBL expects lo cal lake residents to likely car ry most of the financial burden for the first year of treatment; donations can be sent to RBL’s mailing address (301 Milling port Lane, New London, NC, 28127) or dropped off at the Guardhouse at Uwharrie Point.

The nonprofit is hoping that Stanly County could contrib ute financially to the resto ration project in the form of a grant or government money while it awaits a possible state funding package sometime in the future.

By Charlotte Kramon and Russ Bynum The Associated Press

FORT BENNING — The Army officially restored the name Fort Benning to its sto ried training post in Geor gia, only this time to honor an 18 year old corporal who fought in World War I rather than a Confederate general.

A ceremony to make the name change official was held Wednesday at the base just outside Columbus. Roughly 70,000 soldiers, civilian work ers and military family mem bers are stationed at Fort Ben ning, which trains infantry troops and tank crews and is home to the elite Army Rang er School.

It’s the second time in less than two years that Fort Ben ning commanders have been tasked with swapping out the post’s name on everything from signs marking gates, streets, police cars and buildings to official stationery and web sites. That will cost around $653,000, according to Fort Benning officials.

The last name change in 2023 redesignated the post as Fort Moore as part of a move started by Congress in 2020 and completed during Presi dent Joe Biden’s administration to remove names that honored Confederate leaders, including from nine Army posts.

The name of Henry L. Ben ning, a former Georgia Supreme Court justice who vocally sup ported secession and served as a Confederate brigadier gener al in the Civil War, had adorned the base since it opened as Camp Benning in 1918.

Federal law now prohibits naming military bases for Con federates. The Pentagon un der President Donald Trump has found a workaround for re verting bases back to what they were formerly called by finding new soldiers to honor with the same last name.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month ordered the change back to Fort Ben ning to honor Fred Benning, who was awarded the nation’s second highest honor for bat tlefield bravery as an 18 year old corporal in 1918 and later was promoted to sergeant — a fact uncovered after Hegseth issued the memo.

Sue Conger Williams, Ben ning’s granddaughter, recalled summers in Nebraska fishing with her grandfather and dig ging for earthworms while he watched for cars but said she never learned much about his time in the Army.

“I am grateful for this glimpse into history, and I see some similarities, though, be tween Fred Benning the sol dier and Fred Benning my grandpa,” Conger Williams said. “These are integrity, hard work and a commitment to service.”

Fred Benning received his Distinguished Service Cross af ter returning home to Nebras ka, where he started a bak ery and served as mayor of the small town of Neligh. He died in 1974.

Conger Williams sat up front at the ceremony with Ben ning’s great granddaughter and 10 month old great great grand daughter as soldiers, veterans

“What sets him apart was his unwavering dedication to his soldiers, his understanding of the soldiers’ needs.”

Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley, commander of Fort Benning, on Fred Benning

and locals milled around be hind them.

Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley, the fort’s commanding general, said people at Fort Benning knew little about Fred Ben ning, which sent historians poring over old records to piece together his legacy. During last Wednesday’s ceremony, Tuley noted that Benning took charge of his machine g un platoon in October 1918 in France, lead ing 20 survivors through heavy fire, after their commander was killed.

“What sets him apart was his unwavering dedication to his soldiers, his understanding of the soldiers’ needs,” said Tuley.

During its short time as Fort Moore, the Georgia post became the first in the Army named for a couple: the late Lt.

Gen. Hal Moore and his wife, Julia Moore.

Hal Moore served in Viet nam as commander of a cav alry battalion based at Fort Benning and was also a Distin guished Service Cross recipi ent. Julia Moore successfully lobbied the Pentagon to adopt a policy that military families would be notified of war casu alties in person rather than by telegram.

“Whatever a name may be on an installation board, the Moores are an interwoven part of this installation and that will never go away,” said Tuley.

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline. com with “Correction request” in the subject line. with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

In his March 3 memo order ing the return to the name Fort Benning, Hegseth directed the Army to find a new way to hon or the Moores “in a manner that celebrates their significant contributions to the local com munity and the Army.”

The Army hasn’t said how much the switch back to Fort Benning will cost. An Army commission in 2022 estimat ed the change to Fort Moore would cost at least $4.9 million.

Fort Benning is the second U.S. military base to have its 2023 name change reversed. The nation’s largest Army in stallation was rechristened Fort Bragg in North Carolina last month, following a brief two years as Fort Liberty.

• Jackie Eugene Nowling, 52, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Andrea Nichole Davis, 36, was arrested for injury to personal property and assault on an individual with a disability.

• Dylan Ray Deberry-Elrod, 34, was arrested for felony possession of schedule II controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of schedule IV controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a felon, resisting a public officer, fleeing arrest with a motor vehicle, using a fictitious or altered title or registration, driving with a revoked license and failing to heed light or siren.

The base joins Fort Bragg in having a new namesake

Sue CongerWilliams, right, Fred Benning’s granddaughter, unveils a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring the base’s new namesake last week in Fort Benning, Goergia.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

North Carolina’s clean energy boom: a blueprint for economic growth and American energy independence

TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high‑quality jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000.

NORTH CAROLINA is at the forefront of the clean energy economy, emerging as a national leader in research, innovation and technology.

Lawmakers’ bipartisan efforts to advance clean energy are a direct investment in the middle class, revitalizing communities statewide.

North Carolina’s strategic clean energy investments are not just strengthening the state’s economy; they are reshaping global supply chains and strengthening the nation’s position on the world stage. By reducing reliance on foreign energy and bringing manufacturing back to American soil, these investments are stimulating innovation, creating high paying jobs and advancing the nation’s energy independence — all of which are key to long term growth and competitiveness in the global market.

North Carolina’s south central region is the epitome of this, with major investments from Sunlight Batteries and Toyota transforming the historically rural and low income communities. With a business friendly environment that encourages private sector innovation, North Carolina can now be a prime destination for both international and domestic investment, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy economy are widespread.

Our congressional district exemplifies how clean energy projects are no longer confined to urban tech hubs as they are revitalizing communities across the state. More than 62% of new clean energy jobs, 70% of new clean energy investments and nearly half of all projects in North Carolina are located in low income communities. These investments are fostering job creation, strengthening supply chains and promoting long term economic stability.

Toyota’s first North American battery plant (TBMNC) is taking shape in Liberty, marking a $13.9 billion investment in advanced manufacturing. TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high quality jobs to Randolph County,

with salaries averaging $62,000 — more than 60% higher than the county’s current average wage. This is a major win for the American industry, strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

In Alamance County, Sunlight Batteries USA — a tech company specializing in energy storage systems — seeks to transform Mebane with its $40 million investment in a lithium‑ion production facility. Projected to create more than 200 jobs and contribute approximately $390 million to the state economy, the company reflects North Carolina’s broader commitment to American energy dominance and statewide economic prosperity.

Nevertheless, the clean energy transition comes with its own set of challenges. Wolfspeed, a silicon carbide chip manufacturing company, plans to invest $5 billion in Chatham County, which is projected to create 1,800 well paying jobs and transform a county that is 84% rural.

However, following the company’s massive stock drop, leadership changes and uncertainty surrounding federal incentives like the CHIPS Act, the future of Wolfspeed remains uncertain. Such setbacks underscore the importance of bipartisan efforts to provide long term policy stability and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in clean energy manufacturing.

While market challenges have slowed some projects, several other new clean energy projects are on the horizon in the district, putting the state in a great position to remain a technology and energy epicenter. Most recently, Gov. Josh Stein announced Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, LLC’s (PTT) plan to expand its transformer manufacturing capacity in Hoke County. A leading domestic manufacturer of power and distribution transformers for innovative energy markets, PTT will advance clean American energy and economic growth.

Sadly, the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier future

has long been hindered by its politicization, yet North Carolinians know economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand. The state’s investments in clean energy have yielded tangible benefits, from spurring innovation to new infrastructure to record‑breaking job creation, proving we do not need to sacrifice the economy in the name of the environment.

Public opinion reflects this reality, with polling data from Clear Path Action finding that 62% of Republicans believe it is important that their congressional representative support clean energy policies. This widespread support aligns with North Carolina’s pro‑growth, pro business approach to energy, which prioritizes market‑driven solutions and strategic investments that attract private‑sector innovation. By leveraging tax incentives and fostering a competitive business climate, the state has positioned itself as a leader in the energy markets of the future. Ultimately proving that conservative principles and environmental progress can go hand in hand to bolster American energy independence.

As a North Carolinian in the 9th district, I have witnessed firsthand how clean energy investments have transformed our state. The future is bright. With artificial intelligence expanding at an unprecedented pace alongside President Donald Trump’s new $500 billion vision for advancing infrastructure, North Carolina has both the resources and the opportunity to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies. By embracing innovation and fostering an environment where economic growth and environmental stewardship move in unison, the state can continue to lead the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Kira Walsh is a volunteer with the American Conservation Coalition, based in Pittsboro.

Democrats’ bizarrely misplaced empathy

Abrego Garcia isn’t the only awful person Democrats have attempted to sanctify.

DEMOCRATS DECIDED to expend their quickly diminishing political capital in defense of a deported Salvadoran illegal immigrant named Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia was deported to El Salvador some weeks ago; the Department of Justice initially admitted that his deportation was an “administrative error.” It turns out that Abrego Garcia had an order withholding removal to his home country, due to his claims that returning to El Salvador would risk his life.

Nonetheless, the administration flew him to that country’s Terrorism Confinement Center, where he is apparently being held to date.

Initially, a district court judge ruled that Abrego Garcia’s removal was violative of due process and that the administration had to “facilitate” his return to the United States. The case was elevated to the Supreme Court, which found 9 0 that while the executive branch likely had the power to order his deportation, it still had to follow court orders to “facilitate” his temporary return for due process reasons. The Trump administration, for its part, claims that it has already “facilitated” his release from custody — that they’ve asked Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele nicely to release him, and that Bukele has refused.

Bukele sat in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump and said just that: “The question is preposterous: How can I

smuggle a terrorist into the United States?”

Regardless of the legal wrangling over the case — and there is in fact a solid legal basis to the idea that the administration ought to temporarily return Abrego Garcia just to receive a court hearing, after which he can be deported right back again — Democrats have wrong footed themselves yet again. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D Md.) decided to fly down to El Salvador to visit Abrego Garcia; other Congressional Democrats vowed to do the same. In their telling, Abrego Garcia is an innocent caught up in the mills of wrongheaded justice. But Abrego Garcia is indeed a nefarious character. It turns out that aside from his illegal immigration status, Garcia’s wife accused him of “violently beating her multiple times” in a 2021 court filing, according to the Daily Mail. When he was originally arrested in 2019, arrest records show he was found with cash and drugs, as well as two other members of MS 13, while wearing gear associated with MS 13. And this is the person Democrats have tried to valorize. Abrego Garcia isn’t the only awful person Democrats have attempted to sanctify.

Democrats have also rushed to the defense of terror supporter and Columbia student visa holder Mohsen Mahdawi, who posted on his social media in commemoration of his terrorist cousin: “a leader of a fierce resistance fighter.” The New York Times went so far as to headline

his story, “He Wanted Peace in the Middle East. ICE Wants to Deport Him.” Meanwhile, Democrats have little to say about the illegal immigrant killer of Rachel Morin, a 37 year old mother of five who was raped and murdered; Rachel’s mother, Patty, visited the White House briefing room to explain the case to a media that largely ignored it. Democrats similarly have gone silent about the burning of the home of Gov. Josh Shapiro (D Pa.); his home was set aflame by an anti‑Israel man who said he wanted to let Shapiro know he “will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.”

Democrats’ inconsistency here speaks volumes: If you are an illegal immigrant criminal, they will either ignore it or downplay it; if you are a visa holder or criminal who favors Hamas, they will do the same.

Democrats have a wide variety of lines they can use to attack the Trump administration. But their binary view of the world — opponents of Trump must by necessity be good — leads them down dark pathways. Which means that no matter how much they decry the lack of due process, nobody will trust them with the levers of power.

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

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

COLUMN | KIRA WALSH

Indian police say gunmen kill at least 20 tourists in Kashmir

The attack coincided with a visit from U.S. Vice President JD Vance

By Aijaz Hussain The Associated Press

SRINAGAR, India — Indian police say gunmen have killed at least 20 tourists at a resort in Indian c ontrolled Kashmir.

Two senior police officers said at least four gunmen, whom they described as mili tants, fired at dozens of tourists from close range Tuesday. The officers said at least three doz en others were injured, many in serious condition. They spoke on condition of anonym ity in keeping with departmen tal policy.

Officials collected at least 20 bodies in Baisaran mead ow, some three miles from the disputed region’s resort town of Pahalgam.

Police described the incident as a “terror attack” and blamed militants fighting against Indi an rule. It appeared to be a ma jor shift in the regional conflict in which tourists have largely been spared.

“This attack is much larg er than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” Omar Abdullah, the re

gion’s top elected official, wrote on social media.

Police were searching for the attackers. There was no imme diate claim of responsibility.

India’s home minister, Amit Shah, was heading to Srinagar, the main city in Indian c on trolled Kashmir. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on an official visit in Saudi Arabia, has been briefed.

“We will come down heavi ly on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences,” Shah wrote on social media.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a key Kashmiri resistance leader, condemned what he described as a “cowardly attack on tour ists,” writing on social media that “such violence is unaccept able and against the ethos of Kashmir which welcomes visi tors with love and warmth.”

The attack coincided with the visit to India of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is on a largely personal four day stop.

“Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” Vance said on social media.

The meadow in Pahalgam is a popular sightseeing desti nation, surrounded by snow

c apped mountains and dotted with pine forests. It is visited by hundreds of tourists every day.

Nuclear a rmed rivals In dia and Pakistan each ad minister part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety.

Kashmir has seen a spate of targeted killings of Hindus, including immigrant work ers from Indian states, after New Delhi ended the region’s semi autonomy in 2019 and drastically curbed dissent, civil liberties and media freedoms.

Tensions have been simmer ing as India has intensified its counterinsurgency operations.

The region, known for roll ing Himalayan foothills, ex quisitely decorated houseboats and pristine meadows, has be come a major domestic tour ist destination. Kashmir has drawn millions of visitors who enjoy a strange peace kept by ubiquitous security check points, armored vehicles and patrolling soldiers. Although violence has ebbed in recent times in the Kash mir Valley, the heart of anti In dia rebellion, fighting between government forces and rebels has largely shifted to remote areas of Jammu region includ ing Rajouri, Poonch and Kath

ua, where Indian troops have faced deadly attacks.

Militants in the Indian c on trolled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels’ goal of uniting the territory, ei ther under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan spon sored terrorism. Pakistan de nies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legit imate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, reb els and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

Karen Read’s second murder trial revives debate over who killed her Boston police officer boyfriend

Read has become a cause célèbre among the true crime podcast set

By Michael Casey The Associated Press

DEDHAM, Mass. — The sec ond murder trial of Karen Read, whose case has sparked a na tional debate on police account ability and won her legions of devoted fans, began with open ing statements Tuesday, more than three years after the death of her Boston police offi cer boyfriend.

Read is accused of striking her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, with her SUV in 2022 and leav ing him to die alone in the snow outside of a house party in Can ton, a suburb about 20 miles south of Boston. She has been charged with second degree murder, manslaughter while op erating a vehicle under the influ ence and leaving the scene.

During the first trial last year, prosecutors said Read in tentionally backed into O’Keefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The de fense said that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that O’Keefe was fatally beaten

by another law enforcement offi cer at the party.

A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.

The biggest difference in the current trial is the lead prosecu tor, Hank Brennan. Brought in as a special prosecutor after the mistrial, the former defense at torney has represented a num ber of prominent clients, includ ing notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger.

Brennan began his opening statement Tuesday by describ ing the firefighter who raced to the scene in near blizzard con ditions and found Read and two other women surrounding O’Keefe’s body on the ground.

“He stepped out into bedlam,” he said.

The firefighter then asked Read what had happened, he said.

“You’ll hear her words, ‘I hit him. I hit him. I hit him,’” Bren nan said. “She admitted what she had done that night.”

Brennan told jurors that “facts and data” will lead them to the truth, and that Read’s own statements will confirm it. But Defense Attorney Alan Jackson began his opening statement by saying the pros

ecution’s case was based on a “brazen and flawed assertion that is untethered to the facts and the evidence.”

“John O’Keefe did not die from being hit by a vehicle,” he said. “The facts will show that. The evidence will show that. The data will show that. The science will show that, and the experts will tell you that.”

Many of the factors that made the first trial must see televi sion will feature in the second. Most of the the same witnesses are back, as are Read’s aggres sive defense team and dozens of her supporters camped out near the courthouse — many carry ing “Free Karen Read” signs and wearing pink. Read, who has been featured in several docu mentaries about her case, has become a minor celebrity.

A few dozen of Read’s sup porters, many holding Amer ican flags, stood in front of the courthouse Tuesday morning before moving a block away to comply with a court ordered buffer zone. Those who were reuniting hugged each other, while others took time to bring newcomers up to speed on the case.

“I’m here for justice,” said Ashlyn Wade, a Read support er from Canton. “The murderer

going to jail and Karen being ex onerated, that would be justice.”

The prosecution, however, stands to benefit from a pre trial ruling from Judge Bever ly Cannone that defense attor neys can’t mention potential third party culprits in their opening statements. They can develop a case against two law enforcement officers but cannot implicate Albert’s nephew, Col in Albert, as they did in the first trial.

“I view it as a blow to the de fense strategy but not a knock out punch,” Daniel Medwed, a law professor at Northeast ern University, said of the rul ing. “All the defense needs to do is create reasonable doubt about Karen (Read’s) guilt, and that doesn’t require pointing to an alternative perpetrator as a matter of law.”

Legal experts expect prosecu tors to focus on Read’s behavior as they did during the first trial — her volatile relationship with O’Keefe and their night of heavy drinking. They also predict the prosecution will lay out a stron ger and more coherent case that Read clipped O’Keefe with the back of her SUV and sent him tumbling to the ground — us ing data from her car, video and stronger expert testimony.

Karen Read listens during opening arguments at Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts.

“I’m here for justice. The murderer going to jail and Karen being exonerated, that would be justice.”

Ashlyn Wade, a Read supporter outside the courthouse

“The Commonwealth will fo cus on the theme drilled into us since middle school — Drink ing, Driving, Deadly Conse quences,” Michael Coyne, the dean of Massachusetts School of Law at Andover, said in an email.

The defense is expected to of fer evidence that what they see as a sloppy police investigation was biased and that law en forcement officers set Read up to protect the real killers. They could be helped by an audit of the Canton Police Department released last month that found several mistakes with the inves tigation — but no evidence of a cover up.

One of the key witnesses will be former State Trooper Mi chael Proctor. He led the inves tigation but has since been fired after a disciplinary board found that he sent sexist and crude texts about Read to his family and colleagues.

“Michael Proctor and his dis missal from the force may very well serve as the elephant in the courtroom throughout the pro ceedings,” Medwed said.

DAR YASIN / AP PHOTO

Indian security officers patrol in armored vehicles near Pahalgam in south Kashmir after assailants indiscriminately opened fired at tourists in Pahalgam in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday.

STUART CAHILL / BOSTON HERALD VIA AP

STANLY SPORTS

North Stanly, West Stanly baseball each win conference titles

Both teams have 10-0 conference records for the 2025 campaign

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

STANLY COUNTY — Two

of the county’s five high school baseball teams — North Stanly and West Stanly — have officially become conference championship winners for the 2025 season.

On top of an unblemished 19-0 record, North Stanly’s baseball team now has its fourth-consecutive Yadkin Valley Conference title over in New London.

The Comets (19-0, 10-0 YVC) have embraced perfection in 2025 as they have put together their second-straight undefeated conference record in what has become the high school’s most successful baseball season ever at this point through the season.

With 20 conference regular-season wins in a row dat-

ing back to March 12, 2024, North capped off its YVC campaign last week as it swept second-place Mount Pleasant (13-8, 7-3 YVC) in a 4-3 home win followed by an 8-0 road victory two days later.

The Comets have navigated their current campaign with ease, outscoring their opponents by a run margin of 16245 since Feb. 26. North is now set to play against four nonconference opponents this week at the Mingo Bay Classic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Over in Oakboro, the West Stanly Colts (16-6, 10-0 Rocky River) have made sure that North isn’t the only local team with a conference title this season, achieving their third-consecutive Rocky River Conference crown and 10-0 record in RRC play.

The Colts haven’t come up short in a conference game since April 29, 2022. West’s now-steady season got off to a rather rocky start as the team lost four of its first matchups on its schedule, including

a 4-3 road loss and a 7-5 home loss to North Stanly during the first half of March.

The team has only lost twice since that seven-game rough patch, outscoring its opponents 167-60 throughout the 2025 campaign.

The Colts are wrapping up their regular-season schedule over in Ocean Isle Beach as they participate in the Beach Diamond Invitational. West defeated Richmond (13-9, 8-4 Sandhills) by a 5-3 score on Monday and squared off with tournament host West Brunswick (8-11, 4-8 Mideastern) on Tuesday night.

A potential Game 3 championship matchup for the Beach Diamond Invitational was set for Wednesday night.

The South Stanly Bulls (16-6, 6-4 YVC), Gray Stone Knights (7-11, 2-8 YVC) and Albemarle Bulldogs (1-14, 0-10 YVC) round out the other three local baseball squads in the county; South finished in third place in the YVC standings, while Gray Stone and Albemarle had the fifth and sixth spots, respectively.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Coco Tyson

South Stanly, softball

Coco Tyson is a freshman on the South Stanly softball team.

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls had two wins last week, and Tyson came up big in both of them.

Against Albemarle, she went 2 for 2 with three runs scored, three RBIs and a pair of doubles. She also reached base on a hit by pitch. Against South Columbus, she went 3 for 4 with three runs, six RBIs, a pair of doubles and a home run.

For the season, she ranks in the top five in NC Division 1A West in home runs and RBIs. She’s in the top three in the Yadkin Valley Conference in homers, slugging, RBIs and fielding. She’s also thrown out every runner that’s tried to steal on her while behind the plate.

Hurricanes overwhelm Devils in Game 1 win

Carolina outshot the Devils 45-24 to take a 1-0 series lead

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour shrugged off a question on the local broadcast before the game about who he thinks his team’s surprise player might be this postseason. Instead, Brind’Amour said his team will be successful if everyone does their job.

He got exactly that in Sunday’s Game 1 against the New Jersey Devils.

Logan Stankoven had two second period goals and Carolina nearly doubled up the Devils in shots, dominating Game 1 for a 4-1 Easter matinee win at Lenovo Center.

“For us to win, we’re going to need 20 guys chipping in and after a game going, ‘OK, I contributed some way, somehow,’” Brind’Amour said. “And I think that’s what we got tonight.”

After a dominant opening 20 minutes, the Hurricanes took control in the second — and it was Stankoven doing the damage.

Already up 1-0 on a Jalen Chatfield goal at 2:24 of the first, Carolina doubled its lead early in the second thanks to its forecheck.

Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook pressured Nico Hischier behind the New Jersey net, and the Devils captain bobbled the puck.

Martinook whacked it to Stankoven in the slot, and the rookie’s shot trickled through Jacob Markstrom (41 saves) to double the lead at 6:37 of the second.

“I love playing in the big games and meaningful hockey,” said Stankoven, who played 19 playoff games with the Stars last season and came to Carolina at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Mikko Rantanen

to Dallas. “I’m motivated to try and contribute in any way possible, and it’s always a nice feeling to get on the score sheet.”

Stankoven then struck again, this time on the power play. Taylor Hall corralled a bouncing puck along the left boards and zipped a cross-ice pass to Stankoven, who shot off the far post and in to extend the lead to 3-0 at 13:08 of the middle frame.

“Those are two great additions for us,” Brind’Amour said of acquiring Hall and Stankoven in midseason trades.

Hischier’s goal late in the second period — at 4-on-4 because Timo Meier and Shayne

Gostisbehere were serving matching minors — came on a rush up the left wing, and he fired a shot past Frederik Andersen (23 saves) to the far side to give New Jersey a glimmer of hope.

But after a good push by the Devils to start the third, Carolina regained control of the game, and Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-net goal with 2:28 remaining to seal the win.

“It’s just one game,” Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal said, “and hopefully a long run ahead of us here, and we’ll take the win.”

The Hurricanes got off to a f ast start thanks to an

offensive zone faceoff win. Jack Roslovic won a draw that Eric Robinson pushed back to the right point.

Chatfield’s shot made its way through a William Carrier screen and past Markstrom to make it 1-0 at 2:24 of the opening period.

“The building was already rocking before, but after we got the first one, it got even louder,” Chatfield said. “And we can build behind that, and we’re gonna continue to do that and just keep playing our game. “ Brind’Amour had tough decisions to make with a fully healthy lineup, going with Roslovic over Mark Jankowski on

the fourth line, starting Andersen over Pyotr Kochetkov and deciding to keep his defense intact instead of shoehorning in prized prospect Alexander Nikishin.

“I guess you could say we made the right decisions,” Brind’Amour said. “I think we really couldn’t go wrong.”

Devils coach Sheldon Keefe, meanwhile, said the second period — when New Jersey was outshot 21-8 — sealed his team’s fate.

“I thought the second period we were just overwhelmed. … To a man, myself included, we’re going to have to be better in Game 2, clearly,” he said.

KARL DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven (22) hugs Jordan Staal following the first of the rookie’s two goals in Carolina’s 4-1 win Sunday over the Devils in Game 1 of their first round playoff series.

PJ WARD-BROWN / STANLY COUNTY JOURNAL

SIDELINE REPORT

RACING

AUTO

Gronkowski taking on entertainment role in “Snake Pit” during first Indianapolis 500

Indianapolis Rob Gronkowski will have an entertainment role for his first Indianapolis 500 next month. The longtime NFL tight end will be the grand marshal for the “Snake Pit,” the infield party that takes place during “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Gronkowski is now an NFL studio analyst for Fox, which is the new broadcaster of the IndyCar Series and the Indy 500. Dance producer Illenium will headline a lineup of global electronic music artists in the Snake Pit in Turn 3 of Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the May 25 race.

MLB

It’s a girl! 2-way star Ohtani of Dodgers now a father Arlington, Tex.

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani is now a father. The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger has posted on Instagram that his wife gave birth to a girl. “Congratulations Sho!” Manager Dave Roberts proclaimed while saying he wasn’t sure what the baby’s name was. The 30-year-old Ohtani missed the first two games of the series matching the past two World Series champions.

NCAA GYMNASTICS

Michigan men, Oklahoma women take national crowns Fort Worth, Tex. Audrey Davis posted a 9.9250 on the uneven bars to help the Oklahoma Sooners win their seventh NCAA women’s gymnastics championship. Oklahoma finished with 198.0125 points in their 11th trip to the Final Four in the last 12 seasons. UCLA — with eight national titles — placed second. Meanwhile in Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Fred Richard and Paul Juda finished first and second in the all-a round and the Wolverines edged them past five-time defending champion Stanford to win their first NCAA men’s gymnastics title since 2014.

NBA

Cleveland’s Atkinson wins coach of the year award after leading Cavs to 64-win season

Cleveland Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson has been announced as the winner of the National Basketball Coaches Association’s coach of the year award after leading the Cavaliers to a 64-win season and the No. 1 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs. The NBA will also give out a coach of the year award in the coming weeks. The NBCA has done its own separate award since 2017 named for Michael H. Goldberg, the organization’s first executive director.

NCAA SOFTBALL

Stanford softball team sets NCAA attendance record playing in football stadium vs. Cal Stanford, Calif.

Playing in Stanford’s football stadium, the school’s softball home game against rival California set the NCAA attendance record with a crowd of 13,207. That surpassed the mark of 12,566 from the first day of the 2024 Women’s College World Series last May 30 in Oklahoma City. The regular-season record had been held by Oklahoma, which drew 9,259 against Oklahoma State earlier this month.

Picking a team from bars to beam: Fantasy leagues in gymnastics are a thing

More than 7,000 participants are choosing fantasy gymnastics squads

By Maya Sweedler The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thomas Bateman kept busy this year managing college fantasy teams in 12 different leagues. Five of them won it all. These were not teams stocked with NFL or NBA players. All 12 were made up of college gymnasts, and Bateman is just one member of a fervent and growing fan base that channels their love of the sport into fantasy leagues.

“It’s such a great way to get to know the sport a bit,” Bateman said. “When I started off, I got these lists from College Gym News and picked athletes I didn’t really know, so then I got to know teams I liked and then got familiar with athletes I want to draft. It’s a great way to potentially grow the audience of the sport.”

This year, more than 7,000

women’s college gymnastics devotees have found their way to the Gymlytics and GymCastic fantasy platforms — all within the last few years.

From the Olympics to NCAA

Gymlytics, which launched before the 2022 collegiate season, runs through the regular season and has a postseason bracket competition. GymCastic, in its second year, offers weekly fantasy matchups, including the NCAA postseason and elite meets later in the year. The two leagues take slightly different approaches. Gymlytics participants draft individual athletes for their team at the beginning of the season and set lineups for each week of competition. GymCastic runs a salary cap-style draft, in which athletes are valued at a certain number of “gym rubles.” Participants select athletes until their roster is filled while staying under the cap.

“That’s the point of everything we do: It’s very, very spe-

“It’s a great way to potentially grow the audience of the sport.”

cific to the gymnastics fans,” said Jessica O’Beirne, creator of the popular GymCastic podcast and a co-founder of the fantasy league of the same name. “We use the lingo of gymnastics. It’s so niche and so specific.″

The Gymlytics audience is similarly a lot of “diehard gymnastics fans,” said Lauren Pickens, a co-creator.

Growth beyond diehard fans

Like all fantasy team managers who care about results, Bateman and other participants have their hands full. Week to week, participants set lineups across the four apparatuses — vault, uneven bars,

LSU’s Aleah Finnegan competes on the balance beam during last year’s NCAA women’s gymnastics championships while hundreds of fantasy gymnastics players awaited her scores.

balance beam and floor exercise — to maximize the total number of points their team scores. An injury or struggles at a weekend meet are factors in roster changes.

As GymCastic and Gymlytics have taken off, their creators have seen these diehard fans bring in friends and family who are less familiar with the sport.

“We’ve gotten a lot of emails from people saying, my significant other did fantasy basketball or fantasy football and because there’s a fantasy gymnastics, they wanted to connect with me and my passion so they joined a league,” said GymCastic COO Steve Cooper. “And now they’re screaming at the TV like I am.”

According to the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association, the number of Americans over the age of 21 participating in fantasy sports grew by about 5% between 2017 and 2022. It’s been much more robust for Gymlytics, which launched its first season with 1,000 teams and, according to co-founder Yarden Tamir, had nearly 7,000 teams across 55 countries this season; and for GymCastic, which has seen over 10% growth between its first and second seasons, per Cooper.

While overall fantasy sports participation skews male by about a 2:1 ratio, according to FSGA data, the Gymlytics and GymCastic founders both estimated their participants were more gender balanced.

Fashion, heritage and talent: Players turn the WNBA draft into a cultural showcase

Players opted for designers from their home countries of Nigeria, France, Croatia and Samoa

By Bryanna Maxwell The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The WNBA draft has increasingly become a platform for more than just athleticism — it is a celebration of identity, heritage, culture, and self-expression.

Paige Bueckers may have been the No. 1 pick, but it was Kiki Iriafen who arguably stole the show when it came to fashion. Even Bueckers herself said Iriafen had the best look of the night.

Iriafen, drafted fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, is a forward who just wrapped up her senior season at USC, where she averaged 18 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. On the orange carpet, she made a statement — one rooted deeply in her Nigerian heritage.

“I’m Nigerian so I wanted to work with a Nigerian designer,” she said. “I was really adamant. I want a slip. I want the waist snapped. I can’t really breathe. I wanted to feel good, I wanted to look good.”

Future stars are using draft night as more than an opportunity to step into the spotlight for their talent on the court, but to use the moment to honor where they come from,

showcase who they are beyond the jersey, and make powerful statements through fashion, family, and tradition.

Iriafen wore a custom, shimmering gold dress embellished with intricate detailing, designed by Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander — who also created Chiney Ogwumike’s wedding gown. To complete the look, Iriafen wore a traditional orange-beaded Nigerian bracelet, seamlessly blending modern glam with cultural pride.

The 6-foot-3 Iriafen was not alone.

Dominique Malonga, the gifted 6-6 forward from France and the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm, brought a piece of home with her. She stepped out in a sleek suit designed by none other than Louis Vuitton — one of France’s, and the world’s, most iconic fashion houses.

“A huge collaboration between them,” Malonga said. “I’m like a simple, classic person.”

Still, she made it clear that while her style might be understated, her game is anything but. As a forward, she knows she can do it all. At just 19, she’s already been playing high-level basketball overseas for four years.

Malonga wasn’t the only Storm player showcasing her roots on the orange carpet.

Seattle Storm point guard and former UConn Husky Nika Muhl also proudly em-

braced her Croatian heritage.

“I came all the way from Croatia to be here,” Muhl said.

“I had to bring Croatia with me.”

Muhl was wearing a black pantsuit with a black crop top underneath, complemented by a chain of keys draped across her body. The entire look was designed by Croatian brand Y/ GIA and styled by a Croatian stylist.

“I wanted to feel good, I wanted to look good.”

Even the players who couldn’t attend the draft found ways to let their identities shine.

Te-Hina Paopao, the sharp-shooting South Carolina guard, was selected 18th overall by the Atlanta Dream. Appearing on TV from her draft party, she wore a traditional Samoan dress, along with several flower lei around her neck—symbolic necklaces in Samoan culture that honor and celebrate.

“I am so blessed to be Samoan,” said Paopao. “When you think of Samoan culture you think of family and I am so ready to bring that culture to Atlanta.”

And family was definitely present — about 300 people gathered behind her at her draft party in California, a powerful visual of support and pride.

As they step into the professional spotlight, they carry with them not just their skills, but the pride of their families, their communities, and their cultures. The future of the WNBA isn’t just about basketball; it’s about creating a space where every player can be their true, authentic self—on the court and beyond.

