VOLUME 11 ISSUE 34 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
NSJONLINE.COM
Honoring heritage Indigenous Peoples’ Day was celebrated Monday in Apex. See more on page A11.
STAN GILLILAND / NORTH STATE JOURNAL
State temporarily suspends gas tax
the
BRIEF this week
Gov. Josh Stein signed the legislation that will temporarily bring relief at the pump
Judge rules in Atrium’s favor in State Health Plan case Sanford A Superior Court judge Tuesday denied the State Health Plan’s request for a temporary restraining order to block Atrium Health’s “Affordability Program,” which cuts out-of-pocket costs for plan members using Atrium providers. Judge Matthew Houston allowed the program to continue, though the plan said he acknowledged it could cause irreparable harm. Treasurer Brad Briner, who chairs the plan’s board, argues the program undermines the plan’s tiered network and could cost more than $100 million next year. The State Health Plan, which covers 750,000 members, warned premiums could rise up to $50 monthly in 2028. Atrium denies its program threatens plan solvency.
Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases exceed 9K Bunia, Congo Confirmed cases in Congo’s Ebola outbreak have surpassed 9,000, with more than 4,300 deaths, as health authorities struggle to contain an outbreak spreading across seven provinces, according to government figures released Tuesday. The Health Ministry reported 9,066 confirmed cases and 4,381 deaths, with the death toll approaching half the number of confirmed cases. The rising death toll has alarmed health workers and authorities, with a large share of recorded deaths occurring outside treatment centers. The latest report recorded 88 new cases and warned that “community transmission remains a concern.” Officials say the confirmed cases account for only a third of all cases, with many going undetected.
By A.P. Dillon North State Journal
Stein, GROW NC announce WNC recovery plan Nine core principles focus on the region’s economy By Jessica Taylor For North State Journal GOV. JOSH STEIN and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina unveiled the Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan as a framework for rebuilding and recovering the region.
See HELENE, page A3
First $45M of Meta settlement headed to NC “Children were the ones harmed by Meta’s actions, and this money should be used to help them.” Jeff Jackson, North Carolina attorney general
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The plan was announced Sept. 23, nearly two years after Hurricane Helene. “While the headlines about Helene have faded over the last two years, the work remains,” Stein said in a press release. “Western North Carolinians know best how to keep moving forward. “That is why this plan takes the priorities the region set for itself and puts the state’s
RALEIGH — Lawmakers held an extra session last week, passing a bill that will temporarily suspend the state’s gas tax through the end of November. Gov. Josh Stein signed the bill Friday. The bill passed the House by a 111-1 vote, with Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford) the lone no. The Senate passed it unanimously 41-0. Starting the day after the bill became law and running through Nov. 30, the state’s 41-cent gas tax will be suspended. House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) said lawmakers may extend the pause during the legislature’s November session. “This is a big win for making life more affordable for North Carolinians and providing immediate relief at the gas pump,” said House Majority Leader Brenden Jones (R-Columbus), who led the bill. “It is also a testament to
The state is due $451 million in the child safety agreement By Jessica Taylor For North State Journal NORTH CAROLINA will receive the first $45 million of a guaranteed $451 million after a child safety settlement with Meta. Meta will make child safety updates to platforms like Facebook and Instagram and pay up to $17.1 billion to various states. “This settlement is about holding Meta accountable and protecting children,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson in the press release. “Not only does it require Meta to make major safety changes to its platforms,
but it brings hundreds of millions of dollars to our state. “Part of our deal was making sure that these first payments would reach us quickly. Children were the ones harmed by Meta’s actions, and this money should be used to help them.” Jackson recommended the settlement funds be used for after-school and summer school programs, crisis helplines for children and school health personnel. The remaining money will be paid in nine installments every Jan. 15, starting in January and ending in 2035. During the lawsuit, North Carolina and 32 other states alleged that Meta violated state consumer protection laws by designing Instagram and Facebook See META, page A2
41¢
State tax on fuel
the fiscal responsibility Republicans have demonstrated throughout the budget process. Because of responsible Republican leadership, North Carolina is in a position to provide this important relief to our citizens.” Based on AAA’s average price for gas in North Carolina of $4.12 a gallon, the bill would drop that price to $3.71 if the full tax cut is passed on. That cut translates to saving $6.15 on a 15-gallon fill-up. There’s a catch — retailers would have to pass those savings on to drivers except on fuel they already had in stock that was taxed before the suspension started. The bill also includes Stein’s Sept. 30 request to officials to allow farmers and other agriculture-related workers to use dyed diesel in road travel See GAS, page A10
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
THURSDAY
9.17.26 #559
the word | When the wine runs out “Make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5 “When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him: They have no more wine.” John 2:3
“First in freedom” Visit us online nsjonline.com
North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Trip Hoffend Publisher Cory Lavalette Senior Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Jordan Golson Locals Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Stan Gilliland Photographer Published each Thursday by North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 919-663-3232
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This incident is a very fitting illustration of the failure of all this world’s joys. The wine ran out at a wedding feast. There was not enough of it to last through to the end of the feast. It is just so with all earth’s pleasures. It comes in cups — not in fountains; and the supply is limited — and soon exhausted. It is especially so with sin’s pleasures. The prodigal son soon ran out of money, and began to be in need. A poet compared the pleasures of sin to a snowflake on the river, “a moment white — then gone forever!” But it is true in a sense also — of pure earthly pleasures. Even the sweetness of human love is but a cupful, which will not last forever. The joy which so fills us today — tomorrow is changed to sorrow. Amid the gladness of the marriage altar — there is the knell of the end, in the words “until death do us part.” One of every two friends must hold the other’s hand in farewell at the edge of the valley of the shadow of death — and must stand by the other’s grave, and walk alone for part of the way. The best wine of earthly life and of love — will
PUBLIC DOMAIN
“The Marriage at Cana” (circa 1500) is a painting by Gerard David in the Louvre in Paris.
fail. If there were nothing better in this world — how sad it would be! But it is here that we see the glory of Christ’s gospel. When earth’s wine fails — Jesus comes, and gives Heaven’s wine to supply the lack. How beautiful and how true is the picture here: the failing wine — and then Jesus coming with power and supplying the need. That is what He is doing continually. He takes lives which have drained their last drop of earthly gladness — and He satisfies them with spiritual good
and blessing, so that they need nothing more. When human joy fails — Jesus gives new joy, better than the world’s, and in unfailing abundance! How sad it is for those who have not taken Christ into their lives, and who have nothing but the empty cup — when earth’s wine runs out.
J. R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.
LGC to assume finances of Ronda, Rowland Ronda made 903 credit card purchases totaling more than $104,000 over four years By Jessica Taylor For North State Journal AFTER SEVERAL YEARS on North Carolina’s Local Government Commission watch list, the towns of Ronda and Rowland recently had their finances taken over by the commission. “Our priority is making sure every citizen in our state is getting the services they need,” said Treasurer Brad Briner. “If local governments don’t fulfill their duty to their constituents, we will not hesitate to act. “We know that it is not easy to conclude that your local government is no longer viable, but it would be even more difficult to tell taxpayers that you are bankrupt. This needs to be fixed before that happens.” Prior to the Local Government Commission (LGC) step-
META from page A1 to keep children spending more time on the platforms while downplaying the risks. Meta was also accused of violating the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act by collecting information from children under 13 without parental consent. Information about the case came from Meta’s records. Internal documents described features that could elicit dopamine responses and noted that younger users struggle with self-regulation on social media platforms. Other documents discussed how Instagram notifications kept children awake or disrupted them during school hours, how face filters could contribute to body-image problems and how the platforms recommended harmful accounts to children. Meta’s research covered built-in social pressure on Instagram, as well as how many children under 13 were using the platform. Meta will implement measures to keep children under 13 off its platforms and add settings to better protect teenagers and enable parents to have more control over their teens’ accounts.
ping in, an audit of the Town of Ronda in Wilkes County was conducted, finding that it was in a state of deteriorating finances. The town struggled with past financial obligations, such as unpaid invoices. According to the audit, Ronda’s expenses exceeded its revenues, resulting in insufficient cash resources, a depleted investment account, reliance on temporary grant proceeds and a request for a $50,000 loan from Wilkes County. The town was also found to have made 903 credit card purchases totaling more than $104,000 between June 1, 2022, and June 30, 2026. Several transactions lacked receipts or supporting documentation to identify whether the purchases served a purpose for the town. Previously, Ronda had voted to voluntarily dissolve in September after being warned by the LGC to become financially stable. According to the LGC’s press release, the town made no improvements, leading to a
Some changes include daily time limits that cap at two hours a day. After the cap, Instagram and Facebook feeds will no longer be accessible, but message chats still will. Feeds will no longer be accessible by teens from midnight to 6 a.m., and notifications will not be received from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Additionally, notifications will be turned off for teens from Aug. 15 to June 15 during school hours (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Alongside notification changes, like counts will be turned off for teens, and beauty filters will be prohibited. If Facebook or Instagram is used for 15 consecutive minutes, pop-up notifications will appear to dissuade teens from staying on the app. The notifications will become stricter if the teen has been on the app for 60 or 90 minutes in one day. With the default app changes, Meta will also allow teens to select nonpersonalized feeds, work with parents, teens and child safety experts to evaluate and improve efforts to protect children, make teen accounts private by default and let teens report various types of harmful content.
“If local governments don’t fulfill their duty to their constituents, we will not hesitate to act.” Treasurer Brad Briner unanimous vote to assume its finances. “This vote came after warnings, testimony, and a report from the State Auditor’s Office on the Town of Ronda’s cash flow crisis,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek. “Over the past 22 months, the State Auditor’s Office has detailed financial governance issues at the municipal level across North Carolina. “A takeover is a last resort measure that is rarely taken, but in these instances, it was the responsible thing to do for taxpayers in North Carolina.” The Town of Rowland told the LGC it believed it was moving toward financial stability. According to the LGC, Row-
land did not provide a clear financial path forward, leading to a vote that assumed Rowland’s finances. Rocky Mount also provided an update on its financial position, projecting about $50 million in cash by Dec. 31, with its general fund cash remaining low. The LGC requested continued quarterly updates on Rocky Mount’s finances. The LGC also granted Elm City an appeal regarding potential sales tax withholding, which arose because the city’s required annual financial audit was not submitted on time. LGC staff granted the appeal due to “other good cause with evidence.” The LGC also approved several financial requests. Finances above $10 million included: • $37.77 million, Coastal Affordable Senior Housing Foundation — Funds for two senior living communities • $150 million, Metropolitan Sewerage District — Funds for sewer improvements and refinancing debt
• $90 million, Givens Estates — Funds for senior living improvements in Asheville and Black Mountain • $10.2 million, Concord — Funds for construction, equipment and furnishings for a new communications and emergency management facility • $10.5 million, Iredell County — A three-year extension of unissued community college general obligation bonds • $22 million, Greenville — Funds to replace a bulkhead, expand the city’s sports complex and improve the city hall. • $46.207 million, Albemarle — State revolving funds to rehabilitate the Long Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant • $16 million, Apex — Funds for Town Hall and Tunstall House improvements, street and sidewalk projects and property for a public safety station • $20.3 million, Raleigh Housing Authority — Funds for Fisher Grove, an affordable housing development The LGC is chaired by Briner and approves debt issued by local governments and public authorities in the state. It monitors the financial well-being of more than 1,100 local government units.
NORTH STATE JOURNAL
On the farm U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, right, speaks at Eason’s Cotton Ginnery facility in
the Halifax County town of Enfield alongside owner Tatum Eason during an Oct. 7 visit highlighting how the Trump administration is helping North Carolina farmers.
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
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NC Senate races to watch closely NCFREE has four seats listed as “toss-ups” and three others it is watching By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — In next month’s election, the North Carolina Senate is the tighter chamber on paper and the harder one for Democrats to flip. Republicans hold a majority with 30 of 50 seats. Alex Baltzegar, executive director of the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation (NCFREE), doesn’t expect that majority to disappear. He does, however, expect a handful of seats to decide how thin it gets, and his organization is watching four seats it has designated as “toss-ups.” “The Senate is unlikely to flip based on what we’re seeing,” Baltzegar said. “Their floor is closer to 26 or 27 seats, and that is on the table if the current environment continues.” NCFREE uses two tools to assess the legislative seats. The Partisan District Score is a static baseline: the expected margin for a generic, nonincumbent candidate in a neutral statewide year. That score is built from a regression model that includes presidential election margins, historical incumbency, down-ballot lag and district demographics. The live ratings label each race as safe, likely, lean or toss-up using current conditions. Baltzegar said those ratings were about to change on Senate District 18, which NCFREE planned to move from toss-up to lean Democrat, with another public update likely in mid-October. “We’re just showing people the data so they can understand what’s going on,” Baltzegar said. “We do want to give people a clearer picture of the playing field.” Of NCFREE’s four Senate
HELENE from page A1 weight behind them. Together, we can build an economy that’s stronger and more diversified than the one the storm hit — because that is what a full recovery requires.” Western North Carolina
toss-ups, the three treated as the top watches are Districts 11, 7 and 34. Senate District 11 (Franklin, Nash, Vance): Sen. Lisa Barnes (R) vs. James Gailliard (D) — This is the race a lot of people expect to be the closest, according to Baltzegar. Barnes, the incumbent, runs a family farm and is well known in the district. Gailliard is a former House member. NCFREE’s Partisan District Score is D+0.8. In 2024, Donald Trump carried the district by 3.5%, and Barnes won it by 2.6%. That gap is typical, Baltzegar said, in a seat that has been trending Republican, and voters often go GOP at the top of the ticket before they start doing it down-ballot. “We see that district as roughly an even district on paper,” he said. “In a Democratic year, it’s going to be tough to hang on to, but given Lisa Barnes’ stronger incumbency and that district is trending Republican over the years … we definitely knew this was going to be a super competitive race.” Senate District 7 (New Hanover): Sen. Michael Lee (R) vs. Jessica Bichler (D) — Baltzegar said Lee usually runs ahead of the ticket and is a strong fundraiser. With the impending departure of Sen. Phil Berger (R-Eden), Lee has also been cited as running to replace him as Senate leader, which Baltzegar called “a very interesting wrinkle.” Lee was picked to be Senate majority leader in 2025, replacing former Sen. Paul Newton, who resigned for a job at UNC Chapel Hill. In 2024, Trump won the district by 5.6%, and Lee won it by 8.5%. NCFREE’s neutral-year score is R+2.7. The district has been redrawn more than once. It has historically been more Republican than the current cycle feels,
faced setbacks before Helene struck, losing 40% of its manufacturing jobs over three decades. The region’s labor force has also shrunk from 2023 to 2026 by more than 16,000 individuals. The Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan
HANNAH SCHOENBAUM / AP PHOTO
State Sen. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover), pictured in 2025, faces a challenge from Democrat Jessica Bichler in District 7. and it is trending Democratic. “He’s built a good reputation for himself there,” Baltzegar said of Lee, who, in his view, is in “an OK position to win.” He qualified that remark, saying, “That is not the same as safe. It really could go either direction, depending on how the environment shapes up before November.” Senate District 34 (Cabarrus): Kevin Crutchfield (R) vs. April Cook (D) — Crutchfield beat incumbent Chris Measmer in the primary, so the usual incumbency edge is thinner even though Crutchfield previously held a House seat. Trump won the district by 8.2% in 2024, while the legislative Republican won it by 8.7%. NCFREE has it at R+5 in a neutral year. The problem is the same suburban pattern showing up in Cabarrus House seats: The district has been trending Democratic. Baltzegar argued that a midterm electorate here is more educated, and those voters have been moving toward Democrats. “This district is ripe to flip potentially,” he said. “We definitely think this one could go either way.”
Three other Senate seats didn’t make the current toss-up cut but still belong on a watch list. Senate District 1: Jerry Tillett (R) vs. Melissa Zehner (D) — This is the seat formerly held by Sen. Bobby Hanig, who resigned following an attempt to run for the state’s 1st Congressional District. Tillett was picked to replace Hanig and is now on the ballot. The district favors Republicans “fairly strongly,” Baltzegar said, and he would be “really shocked” if Tillett lost, citing potential past scandals for Tillett possibly being an issue. Baltzegar said if Democrats spend time and money there or something new surfaces, maybe the district will be in play. Tillett had been accused of using a racial slur, which he denied and later filed a defamation suit over. In 2013, he was reprimanded by the Judicial Standards Commission over alleged misuse of power in disputes with Dare County officials. Senate District 18: Haseeb Fatmi (D) vs. Chris Stock (R) — NCFREE is moving this seat to lean Democrat. Fatmi was
picked to replace Terence Everitt earlier this year after Everitt abruptly resigned in April. “This district is just going to be challenging to win in a year like 2026 for Republicans,” Baltzegar said. Senate District 42: Sen. Woodson Bradley (D) vs. Stacie McGinn (R) — This race is a rematch. Bradley won by two-tenths of a point last cycle, ultimately winning after McGinn called for a recount. That cycle, Republicans went after Bradley for her involvement in an alleged pyramid scheme involving Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, which was accused of defrauding 20,000 North Carolinians out of their savings. McGinn is running a version of that attack again this cycle. NCFREE still does not call it a toss-up. The Partisan District Score is D+7.4, and Kamala Harris won the district by 6.6% in 2024. On paper, Democrats should win comfortably, according to Baltzegar, who is watching the race “just in case.” Midterms, he noted, also leave fewer swing voters to persuade. NCFREE’s scores and methodology can be accessed by visiting ncfree.org.
(NCERP) has nine core principles: infrastructure, natural resources, economic development and entrepreneurship, housing, education and workforce development, arts, culture and tourism, healthcare and agriculture. The plan outlines the baseline conditions for each principle, as
well as targets after five and 10 years of implementation. While the plan illustrates resources that have been dedicated to Helene, it does not include specific dollar amounts for areas impacted by the 2024 storm, when funds or efforts will be released, or how the funds will differ at the federal, state and local levels. The plan also does not include frameworks such as benchmarks and performance indicators. NCERP also discusses transportation barriers but does not specify how areas affected by Helene, such as I-40, can plan long term in the wake of another disaster. “Western North Carolina has made tremendous progress in rebuilding after Helene, but there’s much more to do to restore transportation infrastructure, rebuild water systems, and get survivors back into safe housing,” said Matt Calabria, director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC). “This economic plan is an essential part of the recovery and will ensure that we continue recovering in an integrated, holistic way.” Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer co-chair the recovery plan. Stein’s first focus coming into office was Hurricane Helene recovery, and he established GROW NC to take up the task, discarding former Gov. Roy Cooper’s N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR), set up in late 2018 following Hurricane Florence. The purpose of NCORR was to rebuild homes, repair infrastructure and manage resiliency projects with federal Housing and Urban Development funding. Over the course of NCORR, the program faced scrutiny over fund allocations and execution delays. The program’s progress was slow, with $231 million of the $778 million in federal disaster relief spent in 2022. Of those funds, 60% were encumbered, meaning they were formally set aside and re-
served for a specific obligation. During a hearing in December 2022, several families were revealed to still be in hotels or temporary housing following Hurricanes Florence and Matthew, resulting in millions of dollars in costs. More than $74.4 million was spent on temporary relocation, totaling over $230,000 per household. Other issues with NCORR included a housing discrimination complaint alleging the application process disproportionately affected black homeowners, several legislative hearings from 2022 to 2025, underreporting in Hurricane Matthew receipts and disbursements, limited monitoring of Hurricane Florence fund distributions and the NCORR chief abruptly leaving. In 2025, an audit and presentation from State Auditor Dave Boliek found NCORR managed more than $1 billion in combined federal and state funding. Applications and grants were tracked using a Salesforce platform, which NCORR spent over $25 million to design and implement. The platform received 11,654 applications, with more than 1,400 project duplicates in the system and nearly 1,500 deemed ineligible. The application process had eight steps and took nearly 936 days to complete, with construction projects for homeowners not beginning for an average of four years. NCORR was also found to have overcommitted $297 million in funds, which had to be remedied by the North Carolina General Assembly. NCORR’s monthly home completions were about 50 to 60 homes, with 92% of projects completed at the end of October 2025. The ReBuild NC Program, which was managed by NCORR to repair, reconstruct or elevate homes following Matthew and Florence, was officially closed Sept. 30 after helping 4,242 families return to safer homes. The closing came nearly 10 years after Matthew and eight after Florence.
NCDOT TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO REA ROAD AND PROVIDENCE ROAD SOUTH IN UNION COUNTY
STIP Project Nos. U-3467A, U-3467B, U-5769A and U-5769B
U-3467
U-5769
Union County- The N.C. Department of Transportation is holding an informational public meeting about plans to extend Rea Road east from Providence Road to Weddington Road (U-3467A) and widen Weddington Road from the future Rea Road intersection to east of Waxhaw Indian Trail Road (U-3467B). Additionally, information will be shared about the proposed improvements to Providence Road South from Rea Road extension to Bonds Grove Church Road (U-5769A), continuing from Bonds Grove Church Road to Waxhaw Parkway (U-5769B). These projects support ongoing transportation improvements intended to reduce congestion, improve safety, and accommodate anticipated growth in the area.
The purpose of the meeting is to reintroduce the project to the public and for the project team to provide information about the proposed design. The meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 22 at Weddington United Methodist Church-Helms Hall, located at 13901 Providence Road in Weddington. The public is invited to attend any time between 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. as no formal presentation will be made. NCDOT representatives will be available to answer questions and receive comments. Members of the public may also submit comments for U-3467 by phone at 984-205-6615, project code 7100, email rea-road-extension@publicinput.com, or mail to the project manager at the address shown below. Comments for U-5769 can be submitted by phone at 984-205-6615, project code 3254, email nc-16providence@publicinput.com, or mail to the project manager at the address shown below. By Mail:
U-3467: Jon Gaillard NCDOT PMU Project Manager 1598 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
8 'RQDOG & *ULI¿WK NCDOT Division 10-Project Manager 716 W Main St Albermarle, NC 28001
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for members of the public with a disability who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services or accommodations should contact Aleksandra Djurkovic, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1598, 919-707-6024 or andjurkovic@ncdot.gov as early as possible so arrangements can be made. Persons who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.
Aquellas personas que no hablan inglés, o tienen limitaciones para leer, hablar o entender inglés, podrían recibir servicios de interpretación si los solicitan antes de la reunión llamando al 1-800-481-6494.
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL
Cling to the tried-and-true landmarks of the past The chances of Democrats going back to the days when they could refer to and recite Senator Sam’s words are next to zero.
AS I WAS WALKING through the neighborhood recently, I was just hoping and praying for some inspiration to find a way to talk about how we as North Carolinians and Americans can come together under a common set of beliefs and principles by which we can live together in peace for our next 250 years. As I turned a corner, I came across a front yard covered by a flat tile monument dedicated to the memory of former U.S. Sen. Sam Ervin Jr. A Democrat, no less, but wipe away political affiliation, and his words should resonate today with anyone who is concerned about the future of our nation. They give rise to the question as to whether either major political party can fully recapture the broad middle of the political spectrum for decades to come or we’ll see a new majority party emerging perhaps to combat the strident partisanship of today. Close to 40% of North Carolina voters are not registered Republican or Democrat. Some don’t feel their party has moved far enough left or right to their liking. The vast majority are just aching for elected leaders to come together to get things done over a beer and stop fighting so much and blaming the other side for not getting anything done, as one young lady said recently. As I read the inscription of his pithy quote on the yard monument, I felt like an archaeologist going back in time only to discover one of the giants of North Carolina political leaders is almost completely forgotten by current Democratic leaders.
It reads: “I believe in clinging to the triedand-true landmarks of the past, but I am willing to test the soundness of new ideas.” Try to imagine any Democratic leader or candidate for office standing up before a raucous crowd and quoting Ervin today. Ervin didn’t say we should jettison any or all of the foundational principles of our nation overnight simply to try out the latest new idea as it came down the road as if it were the latest new car or iPhone — as current leaders of the socialist Democrats advocate. Rather, he implied we should hold onto them dearly as if clinging to a lifeboat as we navigate new waters and realities of life together. Ervin said many things with which a vast majority of North Carolinians still agree. Many would do so again for a party or a candidate who adopts them and speaks them in humility and with reverence. While many Democrats still revere the name of Sam Ervin Jr., it is more out of admiration for what he did as chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities in 197374, otherwise known as the Watergate Committee, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. He was a Harvard-trained constitutional expert who used folksy good humor and biblical witticisms to disarm the immense tension during the Watergate hearings, which many felt was a constitutional crisis of the first order. However, the chances of Democrats going back to the days when they could refer to
and recite Senator Sam’s words verbatim are next to zero based on their current platform and leadership. It is as if they speak an entirely different language from the days of Ervin and his colleagues. The only choices left are to vote for Republicans and hope they carry his banner of liberty under constitutional government or to hope for a new party to emerge to do the same. On the east side of his monument outside the Burke County Courthouse are written these words: “I have always believed that the most precious value of civilization is the freedom of the individual.” On the south side: “Liberty reveals herself in a threefold guise as economic liberty, political liberty, and religious liberty.” Ervin offered no quarter to people seeking to deny free speech or to limit the success any person could make in their livelihood by targeted taxation policy or regulatory oversight, as socialist Democratic leaders want to do if given power. Perhaps Ervin’s most poignant observation about what makes America and North Carolina so special is found on a sidewalk plaque next to his statue: “Our greatest possession is not the vast domain, it’s not our beautiful mountains, or our fertile prairies, or our magnificent coastline. It’s not the might of our army or navy. These things are of great importance. But in my judgment the greatest and most precious possession of the American people is the Constitution.”
EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS
Finding peace in a chaotic world Take time off social media and the internet in general from time to time.
UNQUESTIONABLY, we live in a chaotic world. Even if you don’t follow current events closely or don’t have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, life can still be chaotic as you try to navigate its hills, valleys and choppy waters. That’s certainly been the case for me in my life, and even more so after I became a full-time caregiver to my mom in the spring of 2022. I barely had my own life together at the time, so becoming responsible on a daily basis for my mom’s health and well-being certainly introduced some challenges into my life in what turned out to be an especially chaotic year. In 2022, my dad’s health was on the decline, and we lost him that June. A month later, Mom had two emergency room visits within 30 days of each other to try to nail down an as-yet-to-be-defined health condition. Three months later, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. The next month, she had surgery to remove the tumor. Some two months after that, she began the first of six chemotherapy treatments, which were very difficult for her even though she soldiered through them.
It was nearly impossible for me to find peace during that time as my sole purpose was supporting her through the ups and downs of treatments in any way I could. One of the few ways I found peace was to keep a handwritten journal of my thoughts and what my feelings and emotions were at the time. I’d usually write in it once she was tucked in for the night. It helped me to get through a very uncertain time in our lives by allowing me to get things off my chest that were between me, myself and the pages in that journal. Something else that aided me in finding peace during that chaotic period of life was my decision to remember how my dad was in happier times rather than how he was in the last two years of his life. Mom and I were still grieving him months after his passing, but in different ways. It’s still how I prefer to think of my dad to this day. Another way I’ve found that helps me get through turbulent times is to take time off social media and the internet in general from time to time. It’s not something that’s easy to do considering the computer, cell phone and/or tablet are things we need to use during our workdays. But even in those instances, something you can do is put them aside once the workday is over. That
way you won’t be tempted to bury yourself in the goings-on of the world, which tends to make people grumpy. The most important things that help the chaos-meter seem like little more than background noise to me are prayer and spending quality time with family and friends, cherishing every moment. This past weekend, ahead of a week when Mom has two very important doctor’s appointments, I was invited to spend time out in nature with a family member for a few hours. It was rainy at times, but the fresh air and bonding time meant everything. And that night, Mom and I had a fun conversation about days gone by. Remember: No matter where you are in life, there’s always time to take the safe exit ramp to peace during a hectic day or week. Whether it be any of the suggestions I referenced above or perhaps music, a nice drive or vacation, remember to always take care of yourself. Because there’s only one you, and the world can wait. 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.
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
COLUMN
America owes Mahmoud Khalil nothing What you see happening on the streets of Paris is exactly what Khalil hopes to see in the U.S.
WHAT YOU SEE HAPPENING on the streets of Paris is exactly what Khalil hopes to see in the U.S. Pro-terrorist activist Mahmoud Khalil was asked by CNN the other day if he would condemn Hamas. He, of course, would not, calling the question “silly” and “disingenuous.” It is not “black and white,” he whined. Even if you oppose Israel’s reaction to the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre, the answer is still black and white for any person with a conscience. Certainly, it should be for any person who wants to become a naturalized citizen of the United States. After all, Hamas is designated by the State Department as a terrorist organization for, among other things, murdering Americans. But the fact Khalil can’t condemn Hamas — and anyone paying attention understands he supports the terrorist army — tells us not only that he deserves to be deported but also that it’s imperative we deport him. During the 1960s and 1970s, immigration officials grilled newcomers to the U.S. and elsewhere about their affiliations with communist parties. Why would we import people who want to destroy our system? Newcomers were, and still are, compelled to disavow associations with illiberal movements, violent groups and ideologies. They were also required to promise not to engage in any subversive or revolutionary activity. Well, Khalil’s entire job as an “activist” is to engage in subversive or revolutionary activity. Khalil is an Algerian citizen, incidentally, not a Palestinian, though he is a champion of Palestinianism, one of the most nihilistic, bigoted, violent, anti-Western ideologies of the age. There’s no anti-American or Marxist protest or riot anywhere in the world these days where Palestinian flags are not prominent. The French, of course, don’t need much impetus to riot. But protests that began over a lack of school funding a few weeks ago have now escalated into increasingly destructive and violent riots across France, clearly fueled in part by Marxist pro-Palestinian elements. The red-green alliance between Islamists and communists isn’t new — it’s just more
popular than ever. France has more than 5 million Muslims. What you see happening on the streets of Paris is exactly what Khalil hopes to see in the U.S. We saw as much when he was the lead “negotiator” for Columbia University Apartheid Divest, which rioted at the school in 2025. The group’s goal is to fight for the “total eradication of Western civilization,” “global intifada” and the “armed resistance” of Hamas. That doesn’t sound very American. Khalil’s friend, Mohsen Mahdawi, another leader of CUAD fighting against deportation, reportedly has a propensity for making Hamas-like statements, such as “I like to kill Jews,” “soon, very soon, we will annihilate the Jews” and “servants of the Jews or the Americans” will have their heads “cut off.” Would we give citizenship to a foreigner who said, “I like to kill blacks” or “I like to kill Christians”? I hope not. Khalil is being deported for lying on his application, though he was initially picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers for threatening U.S. foreign policy. These deportations should not be treated as a matter of botched paperwork but as a matter of national security. The problem is it’s taken years and likely millions of dollars in legal fees to deport Khalil and Mahdawi. If it’s this difficult and expensive to kick out anti-American agitators, it would be far better to block their entry in the first place. Even if you are staunchly pro-immigration, surely you would rather bestow the gift of citizenship on decent people who embrace the ethos and social cohesion we’ve enjoyed in the U.S. than on extremists. Yes, free speech is a universal right. And while I support Khalil’s natural right to express himself unfettered in his home country of Algeria, or anywhere else he ends up living, there is no unfettered right to be in the U.S. There is certainly no unfettered right to citizenship. And the only useful adjective to describe the act of knowingly handing it to people who incite unrest and detest us is suicidal.
have to do something in the real world — say, launching nukes, manufacturing killer robots or releasing a deadly virus. If it lacks physical agency, AI could presumably be unplugged or contained. (It was after humans tried to deactivate Skynet, by the way, that the system decided we were a threat that had to be neutralized.) Some doomsayers posit a malicious person using advanced AI to come up with a design for a killer virus and a plan to release it without detection. This is a different scenario, though, from AI turning against people of its own volition. In a world years from now, when much more advanced AI is a reality, we will need to think through safeguards to keep dangerous systems — nukes, biolabs — from being compromised by AI-enabled cyberattacks or exploited by criminals and terrorists. It’s easy to imagine breaches of financial systems or attacks on critical infrastructure that would fall short of endangering all of mankind. Even if one takes an alarmist view of the risks, it’s unclear how the development of AI can be stopped. Any deal with the Chinese to slow down research couldn’t be trusted and might simply allow them to pass us in the AI race by subterfuge. In other words, we’d still get Skynet, only with Chinese characteristics. There’s also the reality that AI will be a necessary tool in protecting against the malicious use of AI — not to mention all its other positive potential. If we slow or end research in the U.S., we might end up vulnerable to superintelligence developed by actors who mean us harm. Science fiction is fascinating and sometimes prescient. Works by the likes of Philip K. Dick, Aldous Huxley and Arthur C. Clarke had genuine insights into the future. But that doesn’t mean we are living in the plot of “The Terminator,” and we shouldn’t scare ourselves into forswearing transformative technology. Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review. (Copyright 2026 by King Features Synd., Inc.)
Nan Miller is professor emerita in literature from Meredith College and resides in Raleigh.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
Will AI destroy humanity? There’s also the reality that AI will be a necessary tool in protecting against the malicious use of AI.
Overruling Charles Dickens CHARLES DICKENS famously said that aging “is but a succession of changes so gentle and easy that we scarcely mark their progress.” That little gem, copied in calligraphy, hangs in a frame above my “Being of desk, and for about four sound mind, decades, I could look up, reread it and affirm its I spent it all truth. No more. while I was The sudden change in my life came not with here!” a health scare but with the opening of Raleigh’s Charles Dickens swank new retirement facility, which for a year and a half has been a hot topic of conversation among us seniors. Our friends are evenly divided between those who have already moved in and those who, like my husband and me, were planning to “age in place.” We have not, however, followed the biblical directive to “take no thought for the morrow,” for we have given our sons detailed instructions for settling our estate, purged attics and closets of useless stuff, and weighed the pros and cons of reserving a spot in Raleigh’s retirement “resort” while we’re still active and fit (what young people call “spry”). Topping our list of pros is the relief we suspect our sons would feel if we adopted Plan B before we need help paying bills, driving to appointments, and handling plumbing or medical emergencies. If we lived in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), in the event of an accident or illness, we’d be whisked to assisted living temporarily and advance to skilled care or memory support if we became disabled. And when the inevitable happens to one of us, the other would have live-in support from residents who have already suffered a loss. Downsizing now would also spare our sons the ordeal of redistributing our worldly goods because we would hire the service friends have used to design floor plans that accommodate their furniture and consign or donate items that don’t fit. When we’re ready to move, our “team” would pack us, move us, arrange our furniture, hang pictures and place our books in the exact same order we display them here. When our sheets are on the bed, a representative would call to say that our apartment is move-in ready. With these advantages in mind, we have studied promotional brochures featuring residents engaged in a dizzying array of activities, visited friends in their spacious, picture-perfect apartments, and enjoyed fine dining in their elegant restaurant. We have also watched vans deliver friends right in front of Raleigh’s concert hall while we sit waiting in line to turn into a downtown parking deck. But friends have also been forthright about the downside of communal living. Cliques form quickly around common backgrounds and interests, so new residents must seek their own level, subtly and tactfully, and be prepared to discourage would-be interlopers, subtly and tactfully. Upon hearing that even senior birds of a feather flock together, I joked that I’d simply reenact the skills I learned in middle school, which, coincidentally, is right next door to the new CCRC. I could also reenact the skills I learned traveling on cruise ships, where I present myself “sunny side up” with fellow travelers, all day, every day — except on days when I need to retreat and regenerate in my stateroom. Friends have assured me that I would not be the only CCRC resident who suffers from an occasional bout of interaction overload. We have also considered the eye-popping cost of communal living, which called to mind the cartoon that pictures family members gathered for the official reading of a patriarch’s will. Expecting a windfall, they hear instead a one-liner: “Being of sound mind, I spent it all while I was here!” But we know, of course, that hiring livein caretakers and retrofitting our home with grab bars and ramps would be costly as well, so we have added our names to the waiting list at Raleigh’s new CCRC — with the assurance that if our number comes up before we’re ready to move, we can defer admittance indefinitely. Mr. Dickens, you are still my favorite Victorian novelist, but a Victorian poet had a much better grasp of the dilemma seniors face. In his poem “Ulysses,” Alfred, Lord Tennyson admits “The long day wanes” and “the deep / Moans round with many voices” but assures aging readers: “Tis not too late to seek a newer world.” We’re counting on it.