PAMELA SMITH / AP PHOTO

USC’s Kiki Iriafen poses in her dress from Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander before the WNBA draft last week.

Kiki Iriafen

Thomas Bateman, fantasy gymnastics player

TONY GUTIERREZ / AP PHOTO

Wade Stephen Burnette

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

April 11, 1949 – April 16, 2025

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

Wade Stephen Burnette, 76, of Monroe, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Atrium Health Union.

obituaries

Dwight Farmer

Wink Martindale, genial game show host, dies at 91

He did one of the first television interviews with Elvis Presley

Charlie Wesley “CW” Almond Jr.

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

May 22, 1945 – April 13, 2025

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

James Roseboro

By Beth Harris The Associated Press

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

LOS ANGELES — Wink

John B. Kluttz

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

6 would read aloud the contents of advertisements in Life magazine.

Doris Jones Coleman

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor. Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Garfield. Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.

The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 1 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. The funeral service, officiated by Pastor Richie Broadway, will follow at 2 p.m. at Stanly Funeral Home Chapel in Locust. Burial will follow at Berea Baptist Church Cemetery.

Wade was born in Cabarrus County on April 11, 1949, to the late Flekus and Hattie Burnette.

He is lovingly survived by his longtime friend Ms. Darlene Funderburk of 44 years. Those also left to cherish his memory are his son Brandon Burnette (Christian) of Indian Trail, grandchildren, Carson Burnette, and Avery Burnette, siblings Ann Simpson (Larry), and Judy Eudy (Mitchell), Ms. Funderburk’s children, Michael Funderburk, and Tasha Locklear and her grandchildren, Jamari, Amariya, Journey, Thalia, Selena, and Brayson, and greatgrandchildren, Shakil, and Samir. Wade was preceded in death by his brothers, Grady, Clarence, Charlie, Ikey, Ted, John, and Floyd, and sisters Faye, Mary, and Lula. Wade retired in 2009 with Martin Marietta Aggregate. Wade loved riding his Harley, fishing, and horseshoes. He was of the Baptist faith. Wade loved his trips to the mountains. Wade truly enjoyed being with his family and will be missed by all who knew him. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is serving the Burnette family.

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran.

Charlie Wesley “CW” Almond Jr., 79, of Oxford passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025, at his son’s home surrounded by his family. The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care in Albemarle from 6 pm until 8 pm on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

Charlie was born in Stanly County on May 22, 1945, to the late Charlie and Irene Almond. He is lovingly survived by his children Wesley Almond (Rebecca) of New London, Diane Roberson (Dale) of New London, Ann Morton (Gary) of New London, John Almond (Gail) of Locust, and Terri Dix (Paul) of Norwood. Those also left to cherish his memory are his thirteen grandchildren, and many great and great-great grandchildren, siblings Kathryn Keener and Jewel Faye Faggart (Ronnie) and longtime friend Eddie Caudle.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

Charlie was preceded in death by siblings Margaret Shepard, Mildred Whitley, and Ewell Ray Almond.

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

Martindale, the genial host of such hit game shows as “Gambit” and “Tic-Tac-Dough” who also did one of the first recorded television interviews with a young Elvis Presley, has died. He was 91.

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

Martindale died Tuesday at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California, according to his publicist Brian Mayes. Martindale had been battling lymphoma for a year.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.

“He was doing pretty well up until a couple weeks ago,” Mayes said by phone from Nashville.

“Gambit” debuted on the same day in September 1972 as “The Price is Right” with Bob Barker and “The Joker’s Wild” with Jack Barry.

John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove a school bus and worked at the local gas station during his High School years. He graduated from Millingport High in 1954 and entered into service with the US Airforce immediately afterward. Upon return from the service, he and his high school sweetheart Julie were married in 1956. He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College later in 1959 and began his career as a diesel mechanic at Mitchell Distributing Company, moving his growing family to Charlotte where they lived until their retirement.

sailboats and 16 vacation trips. At the time, McKee’s winnings were a record for a game show contestant.

“I love working with contestants, interacting with the audience and to a degree, watching lives change,” Martindale wrote. “Winning a lot of cash can cause that to happen.”

He began his career as a disc jockey at age 17 at WPLI in his hometown, earning $25 a week. He next hosted mornings at WHBQ in Memphis while attending Memphis State. Martindale was in the studio, although not working on-air that night, when the first Presley record “That’s All Right” was played on WHBQ on July 8, 1954.

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

Martindale approached fellow DJ Dewey Phillips, who had given Presley an early break by playing his song, to ask him and Presley to do a joint interview on Martindale’s TV show “Top Ten Dance Party” in 1956. By then, Presley had become a major star and agreed to the appearance.

CW was a great dad, Pawpaw, and Pepaw. He was a jack of all trades and could handle any task. CW enjoyed the outdoors, especially his time at the beach. CW was a great leader and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty. Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Rebecca Almond and the staff at Tillery Compassionate Care for the care they provided to CW during his declining health.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Almond family.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com

He is survived by his sisters: Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC, and Marion Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of Norwood, and Van Horne; a special friend of over 40 years, Michelle McLendon of the home; special nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya Little, and Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.

“From the day it hit the air, ‘Gambit’ spelled winner, and it taught me a basic tenant of any truly successful game show: KISS! Keep It Simple Stupid,” Martindale wrote in his 2000 memoir “Winking at Life.” “Like playing Old Maids as a kid, everybody knows how to play 21, i.e. blackjack.”

“Gambit” had been beating its competition on NBC and ABC for over two years. But a new show debuted in 1975 on NBC called “Wheel of Fortune.” By December 1976, “Gambit” was off the air and “Wheel of Fortune” became an institution that is still going strong today.

Martindale bounced back in 1978 with “Tic-Tac-Dough,” the classic X’s and O’s game on CBS that ran until 1985.

“Overnight I had gone from the outhouse to the penthouse,” he wrote.

He presided over the 88-game winning streak of Navy Lt. Thom McKee, who earned over $300,000 in cash and prizes that included eight cars, three

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

The Wake Forest grad finally turned pro at age 50

The Associated Press

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

BERWYN, Pa. — Jay Sigel, who was widely viewed as America’s best amateur since Bobby Jones, has died of pancreatic cancer, the U.S. Golf Association said Sunday.

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

The USGA said Sigel died Saturday at age 81. Along with his two U.S. Amateur titles and three U.S. Mid-Amateur victories, Sigel played in nine Walker Cup matches, twice serving as a playing captain.

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

Sigel was low amateur in the Masters three times, and once each at the U.S. Open and British Open during his sterling career.

His intention was to turn

When John purchased his first Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long fight in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away fighting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

Martindale wrote that producer Dan Enright once told him that in the seven years he hosted “Tic-Tac-Dough” he gave away more than $7 million in cash and prizes.

Martindale said his many years as a radio DJ were helpful to him as a game show host because radio calls for constant adlibs, and he learned to handle almost any situation in the spur of the moment. He estimated that he hosted nearly two dozen game shows during his career.

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily.

Martindale and Presley stayed in touch on occasion through the years, and in 1959 he did a trans-Atlantic telephone interview with Presley, who was in the Army in Germany. Martindale’s second wife, Sandy, briefly dated Presley after meeting him on the set of “G.I. Blues” in 1960.

In 1959, Martindale moved to Los Angeles to host a morning show on KHJ. That same year, he reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with a cover version of “Deck of Cards,” which sold more than 1 million copies. He performed the spoken word wartime story with religious overtones on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC. Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

Martindale wrote in his memoir that the question he got asked most often was “Is Wink your real name?” The second was “How did you get into game shows?” He got his nickname from a childhood friend. Martindale is no relation to University of Michigan defensive coordinator Don Martindale, whose college teammates nicknamed him Wink because of their shared last name.

“I could easily have thought, ‘Wow, this is easy! I come out here, go on radio and TV, make a record and everybody wants to buy it!” he wrote. “Even if I entertained such thoughts, they soon dissipated. I learned in due time that what had happened to me was far from the ordinary.”

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Awardthe highest award given to members at the national level.

Born Winston Conrad Martindale on Dec. 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, he loved radio since childhood and at age

He is survived by Sandy, his second wife of 49 years, and children Lisa, Madelyn and Laura, and numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Wink Jr. Martindale’s children are from his first marriage, which ended in divorce in 1972.

Jay Sigel, once considered America’s best amateur, dies of cancer at 81

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men.

John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

pro when he starred at Wake Forest on an Arnold Palmer scholarship. But his left hand went through a pane window on a swinging door that required 70 stitches. Sigel decided to remain amateur and

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

started a successful insurance business.

“I always thought things happen for a reason,” Sigel once said. “The hand injury was the best thing to happen to me.”

She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, outfits for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.

He won his first U.S. Amateur in 1982, and the following year became the first player to win the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Mid-Amateur — for players at least 25 years old — in the same season. He also captured some of the nation’s most prestigious titles, such as the Sunnehanna Amateur, the Northeast Amateur and the Porter Cup.

Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley. Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

Sigel joined the PGA Tour Champions when he turned 50 and won eight times, though his legacy was amateur golf. He was on eight winning Walker Cup teams, and played as the captain in 1983 and 1985.

AL GOLDIS / AP PHOTO

Jay Sigel watches his tee shot during a golf tournament in Michigan in May 2002.

NICK UT / AP PHOTO

Host Wink Martindale looks at a card during a game show in 1997.

Boston Marathon assists in celebrating 250th anniversary of Revolutionary War

Kenyan John Korir joined his brother as a winner, finishing in 2:04:45

By Jimmy Golen

The Associated Press

BOSTON — A rider dressed as Paul Revere eased his horse up to the Boston Marathon finish line and proclaimed, “The runners are coming.”

And down Boylston Street they came. In record time. With a historic family first. And even “The Star-Spangled Banner” got some air time as the race and the region commemorated the 250th anniversary of the first shots fired in the American Revolution.

Sharon Lokedi of Kenya broke the Boston Marathon course record by more than 21/2 minutes on Monday, outkicking two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri a year after losing to her in one of the closest finishes in race history.

Fellow Kenyan John Korir recovered from a starting line fall to join his brother as race champion — the first relatives to win the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon in a history that dates to 1897.

On a day that also marked the 50th anniversary of Bob Hall’s pioneering wheelchair race, Marcel Hug of Switzerland claimed his eighth victory and Susannah Scaroni of the United States took the women’s title.

“I always feel emotional when the national anthem is played,” said Scaroni, who won in 2023 but couldn’t defend her title last year because of an injury. “And to have ours played on this amazing, historic anniversary gives me goosebumps.”

Lokedi finished in 2 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds to claim the $150,000 first prize and another $50,000 bonus for breaking the course record of 2:19:59 set by Buzunesh Deba in 2014. A year after sprinting to an 8-second victory, Obiri was 19 seconds back in her attempt to become the first woman to win three straight since Fatuma Roba in 1999.

“Where she passed me last year, I passed her this year,” Lokedi said with a laugh. “I didn’t even believe. I kept looking back and thinking, ‘Where is she?’ I’m just so grateful to her for pushing me all the way through.”

Six months after winning on Chicago’s flatter course, Korir finished in 2:04:45 — the second-fastest winning time in Boston history as the runners took advantage of perfect marathon weather to conquer the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston’s Copley Square.

And he did it despite getting tripped up from behind near the start and falling. He got up to rejoin the lead pack at the rear.

“What came to my mind was should I stay down, or should I (get) up and go?” he said. “Something told me to (get) up and go, and that everything will be OK. ... And everything went away.”

Korir’s race bib fell off and he tucked it into his running tights, pulling it out as he sprinted to the finish line. Waiting to congratulate him was 2012 Boston

winner Wesley Korir, his older brother.

Although the race has been won by a pair of unrelated John Kelleys and two different Robert Cheruiyots, the Korirs are the first brothers to have won.

“He explained to be tough and believe in yourself,” said John Korir, who finished fourth and ninth in his two previous Boston attempts. “So I believed in myself and I followed his advice.”

Conner Mantz of Provo, Utah, finished fourth after losing a three-way sprint to the finish with Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania, who finished second, and Cybrian Kotut of Kenya, who was third.

Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia was third in the women’s race. Jess McClain of Phoenix was the top American, in seventh place; 2018 winner Des Linden, who had announced she would retire from competitive running, won the masters division and was 17th overall.

When she crossed the finish line, the other American women bowed to her in tribute.

“I had those folks in front of me who paved the way, and I looked up to them. And they always made me feel like I belonged, made me feel like my dreams are valid, helped me along the way,” Linden said. “So I’ve always tried to do that for the folks in this sport as well.”

A field of 30,000 left Hopkinton on Monday morning for

“I am only here today because so many incredible individuals had integrity, tenacity — they knew they belonged as athletes and they allowed us to have what we have today.”

Susannah Scaroni, women’s wheelchair winner

Boston’s Back Bay, where riders in Revolutionary War garb — accompanied by a fife and drum playing “Yankee Doodle” — rode down Boylston Street in a reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride.

The ceremony came to a temporary halt when the horses was spooked by the finish line decal on the street and pulled up.

The actor portraying the Colonial silversmith and patriot had to hop off and walk the last few steps himself as the small early crowd laughed and clapped.

After reading a proclamation, Revere gently tugged the horse the rest of the way before riding off to more ceremonies commemorating the midnight ride on April 19, 1775, that warned the Sons of Liberty that the British were on the march.

Linden, the last American runner to win Boston, read the

Marathon no-shows similar to 2024, dispelling concerns politics would scare away runners away

Of 31,778 entrants, 2,850 — or 9% — failed to start

The Associated Press

BOSTON — The Boston Marathon had about the same number of no-shows as last year, dispelling concerns that international runners would skip the race in the face of increased U.S. border scrutiny.

A total of 28,928 runners started the 129th edition of the marathon on Monday, from a field of 31,778 entrants. That leaves 2,850, or less than 9%, who registered but did not cross the starting line in Hopkinton.

In last year’s field, there were 2,838 who failed to start.

To earn a Boston Marathon bib number, most runners need to submit a qualifying time from another 26.2-mile race. Though many treat it as a lifetime goal not to be abandoned lightly, no-shows can occur for reasons ranging from injury to the 2010 Icelandic volcano eruption that shut down flights and prevented hundreds of European runners from traveling to the U.S. Although the race was full, with entries from 128 countries, scattered reports indicated that some foreign runners might stay away for political reasons or fears of border hassles.

International visits to the U.S. have plummeted, with Canadians among those avoiding U.S. travel in response to President Donald Trump’s tariff talk and threats of annexing the country as a 51st state.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said last week that everyone should feel welcome.

“Regardless of what’s happening at other levels, and particularly now at the federal level, in Boston we welcome everyone,” Wu said Friday at a public safety media briefing not far from the finish line. “We seek to be a home for everyone.”

voice-over that introduced the reenactment.

“I wondered, ‘Are these professional horses?’ Because it seemed like a lot for them,” she said afterward. “It turns out, it was.”

Hug had no such trouble completing the course, zooming into Copley Square in 1:21:34 for his eighth Boston wheelchair title. He beat two-time winner Daniel Romanchuk by more than four minutes. Scaroni finished in 1:35:20 on

a day the Boston Athletic Association celebrated Hall’s push to add a wheelchair division in 1975.

“I am only here today because so many incredible individuals had integrity, tenacity — they knew they belonged as athletes, and they allowed us to have what we have today,” she said.

“And I’m so beyond grateful.

“I’m not brave like them,” Scaroni said. “I’m only here because of how awesome those people are.”

PHOTOS BY CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO

Left, runners approach the finish line during the Boston Marathon on Monday. Top right, Boston Marathon winner Sharon

Lokedi high-fives spectators in front of Boston College in Newton, Mass. while in the lead group of runners. Bottom right, Marcel Hug, of Switzerland, right, congratulates Susannah Scaroni, of the United States, after winning the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions.

CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO

Colonial militia reenactors cross the finish line during a ceremony for the Patriot’s Day holiday prior to the Boston Marathon on Monday.

JENNIFER MCDERMOTT / AP PHOTO

Slow down, we’re working here!

This week marks National Work Zone Awareness Week, for which NCDOT is the national host organization this year. Preliminary data shows nearly 7,000 work zone crashes occurred in North Carolina in 2024, resulting in 47 deaths. This year’s theme is “Respect the zone so we all get home.” Above, construction equipment lines a work zone on U.S. 64 west near Asheboro earlier this week.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Federal report on Lumbee Tribe recognition path expected

Pembroke

Members of the Lumbee Tribe are awaiting the release of a Department of the Interior report that could light a path for federal recognition as a tribal nation. President Donald Trump issued a memo in January directing the department to create a plan to “assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits.” The deadline for the plan is this week. The Lumbee have had a difficult time convincing the federal government, Congress and some recognized tribes that their claims to Native ancestry are legitimate.

Student loans in default to be referred to debt collection

Washington, D.C.

The Education Department will begin collection next month on roughly 5.3 million student loan borrowers who are in default, including the garnishing of wages for potentially millions of borrowers, officials said Monday. Beginning May 5, the department will start involuntary collection through the Treasury Department’s offset program, which withholds payments from the government, including tax refunds, federal salaries and other benefits, from people with past-due debts to the government. After a 30-day notice, the department will also begin garnishing wages for borrowers in default.

$2.00

Winston-Salem approves nearly $450K in economic development incentives

New manufacturing with tens of millions in investment is expected if the projects come to W-S

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — The City Council is looking to attract some additional business to the city.

At its April 21 meeting, the council held public hearings related to two economic development assistance projects.

The first hearing was for GMAX Industries, entitled Project Renaissance

“It’s a New York-based, leading manufacturer and global supplier of disposable medical supplies,” said assistant city manager Ben Rowe.

“Customers include hospital systems, health care providers and medical device com-

panies. The company is dedicated to domestic production and supporting supply chain resistance so they have plans to reshore production back to the U.S.”

GMAX Industries plans to bring three phases of manufacturing to Forsyth County: towels and gauze, surgical drapes and gowns, and disposable syringes.

According to Rowe, the project is considering moving into an existing building in Winston-Salem and if they do, it would create 42 new jobs with an average wage of $57,500.

The capital investment from the company would be $15 million, with $1.5 million coming from real property and $13.5 million coming from machinery and equipment.

“The city’s assistance would be based on 50% of the net, new property taxes that would

The number of potential new jobs should the companies choose Winston-Salem

be generated over the first five years of the project, totaling $153,135,” Rowe said. “Forsyth County and the state of North Carolina are also considering incentives.”

The second hearing was for Polyvlies USA, entitled Project Beaver.

“They are an international, nonwoven manufacturer that produces material for the automotive, geotextiles and construction industries,” Rowe said. “The company was founded in Germany and still remains privately owned. They currently own and operate a

Dollar store bandit gets 22 years

Byron Clay Scott pleaded guilty to robbing 10 stores across four counties

Twin City Herald staff

A FORSYTH COUNTY man has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a string of armed robberies targeting dollar stores across four counties. Byron Clay Scott, 33, was sentenced on April 18 to 240 months in prison for five counts of interference with commerce by robbery. He received an additional 24 months to run consecutively for committing the crimes while on supervised release for a previous armed robbery conviction. According to court docu-

ments, Scott and at least one accomplice robbed 10 Dollar General and Family Dollar stores in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Burlington and Reidsville between November 2023 and January 2024. During the robberies, Scott brandished a 9mm handgun while forcing employees to open safes and cash registers.

Store surveillance footage showed Scott and his accomplices wearing Halloween-style masks, gloves and dark clothing. In one robbery at a Family Dollar in Burlington on Dec. 29, 2023, two masked men followed the store manager through the front door and then Scott’s accomplice asked her where the money was located.

The men forced her and another store employee to the

70,000-square-foot facility in the Union Cross Center, and this project would be to grow their North American market with either the construction of a new 80,000-square-foot building near the current site or buying a competitive business located in the Midwest.”

According to Rowe, the project would create 28 new jobs at an average wage of $47,321 and have a capital investment of $31 million.

“The city has previously provided economic development incentives to this company, and next fiscal year will be the final incentive payment on their 2018 expansion project which created 30 jobs and $9.4 million in investment,” Rowe said.

The incentive from the city, which is based on 50% of the net, new property taxes that the project would generate, totals

floor and instructed the manager to open the safe and cash registers, with Scott putting the money in Family Dollar plastic bags.

Scott pointed to the employee’s purse, and the unnamed accomplice stated he was not going to take any of their personal belongings because he was only interested in “the white people s--t because they have insurance.”

Scott was arrested Jan. 15 when Winston-Salem police responded to a robbery in progress at the Dollar General on South Main Street. Officers apprehended Scott as he fled from the store’s back door. Investigators found evidence linking Scott to the crime spree in his rental vehicle, including his birth certificate, Social Security card, and

Just “taking the white people s--t because they have insurance.”

Unnamed accomplice

masks and latex gloves consistent with those worn during the robberies. Data from the rental car’s GPS tracking device and Scott’s phone search history also connected him to each robbery location.

Besides prison time, U.S. District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder ordered Scott to pay $21,005.38 in restitution and to forfeit the handgun used in the robberies.

According to court records, Scott committed these crimes while on supervised release after serving a 130-month sentence for a 2013 armed robbery conviction.

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approximately $291,000.

Following each hearing, the council approved the respective economic incentive packages.

The council then held three public hearings for zoning petitions.

The first was for the continuance of a rezoning request from last month for approximately one acre of property located at the southeast intersection of Burke Mill Road and Griffith Road from Residential (RS-9) to Limited Business – Special Use (LB-S) for the purpose of constructing a new gas station/convenience store.

The existing business — Myers Grocery Store — is currently a nonconforming use on the property but was grandfathered in, however, a change to the property requires the rezoning.

The new project would be approximately four times larger than the existing business.

Following the hearing, the council voted 7-1 in favor of approving the request.

“The people that I’ve heard from, and that’s well over a hundred individuals all around this area, have asked me to vote against it,” said councilmember Scott Andree-Bowen.

The second was for a special use limited rezoning request for approximately four acres of property located at the northeast intersection of Jonestown Road and Frandale Drive for the purpose of adding a few more uses to allow for flexible reuse of an already developed shopping center.

The third was to rezone approximately four acres of property located at the southeast intersection of Terrace Avenue and Kentucky Avenue from Residential Single-Family (RS12-S and RS7) to Residential Multi-Family (RM12-S) for the purpose of redeveloping an existing group care facility.

Following each request, the council approved the requests.

The Winston-Salem City Council will next meet May 5.

THURSDAY APRIL 24

FRIDAY APRIL 25

MONDAY APRIL

Fort Benning takes back old name but instead honors different soldier

The base joins Fort Bragg in having a new namesake

By Charlotte Kramon and Russ Bynum The Associated Press

FORT BENNING — The Army officially restored the name Fort Benning to its storied training post in Georgia, only this time to honor an 18-year-old corporal who fought in World War I rather than a Confederate general.

A ceremony to make the name change official was held Wednesday at the base just outside Columbus. Roughly 70,000 soldiers, civilian workers and military family members are stationed at Fort Benning, which trains infantry troops and tank crews and is home to the elite Army Ranger School.

It’s the second time in less than two years that Fort Benning commanders have been tasked with swapping out the post’s name on everything from signs marking gates, streets, police cars and buildings to official stationery and websites. That will cost around $653,000, according to Fort Benning officials.

The last name change in 2023 redesignated the post as Fort Moore as part of a move started by Congress in 2020 and completed during President Joe Biden’s administration to remove names that honored Confederate leaders, including from nine Army posts.

The name of Henry L. Benning, a former Georgia Supreme Court justice who vocally supported secession and served as a Confederate brigadier general in the Civil War, had adorned the base since it opened as Camp Benning in 1918. Federal law now prohibits naming military bases for Confederates. The Pentagon under

President Donald Trump has found a workaround for reverting bases back to what they were formerly called by finding new soldiers to honor with the same last name.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month ordered the change back to Fort Benning to honor Fred Benning, who was awarded the nation’s second-highest honor for battlefield bravery as an 18-yearold corporal in 1918 and later was promoted to sergeant — a fact uncovered after Hegseth issued the memo.

Sue Conger-Williams, Benning’s granddaughter, recalled summers in Nebraska fishing with her grandfather and digging for earthworms while he watched for cars but said she never learned much about his time in the Army.

“I am grateful for this glimpse into history, and I see some similarities, though, between Fred Benning the soldier and Fred Benning my grandpa,” Conger-Williams said. “These are integrity, hard work and a commitment to service.”

“What sets him apart was his unwavering dedication to his soldiers, his understanding of the soldiers’ needs.”

Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley, commander of Fort Benning, on Fred Benning

Fred Benning received his Distinguished Service Cross after returning home to Nebraska, where he started a bakery and served as mayor of the small town of Neligh. He died in 1974.

Conger-Williams sat up front at the ceremony with Benning’s great-granddaughter and 10-month-old great-great-granddaughter as soldiers, veterans and locals milled around behind them.

Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley, the fort’s commanding general, said people at Fort Ben-

ning knew little about Fred Benning, which sent historians poring over old records to piece together his legacy.

During last Wednesday’s ceremony, Tuley noted that Benning took charge of his machine-gun platoon in October 1918 in France, leading 20 survivors through heavy fire, after their commander was killed.

“What sets him apart was his unwavering dedication to his soldiers, his understanding of the soldiers’ needs,” said Tuley.

During its short time as Fort Moore, the Georgia post became the first in the Army named for a couple: the late Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and his wife, Julia Moore.

Hal Moore served in Vietnam as commander of a cavalry battalion based at Fort Benning and was also a Distinguished Service Cross recipient. Julia Moore successfully lobbied the Pentagon to adopt a policy that military families would be notified of war casualties in person rather than by telegram.

“Whatever a name may be on an installation board, the Moores are an interwoven part of this installation and that will never go away,” said Tuley.

In his March 3 memo ordering the return to the name Fort Benning, Hegseth directed the Army to find a new way to honor the Moores “in a manner that celebrates their significant contributions to the local community and the Army.”

The Army hasn’t said how much the switch back to Fort Benning will cost. An Army commission in 2022 estimated the change to Fort Moore would cost at least $4.9 million.

Fort Benning is the second U.S. military base to have its 2023 name change reversed. The nation’s largest Army installation was rechristened Fort Bragg in North Carolina last month, following a brief two years as Fort Liberty.

Supreme Court signals support for Maryland parents who object to LGBTQ books in public schools

Three justices live in the Maryland county at issue in the parental rights case

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court’s conservative majority on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using storybooks with LGBTQ characters.

The court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, D.C., could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material. The case is one of three religious rights cases at the court this term. The justices have repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination in recent years.

The school district introduced the storybooks in 2022, with such titles as “Prince and Knight” and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” as part of an ef-

fort to better reflect the district’s diversity.

Parents initially were allowed to opt their children out of the lessons for religious and other reasons, but the school board reversed course a year later, prompting protests and eventually a lawsuit.

The case hit unusually close to home, as three justices live in the county, though none sent their children to public schools.

“I guess I am a bit mystified as a lifelong resident of the county how it came to this,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh said. Kavanaugh also expressed surprise that the school system was “not respecting religious liberty,” especially because of the county’s diverse population and Maryland’s history as a haven for Catholics.

Pressed repeatedly about why the school system couldn’t reinstitute an opt-out policy, lawyer Alan Schoenfeld said, “It tried that. It failed. It was not able to accommodate the number of opt-outs at issue.”

Sex education is the only area of instruction in Montgomery schools that students can be excused from, Schoenfeld said.

Justices referred to several of the books, but none as exten-

sively as “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” in which a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married to another man.

Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor and conservative Justice Samuel Alito, who are on opposite sides of most culture-war clashes, offered competing interpretations.

“Is looking at two men getting married, is that the religious objection?” Sotomayor said, noting there’s not even any kissing involved. Alito described the book as an endorsement of same-sex marriage. “The book has a clear message, and a lot of people think it’s a good message, and maybe it is a good message, but it’s a message that a lot of people who hold on to traditional religious beliefs don’t agree with,” he said.

In all, five books are at issue in the high court case, touching on the same themes found in classic stories that include Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system’s lawyers wrote. In “Prince and Knight,” two men fall in love after they rescue the kingdom, and each other. “Love, Violet” deals with a girl’s anxiety about giving a

“I guess I am a bit mystified as a lifelong resident of the county how it came to this.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh

valentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of a transgender boy’s decision to share his gender identity with his family and the world. “Intersection Allies” describes nine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-fluid.

Billy Moges, a board member of the Kids First parents’ group that sued over the books, said the content is sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren.

The writers’ group Pen America said in a court filing what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year.

A decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor is expected by early summer.

BRYNN ANDERSON / AP PHOTO

Sue Conger-Williams, right, Fred Benning’s granddaughter, unveils a new sign at Fort Benning during a ceremony honoring the base’s new namesake last week in Fort Benning, Goergia.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Are woke churches honoring God?

Many churches today support abortion on demand, flying rainbow flags and celebrating LGBTQ by allowing dressing in drag in the pulpit.

ALL CHURCHES ARE not created equal.

Many may look the same, but the doctrines and theology are vastly different. Some modern-day churches have adopted a woke worldview, and it has led church congregations to split away from the churches they have served and supported for generations.

In America, there are hundreds of denominations. One of the fastest-growing and the most dangerous is the Woke orthodoxy.

There was an eye-opening piece in The Epoch Times recently. It talks about a social media site, “Woke Preacher Clips.” It includes various sermons of preachers telling children that there are more than two genders. One church even prays to a nonbinary God and recites the “Sparkle Creed.”

The Rev. Franklin Graham described it perfectly. “If you want to boil down what Wokeism is, it’s all based on sex. And that is homosexuality, it is transgender sex, same-sex marriages. It is couples living together outside of marriage and not wanting to be condemned. Wokeism is trying to accommodate sin and make people feel good about their sin.”

Many churches today support abortion on demand, flying rainbow flags and celebrating LGBTQ by allowing dressing in drag in the pulpit. They preach about social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, gender transition, liberal politics, climate change, etc. This is the substitute for teaching the Bible doctrines, sin, salvation, the Virgin birth, death and resurrection of Christ, and God’s

COLUMN | KIRA WALSH

plan for mankind. (I just remembered a CNN host recently apologized for using that word. I see no need to apologize.)

Christians who have a weak view of Scripture are more inclined to be deceived by the theology of Wokeism. These Christians are more likely to believe that Biblical writers did not understand modern culture, and therefore, Bible truths may not apply in all settings. Those Christians who believe the Bible to be the Word of God and meant to be taken seriously are less likely to blinded by the Woke culture.

Wokeness teaches that we are not responsible for our own actions. We are born into two categories: the oppressed or the privileged (oppressor). God teaches us differently. We are all created equal and each of us is responsible for our own sin. Woke is ever changing. What is Woke this year will not be Woke in the future. Our faith must focus on what does not change. God’s word never changes.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. proclaimed a dream that someday we would not be judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character. Woke teaches we should all be judged by the color of our skin, race and assumed privilege.

I have written before about the evils of communism. The book, “How the Specter of Communism is Ruling our World,” addresses this.

“Communism teaches people to oppose belief in God and to cast out the divine. It

simultaneously launches attacks of religion from the outside while manipulating people to corrupt religion from the inside. Religions have been politicized, commercialized and turned into entertainment. Numerous morally corrupt clergymen put forward fallacious interpretations of religious texts, misleading their followers and going so far as to commit adultery with their lay members, or even pedophilia.”

Graham stresses that every word of the Bible is true. He said, “The Bible clearly says that homosexuality is a sin and transgenderism is a lie. It doesn’t exist. This whole notion that we are male, female and transgender is just not true. It is the church trying to appease people who want to live in sin, adopting sin as normal, and the Bible says we should resist sin, we should not be happy about it, and not boasting about it, and not flaunting it. We should be repentant.”

Woke teaches us not to judge others. Jesus commands us to judge wisely and righteously. When we witness wrongdoing and evil, we are commanded to condemn such actions.

Author’s note: My word processor is obviously Woke. I was offered to correct mankind by changing it to humankind or humanity and to change homosexuality to same-gender attraction or same-gender relationships.

Joyce Krawiec represented Forsyth County and the 31st District in the North Carolina Senate from 2014 to 2024. She lives in Kernersville.

North Carolina’s clean energy boom: a blueprint for economic growth and American energy independence

TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high-quality jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000.

NORTH CAROLINA is at the forefront of the clean energy economy, emerging as a national leader in research, innovation and technology. Lawmakers’ bipartisan efforts to advance clean energy are a direct investment in the middle class, revitalizing communities statewide.

North Carolina’s strategic clean energy investments are not just strengthening the state’s economy; they are reshaping global supply chains and strengthening the nation’s position on the world stage. By reducing reliance on foreign energy and bringing manufacturing back to American soil, these investments are stimulating innovation, creating high-paying jobs and advancing the nation’s energy independence — all of which are key to long-term growth and competitiveness in the global market.

North Carolina’s south-central region is the epitome of this, with major investments from Sunlight Batteries and Toyota transforming the historically rural and low-income communities. With a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector innovation, North Carolina can now be a prime destination for both international and domestic investment, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy economy are widespread.

Our congressional district exemplifies how clean energy projects are no longer confined to urban tech hubs as they are revitalizing communities across the state. More than 62% of new clean energy jobs, 70% of new clean energy investments and nearly half of all projects in North Carolina are located in low-income communities. These investments are fostering job creation, strengthening supply chains and promoting long-term economic stability.

Toyota’s first North American battery plant (TBMNC) is taking shape in Liberty, marking a $13.9 billion investment in advanced manufacturing. TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high-quality jobs to Randolph County,

with salaries averaging $62,000 — more than 60% higher than the county’s current average wage. This is a major win for the American industry, strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

In Alamance County, Sunlight Batteries USA — a tech company specializing in energy storage systems — seeks to transform Mebane with its $40 million investment in a lithium-ion production facility. Projected to create more than 200 jobs and contribute approximately $390 million to the state economy, the company reflects North Carolina’s broader commitment to American energy dominance and statewide economic prosperity.

Nevertheless, the clean energy transition comes with its own set of challenges. Wolfspeed, a silicon carbide chip manufacturing company, plans to invest $5 billion in Chatham County, which is projected to create 1,800 well-paying jobs and transform a county that is 84% rural.

However, following the company’s massive stock drop, leadership changes and uncertainty surrounding federal incentives like the CHIPS Act, the future of Wolfspeed remains uncertain. Such setbacks underscore the importance of bipartisan efforts to provide long-term policy stability and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in clean energy manufacturing.

While market challenges have slowed some projects, several other new clean energy projects are on the horizon in the district, putting the state in a great position to remain a technology and energy epicenter. Most recently, Gov. Josh Stein announced Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, LLC’s (PTT) plan to expand its transformer manufacturing capacity in Hoke County. A leading domestic manufacturer of power and distribution transformers for innovative energy markets, PTT will advance clean American energy and economic growth.

Sadly, the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier future

has long been hindered by its politicization, yet North Carolinians know economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand. The state’s investments in clean energy have yielded tangible benefits, from spurring innovation to new infrastructure to record-breaking job creation, proving we do not need to sacrifice the economy in the name of the environment.

Public opinion reflects this reality, with polling data from Clear Path Action finding that 62% of Republicans believe it is important that their congressional representative support clean energy policies. This widespread support aligns with North Carolina’s pro-growth, pro-business approach to energy, which prioritizes market-driven solutions and strategic investments that attract private-sector innovation. By leveraging tax incentives and fostering a competitive business climate, the state has positioned itself as a leader in the energy markets of the future. Ultimately proving that conservative principles and environmental progress can go hand in hand to bolster American energy independence.

As a North Carolinian in the 9th district, I have witnessed firsthand how clean energy investments have transformed our state. The future is bright. With artificial intelligence expanding at an unprecedented pace alongside President Donald Trump’s new $500 billion vision for advancing infrastructure, North Carolina has both the resources and the opportunity to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies. By embracing innovation and fostering an environment where economic growth and environmental stewardship move in unison, the state can continue to lead the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Kira Walsh is a volunteer with the American Conservation Coalition, based in Pittsboro.

TRIAD STRAIGHT TALK | JOYCE KRAWIEC

Indian police say gunmen kill at least 20 tourists in Kashmir

The attack coincided with a visit from U.S. Vice President JD Vance

By Aijaz Hussain The Associated Press

SRINAGAR, India — Indian police say gunmen have killed at least 20 tourists at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Two senior police officers said at least four gunmen, whom they described as militants, fired at dozens of tourists from close range Tuesday. The officers said at least three dozen others were injured, many in serious condition. They spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with departmental policy.

Officials collected at least 20 bodies in Baisaran meadow, some three miles from the disputed region’s resort town of Pahalgam.

Police described the incident as a “terror attack” and blamed militants fighting against Indian rule. It appeared to be a major shift in the regional conflict in which tourists have largely been spared.

“This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” Omar Abdullah, the re -

gion’s top elected official, wrote on social media.

Police were searching for the attackers. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

India’s home minister, Amit Shah, was heading to Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on an official visit in Saudi Arabia, has been briefed.

“We will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences,” Shah wrote on social media.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a key Kashmiri resistance leader, condemned what he described as a “cowardly attack on tourists,” writing on social media that “such violence is unacceptable and against the ethos of Kashmir which welcomes visitors with love and warmth.”

The attack coincided with the visit to India of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is on a largely personal four-day stop.

“Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” Vance said on social media.

The meadow in Pahalgam is a popular sightseeing destination, surrounded by snow-

capped mountains and dotted with pine forests. It is visited by hundreds of tourists every day.

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety.

Kashmir has seen a spate of targeted killings of Hindus, including immigrant workers from Indian states, after New Delhi ended the region’s semi-autonomy in 2019 and drastically curbed dissent, civil liberties and media freedoms.

Tensions have been simmering as India has intensified its counterinsurgency operations.

The region, known for rolling Himalayan foothills, exquisitely decorated houseboats and pristine meadows, has become a major domestic tourist destination. Kashmir has drawn millions of visitors who enjoy a strange peace kept by ubiquitous security checkpoints, armored vehicles and patrolling soldiers.

Although violence has ebbed in recent times in the Kashmir Valley, the heart of anti-India rebellion, fighting between government forces and rebels has largely shifted to remote areas of Jammu region including Rajouri, Poonch and Kath-

ua, where Indian troops have faced deadly attacks.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels’ goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

Karen Read’s second murder trial revives debate over who killed her Boston police officer boyfriend

Read has become a cause célèbre among the true crime podcast set

By Michael Casey The Associated Press

DEDHAM, Mass. — The second murder trial of Karen Read, whose case has sparked a national debate on police accountability and won her legions of devoted fans, began with opening statements Tuesday, more than three years after the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend.

Read is accused of striking her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, with her SUV in 2022 and leaving him to die alone in the snow outside of a house party in Canton, a suburb about 20 miles south of Boston. She has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene.

During the first trial last year, prosecutors said Read intentionally backed into O’Keefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The defense said that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that O’Keefe was fatally beaten

by another law enforcement officer at the party.

A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.

The biggest difference in the current trial is the lead prosecutor, Hank Brennan. Brought in as a special prosecutor after the mistrial, the former defense attorney has represented a number of prominent clients, including notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger.

Brennan began his opening statement Tuesday by describing the firefighter who raced to the scene in near-blizzard conditions and found Read and two other women surrounding O’Keefe’s body on the ground.

“He stepped out into bedlam,” he said.

The firefighter then asked Read what had happened, he said.

“You’ll hear her words, ‘I hit him. I hit him. I hit him,’” Brennan said. “She admitted what she had done that night.”

Brennan told jurors that “facts and data” will lead them to the truth, and that Read’s own statements will confirm it. But Defense Attorney Alan Jackson began his opening statement by saying the pros-

ecution’s case was based on a “brazen and flawed assertion that is untethered to the facts and the evidence.”

“John O’Keefe did not die from being hit by a vehicle,” he said. “The facts will show that. The evidence will show that. The data will show that. The science will show that, and the experts will tell you that.”

Many of the factors that made the first trial must-see television will feature in the second. Most of the the same witnesses are back, as are Read’s aggressive defense team and dozens of her supporters camped out near the courthouse — many carrying “Free Karen Read” signs and wearing pink. Read, who has been featured in several documentaries about her case, has become a minor celebrity.

A few dozen of Read’s supporters, many holding American flags, stood in front of the courthouse Tuesday morning before moving a block away to comply with a court-ordered buffer zone. Those who were reuniting hugged each other, while others took time to bring newcomers up to speed on the case.

“I’m here for justice,” said Ashlyn Wade, a Read supporter from Canton. “The murderer

going to jail and Karen being exonerated, that would be justice.”

The prosecution, however, stands to benefit from a pretrial ruling from Judge Beverly Cannone that defense attorneys can’t mention potential third-party culprits in their opening statements. They can develop a case against two law enforcement officers but cannot implicate Albert’s nephew, Colin Albert, as they did in the first trial.

“I view it as a blow to the defense strategy but not a knockout punch,” Daniel Medwed, a law professor at Northeastern University, said of the ruling. “All the defense needs to do is create reasonable doubt about Karen (Read’s) guilt, and that doesn’t require pointing to an alternative perpetrator as a matter of law.”

Legal experts expect prosecutors to focus on Read’s behavior as they did during the first trial — her volatile relationship with O’Keefe and their night of heavy drinking. They also predict the prosecution will lay out a stronger and more coherent case that Read clipped O’Keefe with the back of her SUV and sent him tumbling to the ground — using data from her car, video and stronger expert testimony.

Karen Read listens during opening arguments at Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts.

“I’m here for justice. The murderer going to jail and Karen being exonerated, that would be justice.”

Ashlyn Wade, a Read supporter outside the courthouse

“The Commonwealth will focus on the theme drilled into us since middle school — Drinking, Driving, Deadly Consequences,” Michael Coyne, the dean of Massachusetts School of Law at Andover, said in an email.

The defense is expected to offer evidence that what they see as a sloppy police investigation was biased and that law enforcement officers set Read up to protect the real killers. They could be helped by an audit of the Canton Police Department released last month that found several mistakes with the investigation — but no evidence of a cover-up.

One of the key witnesses will be former State Trooper Michael Proctor. He led the investigation but has since been fired after a disciplinary board found that he sent sexist and crude texts about Read to his family and colleagues.

“Michael Proctor and his dismissal from the force may very well serve as the elephant in the courtroom throughout the proceedings,” Medwed said.

DAR YASIN / AP PHOTO

Indian security officers patrol in armored vehicles near Pahalgam in south Kashmir after assailants indiscriminately opened fired at tourists in Pahalgam in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday.

STUART CAHILL / BOSTON HERALD VIA AP

Forsyth SPORTS

Hurricanes overwhelm Devils in Game 1 win

Carolina outshot the Devils 45-24 to take a 1-0 series lead

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour shrugged off a question on the local broadcast before the game about who he thinks his team’s surprise player might be this postseason. Instead, Brind’Amour said his team will be successful if everyone does their job.

He got exactly that in Sunday’s Game 1 against the New Jersey Devils.

Logan Stankoven had two second period goals and Carolina nearly doubled up the Devils in shots, dominating Game 1 for a 4-1 Easter matinee win at Lenovo Center.

“For us to win, we’re going to need 20 guys chipping in and after a game going, ‘OK, I contributed some way, somehow,’” Brind’Amour said. “And I think that’s what we got tonight.”

After a dominant opening 20 minutes, the Hurricanes took control in the second — and it was Stankoven doing the damage.

Already up 1-0 on a Jalen Chatfield goal at 2:24 of the first, Carolina doubled its lead early in the second thanks to its forecheck.

Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook pressured Nico Hischier behind the New Jersey net, and the Devils captain bobbled the puck.

Martinook whacked it to Stankoven in the slot, and the rookie’s shot trickled through Jacob Markstrom (41 saves) to double the lead at 6:37 of the second.

“I love playing in the big games and meaningful hockey,” said Stankoven, who played 19 playoff games with the Stars last season and came to Carolina at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Mikko Rantanen to Dallas. “I’m motivated to try and contribute in any way possible, and it’s always a nice feeling to get on the score sheet.”

Stankoven then struck again, this time on the pow-

NFL’s

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Savannah Hamilton

er play. Taylor Hall corralled a bouncing puck along the left boards and zipped a cross-ice pass to Stankoven, who shot off the far post and in to extend the lead to 3-0 at 13:08 of the middle frame.

“Those are two great additions for us,” Brind’Amour said of acquiring Hall and Stankoven in midseason trades.

Hischier’s goal late in the second period — at 4-on-4 because Timo Meier and Shayne Gostisbehere were serving matching minors — came on a rush up the left wing, and he fired a shot past Frederik Andersen (23 saves) to the far side to give New Jersey a glimmer of hope.

But after a good push by the Devils to start the third, Carolina regained control of the game, and Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-net goal with 2:28 remaining to seal the win.

“It’s just one game,” Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal said, “and hopefully a long run ahead of us here, and we’ll take the win.”

The Hurricanes got off to a fast start thanks to an offensive zone faceoff win.

Jack Roslovic won a draw that Eric Robinson

pushed back to the right point. Chatfield’s shot made its way through a William Carrier screen and past Markstrom to make it 1-0 at 2:24 of the opening period.

“The building was already rocking before, but after we got the first one, it got even louder,” Chatfield said. “And we can build behind that, and we’re gonna continue to do that and just keep playing our game. “

Brind’Amour had tough decisions to make with a fully healthy lineup, going with Roslovic over Mark Jankowski on the fourth line, starting Andersen over Pyotr Kochetkov and deciding to keep his defense intact instead of shoehorning in prized prospect Alexander Nikishin.

“I guess you could say we made the right decisions,” Brind’Amour said. “I think we really couldn’t go wrong.”

Devils coach Sheldon Keefe, meanwhile, said the second period — when New Jersey was outshot 21-8 — sealed his team’s fate.

“I thought the second period we were just overwhelmed. … To a man, myself included, we’re going to have to be better in Game 2, clearly,” he said.

East Forsyth, softball

Savannah Hamilton is a junior infielder on the East Forsyth softball team.

The Eagles have won six straight, including four last week by a combined score of 51-6. Hamilton came up big, going 7 for 12 in the four games last week with a double, four runs scored and 11 RBIs. Over the full winning streak, she is 9 for 14 with three doubles.

For the season, Hamilton is hitting .379 and is third on the team in RBIs.

smallest market prepares to host top offseason spectacle

The NFL Draft will incorporate the tradition and small town feel of Green Bay, Wisconsin

By Steve Megargee The Associated Press

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The NFL Draft’s annual pilgrimage to cities across the league is arriving in Green Bay next week with all the pageantry that comes from operating in the home of the NFL’s only publicly owned franchise.

As soon as the NFL started taking its draft around the country nearly a decade ago, Packers officials wondered what it would take to bring the event to Green Bay. They realized they’d never get a Super Bowl because of Green Bay’s small population and frigid February weather.

Hosting a draft would be the next best thing. The possibility that Packers president/CEO Mark Murphy envisioned so long ago now becomes reality just as he prepares for his retirement this summer.

The Green Bay metro area includes about 320,000 people. The city itself has a population of under 110,000. Bringing the draft to a town of this size creates obstacles that league officials didn’t have to worry about when this event took place in Chicago, Philadelphia or other major metro areas.

Green Bay has about 5,000 hotel rooms, a figure that gets up to 10,000 when nearby Appleton is included. That means

“So many different things that are unique and special to Wisconsin, you’ll see that as a part of it.”

Mark Murphy, Packers president

plenty of fans watching the draft may have to stay a couple of hours away in Milwaukee or Madison, though many of them already are accustomed to doing that for Packers home games.

The smaller population likely means a smaller number of people at this draft. Murphy said a total attendance of about 250,000 is expected, less than one-third of the record crowd of over 775,000 that attended last year’s draft in Detroit.

One of the NFL’s greatest training-camp rituals occurs at Green Bay each summer, as players borrow children’s bicycles to ride from the locker room to the practice field. Packers officials referenced this tradition in their draft bid by sending a Packers-themed bike to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s office.

“We had our draft pitch in video form in the basket in the Packer bike,” said Gabrielle Dow, the Packers’ vice president of marketing and fan engagement.

Without giving too much away, Barker said part of Thursday’s draft opening will incorpo-

Historic Lambeau Field will be the centerpiece of the 2025 NFL Draft this week.

rate that bike tradition. A bike parade for children is planned for Saturday. Lambeau Field also will play a central role in this draft, though this sprawling event encompasses millions of square feet surrounding the stadium. Admission is free, and television screens all over the area will enable fans to watch the draft even if they’re far from the stage and taking in the NFL Draft Experience, a fan festival featuring

games, exhibits, activities and autograph sessions.

“I think it’ll be a three-day commercial not just for Green Bay but for the entire state,” Murphy said. “So many different things that are unique and special to Wisconsin, you’ll see that as a part of it.” The draft should have an economic impact of $20 million for Brown County and $90 million for Wisconsin, according to Beth Jones Schnese, Great-

er Green Bay Chamber vice president of marketing/member engagement. She said that equates to the amount generated by three straight Packers home-game weekends. It also means some inconveniences for local residents with all the road closures and traffic headaches. Then again, this community is used to expanding for several weekends each football season. This is just a super-sized example.

TYLER KAUFMAN / AP PHOTO

KARL DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven (22) hugs Jordan Staal following the first of the rookie’s two goals in Carolina’s 4-1 win Sunday over the Devils in Game 1 of their first round playoff series.

SIDELINE REPORT

AUTO RACING

Gronkowski taking on entertainment role in “Snake Pit” during first Indianapolis 500

Indianapolis Rob Gronkowski will have an entertainment role for his first Indianapolis 500 next month. The longtime NFL tight end will be the grand marshal for the “Snake Pit,” the infield party that takes place during “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Gronkowski is now an NFL studio analyst for Fox, which is the new broadcaster of the IndyCar Series and the Indy 500. Dance producer Illenium will headline a lineup of global electronic music artists in the Snake Pit in Turn 3 of Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the May 25 race.

MLB

It’s a girl! 2-way star Ohtani of Dodgers now a father Arlington, Tex.

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani is now a father. The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger has posted on Instagram that his wife gave birth to a girl. “Congratulations Sho!” Manager Dave Roberts proclaimed while saying he wasn’t sure what the baby’s name was. The 30-year-old Ohtani missed the first two games of the series matching the past two World Series champions.

NCAA GYMNASTICS

Michigan men, Oklahoma women take national crowns Fort Worth, Tex. Audrey Davis posted a 9.9250 on the uneven bars to help the Oklahoma Sooners win their seventh NCAA women’s gymnastics championship. Oklahoma finished with 198.0125 points in their 11th trip to the Final Four in the last 12 seasons. UCLA — with eight national titles — placed second. Meanwhile in Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Fred Richard and Paul Juda finished first and second in the all-a round and the Wolverines edged them past five-time defending champion Stanford to win their first NCAA men’s gymnastics title since 2014.

NBA

Cleveland’s Atkinson wins coach of the year award after leading Cavs to 64-win season

Cleveland Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson has been announced as the winner of the National Basketball Coaches Association’s coach of the year award after leading the Cavaliers to a 64-win season and the No. 1 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs. The NBA will also give out a coach of the year award in the coming weeks. The NBCA has done its own separate award since 2017 named for Michael H. Goldberg, the organization’s first executive director.

NCAA SOFTBALL

Stanford softball team sets NCAA attendance record playing in football stadium vs. Cal Stanford, Calif.

Playing in Stanford’s football stadium, the school’s softball home game against rival California set the NCAA attendance record with a crowd of 13,207. That surpassed the mark of 12,566 from the first day of the 2024 Women’s College World Series last May 30 in Oklahoma City. The regular-season record had been held by Oklahoma, which drew 9,259 against Oklahoma State earlier this month.

Picking a team from bars to beam: Fantasy leagues in gymnastics are a thing

More than 7,000 participants are choosing fantasy gymnastics squads

By Maya Sweedler The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thomas Bateman kept busy this year managing college fantasy teams in 12 different leagues. Five of them won it all. These were not teams stocked with NFL or NBA players. All 12 were made up of college gymnasts, and Bateman is just one member of a fervent and growing fan base that channels their love of the sport into fantasy leagues.

“It’s such a great way to get to know the sport a bit,” Bateman said. “When I started off, I got these lists from College Gym News and picked athletes I didn’t really know, so then I got to know teams I liked and then got familiar with athletes I want to draft. It’s a great way to potentially grow the audience of the sport.”

This year, more than 7,000

women’s college gymnastics devotees have found their way to the Gymlytics and GymCastic fantasy platforms — all within the last few years.

From the Olympics to NCAA

Gymlytics, which launched before the 2022 collegiate season, runs through the regular season and has a postseason bracket competition. GymCastic, in its second year, offers weekly fantasy matchups, including the NCAA postseason and elite meets later in the year. The two leagues take slightly different approaches. Gymlytics participants draft individual athletes for their team at the beginning of the season and set lineups for each week of competition. GymCastic runs a salary cap-style draft, in which athletes are valued at a certain number of “gym rubles.” Participants select athletes until their roster is filled while staying under the cap.

“That’s the point of everything we do: It’s very, very spe-

“It’s a great way to potentially grow the audience of the sport.”

Thomas Bateman, fantasy gymnastics player

cific to the gymnastics fans,” said Jessica O’Beirne, creator of the popular GymCastic podcast and a co-founder of the fantasy league of the same name. “We use the lingo of gymnastics. It’s so niche and so specific.″ The Gymlytics audience is similarly a lot of “diehard gymnastics fans,” said Lauren Pickens, a co-creator.

Growth beyond diehard fans

Like all fantasy team managers who care about results, Bateman and other participants have their hands full. Week to week, participants set lineups across the four apparatuses — vault, uneven bars,

LSU’s Aleah Finnegan competes on the balance beam during last year’s NCAA women’s gymnastics championships while hundreds of fantasy gymnastics players awaited her scores.

balance beam and floor exercise — to maximize the total number of points their team scores. An injury or struggles at a weekend meet are factors in roster changes.

As GymCastic and Gymlytics have taken off, their creators have seen these diehard fans bring in friends and family who are less familiar with the sport.

“We’ve gotten a lot of emails from people saying, my significant other did fantasy basketball or fantasy football and because there’s a fantasy gymnastics, they wanted to connect with me and my passion so they joined a league,” said GymCastic COO Steve Cooper. “And now they’re screaming at the TV like I am.”

According to the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association, the number of Americans over the age of 21 participating in fantasy sports grew by about 5% between 2017 and 2022. It’s been much more robust for Gymlytics, which launched its first season with 1,000 teams and, according to co-founder Yarden Tamir, had nearly 7,000 teams across 55 countries this season; and for GymCastic, which has seen over 10% growth between its first and second seasons, per Cooper.

While overall fantasy sports participation skews male by about a 2:1 ratio, according to FSGA data, the Gymlytics and GymCastic founders both estimated their participants were more gender balanced.

Fashion, heritage and talent: Players turn the WNBA draft into a cultural showcase

Players opted for designers from their home countries of Nigeria, France, Croatia and Samoa

By Bryanna Maxwell The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The WNBA draft has increasingly become a platform for more than just athleticism — it is a celebration of identity, heritage, culture, and self-expression.

Paige Bueckers may have been the No. 1 pick, but it was Kiki Iriafen who arguably stole the show when it came to fashion. Even Bueckers herself said Iriafen had the best look of the night.

Iriafen, drafted fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, is a forward who just wrapped up her senior season at USC, where she averaged 18 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. On the orange carpet, she made a statement — one rooted deeply in her Nigerian heritage.

“I’m Nigerian so I wanted to work with a Nigerian designer,” she said. “I was really adamant. I want a slip. I want the waist snapped. I can’t really breathe. I wanted to feel good, I wanted to look good.”

Future stars are using draft night as more than an opportunity to step into the spotlight for their talent on the court, but to use the moment to honor where they come from,

showcase who they are beyond the jersey, and make powerful statements through fashion, family, and tradition.

Iriafen wore a custom, shimmering gold dress embellished with intricate detailing, designed by Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander — who also created Chiney Ogwumike’s wedding gown. To complete the look, Iriafen wore a traditional orange-beaded Nigerian bracelet, seamlessly blending modern glam with cultural pride.

The 6-foot-3 Iriafen was not alone.

Dominique Malonga, the gifted 6-6 forward from France and the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm, brought a piece of home with her. She stepped out in a sleek suit designed by none other than Louis Vuitton — one of France’s, and the world’s, most iconic fashion houses.

“A huge collaboration between them,” Malonga said. “I’m like a simple, classic person.”

Still, she made it clear that while her style might be understated, her game is anything but. As a forward, she knows she can do it all. At just 19, she’s already been playing high-level basketball overseas for four years.

Malonga wasn’t the only Storm player showcasing her roots on the orange carpet.

Seattle Storm point guard and former UConn Husky Nika Muhl also proudly em-

braced her Croatian heritage.

“I came all the way from Croatia to be here,” Muhl said.

“I had to bring Croatia with me.”

Muhl was wearing a black pantsuit with a black crop top underneath, complemented by a chain of keys draped across her body. The entire look was designed by Croatian brand Y/ GIA and styled by a Croatian stylist.

“I wanted

to feel good, I wanted to look good.”

Even the players who couldn’t attend the draft found ways to let their identities shine.

Te-Hina Paopao, the sharp-shooting South Carolina guard, was selected 18th overall by the Atlanta Dream. Appearing on TV from her draft party, she wore a traditional Samoan dress, along with several flower lei around her neck—symbolic necklaces in Samoan culture that honor and celebrate.

“I am so blessed to be Samoan,” said Paopao. “When you think of Samoan culture you think of family and I am so ready to bring that culture to Atlanta.”

And family was definitely present — about 300 people gathered behind her at her draft party in California, a powerful visual of support and pride.

As they step into the professional spotlight, they carry with them not just their skills, but the pride of their families, their communities, and their cultures. The future of the WNBA isn’t just about basketball; it’s about creating a space where every player can be their true, authentic self—on the court and beyond.

PAMELA SMITH / AP PHOTO USC’s Kiki Iriafen poses in her dress from Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander before the WNBA draft last week.

Kiki Iriafen

TONY GUTIERREZ / AP PHOTO

the stream

‘Andor,’ ‘Babygirl,’ Brett Goldstein standup on Max

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The second season of the Star Wars series “Andor” and the streaming release of the Wu Tang Clan’s latest album are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: Willie Nelson releases his 77th solo studio album, “Oh What a Beautiful World,” and the arrival of Nicole Kidman’s “Babygirl” on Max.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl” (streaming April 25 on Max) stars Kidman as a CEO who has an affair with a much younger male intern (Harris Dickinson). The A24 film, which earned Kidman a Golden Globe nomination, resurrects the steamy, campy atmosphere of erotic thrillers like “Basic Instinct” and “9 ½ Weeks” but tells it from a more female perspective. In my review, I wrote that the “ever-shifting gender and power dynamics make ‘Babygirl’ seldom predictable — even if the film is never quite as daring as it seems to think it is.” Gareth Evans, the Welsh filmmaker of “The Raid” franchise, returns with more brutal, choreographed mayhem in “Havoc” (Friday on Netflix), an action thriller starring Tom Hardy as a detective battling a criminal underworld. Jessie Mei Li, Timothy Olyphant, Forest Whitaker and Luis Guzmán co-star.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Wu-Tang Clan is forever, but their touring days are numbered. In June, the legendary hip-hop group will embark on a final tour titled “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber.” Whether you’re planning on attending or not, there is no bad time to throw on one of their records. On Friday, Wu-Tang’s joint album with Mathematics, “Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman,” released earlier this month as a Record Store Day exclusive, will hit streaming platforms. Why not start there?

Calling Nelson prolific is about as revelatory as saying the sky is blue; it is self-evident. On Friday, he’ll release his 77th solo studio album, “Oh What a Beautiful World,” celebrating the work of songwriter Rodney Crowell. Nelson embodies many Crowell classics — like 1976’s “Banks of The Old Bandera,” recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker and 1981’s “Shame on the Moon” for Bob Seger. Crowell and Nelson join forces on the song’s title cut. The album also arrives just five months after his 76th solo studio album, “Last Leaf on the Tree,” his first produced entirely by his son Micah. “He’s a real artist,” Nelson described his son to The Associated Press at the time. “He picked all the songs.”

TELEVISION TO STREAM

The “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” prequel series “Andor” returns for its second and final season on Disney+. Diego Luna stars as Rebel spy Cassian Andor and follows his radicalization against the Galactic Empire lead-

ing up to “Rogue One” and “Star Wars.” The first season of “Andor” was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding drama series and received praise from critics. It also stars Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgard, Fiona Shaw and Genevieve O’Reilly. Penn Badgley is closing out his chapter as the stalking serial killer Joe Goldberg — who is also disturbingly likeable, but that’s for a therapy session — in Netflix’s “You.” Its fifth and final season debuts Thursday. While Season 4 took place in London with Joe working as a literature professor, he’s now returned to his hometown of New York. Joe is married to Kate Lockwood (played by Charlotte Ritchie) whom he met in Season 4 — and they’re a New York power couple. Joe is happy with Kate and intends to stop killing people, but the guy is prone to building tangled webs of obsession that leave dead bodies in his wake. The new episodes also feature Madeline Brewer of “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Anna Camp.

In Season 1 of Hulu’s “Vanderpump Villa,” Lisa Vanderpump oversaw a young staff at a French chateau that both lived and worked together for the

summer. For Season 2, she’s relocated to a castle in Italy and brought roughly half of the “Villa” staff with her. She’s also invited “Vanderpump” all-star, Stassi Schroeder to be a special VIP and to serve as her eyes and ears with the staff. Schroeder starred on “Vanderpump Rules” for eight seasons before she was fired for slurs and racial profiling in 2020. Schroeder has since written two best-selling books, launched a new podcast, got married and become a mother of two. “Vanderpump Villa” premieres Thursday.

When Brett Goldstein isn’t writing and acting in hit shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking,” he’s a busy standup comedian. Goldstein recently taped his first comedy special, “Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life,” on Max. Bravo has tapped some of its most famous single ladies from “The Real Housewives” to star in a new dating show called “Love Hotel.” Cameras follow Shannon Storms Beador (“The Real Housewives of Orange County”), Luann de Lesseps (“The Real Housewives of New York City”) and Gizelle Bryant and Ashley Darby (“The Real Housewives of

Potomac”) as they stay at a hotel in Los Cabos, Mexico, and meet eligible bachelors who are just visitors to the property, unless they get an official invite from one of the ladies to check in. Bravo superfan Joel Kim Booster hosts as their “Love Concierge.” “Love Hotel,” is now streaming on Peacock.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Every year, the mystical Paintress paints a new number, and every person of that age dies. This year’s number is 33, so it’s up to the crew of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to try to stop her. It’s the debut title from French developer Sandfall Interactive, and it aspires to the storytelling, exploration and turn-ba sed team combat of classic role-playing games like Final Fantasy and Persona. The graphics evoke the lush glamor of Belle Epoque Paris, while the voice cast features heavyweights like Charlie Cox (“Daredevil”) and Andy Serkis (“The Lord of the Rings”). It’s rare for a young studio to launch such an ambitious RPG series — and we’ll see if it pays off Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

Willie Nelson drops his 77th solo album

“Andor,” “You” and the comedy special “Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life” are now streaming.

SONY VIA AP

Willie Nelson’s new album, “Oh What a Beautiful World,” drops Friday.

Boston Marathon assists in celebrating 250th anniversary of Revolutionary War

Kenyan John Korir joined his brother as a winner, finishing in 2:04:45

By Jimmy Golen

The Associated Press

BOSTON — A rider dressed as Paul Revere eased his horse up to the Boston Marathon finish line and proclaimed, “The runners are coming.”

And down Boylston Street they came. In record time. With a historic family first. And even “The Star-Spangled Banner” got some air time as the race and the region commemorated the 250th anniversary of the first shots fired in the American Revolution.

Sharon Lokedi of Kenya broke the Boston Marathon course record by more than 21/2 minutes on Monday, outkicking two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri a year after losing to her in one of the closest finishes in race history.

Fellow Kenyan John Korir recovered from a starting line fall to join his brother as race champion — the first relatives to win the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon in a history that dates to 1897.

On a day that also marked the 50th anniversary of Bob Hall’s pioneering wheelchair race, Marcel Hug of Switzerland claimed his eighth victory and Susannah Scaroni of the United States took the women’s title.

“I always feel emotional when the national anthem is played,” said Scaroni, who won in 2023 but couldn’t defend her title last year because of an injury. “And to have ours played on this amazing, historic anniversary gives me goosebumps.”

Lokedi finished in 2 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds to claim the $150,000 first prize and another $50,000 bonus for breaking the course record of 2:19:59 set by Buzunesh Deba in 2014. A year after sprinting to an 8-second victory, Obiri was 19 seconds back in her attempt to become the first woman to win three straight since Fatuma Roba in 1999.

“Where she passed me last year, I passed her this year,” Lokedi said with a laugh. “I didn’t even believe. I kept looking back and thinking, ‘Where is she?’ I’m just so grateful to her for pushing me all the way through.”

Six months after winning on Chicago’s flatter course, Korir finished in 2:04:45 — the second-fastest winning time in Boston history as the runners took advantage of perfect marathon weather to conquer the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston’s Copley Square.

And he did it despite getting tripped up from behind near the start and falling. He got up to rejoin the lead pack at the rear.

“What came to my mind was should I stay down, or should I (get) up and go?” he said. “Something told me to (get) up and go, and that everything will be OK. ... And everything went away.”

Korir’s race bib fell off and he tucked it into his running tights, pulling it out as he sprinted to the finish line. Waiting to congratulate him was 2012 Boston

winner Wesley Korir, his older brother.

Although the race has been won by a pair of unrelated John Kelleys and two different Robert Cheruiyots, the Korirs are the first brothers to have won.

“He explained to be tough and believe in yourself,” said John Korir, who finished fourth and ninth in his two previous Boston attempts. “So I believed in myself and I followed his advice.”

Conner Mantz of Provo, Utah, finished fourth after losing a three-way sprint to the finish with Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania, who finished second, and Cybrian Kotut of Kenya, who was third.

Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia was third in the women’s race. Jess McClain of Phoenix was the top American, in seventh place; 2018 winner Des Linden, who had announced she would retire from competitive running, won the masters division and was 17th overall.

When she crossed the finish line, the other American women bowed to her in tribute.

“I had those folks in front of me who paved the way, and I looked up to them. And they always made me feel like I belonged, made me feel like my dreams are valid, helped me along the way,” Linden said. “So I’ve always tried to do that for the folks in this sport as well.”

A field of 30,000 left Hopkinton on Monday morning for

“I am only here today because so many incredible individuals had integrity, tenacity — they knew they belonged as athletes and they allowed us to have what we have today.”

Susannah Scaroni, women’s wheelchair winner

Boston’s Back Bay, where riders in Revolutionary War garb — accompanied by a fife and drum playing “Yankee Doodle” — rode down Boylston Street in a reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride.

The ceremony came to a temporary halt when the horses was spooked by the finish line decal on the street and pulled up.

The actor portraying the Colonial silversmith and patriot had to hop off and walk the last few steps himself as the small early crowd laughed and clapped.

After reading a proclamation, Revere gently tugged the horse the rest of the way before riding off to more ceremonies commemorating the midnight ride on April 19, 1775, that warned the Sons of Liberty that the British were on the march.

Linden, the last American runner to win Boston, read the

Marathon no-shows similar to 2024, dispelling concerns politics would scare away runners away

Of 31,778 entrants, 2,850 — or 9% — failed to start

The Associated Press

BOSTON — The Boston Marathon had about the same number of no-shows as last year, dispelling concerns that international runners would skip the race in the face of increased U.S. border scrutiny.

A total of 28,928 runners started the 129th edition of the marathon on Monday, from a field of 31,778 entrants. That leaves 2,850, or less than 9%, who registered but did not cross the starting line in Hopkinton.

In last year’s field, there were 2,838 who failed to start.