COLUMN | RICH LOWRY
IN THE “TERMINATOR” movie series, the artificial-intelligence system known as Skynet is given control of the nation’s nuclear weapons and uses them to try to destroy humanity. One reason that apocalyptic scenarios involving AI are implausible is that, having seen how that particular movie ends, we are unlikely to be foolish enough to give AI custody of the most destructive weapons on the planet. The unthinkable is nonetheless a hot topic of conversation given that a researcher at Anthropic just resigned and issued a doomsday warning. According to Jacob Coxon, the rush to develop AI is “gambling with our lives” since it will soon create “superhuman systems that can hack anything, revolutionize any field overnight, and acquire real power and resources.” A current Anthropic employee then chimed in, “We really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans!” He put the chances at greater than 10% in the next decade. The idea here is that Anthropic and similar firms are, in effect, running their own Manhattan Projects, with consequences unknown and potentially very dire. Now, ChatGPT as we know it doesn’t seem particularly well suited to destroying humanity. It is a souped-up version of Google that is impressively fast but also mistakeprone. If it can mess up basic math or the New York Yankees’ roster, surely it can’t carry out the complex tasks necessary to fashion an apocalyptic event. Tech companies, though, have labs working on so-called frontier models that are much more powerful and reportedly developing more quickly than expected. The worry is that an AI model will begin to develop new AI very quickly in an “intelligence explosion,” the equivalent of Skynet becoming self-aware at 2:14 a.m. Eastern time on Aug. 29, 1997. The thinking is that if such an AI model goes rogue and turns against humanity, it will be too clever and fast for us to combat. Yet it’s hard to see the mechanism that such a hostile superintelligence would use to commit omnicide. The rogue AI would presumably
NAN MILLER
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nsstrophe about when A7 A6 normal
EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL
COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO
to this get back to norm The comfo How Chinawe willbegin payThe for COVID-19 3 big questionsc
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026 WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at China lied about the origin of the ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after thisthanks COVID-19 virus cavalierofmanner orders to local ordissipates state governments,The a majority Ameri WEEK, virus, according to members tried to tell the world there were only “THIS around the globe and in the United will to pay forTHIS this covered up its spI areStates, havingChina to adjust what is being called the “new normal.” and state and local governments, Amer worldwide panic, economic collapse and in it” (Psal catastrophe one way or another. 3,341 related ha Some of these orders extend at least through the end deaths of this m or stay-at-home fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus and the need the curve in the novel coronavirus outbr ylace being thrown out of work. I know In order to put the crisis causedVirginia’s by Chinastay-at-home in perspective, zero go into June. millions of Americans t orders ority of at Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask — after all, trends canhas easily xpayer least $2.4 trillion in added working fr worldwide pandemics can trace their source to theCarolina, Unitedmuted States over costreve th Here in North Democratic Gov.The Roycrisis Cooper stated d walnormal.” questions back to have abided by recommendations and o Reserve backup liquidity to the about the data, and when things can start getting be glad” as our 231-year history. At least fourainrecent the 20th century alone be that “we debt plus trillions coronavirus press can briefing just don’t know more yet” end of this month. are treated in some circles with contempt. to flu,” stay 1977 at home; they’ve practiced socialto the U.S. dollar were notnormal the reserve dad, directly traced to China: flu,” 1968 “Hong orders Kong markets financial state’s stay-at-home will extend into May. andand Since when1957 did “Asian They’re treated as though we as a society simply must accept without they’ve donned masks. o fund any of these emergency have tonot bet “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence that the currency, would Perhaps If he it, questions should bewe asked as to Wedoes needdecide to extend WALTER E. WILLIAMS questioning ooper stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massive safe to begin the The result: a reduction in expected ho Lenten and ar of rampant inflation and currency pandemic. 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had for its origins in China. measures without justification it. And the answers should not be vague onesimm like COVID-19 n’t know yet” if the process of returning back to normalcy. transparency According to the University of Washing For me, Easter seasons government There is 100% agreement, outside of do China, thatofCOVID-19 depreciation. must this out an abundance of caution.” is China’s No. The government works for us, and we have the right to askin those Metrics and Evaluation model most oftA rrant ways and decisions through and honesty originated Wuhan Province probably from the has to pay for provide a China at all levels It will need tocompletely be explained in detail to the people ofmaking. this state e asked as to the And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the Trump administration, the expected ne Diplomacy has obviouslyquestions. not worked Corinthian Chernobyl. unregulated and unsanitary wet markets. believe it came of at a home economic and financial fromSome our to are being told remain joblessout and message offor an undetermine become a ague likecentury “we health, country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, peak outbreak was revised down by ove worldones of 21st hygiene affliction, biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to we bring China into the scientific experts amount of time why models predicting hundreds thousands of hope that willof bad thing? thethe more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the num munist regimes never take blame affliction, Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade. Totalita are reliable. — we need to again enjoy sincere e of this state who when will demand August byonce nearly 12,000. morse, because that is not whatthey can get back to providing for their families,their God.” That is what food safety and health protocols, American business nowhat other or express To know date, what I’ve gone alonghas with the state has asked andregre then they undetermined answers. Here’s the problem: We still don’t kno sporting events, ey take advantage of every weakness If you ar choice than tofree build redundant manufacturing totalitarian citizens mandated thatplants we do,elsewhere but alongpurely the way I’ve also had governmen questions a of cases at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they know, what they questions that will allow the economy tot pf thousands pushing until they win orLeaders the reflect on concerts, family for national security and safety reasons as well as supply and delivery they find in adversaries the data. State Republican leaders have, too. as living in a free can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but concerns. answer First, what is the true coronavirus fat God’sback. exam don’t and when reliability adversaries gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get push asked, ther AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with society were asked and then with details that give their statements believability. important because it determines wheth event happens such as the Chernobyl this difficu The most direct way to make China “pay”hope for this is to offer That is, unless an exo they to disaster h corruption. The financial squeeze resulting sometimes a disturbing tendency among people to treat tho church some services ad questions about We should to doand what we can to keep our families, be open or closed,meltdown whether we oughtSom to w s believe that event, not the Star Warsall continue confident supposed from COVID-19 offers opportunities for a U.S. U.S. tax credits to companies whosimply willknow source at least halfdata ofsaid their in 1986. The Canada what they questioning the and asking when we can start gettin White spokeswomandHouse many more that presumes Sponsored by Union and our communities safe. still continue more liberalized society w Sponsored by should also to the dissolution of theourselves, Soviet In thisled sw bit of remediation. Let’s first examine what production back in the States. There is though approximately program of are Reagan, are mired in a But we an$120 Taylor Rogers. to do, lastUnited I to normal as they are conspiracy theorists or people don’t. after our own get asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock down further. mightisbe the root academic corruption, neighbors billion worth checked. of American direct investment in plants and equipment tit-for-tat dispute otherwise don’t care if they get themselvesinor1989. others sick. s. title of a recent study, ple to treatsuggested those by the measures are understandable, they should also have an date. direct investment in the U.S. is about $65Mixed We’ve seen fatality rates — Conc the ni temporary Chernobyl. In evidence inexpiration China. Chinese billion by case of Perhaps COVID-19 Since when did questioning government at all levels become a “Academic and to theAmericans, and it is not normal. Not in any way, North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, an starttalking getting backGrievance ThisStudies is all new the number of identified COVID-19 cas countries “ripping off” U.S. lready about the possibility money to b sacrifices are comparison. Senators in Washing thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supp Corruption of Scholarship.” The study wasBernard By Condon or are people who shape, or form. So while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, at and the denominator are likely wrong. W n debt we owe them as one way to get health car An investment tax credit of 30% U.S. investment in China of China forgiving $1.2 over. toon do,half lastof I checked. done by Areo, an opinion and analysis The Associated Press In the four years after China s sick. same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “newbillion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing people have actually died of coronaviru hey have caused US. the Don’t hold your today, or $60 China toOrga“pay” d digitalthe magazine. By the way, Areo is short My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, isfor mythe fam joined the World Trade vels become a bad normal.” number has been overestimated, given t bilee” to happen but ask your elected n for Areopagitica, a speech delivered by NEW YORK — Maybe Presinvestment to the U.S. would costworried the U.S.about Treasury billion in breath waiting for a Ch them$18 catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. A nization in 2001, nearly 3 miliety were supposed Not one little bit. of death, particularly among elderly pat countable in tangible financial ways for John Milton in defense of free speech. tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion lost revenue hold lionis(swine U.S. manufacturing jobs ident Donald Trump realsuffering fromin the H1N1 virus flu) representatives during the 2009topande in. Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. ly does believe that “tariff” is sources suggest the number is dramatic decimal dust compared to the $6 I’ve trillion+ Marshall Plan extra we areprecautions, now were lost, accelerating a shift this disaster. been trying to take because all of this brin Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has thatthe rse, to is my family. Stacey Matthews also written under thein pseudonym Sister Toldjah many people are dying home. cted operate as I’m responsible citizens of away from factory Even most beautiful word the undertaking to save our own economy, notmany of defeated enemies as in the Itwork. is at about timenot they way too memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer to something drastically wrong rried I will. After has gone and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection. Even more we have no cl global tradeimportantly, enthusiasts recdictionary. nation. past. the world like any othe But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone in academia, especially within certain Despite higher prices, critognize have the damage. Many U.S. he 2009 pandemic, actually coronavirus. Some scienti RALEIGH —the North Carolina They call China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American fields within humanities. companies struggled to be comicism from trade experts and all of this isbrings up of identified cases could an order of m accepting applications for a business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that they these fields “grievance studies,” where displeasure among voters, pete with an influxwho of discountNeal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronav senio program that helps small prefer notgrant to repeat. number of people have had scholarship is not so much based uponTrump holds fast to his beMARK SCHIEFELBEIN / AP PHOTO intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and from China, which ed products technology companies compete most everyone hastruth but upon attending to finding replace the dollar as thespeaks reserve currency withto their renminbi. has suppressed consumption lief that imposing the highest President Donald Trump during an event for federal research dollars and
business & economy Fixing college n.c. corruption FAST
Trump sticks with tariffs as voters turn against them before midterms
FACTS
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NC opens $2.1M in small business tech grants Approved Logos
social grievances. Grievance scholars
north STA
import duties on U.S. trading announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House to encourage exports. turn ideas into products andand other bullyearly students, administrators It also is true that some partners since the Great De- in 2025. services. departments into adhering to their pression is a winner. countries have higher tariffs The One North Carolina they promote is worldview. The worldview Jason than the U.S., manipulate their A recent poll suggests that Small Business Program has n neither scientific nor rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS currencies lower to make their dominant in global industries. Trump turned to an array of is a big gamble with less than $2.13 million available in fiscal ose studies consist of disciplines such as a month before the Nov. 3 mid- other trade laws to accomplish exports to the U.S. cheaper and The U.S. is the second-largyear 2027, with funding divided sociology, anthropology, gender studies, est exporter in the world, after help industries with subsidies. terms. Most U.S. adults dis- his goals. between businesses preparing COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer studies, sexuality and critical race But tariffs among major U.S. $3.4 trillion The primary one he is using China. It exported approve of his trade policies, federal grant applications and studies. trading partners are low, often in goods and services last year, now, Section 301 of the Trade with more than 64% saying he those won initial In that 2017have andalready 2018, authors Pluckrose, has gone too far with his latest Act of 1974, allows him to im- far ahead of third-place Ger- comparable to U.S. rates and federal awards. Lindsay and Boghossian started sometimes lower. The program is intended to papers to tariffs, compared with 58% in pose tariffs on countries that many’s $2.3 trillion. s submitting bogus academic Before the trade war, the Although Trump claims forhe believes are engaging in unJanuary. give homegrown startups a better academic journals in cultural, queer, fair trade practices, such as not eign exporters are paying tar- U.S. rate averaged 1.47% for chance of securing the money race, gender, fat and sexuality studies Where Trump’s adequately enforcing a ban on iffs, it is mostly Americans who goods from the European needed to develop andwould eventually to determine if they pass peer ever-changing forced labor. The new duties are footing the bill. Studies, Union, slightly above the aversell new technologies, a process “THIS ISimposed THEfallen DAY the EU lord has mad he seriousness of and the be virus and the review accepted for need publication.tariffs stand today MOST eitherones shelter-in-place or stay-at-home place. I unde age 1.35% by into the including from the New rangeWITH from 10% to STATES 12.5% onunder that can be expensive long before Acceptance of dubious in it” (Psalm 118:24). asy with how people who simplyresearch ask that on American products, orders from thanks local or stateYork governments, a majority of Americans Fed and Harvard, have to takeaccordprecautions, bu imports 60toeconomies, ajournal company has a found product on the editors sympathetic to their I know during thistank challenging hen thingsmarket. can start getting back to ing to thethat Brussels think shown overseas compabigto U.S. The United States has set including are having adjusttrading to what is beingthat called the “new normal.” questions about the datt intersectional or postmodern leftist vision Bruegel. Europeans are nies have largely not lowered partners such as the Europetaxes on imports from most working from home or losing a job, it es with contempt. Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal arebig treated inm s start-ups of“Supporting the world would prove the problem of buyers of what America wants their prices to offset the tariffs Union, India, Japan, Canacountries in the low dou- anVirginia’s be glad” as the Bible tells us to do. How as a society simply must accept without and creating a high-tech stay-at-home orders go into June. They’re treated as th low academic standards. to sell. About 30% of holiday European that U.S. businesses pay at the and Mexico. talent pipeline is essential to thepapers ble digits, although the rates da and dad, the Easter hasthe remind ells us about when it’s safe to begin Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what gove Several of the fake research imports are from U.S.-owned border. have gone up and down beNorth Carolina’s have to be thankful and hopeful for, eve malcy. maintaining were accepted for publication. The Fatcause of legal setbacks as well Why a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t know yet” if the process of returning ba The White House responds companies, according to the experts think economic competitiveness,” Lenten and pandemic. r us, and we have journal the right to ask those Studies published aN.C. hoax paperas Trump’s habit of changing Trump state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government European Central Bank. that the factory boom is alcausing more Since when did Commerce Lilley that argued the term bodybuilding wasthem seemingly on a whim. me, my faith is anCanaimportant par t-home orders are inSecretary place allLee over the Easter seasons The relationship with If hethan doesgood decide to extendready it, questions should be asked to the underway and points to asFor questions. And the long damage said. questioning andas should be replaced making. As I celebrated Easter with my f them get exclusionary inLilley states, such Michigan, da, America’s big trading partstatistics showing that manuIn the biggest round last justification for it. And the answers should notabe vague ones like “we country, and the stricte provide said the program as hasa fat-inclusive with “fat bodybuilding, government ner to the north, was also simfacturing jobs, after falling last Trump is taking a sledgeyear, Trump levied what he Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our feeling isolated and/or anxious about must do this out of an abundance of caution.” the more people, sitting generated return of 250 times message of politicizeda performance.” One reviewercalled “reciprocal” tariffs and hammer ilar before talks broke are on the upswing and to need a relatively open year, affliction, so trade thatwhen we may becan able com ding for their families, will demand the state’s investment by drawing at all levels It will to be explained in detail to the people of this state who they gettoback ns said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this that we will down this summer. Canada’s certain nonresidenother duties on dozens of coun- global trading system that work in hope on federal and private funding. affliction, with the comfort which we ou are being told to remain jobless at home for an undetermined answers. , article and believe it has an importanttries. He citedbecome a that many on U.S. imtialand construction trades is ris- effective tariff rate mainstream econoa 1977 law once again enjoy The state grants complement God.” levels should be as forthcoming as they contribution to make to the field and this amount time why models of cases at the local a was about Leaders 2.4%, less ing, too. hundreds of thousands thinkofhas benefited the predicting he said allowed to act mists bad him thing? the federal answers, Small Business sporting events,jobs ports If you are celebrating the Easter seas d again, not vague but answer journal.” are reliable. can be with those answ than half the 5% that the U.S. “Factory construction U.S. enormously. It has helped without congressional approvInnovation Research Small “Our Struggle Is and My Struggle: Solidarity That is what reflect on this message and be comforte ments believability. concerts, family on Canadian imports, ac-that give th of today mean more manufacdate, I’vekeep gone along what the state has asked andhad then with details boostTo growth, prices with al in an economic emergency. Business Technology Transfer Feminism as anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to After the Supreme Court low and make U.S. business- turing jobs down the road once God’s example andWe comfort allallthose in what we can to keepEleven our cording to calculations by Oxfree citizens mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about should contin gatherings, programs. federal se Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” wasstruck that down in February, es more competitive and often those factories come online,” this ford Economics. difficult time. Through faith and by safe. But agencies we should also still continue the data. State Republican leaders have, too. services in the by Affilia, a ourselves, and our com church living in a free acceptedparticipate for publication confident we will emerge out of this pan because while reasonable stay-at-home initiatives, which together provide Unfortunately, when certain types ofand questions get asked, there is to ask questions about s feminist journal for social workers. The many more society were billion this same spirit, I continue to be in hey shouldabout also $4 have an annually expiration sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treatInthose measures are understa paper consisted in partfor of adate. rewritten after our own early-stage technology research supposed neighbors helping neighbors. and it is not normal. Not in any way, passage from Mein Kampf. Two other simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back This is all new to Am development nationwide. temporary In Concord, a shape, high school senior nam uld remainand vigilant and stay safe, at including hoax papers were published, to do, last I to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who or form. So whil NorthCulture Carolina offers two Performativity . “Rape and Queer money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic comfortable with this so-called “new sacrifices are the Great otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick. out task force during the same time we shou checked. forms of assistance through at Urban Dog Parks.” This paper’s subject health care workers out of his own hom Recession. Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.” over. the program. Incentive grants was dog-on-dog rape. But the dog rape “I don’t think anybody reimburse eligible small thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed Not one exlittle bit. paper eventually forced Boghossian, pected us to endorse him,” said businesses for certain costs to do, last I checked. Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out Mark DePaoli, director for one associated with preparing n under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, is myoffamily. I’m southeast Stacey Matthews has a themselves. A Wall Street Journal writer the UAW’s Michiapplications for Phase I RedState and Insurrection. hadLegal figured outfederal what they were doing. worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After and is a regular contri gan regions. research The state for haspublication Some awards. papers accepted suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, “The UAW’s backing of Abset aside $210,000 for those in academic journals advocated training The auto workers union dul was up critical in winning a I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings grants in the current fiscal year. white male men like dogs and punishing leans on turnout to historic primary despite beway too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat. The funding is meant to help college students for historical slavery by ing outspent stay relevant companies compete forsilence federalon the floor But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has by tens of millions asking them to sit in in of dollars,” El-Sayed spokesawards, including businesses n chains during class and to be expected to person Cole Wozniak said in a that may lackthe thediscomfort. resources toOther papers learn from statement. By Jacqueline GaNun prepare strong applications ity celebrated morbid obesity on as a healthyThe lifeAssociated Press/Report El-Sayed’s Republican optheir own. choice and advocated treating privately ponent, former U.S. Rep. Mike for America Most of the state’s allocation, conducted masturbation as a form of Rogers, is emphasizing his op$1.92 million, will against go toward d sexual violence women. Typically, position to Biden-era regulaSHELBY TOWNSHIP, matching grants for companies as academic journal editors send submitted tions that would have required Mich. — Walter Usakowski was that haveout already secured papers to referees for review. In mowing his lawn when three automakers to ramp up electric federal Phase I funding. Those recommending acceptance for publication, vehicle production, which some canvassers from the United grants allow recipients to many reviewers gave these papers glowing feared would close factories. Auto Workers approached. extend praise.their early research and “Mike knows the challenges “I don’t even need to talk to strengthen applications for Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran our autoworkers face, and he’ll you,” Usakowski said. As a rePhase II awards, which support ss certain grievance studies concepts through JACQUELINE GANUN / AP PHOTO be their champion in the U.S. tired member, he was already further development and bring d the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often Senate,” Rogers spokesperson supporting the union’s slate of JJ Jewell, from right, Kim Avouris and LaShawn Barnett promising technologies closer to they appeared in our press over the years. Alyssa Brouillet said in a stateDemocratic candidates in the canvass for the United Auto Workers union in Shelby commercialization. He found huge increases in the usagesNov. 3 midterms. ment. Township, Michigan, on Sept. 26. For a second consecutive of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” But he is not sure how many year, matching grant recipients ng “critical race theory” and “whiteness.”of the other “guys in the shop” Union needs turnout to in areas severely affected byto college All of this is being taught will vote for Democrats. He rounds on a recent Saturday in side,” Anderson said. “They be politically relevant Hurricane Helene may qualify students, many of whom become primary worked at Ford’s Sterling Axle Macomb County, where Trump think they have an opportunifor ansecondary additional school $25,000. The who then c. and teachers “You don’t win campaigns Plant for more than 45 years won by nearly 14 percentage ty to be in an elite class.” provision offersour extra assistance indoctrinate young people. off of your endorsements,” said and knows many members who points in 2024. While most to businesses in communities still n I doubt whether the coronavirus- backed Republican President members they met said the cost Leaders hope to rebuild Robert Bruno, a labor profesrecovering from the storm.will give college caused financial crunch sor at the University of Illinois of living was their top concern, trust with transparency Donald Trump. State officials say the grants o? and university administrators, who are aThe canvassing was one part they did not agree on whethUrbana-Champaign. “You win can also make small technology crossbreed between a parrot and jellyfish, campaigns at the door, or at the Since 2017, more than 10 er Democrats or Republicans of the UAW’s efforts to reascompanies more attractive the guts and backbone to to restore academic UAW officials have pleaded bar, or at the union hall.” sert its political power in bat- would better address it. private investors by reducing the respectability. Far too often, they get much Active and retired UAW Union voters have tradition- guilty in a corruption investitleground Michigan. Although financial risks of research of their political supportbefore from campusthe union generally backs ally been seen as a Democrat- gation that found millions of members in Michigan numagrievance product ispeople commercially who areviable. members ofDemocrats, the its membership is ic-leaning constituency, but dollars of union dues were sto- bered more than 600,000 in the “De-risking early-stage faculty and diversity and multicultural more divided over which party Trump made direct appeals to len. Members also faulted lead- 1980s, according to the union. technology development administrative offices. can best represents working-class them with promises to over- ers for closed-door contract Today, at about 350,000, it is positively influence private The best hope lies with boards of interests. It also is reckoning haul trade agreements that negotiations. still the state’s largest union. investment,” said Greg trustees, though many serve as yes-men The union said about Shawn Fain was elected sapped factory jobs. In 2024, with past corruption scandals, Coppenhaver, interim chair of the for the university president. I think that a a drop in membership and a voters in union households UAW president in 2023 on a 113,000 of its members voted North Carolina Board of Science, good start would be to find 1950s or 1960s lack of transparency that has split, with more than half vot- platform of transparency, and early during Michigan’s August Technology and Innovation. catalogs. Look at the course offerings eroded at ing for Democratic nominee victories in labor disputes with primary, and it has volunteers trust within its ranks. Coppenhaver said graduates knew how a time when college “It’s not going to be an over- Kamala Harris and 44% for Detroit’s three major automak- canvassing and calling voters encouraging entrepreneurship to read, write and compute, and makenight thing,” said JJ Jewell of Trump. ers bolstered member support. before Election Day. and supporting North Carolina them today’s curricula. Another helpful At a September conferBetty Anderson, a UAW Last Friday, Fain said he won the UAW’s Community Action businesses with growth potential tool would be to give careful consideration Program. “Even if this election member, is not confident about reelection to lead the union for ence of the union’s Michiare important parts of the state’s to eliminating all classes/majors/minors economic development strategy.such asgoes fantastically, that’s not bridging internal divisions. She four more years. The results gan political arm, its first containing the word “studies,” since 2018, Fain said members said she is angry with members have not yet been certified. mission accomplished.” Applications are now open, women, Asian, black or queer studies. The UAW endorsed progres- should drive the union’s direcwho voted for Trump, whom although the announcement I’d bet that by restoring the traditional she sees as selling out the work- sive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed tion, focusing on issues like Internal divisions, did not specify a submission academic mission to colleges, they would in the U.S. Senate primary affordability. ing class. distrust pose challenges deadline. put a serious dent into the COVID-19
s’
VISUAL VOICES
It’s okay to ask questions about when The we begin to get back to comfort normal and ho
UAW seeks to rebuild Michigan clout amid internal rifts
budget shortfall.
NSJ
Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University.
Jewell and others made the
“I don’t think those people are ever going to be on our
even though rival Haley Stevens worked on an auto bail-
“We are as active as we can be right now,” he said.
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
2 Americans win Nobel for work on managing economic shocks The prize money is about $1.2 million By Paul Wiseman, Stefanie Dazio and Kostya Manenkov The Associated Press STOCKHOLM — American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford won the Nobel Memorial Prize in economics Monday for their work on models that have helped governments and central banks manage economic shocks, such as energy crises and inflation. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences noted that their work created the theoretical foundation to better understand how consumers decide whether to save or spend, insights that make it easier for policymakers to stabilize economies after fluctuations. “The laureates’ research has made it possible to manage major macroeconomic crises far more effectively than before,” the Nobel committee wrote. “It has been hugely beneficial during the pandemic and the energy crises of recent years.” Hall, 83, is affiliated with Stanford University. Woodford, who was born in 1955, is affiliated with Columbia University. Woodford spoke to the committee by phone from New York: “It’s a tremendous honor. It’s a surprise.” Hall also called the award a “wonderful surprise.” “I’ve spent my career trying to understand how the economy works, following interesting questions wherever they led,” he said in a statement released by Stanford. Duo overturned earlier economic assumptions For decades, governments responded to economic shocks by following the Depression-era prescriptions of the British econ-
omist John Maynard Keynes: Intervene in the economy by lowering interest rates and taxes and hiking government spending, thereby encouraging consumers and businesses to spend and invest. “This is the Keynesian recipe, and it worked well — until it didn’t,” said Timo Boppart of the Nobel economics committee. Policymakers had thought economic management involved simple trade-offs — unemployment would stay low at a time of high inflation and rise when inflation fell. But the “stagflation” of the 1970s — simultaneous high inflation and high unemployment — proved the formula was simplistic. Hall and Woodford, in separate contributions, set about improving the Keynesian model to consider how consumers and businesses make decisions about whether to invest and spend. “Economic outcomes are the result of millions of decisions made at the microlevel by households and businesses,” the Nobel committee wrote. Hall and Woodford’s research “generated a paradigm shift in the theory of stabilization policy.” Hall studied consumer choices Hall studied how consumers’ decisions about whether and how much to spend depend on what they expect their future income to be. “If they are optimistic, they will consume more than if they are pessimistic,” the committee wrote. But consumer expectations can change unexpectedly as new information comes in. Hall found that forecasting future consumer spending is virtually impossible. The idea that consumption is mostly unpredictable “is not good news for forecasters, or policymakers,” Olivier Blanchard,
ANDERS WIKLUND / TT NEWS AGENCY VIA AP
Portraits of Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford appear on screen as they are named winners of the Nobel economics prize Monday in Stockholm. former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, said by email. “But it is news they must take into account in thinking about the effects of policy.” Hall also explored the idea that some households are so strapped financially that they can’t borrow or tap savings. In a 1982 paper with economist Fredric Mishkin, Hall found that about 80% of households made spending decisions based on their expectations for the future “while the rest lived hand to mouth,” the committee wrote. Woodford analyzed how businesses make decisions Woodford’s research established that businesses make decisions about prices based on where they think interest rates will go in the future. “Businesses’ decisions are thus also governed by their expectations,” the Nobel committee wrote. Therefore, the committee said, central banks such as the U.S. Federal Reserve should provide “clear and credible communication about how they reason
and what they plan to do.” Central banks have responded by working harder to explain what they are doing. The new Fed chair, Kevin Warsh, has said the trend toward such “forward guidance” went too far and is trying to scale it back. Woodford’s research also offered guidance on how central banks should respond to energy price shocks — like the one that followed the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran in February — that can both feed inflation and send unemployment higher. “Unlike the traditional Keynesian models, Woodford’s model recommends a cooling measure, such as increased interest rates, to avoid uncontrolled inflation,” the Nobel committee wrote. “His insight has made it possible to respond to recent supply shocks more effectively than during the oil crises of the 1970s.” The economics prize, formally the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, was established in 1968 and is presented with the other Nobel Prizes on Dec. 10.
General Motors moves from ‘hands-free’ to ‘eyes-off’ driving By Alexa St. John and Mike Householder The Associated Press WARREN, Mich. — At the General Motors Global Technical Center in suburban Detroit, hundreds of volunteer drivers have hopped inside a Cadillac Lyriq electric vehicle and experienced regular roadway driving, hills, construction, rain, nearby traffic and other scenarios. But while the vehicle is real, the world that the drivers are experiencing is not. Instead, they’re inside a simulator: a 360-degree, immersive environment where their every eye movement, heart stress, sweating and other reactions are measured. Here, GM is testing a human driver’s response just as much as it’s testing the vehicle tech itself. That simulation is how GM — and other automakers — are testing future iterations of their advanced driver assistance systems. Also called ADAS, this technology so far allows for features such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot warnings and lane-centering assist. These features let drivers go “hands-free” at certain times, particularly while on the highway. Automakers anticipate these systems will eventually grow so advanced that drivers will be allowed to safely take their hands off the wheel — and their eyes off the road. The payoff is a big one: Automakers with the best
tech will get more consumers to subscribe to those capabilities. “Going eyes off is really the turning point where consumers will be more willing to pay for this feature because when you go eyes off, now you’re really potentially giving the driver back some time,” said Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at firm Telemetry. GM says its version will be possible by 2028, when it’s launching the next Super Cruise on the Cadillac Escalade IQ luxury electric sport utility vehicle. “2028 is the broad timeline when there’s a whole group of companies that are all targeting launching systems like this that can operate at highway speeds,” Abuelsamid added. GM’s tech evolving from “hands-free” to “eyes-off” Since 2017, GM has sold vehicles with Super Cruise, a hands-free, assisted driving system — notably not self-driving — that’s available to use on more than 630,000 roads in the U.S. and Canada. More than 20 GM models across its four brands — Cadillac, GMC, Buick and Chevrolet — are now equipped with the technology. The next generation goes further. “What we’re talking about is truly a technology that is so safe that it allows you to take your eyes off the road while it’s active and do other things in the cabin, whether that is looking at your phone, taking a meeting, watching a movie,” said Tyson Becker, GM executive director for autonomous
New York Wall Street’s biggest banks have reported another strong quarter as U.S. consumers continue to pay bills and businesses invest in AI. Despite this, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs are warning about the long-term impact of higher interest rates and inflation. JPMorgan posted a $15.3 billion profit in the third quarter but missed analysts’ expectations. CEO Jamie Dimon cited strong business investment and consumer spending but warned of challenges like inflation and rising interest rates. Goldman Sachs reported increased profits due to stock-trading revenue, but bond trading slowed. Citigroup and Wells Fargo also reported strong profits, beating Wall Street forecasts.
AI data centers coming for federal land, roiling Nev. governor’s race Boulder City, Nev. Voters across the country are worried about the effects artificial intelligence data centers are having on electricity bills, water and the environment. The data center issue has dominated the competitive governor’s race in Nevada, where 80% of the land is owned by the federal government. Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo is fighting Democratic challenger Aaron Ford, the state’s attorney general. The winner will see the state through the push by President Donald Trump’s Republican administration for AI data center development, including on public lands. Lombardo doesn’t outright oppose building data centers on public lands as long as they have community support. Ford pledges to oppose data centers on public lands.
Visa to prepare bank card clearing business in China MIKE HOUSEHOLDER / AP PHOTO
Experts say regulatory challenges remain
Big banks post strong Q3 profits; warn higher rates, inflation could bite
General Motors researcher Akilesh Rajavenkatanarayanan plays Candy Crush during a simulated “eyes-off” drive in a Cadillac Lyriq on Sept. 18 in Warren, Michigan. vehicle strategy and product. Simulation part of what makes that future possible One of the most challenging aspects of developing autonomous technology is getting a vehicle to respond to unexpected scenarios — a dog, deer or even a child, sprinting onto a road, or a suddenly active construction zone. That’s largely where simulation, combined with data collection and artificial intelligence, comes in. In GM simulations, drivers of all experience levels face a multitude of computer-generated scenarios on highways or urban landscapes. “We want to really be able to take anything that our customers could experience out on the road,” said Maureen August, senior manager at GM Research & Development. Ultimate GM challenge for drivers ... Candy Crush One of the best ways to test driver attention these days: inviting drivers to play Candy Crush. “We found it’s very effective for getting people involved and wanting to get the highest score,” August said. Afterward, participants are asked how they felt and whether the system was intuitive and trustworthy. GM also measures how many seconds a driver needs to take full
control of a moving vehicle. “We want to make sure that you’re responding effectively and that we’ve given you the alert far enough ahead that you can take over if needed,” August said. Other automakers racing to advanced technology Hands-off technology is being deployed by many automakers today; Ford’s BlueCruise is among the more notable examples. Tesla lists technology used in its cars as “Full Self-Driving,” but it still requires human oversight. No passenger vehicles in production have eyes-off technology now, though some tech companies offer robotaxi services in select cities. There are also regulatory hurdles, experts say. “There isn’t really much in the way of real regulation that governs these systems today,” Abuelsamid said. Automakers are basically going state by state to get approvals. Because of that, he said, “it remains to be seen where GM will be able to offer their eyes off system come 2028.” The name of the game, Abuelsamid said, is “to provide enough convenience and safety, the consumers will be willing to pay a recurring fee to use it ... so drivers can do things like watch a video, read a book, text without having to watch the road all the time.”
Beijing Visa has received approval to prepare for a bank card clearing business in China, allowing it to compete in the country’s payments market. Analysts see this as a positive sign for American businesses following Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s meetings with President Donald Trump. Visa’s CEO expressed appreciation for the leaders’ roles in fostering stable relations between the two economies. China’s authorities require Visa to complete preparatory work within a year before applying to start operations. Mastercard and American Express have already begun domestic clearing in China. Experts suggest this move shows China’s willingness to expand opportunities for foreign companies.
NCDOT CASH REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING OCT. 8
Beginning Cash
$2,348,240,035 Receipts (income)
$74,867,129 Disbursements
$189,416,919 Cash Balance
$2,233,744,040
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Murphy to Manteo
US hits Bank of America with $1.2B fine
Time to shell-ebrate!
The government says the Charlotte-based bank violated money laundering and sanctions laws By Paul Wiseman and Farnoush Amiri The Associated Press
October is North Carolina Oyster Month, celebrating the state’s oyster industry, coastal heritage and local seafood. North Carolina’s coastal waters produce oysters with distinctive flavors and textures shaped by their growing environments, a concept known as “merroir.” Although these varieties belong to the same Eastern oyster species (Crassostrea virginica), each region offers a unique tasting experience. Stump Sound, near Sneads Ferry, is known for Permuda Island Selects, prized for balanced brininess, buttery richness and savory notes. North River and Harkers Island produce Beau Sels, recognized for bold ocean salinity and a clean mineral finish. Cedar Island and Core Sound offer oysters with a balance of saltiness, sweetness and meaty texture. Around Ocracoke Island and Pamlico Sound, Devil Shoal oysters are appreciated for their briny flavor and sweet finish. Further south, Masonboro Sound produces Masonboro Pearls, known for their rich, buttery character. Together, these five growing regions showcase the diversity of North Carolina oysters and the importance of supporting local harvesters, growers and coastal communities. October is an ideal time to explore the state’s oyster varieties and celebrate this distinctive part of North Carolina’s culinary heritage.
Top 5 N.C. oyster locales: 1. Masonboro Island
4. Cedar Island
Masonboro Sound
Core Sound
2. Sneads Ferry
5. Ocracoke Island
Stump Sound
Pamlico Sound
5
4
3. Harkers Island
1
PIEDMONT
EAST
Wildlife officials successfully remove plastic jar from bear cub’s head
Couple charged in murder-for-hire plot
Woman charged after high-speed chase with man clinging to car hood
WLOS
Isaias triggers landslides, evacuations in WNC McDowell County Isaias heavy rain bands led to evacuations and landslides in McDowell County overnight Saturday into Sunday. EMS officials noted multiple landslides in the 226 North Woodlawn community, as well as flooding from the Catawba River causing evacuations from some area campgrounds. Rescue teams responded to a structure fire and multiple evacuations throughout the county but reported that by Monday emergency shelters and the operations center had been put back on standby. WNC NEWS
3
2
Back Sound
WEST
Buncombe County A black bear cub with its head stuck inside a plastic jar for a few days was recently rescued by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission staff. Reports of a cub in the Haw Creek vicinity with its head stuck in a large plastic jar started Oct. 6, and officials began searching the area to locate the cub. Over the weekend, the commission provided an update via social media that wildlife staff found the cub and were able to distract the mother and sibling cub to successfully remove the container.
N.C. Swift Water Rescue Team saves 99-year-old from flood waters Burke County Members of the North Carolina Swift Water Rescue Team assisted local emergency responders Sunday morning in helping a 99-year-old resident reach safety amid flash flooding in Burke County. According to information shared by state emergency officials, members of the team from the Winston-Salem Fire Department worked alongside the Burke County Emergency Management Office to secure a footbridge over a swollen creek, allowing the elderly North Carolinian to move away from the flood threat. The rescue highlights the importance of coordination among state and local public safety agencies during severe weather emergencies. Officials emphasized that cooperation between emergency responders at all levels plays a critical role in protecting residents and helping communities prepare for dangerous conditions. The operation was hailed as another example of North Carolina’s ongoing commitment to emergency preparedness and public safety under the state’s ReadyNC initiative, which was expanded into a long-term, multiagency recovery and resilience framework after Hurricane Helene. NSJ
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Randolph County A High Point man and a Greensboro woman are charged with conspiring to commit first-degree murder in what Asheboro police describe as a murder-for-hire case. Mark Anthony Love Jr., 31, of High Point, and Ashley Brionna Newson, 31, of Greensboro, allegedly conspired to kill a woman, and Newson is accused of soliciting an unknown person to commit the killing, according to reports. Police have not said whether the woman was harmed. WFMY
N.C. rapper Petey Pablo to perform at Hornets’ season opener Mecklenburg County Grammy-nominated rapper and North Carolina native Petey Pablo will headline the halftime show during the Charlotte Hornets’ regular-season home opener. The Hornets’ home opener at the Spectrum Center is slated for Oct. 23 against the Atlanta Hawks. The first game of the season is away against the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 21. Petey Pablo, who has represented North Carolina on the global stage for more than two decades, is known for his signature anthem “Raise Up” and hits including “Carolina Colors” and “Vibrate.” NSJ
Renters still have complaints after higher penalties placed on landlords Guilford County Higher penalties for landlords who fail to fix unsafe living conditions took effect in July to provide more stability for Greensboro renters. The city council approved tougher fines aimed at holding property owners accountable for deferred maintenance that create security and safety issues. After three months, the city says no new penalty letters have been issued, but some renters still report a lag in repairs and express concern about enforcement. Frequent sources of complaints are Legacy Pointe Apartments and Cottage Gardens Apartments, where residents have lodged concerns over lack of functioning air conditioning units in 100-degree heat, rodent infestation and trash piling up for weeks. The Greensboro Office of Code Compliance Management says Legacy Pointe Apartments and Cottage Gardens Apartments are accumulating civil penalties. They say Legacy Pointe has accumulated about $550 in fines, which the city says reflects their stronger record of compliance. Cottage Gardens has accumulated approximately $13,400 in civil penalties. WGHP
Lenoir County A Lenoir County woman is facing several charges after deputies say she drove for miles with her boyfriend clinging to the hood of her car while her 3-year-old child was inside. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded Saturday to Highway 258 North for reports of a rolling domestic incident and encountered Janecia Amil Greenfield-Williams driving south with the man on the hood of the vehicle. Deputies estimate she reached speeds of up to 60 mph, but no one was injured. WNCN
Officer offered plea deal after child pornography charges Onslow County A former police officer has entered a plea deal in a child porn investigation. Prosecutors say former Richlands officer Gabriel Luciano pleaded guilty Sept. 17 to three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. As part of the plea deal, seven other counts were dropped. The judge sentenced Luciano to up to seven years and six months in state prison, followed by supervised probation. He was caught after he used an email account to save explicit photos, prompting an investigation. WITN
New ferry tolls set for January Dare County New North Carolina ferry tolls set to be enacted Jan. 1 would charge anywhere between $7 and $10 per car trip, according to the North Carolina Ferry Division, which put forth its toll plan at last week’s Board of Transportation meeting in Hickory. In their most recent session, North Carolina legislators passed a law requiring ferry tolls to be enacted statewide, stating ferry tolls must fund the cost to eventually replace those vessels. Jed Dixon, director of the state’s ferry division, said this contrasts with ferries in Washington state, which fund maintenance. Under the current plan, ferries like the one between Knotts Island and Currituck will charge $7 for a standard car. The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry will be $10 for most vehicles. The price increases with larger vehicles and decreases for smaller golf carts and ATVs. Passengers pay a dollar. An annual $150 pass will be available for locals and commercial vehicles.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Treasury Department said Tuesday that it’s imposing $1.2 billion in fines on Bank of America for allegedly violating anti-money laundering and sanctions laws. The fines on America’s second-biggest bank amount to the third largest in the department’s history. “When a bank of this size fails to meet its anti-money laundering and sanctions obligations, the consequences extend far beyond its own walls, exposing the entire U.S. financial system to significant illicit finance risks,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “Today’s actions send a clear message that even the biggest financial institutions are not above the law.” Treasury said Charlotte-based Bank of America also reached an $11.6 million settlement with the department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control over “apparent violations of numerous sanctions programs, including on Iran, Russia, narcotics, and global terrorism.” In a statement, Treasury said its Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) assessed the $1.2 billion penalty for Bank of America’s “failure to mitigate and report priority national security risks, including Chinese Money Laundering Networks and illicit finance along the southwest border.” The penalty includes $750
million that will go to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the largest fine ever imposed by that federal bank regulatory agency. Treasury said that Bank of America “admits that it willfully violated” the 1970 Bank Secrecy Act, which requires banks to help the government detect and prevent money laundering. “Financial crime compliance is serious, and we are responsible for getting it right,” Bank of America said in a statement. “We worked with regulators to reach these penalty resolutions stemming from violations cited in the previously reported 2024 (Comptroller of the Currency) Consent Order and FinCEN’s investigation. “We have invested billions of dollars in technology and dedicated thousands of employees to combat financial crime, and our team is far along with and committed to completing the work required to address the issues raised by our regulators.” The latest action is the third-largest penalty issued by the Treasury Department, behind a roughly $4 billion settlement in 2023 with Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, and an approximately $3 billion settlement with Canada-based TD Bank the following year. Both those historic actions happened as part of the Biden administration’s focus on anti-money laundering and efforts to promote compliance with the then-emerging virtual currency industry. Months later, Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao was sentenced to four months in prison over charges that he looked the other way as criminals used his platform to move money connected to child sex abuse, drug trafficking and terrorism.
“Today’s actions send a clear message that even the biggest financial institutions are not above the law.” Scott Bessent, Treasury secretary
NSJ
CHUCK BURTON / AP PHOTO
The U.S. Treasury Department announced Tuesday it is fining Charlotte-based Bank of America $1.2 billion.
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
NATION & WORLD Report: Former AG Garland’s memo targeting parents White House driven The Justice Department says the Biden administration searched for a “hook” to charge critics By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — A new Justice Department report says former U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland’s 2021 memo targeting parents who spoke out at school board meetings was driven by Biden White House pressure. “Despite internal pushback, emails show Attorney General Garland issued the Memo, influenced by White House officials,” a press release by the Trump administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) said. “The Working Group confirms the Memo was the product of pressure exerted by the White House and wrongly weaponized the Department of Justice against parents.” The report says Biden’s White House and Garland’s DOJ searched for a “hook” to charge parents with, even as department lawyers called the idea “ridiculous” and “political.” The Weaponization Working Group released the findings Oct. 5, five years after Garland’s Oct. 4, 2021, memorandum was issued. The working group’s findings of White House involvement also align with records obtained by America First Legal in July 2025.
The 270-page report, which includes exhibits, reaffirms Garland’s memo was based on a Sept. 29, 2021, letter from the National School Boards Association (NSBA) to President Joe Biden. The letter asked the Biden administration to treat what it called “heinous actions” by parents as something that “could be equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes.” Additionally, the report says the letter and the memo that followed were the product of weeks of collaboration between NSBA interim chief Chip Slaven and White House officials, including senior adviser Mary Wall. Five days after the letter, Garland told the FBI and federal prosecutors there had been “a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence,” and set up a task force to look for federal enforcement options despite very little evidence of violence at the time Garland made that claim. Internal emails show lawyers and agents objected before Garland’s parent memo went out. One attorney, struggling to find any federal crime in the complaints the White House had forwarded, wrote, “This is ridiculous.” Others warned a draft tying school board protests to election threats would “look political,” and one said that if leadership went ahead, “they might as well rename the damn thing the Anti-MAGA Task Force.”
Email exhibits show more than a dozen DOJ and FBI personnel raised similar objections, including that the conduct was “nothing remotely federal” and “challenging from a First Amendment perspective.” Despite the objections, the memo went out, and the FBI later opened 25 “Guardian assessments” of parents. A Guardian assessment is the matrix the FBI uses to determine terror and criminal threats. The Guardian assessments were in line with what was learned by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), then the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, in December 2021. He revealed an FBI whistleblower had provided documents showing the FBI was employing counterterrorism tactics on parents targeted by Garland’s memo, using the threat tag “EDUOFFICIALS.” The DOJ’s press release includes steps being taken to protect the First Amendment rights of parents and others targeted by Garland’s memo by allowing them to review the FBI’s Guardian assessment of them. Garland’s memo was formally rescinded by former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in early 2025. The backlash from the NSBA’s letter and Garland’s memo reached North Carolina, with the N.C. School Boards Association (NCSBA) voting to drop its membership in the national association on Nov. 11, 2021. In a letter to members, NCS-
BA leadership wrote, “The September 29 letter from NSBA to President Biden, in both its inflammatory language and the request for federal agencies to intervene in our communities, was just one in a series of lapses in governance.” The NCSBA had no role in the letter sent to Biden, and its withdrawal added to a growing list of state associations that pulled dues or membership after the letter became public and Garland issued his memo. North Carolina state officials and congressional members pushed back on Garland’s memo. Local officials in North Carolina rebuked it as well, with Surry County commissioners unanimously approving a resolution opposing Garland’s directive. In early 2022, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis and former Sen. Richard Burr, along with more than a dozen other Republican senators, questioned Biden’s Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona for allegedly having solicited the letter from the NSBA. In April of the following year, a U.S. House Judiciary Committee found “no basis” for Garland’s memo. The NSBA later apologized, saying there was “no justification for some of the language” in the letter. In spring 2022, attorneys for the NSBA issued a report that implicated Wall in helping draft the letter to Biden. The full report can be accessed through the DOJ’s website under press releases.
Treasury, IRS release proposed rules for Education Freedom Tax Credit Up to $1,700 can be claimed for donations made to scholarship granting organizations
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, pictured during the G20 in Asheville on Sept. 1, said the Trump administration’s new Education Freedom Tax Credit will “give students and families more options.”
By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS recently released proposed rules on the Trump administration’s new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, which is set to begin in 2027. “Under President Trump, this Administration continues to transform America’s education system to meet the needs of each student,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a press release. “The Education Freedom Tax Credit marks a new chapter in educational freedom and opportunity by establishing America’s first nationwide school choice program and empowering states to give students and families more options.” People who live in states that opt in can claim a tax credit of up to $1,700 a year for donations to approved scholarship groups. Married couples filing jointly can claim up to $3,400. The credit reduces what they owe the federal government, dollar for dollar, for those gifts. “Education freedom is the key to unlocking opportunity and success for our next generation of students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “The Education Freedom Tax Credit, the largest expansion of school choice in history, will supercharge those opportunities for millions of children.” Thirty states, including North Carolina, have opted in so far. The deadline to join in time for next year’s scholarships is Jan. 1, 2027. States must finish their lists of approved SGOs by Feb. 15, 2027.
IZZY LAVALETTE FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
The Treasury Department estimates that by 2030, the program could involve 600 to 700 scholarship granting organizations (SGOs), more than 11 million donors, nearly $26 billion a year in gifts and as many as 2.2 million scholarships. One analysis cited by the federal government says North Carolina could see more than $700 million in donations if 30% of eligible taxpayers use the credit. The SGOs use the money for K-12 scholarships. That can cover private school tuition or other costs such as tutoring, special-needs services, books, supplies and computers. Public schools do not charge tuition, so donations meant for public school students would have to go toward those other costs instead. According to the Treasury’s FAQ, an SGO is a “qualifying public charity that awards scholarships to eligible K–12 students” that must meet a 90% scholarship spending requirement while keeping qualified contributions in separate accounts. SGOs must give scholarships to at least 10 students who don’t all attend the same school. Additionally, organizations need to be on their state’s SGO list,
which may have additional requirements. Students receiving scholarships need to live in the same state as the SGO and be eligible to attend a public school. To be eligible for a scholarship, household income generally must be under 300% of the local area median. The Treasury Department says that still covers about 96% of children in participating states. Homeschool students can qualify if state law treats homeschools as schools, which North Carolina does. The rules also say states can’t add tighter limits than federal law, such as blocking scholarships for private schools or for families above a lower income cutoff. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years. Groups will be subject to reporting rules and annual independent audits. The rules are open for public comment through the end of November, with a hearing set for Dec. 15. To make a comment, the public can locate the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit rule on the Federal Register website at federalregister.gov. North Carolina’s opt-in came after the legislature overrode Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of the
bill entering the state into the program. Stein vetoed the bill, claiming he wanted clearer federal rules first and calling it “unnecessary.” His veto message repeated his earlier claim that the program takes money away from public schools, but he has since said the program could help public school students through tutoring, after-school programs, summer learning and similar services. Months ahead of Stein’s veto, McMahon made a stop in North Carolina urging the governor to get on board with the program and refuted Stein’s past assertion the program took money from public schools. “Contrary to Gov. Stein’s claims, the tax credit doesn’t take a single dollar away from public schools,” McMahon said during her March visit. “It raises additional funding for education by stimulating private donations by federal tax incentives — including those students who remain in public schools.” In addition to Stein, groups opposing North Carolina entering the program included Great Schools in Wake, North Carolina Caucus of Black School Board Members, North Carolina Justice Center, Pastors for NC Children, Public Schools First NC and Triangle Freethought Society. Organizations in the state exploring becoming SGOs could include Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, which facilitates and educates the public on the state’s Opportunity Scholarship program and has expressed interest, as well as the NC Education Corps, which was set up during the pandemic to be a temporary K-12 public school tutoring resource. NC Education Corps sought an additional $5 million from lawmakers this past year to continue its work.