To earn a Boston Marathon bib number, most runners need to submit a qualifying time from another 26.2-mile race. Though many treat it as a lifetime goal not to be abandoned lightly, no-shows can occur for reasons ranging from injury to the 2010 Icelandic volcano eruption that shut down flights and prevented hundreds of European runners from traveling to the U.S.

Although the race was full, with entries from 128 countries, scattered reports indicated that some foreign runners might stay away for political reasons or fears of border hassles.

International visits to the U.S. have plummeted, with Canadians among those avoiding U.S. travel in response to President Donald Trump’s tariff talk and threats of annexing the country as a 51st state.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said last week that everyone should feel welcome.

“Regardless of what’s happening at other levels, and particularly now at the federal level, in Boston we welcome everyone,” Wu said Friday at a public safety media briefing not far from the finish line. “We seek to be a home for everyone.”

voice-over that introduced the reenactment.

“I wondered, ‘Are these professional horses?’ Because it seemed like a lot for them,” she said afterward. “It turns out, it was.”

Hug had no such trouble completing the course, zooming into Copley Square in 1:21:34 for his eighth Boston wheelchair title. He beat two-time winner Daniel Romanchuk by more than four minutes. Scaroni finished in 1:35:20 on

a day the Boston Athletic Association celebrated Hall’s push to add a wheelchair division in 1975.

“I am only here today because so many incredible individuals had integrity, tenacity — they knew they belonged as athletes, and they allowed us to have what we have today,” she said.

“And I’m so beyond grateful.

“I’m not brave like them,” Scaroni said. “I’m only here because of how awesome those people are.”

PHOTOS BY CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO

Left, runners approach the finish line during the Boston Marathon on Monday. Top right, Boston Marathon winner Sharon

Lokedi high-fives spectators in front of Boston College in Newton, Massachusetts, while in the lead group of runners. Bottom right, Marcel Hug, of Switzerland, right, congratulates Susannah Scaroni, of the United States, after winning the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions.

CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO

Colonial militia reenactors cross the finish line during a ceremony for the Patriot’s Day holiday prior to the Boston Marathon on Monday.

JENNIFER MCDERMOTT / AP PHOTO

Randolph record

Slow down, we’re working here!

This week marks National Work Zone Awareness Week, for which NCDOT is the national host organization this year. Preliminary data shows nearly 7,000 work zone crashes occurred in North Carolina in 2024, resulting in 47 deaths. This year’s theme is “Respect the zone so we all get home.” Above, construction equipment lines a work zone on U.S. 64 west near Asheboro earlier this week.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Federal report on Lumbee Tribe recognition path expected

Pembroke

Members of the Lumbee Tribe are awaiting the release of a Department of the Interior report that could light a path for federal recognition as a tribal nation. President Donald Trump issued a memo in January directing the department to create a plan to “assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits.” The deadline for the plan is this week. The Lumbee have had a difficult time convincing the federal government, Congress and some recognized tribes that their claims to Native ancestry are legitimate.

Student loans in default to be referred to debt collection Washington, D.C.

The Education Department will begin collection next month on roughly 5.3 million student loan borrowers who are in default, including the garnishing of wages for potentially millions of borrowers, officials said Monday. Beginning May 5, the department will start involuntary collection through the Treasury Department’s offset program, which withholds payments from the government, including tax refunds, federal salaries and other benefits, from people with past-due debts to the government. After a 30-day notice, the department will also begin garnishing wages for borrowers in default.

$2.00

Furniture-related

jobs take dip in county

The

bound to have an impact throughout the region

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The number of furniture-related jobs has declined in recent years in Randolph County, but the impact from the industry remains crucial in the county.

The status of the furniture industry will be one of the major topics of conversation revolving around High Point Market, with the spring dates scheduled for April 26-30. This is an international trade fair for residential furniture and interior design. Lisa Bennett, manager for marketing and research with the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation,

said a couple of years ago that furniture-related jobs made up about 15% of the manufacturing workforce in the county.

The RCEDC reported more than 4,700 jobs related to furniture manufacturing in Randolph County. That number has dipped to about 3,830 as of the fourth quarter of 2024, Bennett said.

“It seems like it’s a little bit soft right now,” Kevin Franklin, president of the RCEDC, said of the furniture-related jobs in the county.

The closing of Klaussner Furniture in Asheboro in the summer of 2023 resulted in 826 lost jobs.

UltraCraft Cabinetry in Liberty is expected to begin layoffs in May for a facility closing that was announced late in 2024.

The abrupt closing of United Furniture Industries in November 2022 resulted in about 300 lost jobs in Randolph County.

826

Jobs lost when Klaussner Furniture closed in 2023

Bennett said companies related to those plant closings also were impacted. Following the shuttering of United Furniture Industries, all 45 employees at Seagrove Lumber in the county were let go, she said. So furniture has lost its top spot in terms of jobs in the county.

“Furniture was the largest one,” Bennett said. Now, school-related jobs and Technimark have risen, with Toyota Battery likely soon move toward the top.

Still, the influence from the furniture industry extends in many ways in Randolph Coun-

ty. Some High Point-based companies have plants in Randolph County.

“We sure claim them,” Franklin said of those jobs. Some furniture jobs extend farther away in Randolph County. Luke Home in High Point has manufacturing operations in Staley, where the facility was purchased in 2022.

High Point Market attracts visitors from around the world, and the impact in the greater Triad is substantial. Archdale in Randolph County will have an influx of visitors, while official hotels for the event extend from throughout Guilford County to Winston-Salem.

New impact in region

Prepac, a Canadian furniture supplier, is closing operations at a plant in Delta, British Columbia, and moving that production to North Carolina. Furniture Today reported that more than 170 workers would be laid off in Canada.

Prepac opened its Whitsett facility, which is in Guilford County, in 2021, investing what was reported as $27 million for that plant. Prepac manufactures read-to-assemble furniture and shelving.

Council approves playground repair contract

The city is planning for a summer reopening

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The City of Asheboro is aiming for a summer reopening of the playground area at the ZooCity Sportsplex.

At its April 10 meeting, the council approved a $200,000 allocation for needed repairs to the playground.

“Basically what we had were drains that were stopped up and a compaction issue,” said city manager Donald Duncan. “So we’re going to go back, remove some of the equipment, kind of do a surgical operation in place, repair the equipment, and compact and solidify the area to get it back in service.”

Barring any setbacks, the reopening is anticipated for the middle of June according to Duncan “As someone who has been

vocal in the past about the way some things have gone, I think this process to repair has been very thorough,” said councilmember Joey Trogdon. “All avenues were examined, and as much as nobody likes to spend money on something they’ve already done, we also have a lot of little folks in town that really like it, and I think this is the quickest and best remedy for the situation.”

The actual contract with Bliss Products is approximately $150,000.

The board also approved a $46,000 allocation from the general fund to assist in the purchase of a mobile bathroom shower trailer.

Duncan mentioned an immediate use for the trailer as being utilized for umpires at the ballpark, but he also noted how the trailer could be a valuable asset for disaster response and the like.

The council also held two public hearings, with the first being for the consideration of

“We have a lot of little folks in town that really like it, and I think this is the quickest and best remedy for the situation.”

Councilmember Joey Trogdon

approximately $120,000 in funding appropriation to be utilized for land acquisition.

“The funding is for the costs associated with the acquisition for a single parcel of land at 1900 South Fayetteville St.,” said Randolph County Economic Development Corporation President Kevin Franklin.

“The purpose of the acquisition of this property is to provide future access to a rail-served site that can be made available on the other side of the site.”

“In the city of Asheboro, we don’t have a lot of industrial

sites,” said Mayor David Smith. “We have hardly any. All the sites that are developable are outside the city limits in other parts of the county, so here’s one that has rail, water and sewer, gas and is already zoned for industrial use. It’s perfect for a small to medium-sized prospect.”

The council also held a public hearing for a rezoning request for 1.5 acres of property located at 411 and 441 North McCrary St. to change the zoning to a conditional zoning for the construction of five duplex-style dwellings.

The council approved both requests following the hearings.

The board also approved seven contracts with six companies (C&S Chemicals, Trinity Manufacturing, Univar USA, CITCO Water, Chemrite and Polytec) for the annual procurement of chemicals at a per-gallon and per-tonnage rate as needed for operations at the water treatment plants.

The Asheboro City Council will next meet May 8.

THE RANDOLPH

spring High Point Market is

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

THURSDAY 4.24.25

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Randolph Record (ISSN 2768-5268)

Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Bob Sutton, Randolph

Ryan Henkel, Reporter

P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

County lures manufacturer to former Hughes Furniture site

Gillespie Precast is purchasing almost 33 acres and will raze some of the buildings there

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — A manu-

facturer that has been mostly based in Mid-Atlantic states is coming to Randolph County.

Gillespie Precast is expected to bring about 60 jobs across a five-year period to a location in the southwestern part of the county on High Pine Church Road based on last week’s announcement.

Gillespie Precast is a family-owned and operated precast concrete manufacturer serving utility and site contractors in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

“While we had several locations within North Carolina and Virginia targeted in our expansion plans, once we walked the property at High Pine Church Road it was abundantly clear to us that this was where we were going to plant our flag,” said Andrew Gillespie, president of Gillespie Precast.

CRIME LOG

April 15

• Kevin Anthony Greene, 61, of Ramseur, was arrested by Asheboro PD (APD) for possessing methamphetamine.

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

THURSDAY APRIL 24

FRIDAY APRIL 25

SATURDAY APRIL 26

SUNDAY

• Bryant William Hairston, 57, of High Point, was arrested by APD for trafficking methamphetamine, possessing drug paraphernalia, possessing controlled substance on jail premises.

April 16

• Richard Matthew Bailey, 51, of Archdale, was arrested by Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) for assault on a female, communicating threats.

• Rodney Dale Braswell, 44, of Thomasville, was arrested by RCSO for assault on a female, communicating threats.

• Jason Brian Faircloth, 46, of Franklinville, was arrested by RCSO for second degree sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

• Matthew Ryan Ferree, 31, of Randleman, was arrested by APD for assault inflicting serious injury, simple assault, cruelty to animals.

• Dylan Scott Haas, 29, of Randleman, was arrested by APD for possessing methamphetamine, possessing drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor child abuse.

• Billy Ernest Jones, 35, of Asheboro, was arrested by APD for possessing methamphetamine, possessing drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor child abuse.

“It was abundantly clear to us that this was where we were going to plant our flag.”

Andrew Gillespie, Gillespie Precast president

The location will be on the former Hughes Furniture Industries site, which served as a lumber yard. Gillespie Precast will purchase 32.85 acres.

The company announced that a new facility will be built. Some existing structures will be demolished and other buildings will be renovated.

“This is the perfect business for this property, and it will make the highest and best use out of it, all while adding good paying jobs to this section of the county,” said Crystal Gettys, business recruitment director for the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation.

Based on job creation, Randolph County has offered $92,000 in an incentive grant to be paid across a five-year period, with an endorsement from Darrell Frye, the chair-

• Joshua Tyler Lawrence, 24, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for second degree burglary, larceny after breaking and entering, possessing stolen goods, possessing methamphetamine, possessing marijuana paraphernalia, possessing drug paraphernalia, simple possession of schedule VI controlled substance.

• Geoffery Michael Rice, 48, of Seagrove, was arrested by NC Probation and Parole for second degree burglary, larceny after breaking and entering, possessing stolen goods, possessing methamphetamine, possessing marijuana paraphernalia, possessing drug paraphernalia, simple possession of schedule VI controlled substance.

• David Mark Spivey, 61, of Asheboro, was arrested by Randleman PD (RPD) for second degree trespass.

• Michael Steven Sturgill, 52, of Archdale, was arrested by RPD for second degree trespass.

• Michael Andrew Swain, 37, of Ramseur, was arrested by RCSO for second degree trespass.

• Kevin Douglas Worth, 42, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for second degree trespass. Grayshawn Kahmare Dye, 24, of Thomasville, was arrested by APD for resisting public officer.

• Terrick Antrell Glover, 20, of Asheboro, was arrested by NC Probation and Parole for second degree trespass, carrying concealed weapon.

• Justin Michael Godfrey, 39, of Winston Salem, was arrested by RCSO for second degree trespass.

man of the county commissioners. Gillespie Precast also will be eligible for $350,000 in state grants.

Average wages at Gillespie Precast will be $63,000 – or more than $13,000 above the county’s average wage.

Gettys said she has been in contact with Gillespie Precast regarding this project for a close to a year. Updates on the site should commence soon.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s in May that they’re out there doing something,” she said. “They’ve got work to do.”

Gillespie Precast’s current product line and precast concrete solutions include box culvert, dry utility (power, electric and communication) structures, pump station structures, pre-piped meter vaults, sanitary and storm sewer drainage items, complete trench drain packages, and many types of custom precast, according to information from the company.

The expansion to Randolph County is aimed to serve existing and new clients, the company said.

Hughes Furniture Industries ceased operations at the High Pine Church Road site several years ago, Gettys said.

• Nathan Daniel Lewis, 31, of Randleman, was arrested by RPD for resisting public officer.

• Calvin Lee McCune, 43, of Sophia, was arrested by RCSO for obtaining property by false pretense.

• Ashley Brooke Roberson, 32, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for obtaining property by false pretense.

• Stephen Alexander Rose, 36, of Trinity, was arrested by APD for larceny, possessing stolen goods.

• Carla Kathleen Smith, 31, of Sanford, was arrested by APD for larceny, possessing stolen goods, removing/ destroying/deactivating component.

• Matthew Michael Willard, 24, of Sophia, was arrested by APD for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, second degree trespass, false ambulance request, impeding traffic by sitting/ standing/lying.

April 17

• Courtney Kristina Connell, 36, of Asheboro, was arrested by APD for resisting public officer.

• Eric Andrew Thompson, 40, of Archdale, was arrested by APD for larceny, possessing stolen goods, removing/ destroying/deactivating component.

April 18

• Juan Carlos Alvarez, 38, of Asheboro, was arrested by APD for violating domestic violence protective order.

April 20

• Thomas Holden Parris, 26, of Franklinville, was arrested by RCSO for simple assault, cyberstalking.

Randolph Guide

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

April 25-27

17th Annual

Celebration of Spring Pottery Tour

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join in for the Seagrove Potters’ 17th Annual Celebration of Spring Pottery Tour, a self-guided tour through the studios and galleries of America’s Handmade Pottery Capital. Explore Seagrove’s rich pottery heritage, meet talented artists and watch pottery-making in action. Enjoy kiln openings, live demonstrations, hands-on activities and browse newly crafted ceramic art. Some locations will also feature food and music.

Seagrove

April 26

Spring Craft Fair

Noon-4 p.m.

Explore more than 20 vendors for a celebration of spring. There will be activities for the kids, a cake walk and something delicious on the grill.

Pleasant Hill UMC 2624 Fuller Mill Road Thomasville

Spring Open Farm Day

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come visit the farm for Spring Open Farm Day and check out all it has to offer. Visit the petting zoo, take a hayride, visit the farm store, enjoy all of the kid-oriented activities like the corn pit, bounce house and more. Entry to the farm is free this day.

3053 Fairview Farm Road Asheboro

Jazz Night: Jay Killman & The Constellations Quartet 7 p.m.

From Wilmington, The Constellations Quartet consists of Jay Killman on guitar, Carlos Garcia on piano, David Canning on bass, and Jon Hill on drums. The band plays original music and performs throughout North Carolina. Zoo City Social District Drinks are allowed in for this concert! Tickets are $10 each and available at the theatre door at 6 p.m.

Sunset Theatre 234 Sunset Avenue Asheboro

April 29

Making Art with the Masters

11 a.m. to noon

Art classes for ages 8-12 that teach history, theory and practice. 11 a.m. classes are for ages 10-12 and 3:30 p.m. classes are for ages 8-9.

Asheboro Public Library 201 Worth St. Asheboro

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

North Carolina’s clean energy boom: a blueprint for economic growth and American energy independence

TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high-quality jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000.

NORTH CAROLINA is at the forefront of the clean energy economy, emerging as a national leader in research, innovation and technology. Lawmakers’ bipartisan efforts to advance clean energy are a direct investment in the middle class, revitalizing communities statewide.

North Carolina’s strategic clean energy investments are not just strengthening the state’s economy; they are reshaping global supply chains and strengthening the nation’s position on the world stage. By reducing reliance on foreign energy and bringing manufacturing back to American soil, these investments are stimulating innovation, creating high-paying jobs and advancing the nation’s energy independence — all of which are key to long-term growth and competitiveness in the global market.

North Carolina’s south-central region is the epitome of this, with major investments from Sunlight Batteries and Toyota transforming the historically rural and low-income communities. With a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector innovation, North Carolina can now be a prime destination for both international and domestic investment, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy economy are widespread.

Our congressional district exemplifies how clean energy projects are no longer confined to urban tech hubs as they are revitalizing communities across the state. More than 62% of new clean energy jobs, 70% of new clean energy investments and nearly half of all projects in North Carolina are located in low-income communities. These investments are fostering job creation, strengthening supply chains and promoting long-term economic stability.

Toyota’s first North American battery plant (TBMNC) is taking shape in Liberty, marking a $13.9 billion investment in advanced manufacturing. TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high-quality jobs to Randolph County,

with salaries averaging $62,000 — more than 60% higher than the county’s current average wage. This is a major win for the American industry, strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

In Alamance County, Sunlight Batteries USA — a tech company specializing in energy storage systems — seeks to transform Mebane with its $40 million investment in a lithium-ion production facility. Projected to create more than 200 jobs and contribute approximately $390 million to the state economy, the company reflects North Carolina’s broader commitment to American energy dominance and statewide economic prosperity.

Nevertheless, the clean energy transition comes with its own set of challenges. Wolfspeed, a silicon carbide chip manufacturing company, plans to invest $5 billion in Chatham County, which is projected to create 1,800 well-paying jobs and transform a county that is 84% rural.

However, following the company’s massive stock drop, leadership changes and uncertainty surrounding federal incentives like the CHIPS Act, the future of Wolfspeed remains uncertain. Such setbacks underscore the importance of bipartisan efforts to provide long-term policy stability and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in clean energy manufacturing.

While market challenges have slowed some projects, several other new clean energy projects are on the horizon in the district, putting the state in a great position to remain a technology and energy epicenter. Most recently, Gov. Josh Stein announced Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, LLC’s (PTT) plan to expand its transformer manufacturing capacity in Hoke County. A leading domestic manufacturer of power and distribution transformers for innovative energy markets, PTT will advance clean American energy and economic growth.

Sadly, the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier future

has long been hindered by its politicization, yet North Carolinians know economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand. The state’s investments in clean energy have yielded tangible benefits, from spurring innovation to new infrastructure to record-breaking job creation, proving we do not need to sacrifice the economy in the name of the environment.

Public opinion reflects this reality, with polling data from Clear Path Action finding that 62% of Republicans believe it is important that their congressional representative support clean energy policies. This widespread support aligns with North Carolina’s pro-growth, pro-business approach to energy, which prioritizes market-driven solutions and strategic investments that attract private-sector innovation. By leveraging tax incentives and fostering a competitive business climate, the state has positioned itself as a leader in the energy markets of the future. Ultimately proving that conservative principles and environmental progress can go hand in hand to bolster American energy independence.

As a North Carolinian in the 9th district, I have witnessed firsthand how clean energy investments have transformed our state. The future is bright. With artificial intelligence expanding at an unprecedented pace alongside President Donald Trump’s new $500 billion vision for advancing infrastructure, North Carolina has both the resources and the opportunity to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies. By embracing innovation and fostering an environment where economic growth and environmental stewardship move in unison, the state can continue to lead the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Kira Walsh is a volunteer with the American Conservation Coalition, based in Pittsboro.

Democrats’ bizarrely misplaced empathy

Abrego Garcia isn’t the only awful person Democrats have attempted to sanctify.

DEMOCRATS DECIDED to expend their quickly diminishing political capital in defense of a deported Salvadoran illegal immigrant named Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia was deported to El Salvador some weeks ago; the Department of Justice initially admitted that his deportation was an “administrative error.” It turns out that Abrego Garcia had an order withholding removal to his home country, due to his claims that returning to El Salvador would risk his life. Nonetheless, the administration flew him to that country’s Terrorism Confinement Center, where he is apparently being held to date. Initially, a district court judge ruled that Abrego Garcia’s removal was violative of due process and that the administration had to “facilitate” his return to the United States. The case was elevated to the Supreme Court, which found 9-0 that while the executive branch likely had the power to order his deportation, it still had to follow court orders to “facilitate” his temporary return for due process reasons. The Trump administration, for its part, claims that it has already “facilitated” his release from custody — that they’ve asked Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele nicely to release him, and that Bukele has refused.

Bukele sat in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump and said just that: “The question is preposterous: How can I

smuggle a terrorist into the United States?”

Regardless of the legal wrangling over the case — and there is in fact a solid legal basis to the idea that the administration ought to temporarily return Abrego Garcia just to receive a court hearing, after which he can be deported right back again — Democrats have wrong-footed themselves yet again. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) decided to fly down to El Salvador to visit Abrego Garcia; other Congressional Democrats vowed to do the same. In their telling, Abrego Garcia is an innocent caught up in the mills of wrongheaded justice. But Abrego Garcia is indeed a nefarious character. It turns out that aside from his illegal immigration status, Garcia’s wife accused him of “violently beating her multiple times” in a 2021 court filing, according to the Daily Mail. When he was originally arrested in 2019, arrest records show he was found with cash and drugs, as well as two other members of MS-13, while wearing gear associated with MS-13. And this is the person Democrats have tried to valorize. Abrego Garcia isn’t the only awful person Democrats have attempted to sanctify.

Democrats have also rushed to the defense of terror supporter and Columbia student visa holder Mohsen Mahdawi, who posted on his social media in commemoration of his terrorist cousin: “a leader of a fierce resistance fighter.” The New York Times went so far as to headline

his story, “He Wanted Peace in the Middle East. ICE Wants to Deport Him.”

Meanwhile, Democrats have little to say about the illegal immigrant killer of Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five who was raped and murdered; Rachel’s mother, Patty, visited the White House briefing room to explain the case to a media that largely ignored it. Democrats similarly have gone silent about the burning of the home of Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.); his home was set aflame by an anti-Israel man who said he wanted to let Shapiro know he “will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.”

Democrats’ inconsistency here speaks volumes: If you are an illegal immigrant criminal, they will either ignore it or downplay it; if you are a visa-holder or criminal who favors Hamas, they will do the same.

Democrats have a wide variety of lines they can use to attack the Trump administration. But their binary view of the world — opponents of Trump must by necessity be good — leads them down dark pathways. Which means that no matter how much they decry the lack of due process, nobody will trust them with the levers of power.

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

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

COLUMN | KIRA WALSH

Indian police say gunmen kill at least 20 tourists in Kashmir

The attack coincided with a visit from U.S. Vice President JD Vance

By Aijaz Hussain The Associated Press

SRINAGAR, India — Indian police say gunmen have killed at least 20 tourists at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Two senior police officers said at least four gunmen, whom they described as militants, fired at dozens of tourists from close range Tuesday. The officers said at least three dozen others were injured, many in serious condition. They spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with departmental policy.

Officials collected at least 20 bodies in Baisaran meadow, some three miles from the disputed region’s resort town of Pahalgam.

Police described the incident as a “terror attack” and blamed militants fighting against Indian rule. It appeared to be a major shift in the regional conflict in which tourists have largely been spared.

“This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen direct-

Kashmir on Tuesday.

ed at civilians in recent years,” Omar Abdullah, the region’s top elected official, wrote on social media.

Police were searching for the attackers. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

and against the ethos of Kashmir which welcomes visitors with love and warmth.”

The attack coincided with the visit to India of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is on a largely personal four-day stop.

“Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” Vance said on social media.

The meadow in Pahalgam is a popular sightseeing destination, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dotted with pine forests. It is visited by hundreds of tourists every day.

The region, known for rolling Himalayan foothills, exquisitely decorated houseboats and pristine meadows, has become a major domestic tourist destination. Kashmir has drawn millions of visitors who enjoy a strange peace kept by ubiquitous security checkpoints, armored vehicles and patrolling soldiers. Although violence has ebbed in recent times in the Kashmir Valley, the heart of anti-India rebellion, fighting between government forces and rebels has largely shifted to remote areas of Jammu region including Rajouri, Poonch and Kathua, where Indian troops have faced deadly attacks.

Read has become a cause célèbre among the true crime podcast set

By Michael Casey The Associated Press

DEDHAM, Mass. — The second murder trial of Karen Read, whose case has sparked a national debate on police accountability and won her legions of devoted fans, began with opening statements Tuesday, more than three years after the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend.

Read is accused of striking her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, with her SUV in 2022 and leaving him to die alone in the snow outside of a house party in Canton, a suburb about 20 miles south of Boston. She has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene.

During the first trial last year, prosecutors said Read intentionally backed into O’Keefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The defense said that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that O’Keefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party.

A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.

The biggest difference in the current trial is the lead prosecutor, Hank Brennan. Brought in as a special prosecutor after the mistrial, the former defense attorney has represented a number of prominent clients, including notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger.

Brennan began his opening statement Tuesday by describing the firefighter who raced to

“We will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences,” Shah wrote on social media.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a key Kashmiri resistance leader, condemned what he described as a “cowardly attack on tourists,” writing on social media that “such violence is unacceptable

India’s home minister, Amit Shah, was heading to Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on an official visit in Saudi Arabia, has been briefed.

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety.

Kashmir has seen a spate of targeted killings of Hindus, including immigrant workers from Indian states, after New Delhi ended the region’s semi-autonomy in 2019 and drastically curbed dissent, civil liberties and media freedoms.

Tensions have been simmering as India has intensified its counterinsurgency operations.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels’ goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

that doesn’t require pointing to an alternative perpetrator as a matter of law.”

the scene in near-blizzard conditions and found Read and two other women surrounding O’Keefe’s body on the ground.

“He stepped out into bedlam,” he said.

The firefighter then asked Read what had happened, he said.

“You’ll hear her words, ‘I hit him. I hit him. I hit him,’” Brennan said. “She admitted what she had done that night.”

Brennan told jurors that “facts and data” will lead them to the truth, and that Read’s own statements will confirm it. But Defense Attorney Alan Jackson began his opening statement by saying the prosecution’s case was based on a “brazen and flawed assertion that is untethered to the facts and the evidence.”

“John O’Keefe did not die from being hit by a vehicle,” he said. “The facts will show that. The evidence will show that. The data will show that. The science will show that, and the experts will tell you that.”

Many of the factors that made the first trial must-see television will feature in the second.

Most of the the same witnesses are back, as are Read’s aggressive defense team and dozens of her supporters camped out near the courthouse — many carrying “Free Karen Read” signs and

wearing pink. Read, who has been featured in several documentaries about her case, has become a minor celebrity.

A few dozen of Read’s supporters, many holding American flags, stood in front of the courthouse Tuesday morning before moving a block away to comply with a court-ordered buffer zone. Those who were reuniting hugged each other, while others took time to bring newcomers up to speed on the case.

“I’m here for justice,” said Ashlyn Wade, a Read supporter from Canton. “The murderer going to jail and Karen being exonerated, that would be justice.”

The prosecution, however, stands to benefit from a pretrial ruling from Judge Beverly Cannone that defense attorneys can’t mention potential third-party culprits in their opening statements. They can develop a case against two law enforcement officers but cannot implicate Albert’s nephew, Colin Albert, as they did in the first trial.

“I view it as a blow to the defense strategy but not a knockout punch,” Daniel Medwed, a law professor at Northeastern University, said of the ruling. “All the defense needs to do is create reasonable doubt about Karen (Read’s) guilt, and

Legal experts expect prosecutors to focus on Read’s behavior as they did during the first trial — her volatile relationship with O’Keefe and their night of heavy drinking. They also predict the prosecution will lay out a stronger and more coherent case that Read clipped O’Keefe with the back of her SUV and sent him tumbling to the ground — using data from her car, video and stronger expert testimony.

“The Commonwealth will focus on the theme drilled into us since middle school — Drinking, Driving, Deadly Consequences,” Michael Coyne, the dean of Massachusetts School of Law at Andover, said in an email.

The defense is expected to offer evidence that what they see as a sloppy police investigation was biased and that law enforcement officers set Read up to protect the real killers. They could be helped by an audit of the Canton Police Department released last month that found several mistakes with the investigation — but no evidence of a cover-up.

One of the key witnesses will be former State Trooper Michael Proctor. He led the investigation but has since been fired after a disciplinary board found that he sent sexist and crude texts about Read to his family and colleagues.

“Michael Proctor and his dismissal from the force may very well serve as the elephant in the courtroom throughout the proceedings,” Medwed said.

DAR YASIN / AP PHOTO

Indian security officers patrol in armored vehicles near Pahalgam in south Kashmir after assailants indiscriminately opened fired at tourists in Pahalgam in Indian-controlled

Benjamin “Jeff” Franklin Jefferson III

Jan. 16, 1956 – April 17, 2025

Benjamin “Jeff” Franklin III, age 69, of Sophia, NC, passed away at home on April 17, 2025.

Jeff was born on January 16, 1956, in Paterson, New Jersey, to Benny Farris Jefferson Jr. and Mary Mavis Abraham. A proud Marine, Jeff carried his service with honor throughout his life. After his military career, he went on to write technical manuals for helicopters and other engineering systems, using his skills to support innovation and safety.

Jeff had many passions. He was an avid motorcyclist and a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders. He found peace in fishing and the great outdoors, and even better days when he came home with a catch. A man of many talents, Jeff was just as comfortable behind a grill or stove as he was in a workshop. He turned hobbies into art— woodworking, pen making, and even raising chickens brought him joy and fulfillment.

Above all, Jeff loved his family deeply and was married to his beloved wife, Carol Jefferson, for 15 wonderful years.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Geoffrey Krueck.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Carol Jefferson; his daughter, Jess Hamilton; his brother, Geoff Krueck; his sister, Cindy Meyers (Bill); his grandchildren, Claudia Hamilton (Brayden) and Gabe Krueck; and his great-granddaughter, Raylynn Hampton.

Jeff’s adventurous spirit, generous heart, and deep love for his family and country will be remembered always.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at noon, at Old Union Church Cemetery, 5077 Walker Mill Road, Sophia, with Pastor Robert Brown officiating. Burial will follow after.

Pugh Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jefferson Family.

Wanda Jean Haskins Wilhelm

July 12, 1947 – April 19, 2025

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Wanda Jean Haskins Wilhelm went home to her heavenly home surrounded by her husband of 60 years and her family. Mrs. Wilhelm was born in McDonald, Tennessee, to Joe and Emogene Haskins on July 12, 1947. Later, her family moved to High Point, North Carolina, where she met her future husband, Troy Wilhelm.

Mrs. Wilhelm was a high school graduate of High Point Central High School and graduated from Randolph Community College where she earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education. She and her husband pastored several different churches over a 50-year period. She worked as a substitute teacher for Randolph County Schools for many years. Later in life, she was the director of the Randleman Church of God Day Care. She was a member of Phi Theta Beta.

Mrs. Wilhelm loved her husband, her four children, her sons-in-law, her daughters-inlaw, her 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She loved her church family and was considered a bonus mom and mawmaw to many other children throughout her life.

But, more importantly, she loved God. She showed the love of God to everyone she met and if you gave her a second, she would tell you all about Him too. When the church doors were open, you would find her sitting in her regular place, ready to worship God. Her biggest desire was for everyone to know Him and the love He has for you.

Mrs. Wilhelm was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Emogene Haskins, her brother Bill Haskins, her brother, Wayne Haskins, and many aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her husband, Reverend Troy Wilhelm, daughter Sharon (Dennis) Routh of Franklinville, daughter Sondra (Crickett) Laughlin of Liberty, son Michael (Natalie) Wilhelm of Greensboro, and daughter Teresa-Tina (Scott) Hughes of Asheboro. Her grandchildren, great grandchildren, granddaughtersin-law, grandsons-in-law, her church family, and many friends. Her going home service will be at Randleman Church of God on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 2 p.m. with Reverend Danny Peterson and Reverend Timothy Macon ministering. The family will receive visitors beginning at noon prior to the service.

Elizabeth Crawford Calton

Jan. 28, 1959 – April 15, 2025

Elizabeth Chilton Crawford Calton, age 66, of Asheboro, passed away on April 15, 2025, at her home.

Mrs. Calton was born in Asheville, NC, on January 28, 1959, to Jack and Mary Morrel Crawford. In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband and her sister, Mary Elaine Crawford Wagner. She was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church, where she played the piano. Elizabeth was an avid equestrian and a huge Beatles fan. In the 1990s, Elizabeth took her 1967 Mustang to a Grand National Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where she won first place. She biked up Mt. Mitchell, and six months after having a knee replacement, she participated in a 50-mile bike ride. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth Calton Murdoch (Sean Harvey) of Murrell’s Inlet, SC; grandchildren, Violet Harvey and Jude Harvey; sister, Jackie Daughton of Liberty; and several nieces and nephews, David Daughton, Lydia Daughton Howard, Vanessa Daughton Cooper, Meg Daughton Gwyn, and Rebecca Daughton.

A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Randolph SPCA, 300 West Bailey Street, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Ava Lee Kennedy Hurley Bonkemeyer

Feb. 23, 1935 – April 14, 2025

Robert “Bud” Lee Wheeler

Nov. 23, 1931 – April 14, 2025

Robert “Bud” Lee Wheeler, 93, of Asheboro, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 14, 2025. Bud was born on November 23, 1931, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Walter and Leona Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Anna May and Mildred.

At a young age, Bud left school to help support his family, taking on various jobs including working at a grocery store and setting pins at a bowling alley.

At 18, he joined the Marine Reserves in March 1950, just months before the outbreak of the Korean War. Shortly after boot camp in San Diego, Bud was sent to the front lines in Korea, serving as a machine gunner. He spent nearly a year in combat and remained in the reserves until leaving due to employment conflicts. Though he rarely spoke of his service, Bud was a proud Marine and a committed

William

“Bill”

Carson Kirkman

Nov. 26, 1927 – April 17, 2025

William Carson Kirkman, 97, of Asheboro, passed away at the Alpine facility on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Bill was a devoted Christian. He exercised that faith by being a member of the Gideon’s and was active in a prison ministry where he led many to the Lord. He adored his family and enjoyed going to children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He also loved sports of all kinds, especially college.

veteran throughout his life.

Following his military service, he built a long and respected career at The Coca-Cola Bottling Co., ultimately retiring as a Route Manager after 38 years of service in 1992.

In 2005, Bud and his wife Shirley moved from Maryland to Asheboro. He remained active in veterans’ organizations throughout his life, holding membership in the VFW and as a lifetime member of the American Legion in Paw Paw, WV. In Asheboro, Bud joined AMVETS Post 905, where he served faithfully, including three terms as Post Commander.

Bud is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley; daughter Brenda Fales (Tom); sons Robert “Bob” Wheeler Jr., and Bryan Wheeler (Pam). He was a loving grandfather to Kimberly (Tony), Troy (Jenn), Adam (Amber), Lisa (Marc), Amanda, and William (Jess); and a proud greatgrandfather to Kristen, Tim, Ryan, Josh, Leighann, Charlie, Autumn, and Natalie.

He appreciated the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing and just spending time at their camper. He also loved playing pool, poker, and spending time with his beloved family.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2 to 3 p.m.

Bud’s life was one of service, love, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Lenora Mae Cockerham “Squat” Shaw

July 9, 1934 – April 19, 2025

Lenora Mae Cockerham “Squat” Shaw, age 90 of Asheboro, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Randolph Hospice House.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Randolph Record at obits@ randolphrecord.com

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Randolph Record at obits@ randolphrecord.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Randleman Church of God Children’s Ministries by mailing a contribution to Randleman Church of God at 215 E Brown Street, Randleman, NC 27317. The family wants to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this time. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Moses Cone Hospital who provided kind and loving care to Mrs. Wilhelm during her hospital stay.

Ava Lee Kennedy Hurley Bonkemeyer, aged 90, of Seagrove, passed away on April 14, 2025, at Randolph Hospice House. Mrs. Bonkemeyer was born in Randolph County on February 23, 1935, to Walter and Thelma Lineberry Kennedy. She was a homemaker and babysat numerous children in her lifetime. Ava attended Whynot Wesleyan Church. Ava loved doing word searches, traveling, and going out to eat. In addition to her parents, Ava was preceded in death by her husbands, Aster Hurley and Ed Bonkemeyer, infant daughter, Shirley Ann Hurley, son, Arnold Hurley, sisters, Doris Hurley, Alma Hughes, and Jean Johnson, and brothers, Roger E. Kennedy and W.C. Kennedy. She is survived by her daughter, Grace Singleton of Asheboro, and grandchildren, Frank Vestal Hughes III and Hurley Auman Hughes.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 1-1:50 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. Funeral services will follow on Monday at 2 p.m. at the Glenn “Mac” Pugh Chapel with Pastor Darrell Rabon officiating. Burial will be held at the Huldah Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.

He taught and coached basketball and baseball at Franklinville High School, then transitioned to Eastern Randolph High School when Franklinville High School closed. Later, he went to teach driver’s education at Randleman High School full time before he retired after 34 years. Many students showed their devotion to him by keeping up with him through the years. Bill was the son of the late William Paul and Pearl Mae Cockman Kirkman. He was also predeceased by his wife, Dotty King Kirkman. Bill is survived by his daughter, Theresa Morgan(Scott); sons, William C. Kirkman Jr. (Krystal) and Paul Lewis Kirkman (April), all of Asheboro. Grandchildren surviving include Zach Morgan, Matt Morgan(Camille), Hollis Kirkman, Silas Kirkman (Noelle), Haylee Kirkman, Faith Ljubicic (Goran) Caleb Kirkman(Shelley), Collin Kirkman (Grace), and Coleton Christian. Great-grandchildren surviving are Zion, Haven, Emma, Khana, and Ramsey. Services for Bill will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Reach Church, formerly Asheboro First Assembly, 909 Meadowbrook Road, Asheboro, NC, at 2:30 p.m. A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Squat was born on July 9, 1934, in Randolph County to William Cockerham and Stella Hughes Cockerham. Squat was a graduate of Asheboro High School and worked 40 years in customer service with Kayser-Roth. She was a longtime member at First Wesleyan of Asheboro and taught Sunday school. She loved to go waterskiing, play golf, and especially loved watching her Duke Blue Devils play basketball. Squat’s pride and joy were her grandchildren, whom she dearly loved and cherished. In addition to her parents, Squat is preceded in death by her husband, David Henry Shaw; her sister, Joan Cox; and her brother, Robert Cockerham.

Squat is survived by her daughter, Celia Spainhour (Greg) of Asheboro; grandchildren, Kimberly Spainhour of Columbia, SC and Will Spainhour (Allie) of Zebulon; and one greatgranddaughter, Maren Spainhour.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 1:00 -1:45 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Glenn “Mac” Pugh Chapel with Rev. Mark Beane officiating. Burial will follow the service at Randolph Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made in Squat’s honor to Crossroads Retirement Community, 1302 Old Cox Road, Asheboro, NC 27205 or to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Boston Marathon assists in celebrating 250th anniversary of Revolutionary War

Kenyan John Korir joined his brother as a winner, finishing in 2:04:45

By Jimmy Golen

The Associated Press

BOSTON — A rider dressed as Paul Revere eased his horse up to the Boston Marathon finish line and proclaimed, “The runners are coming.”

And down Boylston Street they came. In record time. With a historic family first. And even “The Star-Spangled Banner” got some air time as the race and the region commemorated the 250th anniversary of the first shots fired in the American Revolution.

Sharon Lokedi of Kenya broke the Boston Marathon course record by more than 21/2 minutes on Monday, outkicking two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri a year after losing to her in one of the closest finishes in race history.

Fellow Kenyan John Korir recovered from a starting line fall to join his brother as race champion — the first relatives to win the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon in a history that dates to 1897.

On a day that also marked the 50th anniversary of Bob Hall’s pioneering wheelchair race, Marcel Hug of Switzerland claimed his eighth victory and Susannah Scaroni of the United States took the women’s title.

“I always feel emotional when the national anthem is played,” said Scaroni, who won in 2023 but couldn’t defend her title last year because of an injury. “And to have ours played on this amazing, historic anniversary gives me goosebumps.”

Lokedi finished in 2 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds to claim the $150,000 first prize and another $50,000 bonus for breaking the course record of 2:19:59 set by Buzunesh Deba in 2014. A year after sprinting to an 8-second victory, Obiri was 19 seconds back in her attempt to become the first woman to win three straight since Fatuma Roba in 1999.

“Where she passed me last year, I passed her this year,” Lokedi said with a laugh. “I didn’t even believe. I kept looking back and thinking, ‘Where is she?’ I’m just so grateful to her for pushing me all the way through.”

Six months after winning on Chicago’s flatter course, Korir finished in 2:04:45 — the second-fastest winning time in Boston history as the runners took advantage of perfect marathon weather to conquer the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston’s Copley Square.

And he did it despite getting tripped up from behind near the start and falling. He got up to rejoin the lead pack at the rear.

“What came to my mind was should I stay down, or should I (get) up and go?” he said. “Something told me to (get) up and go, and that everything will be OK. ... And everything went away.”

Korir’s race bib fell off and he tucked it into his running tights, pulling it out as he sprinted to the finish line. Waiting to congratulate him was 2012 Boston

winner Wesley Korir, his older brother.

Although the race has been won by a pair of unrelated John Kelleys and two different Robert Cheruiyots, the Korirs are the first brothers to have won.

“He explained to be tough and believe in yourself,” said John Korir, who finished fourth and ninth in his two previous Boston attempts. “So I believed in myself and I followed his advice.”

Conner Mantz of Provo, Utah, finished fourth after losing a three-way sprint to the finish with Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania, who finished second, and Cybrian Kotut of Kenya, who was third.

Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia was third in the women’s race. Jess McClain of Phoenix was the top American, in seventh place; 2018 winner Des Linden, who had announced she would retire from competitive running, won the masters division and was 17th overall.

When she crossed the finish line, the other American women bowed to her in tribute.

“I had those folks in front of me who paved the way, and I looked up to them. And they always made me feel like I belonged, made me feel like my dreams are valid, helped me along the way,” Linden said. “So I’ve always tried to do that for the folks in this sport as well.”

A field of 30,000 left Hopkinton on Monday morning for

“I am only here today because so many incredible individuals had integrity, tenacity — they knew they belonged as athletes and they allowed us to have what we have today.”

Susannah Scaroni, women’s

wheelchair winner

Boston’s Back Bay, where riders in Revolutionary War garb — accompanied by a fife and drum playing “Yankee Doodle” — rode down Boylston Street in a reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride.

The ceremony came to a temporary halt when the horses was spooked by the finish line decal on the street and pulled up.

The actor portraying the Colonial silversmith and patriot had to hop off and walk the last few steps himself as the small early crowd laughed and clapped.

After reading a proclamation, Revere gently tugged the horse the rest of the way before riding off to more ceremonies commemorating the midnight ride on April 19, 1775, that warned the Sons of Liberty that the British were on the march.

Linden, the last American runner to win Boston, read the

Marathon no-shows similar to 2024, dispelling concerns politics would scare away runners away

Of 31,778 entrants, 2,850 — or 9% — failed to start

The Associated Press

BOSTON — The Boston Marathon had about the same number of no-shows as last year, dispelling concerns that international runners would skip the race in the face of increased U.S. border scrutiny.

A total of 28,928 runners started the 129th edition of the marathon on Monday, from a field of 31,778 entrants. That leaves 2,850, or less than 9%, who registered but did not cross the starting line in Hopkinton.

In last year’s field, there were 2,838 who failed to start.

To earn a Boston Marathon bib number, most runners need to submit a qualifying time from another 26.2-mile race. Though many treat it as a lifetime goal not to be abandoned lightly, no-shows can occur for reasons ranging from injury to the 2010 Icelandic volcano eruption that shut down flights and prevented hundreds of European runners from traveling to the U.S.

Although the race was full, with entries from 128 countries, scattered reports indicated that some foreign runners might stay away for political reasons or fears of border hassles.

International visits to the U.S. have plummeted, with Canadians among those avoiding U.S. travel in response to President Donald Trump’s tariff talk and threats of annexing the country as a 51st state.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said last week that everyone should feel welcome.

“Regardless of what’s happening at other levels, and particularly now at the federal level, in Boston we welcome everyone,” Wu said Friday at a public safety media briefing not far from the finish line. “We seek to be a home for everyone.”

voice-over that introduced the reenactment.

“I wondered, ‘Are these professional horses?’ Because it seemed like a lot for them,” she said afterward. “It turns out, it was.”

Hug had no such trouble completing the course, zooming into Copley Square in 1:21:34 for his eighth Boston wheelchair title. He beat two-time winner Daniel Romanchuk by more than four minutes. Scaroni finished in 1:35:20 on

a day the Boston Athletic Association celebrated Hall’s push to add a wheelchair division in 1975.

“I am only here today because so many incredible individuals had integrity, tenacity — they knew they belonged as athletes, and they allowed us to have what we have today,” she said.

“And I’m so beyond grateful.

“I’m not brave like them,” Scaroni said. “I’m only here because of how awesome those people are.”

PHOTOS BY CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO

Left, runners approach the finish line during the Boston Marathon on Monday. Top right, Boston Marathon winner Sharon

Lokedi high-fives spectators in front of Boston College in Newton, Mass. while in the lead group of runners. Bottom right, Marcel Hug, of Switzerland, right, congratulates Susannah Scaroni, of the United States, after winning the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions.

CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO

Colonial militia reenactors cross the finish line during a ceremony for the Patriot’s Day holiday prior to the Boston Marathon on Monday.

JENNIFER MCDERMOTT / AP PHOTO

RandolpH SPORTS

Champion teen driver goes full speed ahead

London

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — At 15 years old, London McKenzie has already experienced the thrill of stepping out of a race car in victory lane.

The Asheboro boy has been driving on various tracks since before he was a teenager. He’s a national champion.

He’s in his first season with CW Motorsports in the ARCA series, steering the No. 93 Chevrolet.

“Being in ARCA still feels like a dream to me,” McKenzie said. “Flying through the corners in a big-body stock car. I’m super grateful.”

In his ARCA debut, McKenzie placed eighth out of 21 drivers last month in the Pensacola 150 at Five Flaggs in Pensacola, Florda. During the past weekend, another potentially special occasion went awry when a practice-lap accident for the

ARCA race at Rockingham Speedway caused him to miss the race.

Rockingham Speedway would have been the biggest track for his ARCA endeavors because until he turns 18 years old he’s not permitted to drive at layouts larger than 1 mile.

CW Motorsports team owner Caleb Costner said McKenzie is an ideal fit to join the circuit.

“Adding London to our roster in the ‘93’ shows the talent level we’re seeking to bring to the track,” Costner said. “I’ve watched London develop over the last couple years, and he’s the real deal, a true wheelman.”

McKenzie said the thrills have come in many fashions.

“As a racer, you have to be there and experience it,” he said.

McKenzie’s first racing experience came as an 8-year- old in the Bandoleros division.

He drove at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the quarter-mile set-up, finishing fifth in his debut and participating throughout the season.

But the next year he didn’t compete. “I was scared and it was too stressful,” he said.

Then at age 10, the son of Jen-

Atkins carries key role with Catawba

The former Randleman and ZooKeepers player has moved to the outfield

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

THE ROLES for Hunter

Atkins on the baseball field have evolved the past couple of years, but he’s still making contributions.

The former Randleman

standout is a left fielder for Catawba, which is one of the top Division II baseball teams in the country.

Atkins played in 40 of Catawba’s first 44 games. He’s batting .317 with 11 doubles, two triples and 26 runs batted in.

The No. 11 Indians began this week with a 32-12 record,

including first-place mark of 22-5 in the South Atlantic Conference. Catawba has secured its 23rd 30-win season since 2000.

Atkins played on a pair of Class 2A state championship teams for Randleman, logged a season with Randolph County Post 45 in American League baseball and spent a season as a redshirt with UNC Greensboro.

He was mostly an infielder along the way, including last year with the Asheboro ZooKeepers in the summer Coastal Plain League. Then, he was making a transition from third baseman to shortstop.

“I like moving to short,” he said last summer. “You can see the ball a little bit longer.” Atkins batted .294 for the ZooKeepers, ending the sea-

son on a 1-for-10 stretch that knocked him out of the list of league batting leaders.

Earlier this season, Catawba senior outfielder Dylan Driver, who played the past two summers for the ZooKeepers, was named the Southeast Region’s Player of the Week by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. He had four home runs and 10 runs batted in across a four-game stretch.

Southwestern Randolph graduate Blake Marsh is an infielder and pitcher for Catawba. He has appeared in five games. Also in the SAC, Gage Miller of Asheboro is an infielder with Division II Virginia-Wise (26-18, 14-13 fourth). Catawba won two of three road games against Virginia-Wise in mid-March.

“For the most part, I’m racing grown men.”

London McKenzie, Asheboro teenager

na and Brandon McKenzie gave it another try. He had played soccer and baseball, describing himself as “a ball-sport kid.” His interest in soccer grew, but often as schedule conflicts arose he was faced with the question of whether he wanted to play soccer or go drive a race car.

“Every time I got the question, the answer was ‘go drive a race car,’ ” he said.

But the time he was 12, he was sitting behind the wheel in the Legends class. That consumed his attention.

“It felt like my whole life I just wanted to get up to Legends,” he said. “It seemed so fast. I was constantly seeing how I could be faster in Legends cars.” Turns out, that was pretty fast. He won the 2024 INEX Semi-Pro Asphalt national

baseball team

COURTESY PHOTO

London McKenzie, a teenager from Asheboro, has a role with a racing team to compete in ARCA races this year.

Hunter Atkins had a productive season with the Asheboro ZooKeepers last summer before his first season for Catawba.

McKenzie has become a national champion with even bigger goals

BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD

London McKenzie of Asheboro poses in the pits following a 2023 race at Caraway Speedway.

HOME

Emma Julian

Asheboro, girls’ soccer

The senior captain has helped Asheboro keep control at times in the back end.

Julian is a defender for the Blue Comets. She’s often described as an anchor on the defensive end, though her contributions have extended up the field.

Asheboro won four of its last five games entering this week to reach the 10-win mark overall. Two of those results came via shutouts.

The Blue Comets will go into next week with a share of second place in the Mid-Piedmont Conference with four league games remaining.

Spring break brings challenges for area baseball teams

It was tough going in neutral-site games in many cases

Randolph Record staff

THERE WEREN’T MANY winners among Randolph County baseball teams during spring break.

Asheboro and Randleman both won twice, while other teams largely struggled. Here’s a look at some of the results:

• In the ZooKeepers Classic at McCrary Park in Asheboro, Wheatmore, Southwestern Randolph and Eastern Randolph all finished with losing marks.

Southwestern Randolph went 1-2, winning with an 11-1 whipping of Southern Lee behind three runs batted in apiece from Brady Armfield and Jake Gainey combined with Lane Poole’s pitching for six-plus innings.

Southwestern Randolph’s last game of the week resulted in a 10-6 loss to Chatham Charter on Friday, unable to protect a six-run lead.

Southeast Alamance won three times, beginning with an 8-7 escape against Wheatmore. The Stallions also

topped Eastern Randolph 14-4 and socked Southwestern Randolph 8-1. Wheatmore fell 4-3 to Southern Lee, which scored three runs in the seventh.

Faith Christian nipped Eastern Randolph 1-0 in nine innings, with Austin Smith and Mason Taylor combining on a three-hitter. Hayden Robbins drove in the only run.

Chance Holdaway threw the first six innings for Eastern Randolph.

In the final game of the ZooKeepers Classic, Asheboro rebuffed Eastern Randolph 5-0 behind pitching from Mason Kotlowski and Grayson Norman on Friday night.

• Asheboro split a pair of Mid-Piedmont Conference games with Montgomery Central last week.

The Blue Comets fell 4-3 at home — a game that was in the ZooKeepers Classic lineup — before responding two nights later to win 10-5 with Shane Immel racking up four hits and Sam Gore scoring three runs.

• The top three teams in the Piedmont Athletic Conference had various results in the Wilmington Spring Break Tournament. Randleman went 2-1, while Trinity was 1-2 and

Uwharrie Charter Academy posted a 0-3 mark.

Randleman followed a 10-0 loss to Wilmington Laney by thumping Wilmington Christian 13-3 as Braxton Walker had four hits and winning pitcher Jake Riddle knocked in three runs.

Randleman’s 4-3 triumph against New Hanover came via Walker’s seven-hitter with eight strikeouts. Kai Strickland had three hits and Jackson Hill provided two doubles. After defeating Wilmington Christian 8-5 behind four RBI from Brody Little, Trinity fell 10-5 to Dixon and by 14-1 to Burns.

UCA troubles began with a 4-2 loss to Union Pines before a 6-4 setback in eight innings to Grace Christian and a 9-4 defeat to Wilmington Laney.

• At High Point, Providence Grove went 1-2 in the High Point Rockers Challenge at Truist Point.

The Patriots beat Northern Guilford 5-4 as Andrew Thomas pitched 51/3 innings. Northwest Guilford defeated Providence Grove 7-0 and Southeast Guilford pounded the Patriots 15-0. Providence Grove had one hit in each of the two defeats.

MCKENZIE from page B1

championship, winning 21 times and gaining top-three spots 31 times across 51 races.

The best part, McKenzie said, was winning the championship race, though a third-place finish would have been enough for the points title.

“How much immense pressure there was on me,” he said. “Then to stand on that car’s roof in victory lane.”

Earlier this month, McKenzie raced at Salisbury’s Millbridge Speedway, where he won for the first time on dirt in capturing the 30-lapper for Micro Sprint Cars.

“We were banging off the wall,” he said of the race’s intensity. “It’s a good learning experience.”

That outcome came with certain satisfaction.

“It’s really hard to win there,” McKenzie said. “That is the most prestigious dirt track for the cars I run.”

Afterward, the family stopped to celebrate at Waf-

AUTO RACING

fle House, took the trophy inside and drank chocolate milk.

A few hours later, McKenzie hadn’t come down from the rush of excitement.

“I sent somebody a text at like 3:25 (a.m.),” he said. “I can’t sleep.”

Full throttle

The racing pursuits require a commitment. McKenzie had attended Uwharrie Ridge, but he’s now enrolled as a freshman at Asheboro Hybrid Academy. He goes to in-person classes three times a week. He works with a personal trainer a couple of days a week and is regularly engaged on race simulators to prepare for the tracks at upcoming races.

McKenzie stands 5-foot-8 and weighs about 140 pounds. He’s the youngest driver in many of the competitions.

“For the most part, I’m racing grown men,” he said. “It feels good to show them up sometimes.”

Gronkowski taking on entertainment role in “Snake Pit” during first Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis Rob Gronkowski will have an entertainment role for his first Indianapolis 500 next month. The longtime NFL tight end will be the grand marshal for the “Snake Pit,” the infield party that takes place during “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Gronkowski is now an NFL studio analyst for Fox, which is the new broadcaster of the IndyCar Series and the Indy 500. Dance producer Illenium will headline a lineup of global electronic music artists in the Snake Pit in Turn 3 of Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the May 25 race.

For now, McKenzie falls into the category of “arrive and drive.” His teams work on the cars and prepare for the races.

“I tell them how the car feels,” he said.

There are new challenges all the time. He’s competing in multiple classifications with different cars.

For a recent race at Caraway Speedway in Limited Late Models, he drove Boo Boo Dalton’s car.

It’s these types of experiences that he said he hopes collectively continue to pay off.

“It has definitely been interesting switching between cars,” McKenzie said. “I’m switching cars from a weekly or even a daily basis. It will make a driver out of you. Your brain is wired differently between each race.”

The ARCA races are longer competitions. It’s part of the process.

“The goal is Cup Series, absolutely,” McKenzie said. “We’re on a good path. There’s nothing in the world I would like better than to make it a career.”

NCAA GYMNASTICS

Michigan men, Oklahoma women take national crowns Fort Worth, Tex. Audrey Davis posted a 9.9250 on the uneven bars to help the Oklahoma Sooners win their seventh NCAA women’s gymnastics championship. Oklahoma finished with 198.0125 points in their 11th trip to the Final Four in the last 12 seasons. UCLA — with eight national titles — placed second. Meanwhile in Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Fred Richard and Paul Juda finished first and second in the all-a round and the Wolverines edged them past five-time defending champion Stanford to win their first NCAA men’s gymnastics title since 2014.

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Trinity’s Nick Beane dives toward the plate to score a run as Wilmington Christian catcher Cayden Woolard tries to make a play.

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

Chernobyl melts down, mutiny on the Bounty, Saigon falls

The Associated Press

APRIL 24

1916: Irish republicans launched the Easter Rising, a rebellion against British rule in Ireland.

1915: The Ottoman Empire began rounding up Armenian political and cultural leaders in Constantinople, marking the start of the Armenian genocide.

1980: The United States launched Operation Eagle Claw, an unsuccessful attempt to free 53 American hostages in Iran that resulted in the deaths of eight U.S. service members.

APRIL 25

1507: A world map produced by German cartographer Martin Waldseemueller contained the first recorded use of the term “America” in honor of Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci.

1859: Ground was broken in Egypt for construction of the Suez Canal.

1915: Allied soldiers invaded the Gallipoli Peninsula in an unsuccessful attempt to take the Ottoman Empire out of World War I.

1990: The Hubble Space Telescope was deployed in orbit from the space shuttle Discovery.

APRIL 26

1607: English colonists went ashore at present-day Cape Henry, Virginia, on an expedition to establish the first permanent English settlement

in the Western Hemisphere.

1977: The legendary nightclub Studio 54 had its opening night in New York.

1986: An explosion and fire at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine caused radioactive fallout to begin spewing into the atmosphere, resulting in dozens of immediate deaths and a long-term death toll in the thousands.

APRIL 27

1521: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan in the Philippines as he attempted to expand Spanish colonization in the region.

1813: U.S. forces defeated the British garrison in present-day Toronto in the Battle of York during the War of 1812.

1865: The steamer Sultana, carrying freed Union prisoners of war, exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee, killing between 1,100 and 1,800 people.

APRIL 28

1789: Mutineers led by Fletcher Christian took control of the ship HMS Bounty three weeks after departing Tahiti, setting the ship’s captain, Lt. William Bligh, and 18 other crew members adrift in the Pacific Ocean.

1945: Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, were executed by Italian partisans.

1967: Heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali was stripped of his WBA title after he refused to be inducted into the armed forces.

APRIL 29

1945: American soldiers lib -

Heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title by the World Boxing Association on April 28, 1967, after refusing induction into the military as a conscientious objector.

erated the Dachau concentration camp.

1992: A jury in Simi Valley, California, acquitted four Los Angeles police officers charged with assault and using excessive force in the videotaped beating of motorist Rodney King.

2011: Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in an opulent ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey.

APRIL 30

1789: George Washington took the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York as the first president of the United States.

1803: The United States completed its purchase of the 828,000-square-mile Louisiana Territory from France for 60 million francs.

1945: Adolf Hitler took his own life in his Berlin bunker as Soviet troops approached, as did his wife Eva Braun.

1975: The Vietnam War ended as the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon fell to communist forces.

ED KOLENOVSKY / AP PHOTO

NICK UT / AP PHOTO

U.S. sailors transfer a South Vietnamese boy to a merchant vessel after Saigon fell to communist North Vietnamese forces on April 30, 1975.

Katy Perry gears up for ‘Lifetimes’ world tour

The singer credits Transcendental Meditation for inner strength

By Krysta Fauria

The Associated Press

ONTARIO, Calif. — In less than a year, Katy Perry has released an album, campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris and, just last week, flown to space. As she heads to Mexico City to kick off a world tour, the pop superstar shows no intention of slowing down.

“I’m always open and I say, ‘Why not?’ and ‘Let’s just try,’” she told The Associated Press.

“The power of your thoughts are so incredible because everything starts with a thought. I had this thought, ‘I want to go on tour.’ And here we are.”

With that openness to try comes accepting that not every endeavor will be a victory. Her September album, “143,” was critically panned, and celebrities like Olivia Munn and Emily Ratajkowski critiqued the spaceflight’s use of resources as superfluous and indulgent.

But Perry’s longevity and the scale of her fame since her 2008 breakout hit, “I Kissed a

“The power of your thoughts are so incredible because everything starts with a thought. I had this thought, ‘I want to go on tour.’ And here we are.”

Katy Perry

Girl,” are attributable at least in part to her willingness to get back up in the wake of a setback, as she belts in her 2013 empowerment anthem, “Roar.”

“I can control what I can control,” she said.

That mantra has been refined over the past 15 years through her practice of Transcendental Meditation. The meditation technique has been embraced by a handful of celebrities, including — perhaps most zealously — the late David Lynch, whom Perry credits with spreading the practice and its message.

“That changed my life. And I’ve gone on a long inner space journey to untangle some wires, to answer some questions, to become more grounded, to find the power within myself,” she said.

Perry is fascinated by all things spiritual, casually weaving into conversation references to astrology, the enneagram

and cardology, which purports to impart mystical insights into an individual’s personality through playing cards.

That journey has informed her approach to music and performing, down to the narrative of her sci-fi themed “Lifetimes Tour.”

Perry’s tour of more than 80 performances will primarily be a career-spanning showcase of past hits but with a dance-infused flare to some of the traditional pop songs.

In the nearly two decades since Perry emerged as a pop star, she has made tongue-in- cheek lyricism — in line with her “very sarcastic” sense of humor — and catchy messages of empowerment a signature of her songs. Critical reception to her more recent albums has been less than enthusiastic, but that hasn’t stopped the 40-year-old from going all out for this tour, calling it “Disneyland on wheels.”

Katy Perry appears at an “American Idol” Season 22 Top 10 tastemaker

Synnott heads ‘Into the Ice’ to chase Sir John Franklin maritime mystery

The British explorer and his crew never returned from the Arctic

By Rob Merrill The Associated Press

MARK SYNNOTT admits in the introduction to his new book that “it is out in the high and wild places in this world that I’ve always felt the closest to whoever it is that I really am.” While not exactly poetry, it’s a good summary of the best parts of “Into the Ice,” Synnott’s third work of long-form nonfiction after “The Impossible Climb” and “The Third Pole.” Part travelogue, part historical mystery and part memoir, “Into the Ice” will appeal to fans of extreme adventure stories.

The travelogue moments of the book are the best written, as Synnott and his crew sail his 47-foot boat Polar Sun east to west through the passage, from Nuuk, Greenland, to Nome, Alaska. “When the sun shone directly into the bay, the light reflected off the faces of the ice in infinite shades of blue and green, like a polar disco ball,” Synnott writes on a summer evening in 2022 while conjuring likenesses for icebergs with his young son.

The 6,736-mile journey takes 112 days, which provides plenty of time for readers to learn the story of British Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin and the 128 men he led on an

“Into the Ice: The Northwest Passage, the Polar Sun, and a 175-year-old Mystery” by Mark Synnott explores the Arctic and an enigma nearly two centuries old.”

expedition to discover the passage in the mid-19th century. The mystery of what happened to Franklin and all of his men has never been entirely solved, though the wrecks of both his ships were discovered earlier this century. Synnott sets out “in the wake of Erebus and Terror, (to) anchor in the same harbors, see what Franklin and his men saw. … Maybe if I fully immersed myself into the Franklin mystery, I might discover what really happened to him and his men.” Spoiler alert: He doesn’t.

SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

You would have heard about it by now. But he does dive deep into the historical record, and that’s where the book loses some momentum. At times it reads like an academic paper, as Synnott references the work of various historians through the years who have investigated the Franklin expedition. He takes us back nearly two centuries to recount Franklin’s career and what is known about his third attempt to map the Northwest Passage from 1845- 47.

The tale is more compelling when Synnott is engaging with living Franklin-ologists like Canadian Tom Gross, who has been searching for Franklin’s tomb and collecting evidence of what happened for decades. Gross was scouting King William Island in a small plane in 2015 when he observed “two black stones standing up vertically on a ridge” that did not belong a few miles inland. But in their excitement at the discovery, he and his co-pilot forgot to note the GPS coordinates and he’s still looking for what he believes were markers of Franklin’s tomb a decade later. If all this sounds like it might be better watched on TV, you’re in luck. National Geographic funded Synnott’s voyage, as it has many of his previous adventures, and the stunning scenery and drama on the high seas is available to view on Disney+ as “Explorer: Lost in the Arctic.”

JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / AP PHOTO

event in 2024.

DUTTON VIA AP

Shirley MacLaine is 91, Tim Duncan turns 49, Willie Nelson celebrates 92, Jerry Seinfeld turns 71

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

APRIL 24

Actor Shirley MacLaine is 91. Actor-singer-filmmaker Barbra Streisand is 83. Actor Michael O’Keefe is 70. Actor-comedian Cedric the Entertainer is 61. Singer-TV personality Kelly Clarkson is 43.

APRIL 25

Actor Al Pacino is 85. Actor Hank Azaria is 61. Sportscaster Joe Buck is 56. Actor Renée Zellweger is 56. Actor Jason Lee is 55. Basketball Hall of Famer Tim Duncan is 49.

APRIL 26

Actor-comedian Carol Burnett is 92. Composer-producer Giorgio Moroder is 85. Actor Giancarlo Esposito is 67. Actor Jet Li is 62. First lady Melania Trump is 55.

APRIL 27

Singer Kate Pierson of the B-52’s is 77. Guitarist Ace Frehley (Kiss) is 74. Singer Sheena Easton is 66. Singer Jim James of My Morning Jacket is 47.

APRIL 28

Actor-singer Ann-Margret is 84. Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno is 75. Actor Mary McDonnell is 73. Actor Bridget Moynahan (“Blue Bloods”) is 54. Actor Penelope Cruz is 51.

APRIL 29

Singer Willie Nelson is 92. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld

the stream

‘Andor,’ ‘Babygirl,’ Brett Goldstein standup on Max

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The second season of the Star Wars series “Andor” and the streaming release of the Wu Tang Clan’s latest album are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: Willie Nelson releases his 77th solo studio album, “Oh What a Beautiful World,” and the arrival of Nicole Kidman’s “Babygirl” on Max.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl” (streaming April 25 on Max) stars Kidman as a CEO who has an affair with a much younger male intern (Harris Dickinson). The A24 film, which earned Kidman a Golden Globe nomination, resurrects the steamy, campy atmosphere of erotic thrillers like “Basic Instinct” and “9 ½ Weeks” but tells it from a more female perspective. In my review, I wrote that the “ever-shifting gender and power dynamics make ‘Babygirl’ seldom predictable — even if the film is never quite as daring as it seems to think it is.”

Gareth Evans, the Welsh filmmaker of “The Raid” franchise, returns with more brutal, choreographed mayhem in “Havoc” (Friday on Netflix), an action thriller starring Tom Hardy as a detective battling a criminal underworld. Jessie Mei Li, Timothy Olyphant, Forest Whitaker and Luis Guzmán co-star.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Wu-Tang Clan is forever, but their touring days are numbered. In June, the legendary hip-hop group will embark on a final tour titled “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber.” Whether you’re planning on attending or not, there is no bad time to throw on one of their records. On Friday, Wu-Tang’s joint album with Mathematics, “Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman,” released earlier this month as a Record Store Day exclusive, will hit streaming platforms. Why not start there?

Calling Nelson prolific is about as revelatory as saying the sky is blue; it is self-evident. On Friday, he’ll release his 77th solo studio album, “Oh What a Beautiful World,” celebrating the work of songwriter Rodney Crowell. Nelson embodies many Crowell classics — like 1976’s “Banks of The Old Bandera,” recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker and 1981’s “Shame on the Moon” for Bob Seger. Crowell and Nelson join forces on the song’s title cut. The album also arrives just five months after his 76th solo studio album, “Last Leaf on the Tree,” his first produced entirely by his son Micah. “He’s a real artist,” Nelson described his son to The Associated Press at the time. “He picked all the songs.”