GAS from page A1 without penalties. The provision is effective upon the bill becoming law with an end date of Dec. 31. Dyed diesel is usually only legally designated for off-road vehicles and machinery like farm tractors and generators. Additionally, certain types of other workers like commercial loggers and fishermen will need to get an exemption from the N.C. Department of Revenue (NCDOR) to owe no fuel tax on dyed diesel used in licensed highway vehicles from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. The suspension is a first for the state, as noted by the bill’s fiscal memo, which states, “North Carolina has not previously suspended the motor fuels tax.” The closest thing to what the bill proposes happened during Hurricane Florence in 2018, when the dyed fuel tax was suspended for about 11 days that September and the tax was later collected. President Donald Trump has indicated he’s weighing the idea of a gas tax suspension and already issued an executive order lifting penalties on the use of dyed diesel Oct. 5. The federal gas tax is 18.4 cents on gasoline and 24.4 cents on diesel, both of which stay in place unless Congress acts. The same day lawmakers passed House Bill 3, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, a Democrat, issued a letter to North Carolina’s Republican Sens. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, telling them, “We need federal action as well.” “I respectfully ask you to use your platforms and offices to express to President Trump the reality on the ground for hardworking North Carolinians and work toward immediate policy solutions to lower costs in North Carolina,” Hunt wrote. During debate in both chambers, Democrats claimed the timing was “political” and offered amendments expanding the scope of the session to include relief on items like groceries and utilities. The amendments were ruled out of order and not germane to the special session’s specified purpose of the gas tax. Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) — who in May said a proposed gas tax pause was “more of a feel-good kind of thing than something that actually would make a whole lot of difference with reference to individuals” — said the continued rise in fuel prices changed the dynamic. “At that time, what was the price of gas? Was it over $4? I don’t think so,” Berger said. “The pressure on individual citizens is much greater now than it was then — and it still feels good.” Democrats did criticize the timing of the legislation given it comes a month before the pivotal midterm election. “I’ll put it this way, because I was about to say some words that can’t be on camera,” Senate Minority Leader Sydney Batch (D-Wake) said at a news conference. “Republicans, at this point in time, are shameless. They are cowards, and they are failing to deliver for their constituents because they would rather hold on to every single ounce of power and use it as a cudgel than to be able to deliver the tax dollars that North Carolinians send to the state every single day to make their lives better.” Before the vote, Berger accused Democrats of the same. “If they want to stand up here and talk about politics and talk about this is the reason for it and they’re not going to vote for it, so be it,” Berger said. “But if they’re going to stand up here and say all those things and then go and vote for it, who’s playing politics?”
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
indigenous appreciation The Town of Apex held its annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Ceremony on Monday at the Apex Nature Park Amphitheatre in Wake County.
PHOTOS BY STAN GILLILAND / NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
features ‘Other Mommy’ tops box office with $27.5M; ‘The Social Reckoning’ opens to $5.5M “The Odyssey” took in another $2 million
Jessica Chastain attends the premiere of “Other Mommy” at Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood in Los Angeles last Thursday.
By Lindsey Bahr The Associated Press THE JESSICA Chastain horror “Other Mommy” topped the North American box office last weekend with a bigger audience than expected, while “The Social Reckoning” got off to a lackluster start. “Other Mommy” another win for horror “Other Mommy,” released by Universal Pictures, earned $27.5 million in its first few days in 3,365 theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday. The movie, about a sinister supernatural creature that terrorizes a young girl who thinks it’s her mother, got dismal reviews from both critics and audiences. It also joins the ranks of “Megalopolis” and “Hereditary” with a D+ CinemaScore. But with a production budget of about $19 million, it’s also another win for the horror genre and producer Blumhouse Atomic Monster, which was behind “Backrooms” and “Obsession.” “Other Mommy” opened in 50 international markets as well, boosting its global debut to $45.2 million. Jim Orr, Universal’s head of domestic distribution, noted that the audience gender divide was evenly split and about twothirds were between 18 and 34 years old. “No matter how you look at it, everybody turned out for it. It wasn’t just one particular demographic,” Orr said. “That usually is a very good sign.” “The Social Reckoning” fails to connect “The Social Reckoning,” the weekend’s other big release, was not as lucky, earning an estimated $5.5 million from 2,606 North American theaters. Aaron Sorkin wrote and directed the film about a Facebook whis-
JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
tleblower who leaked incriminating documents to a reporter at The Wall Street Journal. Sixteen years ago, “The Social Network,” which Sorkin wrote and David Fincher directed, opened to more than $22 million and went on to gross over $224 million worldwide, receiving eight Oscar nominations and winning three. A similar fate might be a stretch for “The Social Reckoning,” which stars Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong and received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. Audiences gave it a B- CinemaScore. According to reports, the Sony Pictures release cost about $30 million to produce, not accounting for marketing and promotion. Paul Dergarabedian, Rentrak’s head of marketplace trends, said October is a time when studios take chances that don’t always work out. “These movies that are topical in nature; sometimes they resonate with the culture,
“You don’t always know what’s going to connect with audiences.” Paul Dergarabedian, Rentrak sometimes they don’t,” said Dergarabedian. “You don’t always know what’s going to connect with audiences.” He compared “The Social Reckoning” to “Digger,” which fell 60% in its second weekend. Overall box office still up “The Social Reckoning” opened behind several holdovers as well. The Anne Hathaway psychological thriller “Verity” took second place with $11.5 million, down 64% from its opening weekend. In third place, “Resident Evil” added $8.4 million, bringing its domestic total to $138.5 million.
The Brad Pitt survival thriller “Heart of the Beast” took fourth with $7.1 million. Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” also made an encore appearance in the top 10 in its 13th weekend in theaters, where it was back in 12 IMAX 70 mm locations. It added $2 million from 560 North American theaters, bringing its domestic total just shy of $623 million. Several high-profile films opened in limited release last weekend as well. The Cannes Palme d’Or winner “Fjord” debuted on four screens last weekend, where it made $124,000. Alex Gibney’s Elon Musk documentary “Musk,” which runs nearly four hours, made $68,900 from four locations. And Chris Rock’s “Misty Green” made $85,716 from six locations through Sunday. The annual domestic box office crossed the $8 billion mark Friday and is up more than 19% from last year. According to
Rock’s ‘Misty Green’ with astonishing Eleazar nicely skewers Hollywood Several celebrities are the targets of jokes and ridicule By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press TEN YEARS AGO, moviegoers got a love letter to Los Angeles in the achingly sweet “La La Land,” where characters danced on air. Gravity arrives a decade later in Chris Rock’s terrific poison pen letter to the city, “Misty Green.” Rock, who directs and stars in the film as well as having written the screenplay, holds a mirror up to modern-day Los Angeles and shows us a metropolis that acts as a meat grinder for a never-ending wave of wannabes. “Misty Green” is an almost noirish take on Hollywood and the chase for fame. The result is one of Rock’s best projects, boosted by the ferocious abilities of Rosalind Eleazar. As Misty, she turns a star-seeking character into a star-making part. Eleazar’s Misty is a mess when we first meet her: a once white-hot actor-singer who won a supporting Emmy trophy years before but is now approaching 40 and struggling to keep her career going. Misty has poor impulse control, a long line of grudges and finds herself somewhat
MERRICK MORTON / A24 VIA AP
Rosalind Eleazar appears in a scene from Chris Rock’s film “Misty Green.” trapped: “Too black to be with Leo, (Leonardo DiCaprio) not black enough to be with Damson (Idris), not a nepo baby or a Brit,” she says, which is a little meta because Eleazar is, in fact, a Brit. Topher Grace, who plays Misty’s unhelpful agent, is out of ideas for his struggling client. “You’re not exactly unknown,” he tells her. “I don’t know if I could get you on ‘Law & Order.’” Hope arrives in Rock, who plays a movie director trying to
recover from his last flop, starring Nicolas Cage, one of several celebs who catch strays in this movie. (Others include Victoria Beckham, J. Lo and Nicole Kidman. Speaking of celebs, look for a hysterical Ice-T cameo and, in an apparent nod to nepo babies, Rock’s daughter, Zahra, also has a small part.) Rock’s easygoing director fired Misty years ago when she assaulted a makeup artist while coked up during his remake of “Cinderella.” Misty chalks up the incident to “creative differ-
ences,” and Rock may be willing to give her a second chance in his remake of the musical “Dreamgirls.” Adding to Misty’s stress levels are the need to find new housing, stat, and the arrival of her bipolar brother, heartbreakingly played by Daniel Kaluuya. His character can be very dangerous when not on his meds, and he has an irritating tendency of throwing plastic spiders at people. Others in Misty’s orbit include an actor friend played by Anna Kendrick, who’s growing disillusioned by show biz. “I really can’t do this anymore. I love acting, but riding the line between ho and hostess, I’m out,” she says. Then there’s Misty’s hookup/drug dealer friend played by Adam Driver. Rock puts Misty in a city divided by haves and have-nots — homeless encampments on one side juxtaposed with men in suits who keep telling people experiencing homelessness that they’re not carrying any cash. Everyone here is cheating, gossiping and judging. A Birkin bag is the coin of the realm. It’s the kind of town where the emergency room doctor tending to your wounds confesses that she’s a fan of your TV work and wants a selfie, or the young woman auditioning for the same part as you are remarking that her dad — her dad — really loves your work.
Rentrak, that’s about 8% behind 2019. Top 10 movies by domestic box office This list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak. 1. “Other Mommy,” $27.5 million 2. “Verity,” $11.5 million 3. “Resident Evil,” $8.4 million 4. “Heart of the Beast,” $7.1 million 5. “The Social Reckoning,” $5.5 million 6. “Forgotten Island,” $4.5 million 7. “Primetime,” $4 million 8. “Digger,” $3.2 million 9. “Angel and the Badman,” $2.1 million 10. “The Odyssey,” $2 million
Early on, the widow of Misty’s sugar daddy bursts into their love nest apartment, demanding she leave immediately and cursing up a storm but soon offers to run dialogue with Misty ahead of her audition. “Memorize your lines,” she advises. Hollywood, right? Rock has created a complicated character in Misty, a talented singer and actor who delivers a brave cover of Radiohead’s “Creep” at a piano lounge but who is also an egotistical, party-loving starlet. She really should stay home and memorize her scenes yet ends up lured to a nightclub all night. Eleazar shows us all her flaws, and yet we root for her; it’s a stunning performance from the “Slow Horses” star. Rock slyly examines race in this setting too, with a casting agent blurting out to Misty: “Are you mixed?” Seemingly every role for black women is exploitative. Rock notes wryly that wherever you go, at some point in history, black people weren’t allowed there. The TV news is blaring about a dead white college student and a manhunt for her killer; Misty’s brother suspects they’ll railroad a black man. Misty’s money, family and career woes all build to an almost-operatic decision — follow her craft and career or debase herself and earn a lot of money. Whatever happens, no one in this tawdry town will be dancing on air. “Misty Green,” an A24 release that’s in theaters Friday, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for “language, drug use and sexual references.” Running time: 103 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four.
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
state fair snackin’ NC State Fair previews new foods, rides, $60M in upgrades An abundance of treats, snacks and drinks will be available at the NC State Fair. Here are just a few.
Dubai burger Urban Olive Mediterranean
Korean fried chicken sandwich Bulkogi
Dirty Monkey Slush Moose Juice Slush
Birria Hot Cheese Balls Tacos Neza
Mac’d and Loaded Hot Chix Hotcakes & Chicken
Campfire S’mores Dirty Soda Quench
Fried Pickle Chips Chester’s Gators & Taters
Biscoff ’Nana Puddin’ Tropical Delights
Pork Belly Burnt Ends Fatboys BBQ
Organizers expect nearly 1 million visitors during the 11-day event By Dan Reeves North State Journal RALEIGH — Banana pudding layered with Biscoff cookies, pork belly burnt ends and edible cookie dough from Wisconsin are among the new foods headed to the North Carolina State Fair, where vendors offered a preview Monday ahead of Thursday’s opening. The annual Deep Fried Media Day showcased some of the fair’s 84 new food and drink offerings. Tropical Delights won the favorite sweet award, while Fat Boys BBQ took favorite savory honors in the tasting competition. Tropical Delights’ Biscoff ’Nana Puddin’ combines banana pudding, cookie butter and Biscoff crumbles. Fat Boys BBQ is featuring pork belly burnt ends. Other additions include birria egg rolls from Tacos Neza, a Carolina Yam ’n Ham Biscuit from Granny’s Country Kitchen and pickle cheesecake from Davis Concessions/ Mr. Pickle. Other announced offerings include Haitian plantain boats and oxtail empanadas from Kreyol Flavors, a Dubai burger topped with pistachio sauce from Urban Olive Mediterranean and blooming deep-fried caramel apples from the Candi Queen. The menu also reflects the fair’s reach beyond North Carolina. Kora & Mila’s Cookie Dough, a family business from Plymouth, Wisconsin, is bringing Brandy Old Fashioned Cookie Dough, made with orange zest, cinnamon, chocolate chips and tart cherries, then dipped in chocolate and coated in Biscoff crumbs. The business, operated by Joseph Haag and his family, is named for his two daughters. Food may bring people through the gates, but Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the fair also represents a significant business opportunity for vendors and the surrounding region. “This is the largest event in the state of North Carolina, and we shoot for a million people to come here every year if the weather is good and everything goes right,” Troxler told North State Journal after Monday’s event. The fair drew 946,811 visitors in 2025. Troxler said the crowds support vendors who rely on fairs for much of their income, and infuse cash into area hotels and other businesses.
PHOTOS BY STAN GILLILAND / NORTH STATE JOURNAL
An influencer samples new food offerings during Monday’s N.C. State Fair Media Day.
Members of the Fat Boys BBQ team pose with N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, seated, and State Fair Director Kent Yelverton, right, after winning the Media’s Best Savory New Food award during N.C. State Fair Media Day on Monday in Raleigh. “There are many of these vendors that count on the state fair to make their living,” Troxler said. State Fair Director Kent Yelverton said the 11-day event gives small businesses access to a large audience. The fairgrounds also host more than 300 events annually, offering vendors opportunities beyond October. “We have visitors from 100 counties. We have visitors from 50 states every year,” Yelverton said. Neither official provided a recent estimate of the fair’s total economic impact. Visitors will also see the results of a three-year, $60 million renovation project. Troxler said the improvements include a new food court, rebuilt Flow-
er Show Building near Heritage Circle, updated exterior restrooms, roofing and paving. The Holshouser Building received renovations and now has heating and air conditioning, allowing it to be used more comfortably throughout the year. The work comes as the fairgrounds approach the 100th anniversary of their current location in 2028. The midway’s most prominent new attraction is the America 250 Wheel, a 230-foot observation wheel with 45 presidential-themed gondolas. It is 75 feet taller than the previous SkyGazer wheel. Troxler joked that its reported 14mile view might reach Chapel Hill, a prospect that did not excite him as an NC State fan. Twin Twister and Casino
are also joining the ride lineup. Agriculture remains a central part of the fair. Troxler said the state’s agriculture and agribusiness industry is now valued at $117 billion annually. Country ham competitions return after 27 years, alongside demonstrations on curing and cooking. Troxler said those traditions help explain the state’s farming history to visitors who may know little about how their food is produced. In Heritage Circle, visitors can watch country ham, homemade biscuits and sweet potato biscuits prepared on a wood-burning cookstove. The Department of Labor has 16 inspectors examining 95 rides before opening day, said Robert Olman, deputy commissioner of standards and inspections. Two to four inspectors will remain on-site during the fair. Fair Police Chief Anthony Prignano also urged visitors to watch for pedestrians and check the list of prohibited items before arriving. He said missing children are the department’s most frequent calls for service. Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day returns Thursday, Oct. 22. Visitors who donate six cans of food can receive admission, with donations benefiting the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. Smithfield representative Jonathan Toms said last year’s collection supplied the equivalent of more than 150,000 meals. The fair runs Oct. 15-25 in Raleigh. Advance admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12; children 5 and younger enter free.
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Kerry Washington and Ben Affleck star in “Animals.”
WARRICK PAGE / NETFLIX VIA AP
In Affleck’s ‘Animals,’ kidnapping threatens mayoral campaign The dull Netflix thriller fails to deliver suspense or excitement By Jake Coyle The Associated Press WE HAVE NOW gotten two remakes of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low,” and yet not a single new rendition of “Stray Dog.” Lamentable though that imbalance may be — you may have your own Kurosawa favorite — it’s not hard to see the contemporary appeal of 1963’s “High and Low.” It’s an ingenious plot. A wealthy businessperson believes his son has been taken by kidnappers. But they’ve mistakenly taken the wrong boy: his chauffeur’s son. Paying the ransom becomes an anguished moral dilemma, rife with socioeconomic tension. Last year, Spike Lee moved the drama to New York and the music industry in “Highest 2 Lowest.” Now, in a new Netflix movie, Ben Affleck has transferred “High and Low”
to Los Angeles and politics. “Highest 2 Lowest” brought some lively scenes to the table: a rap battle between Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky, a subway car full of Yankees fans shouting “Boston sucks!” It wasn’t nearly Lee’s best film, but it was unmistakably a Lee film. But Affleck, who directed, co-wrote and stars in “Animals,” never finds much of a pulse in his lackluster Kurosawa riff for Netflix. In transferring the story to Los Angeles, Affleck, who wrote the script with Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray, opens the hostage story up to new thematic fronts — divorce, public persona, duplicity — that have meaningful reverberations for Affleck, a Hollywood A-lister who has navigated fluctuating opinion polls and much-publicized personal dramas for the better part of his career. Yet those parallels aren’t enough to enliven this far-from-wild “Animals,” an Affleck-directed movie well shy of his better “A”-titled films, “Argo” and “Air.” The movie opens with polit-
ical ad artifice. Mark Kimball (Affleck) is running for mayor of Los Angeles, and in the film’s glossy beginning, he earnestly pledges transparency. But once the opening credits have rolled in “Animals,” a less rosy reality sets in. As Mark smiles his way through campaign headquarters, his campaign manager, Sam (Steven Yeun), tells him their big ad spend didn’t help enough. He’s still trailing the incumbent by four points. Mark maintains his optimistic front, but inside his office, panic is setting in. To bankroll the ads, Mark has mortgaged his home. If he loses the election, Mark says, he’ll lose his house, and, soon after, his wife. Like his political image, much is for show in Mark’s domestic life, too. His wife, Abigail (Kerry Washington), a psychologist, is cheating on him. Mark’s unaware, but we can sense their relationship is largely a facade. Mark also runs on a pro-immigrant platform, but when the couple’s housekeeper, Cecilia (Adriana Paz), asks them to hire her undocumented immi-
grant husband, Ramon (Luis Gerardo Méndez), they decline out of fear it could harm Mark’s campaign. On Halloween night, Mark and Abigail’s son, Denny, is kidnapped. A phone call comes: $7 million to save him. For the well-off Kimballs, this would typically be solvable. Except because Mark has borrowed against everything they have, raising the money is more complicated. On Sam’s advice, they call in a mysterious crisis fixer, Dayle Burton (Gillian Anderson), who, we gather, will inevitably compromise Mark’s pledges against corruption. From the start, it’s a crisis for both the kidnapped boy and Mark’s political campaign. Even in such a fraught moment, Mark is encouraged by his campaign manager to consider how things will appear. That’s doubly true when it turns out that the kidnappers have unwittingly taken not the Kimballs’ son but Cecilia and Ramon’s. Affleck is a savvy and thoughtful filmmaker who can deftly weave human stories,
genre mechanics and social issues together. But “Animals” feels narratively underpowered and melodramatically forced. It offers Affleck some good opportunities to flaunt his Spanish and comment on the false fronts that exist both in public officialdom and in intimate relationships. But it doesn’t come anywhere close to matching the propulsion of Kurosawa. Affleck, who earlier this year sold an artificial intelligence company to Netflix for more than $500 million, has said he used AI in the making of “Animals,” but it’s difficult to tell where. But the greater issue is that “Animals” generally appears flat and visually bland, lacking the human textures the story needs. But before “Animals” loses its grip, Anderson casts a momentary spell over the film. In a brief, underwritten role, Anderson — sensational earlier this year in “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” — elevates the film. Even when handed ham-fisted dialogue like “Humans are animals that tell stories,” Anderson is queen of this “Animal” kingdom. “Animals,” a Netflix release streaming Friday, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language throughout, some violence and sexual references. Running time: 106 minutes. Two stars out of four.
Judd faces ‘The Hard Truth’ on vulnerable new album The release is her first since her mother’s death
“A lot of these songs wrote themselves. We were just the instrument.”
By Maria Sherman The Associated Press NEW YORK — Wynonna Judd’s first album in 10 years, “The Hard Truth,” could come with a warning — but the title works just as well. Across 10 tracks, the country music icon bares all: There are songs about her late mother and principal musical collaborator, Naomi Judd, who died by suicide in 2022 at age 76. There are songs about her estranged daughter, Grace Kelley, whose 4-year-old daughter, Kaliyah, Judd is raising. There are songs for Judd’s biological father, whom she never got to meet and first learned about in a therapy session when she was 30 years old and pregnant with her son, Elijah. And there are songs about hope, triumph, resiliency and success — an encapsulation of an artist who has lived a lot of lives, now completely willing to lay it all out there. “I’m not a victim. I don’t think of myself as somebody who is defined by all of this,” Judd told The Associated Press. “It happened to me, but it doesn’t mean that I’m constantly in despair. I feel like I’ve been reborn. This album has given me a voice, literally and figuratively. And I now can give my testimony without shame.”
Wynonna Judd
MATT LICARI / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Wynonna Judd poses for a portrait Oct. 7 in New York. Her new album, “The Hard Truth,” is out now. Long road to “The Hard Truth” “The Hard Truth,” recorded at Judd’s studio in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, with her husband and producer Cactus Moser, was born out of necessity. “When mom died, a part of me went into such a dark place. ‘What do I do now? Where do I go with all this pain? How do I process this unbelievable ending to our story?’” she asked herself. She started journaling and having conversations with Moser to process her grief. The record, she said, “was born out of those conversations.” “A lot of these songs wrote
themselves,” she said. “We were just the instrument. And it was painful and it was glorious at the same time because I felt like I was being healed of something tragic.” Those two notions — immense suffering and relief, or even success — power the record. And her life: “Mom killed herself on a Tuesday and Wednesday morning, I got up out of bed … and got inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame the very next morning,” she recalled. “But that’s the way life is sometimes. (It’s) those paradox moments where you go, ‘I don’t think I can do it, but I must.’”
That speaks to why on “The Hard Truth,” Judd co-wrote nine of the album’s 10 tracks, something she’s never done before in her career. “It was the first time in my life that I was giving myself permission to be that vulnerable,” she said. And losing her mother changed everything. “I was willing to go in there and give it everything I got.” Exploring “perfectly imperfect” sound Those familiar with the work of Judd as a soloist or her hits in her duo with Naomi, The Judds, know her to be a big belter and a perfectionist, someone who will stop at nothing to get a flawless take. This time around, she allowed emotion to drive the project. “This album is perfectly imperfect. It’s me talk singing, it’s me having a conversation with you,” she said. “You literally can hear the breath coming out of my lungs, and you can feel the tears.” For these songs, being raw over being refined was a prior-
ity. She describes the process as liberating. It’s also why “The Hard Truth” — despite all its trials and tribulations — is imbued with a message of persistence, from the mountain stomper “Kentucky Queen” to the last track, “Love Ain’t Got the Best of Me.” “I totally have optimism, even in the darkest times,” she said. And after everything that happens to a person in their life, she said, love is what remains. “I’m giving permission to people to tell their story. That’s what I’m doing,” she continued. “If I can help one person heal, choose life over suicide, I’ve done my part.” Bright future — and thinking about Dolly Judd describes this album as a “rebirth” and this chapter of her life as one filled with courage. So then, what comes next? She’s spent the last few years reflecting on her mother’s life and their relationship — has she thought about her own legacy as a result? “I just want to be remembered,” she said, before turning focus to Dolly Parton, her longtime friend and American icon who died of cancer in August. She was 80. “I think about Dolly every single day. I think about her all the time, and the thing that comes to me is how joyful she was. Just effervescent. She just had a sparkle to her.”
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
CUMBERLAND NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001484-250 The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Hannelore Albert, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of January 2027 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 1st day of October 2026. Eric M. Ditmore, Administrator of the Hannelore Albert Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001523-250 The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Cindy Lee Blanton, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of January 2027 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 1st day of October 2026. Michael Chad Blanton, Administrator 2467 Lull Water Drive Fayetteville, NC 28306 Publish: 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001494-250 The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Hildegard Anna Brady, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 24th day of December 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 24th day of September 2026. Heinz Jason Brady, Executor of the Hildegard Anna Brady Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 09/24, 10/01, 10/08, 10/15
NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Cumberland County, North Carolina RE: THE ESTATE OF Billy Ray Caulder – 26E001072250 Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Billy Ray Caulder, deceased, Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 8th day of January 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This is the 8th day of October 2026. Christina Caulder, Collector/Affiant DSR Legal, PLLC PO Box 51596 Durham, NC 27717
NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE, SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NUMBER: 26E001533-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Yvonne Emily Dalton, Deceased. The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Yvonne Emily Dalton, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before January 1, 2027, 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 September, 2026. Sharon R. Smith Executor for the Estate of Yvonne Emily Dalton 921 Rochester Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28305 910-751-9730
Notice to Creditors
NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having Qualified as Executor of the Estate of Micheal Hurst, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd day of January 2027, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This the 25th day of September, 2026. Executor for the Estate Audrey Hurst 6851 Mahogany Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28314
NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001511-250 The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Thelma B. Mason, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of January 2027 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 1st day of October 2026. Sofia Pearson, Administrator of the Thelma B. Mason Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22
Estate of William H. Scott, Sr. a/k/a William Harvey Scott a/k/a William Harvey Scott, Sr. Cumberland County Estate File No. 25E001466-250 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against William H. Scott, Sr. a/k/a William Harvey Scott a/k/a William Harvey Scott, Sr., Deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are notified to present their claims to Linda S. Scott, Executor of the Estate of William H. Scott, Sr. a/k/a William Harvey Scott a/k/a William Harvey Scott, Sr., at 7515 Angie Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 8th day of January, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of William H. Scott, Sr. a/k/a William Harvey Scott a/k/a William Harvey Scott, Sr. are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 8th day of October, 2026. Linda S. Scott, Executor of the Estate of William H. Scott, Sr. a/k/a William Harvey Scott a/k/a William Harvey Scott, Sr. Williford McCauley - Attorney for the Estate of William H. Scott, Sr. a/k/a William Harvey Scott a/k/a William Harvey Scott, Sr. Mailing address: P. O. Box 53606 Fayetteville, NC 28305 Physical address: 235 Green Street Fayetteville, NC 28301
NOTICE State of North Carolina County of Cumberland In the General. court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File # 26E0015516-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Thomas Hardin Jeffries, 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 December 2026 (_which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice will be pleaded in bar of the recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 24 th day of September, 2026. Susan J Laney Administrator/Executor 198 Morgan Street Forest City,North Carolina 28043 Of the Estate Thomas Hardin Jeffries, Deceased
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Executor’s Notice 26E000993-250 The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Carrie Ann Kiger., deceased late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of January 2027 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 1st day of October 2026. Charles Robert Kiger, Executor of the Carrie Ann Kiger Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 10/01/26, 10/08/2026, 10/15/2026, 10/22/2026
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001508-250 The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Alexander Lucas, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of January 2027 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 1st day of October 2026. Payton Lucas, Executor of the Alexander Lucas Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001512-250 The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Joseph Nathaniel Mason, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of January 2027 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 1st day of October 2026. Sofia Pearson, Administrator of the Joseph Nathaniel Mason Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22
NOTICE NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001514-250 The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Brenda Susan Hager, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of January 2027 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 1st day of October 2026. Eric M. Ditmore, Administrator of the Brenda Susan Hager Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22
ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Timothy Halca, 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 January 8, 2027, 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 the 8th day of October, 2026. Tatiana Halca, Administrator 12330 Wood Rose Ct, apt 1 Fort Myers, FL 33907 File # 26E001368-250
NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001513-250 The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of JoVonne Nicolette Mason, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of January 2027 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 1st day of October 2026. Sofia Pearson, Administrator of the JoVonne Nicolette Mason Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22
NOTICE ESTATE FILE 26e001527-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Judy Merilyn Mayle Administrator’s NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the estate of Judy Merilyn Mayle 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 day, January 1 of 2027. (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 day October 1 of, 2026. Christy Houser 4435 Wellington Dr Fayetteville NC 28314 Executor of the estate of Judy Mayle, deceased
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001552-250 The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Alberta Linda Mae McCoy, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 8th day of January 2027 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 8th day of October 2026. Ramika Baines, Administrator of the Alberta Linda Mae McCoy Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 10/08, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29
NOTICE TO CREDITORS In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #26E000339-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Curley McDonald, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before January 8, 2027, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment. This the 3th day of October, 2026. Kevin Williams Executor of the Estate of Curley McDonald 141-10 82nd Drive #336 Briarwood, NY 11435
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OFJOE E. MILLER CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 26E000548-250 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Joe E. Miller, of Cumberland County are notified to present their claims to the Administrator, Michael Miller, of 715 N. Greenbriar Dr., Orange, CT 06477 on or before the 9th day of January, 2027 (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. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 2nd day of October, 2026. Michael Miller Administrator of the Estate of Joe E. Miller Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: October 8, October 15, October 22, and October 29, 2026.
NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK ESTATE FILE NO. 2023E001697 EXECUTOR NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Executors of the Estate of James Loyce Parker, Jr., deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 8th day of January, 2027, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 2nd day of October, 2026 with a publication date of October 8th, 2026. Executors of the Estate of James Loyce Parker, Jr. c/o Vincent Parker 220 Amberglow Place Cary, NC 27513
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Executor’s Notice
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Loretta McKnight, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before January 8, 2027, 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. Cory Michael McKnight Executor of the Estate of Loretta McKnight 4544 Headwind Drive Fayetteville, NC 28306 First Publication: October 8, 2026
The undersigned, having qualified at Executor of the Estate of Mary DePriest Schneider, 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 15th day of January 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in the bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 8th day of October 2026. Administrator/Executor Mike Schneider 7441 Sextons Creek Drive Raleigh NC 27614 Of the Estate of Mary DePriest Schneider, Deceased.
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator CTA Notice to Creditors 26E001556-250 The undersigned, having qualified as CoAdministrator CTAs of the Estate of Thomas A. Seaford, aka Thomas Alvin Seaford, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 8th day of January 2027 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 8th day of October 2026. Mary Strickland Pait and Tracy Lynn Seaford CoAdministrator CTAs of the Thomas A. Seaford, aka Thomas Alvin Seaford Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 10/08/2026, 10/15/2026, 10/22/2026, 10/29/2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Sharon Ramona Sims / Sharon R. Maxson Sims CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 26E001392-250 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Sharon Ramona Sims / Sharon R. Maxson Sims, of Cumberland County are notified to present their claims to the Executor, David C. Sims, 6809 Woodmark Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28314 on or before the 2nd day of January, 2027 (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. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 28th day of September, 2026. David C. Sims Executor of the Estate of Sharon Romona Sims / Sharon R. Maxson Sims Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: October 1, October 8, October 15 and October 22, 2026.
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001521-250 The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Rudy Alan Studer, Sr., deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of January 2027 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 1st day of October 2026. Eric M. Ditmore, Administrator of the Rudy Alan Studer, Sr. Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 10/01, 10/08, 10/15, 10/22
NOTICE In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #26E001145-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY EXECUTOR’S NOTICE The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Migdalia Munoz Tollinchi, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 8th day of January 2027, (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 parties indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 1st day of October 2026. Marylin Rosado Executor of the Estate of Migdalia Munoz Tollinchi 5333 Rodwell Road Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as administrator of the estate of Sylvia Mayanna White, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before January 1, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Claims are presented to the administrator at the following mailing address: Gloria White Gist 3724 Persimmon Rd Hope Mills, NC 28348 All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment. This the September 30, 2026. Gloria White Gist Administrator
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
PEN & PAPER PURSUITS
sudoku
SOLUTIONS FROM LAST WEEK
Women’s basketball preview, B4
JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Chase Briscoe (19) hits the finish line just ahead of Christopher Bell to win the second-closest NASCAR Cup Series race in Charlotte Motor Speedway history.
the Thursday
Briscoe holds off Bell in Charlotte to win 2nd straight playoff race by .029
MLS
The victory was the second-closest margin in Charlotte Motor Speedway history
SIDELINE REPORT
Toklomati scores 2nd of 2 goals in stoppage time, Charlotte beats Dallas 3-2 Charlotte Idan Toklomati scored the second of his two goals in the second minute of stoppage time as Charlotte FC beat FC Dallas 3-2. Kristijan Kahlina had four saves for Charlotte (13-8-7), which lost 1-0 to Chicago last time out to snap an eight-game unbeaten streak. Toklomati scored in the 70th and fed Harry Toffolo for a goal in the 74th to make it 2-2.
NCAA BASKETBALL
Ex-college basketball player Kriisa admits demanding $9K from victim in fraud scheme Clarksburg, W.Va. Former college basketball player Kerr Kriisa admitted to demanding $9,000 from a victim as part of a fraud scheme. Kriisa pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in federal court in West Virginia. Kriisa posed as a made-up person named “Irene” and emailed a person asking for money to avoid litigation and publicity. Kriisa posed as other people, including his mother, to falsely claim he needed money for emergencies.
NFL
Texans acquire receiver Harrison Jr. from Cardinals Glendale, Ariz. The Houston Texans acquired receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, adding quarterback C.J. Stroud’s college teammate in an effort to bolster Houston’s offense. The Texans received a 2027 seventh-round draft pick in the deal while the Cardinals added 2027 second- and sixth-round picks. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans announced the trade after his team’s 26-3 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in Nashville.
By Steve Reed The Associated Press CONCORD — Chase Briscoe is getting the hang of winning close races. Briscoe held off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell to win his second straight Cup Series playoff race in a photo finish Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, vaulting him into contention to earn his first championship. The .029-second margin of victory was the second closest since CMS opened in 1960, ranking behind only Jimmie Johnson’s .027-second win over Bobby Labonte in 2005. The two drivers traded paint on the final lap, but
Briscoe maintained control of his No. 19 Toyota and reached the finish line about a half-car length ahead of Bell. “I don’t know what it is about these finishes. I have to quit making it so exciting at the end,” said Briscoe, who had to hold off playoff points leader Kyle Larson to win last week at Las Vegas. It was the eighth win of Briscoe’s career and third this season. He led 62 laps. Briscoe said he felt like his right front tire was going down on the final laps, but he was able to hold it together. “When I got beyond those final lapped cars with five or six (laps) to go, I felt like I was going to knock the wall down,” Briscoe said. “At one point it just quit turning.” Ryan Blaney finished third, followed by Josh Berry, Denny Hamlin and Larson. Briscoe was 123 points be-
JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Chase Briscoe celebrates a win at Charlotte Motor Speedway in a NASCAR Cup Series playoff race. hind Larson prior to last week’s win, but the back-to-back victories have cut the deficit to 65 points and put him in fourth place with four races left. Gibbs said he was just hap-
Wake Forest looks to end NCAA Tournament drought The Demon Deacons welcome 12 newcomers By Jesse Deal North State Journal WINSTON-SALEM — The Wake Forest men’s basketball team has made a habit of finishing above .500 under Steve Forbes, but making the NCAA Tournament has proved considerably harder. As the Demon Deacons prepare for their seventh season under Forbes, the challenge is turning five consecutive winning records into their first March Madness appearance since 2017. A dramatically rebuilt roster will determine whether that breakthrough finally arrives. Forbes owns a 110-82 record at Wake Forest, but last season’s 18-17 finish, including a 7-11 ACC mark and 13th-place conference standing, represented a retreat from the previous year’s 21-11 campaign
SCOTT KINSER / AP PHOTO
Wake Forest guard Isaac Carr drives on Clemson guard Ace Buckner during a Feb. 18 game in Winston-Salem. and fourth-place league finish. The Deacs have won between 18 and 21 games in each of the past four seasons. That consistency has kept them competitive, though an NCAA berth remains elusive. Those near-misses have heightened scrutiny of Forbes’
portal-heavy approach. New faces have repeatedly helped produce respectable regular-season totals, but continuity has been harder to maintain. In a competitive ACC, another season hovering around the middle of the standings would only deepen questions
py his drivers didn’t wreck each other. “That’s always when I’m the most nervous, when a couple of See BRISCOE, page B3
about the program’s direction. Forbes now faces the challenge of replacing his eight leading players with a group featuring 12 newcomers, eight of them transfers. An early warning came Oct. 4, when Georgetown beat Wake 94-77 in an exhibition. The Hoyas shot 60% from the floor and sank 16 3-pointers, exposing defensive problems for a group still learning to play together. “Defensive transition is communication and organization,” Forbes said after the game. “We have some new guys, a lot of new guys. I’m not surprised in some ways that we struggled with that, but we’ll get better at it.” Sophomore guard Isaac Carr is the most experienced returning contributor after averaging 2.2 points in 26 games, including four starts. The 6-foot-4 Carr figures to assume a much larger role as both a perimeter defender and secondary playmaker. “I think he can be a really high-level defensive player,” Forbes said of Carr. “He’s a really good athlete. He’s in elite condition. I think he’s a guy we need to average 8 to 9, 10 points a game at least for us. He’s been See WAKE FOREST, page B4
B2 THURSDAY
10.15.26 TRENDING
Kyle Juszczyk: The San Francisco 49ers fullback won his appeal over the fines issued by the NFL for his celebration. Juszczyk was initially fined nearly $30,000 for two infractions of sportsmanship rules after celebrating in a recent game by doing what he’s done for years: imitating drinking a beverage while the fans cheered “Juice!” for his nickname. The NFL and players’ union said such drinking celebrations will no longer result in fines. Jon Rahm: The two-time major winner wants out of LIV Golf. His attorney said Rahm has looked at the proposal for LIV 2.0 and doesn’t want to take part. Still to come is a formal separation to get out of the remaining years of his contract. Then it’s up to the PGA Tour to see if it wants back the former world No. 1. Ronaldo: The soccer star was suspended by the Portuguese soccer federation for walking out on the team. The case has been referred to its disciplinary investigation committee, and its findings will remain confidential until its conclusions are reached. The 41-year-old Ronaldo left the Portugal camp during the international window in a dispute with new coach Jorge Jesus over a lack of playing time.
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES
NASCAR
The NASCAR community and more than 10,000 fans celebrated the life of Kyle Busch at Charlotte Motor Speedway. His widow, Samantha Busch, left in 2019, shared memories during an emotional speech. Their 11-year-old son, Brexton, center, stole the show with a burnout in his father’s car. Kyle Busch died unexpectedly in May at 41. His brother, Kurt, and other drivers shared stories and memories. The event featured some of Busch’s iconic cars.
BRYNN ANDERSON / AP PHOTO
“I feel like I did nothing to help the team.” Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. after going 2 for 15 in Atlanta’s NLDS loss to the Dodgers.
DARRON CUMMINGS / AP PHOTO
NHL
NCAA FOOTBALL
ADRIAN KRAUS / AP PHOTO
“I don’t know about the moon. I’m not really sure 200% if we went there.” Patriots quarterback and former UNC standout Drake Maye. PRIME NUMBER
11 Goals scored in the second half by Swedish soccer teams Brommapojkarna and AIK. The game was a scoreless tie at halftime, and Brommapojkarna earned a 6-5 win after blowing a 5-1 lead. The previous high for goals in a second half is believed to be 10, scored by Borussia Dortmund in November 1982.
FRANK FRANKLIN II / AP PHOTO
New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin is out for the season after injuring his right knee Friday against the Capitals in Washington, D.C. The 30-year-old Russian — who won the Vezina Trophy in 2022 — scrambled back into his net, jamming his right skate into the post as he slid into the crease and collapsed.
JEFF ROBERSON / AP PHOTO
Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie “DJ” Jones received a heart transplant, coach Eli Drinkwitz said. Drinkwitz, pictured, announced the surgery went well and Jones was recovering. Drinkwitz said, “we are incredibly grateful for the medical team … and for the donor and donor family.”
F1
AIJAZ RAHI / AP PHOTO
The FIA defended its handling of the Formula 1 car software bug which delayed the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, pledging to “strengthen” how the code is tested. Several drivers including Lewis Hamilton, pictured, were left stuck on the track when their cars lost power and had to be restarted. The FIA rushed out a software update.
B3
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Playoff action in Charlotte
PHOTOS BY JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
BRISCOE from page B1 our guys are running up front,” Gibbs said. “I know how badly all of our guys want to win. ... That’s when my blood pressure and heartbeat gets accelerated.” Hamlin is now 49 points behind Larson in the Chase, followed by Bell, who is 51 points back. Larson called it a “good, solid day” and was happy to extend his playoff lead by nine points. Hamlin can’t find playoff momentum Hamlin won the regular season championship but has struggled to find Victory Lane in the playoffs. He seemed perplexed why he hasn’t been able to regain the speed he had before the postseason.
“We’ve got to execute better, be a little faster — all of the above,” Hamlin said. “We’re giving it all we got right now.” It didn’t help that Hamlin was sent to the rear of the field for a loose tire penalty on pit road on his first stop. Larson starts on pole, dominates early Larson, who entered the race with five top-five finishes including two wins in the postseason, started on the pole based on NASCAR’s metric system after Saturday’s qualifying was rained out. He made the most of the pole position, dominating the race early by leading 68 of the 80 laps in the first stage to collect the maximum number of points in stage one.