TELEVISION TO STREAM

The “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” prequel series “Andor” returns for its second and final season on Disney+. Diego Luna stars as Rebel spy Cassian Andor and follows his radicalization against the Galactic Empire lead-

ing up to “Rogue One” and “Star Wars.” The first season of “Andor” was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding drama series and received praise from critics. It also stars Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgard, Fiona Shaw and Genevieve O’Reilly. Penn Badgley is closing out his chapter as the stalking serial killer Joe Goldberg — who is also disturbingly likeable, but that’s for a therapy session — in Netflix’s “You.” Its fifth and final season debuts Thursday. While Season 4 took place in London with Joe working as a literature professor, he’s now returned to his hometown of New York. Joe is married to Kate Lockwood (played by Charlotte Ritchie) whom he met in Season 4 — and they’re a New York power couple. Joe is happy with Kate and intends to stop killing people, but the guy is prone to building tangled webs of obsession that leave dead bodies in his wake. The new episodes also feature Madeline Brewer of “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Anna Camp.

In Season 1 of Hulu’s “Vanderpump Villa,” Lisa Vanderpump oversaw a young staff at a French chateau that both lived and worked together for the

summer. For Season 2, she’s relocated to a castle in Italy and brought roughly half of the “Villa” staff with her. She’s also invited “Vanderpump” all-star, Stassi Schroeder to be a special VIP and to serve as her eyes and ears with the staff. Schroeder starred on “Vanderpump Rules” for eight seasons before she was fired for slurs and racial profiling in 2020. Schroeder has since written two best-selling books, launched a new podcast, got married and become a mother of two. “Vanderpump Villa” premieres Thursday.

When Brett Goldstein isn’t writing and acting in hit shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking,” he’s a busy stand-up comedian. Goldstein recently taped his first comedy special, “Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life,” on Max. Bravo has tapped some of its most famous single ladies from “The Real Housewives” to star in a new dating show called “Love Hotel.” Cameras follow Shannon Storms Beador (“The Real Housewives of Orange County”), Luann de Lesseps (“The Real Housewives of New York City”) and Gizelle Bryant and Ashley Darby (“The Real Housewives of

Potomac”) as they stay at a hotel in Los Cabos, Mexico, and meet eligible bachelors who are just visitors to the property, unless they get an official invite from one of the ladies to check in. Bravo superfan Joel Kim Booster hosts as their “Love Concierge.” “Love Hotel,” is now streaming on Peacock.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Every year, the mystical Paintress paints a new number, and every person of that age dies. This year’s number is 33, so it’s up to the crew of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to try to stop her. It’s the debut title from French developer Sandfall Interactive, and it aspires to the storytelling, exploration and turn-ba sed team combat of classic role-playing games like Final Fantasy and Persona. The graphics evoke the lush glamor of Belle Epoque Paris, while the voice cast features heavyweights like Charlie Cox (“Daredevil”) and Andy Serkis (“The Lord of the Rings”). It’s rare for a young studio to launch such an ambitious RPG series — and we’ll see if it pays off Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

Willie Nelson drops his 77th solo album

“Andor,” “You” and the comedy special “Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life” are now streaming.

SONY VIA AP

Willie Nelson’s new album, “Oh What a Beautiful World,” drops Friday.

HOKE COUNTY

Planning for the future

Hoke County Schools held its first Non-Traditional Career Fair on Thursday in MacDonald Gymnasium on the campus of Hoke High School. Middle and high school students explored career paths they may not have previously considered, introducing them to diverse industries and professions.

Above, students speak with a U.S. Army National Guard recruiter as Hoke County School Board member Ruben Catellon looks on at the next booth.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Federal report on Lumbee Tribe recognition path expected

Pembroke Members of the Lumbee Tribe are awaiting the release of a Department of the Interior report that could light a path for federal recognition as a tribal nation. President Donald Trump issued a memo in January directing the department to create a plan to “assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits.” The deadline for the plan is this week. The Lumbee have had a difficult time convincing the federal government, Congress and some recognized tribes that their claims to Native ancestry are legitimate.

Student loans in default to be referred to debt collection

Washington, D.C.

The Education Department will begin collection next month on roughly 5.3 million student loan borrowers who are in default, including the garnishing of wages for potentially millions of borrowers, officials said Monday. Beginning May 5, the department will start involuntary collection through the Treasury Department’s offset program, which withholds payments from the government, including tax refunds, federal salaries and other benefits, from people with past-due debts to the government. After a 30-day notice, the department will also begin garnishing wages for borrowers in default.

Students recognized for NC Governor’s School selections

Both students selected attend SandHoke Early College High School

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — The Hoke County Board of Education recognized two students who were selected to take part in the North Carolina Governor’s School.

Hailey Benson and Gabriel Cabezudo, both juniors at SandHoke Early College High School, were the district’s nominees.

“The North Carolina Governor’s School is the oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students in the nation,” said AIG Director Faydra Womble. “It is a four-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students where learn-

ing focuses on their exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline. Students have to really have a passion for their chosen discipline and we’ve chosen well this evening.”

Benson will attend for English and Cabezudo will attend for Mathematics.

The board also approved the purchase of OpenGate Weapons Detection Systems utilizing Center for Safer Schools Safe Schools grant.

OpenGate is a walkthrough weapon detection system that utilizes sensors and artificial intelligence to distinguish potential weapons from personal items.

Those passing through the system wouldn’t need to have their bags separately searched, allowing for faster screening, and the systems are more mobile and easier to move than traditional metal detectors.

The board was also present-

“Students have to really have a passion for their chosen discipline and we’ve chosen well this evening.”

Faydra

Womble, AIG director

ed with three upcoming contracts that will all be voted on at the board’s meeting next month (May 13). The first was the contract for driver’s education.

According to assistant superintendent Chad Hunt, the district’s current driver’s ed contract will expire June 30.

“The service is provided to all eligible students in Hoke County,” Hunt said. “The contractor provides all the equipment and supplies, including vehicles, fuel and maintenance,

School board considering ceasing business with The News-Journal

Newly elected board member Jessica Brown is the owner of The News-Journal

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — The Hoke County Board of Education is considering ceasing doing business with The News-Journal due to ethical concerns.

The conflict is that Jessica Brown, who was elected to the board in November, is the owner of the News Journal.

At the board’s April 15 meeting, two separate votes on the matter were held – one to cease all business outside of advertisement for district functions and information and one to

cease all business entirely – but each failed with a split vote 2-2.

Board chair Catherine Blue and board member Angela Southerland voted to cease all business, while board members Ruben Castellon and Rosa McAllister-McRae were in favor of continuing to do business for advertising purposes only.

“The advertising we’re discussing is things like kindergarten registration, bids for public contracts,” Brown said. “That’s what’s being discussed.” Brown wasn’t allowed to vote on the matter.

“I think it’s unethical that we continue to do business with the News Journal being that we have the owner on this board,” Southerland said. “I feel like it’s unethical according to the law.

As far as advertisement, we can advertise on social media, we have other ways we can advertise, other newspapers that are in our county that we can also do business with.”

“Thank you so much for all y’all do for the kids in Hoke County,” Blue said to Brown.

“I do appreciate it and I understand that. But, to me, it’s not right that the owner sits on the board and that we’ll be getting funds from the district on the board in which she sits.”

The reason why the matter is even able to be discussed though is that an exception can be granted for special circumstances. According to North Carolina state law, exceptions to the conflict of interest rule can be made for counties with no vil-

all the staff members are certified in both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, and the company also manages student registration, monthly invoices and completes all state required reports.”

The district received two responses, one from Major League Driving School and the other from North Carolina Driving School, which is the one recommended by staff.

“They were the only vendor to meet all insurance requirements and identify the ability to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities,” Hunt said. “They also currently contract with 40 other school districts, they have 36 years of experience, they were also identified as the lowest responsible bidder and they had the highest average rubric score.”

The board was also presented

lage, town or city with a population more than 20,000 people and so long as the business in question has not exceeded $60,000 in any single 12-month calendar period.

However, the board has to grant that exception.

“I’d like to say to the public that there is no law being broken because Hoke County fits the exception to the law,” Brown said. “They aren’t making an exception for the News Journal, there is already an exception in the law that allows for this to take place because of our small community.”

Since the item failed though, by law, Hoke New Journal cannot do business with the board due to the conflict of interest, but the item could still potentially be brought back up again.

“No matter what decision the people on this board make, the News Journal and myself will always put Hoke County students first,” Brown said.

The Hoke County Schools Board of Education will next meet May 13.

WEEKLY FORECAST

THURSDAY

Three justices live in the Maryland county at issue in the parental rights case

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using storybooks with LGBTQ characters.

The court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in sub -

BOARD from page A1

with a $56,000 contract renewal for Reading Horizon.

“Reading Horizons is a research-based reading program grounded in the science of reading,” said Executive Director of Digital Teaching and Learning Dawn Ramseur. “It provides explicit, sequential, direct and multisensory instruction to

urban Washington, D.C., could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material.

The case is one of three religious rights cases at the court this term. The court has repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination recently.

The school district introduced the storybooks in 2022, with such titles as “Prince and Knight” and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” as part of an effort to better reflect the district’s diversity.

Parents initially were al-

support early literacy development for all of our students.”

According to Ramseur, Reading Horizon has been in use since 2019 and was fully implemented in all district K-3 classrooms by 2022.

“It really is about building a strong foundation for our students in literacy,” Ramseur said.

Finally, the board also discussed a potential $46,000

lowed to opt their children out of the lessons for religious and other reasons, but the school board reversed course a year later, prompting protests and eventually a lawsuit.

The case hit unusually close to home, as three justices live in the county, though none sent their children to public schools.

“I guess I am a bit mystified as a lifelong resident of the county how it came to this,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh said. Kavanaugh also expressed surprise that the school system was “not respecting religious liberty,” especially because of the county’s diverse population

contract renewal for Canvas.

“We’re using Canvas as our LMS, which is our learning management system,” Ramseur said. “It serves as our comprehensive, digital platform to support teaching and learning both during the school day and beyond it.

and Maryland’s history as a haven for Catholics.

Pressed repeatedly about why the school system couldn’t reinstitute an opt-out policy, lawyer Alan Schoenfeld said, “It tried that. It failed. It was not able to accommodate the number of opt-outs at issue.”

Justices referred to several of the books, but none as extensively as “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” in which a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married to another man. A decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor is expected by early summer.

“In our district, Canvas provides an extension of learning for students, allowing them to access assignments, course materials and teacher feedback 24/7. It allows for seamless communication between teachers, students and their parents and families, and it is a consistent platform that we’re using from grade three all the way through grade 12.”

The Hoke County Board of Education will next meet May 13.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

North Carolina’s clean energy boom: a blueprint for economic growth and American energy independence

TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high‑quality jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000.

NORTH CAROLINA is at the forefront of the clean energy economy, emerging as a national leader in research, innovation and technology. Lawmakers’ bipartisan efforts to advance clean energy are a direct investment in the middle class, revitalizing communities statewide.

North Carolina’s strategic clean energy investments are not just strengthening the state’s economy; they are reshaping global supply chains and strengthening the nation’s position on the world stage. By reducing reliance on foreign energy and bringing manufacturing back to American soil, these investments are stimulating innovation, creating high-paying jobs and advancing the nation’s energy independence — all of which are key to long-term growth and competitiveness in the global market.

North Carolina’s south-central region is the epitome of this, with major investments from Sunlight Batteries and Toyota transforming the historically rural and low-income communities. With a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector innovation, North Carolina can now be a prime destination for both international and domestic investment, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy economy are widespread.

Our congressional district exemplifies how clean energy projects are no longer confined to urban tech hubs as they are revitalizing communities across the state. More than 62% of new clean energy jobs, 70% of new clean energy investments and nearly half of all projects in North Carolina are located in low-income communities. These investments are fostering job creation, strengthening supply chains and promoting long-term economic stability.

Toyota’s first North American battery plant (TBMNC) is taking shape in Liberty, marking a $13.9 billion investment in advanced manufacturing. TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high-quality jobs to Randolph County,

with salaries averaging $62,000 — more than 60% higher than the county’s current average wage. This is a major win for the American industry, strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

In Alamance County, Sunlight Batteries USA — a tech company specializing in energy storage systems — seeks to transform Mebane with its $40 million investment in a lithium-ion production facility. Projected to create more than 200 jobs and contribute approximately $390 million to the state economy, the company reflects North Carolina’s broader commitment to American energy dominance and statewide economic prosperity.

Nevertheless, the clean energy transition comes with its own set of challenges. Wolfspeed, a silicon carbide chip manufacturing company, plans to invest $5 billion in Chatham County, which is projected to create 1,800 well-paying jobs and transform a county that is 84% rural.

However, following the company’s massive stock drop, leadership changes and uncertainty surrounding federal incentives like the CHIPS Act, the future of Wolfspeed remains uncertain. Such setbacks underscore the importance of bipartisan efforts to provide long-term policy stability and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in clean energy manufacturing.

While market challenges have slowed some projects, several other new clean energy projects are on the horizon in the district, putting the state in a great position to remain a technology and energy epicenter. Most recently, Gov. Josh Stein announced Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, LLC’s (PTT) plan to expand its transformer manufacturing capacity in Hoke County. A leading domestic manufacturer of power and distribution transformers for innovative energy markets, PTT will advance clean American energy and economic growth.

Sadly, the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier future

has long been hindered by its politicization, yet North Carolinians know economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand. The state’s investments in clean energy have yielded tangible benefits, from spurring innovation to new infrastructure to record-breaking job creation, proving we do not need to sacrifice the economy in the name of the environment.

Public opinion reflects this reality, with polling data from Clear Path Action finding that 62% of Republicans believe it is important that their congressional representative support clean energy policies. This widespread support aligns with North Carolina’s pro-growth, pro-business approach to energy, which prioritizes market-driven solutions and strategic investments that attract private-sector innovation. By leveraging tax incentives and fostering a competitive business climate, the state has positioned itself as a leader in the energy markets of the future. Ultimately proving that conservative principles and environmental progress can go hand in hand to bolster American energy independence.

As a North Carolinian in the 9th district, I have witnessed firsthand how clean energy investments have transformed our state. The future is bright. With artificial intelligence expanding at an unprecedented pace alongside President Donald Trump’s new $500 billion vision for advancing infrastructure, North Carolina has both the resources and the opportunity to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies. By embracing innovation and fostering an environment where economic growth and environmental stewardship move in unison, the state can continue to lead the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Kira Walsh is a volunteer with the American Conservation Coalition, based in Pittsboro.

Democrats’ bizarrely misplaced empathy

Abrego Garcia isn’t the only awful person Democrats have attempted to sanctify.

DEMOCRATS DECIDED to expend their quickly diminishing political capital in defense of a deported Salvadoran illegal immigrant named Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia was deported to El Salvador some weeks ago; the Department of Justice initially admitted that his deportation was an “administrative error.” It turns out that Abrego Garcia had an order withholding removal to his home country, due to his claims that returning to El Salvador would risk his life. Nonetheless, the administration flew him to that country’s Terrorism Confinement Center, where he is apparently being held to date. Initially, a district court judge ruled that Abrego Garcia’s removal was violative of due process and that the administration had to “facilitate” his return to the United States. The case was elevated to the Supreme Court, which found 9-0 that while the executive branch likely had the power to order his deportation, it still had to follow court orders to “facilitate” his temporary return for due process reasons. The Trump administration, for its part, claims that it has already “facilitated” his release from custody — that they’ve asked Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele nicely to release him, and that Bukele has refused.

Bukele sat in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump and said just that: “The question is preposterous: How can I

smuggle a terrorist into the United States?”

Regardless of the legal wrangling over the case — and there is in fact a solid legal basis to the idea that the administration ought to temporarily return Abrego Garcia just to receive a court hearing, after which he can be deported right back again — Democrats have wrong-footed themselves yet again. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) decided to fly down to El Salvador to visit Abrego Garcia; other Congressional Democrats vowed to do the same. In their telling, Abrego Garcia is an innocent caught up in the mills of wrongheaded justice. But Abrego Garcia is indeed a nefarious character. It turns out that aside from his illegal immigration status, Garcia’s wife accused him of “violently beating her multiple times” in a 2021 court filing, according to the Daily Mail. When he was originally arrested in 2019, arrest records show he was found with cash and drugs, as well as two other members of MS-13, while wearing gear associated with MS-13. And this is the person Democrats have tried to valorize. Abrego Garcia isn’t the only awful person Democrats have attempted to sanctify.

Democrats have also rushed to the defense of terror supporter and Columbia student visa holder Mohsen Mahdawi, who posted on his social media in commemoration of his terrorist cousin: “a leader of a fierce resistance fighter.” The New York Times went so far as to headline

his story, “He Wanted Peace in the Middle East. ICE Wants to Deport Him.”

Meanwhile, Democrats have little to say about the illegal immigrant killer of Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five who was raped and murdered; Rachel’s mother, Patty, visited the White House briefing room to explain the case to a media that largely ignored it. Democrats similarly have gone silent about the burning of the home of Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.); his home was set aflame by an anti-Israel man who said he wanted to let Shapiro know he “will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.”

Democrats’ inconsistency here speaks volumes: If you are an illegal immigrant criminal, they will either ignore it or downplay it; if you are a visa-holder or criminal who favors Hamas, they will do the same.

Democrats have a wide variety of lines they can use to attack the Trump administration. But their binary view of the world — opponents of Trump must by necessity be good — leads them down dark pathways. Which means that no matter how much they decry the lack of due process, nobody will trust them with the levers of power.

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

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

COLUMN | KIRA WALSH

Indian police say gunmen kill at least 20 tourists in Kashmir

The attack coincided with a visit from U.S. Vice President JD Vance

By Aijaz Hussain The Associated Press

SRINAGAR, India — Indian police say gunmen have killed at least 20 tourists at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Two senior police officers said at least four gunmen, whom they described as militants, fired at dozens of tourists from close range Tuesday. The officers said at least three dozen others were injured, many in serious condition. They spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with departmental policy.

Officials collected at least 20 bodies in Baisaran meadow, some three miles from the disputed region’s resort town of Pahalgam.

Police described the incident as a “terror attack” and blamed militants fighting against Indian rule. It appeared to be a major shift in the regional conflict in which tourists have largely been spared.

“This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen direct-

Karen

Indian security officers patrol in armored vehicles near Pahalgam in south Kashmir after assailants indiscriminately opened

at tourists in Pahalgam in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday.

ed at civilians in recent years,” Omar Abdullah, the region’s top elected official, wrote on social media.

Police were searching for the attackers. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

and against the ethos of Kashmir which welcomes visitors with love and warmth.”

The attack coincided with the visit to India of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is on a largely personal four-day stop.

“Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” Vance said on social media.

The meadow in Pahalgam is a popular sightseeing destination, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dotted with pine forests. It is visited by hundreds of tourists every day.

The region, known for rolling Himalayan foothills, exquisitely decorated houseboats and pristine meadows, has become a major domestic tourist destination. Kashmir has drawn millions of visitors who enjoy a strange peace kept by ubiquitous security checkpoints, armored vehicles and patrolling soldiers. Although violence has ebbed in recent times in the Kashmir Valley, the heart of anti-India rebellion, fighting between government forces and rebels has largely shifted to remote areas of Jammu region including Rajouri, Poonch and Kathua, where Indian troops have faced deadly attacks.

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety.

“We will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences,” Shah wrote on social media.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a key Kashmiri resistance leader, condemned what he described as a “cowardly attack on tourists,” writing on social media that “such violence is unacceptable

India’s home minister, Amit Shah, was heading to Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on an official visit in Saudi Arabia, has been briefed.

Kashmir has seen a spate of targeted killings of Hindus, including immigrant workers from Indian states, after New Delhi ended the region’s semi-autonomy in 2019 and drastically curbed dissent, civil liberties and media freedoms.

Tensions have been simmering as India has intensified its counterinsurgency operations.

Read’s second murder trial revives debate over who killed her Boston police officer boyfriend

Read has become a cause célèbre among the true crime podcast set

By Michael Casey The Associated Press

DEDHAM, Mass. — The second murder trial of Karen Read, whose case has sparked a national debate on police accountability and won her legions of devoted fans, began with opening statements Tuesday, more than three years after the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend.

Read is accused of striking her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, with her SUV in 2022 and leaving him to die alone in the snow outside of a house party in Canton, a suburb about 20 miles south of Boston. She has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene.

During the first trial last year, prosecutors said Read intentionally backed into O’Keefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The defense said that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that O’Keefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party.

A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.

The biggest difference in the

current trial is the lead prosecutor, Hank Brennan. Brought in as a special prosecutor after the mistrial, the former defense attorney has represented a number of prominent clients, including notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger.

Brennan began his opening statement Tuesday by describing the firefighter who raced to the scene in near-blizzard conditions and found Read and two other women surrounding O’Keefe’s body on the ground.

“He stepped out into bedlam,” he said.

The firefighter then asked Read what had happened, he said.

“You’ll hear her words, ‘I hit him. I hit him. I hit him,’” Brennan said. “She admitted what she had done that night.”

Brennan told jurors that

“facts and data” will lead them to the truth, and that Read’s own statements will confirm it. But Defense Attorney Alan Jackson began his opening statement by saying the prosecution’s case was based on a “brazen and flawed assertion that is untethered to the facts and the evidence.”

“John O’Keefe did not die from being hit by a vehicle,” he said. “The facts will show that. The evidence will show that. The data will show that. The science will show that, and the experts will tell you that.”

Many of the factors that made the first trial must-see television will feature in the second. Most of the the same witnesses are back, as are Read’s aggressive defense team and dozens of her supporters camped out near the courthouse — many carry-

“I’m here for justice. The murderer going to jail and Karen being exonerated, that would be justice.”

Ashlyn Wade, a Read supporter outside the courthouse

ing “Free Karen Read” signs and wearing pink. Read, who has been featured in several documentaries about her case, has become a minor celebrity.

A few dozen of Read’s supporters, many holding American flags, stood in front of the courthouse Tuesday morning before moving a block away to comply with a court-ordered buffer zone. Those who were reuniting hugged each other, while others took time to bring newcomers up to speed on the case.

“I’m here for justice,” said Ashlyn Wade, a Read supporter from Canton. “The murderer going to jail and Karen being exonerated, that would be justice.”

The prosecution, however, stands to benefit from a pretrial ruling from Judge Beverly Cannone that defense attorneys can’t mention potential third-party culprits in their opening statements. They can develop a case against two law enforcement officers but cannot implicate Albert’s nephew, Colin Albert, as they did in the first trial.

“I view it as a blow to the defense strategy but not a knock-

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels’ goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

out punch,” Daniel Medwed, a law professor at Northeastern University, said of the ruling. “All the defense needs to do is create reasonable doubt about Karen (Read’s) guilt, and that doesn’t require pointing to an alternative perpetrator as a matter of law.”

Legal experts expect prosecutors to focus on Read’s behavior as they did during the first trial — her volatile relationship with O’Keefe and their night of heavy drinking. They also predict the prosecution will lay out a stronger and more coherent case that Read clipped O’Keefe with the back of her SUV and sent him tumbling to the ground — using data from her car, video and stronger expert testimony.

“The Commonwealth will focus on the theme drilled into us since middle school — Drinking, Driving, Deadly Consequences,” Michael Coyne, the dean of Massachusetts School of Law at Andover, said in an email.

The defense is expected to offer evidence that what they see as a sloppy police investigation was biased and that law enforcement officers set Read up to protect the real killers. They could be helped by an audit of the Canton Police Department released last month that found several mistakes with the investigation — but no evidence of a cover-up.

One of the key witnesses will be former State Trooper Michael Proctor. He led the investigation but has since been fired after a disciplinary board found that he sent sexist and crude texts about Read to his family and colleagues.

“Michael Proctor and his dismissal from the force may very well serve as the elephant in the courtroom throughout the proceedings,” Medwed said.

happy

discuss your needs or questions. We’re here to help!

DAR YASIN / AP PHOTO

fired

STUART CAHILL / BOSTON HERALD VIA AP

Karen Read listens during opening arguments at Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts.

HOKE SPORTS

Softball gets hot down the stretch

North State Journal staff

SOFTBALL AND baseball finished their regular seasons prior to this week’s spring break. Girls’ soccer still has a week left on the schedule, while the other two teams await the postseason.

Softball

Hoke County finished the regular season with a six‑game winning streak that was snapped in the final game. After opening April with wins over Lee County (8 3), Lumberton (5 4), Richmond (3 2), South ern Lee (8 0), Union Pines (6 5) and Pinecrest (18 0), the Bucks were stopped by Purnell Swett in a nonconference game, 10 6

Alyssa Cascavilla, Chica Amador and Niya Jones had multi hit games in both of last week’s contests, while McK enzie Freeman added a 4 for 4 day against Pinecrest. Kenne di Bowman and Bailey Moss both added multihit games last

week, while Freeman, Bowman and Kalea Parker had multi ple RBI days.

Hoke County now enters postseason play with a 16 5 re cord, 9 3 in the Sandhills, good for second place. It’s the most wins the Bucks have posted in a season since 2018, when they finished the year with a 16 9 mark. It’s their most conference wins in at least 15 years.

Girls’ soccer

The Bucks opened April with four straight losses before win ning back to back games head ing into spring break. Hoke fell at home to Lee County (3‑0) then lost on the road at Pur nell Swett (5 0) and Richmond (4 0). That gave the Bucks eight straight games where one team was shut out. Unfortunately, Hoke was on the receiving end of the blanking in six of them. The skid continued with a 4 1 home loss to Southern Lee before Hoke got hot against a

pair of nonconference foes. The Bucks blanked Douglas Byrd 5 0 then won at West Bladen 2 0.

Three games remain in the regular season, two of them at home. The Bucks will return to the pitch on April 28, following spring break.

Baseball

Hoke baseball finished the regular season on a 12 game losing streak, dropping the reg ular season finale at Purnell Swett 13 3 last week. The Bucks stand at 2 19, 0 12 in the Sand hills as they await word on their postseason fate following spring break.

Hoke got hits from Carson Hewitt and EJ Carter, who had a two hit night, in the Swett game. Hewitt and Jacob Wil liams drove in runs, while Ry land Hunt, Dawson Spivey and Jayden Hollingsworth scored them. Hollingsworth, Spivey and Hunt added stolen bases.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Sam Wright (12) takes a throw on a play at third base during Hoke County’s game against Pinecrest earlier this month.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Alyssa Cascavilla

Hoke County, softball

Alyssa Cascavilla is a senior shortstop for the Hoke County softball team. The Bucks had their best regular season in recent memory, and Cascavilla was a key factor in their success.

Alyssa leads the team in average and hits, is second in on-base percentage, fielding and steals and third in RBIs and slugging. Last week, she went 4 for 4 against Pinecrest with a double, stolen base, two runs and an RBI. Against Purnell Swett, she went 2 for 4 with two runs scored.

The NFL Draft will incorporate the tradition and small town feel of Green Bay, Wisconsin

By Steve Megargee

The Associated Press

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The NFL Draft’s annual pilgrimage to cities across the league is ar riving in Green Bay next week with all the pageantry that comes from operating in the home of the NFL’s only publicly owned franchise.

As soon as the NFL started taking its draft around the coun try nearly a decade ago, Pack ers officials wondered what it would take to bring the event to Green Bay. They realized they’d never get a Super Bowl because of Green Bay’s small population and frigid February weather. Hosting a draft would be the next best thing.

The possibility that Packers president/CEO Mark Murphy envisioned so long ago now be comes reality just as he prepares for his retirement this summer.

The Green Bay metro area in cludes about 320,000 people.

The city itself has a population of under 110,000. Bringing the draft to a town of this size creates obstacles that league officials didn’t have to worry about when this event took place in Chicago, Philadelphia or other major met ro areas.

Green Bay has about 5,000 hotel rooms, a figure that gets up to 10,000 when nearby Appleton is included. That means plenty of fans watching the draft may have to stay a couple of hours away in Milwaukee or Madison, though many of them already are accus tomed to doing that for Packers home games.

The smaller population like ly means a smaller number of people at this draft. Murphy

said a total attendance of about 250,000 is expected, less than one third of the record crowd of over 775,000 that attended last year’s draft in Detroit.

One of the NFL’s greatest training camp rituals occurs at Green Bay each summer, as play ers borrow children’s bicycles

to ride from the locker room to the practice field. Packers offi cials referenced this tradition in their draft bid by sending a Pack ers themed bike to NFL Com missioner Roger Goodell’s office.

“We had our draft pitch in vid eo form in the basket in the Pack er bike,” said Gabrielle Dow, the Packers’ vice president of mar keting and fan engagement.

Without giving too much away, Barker said part of Thurs day’s draft opening will incorpo rate that bike tradition. A bike parade for children is planned for Saturday. Lambeau Field also will play a central role in this draft, though this sprawling event en compasses millions of square feet surrounding the stadium. Admission is free, and television screens all over the area will en able fans to watch the draft even if they’re far from the stage and taking in the NFL Draft Expe rience, a fan festival featuring

games, exhibits, activities and autograph sessions.

“I think it’ll be a three day commercial not just for Green Bay but for the entire state,” Murphy said. “So many different things that are unique and spe cial to Wisconsin, you’ll see that as a part of it.”

The draft should have an eco nomic impact of $20 million for Brown County and $90 mil lion for Wisconsin, according to Beth Jones Schnese, Greater Green Bay Chamber vice presi dent of marketing/member en gagement. She said that equates to the amount generated by three straight Packers home‑game weekends. It also means some in conveniences for local residents with all the road closures and traffic headaches.

Then again, this community is used to expanding for sever al weekends each football sea son. This is just a super sized example.

TYLER KAUFMAN / AP PHOTO

Historic Lambeau Field will be the centerpiece of the 2025 NFL Draft this week.

Hurricanes overwhelm Devils in Game 1 win

Carolina outshot the Devils 45-24 to take a 1-0 series lead

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour shrugged off a question on the local broadcast before the game about who he thinks his team’s surprise player might be this postseason. Instead, Brind’Amour said his team will be successful if everyone does their job.

He got exactly that in Sun day’s Game 1 against the New Jersey Devils.

Logan Stankoven had two second period goals and Caroli na nearly doubled up the Devils in shots, dominating Game 1 for a 4 1 Easter matinee win at Le novo Center.

“For us to win, we’re going to need 20 guys chipping in and after a game going, ‘OK, I con tributed some way, somehow,’” Brind’Amour said. “And I think that’s what we got tonight.”

After a dominant opening 20 minutes, the Hurricanes took control in the second — and it was Stankoven doing the damage.

Already up 1 0 on a Jalen Chatfield goal at 2:24 of the first, Carolina doubled its lead early in the second thanks to its forecheck.

Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook pressured Nico His chier behind the New Jersey net, and the Devils captain bob bled the puck.

Martinook whacked it to Stankoven in the slot, and the rookie’s shot trickled through Jacob Markstrom (41 saves) to double the lead at 6:37 of the second.

“I love playing in the big games and meaningful hock ey,” said Stankoven, who played 19 playoff games with the Stars last season and came to Caroli na at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Mikko Rantanen to Dallas. “I’m motivated to try

SIDELINE REPORT

AUTO RACING

Gronkowski taking on entertainment role in “Snake Pit” during first Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis Rob Gronkowski will have an entertainment role for his first Indianapolis 500 next month. The longtime NFL tight end will be the grand marshal for the “Snake Pit,” the infield party that takes place during “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Gronkowski is now an NFL studio analyst for Fox, which is the new broadcaster of the IndyCar Series and the Indy 500. Dance producer Illenium will headline a lineup of global electronic music artists in the Snake Pit in Turn 3 of Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the May 25 race.

MLB

It’s a girl! 2-way star Ohtani of Dodgers now a father

Arlington, Tex.

Two way star Shohei Ohtani is now a father. The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger has posted on Instagram that his wife gave birth to a girl. “Congratulations Sho!” Manager Dave Roberts proclaimed while saying he wasn’t sure what the baby’s name was. The 30 year old Ohtani missed the first two games of the series matching the past two World Series champions.

and contribute in any way pos sible, and it’s always a nice feel ing to get on the score sheet.”

Stankoven then struck again, this time on the pow er play. Taylor Hall corralled a bouncing puck along the left boards and zipped a cross ice pass to Stankoven, who shot off the far post and in to extend the lead to 3 0 at 13:08 of the middle frame.

“Those are two great addi tions for us,” Brind’Amour said of acquiring Hall and Stank oven in midseason trades.

Hischier’s goal late in the second period — at 4 on 4 b e cause Timo Meier and Shayne Gostisbehere were serving

NCAA GYMNASTICS

Michigan men, Oklahoma women take national crowns Fort Worth, Tex. Audrey Davis posted a 9.9250 on the uneven bars to help the Oklahoma Sooners win their seventh NCAA women’s gymnastics championship. Oklahoma finished with 198.0125 points in their 11th trip to the Final Four in the last 12 seasons. UCLA — with eight national titles — placed second. Meanwhile in Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Fred Richard and Paul Juda finished first and second in the all‑around and the Wolverines edged them past five time defending champion Stanford to win their first NCAA men’s gymnastics title since 2014.

NBA

Cleveland’s Atkinson wins coach of the year award after leading Cavs to 64-win season

Cleveland Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson has been announced as the winner of the National Basketball Coaches Association’s coach of the year award after leading the Cavaliers to a 64 w in season and the No. 1 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs. The NBA will also give out a coach of the year award in the coming weeks. The NBCA has done its own separate award since 2017 named for Michael H. Goldberg, the organization’s first executive director.

matching minors — came on a rush up the left wing, and he fired a shot past Frederik An dersen (23 saves) to the far side to give New Jersey a glimmer of hope.

But after a good push by the Devils to start the third, Car olina regained control of the game, and Andrei Svechnikov added an empty net goal with 2:28 remaining to seal the win.

“It’s just one game,” Hur ricanes captain Jordan Staal said, “and hopefully a long run ahead of us here, and we’ll take the win.”

The Hurricanes got off to a fast start thanks to an offen sive zone faceoff win.

Jack Roslovic won a draw that Eric Robinson pushed back to the right point.

Chatfield’s shot made its way through a William Carri er screen and past Markstrom to make it 1 0 a t 2:24 of the opening period.

“The building was already rocking before, but after we got the first one, it got even louder,” Chatfield said. “And we can build behind that, and we’re gonna continue to do that and just keep playing our game. “

Brind’Amour had tough de cisions to make with a ful ly healthy lineup, going with Roslovic over Mark Jankows

ki on the fourth line, starting Andersen over Pyotr Kochet kov and deciding to keep his defense intact instead of shoe horning in prized prospect Al exander Nikishin.

“I guess you could say we made the right decisions,” Brind’Amour said. “I think we really couldn’t go wrong.”

Devils coach Sheldon Keefe, meanwhile, said the second period — when New Jersey was outshot 21 8 — s ealed his team’s fate.

“I thought the second peri od we were just overwhelmed. … To a man, myself included, we’re going to have to be bet ter in Game 2, clearly,” he said.

KARL DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven (22) hugs Jordan Staal following the first of the rookie’s two goals in Carolina’s 4-1 win Sunday over the Devils in Game 1 of their first round playoff series.

obituaries

Connie Millan Smith

Jan. 18, 1963 – April 12, 2025

Ms. Connie Millan Smith, aged 62, went home to rest with her Heavenly Father on April 12, 2025.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 25, 1 p.m., at Leach Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Connie will be greatly missed.

Carolyn Louise Baker English

Oct. 3, 1937 – April 10, 2025

Ms. Carolyn Louise Baker English, of Raeford, NC, went to her Heavenly home on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the age of 87. She was born in Hoke County on October 03, 1937, to the late Henry and Mattie Baker. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by all of her brothers, and sister; her long-time companion, Phillip Richardson; her granddaughter, Connie Duncan; and her son-inlaw, Donald Duncan.

Carolyn was a long-time member of Community United Methodist Church. She was the owner and operator of Community Grocery in Five Points. She was well-known and well-loved in the community.

After retirement, she spent her days with her family, going on vacations, having girls’ days with her daughters and grandchildren, gardening, and birdwatching.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Joyce Duncan, Donna Garner (Harold), Brenda Beavers (Archie), and Linda Schlosser (Rod); her grandchildren, Dustin, Charles, Cassonia, Taylor, Joseph, Christina, and Gage; her many great-grandchildren; her number one best friend, Nancy Baker; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 pm on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376.

A service will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Mike Garner officiating.

Burial and committal ceremony will be in the Five Points Community Chapel Cemetery, 2999 Calloway Road, Raeford, NC 28376.

The family would like to invite everyone to gather for a meal at the Five Points Community Chapel following the burial.

Online condolences may be made on the Crumpler Funeral Home Website.

Wink Martindale, genial game show host, dies at 91

He did one of the first television interviews with Elvis Presley

By Beth Harris The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Wink

Martindale, the genial host of such hit game shows as “Gam bit” and “Tic Tac Dough” who also did one of the first record ed television interviews with a young Elvis Presley, has died. He was 91.

Martindale died Tuesday at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California, according to his publicist Brian Mayes. Martindale had been battling lymphoma for a year.

“He was doing pretty well up until a couple weeks ago,” Mayes said by phone from Nashville.

“Gambit” debuted on the same day in September 1972 as “The Price is Right” with Bob Barker and “The Joker’s Wild” with Jack Barry.

“From the day it hit the air, ‘Gambit’ spelled winner, and it taught me a basic tenant of any truly successful game show: KISS! Keep It Simple Stupid,” Martindale wrote in his 2000 memoir “Winking at Life.”

“Like playing Old Maids as a kid, everybody knows how to play 21, i.e. blackjack.”

“Gambit” had been beating its competition on NBC and ABC for over two years. But a new show debuted in 1975 on NBC called “Wheel of Fortune.”

By December 1976, “Gambit” was off the air and “Wheel of Fortune” became an institution that is still going strong today.

Martindale bounced back in 1978 with “Tic Tac Dough,” the classic X’s and O’s game on CBS that ran until 1985.

“Overnight I had gone from the outhouse to the penthouse,” he wrote.

He presided over the 88‑game winning streak of Navy Lt. Thom McKee, who earned over $300,000 in cash and prizes that included eight cars, three sailboats and 16 va

cation trips. At the time, McK ee’s winnings were a record for a game show contestant.

“I love working with contes tants, interacting with the au dience and to a degree, watch ing lives change,” Martindale wrote. “Winning a lot of cash can cause that to happen.”

Martindale wrote that pro ducer Dan Enright once told him that in the seven years he hosted “Tic Tac Dough” he gave away more than $7 mil lion in cash and prizes.

Martindale said his many years as a radio DJ were help ful to him as a game show host because radio calls for constant ad libs, and he learned to han dle almost any situation in the spur of the moment. He esti mated that he hosted nearly two dozen game shows during his career.

Martindale wrote in his memoir that the question he got asked most often was “Is Wink your real name?” The second was “How did you get into game shows?”

He got his nickname from a childhood friend. Martin dale is no relation to University of Michigan defensive coordi nator Don Martindale, whose college teammates nicknamed him Wink because of their shared last name.

Born Winston Conrad Mar tindale on Dec. 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, he loved radio since childhood and at age 6 would read aloud the con tents of advertisements in Life magazine.

He began his career as a disc jockey at age 17 at WPLI in his hometown, earning $25 a week. He next hosted mornings at WHBQ in Memphis while at tending Memphis State. Mar tindale was in the studio, al though not working on air that night, when the first Presley record “That’s All Right” was played on WHBQ on July 8, 1954.

Martindale approached fel low DJ Dewey Phillips, who had given Presley an ear ly break by playing his song, to ask him and Presley to do a joint interview on Martindale’s TV show “Top Ten Dance Par ty” in 1956. By then, Presley had become a major star and agreed to the appearance.

Martindale and Presley stayed in touch on occasion through the years, and in 1959 he did a trans Atlantic tele phone interview with Presley, who was in the Army in Ger many. Martindale’s second wife, Sandy, briefly dated Pres ley after meeting him on the set of “G.I. Blues” in 1960. In 1959, Martindale moved to Los Angeles to host a morn ing show on KHJ. That same year, he reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with a cover version of “Deck of Cards,” which sold more than 1 million copies. He performed the spoken word wartime sto ry with religious overtones on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

“I could easily have thought, ‘Wow, this is easy! I come out here, go on radio and TV, make a record and everybody wants to buy it!” he wrote. “Even if I entertained such thoughts, they soon dissipated. I learned in due time that what had hap pened to me was far from the ordinary.”

He is survived by Sandy, his second wife of 49 years, and children Lisa, Madelyn and Laura, and numerous grand children. He was preceded in death by his son, Wink Jr. Mar tindale’s children are from his first marriage, which ended in divorce in 1972.

Jay Sigel, once considered America’s best amateur, dies of cancer at 81

The Wake Forest grad finally turned pro at age 50

The Associated Press

BERWYN, Pa. — Jay Si gel, who was widely viewed as America’s best amateur since Bobby Jones, has died of pan creatic cancer, the U.S. Golf Association said Sunday.

The USGA said Sigel died Saturday at age 81. Along with his two U.S. Amateur titles and three U.S. Mid A mateur victories, Sigel played in nine Walker Cup matches, twice serving as a playing captain.

Sigel was low amateur in the Masters three times, and once each at the U.S. Open and British Open during his sterling career.

His intention was to turn

started a successful insurance business.

“I always thought things happen for a reason,” Sigel once said. “The hand injury was the best thing to happen to me.” He won his first U.S. Ama teur in 1982, and the follow ing year became the first play er to win the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Mid A mateur — for players at least 25 years old — in the same season. He also captured some of the nation’s most prestigious titles, such as the Sunnehanna Amateur, the Northeast Amateur and the Porter Cup.

pro when he starred at Wake Forest on an Arnold Palmer scholarship. But his left hand went through a pane window on a swinging door that re quired 70 stitches. Sigel de cided to remain amateur and

Sigel joined the PGA Tour Champions when he turned 50 and won eight times, though his legacy was amateur golf. He was on eight winning Walker Cup teams, and played as the captain in 1983 and 1985.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com

AL GOLDIS / AP PHOTO

Jay Sigel watches his tee shot during a golf tournament in Michigan in May 2002.

NICK UT / AP PHOTO

Host Wink Martindale looks at a card during a game show in 1997.

Boston Marathon assists in celebrating 250th anniversary of Revolutionary War

Kenyan John Korir joined his brother as a winner, finishing in 2:04:45

By Jimmy Golen

The Associated Press

BOSTON — A rider dressed as Paul Revere eased his horse up to the Boston Marathon fin ish line and proclaimed, “The runners are coming.”

And down Boylston Street they came. In record time. With a his toric family first. And even “The Star Spangled Banner” got some air time as the race and the region commemorat ed the 250th anniversary of the first shots fired in the American Revolution.

Sharon Lokedi of Ken ya broke the Boston Marathon course record by more than 21/2 minutes on Monday, outkicking two time defending champion Hellen Obiri a year after losing to her in one of the closest fin ishes in race history.

Fellow Kenyan John Korir re covered from a starting line fall to join his brother as race cham pion — the first relatives to win the world’s oldest and most pres tigious annual marathon in a history that dates to 1897.

On a day that also marked the 50th anniversary of Bob Hall’s pioneering wheelchair race, Marcel Hug of Switzerland claimed his eighth victory and Susannah Scaroni of the Unit ed States took the women’s title.

“I always feel emotional when the national anthem is played,” said Scaroni, who won in 2023 but couldn’t defend her title last year because of an injury. “And to have ours played on this amazing, historic anniversary gives me goosebumps.”

Lokedi finished in 2 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds to claim the $150,000 first prize and another $50,000 bonus for breaking the course record of 2:19:59 set by Buzunesh Deba in 2014. A year after sprinting to an 8 second victory, Obiri was 19 seconds back in her attempt to become the first woman to win three straight since Fatuma Roba in 1999.

“Where she passed me last year, I passed her this year,” Lokedi said with a laugh. “I didn’t even believe. I kept look ing back and thinking, ‘Where is she?’ I’m just so grateful to her for pushing me all the way through.”

Six months after winning on Chicago’s flatter course, Korir finished in 2:04:45 — the sec ond fastest winning time in Boston history as the runners took advantage of perfect mar athon weather to conquer the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston’s Copley Square.

And he did it despite getting tripped up from behind near the start and falling. He got up to re join the lead pack at the rear.

“What came to my mind was should I stay down, or should I (get) up and go?” he said. “Some thing told me to (get) up and go, and that everything will be OK. ... And everything went away.”

Korir’s race bib fell off and he tucked it into his running tights, pulling it out as he sprinted to the finish line. Waiting to con gratulate him was 2012 Boston

winner Wesley Korir, his older brother.

Although the race has been won by a pair of unrelated John Kelleys and two different Robert Cheruiyots, the Korirs are the first brothers to have won.

“He explained to be tough and believe in yourself,” said John Korir, who finished fourth and ninth in his two previous Boston attempts. “So I believed in my self and I followed his advice.”

Conner Mantz of Provo, Utah, finished fourth after los ing a three way sprint to the fin ish with Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania, who finished sec ond, and Cybrian Kotut of Ken ya, who was third.

Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethi opia was third in the women’s race. Jess McClain of Phoenix was the top American, in sev enth place; 2018 winner Des Linden, who had announced she would retire from competitive running, won the masters divi sion and was 17th overall.

When she crossed the finish line, the other American women bowed to her in tribute.

“I had those folks in front of me who paved the way, and I looked up to them. And they al ways made me feel like I be longed, made me feel like my dreams are valid, helped me along the way,” Linden said. “So I’ve always tried to do that for the folks in this sport as well.”

A field of 30,000 left Hop kinton on Monday morning for

“I

am only here today because so many incredible individuals had integrity, tenacity — they knew they belonged as athletes and they allowed us to have what we have today.”

Susannah Scaroni, women’s wheelchair winner

Boston’s Back Bay, where riders in Revolutionary War garb — accompanied by a fife and drum playing “Yankee Doodle” — rode down Boylston Street in a reen actment of Paul Revere’s ride.

The ceremony came to a tem porary halt when the horses was spooked by the finish line de cal on the street and pulled up. The actor portraying the Colo nial silversmith and patriot had to hop off and walk the last few steps himself as the small early crowd laughed and clapped.

After reading a proclamation, Revere gently tugged the horse the rest of the way before rid ing off to more ceremonies com memorating the midnight ride on April 19, 1775, that warned the Sons of Liberty that the Brit ish were on the march.

Linden, the last American runner to win Boston, read the

Marathon no-shows similar to 2024, dispelling concerns politics would scare away runners away

Of 31,778 entrants, 2,850 — or 9% — failed to start

The Associated Press

BOSTON — The Boston Marathon had about the same number of no shows as last year, dispelling concerns that international runners would skip the race in the face of in creased U.S. border scrutiny.

A total of 28,928 runners started the 129th edition of the marathon on Monday, from a field of 31,778 entrants. That leaves 2,850, or less than 9%, who registered but did not cross the starting line in Hopkinton.

In last year’s field, there were 2,838 who failed to start.

To earn a Boston Marathon bib number, most runners need to submit a qualifying time from another 26.2 mile race. Though many treat it as a lifetime goal not to be abandoned lightly, no shows can occur for reasons ranging from injury to the 2010 Icelandic volcano eruption that shut down flights and prevented hundreds of European runners from traveling to the U.S.

Although the race was full, with entries from 128 countries, scattered reports indicated that some foreign runners might stay away for political reasons or fears of border hassles.

International visits to the U.S. have plummeted, with Ca nadians among those avoiding U.S. travel in response to Pres ident Donald Trump’s tariff talk and threats of annexing the country as a 51st state.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said last week that everyone should feel welcome.

“Regardless of what’s happening at other levels, and partic ularly now at the federal level, in Boston we welcome every one,” Wu said Friday at a public safety media briefing not far from the finish line. “We seek to be a home for everyone.”

voice over that introduced the reenactment.

“I wondered, ‘Are these pro fessional horses?’ Because it seemed like a lot for them,” she said afterward. “It turns out, it was.”

Hug had no such trouble com pleting the course, zooming into Copley Square in 1:21:34 for his eighth Boston wheelchair title. He beat two time winner Dan iel Romanchuk by more than four minutes. Scaroni finished in 1:35:20 on

a day the Boston Athletic Asso ciation celebrated Hall’s push to add a wheelchair division in 1975.

“I am only here today because so many incredible individuals had integrity, tenacity — they knew they belonged as athletes, and they allowed us to have what we have today,” she said.

“And I’m so beyond grateful.

“I’m not brave like them,” Sca roni said. “I’m only here because of how awesome those people are.”

PHOTOS BY CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO

Left, runners approach the finish line during the Boston Marathon on Monday. Top right, Boston Marathon winner Sharon Lokedi high-fives spectators in front of Boston College in Newton, Massachusetts, while in the lead group of runners. Bottom right, Marcel Hug, of Switzerland, right, congratulates Susannah Scaroni, of the United States, after winning the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions.

CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO

Colonial militia reenactors cross the finish line during a ceremony for the Patriot’s Day holiday prior to the Boston Marathon on Monday.

JENNIFER MCDERMOTT / AP PHOTO

MOORE COUNTY

Slow down, we’re working here!

This week marks National Work Zone Awareness Week, for which NCDOT is the national host organization this year. Preliminary data shows nearly 7,000 work zone crashes occurred in North Carolina in 2024, resulting in 47 deaths. This year’s theme is “Respect the zone so we all get home.” Above, construction equipment lines a work zone on U.S. 64 west near Asheboro earlier this week.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Federal report on Lumbee Tribe recognition path expected Pembroke

Members of the Lumbee Tribe are awaiting the release of a Department of the Interior report that could light a path for federal recognition as a tribal nation. President Donald Trump issued a memo in January directing the department to create a plan to “assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits.” The deadline for the plan is this week. The Lumbee have had a difficult time convincing the federal government, Congress and some recognized tribes that their claims to Native ancestry are legitimate.

Student loans in default to be referred to debt collection

Washington, D.C.

The Education Department will begin collection next month on roughly 5.3 million student loan borrowers who are in default, including the garnishing of wages for potentially millions of borrowers, officials said Monday. Beginning May 5, the department will start involuntary collection through the Treasury Department’s offset program, which withholds payments from the government, including tax refunds, federal salaries and other benefits, from people with past-due debts to the government. After a 30-day notice, the department will also begin garnishing wages for borrowers in default.

Pinehurst Resort breaks ground on No. 11 course

The new course at Pinehurst Sandmines is expected to open in fall 2027

North State Journal staff

PINEHURST — Pinehurst Resort announced plans to begin construction on its newest course, Pinehurst No. 11, designed by renowned architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, at the Pinehurst Sandmines property later this year.

The new course, expected to open in fall 2027, will join Tom Doak’s recently opened Pinehurst No. 10 at the 900-acre former mining site, according to a news release from the resort.

According to resort officials, the unique topography created by decades of sand mining operations will be incorporat-

ed into the course design, with the “spoil piles” and natural reclamation creating distinctive features.

“It’s such a wonderful site, just because of its inherent character,” said Coore. “That character was essentially cre-

ated, not all of it is natural, but it has all been reclaimed by nature.”

Coore, who grew up in North Carolina and visited Pinehurst frequently in his youth, noted that the landforms for No. 11 are unlike anything he has previously seen in the area.

“It’s this choppy, ridgey ground,” he said. “It’s not as much elevation change, but it’s so quirky with the ridges and the piles and the trees and the angles.”

While Doak’s No. 10 is known for its elevation changes and expansive vistas, Coore and Crenshaw envision No. 11 as a more intimate experience that “winds and twists while still being dramatic in shape and style, with jutting ridges and massive mounds to be played over and around.”

“The two courses really couldn’t be more different, and we love that,” said Tom Pashley, president of Pinehurst Resort. “The designs of No. 10 and No. 11 complement each other so well by contrasting so much.”

Supreme Court signals support for Maryland parents who object to LGBTQ books in public schools

Three justices live in the Maryland county at issue in the parental rights case

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using storybooks with LGBTQ characters.

The court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, D.C., could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material.

The case is one of three religious rights cases at the court this term. The justices have repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination in recent years.

The school district introduced the storybooks in 2022, with such titles as “Prince and Knight” and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” as part of an effort to better reflect the district’s diversity.

Parents initially were allowed to opt their children out of the lessons for religious and other reasons, but the school board reversed course a year later, prompting protests and eventually a lawsuit.

The case hit unusually close to home, as three justices live in the county, though none sent their children to public schools.

“I guess I am a bit mystified as a lifelong resident of the

“I guess I am a bit mystified as a lifelong resident of the county how it came to this.” Justice Brett Kavanaugh

county how it came to this,”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh said. Kavanaugh also expressed surprise that the school system was “not respecting religious liberty,” especially because of the county’s diverse population and Maryland’s history as a haven for Catholics. Pressed repeatedly about why the school system couldn’t reinstitute an opt-out policy, lawyer Alan Schoenfeld said, “It tried that. It failed. It was

not able to accommodate the number of opt-outs at issue.”

Sex education is the only area of instruction in Montgomery schools that students can be excused from, Schoenfeld said.

Justices referred to several of the books, but none as extensively as “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” in which a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married to another man.

Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor and conservative Justice Samuel Alito, who are on opposite sides of most culture-war clashes, offered competing interpretations.

“Is looking at two men getting married, is that the religious objection?” Sotomayor said, noting there’s not

COURTESY PINEHURST RESORT

Bill Coore, left, walks the property of Pinehurst No. 11 with Pinehurst Resort Golf Course Maintenance Manager Kevin Robinson.

PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

THURSDAY APRIL 24

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North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

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April 15

• Shania Sease, 29, was arrested by First Health Company Police (FHCP) for felony assault on a disabled person.

• Angela Bowman, 50, was arrested by Moore County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for fleeing arrest with a motor vehicle.

• Ronald Gilmore, 58, was arrested by MCSO for driving while impaired.

April 16

• Ronnie Boone, 37, was arrested by MCSO for second-degree arson.

April 17

• Courtney Marsh, 35, was arrested by MCSO for possession of a firearm by a felon.

• Jazimine Minter, 24, was arrested by Southern Pines PD (SPPD) for first-degree trespass.

April 18

• Eric Barnes, 27, was arrested by MCSO for threatening mass violence on educational property.

• Gregory Needham, 59, was arrested by MCSO for trafficking opium or heroin.

• Christopher Barber, 37, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine.

• Misty Kidd, 43, was arrested by Robbins PD (RPD) for possession of methamphetamine.

• John Ray, 41, was arrested by RPD for possession of methamphetamine.

• James Upchurch, 51, was arrested by MCSO for possession with intent to sell or deliver MDMA.

• Lester Whitted, 45, was arrested by MCSO for trafficking opium or heroin.

• James King, 50, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for attempted second-degree forcible rape.

• Shelton Tyner, 50, was arrested by MCSO for communicating threats.

Fort

Benning takes back old

name but instead honors different soldier

The base joins Fort Bragg in having a new namesake

By Charlotte Kramon and Russ Bynum The Associated Press

FORT BENNING — The Army officially restored the name Fort Benning to its storied training post in Georgia, only this time to honor an 18-year-old corporal who fought in World War I rather than a Confederate general.

A ceremony to make the name change official was held Wednesday at the base just outside Columbus. Roughly 70,000 soldiers, civilian workers and military family members are stationed at Fort Benning, which trains infantry troops and tank crews and is home to the elite Army Ranger School. It’s the second time in less than two years that Fort Benning commanders have been tasked with swapping out the post’s name on everything from signs marking gates, streets, police cars and buildings to official stationery and websites. That will cost around $653,000, according to Fort Benning officials.

The last name change in 2023 redesignated the post as Fort Moore as part of a move started by Congress in 2020 and completed during President Joe Biden’s administration to remove names that honored Confederate leaders, including from nine Army posts.

The name of Henry L. Benning, a former Georgia Supreme Court justice who vocally supported secession and served as a Confederate brigadier general in the Civil War, had adorned the base since it opened as Camp Benning in 1918.

Federal law now prohibits naming military bases for Confederates. The Pentagon under President Donald Trump has found a workaround for re-

BOOKS from page A1

even any kissing involved.

Alito described the book as an endorsement of same-sex marriage. “The book has a clear message, and a lot of people think it’s a good message, and maybe it is a good message, but it’s a message that a lot of people who hold on to traditional religious beliefs don’t agree with,” he said. In all, five books are at issue in the high court case, touching on the same themes found in classic stories that include

“What sets him apart was his unwavering dedication to his soldiers, his understanding of the soldiers’ needs.”

Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley, commander of Fort Benning, on Fred Benning

verting bases back to what they were formerly called by finding new soldiers to honor with the same last name.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month ordered the change back to Fort Benning to honor Fred Benning, who was awarded the nation’s second-highest honor for battlefield bravery as an 18-year-old corporal in 1918 and later was promoted to sergeant — a fact uncovered after Hegseth issued the memo.

Sue Conger-Williams, Benning’s granddaughter, recalled summers in Nebraska fishing with her grandfather and digging for earthworms while he watched for cars but said she never learned much about his time in the Army.

“I am grateful for this glimpse into history, and I see some similarities, though, between Fred Benning the soldier and Fred Benning my grandpa,” Conger-Williams said. “These are integrity, hard work and a commitment to service.”

Fred Benning received his Distinguished Service Cross after returning home to Nebraska, where he started a bakery and served as mayor of the small town of Neligh. He died in 1974.

Conger-Williams sat up front at the ceremony with Benning’s great-granddaughter and 10-month-old great-great-granddaughter as soldiers, veterans and locals milled around behind them.

Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system’s lawyers wrote.

In “Prince and Knight,” two men fall in love after they rescue the kingdom, and each other. “Love, Violet” deals with a girl’s anxiety about giving a valentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of a transgender boy’s decision to share his gender identity with his family and the world. “Intersection Allies” describes nine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-fluid.

Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley, the fort’s commanding general, said people at Fort Benning knew little about Fred Benning, which sent historians poring over old records to piece together his legacy. During last Wednesday’s ceremony, Tuley noted that Benning took charge of his machine-gun platoon in October 1918 in France, leading 20 survivors through heavy fire, after their commander was killed.

“What sets him apart was his unwavering dedication to his soldiers, his understanding of the soldiers’ needs,” said Tuley.

During its short time as Fort Moore, the Georgia post became the first in the Army named for a couple: the late Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and his wife, Julia Moore.

Hal Moore served in Vietnam as commander of a cavalry battalion based at Fort Benning and was also a Distinguished Service Cross recipient. Julia Moore successfully lobbied the Pentagon to adopt a policy that military families would be notified of war casualties in person rather than by telegram.

“Whatever a name may be on an installation board, the Moores are an interwoven part of this installation and that will never go away,” said Tuley.

In his March 3 memo ordering the return to the name Fort Benning, Hegseth directed the Army to find a new way to honor the Moores “in a manner that celebrates their significant contributions to the local community and the Army.”

The Army hasn’t said how much the switch back to Fort Benning will cost. An Army commission in 2022 estimated the change to Fort Moore would cost at least $4.9 million.

Fort Benning is the second U.S. military base to have its 2023 name change reversed.

The nation’s largest Army installation was rechristened Fort Bragg in North Carolina last month, following a brief two years as Fort Liberty.

Billy Moges, a board member of the Kids First parents’ group that sued over the books, said the content is sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren.

The writers’ group Pen America said in a court filing what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year. A decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor is expected by early summer.

MOORE COUNTY

Remember that we live in the best country, the best state, and by far the best county.

moore happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

April 24-26

Moore County Historical Association: Shaw House and Property Tours

1-4 p.m.

The Moore County Historical Association’s Shaw House grounds and properties are open for tours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. The tours are free and open to all ages. Enjoy learning about the impressive history here in Moore County.

Shaw House 110 Morganton Road Southern Pines

April 26

Wade Hayes

7 p.m.

Tickets are $23-$43. Call 336-524-6822 for more information.

Liberty Showcase Theater 101 South Fayetteville St. Liberty

April 26, 27

MCHBA Spring Home and Garden Expo

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

This year, there will be more than 40 companies at the expo. Enjoy the many vendors and exhibitions throughout the weekend. There will be food trucks on site, live music, entertainment, children’s activities, games and a beer garden.

The Fair Barn 200 Beulah Hill Road Pinehurst

The Pinehurst Sandmines development is also expanding its amenities. A 6,000-square-foot pro shop and locker room will open in June, and a restaurant and bar will begin operations in August. Plans for on-site lodging are ongoing and could be completed by the end of 2027.

“We want Pinehurst Sandmines to be a special place not just in Pinehurst, but in the game of golf that will stand the test of time and enhance the soul of American golf,” said Bob Dedman Jr., owner and CEO of Pinehurst Resort.

The announcement comes as Pinehurst No. 10, which opened about a year ago, continues to receive industry accolades.

Coore and Crenshaw previously worked with Pinehurst Resort on the acclaimed restoration of Pinehurst No. 2 approximately 15 years ago.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

North Carolina’s clean energy boom: a blueprint for economic growth and American energy independence

TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high‑quality jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000.

NORTH CAROLINA is at the forefront of the clean energy economy, emerging as a national leader in research, innovation and technology. Lawmakers’ bipartisan efforts to advance clean energy are a direct investment in the middle class, revitalizing communities statewide.

North Carolina’s strategic clean energy investments are not just strengthening the state’s economy; they are reshaping global supply chains and strengthening the nation’s position on the world stage. By reducing reliance on foreign energy and bringing manufacturing back to American soil, these investments are stimulating innovation, creating high-paying jobs and advancing the nation’s energy independence — all of which are key to long-term growth and competitiveness in the global market.

North Carolina’s south-central region is the epitome of this, with major investments from Sunlight Batteries and Toyota transforming the historically rural and low-income communities. With a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector innovation, North Carolina can now be a prime destination for both international and domestic investment, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy economy are widespread.

Our congressional district exemplifies how clean energy projects are no longer confined to urban tech hubs as they are revitalizing communities across the state. More than 62% of new clean energy jobs, 70% of new clean energy investments and nearly half of all projects in North Carolina are located in low-income communities. These investments are fostering job creation, strengthening supply chains and promoting long-term economic stability.

Toyota’s first North American battery plant (TBMNC) is taking shape in Liberty, marking a $13.9 billion investment in advanced manufacturing. TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high-quality jobs to Randolph County,

with salaries averaging $62,000 — more than 60% higher than the county’s current average wage. This is a major win for the American industry, strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

In Alamance County, Sunlight Batteries USA — a tech company specializing in energy storage systems — seeks to transform Mebane with its $40 million investment in a lithium-ion production facility. Projected to create more than 200 jobs and contribute approximately $390 million to the state economy, the company reflects North Carolina’s broader commitment to American energy dominance and statewide economic prosperity.

Nevertheless, the clean energy transition comes with its own set of challenges. Wolfspeed, a silicon carbide chip manufacturing company, plans to invest $5 billion in Chatham County, which is projected to create 1,800 well-paying jobs and transform a county that is 84% rural.

However, following the company’s massive stock drop, leadership changes and uncertainty surrounding federal incentives like the CHIPS Act, the future of Wolfspeed remains uncertain. Such setbacks underscore the importance of bipartisan efforts to provide long-term policy stability and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in clean energy manufacturing.

While market challenges have slowed some projects, several other new clean energy projects are on the horizon in the district, putting the state in a great position to remain a technology and energy epicenter. Most recently, Gov. Josh Stein announced Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, LLC’s (PTT) plan to expand its transformer manufacturing capacity in Hoke County. A leading domestic manufacturer of power and distribution transformers for innovative energy markets, PTT will advance clean American energy and economic growth.

Sadly, the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier future

has long been hindered by its politicization, yet North Carolinians know economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand. The state’s investments in clean energy have yielded tangible benefits, from spurring innovation to new infrastructure to record-breaking job creation, proving we do not need to sacrifice the economy in the name of the environment.

Public opinion reflects this reality, with polling data from Clear Path Action finding that 62% of Republicans believe it is important that their congressional representative support clean energy policies. This widespread support aligns with North Carolina’s pro-growth, pro-business approach to energy, which prioritizes market-driven solutions and strategic investments that attract private-sector innovation. By leveraging tax incentives and fostering a competitive business climate, the state has positioned itself as a leader in the energy markets of the future. Ultimately proving that conservative principles and environmental progress can go hand in hand to bolster American energy independence.

As a North Carolinian in the 9th district, I have witnessed firsthand how clean energy investments have transformed our state. The future is bright. With artificial intelligence expanding at an unprecedented pace alongside President Donald Trump’s new $500 billion vision for advancing infrastructure, North Carolina has both the resources and the opportunity to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies. By embracing innovation and fostering an environment where economic growth and environmental stewardship move in unison, the state can continue to lead the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Kira Walsh is a volunteer with the American Conservation Coalition, based in Pittsboro.

Democrats’ bizarrely misplaced empathy

Abrego Garcia isn’t the only awful person Democrats have attempted to sanctify.

DEMOCRATS DECIDED to expend their quickly diminishing political capital in defense of a deported Salvadoran illegal immigrant named Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia was deported to El Salvador some weeks ago; the Department of Justice initially admitted that his deportation was an “administrative error.” It turns out that Abrego Garcia had an order withholding removal to his home country, due to his claims that returning to El Salvador would risk his life. Nonetheless, the administration flew him to that country’s Terrorism Confinement Center, where he is apparently being held to date. Initially, a district court judge ruled that Abrego Garcia’s removal was violative of due process and that the administration had to “facilitate” his return to the United States. The case was elevated to the Supreme Court, which found 9-0 that while the executive branch likely had the power to order his deportation, it still had to follow court orders to “facilitate” his temporary return for due process reasons. The Trump administration, for its part, claims that it has already “facilitated” his release from custody — that they’ve asked Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele nicely to release him, and that Bukele has refused.

Bukele sat in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump and said just that: “The question is preposterous: How can I

smuggle a terrorist into the United States?”

Regardless of the legal wrangling over the case — and there is in fact a solid legal basis to the idea that the administration ought to temporarily return Abrego Garcia just to receive a court hearing, after which he can be deported right back again — Democrats have wrong-footed themselves yet again. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) decided to fly down to El Salvador to visit Abrego Garcia; other Congressional Democrats vowed to do the same. In their telling, Abrego Garcia is an innocent caught up in the mills of wrongheaded justice. But Abrego Garcia is indeed a nefarious character. It turns out that aside from his illegal immigration status, Garcia’s wife accused him of “violently beating her multiple times” in a 2021 court filing, according to the Daily Mail. When he was originally arrested in 2019, arrest records show he was found with cash and drugs, as well as two other members of MS-13, while wearing gear associated with MS-13. And this is the person Democrats have tried to valorize. Abrego Garcia isn’t the only awful person Democrats have attempted to sanctify.

Democrats have also rushed to the defense of terror supporter and Columbia student visa holder Mohsen Mahdawi, who posted on his social media in commemoration of his terrorist cousin: “a leader of a fierce resistance fighter.” The New York Times went so far as to headline

his story, “He Wanted Peace in the Middle East. ICE Wants to Deport Him.”

Meanwhile, Democrats have little to say about the illegal immigrant killer of Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five who was raped and murdered; Rachel’s mother, Patty, visited the White House briefing room to explain the case to a media that largely ignored it. Democrats similarly have gone silent about the burning of the home of Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.); his home was set aflame by an anti-Israel man who said he wanted to let Shapiro know he “will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.”

Democrats’ inconsistency here speaks volumes: If you are an illegal immigrant criminal, they will either ignore it or downplay it; if you are a visa-holder or criminal who favors Hamas, they will do the same.

Democrats have a wide variety of lines they can use to attack the Trump administration. But their binary view of the world — opponents of Trump must by necessity be good — leads them down dark pathways. Which means that no matter how much they decry the lack of due process, nobody will trust them with the levers of power.

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

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

COLUMN | KIRA WALSH

Indian police say gunmen kill at least 20 tourists in Kashmir

The attack coincided with a visit from U.S. Vice President JD Vance

By Aijaz Hussain The Associated Press

SRINAGAR, India — Indian police say gunmen have killed at least 20 tourists at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Two senior police officers said at least four gunmen, whom they described as militants, fired at dozens of tourists from close range Tuesday. The officers said at least three dozen others were injured, many in serious condition. They spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with departmental policy.