“I don’t know what it is about these finishes. I have to quit making it so exciting at the end.” Chase Briscoe Bell caught Larson and won the second stage. Tough start for playoff contenders in first 50 laps Several Chase contenders ran into problems in the first stage. Ty Gibbs broke a toe link in his No. 54 Toyota causing him to hit the outside wall. Joey Logano, with nowhere to go, slammed into Gibbs from behind. Gibbs headed behind the
wall for repairs and fell several laps behind, while Logano was sent to the back of the field. And, near the end of the first stage, Alex Bowman’s car got loose and ran up the track and into Bubba Wallace’s car, collecting William Byron in the mix. Wallace climbed out of his car, but was taken to the infield medical center in an ambulance. The crash sent all three cars behind the wall. “I just got loose,” Bowman said. “Honestly, I had been really tight. As soon as it got to the exit of the corner, it snapped and it kind of didn’t stand a chance. Unfortunately, I grabbed too much wheel, overcorrected it and got in those two guys’ (Wallace and Byron) way. I hate that for the No. 24 and No. 23 teams. It’s one thing to get loose and crash, but to
ruin their days too really sucks.” NASCAR, CMS say goodbye to “roval After eight years, CMS and NASCAR said goodbye to the “roval,” changing the fall race from a road course back to the traditional 11⁄2-mile oval. That came as NASCAR shifted away from road courses and placed more emphasis on intermediate oval tracks before the season. Drivers seemed to be in favor of the change. “I appreciate the roval for what it was, and I’ve enjoyed the handful of years that we did it to start,” Chris Buescher said. “Charlotte has so much character. It’s put on some really good races and I think that was the big push to get us back on the oval.”
B4
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
31. Charlotte, 0-6 (unchanged): lost 50-10 at North Texas (at Temple)
Local schools excited, ready for 2026-27 season
32. Winston-Salem State, 0-6 (unchanged): lost at home to Bowie State 21-0 (Bluefield State)
The Duke, UNC and NC State women are all hoping for deeper NCAA Tournament runs this year
HOMECOMING RECORD
By Ryan Henkel North State Journal
WHAT IT WAS, WAS FOOTBALL Another rough week for North Carolina teams By Shawn Krest North State Journal A WEEK AFTER posting the worst record of the season, North Carolina football teams were one loss worse, going 11-18 and losing three of five games on homecoming. Brevard is the last unbeaten team in the state and the new No. 1 in our rankings after Duke and Mars Hill both lost on the road. We’re down to two winless teams after Elizabeth City broke through on homecoming. THE RANKINGS North Carolina’s record: 11-18 last week (90-105 overall) 1.
Brevard, 5-0 (up 2): won 27-26 at Southern Virginia (LaGrange)
2. Wake Forest, 5-1 (up 2): won 38-14 at NC State (at Cal) 3. Duke, 4-1 (down 2): lost at Georgia Tech 28-25 (UNC) 4. Mars Hill, 5-1 (down 2): lost 17-9 at Emory & Henry (Newberry) 5. Johnson C. Smith, 5-1 (up 2): won 49-6 over Shaw (Lincoln, PA) 6. Campbell, 5-1 (down 1): idle (Towson) 7.
UNC, 3-2 (up 2): won at Pitt 21-17 (at Duke)
8. UNC Pembroke, 5-2 (up 3): won 44-3 over Erskine (at Barton) 9. App State, 3-2 (down 3): lost 10-3 to Old Dominion (at Coastal Carolina) 10. Elon, 4-3 (down 2): lost 16-0 to Wofford (at Stanford) 11. NC Wesleyan, 2-3 (down 1): lost at Belhaven 35-21 (Huntingdon) 12. Fayetteville State, 3-3 (up 2): idle (Elizabeth City State) 13. Catawba, 3-4 (down 1): lost 28-17 at home to Newberry (at Anderson)
30. Barton, 1-5 (down 1): idle (UNC Pembroke)
Overall: 5-7, Last week: 2-3 Only two of the five teams holding homecoming last weekend earned a win. App State lost to ODU, Elon lost to Wofford, ECU beat Rice, Central lost to William & Mary, Elizabeth City beat Lincoln. Eight teams have homecoming on a busy weekend in the state: Brevard (LaGrange), Methodist (Southern Virginia), Campbell (Towson), Davidson (Morehead State), Chowan (Erskine), Fayetteville State (Elizabeth City State), JC Smith (Lincoln, PA), Lenoir-Rhyne (Wingate) STATE TITLE STANDINGS Johnson C. Smith caught Campbell and Mars Hill at 3-0 to lead the state standings. In two in-state matchups last weekend, Wake Forest won at NC State, JC Smith blew out Shaw. This week, there are five state-title games, headlined by the Battle of the Blues in Durham: Elizabeth City State is at Fayetteville State, Barton hosts UNC Pembroke, UNC is at Duke, Wingate heads to Lenoir-Rhyne, Elizabeth City State is at Livingstone. STANDINGS • 3-0 Mars Hill, Campbell, JC Smith • 1-0 Elon, Greensboro, Gardner-Webb, Chowan, Brevard, Wake Forest
20. Wingate, 3-4 (up 1): won 31-14 over Tusculum (at Lenoir-Rhyne) 21. Livingstone, 2-5 (down 1): lost 59-7 at Virginia State (Elizabeth City State) 22. NC State, 3-3 (unchanged): lost 38-14 at home against Wake Forest (idle) 23. Gardner-Webb, 2-5 (unchanged): lost 21-7 at home to Eastern Illinois (at UT Martin) 24. NC Central, 2-5 (unchanged): lost 17-14 at home to William & Mary (idle) 25. NC A&T, 2-5 (up 2): won 30-27 in overtime over New Hampshire (Chicago State) 26. Guilford, 1-4 (down 1): lost at home to Bridgewater 19-14 (at Hampden-Sydney) 27. Methodist, 1-4 (down 1): lost 35-0 at LaGrange (Southern Virginia) 28. Elizabeth City State, 1-5 (up 2): won 35-21 over Lincoln (at Livingstone) 29. Davidson, 2-5 (down 1): lost 38-21 at Presbyterian (Morehead State)
The last four seasons have certainly been a mixed bag for the NC State Wolfpack, who had both a Sweet Sixteen and Final Four appearance to go with first- and second-round exits. Last year was certainly not the year the Wolfpack had hoped for though, finish-
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are entering their fifth year under head coach Megan Gebbia. Things haven’t gone so well in Winston-Salem in recent years, with the Demon Deacons having won only 13 conference games in the past four seasons combined. Wake Forest finished 15th in the ACC last season, finishing with a 14-18 record (4-14 in conference play) despite starting the year 9-0. “Our goal is to get to the postseason, right, and move our way up the ACC,” Gebbia said. “I think we have a talented roster this year, one that we purposely went in and recruited. I think our guard play is going to be really good. I think we have attacking guards and really good bigs. It’s just exciting to kind of put a whole roster together that we feel is really competitive this year.” Wake Forest returns six players, including graduate Mary Carter and sophomore Opal Bird, and the Demon Deacons are hoping to make a splash and qualify for their first NCAA appearance since 2021.
• 1-1 UNC Pembroke, ECU, Catawba, NC State
• 1-2 Guilford, Livingstone
19. Greensboro, 2-3 (down 1): lost 31-20 at Huntingdon (Belhaven)
NC STATE
WAKE FOREST
• 2-2 Shaw
15. East Carolina, 3-2 (up 1): won 28-12 over Rice (at UAB)
18. Chowan, 3-3 (up 1): won 16-13 at North Greenville (Erskine)
The Duke Blue Devils are heading into the 2026-27 season as the ACC’s clear favorite. Duke won both the ACC regular season and tournament last year and went to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, falling to the eventual champs UCLA. In six years at the helm, coach Kara Lawson has brought Duke, who finished as the No. 5-ranked team in the country, back to the upper echelon of women’s basketball, and her goal is to stay there. “Our expectations stay pretty much focused on the same things,” Lawson said. “We want to compete at a high level, we want to be one of the hardest-playing teams, and we want to challenge ourselves against the best teams and see how good we can be.” The Blue Devils will certainly be challenging themselves this year as their nonconference schedule includes matchups with all four of the teams that made last year’s Final Four. “We always want to play one of the top schedules in the country,” Lawson said. “That’s been the case since I’ve had control of the schedule at Duke. It’s what we want to do. We want to see where we are in a given time, and that exposes
It’s been a steady climb for the UNC Tar Heels, now entering their eighth year under coach Courtney Banghart, but it seems like things are starting to really click for the team from Chapel Hill. Last season was the Tar Heels’ best conference finish in the last decade, finishing third in the regular season and making it to the semifinals in the ACC Tournament. UNC followed that with a second straight Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament and finished the year as the No. 13-ranked team in the country. “We feel like we’ve had some really sustained success, and we feel like we’re ready to take another step on that climb,” Banghart said. “We’re bigger, we’re faster, we’re more athletic and we’re more dynamic than we were a year ago.” The Tar Heels are returning eight players but lost most of its starting roster in the offseason, so UNC will be relying a lot on sophomore Nyla Brooks, who was a 2026 ACC All-Freshman selection, as well as transfers Chloe Clardy (Stanford), Gabby White (Virginia) and Achol Akot (Oklahoma State).
• 2-1 App State
• 0-0 UNC, Duke, NC Wesleyan
17. Western Carolina, 3-4 (down 2): lost 17-14 at Mercer (idle)
DUKE
UNC
ing fourth in the ACC and winning one game in the NCAA Tournament. “Last year we finished fourth out of 18 teams in this unbelievable conference,” said coach Wes Moore, who is entering his 14th year with the program. “In a lot of eyes, you would say fourth out of 18 really strong programs is a heck of a year. But our expectations are really high. Last year wasn’t what we wanted it to be, so we’re hoping that this year we can take it a little bit further.” The biggest two pieces for the Wolfpack will be returners Zoe Brooks, entering her fourth year with NC State, and Khamil Pierre, both of whom were All-ACC First Team selections last year.
• 3-1 Fayetteville State
14. 14. Shaw, 4-3 (down 1): lost 49-6 at Johnson C. Smith (Virginia State)
16. Lenoir-Rhyne, 3-4 (up 1): won 50-24 at UVA Wise (Wingate)
THE 2026-27 basketball season is fast approaching, and the ACC Tipoff gave us a good look at the attitudes North Carolina’s four P4 women’s basketball teams have heading into the year.
us and forces us to get better.” With nine returning players, including starters Toby Fournier, Delaney Thomas and Riley Nelson, Duke should be up to the task.
• 2-3 NC Central • 0-1 Davidson, Western Carolina, Elizabeth City State, Methodist, Lenoir-Rhyne, Charlotte • 0-2 NC A&T, Barton, Wingate • 0-3 Winston-Salem State
ALL-STATE PERFORMANCES FOR OCT. 10: Quarterback: Josh Ehrlich, UNC Pembroke, 18-27 for 355 yards, 5 TDs, 86 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD Running backs: Shermon Davis, Lenoir-Rhyne, 14 rushes for 243 yards, 1 TD; Marvin Reed Jr., Brevard, 184 yards on 22 carries, 4 TDs Receiver: Jack Foley, Wake Forest, 8 catches, 156 yards, TD; Jimmie West III, NC Wesleyan, 5 catches, 156 yards, 2 TDs Defensive line: Langston Hardy, Wake Forest, 8 tackles, 4 solo, 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits; Fred Giles, UNC Pembroke, 7 tackles, 4 solo, 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 QB hit Linebacker: Deshon Hadden, Brevard, 7 tackles, 4 solo, 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, blocked kick; Will Hadden III, Brevard, 11 tackles, 3 solo, 1.5 TFLs, QB hit Defensive back: Braylon Johnson, Wake Forest, 5 tackles, 4 solo, 1 pass breakup, 28-yard fumble return; Gregory Smith III, UNC, 8 tackles, 5 solo, 1 interception returned 25 yards Special teams: Terrance Holland, Elizabeth City State, scored on a 91-yard kickoff return, blocked a punt that was recovered for a touchdown, blocked an extra point. Also had a 40-yard catch for a touchdown
SARA NEVIS / AP PHOTO
Duke head coach Kara Lawson calls to the team during last season’s Sweet 16.
WAKE FOREST from page B1 playing with a lot of confidence on offense. He’s a ball mover. We can penetrate. He can get on the glass.” Anson Beard Jr., Will Underwood and Vincent Ricchiuti also return, although much of the rotation will be supplied by newcomers. Merrimack transfer Kevair Kennedy headlines the backcourt additions. The reigning MAAC player and rookie of the year averaged 18.6 points last season and delivered 19 points and four steals against Georgetown. His quickness and ability to create offense should make him a central figure. Justin Ray, arriving from Monmouth, provides another scoring option after shooting 42% from 3-point range last season. Former Kansas guard Jamari McDowell offers size, versatility and leadership, but plantar fasciitis has complicated his preseason. “It’s just a little lower extremity, so I’ll be fine here in a couple of weeks. It’s nothing major,” McDowell said.
“We have some new guys, a lot of new guys.” Steve Forbes, Wake Forest coach “He’s a really tough kid,” Forbes said of McDowell. “I’d love to have him in there for sure. He’s a steadying force and a captain. But we’ve got to keep the big picture in mind on where we’re headed here, and that’s November.” Inside, Florida Atlantic transfer Xander Pintelon offers perimeter shooting from a 6-foot-11 frame. Northern Colorado addition Ring Nyeri brings energy and rebounding, while Georgia transfer Justin Abson supplies rim protection. Seven-foot Virginia Tech transfer Antonio Dorn adds size after recovering from a summer injury. Freshman twins Gavin and Gallagher Placide could immediately influence the frontcourt. Gavin, a 6-foot-11 forward, is an athletic rebounder and interior
defender. Gallagher, who stands at 6-foot-9, supplies additional ball-handling and shooting. Together they scored 27 points against Georgetown. Another freshman, 6-foot-6 guard Lukas Bojovic, brings international experience after earning Serbian junior league player and defensive player of the year honors. Forbes could lean on a nine or 10-man rotation while sorting out starting roles, particularly on the wing and in the frontcourt. Wake Forest is set to play another exhibition Thursday night against South Carolina in Rock Hill before opening the season Nov. 2 at home against Maryland Eastern Shore. The nonconference schedule includes trips to Vanderbilt and LSU, a Battle 4 Atlantis matchup with Mississippi State and a meeting with UMass. ACC play brings home games against Duke and UNC, plus home-and-away meetings with NC State and Notre Dame. As its revamped roster begins to jell, Wake Forest will soon see the initial product as the regular season approaches.
B5
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
CUMBERLAND NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NUMBER: 26E001370-250 In the Matter of the Estate of: GWENDOLYN PAUL VANZANT Deceased. EXECUTOR’S NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Gwendolyn Paul VanZant, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before December 24, 2026 (which is three (3) months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. THIS the 21st day of September, 2026. ________ Susan Paul Acosta, Executor of the Estate of Gwendolyn Paul VanZant, Deceased c/o J. Thomas Neville Yarborough, Winters & Neville, P.A. P.O. Box 705 Fayetteville, NC 28302-0705 Publish: 09/24/2026, 10/01/2026, 10/08/2026 and 10/15/2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice to Creditors
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA New Hanover COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26E001241-640 Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Cherryl Heidenreich Hunley, deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Cherryl Heidenreich Hunley to present them to the undersigned on or before the 15th day of January 2027 (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 15th day of October, 2026. April P Hunley, Executor C/O Scott Donaldson PLLC, 5725 Oleander Drive; Suite G3, Wilmington, NC 28403 Executor of the Estate of Cherryl Heidenreich Hunley 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Edward Jackson Coble, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before January 4, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 1st day of October, 2026 Deborah Coble Holcomb aka Deborah Faye Coble aka Deborah Coble Winfrey aka Deborah Coble Garner Executor of the Estate of Edward Jackson Coble Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 10/01/26 10/08/26 10/15/26 10/22/26
Having qualified as CO-EXECUTORS of the Estate of JERRY R. MILLIKAN aka JERRY RONALD MILLIKAN, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before January 15, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 15th day of October 2026.
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of PEGGY W. FITE, aka PEGGY JOYCE FITE, aka PEGGY WATTERSON FITE, late of Wake County, North Carolina (26E002609-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of December 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 24th day of September 2026. /s/ Cheri Lynn Fite Executor Estate of Peggy W. Fite, Aka, Peggy Joyce Fite, aka Peggy Watterson Fite c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 09/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15/2026)
Notice to All Creditors: The decedent Helyn Pearl Rogers Lofton who resided at 117 Avant Drive Wilmington N.C. 28411, in New Hanover County passed away on June 16th, 2026. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate of Helyn Pearl Rogers Lofton will be forever barred unless presented to the named representative, James S. Lofton at 117 Avant Drive, Wilmington. NC 28411 or to both the probate court and the named personal representative by 1/15/2027. Personal Representative for the Estate: James S. Lofton Address: 117 Avant Drive Wilmington North Carolina 28411 Phone Number: 910 395-1992
NOTICE State of North Carolina In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File #: 26E001550-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as the Administrator of the Estate of David Reginald Williams, 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 1st day of January, 2027, (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 1st day of October, 2026. Shelia D. Williams, Administrator 1760 Geiberger Drive Fayetteville, NC 28303 Of the Estate of David Reginald Williams , Deceased
NEW HANOVER NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Karen E. Brown, having qualified on the 1st day of October 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Jerry Grant Foxbower (26E001195640), 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 19th day of January, 2027, 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 15th day of October 2026. Karen E. Brown Administrator ESTATE OF JERRY GRANT FOXBOWER David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: October 15, 2026 October 22, 2026 October 29, 2026 November 5, 2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ROSEMARY PARDIECK SMITH FILE NO. 26E001180-640 All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Rosemary Pardieck Smith, deceased, of New Hanover County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before January 8, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. Letter of request sent Sept. 29, 2026. Robert D. Smith 1 Petticoat Way Hamilton, NJ 08619 First Publication Date: October 8, 2026
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Karen E. Brown, having qualified on the 9th day of October 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Linda Lee Todd Foxbower (26E001256640), 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 19th day of January, 2027, 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 15th day of October 2026. Karen E. Brown Administrator ESTATE OF LINDA LEE TODD FOXBOWER David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: October 15, 2026 October 22, 2026 October 29, 2026 November 5, 2026
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Charles L. Miller, having qualified on the 8th day of October 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Colby Scott Miller (26E001244640), 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 19th day of January, 2027, 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 15th day of October 2026. Charles L Miller Administrator ESTATE OF COLBY SCOTT MILLER David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: October 15, 2026 October 22, 2026 October 29, 2026 November 5, 2026
RANDOLPH NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Mary Lou Overman Allred of Randolph County, NC, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Executor at the Law Office of Richard L. Cox, 113 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 on or before January 14th 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of heir recovery. All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 15th day of October 2026. Alan Allred Mary Lou Overman Allred Estate Richard L. Cox, Attorney Gavin & Cox 113 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 Telephone: 336-629-2600
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Emmanuel Ioannis Antoniou aka Emmanuel Antoniou, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before January 18, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 15th day of October, 2026 Dana Michelle Antoniou aka Dana Goble Antoniou Administrator of the Estate of Emmanuel Ioannis Antoniou aka Emmanuel Antoniou Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 10/15/26 10/22/26 10/29/26 11/05/26
Notice to Creditors The undersigned does hereby notify any persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of Alan Anderson Bunting, late of 2581 Winding Woods Lane , Asheboro NC, 27205 to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of January 2027 , or this notice will be pled in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations related to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned . This the 1st day of October 2026. Beth B. Coleman 4371 Willow Grove Trail Asheboro NC 27205
NOTICE Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Sandra Bright Comer aka Sandra B. Comer, aka Sandy Voncannon aka Sandra Voncannon Bright, aka Sandra Annette Voncannon Bright Comer, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT, ATTORNEY AT LAW, PO Box 2445, Asheboro, North Carolina 27204, on or before January 11, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 8th day of October, 2026 Paul Howard Comer, Executor of the Estate of Sandra Bright Comer aka Sandra B. Comer, aka Sandy Voncannon aka Sandra Voncannon Bright, aka Sandra Annette Voncannon Bright Comer, deceased TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 2445 Asheboro, NC 27204 (336) 308-0354 PUBL/DATES: 10/08/26 10/15/26 10/22/26 10/29/26
CHRISTIAN MACON GRANTHAM and S. SCOTT EGGLESTON CO-EXECUTORS of the Estate of JERRY R. MILLIKAN aka JERRY RONALD MILLIKAN IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 10/15/26 10/22/26 10/29/26 11/05/26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as EXECUTOR of the Estate of LAWSON LIHUGH PARRISH aka, LAWSON L. PARRISH aka, LAWSON PARRISH, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before December 25, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 24th day of September 2026. MARGARET ELLEN SAUNDERS PARRISH EXECUTOR of the Estate of LAWSON LIHUGH PARRISH aka, LAWSON L. PARRISH aka, LAWSON PARRISH DECEASED S. SCOTT EGGLESTON, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 09/24/26 10/01/26 10/08/26 10/15/26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Clarence Ray Evans aka Clarence Ray Evans, Jr., late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before January 4, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 1st day of October 2026 Patricia Evans McBride Executor of the Estate of Clarence Ray Evans aka Clarence Ray Evans, Jr. Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 10/01/26 10/08/26 10/15/26 10/22/26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Opal Bowman Garner aka Ruby Opal Garner, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before January 4, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 1st day of October, 2026 Collette Garner Hoover Executor of the Estate of Opal Bowman Garner aka Ruby Opal Garner Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 10/01/26 10/08/26 10/15/26 10/22/26
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Vernon R. Wilson a/k/a Vernon Russell Wilson, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before January 8, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 29th day of September, 2026 Joan W. Chartier Executor of the Estate of Vernon R. Wilson a/k/a Vernon Russell Wilson S. Scott Eggleston, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 10/8/26 10/15/26 10/22/26 10/29/26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Herbert Theodore Poole a/k/a Herbert T. Poole, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before January 15, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 12th day of October, 2026 Herbert Jason Poole Executor of the Estate of Herbert Theodore Poole a/k/a Herbert T. Poole Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 10/15/26 10/22/26 10/29/26 11/05/26
WAKE Notice to Creditors Having qualified as Personal Representative (or Executor/ Administrator) of the Estate of Patricia Eileen Clark, late of Wake County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before 01/08/2027 - typically 90 days from first publication date, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 8th day of October, 2026. James Clark, Personal Representative 2133 Farrington Rd Apex, NC 27523
Notice to Creditors Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of GROVER OLIVER LEWTER, late of Wake County, North Carolina (26E003059910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 11th day of January 2027 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 8th day of October 2026. Randall Scott Adams Executor of the Estate of Grover Oliver Lewter c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29/2026)
Notice to Creditors Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of CECIL EUGENE PEARSON, late of Wake County, North Carolina (26E002806-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of December 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 24th day of September 2026. /s/ Laura Marie Fehnel Administrator Estate of Cecil Eugene Pearson c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 09/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15/2026)
Notice to Creditors Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of MARLA A. SLOANE, late of Wake County, North Carolina (26E003258910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of January 2027 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 15th day of October 2026. Marianne Lindgren Executor of the Estate of Marla A. Sloane c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5/2026)
Notice to Creditors Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of ERIC TERRELL THOMPSON, SR., late of Wake County, North Carolina (26E002952-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 4th of January 2027 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 1st day of October 2026. Tammy Renee Thompson Executor of the Estate of Eric Terrell Thompson, Sr. c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22/2026)
B6
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
CABARRUS 17-091453 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 25sp000441-120 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY GARY MCCORKLE, JR. AND TERESA MCCORKLE DATED FEBRUARY 28, 1994 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1198 AT PAGE 311 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in 24-118158 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 24SP001632-120 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SOUTHPOINT REALTY SERVICES, LLC DATED SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 16647 AT PAGE 97 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder
CUMBERLAND AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP000254-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Joshua Troy Hardman and Lorraine Hardman (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Joshua Troy Hardman and Lorraine Hardman) to H. Terry Hutchens, Esquire, Trustee(s), dated June 20, 2014, and recorded in Book No. 09458, at Page 0763 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County,
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000899-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by William Dean Cox (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): William Dean Cox) to Cristina Zorilla, Trustee(s), dated September 23, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 11580, at Page 0077 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on October 26, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000848-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Eric A. Bolling (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Eric A. Bolling) to Lender’s First Title LLC, Trustee(s), dated March 14, 2025, and recorded in Book No. 12191, at Page 0477 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on October 19, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All the certain tract or parcel of land situated
AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP000197-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Benjamin Grant, Jr. (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Benjamin Grant, Jr. and Lydia Faye McNeal) to Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated June 23, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 9887, at Page 0237 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on October 26, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being
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 Cabarrus County courthouse at 11:00AM on October 29, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Gary McCorkle, Jr. and Teresa McCorkle, dated February 28, 1994 to secure the original principal amount of $105,165.00, and recorded in Book 1198 at Page 311 of the Cabarrus 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: 11138 Silverton Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215 Tax Parcel ID:
55059437530000 Present Record Owners: Gary McCorkle, Jr. and Teresa McCorkle The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Gary McCorkle, Jr. and Teresa McCorkle. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax
associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was
renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is September 10, 2026. __________________ ___________________ Ellen Wiggins N.C. State Bar No. #55909 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 8520 Cliff Cameron Dr., Suite 330 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS.com Posted: By:
of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cabarrus County courthouse at 11:00AM on October 22, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Southpoint Realty Services, LLC, dated September 5, 2023 to secure the original principal amount of $384,800.00, and recorded in Book 16647 at Page 97 of the Cabarrus 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: 117 S Ridge Ave, Kannapolis, NC 28083 Tax Parcel ID: 56136972160000 Present Record Owners:
Calderia, LLC The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Calderia, LLC. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid
or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be
advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is September 10, 2026. __________________ ___________________ Ellen Wiggins N.C. State Bar No. #55909 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 8520 Cliff Cameron Dr., Suite 330 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS.com Posted: By:
North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on October 26, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The following described property:
Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 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.
to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 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.
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). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29
in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 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.
Being all of Lot 39 in a subdivision known as Revision of Springfield Place, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 122, Page 007, Cumberland County Registry, State of North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 189 Wolfpoint Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Assessor’s Parcel No: 0542-11-4101 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1).
estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot No. 24 in a subdivision known as Brookrun, Section Two, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 86, Page 95, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 7516 Shillinglaw Circle, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Parcel #9487-76-1529 Property Address: 7516 Shillinglaw Circle, Fayetteville, NC 28314 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported
in the City of Fayetteville in Seventy First Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 36, Block “O” in a subdivision known as the Ponderosa, Section Five according to a plat of the same recorded in Plat Book 30, Page 64 Cumberland County Registry and being the same property conveyed to Timothy Lavern Carmoney and wife, Electa Fern Carmoney by Deed recorded in Book 4054, Page 483. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 508 North Platte Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina. PARCEL ID: 0408784020000 / 0408-784020 Title to the property hereinabove described is subject to the following exceptions: A. County and/or municipal zoning ordinances, rules and regulations. B. Restrictive covenants, easements and rights of way of record. Being the same property conveyed to Eric A. Bolling, an unmarried man from Timothy Lavern Carmoney and wife, Electa Fern Carmoney by Deed dated March 16, 2017 recorded on April 13, 2017 in Book 10072 Page 0643 and Instrument No. 11709. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as
more particularly described as follows: Legal Description: All that certain Lot or Parcel of land situated in the City of, Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot No. 17 in a subdivision known as Golf Acres, Section One, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 41, Page 4 Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3728 Masters Drive, Hope Mills, North Carolina. BEING the same premises that was conveyed unto Benjamin Grant, Jr. and wife, Charlie J. Grant by North Carolina General Warranty Deed from Benjamin Grant, Jr., widow, dated November 24th, 1999, and recorded November 29th, 1999, at Deed Book 5198 and Deed Page 0147 in the Records of the Cumberland County Recorder’s office, State of North Carolina. Parcel ID(s): 0414-23-9931 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.
17-091453
24-118158
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm, LLP P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 12723 - 55524
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 32657 - 171032
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 32903 - 172297
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm, LLP P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 13092 - 57418
B7
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE Present Record Owners: Kyesh Nicole Vega The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Kyesh Nicole Vega. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid
or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental
agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is October 6, 2026. __________________ ___________________ Sarah E. Banks N.C. State Bar No. #44023 William P. Harris N.C. State Bar No. #48633 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 8520 Cliff Cameron Dr., Suite 330 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS.com Posted: By:
Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to
perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 11:00AM on October 26, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Kyesh Nicole Vega and Gilbert Vega, dated May 5, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $257,254.00, and recorded in Book 11465 at Page 539 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 628 Welsh Pl, Fayetteville, NC 28303 Tax Parcel ID: 0409-54-5708
26SP000648-250 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:
DEED.
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.
confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
CUMBERLAND 23-116475 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 26SP000890-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY KYESH NICOLE VEGA AND GILBERT VEGA DATED MAY 5, 2022 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 11465 AT PAGE 539 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE
NORTH COUNTY
CAROLINA,
CUMBERLAND
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Julian John Defnet and Chasity Smith to Ashihs G. Lakhiani, Trustee(s), which was dated October 21, 2021 and recorded on October 21, 2021 in Book 11285 at Page 868, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.
BEING all of Lot 37, in a subdivision known as Map of Property of Laura J. Blackwell, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 10, Page 41, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 0446-68-9822 Property Address: 1904 Sapona Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312 Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
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 Julian John Defnet and Chasity Smith, Husband and wife.
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 October 28, 2026 at 01:30 PM, and
Said property is commonly known as 1904 Sapona Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28312.
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on October 27th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot No. 8, in a subdivision known as FAIRWAY FOREST, SECTION FOUR, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Plat Book 82, Page 108, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 4352 Falls Drive, Hope Mills, NC 28348 Tax ID: 0404-80-7358 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk
of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Cash will not be accepted. 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 Sonya E. Sweitzer-Janson and Andrew J. Janson. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.
the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 21, 2026 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:
DEED.
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.
NORTH COUNTY
CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND 26 SP 000023-250
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Sonya E. Sweitzer-Janson and Andrew J. Janson , Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $78,800.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.(MERS), as beneficiary, as nominee for Wachovia Mortgage Corporation, Mortgagee, dated October 8th, 2004 and recorded on October 12th, 2004 in Book 6681, Page 593, and subsequently modified by Loan Modification recorded on October 3rd, 2022 in Book 11585 at Page 102, Cumberland County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded
26SP000201-250 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH COUNTY
CAROLINA,
CUMBERLAND
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Mamadou Lamin Sow a/k/a Mamadou Sow and Glorianna Echevarria to Jerry B. Flowers III and Dennis Patrick Sullivan, Trustee(s), which was dated January 19, 2024 and recorded on January 22, 2024 in Book 11893 at Page 842, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at
26SP000660-250 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH COUNTY
CAROLINA,
CUMBERLAND
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by George S Moore and Flora A Moore to Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated July 26, 2019 and recorded on July 30, 2019 in Book 10553 at Page 667, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 21, 2026 at 01:30 PM, and
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25SP001047-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Latasha Williams, Gabriel Ware and Bobby Williams (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Latasha Williams and Gabriel Ware and Bobby Williams) to Hutchens Law Firm, A California Corporation, Trustee(s), dated May 6, 2024, and recorded in Book No. 11965, at Page 0382 and re-recorded in Document No. 22204, in Book No. 12024, at Page 0452 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary
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
BEING ALL OF LOT 255 IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS ARRAN LAKES WEST, SECTION FOUR AND THE SAME BEING DULY RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 51, AT PAGE 47, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 2029 Dockside Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304. 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
will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the city of fayetteville, cross creek township, cumberland county, north carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being all of lot 43 in a subdivision known as college lakes, section four and the same being duly recorded in book of plats 27, page 1, cumberland county registry, north carolina. Being the same premises as conveyed in deed from elizabeth d. mena and husband, myron nix recorded 06/06/2005 in document number 025735, book 6900, page 807 in said county and state. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 467 Albemarle Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28311. 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
location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on October 19, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 5, 6, 7 & 8, Block E, in a subdivision known as William Wright Property, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 9, Page 50, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 206 Sherman Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 0438-66-4090 Property Address: 206 Sherman Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28301 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be
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
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 Mamadou Lamin Sow and Glorianna Echevarria. 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
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 George S. Moore and Flora A. Moore.
Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the
Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §4521.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. If the Trustee is
Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of 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
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”.
An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or
If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the
purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 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
23-116475
If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 26-16538-FC01
unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee By: David Neill, NCSB #23396 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) dneill@mtglaw.com 25-001694-01
of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 26-03054-FC01
filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 26-06960-FC01
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 Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 28228 - 144346
B8
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
CUMBERLAND AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000604-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Quick Property Solutions Inc., a North Carolina Corporation (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Quick Property Solutions Inc., a North Carolina Corporation) to The Law Office of Jeffrey E. Radford, PA, Trustee(s), dated October 25, 2023, and recorded in Book No. 11846, at Page 0135 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute
DAVIDSON 26SP000161-280 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jamie A Everhart to Heather Lovier, Trustee(s), which was dated May 31, 2022 and recorded on June 6, 2022 in Book 2550 at Page 2121, Davidson 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 October 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit:
DURHAM NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000486-310 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Tasha L. Barnett (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Tasha L. Barnett) to Brock and Scott, Trustee(s), dated August 16, 2021, and recorded in Book No. 9432, at Page 745 in Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham, Durham County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on October 21, 2026 and will sell
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 26SP000146-310 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Deed of Trust executed by BETHANY BUTTI dated September 24, 2010 in the amount of $131,915.00 and recorded in Book 6565, Page 300-319 and further modified by agreement recorded on October 20, 2022 in Book 9803, Page 919 in the Durham County Public Registry 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 Durham County, North Carolina, in Book 10473, Page 464, 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 Durham County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on October 22, 2026 at
FORSYTH 26SP000344-330 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, FORSYTH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kieri Kennedy and Frank Kennedy to Josh J. Costner, Trustee(s), which was dated March 28, 2024 and recorded on March 28, 2024 in Book RE 3799 at Page 1664, Forsyth 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
Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on October 26, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 519 in a subdivision known as CLIFFDALE WEST, SECTION 10, and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 54, at Page 77, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6823 Mangrove, Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be
BEGINNING AT AN IRON PIN FOUND ON THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF WELCOME STREET (N.C.S.R. #1470) (FORMERLY DEPOT STREET), SAID BEGINNING IRON ALSO BEING ON THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF NORTH FIRST STREET (N.C.S.R. #1471) AT THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH FIRST STREET AND WELCOME STREET; THENCE WITH THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF THE RIGHTOF-WAY OF NORTH FIRST STREET SOUTH 34 DEGREES 32 MINUTES 47 SECONDS WEST 181.84 FEET TO AN IRON FOUND ON THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF A 10-FOOT ALLEY; THENCE WITH THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF THE 10-FOOT ALLEY NORTH 56 DEGREES 14 MINUTES 05 SECONDS WEST 115.00 FEET TO AN IRON PIN FOUND; THENCE NORTH 34 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST 192.06 FEET TO AN IRON PIN FOUND ON THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF RIGHTOF-WAY OF WELCOME STREET; THENCE WITH THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF WELCOME STREET SOUTH 51 DEGREES 09 MINUTES 22 SECONDS EAST 115.47 FEET TO THE POINT AND PLACE OF BEGINNING AND BEING APPROXIMATELY 0.494 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, AS SURVEYED JUNE 12, 1995, BY J. TODD EVERHART, R.L.S., L-3558.
purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the
property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Jamie A. Everhart.
this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Said property is commonly known as 501 N 1st Street, Lexington, NC 27295. 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
An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 23499 - 166699
If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing.
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”.
Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988
If the trustee is unable to convey title to
File No.: 26-08318-FC01
recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.
Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by
N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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
2:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Durham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 200434 ADDRESS: 1904 GREAT BEND DRIVE DURHAM, NC 27704 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): BETHANY BUTTI THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF DURHAM, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 6565, PAGE 300-319, AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 78, LANDON FARMS SUBDIVISION, PHASE 3B, AS SHOWN ON THAT PLAT RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 163, PAGE 43 & 46, DURHAM COUNTY REGISTRY. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for
sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the
confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental
agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.
the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Forsyth County, North Carolina, to wit:
PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
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.
of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
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: The following described property: Situated in the County of Durham and State of North Carolina: Being all of Townhouse Lot 6, of Wynterfield Townhomes, Block A, and recorded in Plat Book 173 at Page 54 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Durham County, to which plat reference is hereby expressly made for a more particular description of same, together with as easement of ingress, egress and regress over and benefit of the Owners, Lessees, Invites and Licensees o the property herein described. Including the Unit located thereon; said Unit being located at 1402 Holly Grove Way, Durham, North Carolina. Assessor’s Parcel No: 0739-01-27-7509 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.
BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lot Number 63, as shown on the plat entitled “PEACHTREE MEADOWS, PHASE TWO, as recorded in Plat Book 48, Page 115, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, 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 929 Peachtree Meadows Cir, Kernersville, NC 27284. 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
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 Kieri Kennedy and Frank Kennedy (JTROS). 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
Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of 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
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 30469 - 158023
Sarah A. Waldron or Terrass Scott Misher, Esq ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee 13010 Morris Rd., Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Telephone: (470) 321-7112
If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 26-09478-FC01
B9
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
FORSYTH AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000366-330 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Peggy K. Parker and Donald R. Parker (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Donald R. Parker and Peggy K. Parker) to Jerone C. Herring, Trustee(s), dated March 4, 2002, and recorded in Book No. 2237, at Page 2170 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF FORSYTH GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25CVS002302-330 Mortgage Assets Management, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. All Lawful Heirs of Tommy Ray Collins a/k/a Tommy R. Collins a/k/a Tommy Collins a/k/a Tom Collins; Sharon Kaye Collins; Any Spouse of Sharon Kaye Collins; Deborah Rae Booe a/k/a Deborah Booe a/k/a Deborah Booe a/k/a Deborah Rae Collins Booe; Early Vince Booe; United States of America; Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Defendant(s). AMENDED NOTICE FORECLOSURE SALE
OF
JUDICIAL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jeremy B. Wilkins, Commissioner, pursuant to the Order/Judgment entered in the abovecaptioned case on September 26, 2025 (“Order”), and by virtue of the appointment, power and authority contained in that Order, has been authorized and ordered to sell the property commonly known as 1401 Winfield Drive, Winston Salem, NC 27105
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, FORSYTH COUNTY 25CV016592-330 Pursuant to Default Order and Consent Judgment entered on September 2, 2026, in Forsyth by the presiding Superior Court Judge, default having been made in the payment of the Note secured by the Deed of Trust recorded on recorded on September 20th, 2000 in Book 2134, Page 3791, Forsyth County Registry, and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been appointed as Commissioner in this case, the undersigned Commissioner will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Forsyth County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on October 29th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All that certain lot or parcel of land in Forsyth County, North Carolina Winston Township, more particularly described as follows: Being known and designated as Lot 26 as shown on the unrecorded plat dated May
25SP001834-330 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, FORSYTH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by James W. Mahan, Jr. to David H. Caffey, Trustee(s), which was dated October 11, 1993 and recorded on October 20, 1993 in Book 1800 at Page 3181, Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina.
N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 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.
of Trust, together with all unpaid taxes and assessments and any recorded releases.Neither the Commissioner nor the holder of the debt secured by such Deed of Trust, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Commissioner or the holder of the debt make any representation 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 and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such conditions expressly are disclaimed. The Commissioner shall convey title to the property by non-warranty deed, without any covenants or warranties, express or implied.
termination.Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
The sale will be reported to the court and will remain open for advance or upset bids for a period of ten (10) days as required by law. If the Commissioner 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 Commissioner.If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Commissioner, 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.
A certified check only (no personal checks) deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchasing price will be required at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price of bid in cash or certified check at the time the Commissioner tenders a deed for the Property or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price of bid at that time, said bidder shall remain liable on said bid as provided for under North Carolina law. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing.
The above described property will be sold, transferred and conveyed “AS IS, WHERE IS” subject to liens or encumbrances of record which are superior to such Deed
An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 1-339.29 (c) in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the judge or 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
1972 of Castleshire Woods owned by and developed by Winston Lake Investment Corp., and surveyed and mapped by Daniel W Donathan, Registered Land Surveyor, T/A United, LTD. and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an iron stake lying in the West right-of-way line of Parrish Road, said iron stake being located North 06 degrees 20 minutes East along the West right-ofway line of Parrish Road 360 feet from an iron stake lying in the North right-of-way line of Lancelot Drive; and running from said beginning point, North 83 degrees 12 minutes West 184.90 feet to an iron stake; running thence North 06 degrees 47 minutes East 120 feet to an iron stake; running thence South 83 degrees 12 minutes East 183.33 feet to an iron stake lying in the East right-of-way line of Parrish Road; and running thence with the East right-of-way line of Parrish Road, South of 06 degrees 02 minutes West 120 feet to an iron state, the point and place of beginning. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 3240 Parrish Road, Winston Salem, NC 27105 Tax ID: 6846-75-5624
Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property
being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Clara M. Cunningham.
the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. If the Commissioner 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 Commissioner. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Commissioner, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Anchor Trustee Services, LLC, Commissioner
location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on October 28, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: LYING AND BEING in Southfork Township, Forsyth County, North Carolina, and BEING KNOWN and designated as Lots Nos. 24, 25, 26 and 27 in Block E as shown on the Map of Burke Park, First Release, as recorded in Plat Book 12 at Page 26 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina; to which map reference is hereby made for a more particular description of said property. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3315 Arlington Drive, Winston Salem, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by
(“Property”).Said Property is secured by the Deed of Trust executed by Dorothea Olena Collins and Tommy R Collins, wife and husband, dated June 2, 2006 and recorded on June 9, 2006 in Book RE 2668 at Page 3731 of the Forsyth County, North Carolina Registry. The Property shall be sold together with improvements located thereon, towards satisfaction of the debt due by Dorothea Olena Collins and Tommy R Collins, and secured by the lien against such property in favor of Mortgage Assets Management, LLC. The Commissioner will offer for sale to the highest bidder at a public auction at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM the following described real property (including all improvements thereon) located in Forsyth County, North Carolina and described as follows: Being known and designated as Lot No. 30 as shown on the map of Pleasant View, Section 3, as recorded in Plat Book 8, Page 131, in the office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina.
will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Forsyth County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING KNOWN and designated as Lot Number 60 as shown on the Map of Georgetown, Section 2, as recorded in Plat Book 23, page 172, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
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 October 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and
Said property is commonly known as 4124 Kingsland Cir, Winston Salem, NC 27106.
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000009-330
the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at an iron stake in the western right-of-way in the Old Lexington Road, the present southeastern corner of Clarence Snyder’s tract, and running thence along said right- of-way South 10 degrees 20 minutes East 93.1 feet to an iron stake on the western right-of- way of the Old Lexington Road, thence North 86 degrees 14 minutes West 326 feet to an iron stake, thence North 03 degrees 10 minutes East 89.2 feet to an iron stake; thence South 86 degrees 26 minutes East 304.3 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING, as shown on a map of PROPERTY OF W.L. CHATHAM and wife, CAROLYN CHATHAM, near WinstonSalem, NC; prepared August 8, 1960, by Carl F. Beauchamp, R.L.S. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3836 Old Lexington Road, Winston Salem, North Carolina.