Officials collected at least 20 bodies in Baisaran meadow, some three miles from the disputed region’s resort town of Pahalgam.

Police described the incident as a “terror attack” and blamed militants fighting against Indian rule. It appeared to be a major shift in the regional conflict in which tourists have largely been spared.

“This attack is much larger than anything we’ve seen direct-

Indian

Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday.

ed at civilians in recent years,” Omar Abdullah, the region’s top elected official, wrote on social media.

Police were searching for the attackers. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

and against the ethos of Kashmir which welcomes visitors with love and warmth.”

The attack coincided with the visit to India of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is on a largely personal four-day stop.

“Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” Vance said on social media.

The meadow in Pahalgam is a popular sightseeing destination, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dotted with pine forests. It is visited by hundreds of tourists every day.

The region, known for rolling Himalayan foothills, exquisitely decorated houseboats and pristine meadows, has become a major domestic tourist destination. Kashmir has drawn millions of visitors who enjoy a strange peace kept by ubiquitous security checkpoints, armored vehicles and patrolling soldiers. Although violence has ebbed in recent times in the Kashmir Valley, the heart of anti-India rebellion, fighting between government forces and rebels has largely shifted to remote areas of Jammu region including Rajouri, Poonch and Kathua, where Indian troops have faced deadly attacks.

Read has become a cause célèbre among the true crime podcast set

By Michael Casey The Associated Press

DEDHAM, Mass. — The second murder trial of Karen Read, whose case has sparked a national debate on police accountability and won her legions of devoted fans, began with opening statements Tuesday, more than three years after the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend.

Read is accused of striking her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, with her SUV in 2022 and leaving him to die alone in the snow outside of a house party in Canton, a suburb about 20 miles south of Boston. She has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene.

During the first trial last year, prosecutors said Read intentionally backed into O’Keefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The defense said that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that O’Keefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party.

A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.

The biggest difference in the current trial is the lead prosecutor, Hank Brennan. Brought in as a special prosecutor after the mistrial, the former defense attorney has represented a number of prominent clients, including notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger.

Brennan began his opening statement Tuesday by describing the firefighter who raced to

“We will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences,” Shah wrote on social media.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a key Kashmiri resistance leader, condemned what he described as a “cowardly attack on tourists,” writing on social media that “such violence is unacceptable

India’s home minister, Amit Shah, was heading to Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on an official visit in Saudi Arabia, has been briefed.

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety.

Kashmir has seen a spate of targeted killings of Hindus, including immigrant workers from Indian states, after New Delhi ended the region’s semi-autonomy in 2019 and drastically curbed dissent, civil liberties and media freedoms.

Tensions have been simmering as India has intensified its counterinsurgency operations.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels’ goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

that doesn’t require pointing to an alternative perpetrator as a matter of law.”

the scene in near-blizzard conditions and found Read and two other women surrounding O’Keefe’s body on the ground.

“He stepped out into bedlam,” he said.

The firefighter then asked Read what had happened, he said.

“You’ll hear her words, ‘I hit him. I hit him. I hit him,’” Brennan said. “She admitted what she had done that night.”

Brennan told jurors that “facts and data” will lead them to the truth, and that Read’s own statements will confirm it. But Defense Attorney Alan Jackson began his opening statement by saying the prosecution’s case was based on a “brazen and flawed assertion that is untethered to the facts and the evidence.”

“John O’Keefe did not die from being hit by a vehicle,” he said. “The facts will show that. The evidence will show that. The data will show that. The science will show that, and the experts will tell you that.”

Many of the factors that made the first trial must-see television will feature in the second.

Most of the the same witnesses are back, as are Read’s aggressive defense team and dozens of her supporters camped out near the courthouse — many carrying “Free Karen Read” signs and

wearing pink. Read, who has been featured in several documentaries about her case, has become a minor celebrity.

A few dozen of Read’s supporters, many holding American flags, stood in front of the courthouse Tuesday morning before moving a block away to comply with a court-ordered buffer zone. Those who were reuniting hugged each other, while others took time to bring newcomers up to speed on the case.

“I’m here for justice,” said Ashlyn Wade, a Read supporter from Canton. “The murderer going to jail and Karen being exonerated, that would be justice.”

The prosecution, however, stands to benefit from a pretrial ruling from Judge Beverly Cannone that defense attorneys can’t mention potential third-party culprits in their opening statements. They can develop a case against two law enforcement officers but cannot implicate Albert’s nephew, Colin Albert, as they did in the first trial.

“I view it as a blow to the defense strategy but not a knockout punch,” Daniel Medwed, a law professor at Northeastern University, said of the ruling. “All the defense needs to do is create reasonable doubt about Karen (Read’s) guilt, and

Legal experts expect prosecutors to focus on Read’s behavior as they did during the first trial — her volatile relationship with O’Keefe and their night of heavy drinking. They also predict the prosecution will lay out a stronger and more coherent case that Read clipped O’Keefe with the back of her SUV and sent him tumbling to the ground — using data from her car, video and stronger expert testimony.

“The Commonwealth will focus on the theme drilled into us since middle school — Drinking, Driving, Deadly Consequences,” Michael Coyne, the dean of Massachusetts School of Law at Andover, said in an email.

The defense is expected to offer evidence that what they see as a sloppy police investigation was biased and that law enforcement officers set Read up to protect the real killers. They could be helped by an audit of the Canton Police Department released last month that found several mistakes with the investigation — but no evidence of a cover-up.

One of the key witnesses will be former State Trooper Michael Proctor. He led the investigation but has since been fired after a disciplinary board found that he sent sexist and crude texts about Read to his family and colleagues.

“Michael Proctor and his dismissal from the force may very well serve as the elephant in the courtroom throughout the proceedings,” Medwed said.

DAR YASIN / AP PHOTO

security officers patrol in armored vehicles near Pahalgam in south Kashmir after assailants indiscriminately opened fired at tourists in Pahalgam in

MOORE SPORTS

Pinecrest, Union Pines take top two spots in boys’ tennis

Plenty of Patriots and Vikings earned all‑conference honors

North State Journal Staff

BOYS’ TENNIS wrapped up the regular season, and local players are preparing for the NCHSAA championships. The state individual tournament will be May 9-10 in Raleigh for Class 4A and Burlington for 3A. The dual team championships are the following week in Burlington.

Pinecrest won the Sandhills Conference regular season title, going a perfect 10-0 in conference matches and 11-2 overall. Union Pines, which lost only to the Patriots, was second at 8-2 in conference, 11-2 overall. Sandhills is a combined 3A/4A conference, and Union Pines finished first among 3A teams, ahead of Lee, Southern Lee and Scotland.

The full Sandhills standings are:

Number of Pinecrest and Union Pines players on the 17-member All-Sandhills team

FINAL REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS

Pinecrest 10-0 1 1-2

Union Pines 8-2 1 1-2

Richmond County 5-5 5-5

Lee County 5-5 6-5

Southern Lee 2-8 2-8

Scotland County 0-10 0-10

Pinecrest senior Kenan Van Scoyoc won conference MVP/ Player of the Year honors, and Pinecrest coach Gail Deese took home the Coach of the Year award.

Van Scoyoc was also named to the Sandhills All-Conference team, joined by five other Pinecrest players: Jacob Sumner, Jack Hage, Preston House, Sawyer Dennis and Mason Cromartie.

Van Scoyoc and Cromartie qualified for the NCHSAA Class 4A regionals, while the team of Hage and House qualified for the NCHSAA 4A doubles regionals

Union Pines put five players on the All-Conference team. Between them, Pinecrest and Union Pines combined for nearly two thirds of the All-Sandhills team. Vikings to earn the honor included Lane McPherson, Tucker Lloyd, Dominic Roett, Jace McPherson and Cam Deibel.

McPherson and Lloyd qualified for NCHSAA Class 3A regionals, along with two doubles teams — McPherson and Roett, as well as Deibel and Sawyer Manning.

DAVID

Pinecrest senior Kenan Van Scoyoc, the Sandhills Conference Player of the Year, returns a shot during a match.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kenan Van Scoyoc

Pinecrest, boys’ tennis

Kenan Van Scoyoc is a senior on the Pinecrest boys’ tennis team. He also played football and basketball for the Patriots.

Van Scoyoc helped lead Pinecrest to an 11-2 regular season in tennis and a perfect 10-0 in the Sandhills Conference. He qualified for the NCHSAA class 4A regionals and was named to the Sandhills All-Conference team. He completed his dominant senior tennis season by winning the Sandhills Conference Player of the Year award.

Hurricanes overwhelm Devils in Game 1 win

Carolina outshot

the Devils 45 24 to take a 1 0 series lead

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour shrugged off a question on the local broadcast before the game about who he thinks his team’s surprise player might be this postseason. Instead, Brind’Amour said his team will be successful if everyone does their job.

He got exactly that in Sunday’s Game 1 against the New Jersey Devils.

Logan Stankoven had two second period goals and Carolina nearly doubled up the Devils in shots, dominating Game 1 for a 4-1 Easter matinee win at Lenovo Center.

“For us to win, we’re going to need 20 guys chipping in and after a game going, ‘OK, I contributed some way, somehow,’” Brind’Amour said. “And I think that’s what we got tonight.”

After a dominant opening 20 minutes, the Hurricanes took control in the second — and it was Stankoven doing the damage.

Already up 1-0 on a Jalen Chatfield goal at 2:24 of the first, Carolina doubled its lead early in the second thanks to its forecheck.

Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook pressured Nico Hischier behind the New Jersey net, and the Devils captain bobbled the puck.

Martinook whacked it to Stankoven in the slot, and the rookie’s shot trickled through Jacob Markstrom (41 saves) to double the lead at 6:37 of the second.

“I love playing in the big games and meaningful hockey,” said Stankoven, who played

19 playoff games with the Stars last season and came to Carolina at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Mikko Rantanen to Dallas. “I’m motivated to try and contribute in any way possible, and it’s always a nice feeling to get on the score sheet.”

Stankoven then struck again, this time on the power play. Taylor Hall corralled a bouncing puck along the left boards and zipped a cross-ice pass to Stankoven, who shot off the far post and in to extend the lead to 3-0 at 13:08 of the middle frame.

“Those are two great additions for us,” Brind’Amour said of acquiring Hall and Stankoven in midseason trades.

Hischier’s goal late in the second period — at 4-on-4 because Timo Meier and Shayne Gostisbehere were serving matching minors — came on a rush up the left wing, and he fired a shot past Frederik Andersen (23 saves) to the far side to give New Jersey a glimmer of hope.

But after a good push by the Devils to start the third, Carolina regained control of the game, and Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-net goal with 2:28 remaining to seal the win.

“It’s just one game,” Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal said, “and hopefully a long run ahead of us here, and we’ll take the win.”

The Hurricanes got off to a fast start thanks to an offensive zone faceoff win.

Jack Roslovic won a draw that Eric Robinson pushed back to the right point. Chatfield’s shot made its way through a William Carrier screen and past Markstrom to make it 1-0 at 2:24 of the opening period.

“The building was already rocking before, but after we got the first one, it got even louder,” Chatfield said. “And we can build behind that, and we’re gonna continue to do that and just keep playing our game. “ Brind’Amour had tough decisions to make with a fully healthy lineup, going with Ro -

slovic over Mark Jankowski on the fourth line, starting Andersen over Pyotr Kochetkov and deciding to keep his defense intact instead of shoehorning in prized prospect Alexander Nikishin.

“I guess you could say we made the right decisions,” Brind’Amour said. “I think we really couldn’t go wrong.” Devils coach Sheldon Keefe, meanwhile, said the second period — when New Jersey was outshot 21-8 — sealed his team’s fate.

“I thought the second period we were just overwhelmed. … To a man, myself included, we’re going to have to be better in Game 2, clearly,” he said.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

KARL DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven (22) hugs Jordan Staal following the first of the rookie’s two goals in Carolina’s 4-1 win Sunday over the Devils in Game 1 of their first round playoff series.

SIDELINE REPORT

AUTO RACING

Gronkowski taking on entertainment role in “Snake Pit” during first Indianapolis 500

Indianapolis Rob Gronkowski will have an entertainment role for his first Indianapolis 500 next month. The longtime NFL tight end will be the grand marshal for the “Snake Pit,” the infield party that takes place during “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Gronkowski is now an NFL studio analyst for Fox, which is the new broadcaster of the IndyCar Series and the Indy 500. Dance producer Illenium will headline a lineup of global electronic music artists in the Snake Pit in Turn 3 of Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the May 25 race.

MLB

It’s a girl! 2 way star Ohtani of Dodgers now a father Arlington, Tex.

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani is now a father. The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger has posted on Instagram that his wife gave birth to a girl. “Congratulations Sho!” Manager Dave Roberts proclaimed while saying he wasn’t sure what the baby’s name was. The 30-year-old Ohtani missed the first two games of the series matching the past two World Series champions.

NCAA GYMNASTICS

Michigan men, Oklahoma women take national crowns Fort Worth, Tex. Audrey Davis posted a 9.9250 on the uneven bars to help the Oklahoma Sooners win their seventh NCAA women’s gymnastics championship. Oklahoma finished with 198.0125 points in their 11th trip to the Final Four in the last 12 seasons. UCLA — with eight national titles — placed second. Meanwhile in Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Fred Richard and Paul Juda finished first and second in the all-a round and the Wolverines edged them past five-time defending champion Stanford to win their first NCAA men’s gymnastics title since 2014.

NBA

Cleveland’s Atkinson wins coach of the year award after leading Cavs to 64 win season

Cleveland Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson has been announced as the winner of the National Basketball Coaches Association’s coach of the year award after leading the Cavaliers to a 64-win season and the No. 1 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs. The NBA will also give out a coach of the year award in the coming weeks. The NBCA has done its own separate award since 2017 named for Michael H. Goldberg, the organization’s first executive director.

NCAA SOFTBALL

Stanford softball team sets NCAA attendance record playing in football stadium vs. Cal Stanford, Calif.

Playing in Stanford’s football stadium, the school’s softball home game against rival California set the NCAA attendance record with a crowd of 13,207. That surpassed the mark of 12,566 from the first day of the 2024 Women’s College World Series last May 30 in Oklahoma City. The regular-season record had been held by Oklahoma, which drew 9,259 against Oklahoma State earlier this month.

Picking a team from bars to beam: Fantasy leagues in gymnastics are a thing

More than 7,000 participants are choosing fantasy gymnastics squads

By Maya Sweedler The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thomas Bateman kept busy this year managing college fantasy teams in 12 different leagues. Five of them won it all. These were not teams stocked with NFL or NBA players. All 12 were made up of college gymnasts, and Bateman is just one member of a fervent and growing fan base that channels their love of the sport into fantasy leagues.

“It’s such a great way to get to know the sport a bit,” Bateman said. “When I started off, I got these lists from College Gym News and picked athletes I didn’t really know, so then I got to know teams I liked and then got familiar with athletes I want to draft. It’s a great way to potentially grow the audience of the sport.”

This year, more than 7,000

women’s college gymnastics devotees have found their way to the Gymlytics and GymCastic fantasy platforms — all within the last few years.

From the Olympics to NCAA

Gymlytics, which launched before the 2022 collegiate season, runs through the regular season and has a postseason bracket competition. GymCastic, in its second year, offers weekly fantasy matchups, including the NCAA postseason and elite meets later in the year. The two leagues take slightly different approaches. Gymlytics participants draft individual athletes for their team at the beginning of the season and set lineups for each week of competition. GymCastic runs a salary cap-style draft, in which athletes are valued at a certain number of “gym rubles.” Participants select athletes until their roster is filled while staying under the cap.

“That’s the point of everything we do: It’s very, very spe-

“It’s a great way to potentially grow the audience of the sport.”

Thomas Bateman, fantasy gymnastics player

cific to the gymnastics fans,” said Jessica O’Beirne, creator of the popular GymCastic podcast and a co-founder of the fantasy league of the same name. “We use the lingo of gymnastics. It’s so niche and so specific.″ The Gymlytics audience is similarly a lot of “diehard gymnastics fans,” said Lauren Pickens, a co-creator.

Growth beyond diehard fans

Like all fantasy team managers who care about results, Bateman and other participants have their hands full. Week to week, participants set lineups across the four apparatuses — vault, uneven bars,

LSU’s Aleah Finnegan competes on the balance beam during last year’s NCAA women’s gymnastics championships while hundreds of fantasy gymnastics players awaited her scores.

balance beam and floor exercise — to maximize the total number of points their team scores. An injury or struggles at a weekend meet are factors in roster changes.

As GymCastic and Gymlytics have taken off, their creators have seen these diehard fans bring in friends and family who are less familiar with the sport.

“We’ve gotten a lot of emails from people saying, my significant other did fantasy basketball or fantasy football and because there’s a fantasy gymnastics, they wanted to connect with me and my passion so they joined a league,” said GymCastic COO Steve Cooper. “And now they’re screaming at the TV like I am.”

According to the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association, the number of Americans over the age of 21 participating in fantasy sports grew by about 5% between 2017 and 2022. It’s been much more robust for Gymlytics, which launched its first season with 1,000 teams and, according to co-founder Yarden Tamir, had nearly 7,000 teams across 55 countries this season; and for GymCastic, which has seen over 10% growth between its first and second seasons, per Cooper.

While overall fantasy sports participation skews male by about a 2:1 ratio, according to FSGA data, the Gymlytics and GymCastic founders both estimated their participants were more gender balanced.

Fashion, heritage and talent: Players turn the WNBA draft into a cultural showcase

Players opted for designers from their home countries of Nigeria, France, Croatia and Samoa

By Bryanna Maxwell The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The WNBA draft has increasingly become a platform for more than just athleticism — it is a celebration of identity, heritage, culture, and self-expression.

Paige Bueckers may have been the No. 1 pick, but it was Kiki Iriafen who arguably stole the show when it came to fashion. Even Bueckers herself said Iriafen had the best look of the night.

Iriafen, drafted fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, is a forward who just wrapped up her senior season at USC, where she averaged 18 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. On the orange carpet, she made a statement — one rooted deeply in her Nigerian heritage.

“I’m Nigerian so I wanted to work with a Nigerian designer,” she said. “I was really adamant. I want a slip. I want the waist snapped. I can’t really breathe. I wanted to feel good, I wanted to look good.”

Future stars are using draft night as more than an opportunity to step into the spotlight for their talent on the court, but to use the moment to honor where they come from,

showcase who they are beyond the jersey, and make powerful statements through fashion, family, and tradition.

Iriafen wore a custom, shimmering gold dress embellished with intricate detailing, designed by Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander — who also created Chiney Ogwumike’s wedding gown. To complete the look, Iriafen wore a traditional orange-beaded Nigerian bracelet, seamlessly blending modern glam with cultural pride.

The 6-foot-3 Iriafen was not alone.

Dominique Malonga, the gifted 6-6 forward from France and the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm, brought a piece of home with her. She stepped out in a sleek suit designed by none other than Louis Vuitton — one of France’s, and the world’s, most iconic fashion houses.

“A huge collaboration between them,” Malonga said. “I’m like a simple, classic person.”

Still, she made it clear that while her style might be understated, her game is anything but. As a forward, she knows she can do it all. At just 19, she’s already been playing high-level basketball overseas for four years.

Malonga wasn’t the only Storm player showcasing her roots on the orange carpet.

Seattle Storm point guard and former UConn Husky Nika Muhl also proudly em-

braced her Croatian heritage.

“I came all the way from Croatia to be here,” Muhl said.

“I had to bring Croatia with me.”

Muhl was wearing a black pantsuit with a black crop top underneath, complemented by a chain of keys draped across her body. The entire look was designed by Croatian brand Y/ GIA and styled by a Croatian stylist.

“I

wanted to feel good, I wanted to look good.”

Even the players who couldn’t attend the draft found ways to let their identities shine.

Te-Hina Paopao, the sharp-shooting South Carolina guard, was selected 18th overall by the Atlanta Dream. Appearing on TV from her draft party, she wore a traditional Samoan dress, along with several flower lei around her neck—symbolic necklaces in Samoan culture that honor and celebrate.

“I am so blessed to be Samoan,” said Paopao. “When you think of Samoan culture you think of family and I am so ready to bring that culture to Atlanta.”

And family was definitely present — about 300 people gathered behind her at her draft party in California, a powerful visual of support and pride.

As they step into the professional spotlight, they carry with them not just their skills, but the pride of their families, their communities, and their cultures. The future of the WNBA isn’t just about basketball; it’s about creating a space where every player can be their true, authentic self—on the court and beyond.

PAMELA SMITH / AP PHOTO USC’s Kiki Iriafen poses in her dress from Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander before the WNBA draft last week.

Kiki Iriafen

TONY GUTIERREZ / AP PHOTO

Maria Gladys Smith (Perez Santiago)

Nov. 20, 1938 – April 19, 2025

Maria Gladys Smith (née Perez Santiago), 81, of Hackensack, NJ (formerly of Hialeah, FL), passed away on April 19, 2020, due to cardiac arrest. Born November 20, 1938, in Lares, Puerto Rico, Gladys lived a life marked by resilience, deep love, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Gladys was one of eight children born to Jose Perez Cerra and Maria Santiago Gonzalez, and her upbringing in Lares shaped the strong, nurturing woman she became. In the late 1950s, she journeyed to New York City in search of new opportunities, where she later married and lovingly raised her son, Cruz “J.R.” Jimenez, overcoming challenges with courage, faith, and fierce maternal strength. Throughout her life, Gladys found fulfillment in roles that reflected her heart: working as a seamstress and as a school cafeteria aide. Whether stitching clothes or serving meals, she cared for others with gentle dignity and a selfless spirit. Her warmth extended far beyond

Henry S. Outland

Nov. 23, 1931 – April 16, 2025

Henry S. Outland, 93, passed away April 16, 2025, at FirstHealth Hospice House.

Services will be private. Marion and Stan will be interred at Indian Town Gap National Cemetery in Pennsylvania. Stan was born November 23,

obituaries

her immediate family-she was a second mother to many, a wise and loyal friend, and a beloved sister and aunt.

Gladys was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Reginald Reese Smith (19322012), with whom she shared a loving and peaceful chapter later in life. She is survived by her son Cruz “J.R.” Jimenez, many dear nieces, nephews, and adopted daughters, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love, laughter, and compassion.

Her final resting place is beside her beloved husband at Old Bethesda Church Cemetery in Aberdeen, North Carolina-a peaceful return to eternal love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Alcoholics Anonymous, in honor of causes close to her heart.

A Guardian Angel Among Us

A heart so fierce, a love so wide, She walked through storms with quiet pride.

A mother first, through sacrifice, She paid the cost; she gave the price.

With books and dreams, she lit the way, Teaching her son to rise, not stray.

“Learn all you can,” she used to say- “Knowledge will never fade away.”

To nieces, nephews, daughters, too, She gave her strength, her wisdom true.

A steadfast hand, a guiding light, A friend who stood through darkest night.

Now though her voice is still and calm, We feel her presence, sweet and strong.

In every lesson, hug, and songHer love, her legacy, lives on.

Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

1931 in West Chester, PA to the late Harold and Dorothy Outland. He graduated from West Chester High in 1949. He served in the US Air Force as an Airman First Class during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. Stan was a crew chief and air crew member assigned to a B-26 squadron. After his service, he graduated from Spring Garden Institute in Philadelphia. He worked as a development machinist for GE Missile & Space and the Dupont Experimental Station. Stan retired after 28 years at Dupont. Stan was married to his wife Marion for 63 years who predeceased him in 2020. He is survived by his son, Christopher Paul Outland of Oxford, PA; granddaughter Krista and grandson Jesse. Memorial contributions may be made to Foundation of FirstHealth, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

Karen Elizabeth Yelcich

Feb. 24, 1943 – April 18, 2025

Karen Elizabeth Yelcich, 82, of McClendon Hills passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC, after a brief illness.

She was born February 24, 1943, in Fairmont, WV, to the late John Edward Nuzum and the late Elizabeth Zelnak Nuzum.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 64 years, Mathew Yelcich; her daughter, Kelly Jones (Kevin), and her grandson, Matthew Antonio Gomez, all of New Bern, NC. She is also survived by her brother John Edward Nuzum Jr. (Peggy); her cousin, Denise Bauman (Jim); and her beloved kitty cats Arthur and Angel.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Eric Matthew Yelcich, and her beloved cat, Lu Lu.

Karen was a phenomenal wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was a former president of the McClendon Hills Garden Club. She took great pride in cultivating her flower garden and keeping a meticulous lawn. She also enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with her family and friends. Her working career was spent as a traveling beauty consultant with Christian Dior. She was an accomplished makeup artist.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home, 221 MacDougall Drive, West End, NC 27376, with a service beginning at 3 p.m. Interment will follow on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Greenleaf Memorial Park in New Bern, NC. The interment will be private for the family. Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.

Connie Kenneth “Ken” Edwards Jr.

March 11, 1934 –April 17, 2025

Connie Kenneth “Ken” Edwards Jr., aged 91, of Aberdeen, passed on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at his residence.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Southern Pines with Pastor Brandon Wood officiating. Mr. Edwards was born March 11, 1934, in Red Springs, NC, to the late Connie Kenneth Edwards Sr., and Callie Lee (Honeycutt) Edwards. Growing up in Red Springs, Ken graduated from Red Springs High School. He enlisted in the US Air Force, serving from 1954 to 1957, and was stationed in Germany. Before his retirement, he owned and operated Ken’s TV and Appliance store in Norwood, NC.

He is survived by his wife of 66years, Reba Jane (Bowen) Edwards of Aberdeen; a son, Ken M. Edwards and wife Nancy of Raleigh, NC; a daughter, Connie E. Slater and husband Barry of Locust, NC; two brothers, Johnny Edwards and wife Maxine of North Myrtle Beach, SC; Jim Edwards and wife Yvette of Hope Mills, NC; two sisters, Minnie Terrel and husband Jimmy of Portsmouth, VA; and Frances Edwards of Red Springs, NC; four grandchildren, Jen Van Kirk and husband Erik of Wilmington, NC, Katie Maxey and husband Jake of Raleigh, NC, Matthew Slater of Pineville, NC, and Beth McCandless and husband Brandon of Albemarle, NC.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Evelyn Whitman and Joanne Bowen. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in memory of Kenneth Edwards to Aberdeen First Baptist Church in Aberdeen. Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Beth Annette Cowan

May 18, 1964 – April 16, 2025

Beth Annette Cowan, 60, of Pinebluff, NC passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at her residence.

Beth was born May 18, 1964, in Troy, PA to parents Glen and Anita Evans.

Beth is survived by her husband of 25 years, Michael “Buck” Cowan; his daughters, Angela O’Daniel (Ryan) and Kitty Cowan (Orville Cave); her mother Anita Evans; brother, Craig Evans (Cindy); sister, Denise DeYcaza (Max), and many other extended family and friends. Beth is also survived by her rescue dogs Tibbs and Griff.

Following graduation from Canton High School in 1982, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Data Processing Technician.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration at the University of Berkeley in 1990, she commissioned as an officer. She retired from active duty service as a Lieutenant Commander after completing 21 years of service. Beth moved to Pinebluff, NC in 2011 and has resided there with her husband.

A celebration of life will be held at the Southern Pines VFW on Saturday, April 26th, from 3 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions to Caring Hearts for Canines, caringheartsforcanines.com Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Boston Marathon assists in celebrating 250th anniversary of Revolutionary War

Kenyan John Korir joined his brother as a winner, finishing in 2:04:45

By Jimmy Golen

The Associated Press

BOSTON — A rider dressed as Paul Revere eased his horse up to the Boston Marathon finish line and proclaimed, “The runners are coming.”

And down Boylston Street they came. In record time. With a historic family first. And even “The Star-Spangled Banner” got some air time as the race and the region commemorated the 250th anniversary of the first shots fired in the American Revolution.

Sharon Lokedi of Kenya broke the Boston Marathon course record by more than 21/2 minutes on Monday, outkicking two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri a year after losing to her in one of the closest finishes in race history.

Fellow Kenyan John Korir recovered from a starting line fall to join his brother as race champion — the first relatives to win the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon in a history that dates to 1897.

On a day that also marked the 50th anniversary of Bob Hall’s pioneering wheelchair race, Marcel Hug of Switzerland claimed his eighth victory and Susannah Scaroni of the United States took the women’s title.

“I always feel emotional when the national anthem is played,” said Scaroni, who won in 2023 but couldn’t defend her title last year because of an injury. “And to have ours played on this amazing, historic anniversary gives me goosebumps.”

Lokedi finished in 2 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds to claim the $150,000 first prize and another $50,000 bonus for breaking the course record of 2:19:59 set by Buzunesh Deba in 2014. A year after sprinting to an 8-second victory, Obiri was 19 seconds back in her attempt to become the first woman to win three straight since Fatuma Roba in 1999.

“Where she passed me last year, I passed her this year,” Lokedi said with a laugh. “I didn’t even believe. I kept looking back and thinking, ‘Where is she?’ I’m just so grateful to her for pushing me all the way through.”

Six months after winning on Chicago’s flatter course, Korir finished in 2:04:45 — the second-fastest winning time in Boston history as the runners took advantage of perfect marathon weather to conquer the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston’s Copley Square.

And he did it despite getting tripped up from behind near the start and falling. He got up to rejoin the lead pack at the rear.

“What came to my mind was should I stay down, or should I (get) up and go?” he said. “Something told me to (get) up and go, and that everything will be OK. ... And everything went away.”

Korir’s race bib fell off and he tucked it into his running tights, pulling it out as he sprinted to the finish line. Waiting to congratulate him was 2012 Boston

winner Wesley Korir, his older brother.

Although the race has been won by a pair of unrelated John Kelleys and two different Robert Cheruiyots, the Korirs are the first brothers to have won.

“He explained to be tough and believe in yourself,” said John Korir, who finished fourth and ninth in his two previous Boston attempts. “So I believed in myself and I followed his advice.”

Conner Mantz of Provo, Utah, finished fourth after losing a three-way sprint to the finish with Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania, who finished second, and Cybrian Kotut of Kenya, who was third.

Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia was third in the women’s race. Jess McClain of Phoenix was the top American, in seventh place; 2018 winner Des Linden, who had announced she would retire from competitive running, won the masters division and was 17th overall.

When she crossed the finish line, the other American women bowed to her in tribute.

“I had those folks in front of me who paved the way, and I looked up to them. And they always made me feel like I belonged, made me feel like my dreams are valid, helped me along the way,” Linden said. “So I’ve always tried to do that for the folks in this sport as well.”

A field of 30,000 left Hopkinton on Monday morning for

“I am only here today because so many incredible individuals had integrity, tenacity — they knew they belonged as athletes and they allowed us to have what we have today.”

Susannah Scaroni, women’s wheelchair

winner

Boston’s Back Bay, where riders in Revolutionary War garb — accompanied by a fife and drum playing “Yankee Doodle” — rode down Boylston Street in a reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride.

The ceremony came to a temporary halt when the horses was spooked by the finish line decal on the street and pulled up.

The actor portraying the Colonial silversmith and patriot had to hop off and walk the last few steps himself as the small early crowd laughed and clapped.

After reading a proclamation, Revere gently tugged the horse the rest of the way before riding off to more ceremonies commemorating the midnight ride on April 19, 1775, that warned the Sons of Liberty that the British were on the march.

Linden, the last American runner to win Boston, read the

Marathon no-shows similar to 2024, dispelling concerns politics would scare away runners away

Of 31,778 entrants, 2,850 — or 9% — failed to start

The Associated Press

BOSTON — The Boston Marathon had about the same number of no-shows as last year, dispelling concerns that international runners would skip the race in the face of increased U.S. border scrutiny.

A total of 28,928 runners started the 129th edition of the marathon on Monday, from a field of 31,778 entrants. That leaves 2,850, or less than 9%, who registered but did not cross the starting line in Hopkinton.

In last year’s field, there were 2,838 who failed to start.

To earn a Boston Marathon bib number, most runners need to submit a qualifying time from another 26.2-mile race. Though many treat it as a lifetime goal not to be abandoned lightly, no-shows can occur for reasons ranging from injury to the 2010 Icelandic volcano eruption that shut down flights and prevented hundreds of European runners from traveling to the U.S.

Although the race was full, with entries from 128 countries, scattered reports indicated that some foreign runners might stay away for political reasons or fears of border hassles.

International visits to the U.S. have plummeted, with Canadians among those avoiding U.S. travel in response to President Donald Trump’s tariff talk and threats of annexing the country as a 51st state.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said last week that everyone should feel welcome.

“Regardless of what’s happening at other levels, and particularly now at the federal level, in Boston we welcome everyone,” Wu said Friday at a public safety media briefing not far from the finish line. “We seek to be a home for everyone.”

voice-over that introduced the reenactment.

“I wondered, ‘Are these professional horses?’ Because it seemed like a lot for them,” she said afterward. “It turns out, it was.”

Hug had no such trouble completing the course, zooming into Copley Square in 1:21:34 for his eighth Boston wheelchair title. He beat two-time winner Daniel Romanchuk by more than four minutes. Scaroni finished in 1:35:20 on

a day the Boston Athletic Association celebrated Hall’s push to add a wheelchair division in 1975.

“I am only here today because so many incredible individuals had integrity, tenacity — they knew they belonged as athletes, and they allowed us to have what we have today,” she said.

“And I’m so beyond grateful.

“I’m not brave like them,” Scaroni said. “I’m only here because of how awesome those people are.”

PHOTOS BY CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO

Left, runners approach the finish line during the Boston

Marathon on Monday. Top right, Boston Marathon winner Sharon

Lokedi high-fives spectators in front of Boston College in Newton, Mass. while in the lead group of runners. Bottom right, Marcel Hug, of Switzerland, right, congratulates Susannah Scaroni, of the United States, after winning the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions.

CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO

Colonial militia reenactors cross the finish line during a ceremony for the Patriot’s Day holiday prior to the Boston Marathon on Monday.

JENNIFER MCDERMOTT / AP PHOTO