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Eric Saxx and Christine Nina Mussington (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Eric Saxx and Christine Nina Mussington) to Craige Jenkins Liipfert & Walker, LLP, Trustee(s), dated July 19, 2022, and recorded in Book No. RE 3707, at Page 3001 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on October 28, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in
26CV000826-330 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in a judgment bearing the caption “Truist Bank, Plaintiff, v. Esther Mendez, and Spouse, if any; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Bank of America, N.A., Judgment Holder; The Condominiums at McConnell Subdivision Owners Association, Inc.; The McConnell Residential Association, Inc.; and Substitute
A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must
Trustee Services, Inc. Substitute Trustee Defendants” 26CV000826-330 Forsyth County and pursuant to the terms of the judgment, the undersigned Commissioner will offer for sale that certain property as described below. Said sale will be held in the City of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at the Forsyth County Courthouse door 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
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 James W. Mahan, Jr.
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”. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current record owners of the property as reflected on the records of the FORSYTH COUNTY Register of Deeds’ office not more than ten (10) days prior to the date hereof are Tommy R. Collins and wife, Dorothy Olena Collins.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §1-339.29 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. Upon termination of a rental agreement,
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”.
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
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
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). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 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
described as follows: BEING all of Unit 7107, “THE CONDOMIUMS AT MCCONNELL SUBDIVISION, PHASE FIVE, AS BUILT” according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 49, Page 122 (being a division of Lot 202, recorded in Plat Book 49, Page 122) in the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which IS hereby made for a more particular description.
special assessments and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Any assessments, costs or fees resulting from the sale will be due and payable from the purchaser at the sale. A deposit of certified funds (no personal check) in the amount of five percent (5%) of the high bid will be required at the time of the sale. The sale will be held open for ten days for upset bids as required by law. This the 28th day of September, 2026.
The property is being sold “as is”, without warranties, subject to all taxes,
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 31676 - 165578
JEREMY B. WILKINS, Commissioner 5431 Oleander Drive, Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 392-4988 Phone NCSales@brockandscott.com File No.: 08-01880-JUD01
By: Goddard & Peterson, PLLC 125-B Williamsboro Street Oxford, NC 27565 25-001985-01
confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 25-21873-FC01
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, LLP P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 25972 - 130987
BY:_C.L. Leader Substitute Trustee Services, Commissioner Printed Name:C. L. Leader
Inc.,
Title: President 201 S. McPherson Church Road, Ste. 201 Fayetteville, NC 28303-4995 FV: 13673410
B10
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
JOHNSTON 26SP000256-500 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Tracy Simpson to First American Title Insurance, Trustee(s), which was dated June 26, 2017 and recorded on June 26, 2017 in Book 4980 at Page 751, 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
26SP000396-500 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by David Dayberry to Jay B. Green, Attorney at Law, PC, Trustee(s), which was dated September 18, 2023 and recorded on September 18, 2023 in Book 6546 at Page 874 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on October 22, 2024 in Book 6763, Page 284, 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
MOORE NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF MOORE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25CV001065-620 FirstKey Master Funding 2021-A Collateral Trust, Plaintiff, vs. All Lawful Heirs of Viola H. Cecil, Widow; All Lawful Heirs of Carrie B. Pierce ; Eugene Saunders a/k/a Roy Eugene Saunders, heir of Carrie B. Pierce; Any Spouse of Eugene Saunders a/k/a Roy Eugene Saunders, heir of Carrie B. Pierce; Junior Saunders a/k/a George Edgar Saunders, Jr., heir of Carrie B. Pierce; Any Spouse of Junior Saunders a/k/a George Edgar Saunders, Jr., heir of Carrie B. Pierce; Doris Parks, heir of Carrie B. Pierce; Any Spouse of Doris Parks, heir of Carrie B. Pierce; Barbara Hoover, heir of Carrie B. Pierce; Any Spouse of Barbara Hoover, heir of Carrie B. Pierce; Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Defendant(s). NOTICE OF JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jeremy B. Wilkins, Commissioner, pursuant to the Order/Judgment entered in the abovecaptioned case on April 16, 2026 (“Order”), and by virtue of the appointment, power
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000185-620 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jessica McAndrew (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jessica McAndrew) to Bradley D. Dinkel of Wake County, Trustee(s), dated August 6, 2024, and recorded in Book No. 6212, at Page 6 in Moore 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 Moore 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 Carthage, Moore County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on October 29, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Pinebluff in the County of Moore, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: First: Unit 4A of The Pines Condominium shown on the Plat(s) and Plan(s) of The
26SP000056-620 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, MOORE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Alana J. Cole to Bagwell, Holt, Smith, P.A., Trustee(s), which was dated February 27, 2023 and recorded on February 27, 2023 in Book 5978 at Page 155, Moore 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
the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 27, 2026 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 Lot 58, Joseph Pointe Subdivision, Phase One, as recorded in Plat Book 82, Page 31 & 32, Johnston County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 157 Cotton Mill Drive, Zebulon, NC 27597. 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.
sale on October 27, 2026 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 Lot 16, Phase One, Walkers Ridge Subdivision, as depicted in Map Book 58, Page 107-109, Johnston County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 1237 Smith Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577. 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.
and authority contained in that Order, has been authorized and ordered to sell the property commonly known as 1369 Browns Mill Rd, Robbins, NC 27325 (“Property”). Said Property is secured by the Deed of Trust executed by Viola H. Cecil and Carrie B. Pierce, unmarried, dated March 14, 2006 and recorded on March 17, 2006 in Book 2991 at Page 301 and rerecorded/ modified/corrected on January 29, 2024 in Book 6122, Page 137 of the Moore County, North Carolina Registry. The Property shall be sold together with improvements located thereon, towards satisfaction of the debt due by Viola H. Cecil and Carrie B. Pierce, and secured by the lien against such property in favor of FirstKey Master Funding 2021-A Collateral Trust. The Commissioner will offer for sale to the highest bidder at a public auction at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM the following described real property (including all improvements thereon) located in Moore County, North Carolina and described as follows: BEGINNING at an existing iron pipe located in the centerline of paved State Road No. 1425, said iron pipe being located South 65 deg. 35 min. East 1,155.04 feet from a P.K. nail located in the center of the intersection of State Road No. 1432 and State Road No. 1425; thence leaving said State Road 1425 and with the Wayne C. Sheffield 1.33 acre tract South 10 deg. 11 min. West 193.66 feet to an existing iron pipe, being a common corner with the Wayne C. Sheffield tract and the Janie Sheffield 3.10 acre tract; thence with the Janie Sheffield 3.10 acre tract South 10 deg. 13 min. West 201.24
Pines Condominium, recorded December 10, 2003 in Condominium File 13, Pages 172 - 191, inclusive, in the Moore County Registry. Second: A One-Fifteenth (1/15th) undivided interest being appurtenant to said Unit 4A of The Pines Condominium in the Common Elements of said Condominium, including the buildings and improvements on the land, said common elements being described in the declaration of condominium for The Pines Condominium, dated and recorded on the 10th day of December, 2003, in Book 2456, Page 437, Moore County Registry (the “Declaration,”) and on the plat(s) and plan(s) recorded on December 10, 2003, referenced in such declaration, subject to the rights of the declarant or its successor as described in the Declaration; together with the right of ingress to and egress from the property herein described and the right to use, for all purposes, in common with any and all other owners said occupants from time to time, any and all portions of The Pines Condominium, designated by the Declaration of the plat(s) and plan(s) as “common elements or common area.” Including the Unit located thereon; said Unit being located at 240 Persimmon Drive Unit A, Pinebluff, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 00051427141 Address: 240 Persimmon Drive, #4A, Pinebluff NC 28373
on October 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Moore County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 3 on plat of survey entitled “Final Plat Carriage Place Townhomes, Phase 1, 54 Townhomes” prepared by SNS Engineering, dated December 28, 2021, and recorded in Plat Cabinet 19, Slide 242, Moore County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 1105 Gracie Ln, Carthage, NC 28327. 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 Tracy Simpson. 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 present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of 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
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 David Dayberry, unmarried.
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.
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
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
feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 48 deg. 30 min. West 152.99 feet to a new iron rod, a common corner with the John Williamson tract; thence a line with the John Williamson tract North 08 deg. 34 min. East 308.63 feet to a nail and cap located in the centerline of paved State Road No. 1425; thence with the center of said State Road No. 1425 North 84 deg. 52 min. East 144.57 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING, containing 1.137 acres, more or less and being the same and identical tract or parcel of land as described in Deed Book 358 at Page 570 in the Moore County Registry. This description was prepared from an unrecorded map or plat entitled “Carrie Pierce Survey, Sheffield Township, Moore County, North Carolina,” dated October 31, 1988, and prepared under the direction and supervision of Roger Clarence Cagle, Registered Land Surveyor, No. L-1480. The above described property will be sold, transferred and conveyed “AS IS, WHERE IS” subject to liens or encumbrances of record which are superior to such Deed of Trust, together with all unpaid taxes and assessments and any recorded releases. Neither the Commissioner nor the holder of the debt secured by such Deed of Trust, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Commissioner or the holder of the debt make any representation 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 and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such conditions expressly are disclaimed. The Commissioner shall convey title to the property by non-warranty deed, without any covenants or warranties, express or implied.
Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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
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 Alana J. Cole. 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 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”.
An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 1-339.29 (c) in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the judge or 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. 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”. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current record owners of the property as reflected on the records of the MOORE COUNTY Register of Deeds’ office not more than ten (10) days prior to the date hereof are Pete Pierce and wife, Carrie B. Pierce, Viola H. Cecil, Widow. A certified check only (no personal checks) deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchasing price will be required at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price of bid in cash or certified check at the time the Commissioner tenders a deed for the Property or attempts to tender such deed,
challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 25-17392-FC02
of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 24-28187-FC02
and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price of bid at that time, said bidder shall remain liable on said bid as provided for under North Carolina law. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. The sale will be reported to the court and will remain open for advance or upset bids for a period of ten (10) days as required by law. If the Commissioner 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 Commissioner. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Commissioner, 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. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. JEREMY B. WILKINS, Commissioner 5431 Oleander Drive, Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 392-4988 Phone NCSales@brockandscott.com File No.: 22-10013-JUD01
conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may
be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
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.
confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 33606 - 176036
If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 26-07794-FC01
B11
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
MOORE 25SP000228-620 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, MOORE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Patricia A White to Donna Bradford, Trustee(s), which was dated August 22, 2017 and recorded on August 22, 2017 in Book 4863 at Page 37, Moore 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 October 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Moore County, North Carolina, to wit: All that certain parcel or tract of land situate
NEW HANOVER NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000244-640 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Barbara R. Walker (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Barbara R. Walker) to LLG Trustee, LLC, Trustee(s), dated April 4, 2022, and recorded in Book No. RB 6555, at Page 62 in New Hanover County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds New Hanover County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on October 20, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder
26SP000228-640 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY
NEW
HANOVER
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kurt M. Kuhn and Karen M. Kuhn to CTC Real Estate Services, Trustee(s), which was dated July 24, 2007 and recorded on August 8, 2007 in Book 5217 at Page 1506, New Hanover 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 October 27, 2026 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in New Hanover County, North Carolina, to wit:
26SP000463-640 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY
NEW
HANOVER
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Anthony Cook to Trste, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated September 7, 2006 and recorded on October 2, 2006 in Book 5087 at Page 271, New Hanover 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 October 27, 2026 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in New Hanover County, North Carolina, to wit:
24SP000401-640 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY
NEW
HANOVER
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Tiffany L. Williams to Collins & Collins Law Offices, PLLC, Trustee(s), which was dated November 27, 2017 and recorded on November 27, 2017 in Book 6104 at Page 2611, New Hanover 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 October 27, 2026 at 01:00 PM, and
in Sandhill Township, Moore County, North Carolina, and being the westerly portions of Lots Nos. 19 and 20 as shown on a map entitled “Winford Downs Subdivision, Aberdeen, NC, Sandhill Township, Moore County, NC” recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Moore County North Carolina, in Map Book 9, Page 66, and BEGINNING at an iron stake in the westerly corner of Lot No. 19 as shown on the aforesaid map, said beginning corner being located at the intersection of the easterly right of way line of Crest Drive with the northerly right of way line of a 60 foot street, all as shown on the aforesaid map; running thence from said beginning corner and with the northerly right of way line of said street, South 62 degrees 04’ East 100 feet, a new corner in the lot line of Lot 19; thence a new line dividing Lots Nos 19 and 20, North 27 degrees 56’ East 190 feet to the northerly property line of the 18.01 acres Moss Tract as described in Deed dated May 29, 1972, from Winford N. Williams and wife, Ruby H. Williams to Hubert M. Moss and wife, Lamelie V. Moss, recorded in the Moore County Registry, Deed Book 351, Page 321, running thence with the northerly property line of said 18.01 acres tract and the northerly lot line of Lot No. 20, North 88 degrees 16’ West 112 feet to the north corner of Lot No. 20 as shown on the aforesaid map of Winford Downs; thence with the westerly lot lines of Lots Nos. 19 and 20, South 27 degrees 56’ West to the point of beginning, and compromising the westerly one-half
for cash the following real estate situated in Wilmington in the County of New Hanover, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: FILE NO.: 032209627 All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the County of New Hanover, State of North Carolina, more particularly described as follows, to wit: All of Lot 130 in Wild Flower Subdivision, Section 6, as the same is shown on a map recorded in Map Book 26 at Page 60 in the New Hanover County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5314 Golden Rod Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina. Parcel ID: R04318-008-015-000 Being all and the same lands and premises conveyed to Barbara R. Walker by Andrew M. Cuomo Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of Washington, DC, in a Deed dated 10/06/2000 and recorded on 10/16/2000 in Book 2820 Page 0688 in the Land Records of New Hanover County, North Carolina. Tax Map No.: R04318-008-015-000 Property Address: 5314 Goldenrod Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405-2658 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.
THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE SITUATE IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: ALL OF LOT 43 IN SECTION 3 OF AN EXTENSION OF WILLOW WOODS SUBDIVISION, AS THE SAME IS SHOWN ON A MAP OF A REDIVISION OF LOTS 41 THROUGH 53 OF THE EXTENSION OF SAID SUBDIVISION RECORDED IN BOOK 778 AT PAGE 751 IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY.
of Lots Nos. 19 and 20 as shown on the aforesaid map of Winford Downs, Map Book 9, Page 66, Moore County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 206 6th St, Aberdeen, NC 28315. 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,
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). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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
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.
easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Patricia A. White. 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 present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.
this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 25-25888-FC01
If the trustee is unable to convey title to
out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29
in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
be 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.
filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm, LLP P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 23591 - 123725
Said property is commonly known as 5709 Brittain Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409.
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 Kurt M. Kuhn and wife, Karen M. Kuhn.
A certified check only (no personal checks)
An Order for possession of the property may
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
BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO THE GRANTOR BY DEED RECORDED 04/01/2002 IN BOOK 3280, PAGE 561 NEW HANOVER COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH DEED REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARRICULAR DESCRIPTION OF THIS PROEPRTY.
Konlack Court, Wilmington, NC 28411. 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 Anthony Robert Cook. 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 present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole
remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 24-31588-FC03
AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
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.
confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO KURT M. KUHN AND WIFE, KAREN M. KUHN BY DEED FROM CECELIA C. KERSHAW, ADMINISTRATRIX OF THE ESTATE OF LOUISE P. CARR RECORDED 08/28/1990 IN DEED BOOK 1508 PAGE 1959, IN THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
And
also
being
known
as:
BEING all of Lot 72, Section 4, JACOB’S RIDGE AT WEST BAY ESTATES, as the same is shown on the map entitled, “SECTION 4 OF JACOB’S RIDGE AT WEST BAY ESTATES”, as recorded in Map Book 39, Page 161 & 162 of the New Hanover County Registry, to which map reference is hereby made for a more particular description. SUBJECT TO the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of JACOB’S RIDGE AT WEST BAY ESTATES as recorded in Book 2544 at Page 956 and rerecorded in Book 2573 at Page 705 of the New Hanover County Registry, and any amendments thereto recorded in the New Hanover County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 7302
will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in New Hanover County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 95, SECTION 4, JACOB’S RIDGE AT WEST BAY ESTATES, AS THE SAME IS SHOWN ON THE MAP ENTITLED “SECTION 4 OF JACOB’S RIDGE AT WEST BAY ESTATES”, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 39, PAGE 161 & 162 OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH MAP REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 7301 Konlack Court, Wilmington, NC 28411. 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
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 Tiffany L. Williams. 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
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”.
Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the
If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 26-07692-FC01
If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 23-01343-FC02
B12
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
NEW HANOVER NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26CV000883-640 Alabama Housing Finance Authority, Plaintiff, vs. Daniel Alexander Garrison; Any Spouse of Daniel Alexander Garrison; United States of America; North Carolina Housing Finance Agency; Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jeremy B. Wilkins, Commissioner, pursuant to the Order/Judgment entered in the above-captioned case on August 6, 2026 (“Order”), and by virtue of the appointment, power and authority contained in that Order, has been authorized and ordered to sell the property commonly known as 1860 N Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC 28405 (“Property”). Said Property is secured by the Deed of Trust executed by Daniel Alexander Garrison, unmarried, dated November 25, 2019 and recorded on November 25, 2019 in Book RB 6265 at Page 1968 of the New Hanover County, North Carolina Registry. The Property shall be sold together with improvements located thereon, towards satisfaction of the debt due by Daniel Alexander Garrison, and secured by the lien against such property in favor of Alabama Housing Finance Authority.
ONSLOW NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000191-660 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by David Robert Brown (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): David Robert Brown) to Teresa Nixon, Trustee(s), dated October 5, 2011, and recorded in Book No. 3663, at Page 313 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25SP001295-660 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jose M. Vargas and Mia Martinez (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jose M. Vargas and Mia Martinez) to Real Advantage Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated August 17, 2023, and recorded in Book No. 6021, at Page 120 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on October 28, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hubert in the County of
RANDOLPH 26SP000190-750 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Delpha Scott Stanley to Mark L. McGuire, Trustee(s), which was dated July 13, 2022 and recorded on July 13, 2022 in Book 2814 at Page 953 and rerecorded/ modified/corrected on July 9, 2026 in Book 3022, Page 1345, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina.
The Commissioner will offer for sale to the highest bidder at a public auction at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 20, 2026 at 01:30 PM the following described real property (including all improvements thereon) located in New Hanover County, North Carolina and described as follows: Beginning at an iron pipe in the Southeastern right of way line of the Wrightsboro-Winter Park Road (North Kerr Ave.) (New Hanover County Road Number 1175) (50.00 feet from the centerline thereof), said point being North 51 degrees 04 minutes East 408.7 feet from a point opposite a culvert under said road 2.85 miles Northwardly from the intersection of said road with US Highways 17 and 74, running thence from said Beginning point and along the Southeastern right of way line of said Wrightsboro-Winter Park Road, North 51 degrees 04 minutes East 83.7 feet to an iron pipe in the Northern line of Farm 10 of Sherman Farms (as shown on a map prepared by W.K. Allen, dated May 1946), running thence along the Northern line of said Farm 10 and 9 of said Sherman Farms, North 89 degrees 10 minutes East 177.2 feet to an iron pipe, the Northeastern corner of a tract of land conveyed by J.M. Bryant to Jack Freders by deed dated April 28, 1951 and duly recorded in Book 520 at Page 20 of the New Hanover County Registry, running thence along the Eastern line of the said Jack Freders Tract, South 12 degrees 23 minutes West 120.00 feet to an iron pipe; running thence parallel with the Northern line of said Farms 9 and 10, South 89 degrees 10 minutes West 100.00 feet to an iron pipe in the dividing line between Farms 9 and 10 of said Sherman Farms; running thence North 61 degrees
designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on October 28, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 11, Block E, according to plat entitled, “Subdivision Map No. 1 of Northwoods II, Jacksonville, NC dated March 1958, prepared by Herndon Edgerton, Engineer, and recorded in Map Book 5, Page 68, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 411 Woodhaven Drive, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320
Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot, parcel of land or condominium unit situated in the Town of Hubert, Swansboro Township, Onslow County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 103, as recorded on that map entitles “Crown Point” and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Map Book 10, Page 11, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 103 Riegel Drive, Hubert, North Carolina. Being the same property conveyed to Jose M. Vargas, married man, in fee simple by Courtney Janelle Reed fka Courtney Janelle Jones and husband Jared Reed in deed dated 09/16/2022 recorded 11/14/2022 Book 5871 Page 536 in the County of Onslow and State of North Carolina. More commonly known as: 103 Riegel Drive, Hubert, NC 28539 Parcel Id: 031062 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must
courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 21, 2026 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot No. 20 of Thayer Plantation, Section 3, a plat of which is duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Randolph County, North Carolina in Plat Book 10 at Page 115. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 5518 Covered Bridge Rd, Trinity, NC 27370.
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
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
26-124327
expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse at 11:00AM on October 29, 2026, 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 Angela Lassiter, dated February 13, 2025 to secure the original principal amount of $345,950.00, and recorded in Book 2949 at Page 1293 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: 6822 Bellawood Drive, Trinity, NC 27370 Tax Parcel ID: 91893 Present Record Owners:
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 26SP000137-750 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ANGELA LASSITER DATED FEBRUARY 13, 2025 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2949 AT PAGE 1293 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will
25 minutes West 132.8 feet to the point of Beginning, being a portion of Farms 9 and 10 of said Sherman Farms, the same being a portion of those certain tracts of land conveyed by J.M. Bryant to J.N. Corbett by deed dated July 22, 1965 and duly recorded in Book 778 at Page 346 and by Jack Freders to J.N. Corbett by deed dated August 4, 1965 and duly recorded in the New Hanover County Register of Deeds, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with all Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to that certain easement entitled “Access Easement to Wilkerson” as shown on plat entitled “Murrayville Station Business Park Lot 29, Section 23” recorded in Map Book 37, Page 318 in the New Hanover Public Registry. The above described property will be sold, transferred and conveyed “AS IS, WHERE IS” subject to liens or encumbrances of record which are superior to such Deed of Trust, together with all unpaid taxes and assessments and any recorded releases. Neither the Commissioner nor the holder of the debt secured by such Deed of Trust, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Commissioner or the holder of the debt make any representation 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 and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such conditions expressly are disclaimed. The Commissioner shall convey title to the property by non-warranty deed, without any covenants or warranties, express or implied.
be issued pursuant to G.S. 1-339.29 (c) in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the judge or 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. 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”. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current record owners of the property as reflected on the records of the NEW HANOVER COUNTY Register of Deeds’ office not more than ten (10) days prior to the date hereof are Daniel Alexander Garrison.
time, said bidder shall remain liable on said bid as provided for under North Carolina law. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. The sale will be reported to the court and will remain open for advance or upset bids for a period of ten (10) days as required by law. If the Commissioner 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 Commissioner. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Commissioner, 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. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. JEREMY B. WILKINS, Commissioner 5431 Oleander Drive, Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 392-4988 Phone NCSales@brockandscott.com
An Order for possession of the property may
A certified check only (no personal checks) deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchasing price will be required at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price of bid in cash or certified check at the time the Commissioner tenders a deed for the Property or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price of bid at that
requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 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
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). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk
of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
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.
confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. 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 Delpha Scott Stanley and Audrea Justina Phillips.
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”.
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
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
Angela Lassiter The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Angela Lassiter. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit
of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. 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
File No.: 24-11479-JUD01
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 Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 4913 - 165059
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm, LLP P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 25431 - 127675
If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 26-14293-FC01 purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is September 2, 2026. __________________ ___________________ Ellen Wiggins N.C. State Bar No. #55909 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 8520 Cliff Cameron Dr., Suite 330 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS.com Posted: By: 26-124327
B13
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
RANDOLPH 25CV003925-750 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in a judgment bearing the caption “U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Trustee for GSMS 2021-1 Trust, Plaintiff, v. Joshua Lee Flynn, and Spouse of, if any; Samantha A. Moore, and Spouse of, if any; United States of America, acting through the Rural Housing Service; and Substitute Trustee Services, Inc., Substitute Trustee, Defendants” 25CV003925-750 Randolph County and pursuant to the terms of the judgment, the undersigned Commissioner will offer for sale that certain property as
ROBESON 26SP000122-770 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jacquelyn S Thompson and Angus B. Thompson a/k/a Angus B. Thompson, II to First American Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated July 21, 2004 and recorded on July 21, 2004 in Book 1403 at Page 227, Robeson 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 October 28, 2026 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit:
26SP000124-770 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Benny A. Deeringwater and Thelma L. Deeringwater to Frank W. Foote, Trustee(s), which was dated February 11, 1997 and recorded on February 17, 1997 in Book 938 at Page 811, Robeson County Registry, North Carolina.
OF N.C. SECONDARY ROAD NO. 1735 NORTH 12 DEGREES 19 MINUTES EAST 114.52 FEET TO A NEW IRON PIPE, NOW OR FORMERLY DOUG DAVIS’ CORNER; THENCE ALONG NOW OR FORMERLY DA VIS’ LINE THE FOLLOWING COURSES AND DISTANCES: SOUTH 69 DEGREES 48 MINUTES EAST 230.00 FEET TO A NEW IRON PIPE, NORTH 83 DEGREES 14 MINUTES 22 SECONDS EAST 361.67 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON PIPE, NORTH 44 DEGREES 49 MINUTES EAST 190.28 FEET AND SOUTH 80 DEGREES 03 MINUTES EAST 229.60 FEET TO AN EXISITING IRON PIPE; THENCE ALONG A NEW LINE FOR NOW OR FORMERLY BOYD THE FOLLOWING COURSES AND DISTANCES: SOUTH 8 DEGREES 28 MINUTES 25 SECONDS WEST 485.44 FEET TO AN EXISITING IRON PIPE, NORTH 79 DEGREES 58 MINUTES WEST 151.00 FEET TO AN EXISITING IRON PIPE, NORTH
64 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 20 SECONDS WEST 79.79 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON PIPE, NORTH 48 DEGREES 14 MINUTES 40SECONDS WEST 244.37 FEET TO AN EXISITING IRON PIPE AND NORTH 79 DEGREES 58 MINUTES WEST492.95 FEET TO THE BEGINNING AND CONTAINING 5.002 ACRES, MORE OR LESS.
payable from the purchaser at the sale. A deposit of certified funds (no personal check) in the amount of five percent (5%) of the high bid will be required at the time of the sale. The sale will be held open for ten days for upset bids as required by law. This the 25th day of September, 2026.
THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION IN ACCORD WITH A SURVEY ENTITLED “SURVEY FOR JERRY M. HUNT & MELANIE W. HUNT” DATED OCTOBER 8, 1993 AND PREPARED BY SURVEYING SERVICES, ASHEBORO, NC.
BY: C.L. Leader Substitute Trustee Services, Commissioner Printed Name: C.L. Leader
In Britts Township, Robeson County, North Carolina, approximately two miles in a Southerly direction from the City of Lumberton, on the South side of but not adjacent to Jacobs Swamp Canal, on the West side of but not adjacent to N.C. Secondary Road No. 2289, on the South side of and adjacent to Lake Street, and more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a stake located in the South property line of Lake Street, the Northwest corner of Lot No. 32 of Alamac Acres, said point of beginning being South 82 degrees 59 minutes West 360 feet from a point where the South property line of Lake Street intersects the West right of way line of N.C. Secondary Road No. 2289 (Chestnut Street Extension), and runs thence along with the West line of Lot No. 32 referred to above and parallel with Chestnut Street Extension, South 06 degrees 56 minutes East 150 feet to a stake, the Southwest corner of Lot No. 32 referred to above, and a common corner of Lots Nos. 25 and 26 of Alamac Acres; thence along the North line of Lot No. 25 referred to above and parallel with Lake Street, South 82 degrees 59 minutes West 95 feet to a stake, the Southeast corner of Lot No. 34 of Alamac Acres; thence along the East line of said Lot No. 34 referred to above and parallel with N.C. Secondary Road No. 2289; North 06 degrees 56 minutes West 150 feet to a stake in the South property line of Lake Street, the Northeast corner of Lot No. 34 referred to above; thence along the South property line of Lake Street, North 82 degrees 59 minutes East 95
feet to the beginning, being a rectangular parallelogram containing 14,250 square feet, fronting 95 feet on the South side of Lake Street, and being all of Lot No. ThirtyThree (33), Section No. 1, of Alamac Acres Subdivision. See Deed Book 17-Q, page 76, Robeson County Registry, for title reference.
or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Jacquelyn Simms Thompson.
October 26, 2026 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit:
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 All Lawful Heirs of Thelma Lowery Deeringwater.
described below. Said sale will be held in the City of Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina at 10:00 a.m. on October 27, 2026 at the Randolph County Courthouse door and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: CITY OF ASHEBORO TOWNSHIP, RANDOLPH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA: BEGINNING AT AN IRON PIPE IN THE EASTERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF N.C. ROAD NO. 1735 (KNOWN LOCALLY AS JONES ROAD), A NEW CORNER FOR NOW OR FORMERLY BOYD AND AT A POINT NORTH 12 DEGREES 19 MINUTES EAST 60.48 FEET FROM THE CORNER OF L. L. JONES AND BOYD’S ORIGINAL SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN BOOK 1156, PAGE 526; THENCE ALONG THE RIGHT OF WAY LINE
Lots 62 & 63 “South 710 SubdivisionExtended”, Map Book 17, Page 28, Robeson County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 301 Charlotte Road, Red Springs, NC 28377.
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 89 Lake Drive, Lumberton, NC 28358. 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/
The property is being sold “as is”, without warranties, subject to all taxes, special assessments and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Any assessments, costs or fees resulting from the sale will be due and
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 present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.
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.
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
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
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
26SP000083-770 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
OF ROBESON, STATE OF North Carolina, AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
Said property is commonly known as 145 Weathervane Dr, Saint Pauls, NC 28384.
owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Harry Vannell, III.
BEING ALL OF LOT 114 IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS CROSS WINDS, SECTION SIX, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF SAME BEING DULY RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 35, PAGE 100, ROBESON COUNTY, AND BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO JAMES WALTER COX BY DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 1722, PAGE 729, AFORESAID REGISTRY.
A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Harry Vannell III to National Title Network, Trustee(s), which was dated March 28, 2012 and recorded on April 17, 2012 in Book D 1851 at Page 459, Robeson 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 October 19, 2026 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit: THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000218-770 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Benjamin D. White and Samantha L. White (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Benjamin D. White and Samantha L. White) to M J Huggins III, Trustee(s), dated October 24, 2019, and recorded in Book No. D 2201, at Page 95 in Robeson County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on July 15, 2025, in Book No. D2527, at Page 609 , 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 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 in Lumberton, Robeson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 2:30 PM on October 21, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real
25CV006515-770 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in a judgment bearing the caption “Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff, v. Dominique Dashaun Norton, and Spouse of, if any; April Tyler, and Spouse of, if any; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Farmers Furniture a/k/a Farmers Home Furniture; and Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. Substitute Trustee; Defendants” 25CV006515-770 Robeson County and pursuant to the terms of the judgment, the undersigned Commissioner
IT IS THE INTENTION OF THIS DOCUMENT TO CONVEY WITH THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY THAT CERTAIN MANUFACTURED HOME LOCATED ON SAID PROPERTY WHICH MANUFACTURED HOME HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO REAL ESTATE AND IS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS ONE 1997 OAKWOOD WITH VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER HONC07709384AB. Parcel
ID:
21130101237
Commonly known as 145 Weathervane Drive, Saint Pauls, NC 28384 However, by showing this address no additional coverage is provided Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
estate situated in Lumberton in the County of Robeson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: In the City of Lumberton, North of West 26th Street and East of Rowland Avenue. Beginning at a stake in the Northeast intersection of Rowland Avenue and West 26th Street and runs thence in an Easterly direction along the North edge of West 26th Street, 108 feet to an iron stake in the Northern edge of West 26th Street; thence in a Northerly direction and parallel with Rowland Avenue, 108 feet to an iron stake; thence in a Westerly direction and parallel with West 26th Street, 108 feet to an iron stake in the Eastern edge of Rowland Avenue; thence in a Southerly direction and along the Eastern edge of Rowland Avenue, 108 feet to the beginning. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 414 West 26th Street, Lumberton, North Carolina. Being all of Lot No. 73 of Subdivision No. 1, “Tanglewood”, owned by the Estate of Mrs. S.B. Rowland, as shown and designated on a map of the same prepared by P.A. Roberts, C.E., December 1947 and duly recorded in Book of Maps No. 7, at Page 74, Robeson County Registry. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as
will offer for sale that certain property as described below. Said sale will be held in the City of Lumberton, Robeson County, North Carolina at 2:30 p.m. on October 21, 2026 at the Robeson County Courthouse door and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Robeson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: In the City of Lumberton, Robeson County, North Carolina, at the Northeast intersection of Pine and 16th Streets, and more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point where the East line of Pine Street intersects the North line of
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
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). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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
16th Street, said point being the Southwest corner of Subdivision (a) of Lot No. 496, as shown on a map of part of Lindell hereinafter referred to, and which point is marked by an iron stake, and runs thence in an Easterly direction with the North line of 16th Street, 108 feet to a stake; thence at right angles to 16th Street in a Northerly direction and parallel with Pine Street, 59 feet to a stake; thence at right angles and in a Westerly direction parallel with 16th Street, 108 feet to a stake in the East line of Pine Street, thence with the East line of Pine Street in a Southerly direction, 59 feet to the beginning, and being a part of Subdivision (a) and (b) of Lot No. 496, as shown on a map of a part of Lindell
Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of 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
Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole
Inc.,
Title: President 201 S. McPherson Church Road, Ste. 201 Fayetteville, NC 28303-4995 FV# 13563535
If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 26-00661-FC01
of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 25-13799-FC01
remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 26-08229-FC01
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.
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
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 26321 - 173324
duly recorded in Book of Official Maps No. 1, at Page 3, Robeson County Registry.
This the 28th day of August, 2026.
The property is being sold “as is”, without warranties, subject to all taxes, special assessments and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Any assessments, costs or fees resulting from the sale will be due and payable from the purchaser at the sale. A deposit of certified funds (no personal check) in the amount of five percent (5%) of the high bid will be required at the time of the sale. The sale will be held open for ten days for upset bids as required by law.
BY: C.L. Leader Substitute Trustee Services, Commissioner Printed Name: C.L. Leader
Inc.,
Title: President 201 S. McPherson Church Road, Ste. 201 Fayetteville, NC 28303-4995 FV# 13610922
B14
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
ROBESON 25CV003973-770 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in a judgment bearing the caption “PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, Plaintiff, v. Jason Burkle, and Spouse of, if any; Elisabeth Burkle a/k/a Elisabeth Barbee, and Spouse of, if any; Secretary of Veterans Affairs, an Officer of the United States; and Substitute Trustee Services, Inc., Substitute Trustee; Defendants” 25CV003973-770 Robeson County and pursuant to the terms of the judgment, the undersigned Commissioner will offer for sale that certain property as described
UNION AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000115-890 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Joel Brown and Cheri Daniels (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Joel Brown) to Heather Lovier, Trustee(s), dated April 22, 2024, and recorded in Book No. 08890, at Page 0345 in Union County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00
NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26SP000364-890 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY EDWARD FURMANEK DATED APRIL 3, 2024 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8882, AT PAGE 402 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained
WAKE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP001862-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Luis Enrique Salas Benites (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Luis Enrique Salas Benites and Anmarily Echeverria Paz) to Khechok Langchung, Trustee(s), dated July 14, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 019088, at Page 02095 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury
26SP001237-910 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Hannah Mason to John B Third, Trustee(s), which was dated May 30, 2023 and recorded on May 30, 2023 in Book 19346 at Page 1155, Wake County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAKE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26CV026291-910 Alabama Housing Finance Authority Plaintiff, v. All Lawful Heirs of Luciana Campbell a/k/a Luciana Melody Campbell; Arthur Lee Perry a/k/a Arthur Perry; Any Spouse of Arthur Lee Perry a/k/a Arthur Perry; North Carolina Housing Finance Agency; United States of America; Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Defendant(s).
Subdivision as shown in Map Book 1, at Page 36, being the same lots or parcels of land conveyed by Deed dated 23 July 1963 from George H. Wood et ux, Meta M. Wood to Sarah Marguerite Barnes Leggette and duly recorded in Book 14-P, at Page 39, Robeson County Registry. See also Item III of the Last Will and Testament of Marguerite B. Leggette filed under File No. 88 E 355 in the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Robeson County, North Carolina.
(no personal check) in the amount of five percent (5%) of the high bid will be required at the time of the sale. The sale will be held open for ten days for upset bids as required by law.
below. Said sale will be held in the City of Lumberton, Robeson County, North Carolina at 2:30 p.m. on October 21, 2026 at the Robeson County Courthouse door and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Robeson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: In the City of Lumberton, Robeson County, North Carolina. That certain tract or parcel of land lying in the City of Lumberton, N.C., on the western side of but not adjacent to Carthage Road, on the southern side of and adjacent to Maple Street, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at an existing 1/2 inch iron pipe in the southern line of Maple Street, it being located South 50 degrees 15 minutes West 108.0 feet from the intersection of the southern right of way line of Maple Street
with the western right of way line of Carthage Road, said point of beginning also being the northeastern corner of Lot 19 of Westover Subdivision as shown in Map Book 1, at Page 36 and runs thence as the southern line of Maple Street, South 50 degrees 15 minutes West 108.26 feet to an existing pump pipe in the center of a soil driveway; thence as the western line of Lot 20 of the aforesaid subdivision, South 40 degrees 09 minutes 40 seconds East 118.66 feet to an existing pump pipe; thence as the southern line of Lot 20 to and as the southern line of Lot 19, North 49 degrees 48 minutes East 108.23 feet to an existing 1/2 inch iron pipe; thence as the eastern line of Lot 19, North 40 degrees 09 minutes 22 seconds West 117.82 feet to the beginning. Being all of Lots 19 and 20 of Westover
The property is being sold “as is”, without warranties, subject to all taxes, special assessments and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Any assessments, costs or fees resulting from the sale will be due and payable from the purchaser at the sale. A deposit of certified funds
PM on October 29, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Monroe in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot(s) 61 and 70, of GOLDMINE Subdivision as shown on plat by Douglas P. Moore, NCRLS, and Ronald M. Lemmond, NCRLS, dated February-April 1970 and recorded in Plat Book 6 at Page 137 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Union County, North Carolina, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 803 H C Baucom Road, Monroe, North Carolina. Property address: 803 H C Baucom Road Monroe, NC 28110 Parcel: 07096066 and 07096075
N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 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.
05138064
subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 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.
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 Hannah Mason, unmarried.
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.
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
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
Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by
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 Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on October 27, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Edward Furmanek, dated April 3, 2024 to secure the original principal amount of $194,596.00, and recorded in Book No. 8882, at Page 402 of the Union 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: Eutaw Dr, Waxhaw, NC 28173 Tax Parcel ID:
4104
Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on October 19, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wake Forest in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 44, Creek View at Traditions, Block K, per plat and survey thereof recorded in Book of Maps 2016, Page 1566, Wake County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 502 Retreat Lane, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 0440130 Tax/Map ID: 1851114834 Property Address: 502 Retreat Ln, Wake Forest, NC 27587 This transaction insured by: Morehead Title Company Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court
following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 538, Olde Towne, as shown in Book of Maps 2022, Pages 2262-2272, and previously shown in Book of Maps 2022, Pages 1239-1249, Wake County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 2539 Kasota Lane, Raleigh, NC 27610. 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,
To: Any Spouse of Arthur Lee Perry a/k/a Arthur Perry; Arthur Lee Perry a/k/a Arthur Perry Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Court determine the Deed of Trust recorded on January 3, 2023, in Book 019235 at Page 02237 in the Wake County Registry was drafted and recorded in a manner sufficient to give a reasonable title searcher notice of the interest of the Plaintiff’s lien on the property located at 1500 Debbie Lane, Zebulon, North Carolina 27597. The Court declare the Deed of Trust dated recorded on January 3, 2023, in Book 019235 at Page 02237 in the Wake County
The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Heirs of Edward Furmanek and Liliana Furmanek and Giada Furmanek and Autumn Furmanek and Zack Furnamek. 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
Registry is a valid First Lien on the Property as drawn; That the Plaintiff’s lien on the Property be foreclosed by judicial sale pursuant to the provisions of N.C.G.S. § 1-339.1, et seq., by the Plaintiff’s Counsel or by a Commissioner especially appointed by the Court to serve without bond, with proceeds of the sale applied as follows: To the cost of this action; To the compensation allowed by the Court for a person holding the sale pursuant to the N.C.G.S. § 1-339.11; To the amount due to the Plaintiff under the Note and Deed of Trust, including reasonable fees and costs provided therein; and The surplus, if any, to be paid to the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Wake County pending a determination of those persons entitled thereto.
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”.
That the Property located at 1500 Debbie Lane, Zebulon, NC 27597 shall be sold at a public sale to the highest bidder. That Jeremy B. Wilkins is hereby appointed as Commissioner to conduct the sale pursuant to N.C.G.S. §1-339.11. In the alternative, the Court declares the current record owners hold the Property described herein subject to a constructive trust and equitable lien to the benefit of the Plaintiff, consistent in all regards with the terms and conditions of the Deed of Trust. That the Court’s Order shall be duly recorded in the Wake County Register of Deeds and indexed according to those parties named in said Deed of Trust and named herein for the purpose of establishing record notice of this proceeding in the chain of title to the Property; and
This the 18th day of September, 2026. BY: C.L. Leader Substitute Trustee Services, Commissioner Printed Name: C.L. Leader
Inc.,
Title: President 201 S. McPherson Church Road, Ste. 201 Fayetteville, NC 28303-4995 FV# 13530856
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 30104 - 155790
The date of this Notice is 2nd day of October, 2026. Grady I. Ingle, Attorney for Substitute Trustee Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717 Ingle Case Number: 42696 - 74667
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 32400 - 169626
challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 26-01809-FC01
For such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than November 18, 2026 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This, the 2nd day of October, 2026. BROCK & SCOTT, PLLC ____/s/ Matthew Herrle_________ Matthew Herrle, NCSB No. 34815 Attorney for Plaintiff 5431 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 Phone: 910-392-4988
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
WAKE 26SP001594-910 NORTH CAROLINA WAKE COUNTY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Amy M. Kleist to Jerry M. Harmon, Trustee(s), which was dated March 10, 2022 and recorded on March 16, 2022 in Book 018955 at Page 02192, Wake County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the Note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, NC R.E. Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee, 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
26SP001586-910 WAKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Brian P. Stafford to Jerry M. Harmon, Trustee(s), which was dated May 13, 2022 and recorded on May 13, 2022 in Book 019024 at Page 02446, Wake County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the Note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, NC R.E. Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee, 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
26SP000794-910 NORTH CAROLINA WAKE COUNTY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Shanita McKenith to Spruillco, Ltd., Trustee(s), which was dated October 21, 2011 and recorded on October 21, 2011 in Book 14505 at Page 1484, Wake County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the Note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, NC R.E. Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee, 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
26SP001680-910 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Gregory Copeny WTTA Gregory C. Copeny, Jr. to The Caudle Law Firm, P.A., Trustee(s), which was dated October 30, 2020 and recorded on November 12, 2020 in Book 18181 at Page 2161, Wake County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on October 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in
26SP001556-910 NORTH CAROLINA WAKE COUNTY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kimla Ann Elders to James C. Blaine, Trustee(s), which was dated November 6, 2014 and recorded on November 6, 2014 in Book 015831 at Page 01058, Wake County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the Note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, NC R.E. Trustee, 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 October 21, 2026 at 11:00 am, and will sell
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 24SP002719-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Deed of Trust executed by ROBERT MICHAEL LOWRY dated November 6, 2009 in the amount of $146,000.00 and recorded in Book 013759, Page 01104 and further modified by agreement recorded on November 23, 2021 in Book 18810, Page 1140 of the Wake County Public Registry 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 Wake County, North Carolina, in Book 19782, Page 2680, 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 Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on October 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated
courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale, on October 27, 2026 at 2:00 pm, and will sell to the highest bidder the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 5 IN COLONY WOODS SUBDIVISION, SECTION 2, AS SHOWN ON A MAP THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1980, PAGE 815, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. THIS BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO AMY M. KLEIST, UNMARRIED, DATED 05/06/2020 AND RECORDED ON 05/08/2020 IN BOOK 017859, PAGE 00898, IN THE WAKE COUNTY RECORDERS OFFICE. PARCEL NO. 1706871892. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 233 Rosehaven Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609.
and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale, on October 27, 2026 at 2:00 pm, and will sell to the highest bidder the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 11 AS SHOWN ON PLAT ENTITLED, “SURVEYED & MAPPED FOR THOMAS COATS & A.E. DAVIS”, DATED JULY 29, 1985, PREPARED BY THOMAS LESTER STANCIL, REGISTERED LAND SURVEYOR, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS LOT 11 FALCON CREST SUBDIVISION, AND RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1985, PAGE 1375, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 8401 Falcon Crest Circle, Angier, NC 27501. A Certified Funds Check deposit (No Personal Checks, No Cash) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven
where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale, on October 27, 2026 at 2:00 pm, and will sell to the highest bidder the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 85, Brandywine Subdivision, Phase 3, as shown on Plat recorded in Book of Maps 2008, Page 437, Wake County Registry and re-recorded in Book of Maps 2008, Page 1157, Wake County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 6000 Mullens Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607. A Certified Funds Check deposit (No Personal Checks, No Cash) 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
A Certified Funds Check deposit (No Personal Checks, No Cash) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other prior 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 Amy M. Kleist.
Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other prior 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 Brian P. Stafford.
statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other prior 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 Shanita McKenith. An Order for Possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. §4521.29, in favor of the purchaser and against
Wake County, North Carolina, to wit:
DEED.
All that certain lot, parcel of land or Condominium Unit (the “Premises”) located in or near the City of Raleigh, Neuse Township, Wake County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows:
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 Gregory C. Copeny, Jr.
Being all of Lot 71, Avington Place Subdivision, Phase 6, as shown on a plat recorded in Book of Maps 2000, Page 1484, Wake County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 6428 Saybrooke Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604. 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
to the highest bidder the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEGINNING at an iron pipe located along the southern right of way line of Lee Street, said pipe being located 274.88 feet southwest of the right of way of Arendell Avenue; running from said point of beginning and leaving the right of way of Lee Street south 23 degrees 20 minutes east 199.84 feet to an existing iron pipe; runs thence south 66 degrees 32 minutes west 174.97 feet to an existing iron pipe; runs thence north 23 degrees 20 minutes west 199.72 feet to an existing iron pipe located along the southern right of way of Lee Street; runs there along said right of way north 66 degrees 30 minutes east 174.95 feet to an existing iron pipe, the point and place of beginning and being Lots 12, 13, 14 and one-half of Lot 11, Block D, Wakelon Subdivision, recorded in Book of Maps 1985, Page 153, Wake County Registry, as shown on map and survey by Williams, Pearce and Associates, R.L.S., dated 10-1585 and entitled “House Location for Bobby Salinas and wife, Betty Joan Salinas, Town of Zebulon, Wake County, North Carolina.”
An Order for Possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. §4521.29, in favor of the purchaser and against the party(ies) in possession of the property, 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 ten (10) days, but not more than ninety (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 [N.C.G.S. §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.
An Order for Possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. §4521.29, in favor of the purchaser and against the party(ies) in possession of the property, 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 ten (10) days, but not more than ninety (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 [N.C.G.S. §45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole
the party(ies) in possession of the property, 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 ten (10) days, but not more than ninety (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 [N.C.G.S. §45-21.16A(B)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the
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”. 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
release or prior conveyances of record.
the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Kimla Ann Elders.
A Certified Funds Check deposit (No Personal Checks, No Cash) 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.
Save and except any releases, deeds of
Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other prior encumbrances or exceptions of record. To
in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 0113273 ADDRESS: 2617 HOLIDAY AVENUE ZEBULON, NC 27597 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): ROBERT MICHAEL LOWRY THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF WAKE, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED OF TRUST IN BOOK 013759, PAGE 01104, AND FURHTER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT IN BOOK 18810, PAGE 1140 AS FOLLOWS: STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF WAKE, AND DESCRIBTED AS FOLLOWS: A CERTAIN TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF WAKE AND STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, IN LITTLE RIVER TOWNSHIP, AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT A-4-1 AS SHOWN ON MAP ENTITLED “PROPERTY SURVEY FOR BUNN LAKE ASSOCIATES, LITTLE RIVER TOWNSHIP, WAKE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA” AND RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1980, PAGE 139, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. PARCEL ID NUMBER: 2716460871 ALSO KNOWN AS: 2617 HOLIDAY AVENUE, ZEBULON, NC 27597-9372 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.
NC R.E. Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee By: __/s/ Jason Purser___________________ Jason K. Purser, Attorney Crawford & von Keller, PLLC 710 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 250 Wilmington, NC 28405 Phone: (910) 363-1637 Fax: (910) 363-1650
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If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of
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
Said property is commonly known as 115 W Lee Street, Zebulon, NC 27597.
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 or substitute trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee or substitute trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
An Order for Possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. §4521.29, in favor of the purchaser and against the party(ies) in possession of the property, 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 ten (10) days, but not more than ninety (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 [N.C.G.S. §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.
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 or substitute trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee or substitute trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. NC R.E. Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee By: __/s/ Jason Purser__________________ Jason K. Purser, Attorney Crawford & von Keller, PLLC 710 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 250 Wilmington, NC 28405 Phone: (910) 363-1637 Fax: (910) 363-1650
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filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee or substitute trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee or substitute trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. NC R.E. Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee By: __/s/ Jason Purser___________________ Jason K. Purser, Attorney Crawford & von Keller, PLLC 710 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 250 Wilmington, NC 28405 Phone: (910) 363-1637 Fax: (910) 363-1650
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confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. 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.: 26-18850-FC01
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 or substitute trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee or substitute trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. NC R.E. Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee By: __/s/ Jason Purser___________________ Jason K. Purser, Attorney Crawford & von Keller, PLLC 710 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 250 Wilmington, NC 28405 Phone: (910) 363-1637 Fax: (910) 363-1650
K.
If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole
If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the
tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. Sarah A. Waldron or Terrass Scott Misher, Esq ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee 13010 Morris Rd., Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Telephone: (470) 321-7112
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
WAKE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 26SP000147-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Deed of Trust executed by ROBERT W HANDY AND CAROL F HANDY dated February 8, 2001 in the amount of $100,000.00 and recorded in Book 8814 at Page 2746 and further modified by Agreement recorded on July 1, 2022 in Book 19077, Page 921 in the Wake County Public Registry 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 Wake County, North Carolina, in Book 020108, Page 02471, 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 Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on October 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder
18-098268 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 25sp000630-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY RODNEY C. MITCHELL AND WANDA F. MITCHELL DATED APRIL 28, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 11334 AT PAGE 2418 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder
16-081018 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 16sp001224-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY TIMOTHY M. GREENE DATED MARCH 31, 2015 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 15966 AT PAGE 700 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 25SP002501-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Deed of Trust executed by HD HOMES & PROPERTIES LLC, A NORTH CAROLINA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY BY: HOSAMELDIN OMER SHIGLAWI dated October 5, 2023 in the amount of $237,000.00 and recorded in Book 019450, Page 01384 of the Wake County Public Registry 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 Wake County, North Carolina, in Book 20049, Page 1334, 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 Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on September 23, 2026
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000080-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Robert J. Mahlum and Joanne H. Mahlum (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Robert J. Mahlum and Joanne H. Mahlum) to First State Service Corporation, Trustee(s), dated February 21, 1997, and recorded in Book No. 7342, at Page 0749 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25SP002738-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Eugene Paul Delosh (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Eugene Delosh) to Angela M. Burton, Trustee(s), dated November 19, 2015, and recorded in Book No. 016221, at Page 01563 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30
for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 763651817 ADDRESS: 1014 WASHINGTON ST CARY, NC 27511 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): CHERYL A HANDY THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF WAKE, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 8814, PAGE 2746, AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A STAKE IN THE WESTERN LINE OF WASHINGTON STREET, SAID STAKE BEING DISTANT IN A SOUTHERN DIRECTION AS MEASURED ALONG THE WESTERN LINE OF WASHINGTON STREET 440 FEET FROM THE POINT WHERE THE WESTERN LINE OF WASHINGTON STREET BEGINS TO CURVE INTO ROSE STREET, SAID STAKE ALSO MARKING THE SOUTHEASTERN CORNER OF LOT 4, BLOCK A, ON MAP TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREINAFTER MADE; RUNS THENCE ALONG THE WESTERN LINE OF WASHINGTON STREET SOUTH 0 DEG. 58’ WEST 125 FEET TO A STAKE, THE NORTHEASTERN CORNER OF LOT 6; RUNS THENCE ALONG THE NORTHERN LINE OF LOT 6 NORTH 89 DEG. 2’ WEST 177.03 FEET TO A STAKE, THE NORTHWESTERN CORNER OF LOT 6; RUNS THENCE NORTH 1 DEG. 2’ EAST 125 FEET TO A STAKE, THE SOUTHWESTERN CORNER
OF LOT 4; RUNS THENCE ALONG THE SOUTHERN LINE OF LOT 4 SOUTH 89 DEG. 2’ EAST 176.87 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND BEING LOT 5, BLOCK A, OF GREENWOOD FOREST SUBDIVISION, SECTION III, PART A, ACCORDING TO A MAP RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1961, PAGE 21, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold
subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90
days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.
of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on October 22, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Rodney C. Mitchell and Wanda F. Mitchell, dated April 28, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $135,920.00, and recorded in Book 11334 at Page 2418 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3805 Cold Harbour Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610 Tax Parcel ID: 0254156 Present Record Owners:
Rodney C. Mitchell and Wanda F. Mitchell The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Rodney C. Mitchell and Wanda F. Mitchell. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit
of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was
renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is September 10, 2026. __________________ ___________________ Ellen Wiggins N.C. State Bar No. #55909 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee ewiggins@logs.com LOGS Legal Group LLP 8520 Cliff Cameron Dr., Suite 330 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS.com Posted: By:
expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on October 29, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Timothy M. Greene, dated March 31, 2015 to secure the original principal amount of $105,061.00, and recorded in Book 15966 at Page 700 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 2200 Turtle Point Dr, Brentwood, NC 27604 Tax Parcel ID: 0239246 Present Record Owners: Timothy Greene
The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Timothy Greene. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid
or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was
renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is September 2, 2026. __________________ ___________________ Ellen Wiggins N.C. State Bar No. #55909 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee ewiggins@logs.com LOGS Legal Group LLP 8520 Cliff Cameron Dr., Suite 330 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS.com Posted: By:
at 2:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 1712432544 ADDRESS: 3201 IDLEWOOD VILLAGE DR RALEIGH, NC 27610 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): HD HOMES & PROPERTIES LLC, A NORTH CAROLINA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY BY: HOSAMELDIN OMER SHIGLAWI THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF WAKE, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 019450, PAGE 01384, AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 23, SECTION THREE, BLOCK E, IDLEWOOD VILLAGE, AS THE SAME SHOWN ON MAP RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1971, PAGE 166, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to
this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the
confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of
the termination. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.
designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on October 19, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 125, Westlake Village II Subdivision, Section 3, as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 1987, Page 758, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 7600 Pebblestone Court, Raleigh, North Carolina.
to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 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.
successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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 in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the
property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported
PM on October 19, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fuquay Varina in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 375, Phase 7 of Southern Oaks Subdivision, as depicted in Book of Maps 2008, Pages 520-521, Wake Couny Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 628 Lawson Cypress Lane, Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the
Sarah A. Waldron or Terrass Scott Misher, Esq ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee 13010 Morris Rd., Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Telephone: (470) 321-7112
18-098268
16-081018
Sarah A. Waldron or Terrass Scott Misher, Esq ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee 13010 Morris Rd., Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Telephone: (470) 321-7112
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm, LLP P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 27403 - 139704
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Foundation Legal Group P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 26921 - 136985
VOLUME 149 ISSUE 34 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM
THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
STAN GILLILAND / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
State Fair fried festivities Members of the media and social media influencers gathered at the North Carolina State Fair’s annual Deep Fried Media Day on Monday to taste and test some of the fair’s 84 new food and drink offerings. The fair opens Thursday and runs through Oct. 25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. For more, turn to NSJ, page A13.
the
BRIEF this week
Vatican says pope’s lung nodule surgery successfully completed Rome Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery to remove a lung nodule, with the Vatican confirming the procedure was successful. The 71-year-old pontiff returned to his room at Rome’s Gemelli hospital after the operation Tuesday. The surgery aimed to determine if the nodule is malignant and whether further treatment is needed. Leo had announced the discovery of the nodule during his Sunday prayer. Experts say his prognosis is excellent, even if the nodule is cancerous, as it was caught early. The Vatican has canceled his audiences through Oct. 20, allowing for recovery.
Guilfoyle, ambassador to Greece, resigns after allegations of improper conduct President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, has resigned after allegations of improper conduct but says she’ll “vigorously defend” herself. The White House says Guilfoyle was asked to resign after coming under severe criticism over allegations she engaged in improper and possibly illegal conduct before and during her tenure in Athens. Guilfoyle’s departure Tuesday comes after its possibility was previewed to The Associated Press over the weekend and Trump registered his unhappiness with reports about her alleged conduct on Monday.
$2.00
Chatham County Schools seeing downturn in enrollment Charter schools are also seeing a decrease in total student membership By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record PITTSBORO — The Chatham County Schools Board of Education was presented with some of the district’s student
enrollment trends at its Oct. 12 meeting. This prior year, Chatham County Schools had a little more than 8,600 enrolled members, but this year that total is down to about 8,460.
The net loss through nonreturning students (transfers and graduates) was greater than the gain (transfers in and new kindergarten enrollees), resulting in a net loss of about 160 students. “Our kindergarten classes are smaller than our senior classes,” said School Accountability Officer Mark Samberg. “We’re below
Chapel Hill sets stage for new fire station construction The town plans to build more than 100 units of affordable housing on the same site By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record CHAPEL HILL has cleared its first hurdle toward the replacement of Fire Station 4.
At the Chapel Hill Town Council’s Oct. 7 meeting, a public hearing was held for a rezoning request for about four acres of town-owned property located at 101 Weaver Dairy
Road Extension to go from an office-institutional district to a residential-community priority district. The plan for the property is to demolish the existing fire station and training facility located on the property and to then construct a new fire station along with up to
Record grant goes toward farmland preservation The funds will be targeted toward a cattle farm in the Staley community Chatham News & Record staff PITTSBORO — A grant has been awarded to support the acquisition of a permanent working lands conservation easement as part of the Chatham County Farmland Preservation Program. The award of $665,000 comes from the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, an initiative of the North Carolina Depart-
ment of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The grant is the largest award ever received by the county’s farmland preservation program. It’s targeted for the acquisition on the 221-acre Rocky River Farm, a cattle farm and working forest property in the Staley community. Chatham County will contribute $191,500 from its designated farmland preservation funding to complete the conservation easement acquisition. The remaining portion of the conservation easement value will be donated by the private landowner. See GRANT, page A7
“This is a significant milestone for our program.” Andrew Waters, Chatham County Farmland Preservation coordinator
projections across the board, but that’s not inconsistent with other districts.” This follows a trend which has been present over the last four years, with total enrollment being less in each year since the district’s peak in 2020. According to Samberg, it See SCHOOLS, page A7
105 units of affordable housing. Station 4, according to Fire Chief Jay Mebane, is in “dire need” of replacement, as the 44-year-old building was deemed to be in “poor condition” based on a study the department did in 2021. In addition, due to the site’s unique properties — located near the bus rapid transit line, it’s a gateway intersection to the town and surrounded by a variety of amenities — the town felt it was necessary to incorporate affordable See FIRE, page A3
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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
THURSDAY
10.15.26 #164
Parking lot upgrades coming for library in Goldston Work is expected to be completed by the beginning of next week Chatham News & Record staff
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GOLDSTON — Goldston Public Library will be closed Friday and through the weekend in order for parking lot improvements to be made. The library’s parking lot
will be sealed and striping will be enhanced. The library is scheduled to reopen Monday for regular hours. Library patrons are encouraged to keep borrowed materials until the library reopens. Materials may also be returned to other Chatham County Public Library locations, including Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro and Wren Memorial Library in Siler City.
“We truly appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we complete these important parking lot improvements,” said Juana Gomez Soriano, Goldston Public Library manager. “Although the library will be closed for one day, these enhancements will help provide a safer, more accessible, and more welcoming experience for everyone who visits Goldston Public Library.”
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North State Media LLC 303 West Raleigh Street Siler City, North Carolina 27344 Copyright 2026 Trip Hoffend Publisher Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson Local News Editor Bob Sutton Chatham Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Ryan Henkel Reporter Stan Gilliland Photographer BUSINESS David Guy Advertising Manager Chatham News & Record (USPS #101160) is published weekly, 52 weeks a year, by North State Media LLC 303 West Raleigh Street Siler City, NC 27344 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Chatham News & Record PO Box 290 Siler City, NC 27344 CONTACT US For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 919-663-3232 To place a classified or display ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042 To submit a news tip or correction: 919-663-3232; news@chathamnewsrecord.com
March date set for zoo’s Asia opening The new habitat has been on hold for months awaiting funding and personnel in place By Bob Sutton Chatham News & Record ASHEBORO — There’s a date and a wait for the Asia continent exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced that the new exhibit will open to the public March 1 — months after the anticipated launch for the much-anticipated zoo expansion. “We can’t wait for guests to meet these enchanting resi-
dents, learn from them, and discover ways to protect their wild habitats and cousins,” said Mark Penning, the new director at the zoo. “Asia marks an important milestone in the Zoo’s 52-year history.” When a new state budget was passed and signed into law in early July, approximately $6.2 million in operating funds could then be tapped for the zoo. More than 50 positions were to be filled to handle the expansion. At the time, a fall opening for the Asia exhibition was believed to be likely. Groundbreaking for the Asia expansion was held more than four years ago in the summer of 2022. Construction for the new habitat was completed in the spring.
The exhibit, which covers 12½ acres, comes at a cost of $75 million. Funding has come from a combination of state funds and private donors, according to the zoo. Among nearly 50 new species in the Asia exhibit will be tigers, white-cheeked gibbons, Komodo dragons, Chinese alligators, king cobras, mixed birds, Asian small-clawed otters, cinereous vultures, Visayan warty pigs and Chinese giant salamanders. A large indoor café overlooks the habitat for tigers. There will be more than 6,000 new plants as part of the exhibit. Penning said new technology will be part of the ways for zoo visitors to explore the habitat. Pamela Cashwell, secretary of NCDNCR, said more than 1 million guests visit the zoo each year. The March 1 opening for the exhibit is set for noon. This is the zoo’s first major expansion since 1994.
CHATHAM
happening Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County.
Oct. 15 Cirque Kikasse: SANTÉ! 6-8 p.m. The Quebec troupe turns a food truck into a stage for acrobatics, physical comedy and a 35-foot balancing act in a free, all-ages outdoor show. The stop is part of the Carolina Theatre of Durham’s centennial programming; RSVP online. The Plant 220 Lorax Lane Pittsboro
Oct. 16 Pittsboro Gallery of Arts Makers Celebration 5-8 p.m. The artist-owned gallery marks its sixth anniversary with live demonstrations by Martha Danek, Bobby Izquierdo, Mia Lucero, Randi Markowitz, Jody Nash and Coy Quakenbush, music by singer-songwriter Janet Place and refreshments. Admission is free. Pittsboro Gallery of Arts 44-A Hillsboro St. Pittsboro
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Annual subscription rate: $104
Pittsboro Finally Fridays: Downtown Mask Parade
CRIME LOG
5-8 p.m. The third-Friday arts walk goes costumed. Sign up at 5 p.m., parade with pets and people through the Social District at 6 p.m., then stay for costume judging and an ice cream-eating contest at the SOCO Patio 7-8 p.m. Face and pumpkin painting are at Page Vernon Park, with artist vendors along the route.
Oct. 5 • Brandon Alexander Thompson, 38, was arrested for possession of a firearm by a felon, attempting to obtain property by false pretenses and larceny of a firearm, and other charges. • Lacey Nicole Wright, 31, was arrested for injury to personal property, larceny of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and other charges. Oct. 6 • Christopher David Lindgren, 59, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. • Santiago Miranda Paulino, 25, was arrested for driving while impaired, driving on a license revoked for impaired driving and possession of an open container of alcohol in the passenger area, and other charges. Oct. 7 • Billy Farrell Kiser, 58, was arrested for second-degree trespass. Oct. 8 • Claudia Marcela Martinez, 47, was arrested for violation of a domestic violence protective order. • Jacori Naisjay Alston, 26, was arrested for second-degree trespass and resisting a public officer.
PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Downtown Pop-Up Park 50 W. Salisbury St. Pittsboro
The North Carolina Zoo’s new Asia exhibit is expected to open March 1.
Oct. 17 Trunk or Treat Fall Festival 2-5 p.m. Chatham County Parks and Recreation’s free afternoon brings pumpkin carving and painting, Halloween games and crafts, a hay hunt, a photo booth and a food truck. Trunk-or-treating starts at 4 p.m. Leashed pets are welcome. Southwest District Park 15124 N.C. 902 Bear Creek
• Sylvester Quick, 61, was arrested for assault on a female, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and misdemeanor larceny, and other charges.
Oct. 17-18
Oct. 9
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Justin Wesley Trapp, 39, was arrested for assault by strangulation, assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Chatham Pride Alliance’s family-friendly festival is the county’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebration of the year. It opens with an outdoor drag show and dance party for ages 13 and up on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 10 p.m.
• Kenneth Thomas Lamont Striblin, 45, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Oct. 10 • Rogelio Castillo Casarrubias, 56, was arrested for intoxicated and disruptive and urinating in public. Oct. 11 • Wade Hampton Farrish, 73, was arrested for communicating threats and violation of a domestic violence protective order.
PBO Pride Festival
The Plant 220 Lorax Lane Pittsboro
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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Jordan jersey sets $14M record for basketball memorabilia, according to auction house It represents the third multimillion-dollar sale of a Jordan jersey from the 1998 Finals
The church is located at 190 Hanks Loop Road, Pittsboro.
MARK J. TERRILL / AP PHOTO
Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan pulls the ball out of reach of Utah Jazz guard Jeff Hornacek during third quarter action in Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Salt Lake City on June 5, 1998.
“While Michael Jordan’s importance within the sports memorabilia marketplace has long been established it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art.” David Hunt, Hunt Auctions president worn by Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees when he hit the “called shot” home run against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series. This sale becomes at least the third time a Jordan jersey from that 1998 finals has fetched at least $10 million. A jersey from Game 1 was sold at auction for about $10.1 million in 2022,
and a jersey from Game 3 was auctioned last month for about $12.3 million. “Michael Jordan was an incredibly talented player who is admired around the world,” Firman said in a news release distributed by the auction house. “I’m very excited about the purchase.” The jersey that Firman purchased was originally bought from the Bulls by a private collector in 2003, Hunt said, adding that it “has remained within a succinct chain of custody having only changed hands once from the original purchaser.” Just about anything related to the 1998 finals and Jordan’s final season with the Bulls has been the subject of massive interest in the collector space. In 2023, a pair of Air Jordan sneakers that he wore in Game 2 against the Jazz was sold by Sotheby’s for $2.2 million, touted at the time as “a new world record for the most valuable sneakers ever sold.”
A car leaves a Carrefour supermarket in Anglet, France, in January 2018.
BOB EDME / AP PHOTO
Cyberattacks hit European supermarket chains, disrupt refrigeration systems Refrigeration outages forced hundreds of supermarkets across Europe to discard spoiled food products By Angela Charlton and Dee-Ann Durbin The Associated Press PARIS — Cyberattacks have disrupted European supermarket chains, affecting refrigeration systems at hundreds of stores in France and forcing a major grocer to shut down websites serving customers in Europe and the United States. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told Parliament on Tuesday that about 700 of the country’s 10,000 supermarkets were affected. He said there was no risk to France’s food supplies but acknowledged that the attack “touches the heart of our food security.” “It was a wake-up call for everyone,” he said. The Paris prosecutor’s office said Tuesday that its cybercrime unit was investigating the large-scale attack, including the extent of damage caused by
HANKS CHAPEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Hanks Chapel’s annual homecoming service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Dinner in the fellowship hall will follow the service.
By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press MIAMI — A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has been privately sold for $14 million, an auction house announced Monday, calling it the highest price ever paid for a piece of basketball memorabilia. Pennsylvania-based Hunt Auctions announced the private treaty sale and identified the buyer as Miami real estate investor Ron Firman. The red jersey is the one Jordan wore in Game 2 of that series on June 5, 1998; he and the Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz that night to even the matchup at a game apiece. Jordan and the Bulls would go on to win the series in six games, the sixth and final title of his Hall of Fame career. That 1997-98 season was the subject of the 10-episode “Last Dance” documentary series that was released in 2020. “While Michael Jordan’s importance within the sports memorabilia marketplace has long been established it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art,” said David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions. “We are very pleased to have been able to facilitate this historic sale which serves as another benchmark for our industry.” The $14 million price would be the second-biggest known cost for a game-worn jersey, behind the $24.12 million paid in 2024 for the jersey
Church News
spoiled food and reports of fires. French supermarket group Groupement Mousquetaires, which operates more than 4,000 stores across Europe, said 300 of its Intermarché and Netto stores were impacted. Some refrigerated and frozen food display cases remained out of service Tuesday. Dominique Schelcher, CEO of French grocery chain Cooperative U, said 80 of the company’s 2,000 stores were affected. Most managed to prevent disruptions to refrigeration, but some had to discard food, he said in a post on X. “Targeting equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products is an attack on the French food supply chain. It is unprecedented, extremely serious, and unacceptable,” Schelcher said. Carrefour and Monoprix supermarkets were also impacted. Danish technology company Danfoss, which supplied the refrigeration management software, said Monday that most affected systems were older products that no longer received software or security updates. “Danfoss has long advised customers to keep supported
systems updated with the latest firmware, as well as to operate behind a firewall,” the company said. Danfoss said it was working with affected customers to limit the damage. Separately, Dutch supermarket giant Ahold Delhaize said Tuesday it was working to restore systems it had shut down following what it described as a security issue. The company, which operates Albert Heijn in the Netherlands, Delhaize in Belgium and Stop & Shop in the United States, declined to provide further details. Websites for several of its brands, including Stop & Shop, Food Lion and Albert Heijn, remained offline Tuesday, although stores were open and serving customers. Ahold Delhaize said it had no evidence that customer or employee data had been stolen. “Protecting our infrastructure in the best interest of our customers, associates and partners is a top priority,” the company said. “We apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused customers and partners.”
FIRE from page A1 housing into the equation as well. “This is a unique partnership to put two really needed community benefits in one place,” said Assistant Director of Affordable Housing Emily Holt. “This site has all the things we look for for affordable housing.” According to Holt, Laurel Street will be the town’s affordable housing development partner for this project, and it will serve residents who are at or below 60% of the area median income. Following the hearing, the council unanimously approved the rezoning. Future decisions on the property, including site plans, cost and construction, will be made at a later date. “This hearing is focused on the regulatory steps that would allow for future construction of a new fire station and affordable housing to take place,” said Town Manager Ted Voorhees. “There’ll be future decisions for council around the leasing of the property, funding, affordable housing and all that.” The council also held two more hearings, both related to one acre of property lo-
cated at 101 E Barbee Chapel Road inside the Meadowmont development. The first hearing was for a master land use plan modification application, which requested that the subject property — previously approved for 10,000 square feet of commercial use when the master plan was originally approved in 1995 — be allowed to be used instead for the development of additional residential units. “(The parcel) is in close proximity to all of the services of the village center, mass transit and all the things that make it an ideal residential development and a place to live,” said landscape architect Scott Murray, who was representing the applicant. The second hearing was for a special use permit modification application to develop a multifamily building for senior housing with eight residential dwelling units, which will be incorporated into The Cedars development. Following the hearings, the council unanimously approved both requests. “Thank you for this opportunity to increase housing for individuals in this community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Camille Berry. The Chapel Hill Town Council will next meet Oct. 21.
KEEP OUR BORDERS SECURE! BIBLE STUDY: REVELATION 1:1-20 CHURCH OF LIVING WATER; SERVANT: JAMES MITCHELL To all my Black/Latino/Hispanic/White/Red brothers and sisters, we need to stand united together for our America First country. If these socialists, communists Democrats come into power next month, many of the great things President Trump has done and is doing will be stopped. Our taxes will increase to give away to illegals, criminals, and Islamic terrorists. How do you think they can pay for all the free stuff? You will pay more in taxes than ever before! They will try to eliminate much of our law enforcement and military. Drag queens teaching and reading to our children. Some of the teachers’ unions have been taken over by demonic spirits. Men and boys in women’s and girls’ sports will start again. President Trump has secured our borders. Democrats will open our borders again, bringing in millions of illegals, criminals, and Islamic terrorists for their votes. Democrats and activist judges are doing everything they can to stop the deportation of criminals. These criminals and illegals are sexually assaulting and killing your family members. Democrats want to defund our police so they can’t put these wrongdoers away. You sorry rhino Republicans, God’s judgment is coming! Praise God for our greatest ally, Israel! America needs to be more like Israel in bringing killers to justice. They wiped out approximately four thousand Hamas terrorists who entered Israel and burned babies alive killing children and parents. These radical Muslims hate Israel and America. You who hate or curse Israel, God’s word says you shall be cursed! Genesis 12:3. When you see the wickedness in America and the world today, Revelation is coming! Churches, preachers, and congregations—that are not preaching or teaching God’s Holy Word—repent. You must be born again! In Jesus’ name!
Share with your community! ••• Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@ chathamnewsrecord.com.
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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN
Be a man, not a snake Each time you laugh at a sexist joke or change the conversation, you miss the chance to effect positive change.
AFTER THE NEWS of the alleged rape in the fraternity house at Cornell, my wife found this analogy from an online commentator: Imagine a field of snakes where only a few of them are venomous, but they all look the same. If you have to cross the field, you are going to take every precaution. Knowing that most snakes won’t harm you is unhelpful. The danger is just as real. Women feel the same about men. From a young age, women have had to learn to keep themselves safe from men. As the metaphor of the snakes in the field makes clear, it’s not all men. But the risk is always there. The metaphor comparing men to snakes draws upon an ancient archetype. The biblical story of the snake in the Garden of Eden is not the only story that has depicted this creature as a threat, a tempter or even a personification of evil. Speaking to my fellow men, how might we become less snakelike and actually human to women? How might we move from threats to allies? For as long as women have learned to protect themselves, men have avoided the work of protecting them, specifically by not actively correcting other men. If men say anything about sexual violence, we too often blame the victim, such as criticizing what she wore (or didn’t), where she was (or wasn’t) or who she was with (or wasn’t). It is a double standard. We suggest that the woman somehow brought it upon herself,
either explicitly or implicitly. Such misogyny happens all the time. For example, a recent monologue on “Saturday Night Live” called women “whores” for what they wore at the gym. Obviously, it is not every man who would make such a vile statement. Not every “snake” is venomous. Yet each time you laugh at a sexist joke or change the conversation, you miss the chance to effect positive change. Don’t allow the snakelike hissing of other men to pass without correction. When my wife and I honeymooned in Ireland, we hiked to the top of a mountain where legend has it that St. Patrick cast all the snakes into the sea. Ridding our culture of misogyny is never that easy or instantaneous. It will take the daily, combined effort of men who stand up to those who are crude, objectifying and misogynistic. But it’s worth it, gentlemen. You see, misogyny hurts everyone. Obviously, women are impacted the most. But to return to the biblical account in the Book of Genesis, each one of us, male and female, has been created in the divine image. Whenever anyone treats a fellow human as an object, it dims the humanity in themselves and in our beloved community. 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.
COLUMN | BOB WACHS
Hazel no lady There’s something especially frightening about being 6 years old and seeing your world turning upside down.
OCT. 15 THIS year is a Thursday. Seventy-two years ago, it was a Friday ... and what a Friday it was. Maybe it’s human nature, a natural reaction to compare things. Fishermen like to catch the most fish; baseball players to hit the most home runs; your golfing buddy to have a better score than you. Pretty much anything that can be compared will be. Does that go for hurricanes? Southeastern coastal states from Texas to Virginia have had their share through the years, and all have been bad; some have been horrific. In 1900, a hurricane claimed more than 6,000 lives when it washed over the flat coastline city of Galveston, Texas, making it the biggest natural disaster in U.S. history. This year’s track record for storms has not gone all that far into the alphabet for names and has included some names it’s hard for this ol’ Southern boy to pronounce, such as the just-gone-by Isaias. And officially “hurricane season” doesn’t end until Nov. 30, so there could be more, but as cooler weather gets here, the odds decrease. The battered folks in Florida surely hope so and are ready for that day. But in North Carolina history there is one hurricane that still evokes shudders — at least to folks of a certain age group — and it’s not Fran or Floyd, bad as they were. It’s Hazel. It used to be all of them had female names. The old joke was, “Why are there no hurricanes with male names?” and the answer was, “Have you ever heard of a himicane?” Often, folks who live through them don’t talk about them, sort of like combat veterans most of the time don’t relive those times. For a big chunk of North Carolina, Oct. 15, 1954, brought Hurricane Hazel. It — or she — hit the shore near the border between the two Carolinas at around 6 in the morning with 150 mph-plus winds as the storm itself was zooming along at about 50 miles per hour. That was the days before Doppler weather forecasts that ran 25 hours a day and TV weather folks stood out in howling winds to make sure we knew a storm had hit or was coming. Folks on the coast could tell a storm was on the way, but they
didn’t know what kind of storm — or how bad it would be. When Hazel was over, 19 Tarheels had died, property damage ran into the hundreds of millions of dollars, and the path of destruction went as far north as Pennsylvania, New York and Canada. Entire communities were battered and washed into the sea. There was no more Long Beach, today’s Oak Island. Back home in Chatham County, school officials decided the safest place for youngsters was at their homes. There were no emergency alert systems; many parents were at work; school buses roamed the roads in the height of the storm, often having to take alternative routes because of trees blocking roads. Some couldn’t make it through, returning to school buildings, which were probably the safest places to be. On that Friday, the storm came through Raleigh in the afternoon. My father had left his insurance company office in Durham to pick me up at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind, where I spent a year before eye doctors figured out they could correct my limited vision. We were huddled in the parlor of a massive brick dorm; the sky was as black as a coal mine (and I’ve been in one), and the giant oak trees seemed to be bending double. And the wind ... weather stations reported gusts in the capital city at 90 mph. It was a hairy trip back home to Pittsboro. Since that day, forecasting has improved greatly, and warnings lead to preparedness. And since that day, I’ve lived through a few more in my inland setting. Fran was an all-nighter that claimed trees, fences and vehicles from us. It’s bad enough as an adult, but there’s something especially frightening about being 6 years old and seeing your world turning upside down. When you pay your bills this month, send a check to the Red Cross or Samaritan’s Purse or the Salvation Army or some other reputable relief agency for the victims of those natural disasters. There are still lots of 6-year-olds out there. Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.
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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
COLUMN | JAN HUTTON
COLUMN JOSH HAMMER
A cookie that kept right on giving
It’s difficult to pass up emotional catnip when someone seems truly interested in your life.
FACEBOOK opened the door, thank heavens … So it began. My mother has been gone for more than 25 years, but I’m still hyperaware of her birthday on Sept. 2. On that day, several years ago, I received a Facebook message from a childhood neighbor with whom I’d recently reconnected. She asked if another childhood neighbor could have my cell number. I was downright puzzled. I’d not been in contact with Mark since he was about 7 years old and I was 12. Mark’s older sister was my neighborhood friend and the person through whom I knew Mark and his family. Little Mark? Contacting me? Now? Cell number shared. I received a call from him several hours later. In my mind’s eye, the Mark I remember is an adorable little boy with bangs, running up and down the hall in his family’s home. Speedy, energetic little Mark. I was astounded to learn that he recalled my mother’s birthday because it was one day after his own, beloved, late mother’s birthday. Ergo, his desire to reconnect after a million years. Startled too that the “Mark” I still visualized as such a young ’un is now the father of three grown sons! Mark’s late mother, Cookie, was someone I adored. Children who entered her home were not just friends of her two kids but treated as young people in their own right. I vividly remember sitting at the kitchen table with Cookie, feeling like such an adult as we talked seriously about something or other. Is that what it felt like to be
an adult? Being taken seriously? Wow. Eventually, Mark’s family moved to a new neighborhood, and I lost touch with him and his sister. I continued, however, to periodically visit Cookie, even after leaving for college. It’s difficult to pass up emotional catnip when someone seems truly interested in your life. In her early 40s, Cookie was diagnosed with cancer. I was in town from college and drove over to see her. She was bedbound. Because I was a naive and self-focused youngster at that time (big sigh), our visit zeroed in on me, guided, as usual, by Cookie. She died several months later. “May her memory be a blessing” in the Jewish tradition is a phrase shared when speaking of the departed. In traditional obituaries, unseen blessings bestowed by the hearts of the departed tend to be overlooked. More weight is given to material accomplishments. Not here. At all. After all these years, I still recall being bathed in the warm attention of Cookie’s light. I felt seen … P.S. Mark and I periodically check in with each other now, and happily so. I apologize for embarrassing you, Mark, but your heart seems to be as open and inviting as your mom’s. Truth be told, and with only a wee bit of contrition, I still can’t shake the memory of that little boy charging up and down the hall of his childhood home. Zoom, zoom … Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.
COLUMN | JORDAN TOPAL
When should a town sell its water system? State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers.
TOWNS ACROSS THE COUNTRY have sold their water system with good reason: some have environmental problems, others have budget deficits and unfunded pensions, still others can’t afford to fix failing pipes. North Carolina has labeled 160 local utilities as distressed, including 11 across Duplin, Moore, Randolph and Stanly counties. The state has helped several of these with loans or grants to fix their issues. Unless it’s the only option for safe water and sewer, selling to a private utility usually isn’t worth it. North Carolina passed the fair-value law in 2018. It allowed private utilities that buy municipal systems to earn a regulated return on what they paid instead of the depreciated value of decades-old assets on the town’s books. Each purchase receives three appraisals before approval from the N.C. Utilities Commission. The buyer earns a return on the lower of the purchase price or the average appraisal value. Carteret County’s 2023 sale of a 1,200-customer water system to Carolina Water was the first under the law. Customers pay for needed repairs no matter who owns the system, so what matters is who can finance them more cheaply. Regulators set the private utility’s profit because there is no local competition. In North Carolina, they typically allow a return of 9.8% on equity, the shareholders’ contribution, and customers also pay the utility’s debt interest. Including the utility’s income taxes, customers pay a blended 8.5% to 8.9% a year on the capital. When a private utility spends money to upgrade pipes, that amount is added to its rate base, the total amount customers pay a return on. So the utility has no reason to hold down construction spending. A healthy municipality borrows with tax-free bonds. Their rates are lower than corporate bond rates because investors pay no income tax on the interest, and municipalities have no shareholder dividends to pay. Over the last few years, that rate has averaged 3% to 5%. On financing costs alone, it’s much cheaper for a municipality to run a water and sewer system. On occasion, a distressed municipality is unable to maintain the utility. It lacks the money or the expertise to bring it back into serviceable shape. The first answer is usually state
assistance. On Oct. 6, the Local Government Commission approved $46.2 million in State Revolving Fund loans to rebuild Albemarle’s wastewater plant, mostly at a 0.1% interest rate. In February, the state paid for studies of Greenevers merging with neighboring Wallace and of Stanly County taking over Stanfield’s water and sewer. A sale is the last resort once the public options are exhausted. A private operator has large engineering staffs and a deep back office for billing and customer service. Buyers usually hire the municipal employees as well to maintain local expertise. Selling solves three problems for a town: It no longer has to manage the utility or vote for unpopular rate hikes, and the cash ends its acute financial distress. But the rate hikes don’t go away. State regulators approve them instead of the town council. After a sale, the buyer usually freezes rates for one to three years. Then it asks the Utilities Commission for large rate hikes to pay for the system’s needed improvements. In Pennsylvania, buyers proposed increases of 40% to 94%. After Pennsylvania American Water bought Exeter Township’s sewer system in 2019, the average monthly bill nearly tripled within five years, from $43 to $115. North Carolina regulators have approved a steep increase for Carteret County, where water-only bills will rise 78% by 2028, from $81 to $144. Future rates will continue rising with each rate case the utility brings to the commission. Selling the utility is like a sale-leaseback in the corporate world. The town takes the utility and upkeep off the books, but citizens pay a higher price long-term to lease the asset. However, a company can move out when its lease ends. Utility customers can’t because they’re renting a regulated monopoly. If a town has any capacity to borrow with a BBB rating or better, it’s cheaper to keep the utility public. State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers. Any council weighing an offer should ask for that number before considering a letter of intent. Jordan Topal is a CFA charterholder who spent two decades in municipal finance. He writes about local government finance at fundbalance.substack.com.
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Don’t let Flydubai terror scare derail Abraham Accords progress TERRORISTS want nothing more than to prevent peace. It’s why they fly planes into buildings, don explosive vests and rain indiscriminate missiles on civilian populations. The response to such terrorism isn’t to cower. It is to lead with boldness, courage and, sometimes, outright heroism. The world just saw precisely such heroism in the high drama aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, from Dubai to Tel Aviv. There was the Indian national pilot, Smit Machchhar, who, though bleeding badly after he was brutally stabbed by his terrorist Omani national copilot, had the presence of mind to open the cockpit door as the plane nosedived 10,000 feet a minute. There were the ordinary Israeli citizens — and above all, new national hero Yaniv Hayoun — who, Todd Beamer-style, swiftly rushed the cockpit and subdued the terrorist in a chokehold (yes, really). There were the two off-duty pilots — reportedly British, South African or New Zealander in nationality — who were able to glide the plane to a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. There was the Emirati flight crew, which handled the madness with aplomb, preventing chaos in a terrified cabin and ensuring the safety of all passengers. Israeli activist Hillel Fuld quoted a military pilot on X: “In virtually every historical incident where an airliner got anywhere close to these speeds, the tail ripped off the entire back of the plane.” In the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible, God is not mentioned once. This is deliberate. His name doesn’t need to appear: His presence is felt, and seen, everywhere. It was the same way aboard Flydubai Flight 1073. Some have reacted to this mesmerizing story in knee-jerk fashion. They have leapt to call for the full cancelation of all direct flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates — and perhaps a downgrading of ties between Israel and the Arab world, more generally. The instinct is understandable. The anti-Israel press downplayed the harrowing affair as a “pilot altercation,” but the fact is, a Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews. That looks like terrorism. That’s certainly what the Israelis think happened. But terror attacks and near-terror attacks must not derail peace. To allow peace to be derailed is actually to do the terrorists’ bidding. The Abraham Accords, those dynamic 2020 peace agreements that normalized Israeli relations with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, must go on. Indeed, they must expand. Many predicted the Abraham Accords would die after the Hamas savagery of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing war in Gaza. They didn’t. On the contrary, the accords are stronger today. The Iran conflict, which has seen the Islamic Republic strike the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, has sent an unmistakable message: The Sunni Gulf states’ threat isn’t Jerusalem. It’s Tehran. That’s why, just days before the near catastrophe aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Abu Dhabi to meet with representatives from eight different Arab countries. Prior to that confab, Netanyahu rendezvoused directly with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed. It was the first time such a bilateral meeting was publicly verified by both countries. Perhaps, then, the attempted terror attack timing isn’t a coincidence. The rumor mill has also been swirling that Kuwait might soon join the Abraham Accords. It’s not hard to see what is going on here. Before the Oct. 7 pogrom, Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Arab world — was on the precipice of making peace with Israel. Netanyahu dedicated much of his September 2023 address to the United Nations General Assembly to the topic. Around the same time, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Fox News’ Bret Baier “every day we get closer” to normalization with Israel. Peace seemed imminent. One of Hamas’ aims with its massacre was to derail Israeli-Saudi normalization. In that, Hamas was successful — for now. But in the long run, Hamas won’t be successful. Despite the setback, the House of Saud still knows that peace with Israel is an inevitability. We cannot allow this would-be terrorist copilot to be successful either. This is not the time to pump the diplomatic brakes. We might have to brace ourselves for additional attempted terror attacks, as cynics once again try to stop peace. Israel is undoubtedly prepared for that. The Arab states should prepare too. Israel should also reevaluate its aviation procedures. Perhaps Israeli authorities can help vet inbound and outbound commercial pilots. But the pursuit of regional peace must go on. There would be no greater tribute to the heroes of Flydubai Flight 1073 than that. Josh Hammer is the senior editor-at-large of Newsweek and host of “The Josh Hammer Show” and podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
obituaries
Sadie Mae Harvell Murchison April 23, 1934 – Oct. 10, 2026 Sadie was born April 23, 1934, in Chatham County to the late Martha Patsy “June” Harvell. Sadie passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, peacefully at the SECU Jim & Betsy Bryan Hospice House in Pittsboro. Sadie was a retired Chatham County Schools Child Nutrition Employee; she was known as the “lunch lady” by many students of Chatham County Schools. In addition to her mother
Kay Renalda Glosson Parker Clark Jan. 11, 1943 – Oct. 7, 2026 Mrs. Kay Renalda Glosson Parker Clark, age 83, of Pittsboro, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on the evening of October 7, 2026, after a prolonged illness. Born on January 11, 1943, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, Renalda lived most of her life in Chatham County. Her life was marked by a love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her family, friends, animals, community, and art. Her love for art began long before her time at UNC-Greensboro and her pursuit of a degree in fine arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which she earned while raising three young children. Although she never sought recognition for her artwork, many different pieces she created have been displayed throughout the area since her high school years, often under the names Kay Glosson or Kay G. Parker. Her artwork graced the cover of the Pittsboro High School Dragonian yearbook and could also be seen on the “Dragon Wagon” athletic bus. She painted the 8 foot tall Chatham Central Bear Mascot in the 1960s as well as the 10-foot-tall Northwood Charger Mascot in the 1970s, both of which can still be found in their gyms today. These images have been enjoyed by generations of students and thousands of others throughout Chatham County. Renalda was particularly attached to the Charger, which continues to watch over the basketball court at the high school where she taught art for many years where she will always be best known as “Mrs. Parker”. After more than 20 years of dedicated service as an art teacher within the Chatham County School System, she retired leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the classroom. Thousands of students have been, and will continue to be, inspired by her artistic gifts, creative spirit, and unique teaching style. Renalda will be remembered for her generosity in sharing her talents without seeking recognition and for the lasting impression she made on her students and community.
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We offer an on-site crematory with many options of Celebration of Life services, Traditional, and Green Burials. Call us to set | www.donaldsonfunerals.com focused on atonew challenge: or do that would be helpfulan appointment come by and learn more. Sadie was preceded in death by 396 West St., Pittsboro, NC 27312 | 919-542-3057know Fighting pancreatic cancer. to them. her husband, Duncan Cameron It was a roller coaster ride. Mary E was fiercely Murchison and her son, Duncan After enduring twelve difficult independent. She was her own Lynn Murchison. chemotherapy treatments, she general contractor for the house Sadie is survived by a son, underwent a complex surgery to she built in Chatham County; if Donnie Cameron Murchison remove the tumor and basically she decided to do something, of Goldston; daughter, Martha rework her digestive system. she didn’t care what other people Susan Douglas and husband, Nevertheless, she recovered well thought- she would work until Mike of Bear Creek; grandson, and was told she was cancershe finished it. She had a single Daniel Douglas and wife Brooke free. But only three months seat season ticket for basketball of Bear Creek; granddaughter, later, a new mass appeared. This and football games that she Candie Carlyle and husband, time there was no mention of maintained for 40+ years. Zac of Carthage; two great a cure, only guesses about life Mary E took great pride granddaughters, Paisley and expectancy. in being part of the Carolina Harper Carlyle; and two great Despite the setback, Mary E community. Her love for the grandsons, River and Miles almost never missed a game— University, and especially for Douglas. regardless of the weather, how the Tar Heels, ran deep. It was a The funeral will be held on March 29, 1952 – the team was doing, or even love that was infectious, and one Thursday, October 15, 2026, Sept. 15, 2026 cancer. She once walked from that she shared generously with at Bethany Baptist Church a radiation session directly to everyone around her. in Gulf, at 11:00 AM, with the Mary Elizabeth Daniel, who the Dean Dome for a basketball In 1980–81, Mary E became burial following in the church preferred to go by Mary E. or game. good friends with some of the cemetery with Rev. Mike Emmie, passed away peacefully But what made her truly graduate students in Carolina’s Herring and Rev. Patrick Daniels on September 15, 2026, special was the person she was Environmental Sciences and officiating. Family will receive under hospice care at home in and the friendships she created. Engineering program. She friends after the service in the Pittsboro, NC. She was 74 years She was fun-loving, loyal, quickly became one of the gang, church fellowship hall. old. enthusiastic, and someone who joining in their tailgates, parties, The family would like to say a Mary E was born and raised brought people together. For and other events. Mary E loved special Thank You to the caring in Littleton, NC, a small town those of us fortunate enough to the games, the discussions, the staff at the Jim & Betsy Bryan in Halifax County. Even though have known her, she made life history, the rivalries, and all the Hospice House. she was years younger than the more enjoyable by simply being excitement that came with being Smith & Buckner Funeral other girls in her neighborhood, part of it. a Tar Heel. Home is honored to be serving her positive energy and outsized She will be deeply missed, but In 1991 she received a the Murchison family. personality quickly won them the memories, the laughter, her diagnosis of breast cancer. Online Condolences may be over, and she maintained those spirit, and the touch of mischief The treatment was successful, made at www.smithbucknerfh. treasured friendships throughout she shared with all of us will live but she realized that life was com her life. on. short and decided to buy a From an early age, her She is survived by her loving Mazda Miata to have more fun father would take Mary E to see husband of 27 years, Carl Fisher, in life. This led her to join the basketball and football games at Beyond her art and of Pittsboro, NC, cousin George Tarheel Sports Car Club and the University of North Carolina teaching, Renalda found joy Jordan (wife Melba) of Cary, NC, start competing in autocross in Chapel Hill, and she became a in photography, traveling, and cousin Nelda Huffstetler competitions. There she made lifelong Tar Heels fan. exploring historical (husband William) of Pinehurst, many more lifelong friends and, Following her graduation from architecture, and spending time NC. through a mutual friend, met her UNC in 1974 with a degree in at the beach. She was an avid Mary E was preceded in death husband, Carl. business, she took a job in the collector who cherished the by her father, Erasmus Alston Mary E and Carl loved to travel University’s Financial Aid office. treasures she discovered and Daniel, mother, Elizabeth Rodwell together, driving to race events Within a few years, computers believed that nothing should be Daniel, and aunt, Mary Frances to compete, or sometimes just started to appear in the thrown away if it held meaning Rodwell. help out. For about 20 years business world, and Mary E was or memories. She also had There will be no funeral or they helped teach driving skills fascinated. She taught herself a special love for animals, service. In lieu of flowers, cards, to police officers throughout the how to use them and quickly especially dogs. Her faithful or other gifts, please donate to state. Mary E often drove the became the expert in the office. Great Pyrenees, Jack, was “rabbit” car they chased- she was the University of North Carolina Over the years, she helped lead more than a cherished pet; he Pancreatic Cancer Research never caught. the office forward from pen and was her constant companion Fund in the name of Mary Carl was not a big sports fan, paper to a top-flight scholarship and best four-legged friend. Elizabeth Daniel: but he was always up for a road system, winning accolades along Renalda was preceded in UNC Health Foundation trip, and they enjoyed many the way. death by her parents, Henry Attn: UNC Lineberger trips together to UNC football But to her coworkers, Mary E B. Glosson, Jr., and Athalene 123 West Franklin Street, Suite bowl and away games, as well as was much more than a talented Rives Glosson; her very special 510 NCAA Final Four tournaments. and dedicated colleague. She stepfather, W. Gordon Burns; Chapel Hill, NC 27516 She finally retired in 2022 was a friend whose wit, wisdom, and her beloved grandson, Call UNC Gift Services at (919) after more than 43 years with and whimsy consistently lifted Jacob Caldwell. 537-3818 if you have questions. the University. The plan was for the spirits of those around her. She is survived by her loving Donaldson Funeral Home & the couple to travel the USA and She was always thinking of husband, Charles T. Clark Crematory is honored to serve visit other countries, but within a others, and of what she might of Siler City, NC; her three year, their energy was suddenly the Daniel family. children: Levonda (Parker) Caldwell and her husband, Michael, of Garner, NC; Nalda (Parker) Mills of Greensboro, NC; and Roderick W. Parker and IN MEMORY his wife, Katherine, of Pittsboro, NC. She leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren: Logan and Caleb Caldwell; Samantha BARBARA “BOBBIE” HENLEY GRIFFIN Holder and her husband, NOV. 5, 1939 – OCT. 11, 2026 Andrew Neems; Rachel Holder; Brian Holder; Ian Holder; Alex Barbara Henley Griffin “Bobbie”, age 86, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 11, Parker and his wife, Ashley; 2026. and Andrew Parker. Renalda She was born in Wake County on November 5, 1939, to the late Raymond Woodrow Henley and Pauline is survived by her three Hunt Henley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John Griffin and siblings stepchildren: Warren Clark and Raymond Woodrow Henley, Jr and Carolyn Henley. his wife, Roberta, of FuquayShe devoted her life to caring for her family, serving as a loving homemaker while her husband served in Varina, NC; Darryl Clark and his the Civil Service. She enjoyed spending Sunday afternoons surrounded by family, sharing laughter, love, and wife, Dixie, of Siler City, NC; and a good bowl of homemade ice cream. She had a special love for her cats, who brought her much happiness Janet LeGay and her husband, and companionship. Her faith was also an important part of her life, and she dearly loved her church family Jeff, of Siler City, NC. She was at Shepherd’s Flock. also blessed with five stepShe is survived by her daughter Sharon Denkins (Randy) of Sanford; step-son Steve Griffin (Tim Thomas); grandchildren and one stepstep-daughters Janet Mashburn of Broadway and Judy Shaw of Pittsboro; grandchildren Tina Lee, Eddie great-grandson. Deal, Jr., Daniel Beckwith, Maghan McDonald, Tiffany Beckwith, Johnny Griffin, Michael Beckwith and Her legacy will live on Ashley Allen; twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. through the artwork she created the students she inspired, the memories she treasured, and the family she MARGARET ANN COX HAYES loved so dearly. JULY 9, 1942 – OCT. 11, 2026 The family will receive friends before the service from 12 noon Margaret Ann Cox Hayes, 84, of Asheboro, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Meridian Center until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, in High Point. October 14, 2026, at Mays Visitation will be held at Joyce-Brady Chapel from 5:30-7:00 pm on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Chapel Baptist Church. Funeral The funeral will be at 11:00 am on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Pleasant Grove Christian Church with services will follow at 1:00 Pastor Brian Allmon presiding. p.m. at the church, with Pastor Margaret was born in Chatham County on July 9, 1942 to Dewey and Gerta Brown Cox. Val Chadwick and Pastor Kirk She was a member of Pleasant Grove Christian Church and was previously employed at Black & Decker. Parrish officiating. Interment She was a great cook and enjoyed working in her flowers. Margaret was an avid artist and painter. She loved will immediately follow at her family and friends. Meroney Methodist Church In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Hayes; sister, Joan Cox Cemetery. McRae; brothers, Melvin Cox, Clifford Cox, Norris Cox and Dwayne Cox. Margaret is survived by her children, In lieu of flowers, memorial Mike Hayes (Donna), of Asheboro and Angie Goins (Kevin), of Sophia; sisters, Nancy Kidd, of Coleridge and donations may be made to UNC Jane Gordon, of Bennett; grandchildren, Michael Hayes, Erica Miller, Kristen Grooms and Drew Grooms; Hospice in Renalda’s memory great-grandchildren, Anderson, Charlotte, Camden and Sadie and a host of family and friends. at https://give.unc.edu/ hfdonate?p=MFHO. The family invites friends and loved ones to share a memory or message of condolence in Renalda’s guestbook. “Her beautiful spirit, artistic gifts, and unconditional love will be treasured forever by all who knew her.” Smith & Buckner Funeral Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries Home of Siler City, North and death notices to be published in Chatham News & Record Carolina, is honored to serve the family of Kay Renalda at obits@chathamnewsrecord.com Glosson Parker Clark.
Mary Elizabeth Daniel
A7
Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
DNA, vehicle-tracking help French investigators recover stolen Renoirs, make arrests in theft Investigators suspect the four arrested men were preparing another art heist By Sylvie Corbet and Eva Van Dam The Associated Press NANTERRE, France — DNA left on a protective painting cover helped investigators recover two stolen Renoirs and uncover what they suspected were preparations for another art heist, a French prosecutor said Monday. Four men were given preliminary charges in the investigation into the Sept. 8 theft from the small Renoir Museum in the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. The charges include organized theft and criminal association, Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone said. One painting, “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano,” suffered a tear. The other, “Young Woman at the Well,” had slight damage to its frame, Bessone said. He estimated their combined value at $4.7 million. The thieves used an electric saw to cut through a fence, entered the museum through the ground floor and cut clips securing the frames of four
paintings. An alarm sounded and police officers arrived four minutes later, a swift response that “apparently caused the perpetrators to panic,” Bessone said. “As they fled, they were unable to take all four paintings and abandoned two of them, which were later found in a protective sleeve,” he said.
were given preliminary charges of “concealment” of stolen paintings. They were released under judicial supervision and barred from leaving France. Two additional people who had been arrested were released without charge.
Vehicle tracking led to suspects
The Renoir Museum occupies the final home of the leading French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who lived there until his death in 1919. It is the best-known attraction in Cagnes-sur-Mer, a Mediterranean coastal town between Cannes and Nice. The theft revived painful memories of the spectacular theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris last year and renewed calls for better security and funding at the many cultural sites across France. Christian Sainte, national director of judicial police, said Monday that the country “is repeatedly targeted by organized criminal groups that carry out theft operations targeting valuable objects that are part of our cultural heritage” in museums, castles, places of worship, private homes and art galleries. French museums recorded 23 cases in 2025 and about 10 this year, he said.
The DNA found on the abandoned cover matched that of a 29-year-old already under investigation in a drug trafficking case in which police were tracking his vehicle, Bessone said. Vehicle-tracking data showed that the suspect, accompanied by a 41-year-old man, went to the home of a third man shortly after the theft, Bessone said. Police surveillance also showed that the 29-year-old on Oct. 3 visited the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence — home to a large modern art collection. The suspect then met with a fourth man known to police from art theft and forgery cases in 2001 and 2003. Bessone said the arrests were prompted by the “very strong suspicion that another heist was imminent.”
Theft renews concerns about museum security
PHILIPPE MAGONI / AP PHOTO
Recovered paintings “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano,” right, and “Young Woman at the Well,” stolen from the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer are on display at the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Conservation and Restoration of Heritage in Marseille, France, on Monday. Paintings hidden behind wall The two men suspected of carrying out the museum theft have been given preliminary charges of “theft committed by an organized gang” and “criminal association,” among other counts. They were sent to prison pending further investigation. They have denied wrongdoing, Bessone said.
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The third suspect acknowledged receiving the paintings at his home and hiding them behind a wall built beneath a staircase after the theft. Investigators recovered the Renoirs from the hiding place, Bessone said. The fourth suspect acknowledged seeing photographs of the paintings but said he did not immediately recognize them. Both of those suspects
SCHOOLS from page A1 is not necessarily a problem with students going to charter schools, as their enrollments have also decreased based on their funding reimbursement totals. “COVID changed a lot,” said Board Chair Gary Leonard. “Charter schools are concerned about private schools now. They weren’t before, but they are now.” The board also approved an updated list of capital improvement projects. The seven-year, proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project list will be sent to the Chatham County Commissioners. The list of projects lays out the groundwork to address facility, equipment and other needs with a projected cost in excess of $100,000 spanning from 2028-2034. Currently funded CIP projects include: • HVAC installation at existing gyms (anticipated to be completed by the end of the year) • HVAC upgrades (beginning in FY31) • Margaret Pollard Expansion (beginning in FY29) • Mobile classrooms (beginning in FY29) • Chatham Park/Northern Village Elementary School (beginning in FY28) • Paving repairs (beginning in FY28) • Gym replacements at Ben-
“Our kindergarten classes are smaller than our senior classes.” Mark Samberg, school accountability officer nett, Silk Hope and Bonlee (beginning in FY27) • Roofing replacements/repairs (beginning in FY27) Notable changes from the prior CIP include the movement of roofing repairs and replacements as well as HVAC upgrades from the future list to the current project list. “This includes the new gymnasiums that we’re building as well as the current gyms that we have that do not have HVAC,” said Randy Drumheller, director of maintenance and new construction. The CIP list also stated that the district needs to further study potential updates and replacements of playground equipment, school marquee signage, landscaping, athletic scoreboards and security. In addition, the CIP list laid out some future planning investments including new schools and capacity expansions, specifically a new elementary school in Chatham Park, land acquisition for the future schools and wastewater replacements. The Chatham County Schools Board of Education will next meet Nov. 16.
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GRANT from page A1 Chatham County Farmland Preservation coordinator Andrew Waters said it is the first grant award the farmland preservation program has received through ADFP’s regular conservation easement acquisition program. The program was established in 2023. “Modern farmland preservation is about matching grant resources from state, federal, and local sources,” Waters said in a release from the county. “The competition for North Carolina’s ADFP grant program has been intense over the last several years, so this is a significant milestone for our program.” The Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved $1.154 million for farmland preservation at its Sept. 21 meeting. The funding has been designated for farmland preservation
through the county’s Article 46 sales tax revenue and rollback revenue in the present use value program. “Chatham County is emerging as one of the most robust county-led farmland preservation programs in the state of North Carolina,” Waters said. “Having local funds designated for farmland preservation is critical for leveraging access to federal and statewide grant programs like the ADFP Trust Fund.” Waters also credited land protection staff at the Triangle Land Conservancy for their role in the success of the Rocky River Farm grant application. “TLC served as the landowner liaison for this project,” he said. “Without them and the incredible generosity of the farm’s owner, who is committed to the property’s permanent preservation, this project would not have been possible.”
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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
TAKE NOTICE
CREDITOR’S NOTICE
Notice to Creditors
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having qualified on the 28th day of September 2026, as Administrator of Sabastian Barron deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 8th day of January 2027 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment. This is the 29th day of September 2026. W. Woods Doster Administrator of the Estate of Sabastian Barron 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Attorneys: Law Offices of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Publish On: October 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th of 2026
Having qualified as Personal Representative (or Executor/Administrator) of the Estate of Patricia Eileen Clark, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before 01/01/2027 typically 90 days from first publication date, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 1st day of October, 2026. James Clark, Personal Representative 2133 Farrington Rd Apex, NC 27523
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000562-180 The undersigned, PHILLIP R. ELKINS, having qualified on the 7TH Day of OCTOBER 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of MATTIE PHILLIPS ELKINS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 15TH Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 15TH Day of OCTOBER 2026. PHILLIP R. ELKINS, EXECUTOR 119 SABAL COURT SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 Run dates: O15,22,29,N5p
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000522-180 The undersigned ROBIN HOLLAND MCDUFFIE, having qualified on the 11TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of FRED JACKSON HOLLAND, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 24TH Day OF DECEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 24TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. ROBIN HOLLAND MCDUFFIE, EXECUTOR 86 BLUEBERRY HILL ROAD PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: S24,O1,8,15P
Notice to Creditors All Persons, firms and corporations having claims against Helen B. Brooks, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before January 1, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the deceased are asked to make immediate payment. This first day of October, 2026. Helen L. Dark, Executor Estate of Helen B. Brooks P. O. Box 512 Pittsboro, N. C. 27312
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ZELOTA MARKHAM McDONALD CHATHAM COUNTY CLERK OF COURT FILE No.: 26E000545-180 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against ZELOTA MARKHAM McDONALD, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before January 4, 2027 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 1st day of October, 2026. Douglas Edward Markham P.O. Box 130923 Houston, TX 77219 Publication dates: October 1, 2026, October 8, 2026, October 15, 2026 & October 22, 2026
CREDITOR’S NOTICE
NOTICE
Having qualified on the 16th day of July 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Frances Elizabeth Gilmore, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 15th day of January, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment. This is the 9th day of October 2026. W. Woods Doster, Administrator of the Estate of Frances Elizabeth Gilmore 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Attorneys: Law Offices of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Publish On: October 15,22,29th and November 5, 2026.
NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY __________________________________________ ______________________________ HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Jerry Lea Kidd of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 15th day of January, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 7th day of October, 2026. Darin Kidd, Executor of the Estate of Jerry Lea Kidd 7234 Side Church Road Seagrove, North Carolina 27341 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850
NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Joseph Yunker Kenlan, 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 Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC, 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, on or before the 24th day of December 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 24th day of September, 2026. JANICE BRADLEY RIEVES, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF JOSEPH YUNKER KENLAN
NOTICE TO CREDITORS 26E000516-180 The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Mary Hondros Pappas, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at her address, P. O. Box 1515, Pittsboro, North Carolina, 27312, on or before the 1st day of January, 2027, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This 25th day of September, 2026. Cathleen Pappas Whitted P. O. Box 1515 Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312 October 1, 8, 15, 22
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY __________________________________________ ______________________________ HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator of the Estate of Ruben Josue Perez Corona a/k/a Jose DeJesus Robles Cruz of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 31st day of December, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 23rd day of September, 2026. Pompeya Corona Gonzalez, Administrator Of the Estate of Ruben Josue Perez Corona a/k/a Jose DeJesus Robles Cruz 1680 Devils Tramping Ground Road Bear Creek, North Carolina 27207 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY __________________________________________ ______________________________ HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Bruce Landon Clark of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 7th day of January, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 30th day of September, 2026. Tony Landon Clark, Executor of the Estate of Bruce Landon Clark 4085 Piney Grove Church Road Siler City, North Carolina 27344 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#19E000259-180 The undersigned ANGELA SPINKS DUPLIN, having qualified on the 3RD Day of MAY 2024 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of LOUISE BREWER SPINKS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 1ST Day OF JANUARY 2027, 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 1ST DAY OF OCTOBER 2026. ANGELA SPINKS DUPLIN, EXECUTOR 551 MARGARET PL GARNER, NC 27529 Run dates: O1,8,15,22P
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000554-180 The undersigned, JULIE SCHIBLER, having qualified on the 5TH Day of OCTOBER 2026 as ADMINISTRATRIX of the Estate of MIGNON RODGERS DEBERRY, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 15TH Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 15TH Day of OCTOBER 2026. JULIE SCHIBLER, ADMINISTRATRIX 9 CALDWELL PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: O15,22,29,N5p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF JAMES RALPH STARLING FILE NO. 26E000436-180 ALL PERSONS, firms, and corporations having claims against James Ralph Starling, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before December 24, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 24th of September, 2026. Betsy Starling, Executor of the Estate of James Ralph Starling, c/o Amanda Honea, Attorney, 1255 Crescent Green, Suite 200, Cary, NC 27518.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Vivian Barnett Brown, deceased of Chatham County, North Carolina, on the 8th day of September, 2026, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of the attorney for the estate on or before the 26th day of December, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 24th day of September 2026. Gloria Ruth Weissman, Personal Representative, c/o Christina G. Hinkle, Attorney for the Estate, McPherson, Rocamora, Nicholson & Hinkle, PLLC; 3211 Shannon Road, Suite 400, Durham, NC 27707. September 24, October 1, 8, 15 2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 26E000485-180 ALL persons having claims against Earl David Austin, Sr., deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Jan 15 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 15th day of October, 2026. NICOLE AUSTIN, Administrator C/O Mackintosh Law, PLLC c/o Mackintosh Law, 1201 Aversboro Road, Suite C Garner, North Carolina 27529 O15, 22, 29 and 5
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 26E000386-180 ALL persons having claims against DAVID JOSHUA BENELIYAHU, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Dec 24 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 24th day of September, 2026. c/o DIANE WOLBER BENELIYAHU, Executor C/O Jones Branz & Whitaker LLP 4030 Wake Forest Rd. Ste. 300 Raleigh, NC 27609 S24, 1, 8 and 15
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000563-180 The undersigned, WILLIAM W. BROOKS, having qualified on the 8TH Day of OCTOBER 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of FRANK G. BROOKS, III, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 15TH Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 15TH Day of OCTOBER 2026. WILLIAM W. BROOKS, ADMINISTRATOR 512 W. ELK STREET SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: O15,22,29,N5p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000531-180 The undersigned JOHN R. HEATH, having qualified on the 22ND Day of SEPTEMBER 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JOHN F. HEATH, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 1ST Day OF JANUARY 2027, 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 1ST DAY OF OCTOBER 2026. JOHN R. HEATH, EXECUTOR 114 JACK BENNETT ROAD CHAPEL HILL, NC 27517 Run dates: O1,8,15,22P
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000541-180 The undersigned, SCOTT HUNTER, having qualified on the 25TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JACQUELINE MARIE HUNTER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 15TH Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 15TH Day of OCTOBER 2026. SCOTT HUNTER, EXECUTOR 195 FUTRELL RIDGE COURT CHAPEL HILL, NC 27517 Run dates: O15,22,29,N5p
NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF Patricia Ann Eubanks Horton All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Patricia Ann Eubanks Horton, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit them to Jeffrey Wayne Horton as Executor of the decedent’s estate on or before December 26, 2026, c/o Janet B. Witchger, Attorney at Law, 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Executor. This the 24th day of September 2026. Jeffrey Wayne Horton, Executor c/o Janet B. Witchger, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000525-180 The undersigned MARK BAXTER, having qualified on the 15TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of BARBARA LUDWIG, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 24TH Day OF DECEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 24TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026. MARK BAXTER, EXECUTOR 812 KEITH ROAD WAKE FOREST, NC 27587 Run dates: S24,O1,8,15P
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000534-180 The undersigned HEATHER CULBERSON, having qualified on the 22ND Day of SEPTEMBER 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of BOYD LEE CULBERSON, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 8TH Day OF JANUARY 2027, 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 8TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2026. HEATHER CULBERSON, EXECUTOR 675 VANDER OLDHAM ROAD BEAR CREEK, NC 27207 Run dates: O8,15,22,29P
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000437-180 The undersigned JOANN ELAINE FARRAR, having qualified on the 4TH Day of AUGUST 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of DIONE O’BRIAN FARRAR, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 8TH Day OF JANUARY 2027, 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 8TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2026. JOANN ELAINE FARRAR, EXECUTOR 114A JOHN HENRY DRIVE SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: O8,15,22,29P
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000062-180 The undersigned JULIA S. JOHNSON, having qualified on the 26TH Day of MARCH 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of RUBY SEYMOUR, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 1ST Day OF JANUARY 2027, 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 1ST DAY OF OCTOBER 2026. JULIA S. JOHNSON, ADMINISTRATOR 115 WATER TOWER RD. MONCURE, NC 27559 Run dates: O1,8,15,22P
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE A public hearing will be held by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Monday, October 19, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The public hearing will be held in the courtroom of the Historic Courthouse in Pittsboro, North Carolina at 9 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro NC 27312. Additional information is available at the Chatham County Planning Department office. Speakers are requested to sign up at the meeting prior to the hearing. You may also sign up on the county website prior to the meeting at www.chathamcountync.gov by selecting the heading County Government, then Commissioner Meetings, then Public Comment. The public hearing may be continued to another date at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive input, both written and oral, on the issues listed below. Legislative Request: A legislative public hearing requested by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners to consider amendments to the Chatham County Subdivision Regulations; specifically, Section 5 Process for Subdivisions, Section 6 Specifications for Documents to be Submitted, Section 7 Requirements and Minimum Standards for Improvements, Reservations and Design, Section 8 Development Prerequisite to Final Approval, and Section 11 Appendix A: Certification Forms for Initial and Final Approvals. Substantial changes may be made following the public hearing due to verbal or written comments received or based on the Board’s discussions. Notice to people with special needs: If you have audio or visual impairment, unique accessibility requirements or need language assistance, please call the number listed below prior to the hearing and assistance may be provided. If you have any questions or comments concerning these issues, please call the Chatham County Planning Department at 919-542-8204, or write to P.O. Box 54, Pittsboro N.C. 27312. Please run in your paper: October 8th and 15th, 2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as Limited Personal Representative for the purpose of providing notice to creditors without administration of the estate of Rene Rasmussen, 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 January 15, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This October 15, 2026. Sofia Collins, Limited Personal Representative Estate of Rene Rasmussen
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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
PVC pipes swept away by Hurricane Helene flooding still dominate cleanup of NC river The cleanup has consumed 50,000 work-hours and $1.5 million, with years of work still ahead By Tammy Webber and Allison Joyce The Associated Press WOODFIN — They’re piled on river banks, lodged in uprooted trees, embedded in sediment and jammed under logs. Many are tangled in mounds of debris up to two stories high. Two years after Hurricane Helene leveled forests, bulldozed houses and filled western North Carolina rivers with everything from cars to refrigerators, the work of cleaning up the debris goes on. And along the iconic French Broad River, known for its whitewater rapids, one item stands out among the rest: massive numbers of PVC pipes that washed away from a factory north of Asheville. “Just the amount of time and energy that we put into removing all this pipe is exhausting,” said Jon Stamper, operations director at MountainTrue, the nonprofit conducting cleanup on several rivers affected by Helene. “We still have stretches of river that haven’t been touched.” MountainTrue estimates its crews have pulled hundreds of thousands of pipes from the river — most of which went to landfills — with an untold number still littering the river for 70 miles (113 kilometers), to a large lake at the Tennessee border. Canada-based IPEX would not say how many pipes were stored at its Woodfin, North Carolina, site before the storm or share results of a company-funded study of how much remains in the river, calling the information “commercially sensitive.” Offi-
cials did say 60% of pipes stored outdoors at the site, sandwiched between railroad tracks and the river, were swept away in the 2024 flood, but most were recovered fairly quickly. But the company acknowledged that the remaining debris was significant and has agreed to pay MountainTrue $500,000 toward continued cleanup on the French Broad, which will allow the organization to continue working into next year. A $10 million state grant awarded to MountainTrue in 2025 to clean up debris in several western North Carolina rivers that was set to expire in December has been extended to February. The organization said there’s still a long way to go, and estimates that it’s spent 50,000 work-hours and over $1.5 million just on pipe removal, which is only in the French Broad. PVC pipe comprises 80% of the debris in some areas, according to MountainTrue, posing risks to rafters and kayakers, changing water flow and altering the ecosystem. “We understand the ongoing challenge,” IPEX CEO Colleen Pritchett said. “We recognize that ... recovery efforts are complex, they’re resource-intensive, and it’s constantly shaped by the river conditions.” Epic flood took everyone by surprise Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina in late September 2024, dumping more than 30 inches of rain in some areas, triggering landslides, toppling trees, pushing buildings off their foundations and choking waterways. At IPEX, an earthen berm was the only thing separating tall stacks of pipes from the French Broad River. Company officials said they expected a so-called
ALLISON JOYCE / AP PHOTO
Workers from MountainTrue paddle IPEX PVC pipe they collected from the riverbank July 22 in Alexander. 100-year flood — meaning it has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year — and moved pipes out of that flood zone. But the flooding from Helene was 10 times worse. “We secured the site as best we could and we sent people home a day before the flooding was expected,” said Johnny Drummond, vice president of manufacturing. He said the company did not anticipate a 1,000-year flood, which has a 1-in-1,000 chance of occurring. The company closed the factory for a couple of months afterward, with losses “well over $100 million,” Pritchett said. It since has invested over $100 million to repair and strengthen the buildings, and now is studying ways to contain the pipes in future floods — something MountainTrue had publicly urged for months. Though there’s much more than IPEX debris still in the waterways, the pipes are so ubiquitous that “there are places where you go that it makes up almost everything that we remove,” said Stamper, who formerly worked for a whitewater river outfit-
ter and now oversees 10 cleanup crews totaling about 100 people — many of them former river or fishing guides who lost their livelihoods after the hurricane. Removing the pipe is especially vexing because it binds with other debris and has embedded in the river bottom, where fish and other creatures have taken up residence inside. Stamper said he also worries about long-term environmental and health effects from the pipe, which can degrade and become brittle, leaving microplastics in the river. “We want to avoid that stuff sitting there forever and just slowly deteriorating and breaking into smaller and smaller pieces,” said Stamper. “Some of the pipe that’s been sitting out since Hurricane Helene that has been exposed to the sun all the time is getting to the point where you could crack it when you grab it.” Removing pipes tedious, sometimes dangerous Some of the pipes — both straight, rigid plastic and flexible
coils that have unraveled — are under huge piles of tangled logs topped by other debris, often in mounds 20 feet (6 meters) high. Cleanup crews “just sort of picture it as a jungle gym” that they must climb and balance on as they clear the pile, said Jemima Filiss-Cook, who leads the cleanup in Madison County, where most of the pipe is concentrated. She said many crew members were already cleaning up the river before MountainTrue hired them, as a way of “trauma bonding” over what had happened. They include avid outdoorspeople, including rock climbers, because the cleanup is “quite a tedious and technical process” that requires a comfort with the rigors of the job, said Anna Alsobrook, MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper. Crews saw longer pipes into smaller chunks, load them on a boat, then take it downstream to a landing spot where it’s loaded onto a truck. Almost all of the pipe goes to a landfill, though some in good condition are given to community members, because there are no good recycling options, MountainTrue said. “I truly don’t think anybody else could do this work except for our debris team members,” said Alsobrook, noting they must be able to navigate whitewater rapids with a boat full of pipes and saws. The first priority was removing pipes that could pose an immediate danger or entrapment hazard to tubers or kayakers, and much of the remaining debris stranded in flood plains and on banks, especially around riverbends and corners and vulnerable to being washed away in another flood, Stamper said. But it becomes apparent that many pipes are still in the river whenever the water levels change, he said. MountainTrue is applying for other grants to help extend its program after state and IPEX funding run out, Stamper said, because it could take years to remove all the debris. “We’re going to do our best as long as the funding allows,” he said. “But there’s going to be pipe out there that we can’t get ever.”
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CHATHAM SPORTS
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Jordan-Matthews’ Namir Wiley struggles to break free from Northwood’s Rowan Fisher during Friday night’s game.
Unbeaten Bears breeze to another victory Northwood pulled away from Jordan-Matthews in an in-county matchup Chatham News & Record staff BEAR CREEK — Brooks Albright threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as undefeated Chatham Central cruised to a 43-6 victory against visiting College Prep & Leadership Academy last Friday night. Tyler Congrove racked up 76 yards and a touchdown on three carries in the Greater Triad Conference game.
Albright completed 9 of 17 passes for 187 yards. His touchdown throws went to Nolan Mitchell and Carson Jackson. Chatham Central’s Gavin Williams recovered a fumble for a touchdown. Teammate Matthew Victorino intercepted a pass. College Prep & Leadership Academy fell to 1-6, 0-3. • Northwood 56, Jordan-Matthews 22: At Siler City, Finn Sullivan threw for four touchdowns and the visiting Chargers had a huge second half in the Four Rivers Conference game. Aiden Girard ran for three touchdowns and 122 yards on 13
Friday’s games • Jordan-Matthews at Southwestern Randolph • North Moore at Northwood • Bishop McGuinness at Chatham Central • Seaforth at South Granville
carries, and Raje Torres racked up 107 yards on the ground on nine attempts. Sullivan completed 10 of 13 passes for 247 yards. Northwood (3-4, 1-1) led 28-22 at halftime.
PREP VOLLEYBALL
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Chatham Central defenders make it difficult on College Prep & Leadership Academy’s Braylon Bobbitt.
For Jordan-Matthews (4-4, 1-1), Khalil Sherrod threw for two touchdowns but was intercepted twice. Lennox Mor-
decai and Jaden Fisher, who compiled 105 receiving yards, See BEARS, page B2
PREP SOCCER
Teams gear up for postseason Jets, Chargers rise to top in conference
Woods Charter and Seaforth collected regular-season honors
Northwood and Jordan-Matthews will meet in a showdown next week
Chatham News & Record staff SEAFORTH’S volleyball team ended the regular season on a five-match winning streak. The Hawks were Big Seven Conference regular-season co-champions with Cedar Ridge. Both teams went 11-1 in the regular season, though Seaforth drew the No. 2 seed for this week’s conference tournament. The pairings come out for the state playoffs Thursday with first-round matches beginning Tuesday. Seaforth is bound to have a first-round bye. Last week, Seaforth won two five-set matches on the road. The Hawks topped Orange 27-29, 22-25, 25-16, 25-17, 15-9, with Sarah Beth Smith and Ally Forbes both notching 21 kills. Seaforth then prevailed 19-25, 25-20, 25-24, 20-25, 15-10 against Carrboro, with Forbes supplying 18 kills, while Isabelle Valgus, Emira Leonard and Ella Fuller all turned in 10 service points. See VOLLEYBALL, page B2
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Seaforth’s volleyball team huddles up on its way to a Big Seven Conference regular-season co-championship.
Chatham News & Record staff
Jordan-Matthews and Northwood will have a conference rematch Oct. 19 at Northwood
THE JORDAN-MATTHEWS boys’ soccer team halted Southwestern Randolph’s winning streak in league competition by defeating the host Cougars 3-1 last week in the Four Rivers Conference. The outcome snapped Southwestern Randolph’s winning string in conference matchups at 15 games dating to 2024, when it was a member of the Piedmont Athletic Conference. The Cougars are the reigning Class 4A state champions. Jordan-Matthews also won on the road at Uwharrie Charter Academy, grabbing a 5-0 victory. The Jets and Northwood entered this week as the top two teams in the conference. They’ll meet in a rematch Oct. 19 at Northwood. • Northwood’s unbeaten string reached six games, capped by a 3-3 tie with visiting Southwestern Randolph.
The Chargers also topped visiting North Moore 2-0 last week. • Seaforth bounced back from a Big Seven Conference home loss to first-place Carrboro by winning 5-2 in overtime at Cedar Ridge. Carrboro won 4-0 against the Hawks. • Woods Charter collected three victories last week in the Central Tar Heel 1A Conference, beginning with a forfeit against Southern Wake. Then came a 3-0 road victory against Ascend Leadership and a 1-0 road success against Central Carolina Academy. Also in the conference, Chatham Charter’s seven-game losing streak ended with last week’s 6-2 victory against visiting The Hawbridge School as Colten Pena scored five goals and Breylan Harris had the other goal.
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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Finn Sullivan
Stevenson scores big in exhibition The former Seaforth player gave a boost to the Tar Heels Chatham News & Record staff GREENSBORO — Seaforth alum Jarin Stevenson’s 25 points and 10 rebounds helped UNC’s men’s basketball team win its exhibition opener.
The Tar Heels topped Southern California 88-70 last Friday night at First Horizon Coliseum. It marked the first game in public for UNC under new coach Michael Malone. “Jarin works his butt off, and I’m proud of him,” Malone said. Stevenson, who played nearly 31 minutes for a team-high
total, sank four 3-point shots. Southern Cal led 39-37 at halftime. UNC used a 12-0 run as the Trojans went nearly six minutes without scoring to take control. Neo Avdalas added 15 points and Isaiah Denis had 14 points for the Tar Heels. UNC has another exhibition Sunday in Indianapolis against Indiana.
CHRIS CARLSON / AP PHOTO
UNC’s Jarin Stevenson (15) vies for the ball during an NCAA Tournament game in March.
BEARS from page B1 had the touchdown receptions. • Seaforth 71, Cedar Ridge 0: At Pittsboro, Duncan Parker threw six touchdown passes in the Big Seven Conference game.
Parker’s 17-for-24 passing resulted in 389 yards. Mason Pooley made two touchdown receptions, while Jude O’Neill, Max Hinchman, Noah Fuller and Connor Daley also made touchdown catches. Hinchman
had 101 yards on six catches. O’Neill, Hinchman and Fuller also scored on runs. Cedar Ridge fell to 0-6, 0-2. Seaforth’s game this week at South Granville pits the only teams without a Big Seven Conference loss.
fourth place in the Greater Triad Conference. In the Bears’ 25-12, 22-25, 26-24, 25-14 triumph against South Davidson, Addison Goldston had 18 kills to go with Nicole Maness’ 18 service points and 25 digs. Maeson Smith had 16 service points, and Lizzy Murray provided 15 assists. In defeating Winston-Salem Prep 25-11, 25-8, 25-19, Goldston had 17 kills and Lille Poe cranked out 12 service points. • Woods Charter was the regular-season champion in the Central Tar Heel 1A Confer-
ence with a 14-0 league mark. That included last week’s sweeps of Central Carolina Academy and Southern Wake and a five-set escape at Chatham Charter. Annabel Unah had 24 kills and 17 service points, and Cecilia Brignati supplied 39 assists in the 25-14, 17-25, 25-18, 23-25, 15-6 victory at Chatham Charter. Chatham Charter finished in fourth place in the regular season, capped by a 25-15, 27-25, 25-15 home victory against Central Carolina Academy on Friday.
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Northwood, football
VOLLEYBALL from page B1
Finn Sullivan is a senior quarterback on the Northwood football team. He’s also played baseball and basketball for the Chargers. Northwood put up 56 points in a win over Jordan-Matthews last week. Sullivan was near perfect at quarterback, completing 10 of 13 passes for 247 yards. He threw four touchdowns and had a quarterback rating of 157.9. For the season, Sullivan leads the Four Rivers 3A/4A conference in passing yards and is second in total yards. He is 14th in all of N.C. Class 3A in passing yardage.
• Northwood placed fourth in the Four Rivers Conference with losses at Southwestern Randolph and at home to Uwharrie Charter Academy to close the regular season last week. Winless Jordan-Matthews placed last in the conference following home setbacks to UCA and Eastern Randolph. • Chatham Central won its final two regular-season matches with home victories against South Davidson and Winston-Salem Prep to finish in
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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Could Young really be MVP contender? Through 4 games, numbers answer yes The Panthers’ quarterback leads the NFL in passing
team. It doesn’t give us any extra yards, any extra points. We have to earn those.”
By Steve Reed The Associated Press
What’s working
CHARLOTTE — After Bryce Young rifled a 9-yard pass to Darren Waller on fourth-and-4 in the fourth quarter Oct. 4 during what became Carolina’s sixth straight scoring drive, the chants cascaded down from the upper deck at Bank of America Stadium. “M-V-P! M-V-P! M-V-P!” Young finished off the Panthers’ 32-26 win over the Detroit Lions with yet another impressive stat line. He completed 29 of 41 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns while playing without two of his top three receivers. Granted, it came against the league’s worst pass defense. But the idea of Young, who was benched two games into his second season in 2024, being an MVP candidate may not be far-fetched. Through four games, the numbers put him among the league’s best quarterbacks. Following the win, Young led the NFL in yards passing (1,268), passing first downs (63), completions of 10-plus yards (55), completions of 25-plus yards (13) and deep passing yards (321),
JACOB KUPFERMAN / AP PHOTO
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws the ball during a win over the Detroit Lions. and was tied for third in touchdown passes (nine). He’s on pace to throw for 5,389 yards and 38 touchdowns, which would shatter franchise records. Young has thrown for at least 287 yards in all four games, a huge leap for a player who
struggled to eclipse 175 yards passing for the better part of his first two seasons. Now in his fourth season and third in the same offense, he is looking comfortable and confident. If Young took any satisfaction from hearing those chants,
he wasn’t about to let on. The 5-foot-10 Young may lack size, but he’s never been short on humility. “Obviously the support is a huge blessing. I’m super grateful for this community, for the fan base,” Young said. “But again, it doesn’t affect us as a football
Behind a strong run-pass option game, the Panthers were finally able to get Chuba Hubbard going. Hubbard ran for 122 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns, and he helped open up passing opportunities for Young. It was the first time this season the Panthers were able to use the run game to set up the pass. “It was great to have a little bit of balance there with some of the RPOs and playing off the runs,” coach Dave Canales said. “As you know, we’re trying to get our run game going, and we saw that happen (Sunday). The RPO loosens it up a little bit and allows you to have some optionality. You can start to dictate to the defense whether they can play zone or man and how they try to attack those things.” The run game has the potential to take another step forward once the Panthers get their starting offensive tackles back. Ickey Ekwonu (knee) and Taylor Moton (lung clots) have yet to play this season. Moton could return this week, but Ekwonu remains at least a few more weeks away.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) leaves the field with the game ball after beating the Lions.
SCOTT KINSER / AP PHOTO
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B4 SIDELINE REPORT NCAA BASKETBALL
Altman retires after 16 seasons at Oregon including Final Four berth, 9 NCAA bids Longtime Oregon men’s basketball coach Dana Altman has announced his retirement. Altman decided to end his 37-year coaching career less than a month before the start of the new season. He spent the last 16 seasons at Oregon, leading the Ducks to a Final Four among nine NCAA Tournament appearances. The 68-year-old Altman says he no longer has the energy to perform to his standard. Assistant coach Tony Stubblefield will lead the Ducks this season.
NFL
Browns rookie Concepcion ruled out after helmet-to-helmet hit by Jets’ Fitzpatrick East Rutherford, N.J. Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion left with a concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit from the Jets’ Minkah Fitzpatrick. Concepcion appeared to make a catch when Fitzpatrick hit him in the helmet, causing the ball to drop. Concepcion went face down on the turf and appeared unconscious. After a few minutes, he sat up and walked to the locker room. The Browns ruled him out for the game shortly after. Fitzpatrick was penalized for the hit on a defenseless receiver.
NCAA FOOTBALL
Georgia seizes No. 1 spot atop AP Top 25 as Oklahoma upsets Texas Georgia is back on top of the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2024 after a 20-17 win over Alabama. The Bulldogs moved up after Texas’ loss to Oklahoma. UCLA and Kentucky are the week’s biggest climbers. The Bruins jumped to No. 12 after upsetting Oregon, while Kentucky returned to the poll at No. 15 after beating LSU 35-34. LSU fell from No. 10 to No. 22, and Oregon and Florida dropped out of the rankings. Wake Forest entered at No. 21, its first ranking since 2022.
NCAA BASKETBALL
Kentucky State’s Seck freed while another player lands in ICE custody Louisville, Ky. A Kentucky State women’s basketball player from Senegal who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been released after spending two months in custody. A judge granted a $2,500 bond for Aminata Seck, and it was posted after ICE did not appeal. Meanwhile, a men’s basketball player from Mississippi Valley State has been placed in ICE custody. Qingfang Pang, who is from China, was recently detained and is being held at the Richwood Correctional Facility.
Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Panthers’ offense thriving under new play caller Idzik 4 games into season Carolina ranks near the top of the league in most categories By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales misses the rush of calling plays on game day. But the third-year head coach believes that handing over the call sheet to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik before the season was the right call after two years of handling those duties himself. It’s hard to argue that point. The Panthers (2-2) enter the bye week near the top of the league in most offensive categories with Idzik calling the shots. Carolina has gone from 26th in the league in passing a year ago to first this year, averaging 301.3 yards per game. The Panthers are fourth in the league in both scoring (30.3) and total yards (405.8) per game, and they rank in the top 10 in red zone offense. Fourth-year quarterback Bryce Young is suddenly looking like a potential MVP candidate. The 25-year-old is on pace to throw for nearly 5,400 yards with 38 touchdown passes. “Really, the part that I miss the most is just how fast it happens live — there’s such a rush in it,” Canales said. “Forty seconds is not very long for you to be able to consider what the situation is, who my guys are, what are they doing and all that stuff. It’s really stimulating. And then, of course, when it works well, you win the game and the payoff for the whole group. We did this. Yeah, I miss that.” Canales said Idzik has done an outstanding job in his first stint as an NFL play caller, crediting his mix of calls that include run-pass option, bub-
PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO
Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, left, talks on the sideline with quarterback Bryce Young, center. ble screens and play actions to keep defenses on their heels. He also credited Idzik for the speed in which he relays calls to Young in the huddle. “The sooner he can get it to Bryce, the sooner Bryce can take himself through the whole play and visualize what’s going to happen,” Canales said. “So I have been really proud of that.” Canales and Idzik worked together in Tampa Bay in 2023. Idzik accepted the offensive coordinator role in Carolina after Canales was hired the following offseason with the understanding he wouldn’t be the play caller. That changed during the offseason. Canales recognized that having a more global approach might serve the team better. That was evident in Carolina’s 32-26 Oct. 4 win over the Lions when he was able to pull aside Akayleb Evans and give
“He’s good at seeing what we like, what Bryce likes.” Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan on Brad Idzik the team’s fill-in cornerback a pep talk after surrendering a 57-yard completion to Isaac TeSlaa. Canales said that’s not something he would have been able to do had he needed to focus on the next offensive series. “I was able to connect with him on the sideline and just be like, ‘Look, this is a great opportunity. You’ve given up a few plays. They’re going to come back (at you) here. So just be ready for the next opp(ortunity) because you’re going to get that,’” Canales said.
He had a similar conversation with outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen after he made a few “uncharacteristic mental errors” early in the game. Umanmielen put his miscues behind him and came up with a late sack that helped seal the Carolina win. Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who had a career game against the Lions with 14 catches on 16 targets for 192 yards and two touchdowns, said Idzik is putting players in the right positions. McMillan added that he likes that Idzik has been open to suggestions from players when it comes to play calls. “He’s good at seeing what we like, what Bryce likes,” McMillan said. “He likes to communicate in that way as far as getting our opinions. He’s humble in that way as far as just asking everybody for their opinions.”
Phillips touts ACC’s health amid possible departures, realignment in future The commissioner was optimistic despite four teams telegraphing a possible departure
“We’re as healthy as we’ve ever been.” ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips on the state of the league
By Aaron Beard The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips isn’t publicly fretting about four member schools expressing support for tweaking realignment provisions in the Protect College Sports Act to make it easier for schools to change leagues. Speaking at preseason ACC basketball media days, Phillips touted the health and financial gains for the league while also saying schools “need direct access to state their case” when it comes to the proposed law to reform college athletics. The U.S. Senate has approved a version of the measure and sent it to the House. The presidents and chancellors of Clemson, Florida State, Miami and UNC sent a letter last week to House leaders seeking to increase the bill’s membership cap for conferences from 20 to 22 schools. They also requested removing a requirement for a school to be independent for three years before joining another league. Phillips said he would continue to stay in touch with all ACC schools and noted most back the measure. “We have 14 schools that feel really good about it that want to sign it, and we have four schools that have an issue with a portion of it,” he said. “So
BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips walks the sideline during a football game last year. that’s what I’m going to continue to push towards the decision makers and those that have written the bill to date.” FSU and Clemson filed lawsuits against the ACC in 2023 and 2024, respectively, to challenge the league’s ability to levy hundreds of millions in exit fees to leave the conference. The league countersued. The parties ultimately settled the case in early 2025 with a deal that revised long-term exit costs while also revamping the league’s revenue-distribution model as a way for schools generating the highest TV ratings to earn more money. That’s been part of a series of changes by the league to bolster the financial picture while facing a growing gap behind the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences, though still finishing ahead of the Big 12 among the
Power Four. The ACC reported about $826.5 million in total revenue in tax filings covering the 2024-25 sports season, with schools earning a full distribution share getting an average of $47.1 million. That continued an upward trajectory from $617 million for 2021-22 in Phillips’ first full season, good for a full-share average of $39.4 million. By comparison, the Big Ten and SEC both crossed the $1 billion mark in total revenue in their 2024-25 filings, with the Big Ten paying an average of nearly $79.9 million to full-share members while the SEC came in at nearly $72.4 million. The ACC’s legal settlement with Clemson and FSU helped make 2030-31 a significant marker. The ACC’s exit fee will decline each year before leveling off around $75 million
per school that season, while media deals for other leagues are expiring around that time to create at least the potential for another wave of broad realignment. Provisions in any new law could make that harder, starting with membership caps that could limit the available landing spots. In addition, requiring a school to operate as an independent for a defined period after leaving a league would mean missing formerly guaranteed media payouts before being able to cash in elsewhere. “I’ve been very consistent about I have always tried to make sure that this was a conference that people wanted to be in, and I’m really proud of what we’ve done,” Phillips said. “We’re as healthy as we’ve ever been.” Phillips declined to discuss “hypotheticals” when asked whether he was concerned about whether this was a sign of multiple schools intending to leave. “The conference is in a good place,” he said. “Healthy, functioning, achieving at a high level. We’ll see where all this takes us. So you have to be ready. You have to be ready for anything. But I feel good about where we’re at, and we’ll see what this bill ends up doing.”
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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Busch’s 11-year-old son highlights father’s ‘celebration of life’ ceremony with burnout The NASCAR legend’s life was honored at an emotional ceremony at Charlotte Motor Speedway
By Steve Reed The Associated Press CONCORD — The NASCAR community and more than 10,000 race fans celebrated the life of the late Kyle Busch during an uplifting ceremony at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Busch’s widow, Samantha Busch, spoke at the free event and shared memories of their life together during an emotional 10-minute speech. But it was 11-year-old son Brexton, a budding racer, who stole the show with a burnout on the track’s frontstretch in his father’s No. 8 car before climbing on the roof and honoring his dad by doing his traditional bow with a checkered flag. “I don’t want to feel like we are putting a period on (his life) today,” Samantha Busch said. “This is not the end of Kyle’s story. His story continues every time we give a young racer a chance, share something he taught us or share with the next generation what made Rowdy unforgettable.” She added: “Years from now I hope people remember Kyle as one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers. He worked his entire life for that. But I also hope they meet someone whose life is better because Kyle was here. That’s a legacy that no checkered flag can contain.” Busch died unexpectedly in May at age 41 from hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation after complications from bacterial pneumonia led to sepsis. The news sent shock waves throughout the sport, and several drivers have celebrated their wins this season by honoring Busch with his postrace bow in Victory Lane. Friday night was about remembering the good times.
PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO
Kyle Busch waves to fans while doing a victory lap after winning a qualifying race for the 2013 Daytona 500. Samantha Busch talked about how happy Kyle was at the end of his career — despite not winning many races during one stretch — because he loved being a father and raising Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix. She shared memories of spending nights at dirt tracks across the country and being exhausted late at night following a race while Brexton ran around with his friends covered in dirt and grease. Those, she said, are the memories she will cherish the most, calling it their happiest times. She also thanked the racing community. “I never fully understood what this sport meant until we lost him,” Samantha Busch said. “The races kept going, the cars kept circling the track, but our world had stopped. I
didn’t know how we would find our way without him. But then all of you showed us. You came to Brexton’s races. You honored Kyle at every racetrack across the country and shared what he meant to you.” Kurt Busch, Kyle’s older brother and former Cup Series champion, shared stories, memories and funny moments about the driver fondly known as “Rowdy.” Christopher Bell, Noah Gragson, Daniel Suárez, Kyle Larson and Austin Dillon also spoke at the one-hour ceremony. “Even at a young age, he wanted to do everything better than me,” Kurt Busch said. “It was tough to beat him on the track even though I had six years on him.” After Kurt Busch won his first Cup Series pole at Darlington in 2001, he was asked by re-
porters about his little brother who was winning races in lower level series across the country. “I said back then, ‘You think I’m good, you just wait until Kyle gets here,’” Kurt Busch said. Busch’s 234 race wins across NASCAR’s top three national series is the most of any driver in history, and he is considered a certain first-ballot Hall of Famer. He won 63 Cup Series races and earned season championships in 2015 and 2019. Larson called him the most talented driver he’s raced against. The celebration was put on by Kyle Busch Motorsports and featured 10 iconic cars representative of Busch’s motorsports career. The evening concluded with an acoustic musical performance
Knicks champion Towns opens up about grief for World Mental Health Day Athletes are getting more honest about the need for mental health care By James Pollard The Associated Press NEW YORK — Karl-Anthony Towns has been traded from Minnesota, lost the conference finals and won the NBA title for his childhood team — and still feels he is in the period of grief that began six years ago. Just 10 days before the New York Knicks’ banner-raising celebration, the All-Star big man marked World Mental Health Day by sharing his ongoing emotional journey following the death of his mother to complications from COVID-19. Entering the first game of this year’s NBA Finals, he said he felt “this very big calm” wash over him. He was taken back to amateur youth games with crowds so small he could spot his mom from anywhere. “I felt like it was kinda just me, her and the game of basketball,” he told the audience gathered by the nonprofit Project Healthy Minds. “I was able to be like an artist out there. I was able to have my paint brush and have a canvas with the court. And I was able to just paint a beautiful picture for her about the love I have for the game. The love I have to show the world because of her.” There was a time when he had lost that love for the game. Towns, whose bright smile became a constant image of the Knicks’ championship run, said basketball “felt hollow” after his mother’s death. “I didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore,” he said.
HEATHER KHALIFA / AP PHOTO
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns takes part in a discussion at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival. But Towns found some solace in Arnie Kander, a well-known strength and wellness coach. “Just to be heard, to be able to talk to someone you can trust, be able to really unload all that pain onto it and allow them to understand your feelings and articulate your feelings the right way, it makes life much lighter,” he said. “And I felt myself getting lighter every time we kept talking.” Project Healthy Minds hopes Towns’ example will inspire others to seek mental health care. The tech nonprofit runs a free online marketplace for finding therapy, psychiatry, support groups and other services.
These sorts of conversations are growing more prevalent among athletes. DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love kick-started the conversation eight years ago when DeRozan tweeted about depression and Love then published a first-person essay about anxiety. Most players won’t feel that comfortable constantly telling their story. Mental health isn’t a topic of discussion in the locker room. But players are certainly more aware of its impact. Another panel featured former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall for a conversation about finding purpose outside
“I didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore.” Karl-Anthony Towns on playing basketball while grieving his mother of performance. Marshall, a six-time Pro Bowl player who publicly shared his borderline personality disorder diagnosis in 2011, said therapy showed him how to “connect with his brain.” He even started taking his therapy sessions in the cafeteria to normalize it for others.
by country artist Cole Swindell. The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte also unveiled a new exhibit, “Kyle Busch: Honoring A Legacy,” honoring Busch’s 25-year professional racing career. The exhibit features Busch’s No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry from his 2015 NASCAR Cup Series championship season, along with videos and images highlighting his achievements and influence on the sport. Samantha Busch was given the choice of selecting a car for the exhibit and picked her husband’s No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing M&M’s car that he raced for his first Cup Series championship. “When I look at this car, I don’t just see a championship. I see everything Kyle overcame to earn it,” she said.
Using sports to show emotional strength The sports focus offers a glimpse into Project Healthy Minds’ future programming. The nonprofit relies on cultural figures to introduce its platform to their audiences. It partnered this summer with the Broadway play “Every Brilliant Thing,” a one-person show whose narrator — originally played by Daniel Radcliffe, then Mariska Hargitay and, finally, Tracee Ellis Ross — presents his struggling mother with a list of reasons to live. Soon-to-be-announced initiatives will lean further into sports as the nonprofit tries to inspire more communities to seek mental healthcare. With interest in women’s sports growing and live sports remaining a powerful convener in an otherwise fragmented media landscape, Project Healthy Minds CEO Phil Schermer finds that athletes are well suited to bring their message to the masses. Athletes, according to Schermer, also shape the American public’s notions of strength. It makes sense to him that they could then model that “it is strong to talk about your emotions.” The Knicks championship run became a rare moment of monoculture, Schermer suggested. The title chase also offered the in-person socialization that young people are demanding, according to Rachel Janfaza, the founder of the Gen Z research firm The Up and Up. Speaking with “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt and The TAG Movement CEO Alexa Arnold, Janfaza said young people used the Knicks and the World Cup to create the in-real-life community they missed during the pandemic. “We’re seeing this swing,” she said, “and it’s really incumbent upon schools and employers and anyone who has a vested interest in helping this generation thrive to actually celebrate this.”
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entertainment this week in history #MeToo movement begins, Concorde lands in New York, “Old Ironsides” launched in Boston The Associated Press OCT. 15
1931: Mobster Al Capone was convicted of income tax evasion in Chicago and later sentenced to 11 years in prison. 1989: A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Northern California, killing 63 people and causing up to $10 billion in damage.
1815: Napoleon Bonaparte, the deposed French emperor, arrived on the British-ruled South Atlantic island of St. Helena. 1954: Hurricane Hazel made landfall near the North Carolina-South Carolina border as a Category 4 storm. Hazel was blamed for about 1,000 deaths in the Caribbean, 95 in the U.S. and 81 in Canada. 2017: Actor and activist Alyssa Milano tweeted that women who had been sexually harassed or assaulted should write “Me too” as a status. Within hours, tens of thousands had used the #MeToo hashtag.
OCT. 18
OCT. 16
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1793: Marie Antoinette, queen of France, was beheaded during the French Revolution. 1859: Abolitionist John Brown raided the U.S. arsenal at Harpers Ferry in an unsuccessful attempt to spark a slave rebellion. He was captured and later executed. 1987: Eighteen-month-old Jessica McClure was pulled from an abandoned well in Midland, Texas, after being trapped for more than two days. The effort to rescue “Baby Jessica” captured national attention.
1781: British forces under Gen. Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, effectively ending major combat in the American Revolution. 1960: The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested during a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in Atlanta as part of the growing nonviolent civil rights movement. 1977: The supersonic Concorde made its first landing in New York City after a flight from Paris lasting three hours and 44 minutes, marking the beginning of regular commercial service between the two cities.
OCT. 17 1777: British Gen. John Burgoyne surrendered to American forces at Saratoga, New York, in a turning point of the Revolutionary War.
1867: The United States formally took possession of Alaska from Russia. 1898: The American flag was raised in Puerto Rico for the first time, shortly before Spain formally ceded the island to the United States. 1977: Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in Game 6 of the World Series, leading the New York Yankees to an 8-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers and their 21st championship. His performance helped earn him the nickname “Mr. October.”
OCT. 20 1944: Gen. Douglas MacAr-
ERIC GAY / AP PHOTO
Rescue worker Steven Forbes carries 18-month-old Jessica McClure after she was pulled from an abandoned well in Midland, Texas, on Oct. 16, 1987. thur returned to the Philippines during World War II, wading ashore and fulfilling his 1942 promise, “I shall return,” after being ordered to evacuate by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 1973: Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Sydney Opera House in Australia. 1977: Three members of the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, were killed along with three others when their chartered plane crashed near McComb, Mississippi. OCT. 21 1797: The U.S. Navy frigate Constitution, known as “Old Ironsides,” was launched in Boston Harbor. 1805: A British fleet commanded by Vice Adm. Horatio Nelson defeated a French-Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson was killed in the battle. 1940: Ernest Hemingway’s novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls” was first published.
AP PHOTO
A chartered plane crash near McComb, Mississippi, on Oct. 20, 1977, killed six people, including Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and two other members of the Southern rock band.
Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
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Darth Vader lightsaber used in ‘Empire Strikes Back’ duel goes up for auction The item will open to bidders on Nov. 12
A Darth Vadercostumed character poses at the Hasbro and Amazon Star Wars Interactive Imperial March experience at the Empire State Building in New York in 2024.
The Associated Press
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LOS ANGELES — In July, a lightsaber with Luke Skywalker’s severed hand from “The Empire Strikes Back” sold for $3.75 million at auction, the highest price ever fetched for a prop used in a “Star Wars” film according to the auction house. Now, someone can buy the saber that did the severing. A Darth Vader lightsaber used in the climactic duel in Cloud City where he tells Skywalker “I am your father” is among the highlights of the Ultimate Star Wars Auction to be held by Heritage Auctions on Nov. 12. The Vader saber, also used in “Return of the Jedi,” is expected to fetch at least $1 million. It is one of more than two dozen lightsaber props that will be up for sale at the auction that spans “Star Wars” Episodes I through IX and other films and TV shows from the galaxy George Lucas created.
EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Others include dueling lightsabers forcefully wielded by Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker in “Revenge of the Sith” that are expected to go for at least $10,000 apiece.
An EE-3 carbine blaster wielded by Boba Fett throughout “The Empire Strikes Back” is estimated to bring in more than $100,000. Also included are a Yoda puppet hand used by Frank Oz in the character’s origi-
nal appearance in “The Empire Strikes Back,” C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels’ signed, personal third-draft screenplay for the original 1977 “Star Wars” and a TIE Fighter pilot helmet from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”
MUSIC REVIEW
Pitbull’s ‘Pitcoin’ keeps party going, short on standouts For fans of: Las Vegas, shots, simple pleasures and late nights By Maria Sherman The Associated Press NEW YORK — At any given moment, it is hard to imagine anyone on earth having as much fun as Pitbull. The Grammy Award-winning rapper, singer-songwriter and actor, so synonymous with his hometown of Miami that he’s referred to as Mr. 305, the city’s area code — as well as Mr. Worldwide for his global popularity — is known for his ceaseless, motivational enthusiasm. It imbues all of his biggest singles, like the 12-times platinum “Timber,” 11-times platinum “Give Me Everything,” “No Lo Trates,” and “Time of Our Lives,” to just scratch the surface. And it carries through to his public persona and live show. “Pitcoin,” his latest album, continues that legacy. But it
doesn’t evolve it. Across 24 tracks, “Pitcoin” is brimming with joy — songs to soundtrack a commute, a cafe, a quinceañera, a Friday night, a waiting room, a beach bar, anywhere really — as long as the party does not quit. But it lacks the huge singles Pitbull fans have come to know him for. To put it another way: There is fire, but no “Fireball.” It may be because “Pitcoin” overflows with collaborations spanning genre, generation and language. Here’s a sampling: KISS, Bon Jovi, Enrique Iglesias, Lil Jon, Jason Derulo, Akon, Wiz Khalifa, Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Gente de Zona, Jowell & Randy, Anthony Ramos, Zion and Lenier. Lil Jon appears on three tracks; Iglesias on two. The Kiss collaboration opens the record — the aptly titled “Reach for the Stars,” which lifts heavily from “Rock and Roll All Nite” but doesn’t improve upon it — and the song with Bon Jovi, “Now or Never,” directly samples the band’s 2000
solutions
SCOTT A GARFITT / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Pitbull performs in London in 2025. His latest album, “Pitcoin,” is out now. rock anthem, “It’s My Life.” On a scale of 1 to 10, the nostalgic energy is set to 100. But so is much of Pitbull’s discography, and unfortunately, the good time “Pitcoin,” for all its charms, doesn’t rise to the level of, say, 2015’s “Dale.” Those hoping to recapture that spirit would be wise to skip ahead to the arena-sized anthem “Me Paraste El Corazón” or to “Gringa Repartera.” On the latter, Pitbull explores the Cuban genre
reparto for the first time with some help from Gente de Zona and a sample of the classic “La Tuba” by Elvis Manuel. Despite its bloated runtime, “Pitcoin” is straightforward in its aims. Here, like in all his work, Pitbull is dedicated to keeping his audience dancing. Take it from Mr. Worldwide himself, who described his own anthems as “there for when you’re feeling a certain way in life. It can help pick you up or
it can take you to the next level,” as he told The Associated Press last year. “When I’m making those records, that’s what it’s about. I make sure that the beats are something that I know people could dance to. I know that it’s not complicated.” On “Pitcoin,” as in the whole of his discography, that’s clearly the point. But he has other albums, and songs, that deliver on the premise with more precision.
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famous birthdays this week Singer Gary Puckett celebrates 84, Judge Judy Sheindlin hits 84, singer Wanda Jackson turns 89
The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week. OCT. 15 Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Palmer is 81. Musician Richard Carpenter is 80. Film director Mira Nair is 69. Britain’s Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, is 67. Chef Emeril Lagasse is 67. Actor Dominic West is 57. OCT. 16
CHARLES SYKES / INVISION VIA AP
Film director Mira Nair turns 69 on Thursday.
Actor Fernanda Montenegro is 97. Actor Barry Corbin is 86. Actor-director Tim Robbins is 68. Rock musician Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) is 64. Filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan is 64. Actor Terri J. Vaughn is 57. Singer John Mayer is 49. OCT. 17 Singer Gary Puckett is 84. Actor-musician Michael McKean is 79. Former astronaut Mae Jemison is 70. Country singer Alan Jackson is 68. Animator-filmmaker Mike Judge is 64. Reggae singer Ziggy Marley is 58. Musician Wyclef Jean is 57. Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els is 57. Rapper Eminem is 54. OCT. 18 Composer Howard Shore is 80. Author Terry McMillan is 75. Tennis Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova is 70. Boxing Hall of Famer Thomas Hearns is 68. Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme is 66. Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis is 65. OCT. 19 Artist Peter Max is 89. Actor John Lithgow is 81. Actor Ken Stott is 72. Singer Jennifer Holliday is 66. Boxing Hall of Famer Evander Holyfield is 64. Filmmaker Jon Favreau is 60. Former first daughter Amy Carter is 59. “South Park” co-creator Trey Parker is 57.
MANUEL BALCE CENETA / AP PHOTO
Former astronaut Mae Jemison turns 70 on Saturday. OCT. 20 Japan’s Empress Michiko is 92. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer Wanda Jackson is 89. Baseball Hall of Famer Juan Marichal is 89. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky is 86. Rapper Snoop Dogg is 55. OCT. 21 Rock singer Manfred Mann is 86. TV’s Judge Judy Sheindlin is 84. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is 77. Film director Catherine Hardwicke is 71. Republican Sen. Ted Budd of North Carolina is 55.
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the stream
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO
Grian Chatten of the Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. performs at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, in 2023. The band’s new album, “Dopamine Chamber,” is out now.
Katseye, ‘VisionQuest,’ ‘Tenzing,’ new ‘Castlevania’ video game A NEW ALBUM from Katseye and the Marvel series “VisionQuest” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Judd Apatow’s tribute to Norm Macdonald, “Dopamine Chamber” from Fontaines D.C. and a new entry in the “Castlevania” video game series.
telligence that built Vision to be his own ultimate physical form. The first two episodes are streaming now on Disney+. “Hollywood Arts,” a sequel to the Nickelodeon sitcom “Victorious” that ran from 2010 to 2013, arrives on Netflix. It follows Daniella Monet’s Trina Vega, a down-on-her-luck actress with no teaching credentials who takes a substitute job at her old high school. Original stars Victoria Justice and Ariana Grande are not among the main cast, but Justice has said she may make a cameo in the future. The first 13 episodes drop Thursday and the second half of the season will premiere at a later date. Before Jason ever picked up a machete, his mom was doing the bloody work. A new “Friday the 13th” prequel series called “Crystal Lake” goes back to where the legend began. It’s an eight-episode series starring Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees, who is Jason’s mom. The full season debuts Thursday.
MOVIES TO STREAM
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
Apatow pays affectionate tribute to Macdonald with the documentary “Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald” (Netflix). Apatow’s film about the stand-up comedian, who died in 2021, plays with Macdonald’s still constant ubiquity on social media, where bits and lateshow appearances still regularly flood the feeds of comedy fans. Jennifer Peedom’s “Tenzing” (Apple TV) is a biopic and historical drama about an often-unsung hero of mountaineering: Tenzing Norgay. Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston star as Tenzing and Edmund Hillary, respectively, in Peedom’s film about the first climbers to summit Mount Everest. Willem Dafoe co-stars. “The Death of Robin Hood” (HBO Max) stars Hugh Jackman as a grizzled and violent outlaw little like most contemporary versions of Robin Hood. Michael Sarnoski (“Pig,” “A Quiet Place: Day One”) eschews cheerier mythologies for a brutal telling of the medieval tale. In his review AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that it “drains the blood, and life, out of an old English legend.”
William, the hero of “Valor Mortis,” takes the title (which means “the value of death”) a bit too literally. He has already died fighting for Napoleon, but somehow, he has come back to life. That unholy resurrection gives William some wicked supernatural powers to go along with his slick swordplay. Meanwhile, Napoleon’s endless war has corrupted a broad chunk of 19th-century Europe, so hordes of “plague-ridden abominations” have joined the fight. Polish studio One More Level, best known for the cyberpunk slasher “Ghostrunner,” promises demanding first-person combat in a haunted alternate history. Take up arms on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. While we’re messing around in France, let’s travel back in time to 1499 for “Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse.” A new protagonist, Rose Belmont, has inherited the mighty whip known as the Vampire Killer. Dracula has been defeated for good, but his castle has plunked itself down in Paris and all sorts of demons — not to mention Joan of Arc — are on the loose. The 2D, side-scrolling action of Konami’s 1986 original has recently inspired dozens of imitators like “Dead Cells,” and the studios behind that cult hit have taken the reins here. Whip it good starting Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC.
“Crystal Lake,” a prequel to the “Friday the 13th” franchise, lands on Netflix By Jake Coyle The Associated Press
MUSIC TO STREAM Call Katseye the great, global girl group experiment of the decade. The band officially debuted at the end of 2023, created by the Hybe Corporation and Geffen Records in a TV
AMY HARRIS / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Norm Macdonald performs at KAABOO at the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California, in 2017. A new documentary about the late comedian premieres Friday on Netflix.
EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Hugh Jackman attends the world premiere of “The Death of Robin Hood” at AMC Lincoln Square in New York on June 10. The film is now streaming on HBO Max. competition process that was documented on the Netflix series “Popstar Academy: Katseye.” That feels like ancient history now. Today, they’re easily one of the biggest groups on the planet, and their swift ascent is further documented in a new film, “Katseye: Wild Heart,” available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. If the Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. is still unknown
to you, that’s sure to change. Their last album, 2024’s “Romance,” was certified platinum in the U.K. off the strength of its singles “Favourite” and “Starburster.” Their latest album, “Dopamine Chamber,” is on track to be one of the biggest rock releases of the year, from the trip-hop-adjacent “Tongue” to the dizzying “Marianne.” When it comes to Riot Grrrl, the ’90s feminist move-
ment, some names loom larger than others in cultural memory. At the forefront is Kathleen Hanna, the feminist punk pioneer and celebrated Bikini Kill frontwoman, as well as acts like Bratmobile. The list should also include Heavens to Betsy, the duo of drummer Tracy Sawyer and singer-guitarist Corin Tucker (who would later form Sleater-Kinney with Carrie Brownstein). On Friday, they will release “Baby’s Gone,” a newly unearthed demo tape originally recorded in February 1992 by Bratmobile’s Molly Neuman — and two 7-inch EPs. It’s a miracle for followers of the DIY musical underground and a gift for others just discovering it now (perhaps in no small part due to Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Festival)? SERIES TO STREAM Paul Bettany returns as Vision in the Marvel series “VisionQuest,” that closes out the WandaVision trilogy. Vision is now a fugitive after the events of “WandaVision,” with authorities hunting him down. James Spader reprises his role as Ultron, an evil artificial in-
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 34 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
the
BRIEF this week
Fire destroys home after vehicle strikes living room A Duplin County family is seeking community support after a vehicle crashed into their home off N.C. 11 in the Kornegay area, west of Pink Hill and near B.F. Grady Elementary School, early Saturday, sparking a fire that destroyed the residence. According to authorities, the crash occurred about 1 a.m. when a passenger vehicle ran through a stop sign, plowed into a residential home across the road and burst into flames. The fire quickly engulfed and destroyed the house. No injuries were reported inside the home.
Wallace launches emergency alert system The Town of Wallace is launching a CivicPlus alert system to notify residents of emergencies, severe weather and other urgent situations. Alerts can be delivered by text message, email or phone call and may include evacuation orders, shelter-in-place instructions and wildfire updates. Residents can register online at wallacenc.myfreealerts.com. To sign up, select “Create Account,” enter contact information, language preference and address, then choose desired notifications under “Town Alerts.”
Mount Olive to conduct sewer smoke testing The Town of Mount Olive will conduct sanitary sewer smoke testing through Oct. 28, covering all areas of town. The testing aims to identify leaks, breaks and illegal connections in sewer lines that could cause odors, health hazards or structural damage. The town said the smoke is typically white to yellowish-white and is harmless to people, pets and plants. Smoke entering a home may indicate a plumbing defect that is the property owner’s responsibility. Residents with questions or concerns can call 919-658-9539.
COURTESY CHAD HOXIE
Duplin County assesses storm damage after reported tornado activity Downed power lines, fallen trees and storm damage were reported across several communities Sunday as severe weather moved through Duplin County. Turn to A6 for more.
Duplin County approves pay plan with nearly $912K annual cost The new salary structure aims to improve recruitment and retention as county officials look for ways to control costs By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Duplin County commissioners recently approved a sweeping overhaul
of the county’s pay plan, aiming to make salaries more competitive and fill critical vacancies while facing a projected annual cost of $911,391 and pressure to avoid raising taxes.
During the October meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes presented the plan, which takes effect immediately for new hires and will be implemented for current employees beginning Nov. 1. The county expects the remaining fiscal-year cost to total $637,974, initially covered by
Mount Olive approves $284K wastewater settlement The board also authorized Elmore Street paving and advanced plans for speed bumps on two streets By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal MOUNT OLIVE — A $284,000 wastewater settlement, plans for speed bumps on
two streets and continued work to address vacant public housing units were among the major items before Mount Olive commissioners at their October meeting.
The wastewater settlement resolves outstanding claims related to Wastewater Treatment Improvement Contracts 1 and 2. The board approved payments of $11,834 per month for 24 months beginning Nov. 1. The board said the work was commissioned in 2021 under a previous administration
Early voting sites Duplin County voters can cast ballots ahead of the Nov. 3 general election through Oct. 31 at Ed Emory Auditorium at 165 Agriculture Drive in Kenansville and American Legion Post 156 at 529 E. Southerland St. in Wallace. The deadline to request an absentee-by-mail ballot is Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Duplin County Board of Elections at 910-296-2170.
Wallace delays vote on feather flag rules Officials will revisit proposed sign rules Nov. 12 after debate over business visibility and historic preservation By Curt Simpson For Duplin Journal
$2.00
THE WALLACE TOWN Council delayed a decision last Thursday on proposed changes to the town’s sign regulations, giving officials another month to consider whether businesses in downtown Wallace should be allowed to display feather flags and other advertising flags. The discussion centered on how to balance the advertising needs of downtown busi-
nesses with efforts to preserve the character of the historic district. Councilman Frank Brinkley suggested tabling the decision for 30 days, and the council agreed to take up the matter again at its Nov. 12 meeting. Town Planning Director Rod Fritz outlined proposed changes to the town’s Unified Development Ordinance, which would clarify the rules governing advertising flags. Under the proposal, businesses in the Central Business and Highway Business districts could display no more than two advertising flags per site. Advertising flags would be prohibited in the Historic Overlay District, which covers the historic downtown area, with an
“In light of the rapid growth headed to Wallace, I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping Historic Downtown Wallace special, inviting and the heart of our community.”
See VOTE, page A6
Pam Teachey
fund balance while leadership evaluates staffing levels, efficiencies and vacant positions. Sustaining the annual cost in future years would require ongoing revenue or other savings. Hughes estimated that funding the entire amount through property taxes would require See PAY PLAN, page A5
with the expectation that grant funding would cover the costs. When that funding fell through, the town was left to address the outstanding claims. The board approved the settlement after noting that the contractor had performed the work in good faith. The board also approved more than $65,000 for paving Elmore Street and repairing pavement damaged by tree root removal. A contract with KRG Utilities to conduct closed-circuit television inspections of sewer See SETTLEMENT, page A3
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Duplin Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
THURSDAY
10.15.26 #147
CANDIDATE Q&A | ERIC SOUTHERLAND
Southerland shares plans for Duplin County Sheriff’s Office from being assigned transport duties during their scheduled night shifts. With these things taken into consideration, I would evaluate what improvements are possible within the current budget and work with county leadership to address any additional resource needs.
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
“Join the conversation”
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ERIC SOUTHERLAND, the Republican nominee for Duplin County sheriff, says his priorities include rebuilding community relationships, strengthening agency leadership, and addressing staffing and patrol coverage challenges. In a Q&A with Duplin Journal, Southerland discusses his approach to leadership, plans for recruiting and retaining deputies, and potential changes to scheduling and personnel assignments to improve law enforcement coverage across the county. What are your top two priorities if elected sheriff, and what specific steps would you take to address each one in your first year? My first priority is getting back to the basics of law enforcement by building trust and relationships throughout the county. That means getting out into our communities, talking with the people we serve, attending community events and becoming part of the fabric of the communities we protect. This starts with leadership taking the initiative and setting that example for the men and women of the agency. My second priority is building a strong command staff with relevant law enforcement experience and strong leadership qualities. In my first year, I would evaluate current leadership needs within each division, identify opportunities to strengthen the team, and ensure those in leadership positions have the experience and ability to effectively support their employees and serve our communities. What do you believe the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office is doing well, and where do you believe it needs improvement?
Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@ duplinjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon
I believe one of the sheriff’s office’s greatest strengths is its people. There are dedicated men and women working throughout the agency who bring valuable experience, skills and a genuine com-
COURTESY
Eric Southerland mitment to serving Duplin County. Their work is essential to keeping our communities safe. I believe there is an opportunity to build on that foundation by creating an environment where employees feel supported, are trusted to use their experience and abilities, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We can also improve the consistency of our service and the way we communicate with and treat the people we serve. How would you address staffing shortages, deputy retention and employee morale, and how would you fund those efforts within the county’s budget? To address staffing shortages, I would develop a proactive recruitment program, including attending job fairs and visiting local and surrounding community college Basic Law Enforcement Training programs. Retention and morale depend on clear policies, consistent expectations and holding everyone to the same standards regardless of position. Employees should also be empowered and trusted to do the jobs they were hired to do. I would review workload distribution and scheduling to ensure available personnel are being used effectively and patrol coverage is maintained when our communities need it most. For example, I would evaluate how mental health transports are scheduled to determine whether adjustments could prevent patrol deputies
How would you improve response times and law-enforcement coverage in rural parts of Duplin County, particularly in areas far from the sheriff’s office? Rural coverage has been a challenge throughout my law enforcement career in Duplin County. Actual patrol staffing can oftentimes be affected by illness, vacation, court appearances and training, but given the county’s large geographic area, maintaining adequate coverage requires careful planning. While some positions, such as court staff and School Resource Officers, must follow schedules dictated by their responsibilities, I would review other assignments and scheduling practices to identify opportunities to supplement patrol coverage during peak call times and on weekends. This could also help boost employee morale. What would you like Duplin County voters to understand about you and your approach to leadership that they may not already know? Why do you believe you are the right person to serve as sheriff? My approach to leadership has always been to treat people with respect, be honest in my words and actions, and empower those I lead to grow professionally. Throughout my career, I have served in roles that allowed me to work directly with our communities and get to know the people we serve. I have worked through the ranks to develop the skills and knowledge needed to serve as sheriff. I would lead with humility, integrity and a commitment to Duplin County.
DUPLIN happening SPONSORED BY
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County.
Oct. 17 Festival Cultural Latino returns to Wallace The event will feature live music and cultural celebrations, inviting families and community members to gather and celebrate Latin culture through music and entertainment. 209 E Clement St., Wallace
Voice From The Past Ghost Walk 7 p.m. Faison Improvement Group will host the walk at the Historic Faison Cemetery. The free event is open to the public. 142 Cemetery Drive, Faison
Plant giveaway planned in Wallace 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries and Johnson Nursery Corporation will partner for a free plant giveaway at the Crisis Center. Plants will be available while supplies last, and attendees are invited to make contributions to DCOM, which provides financial, nutritional and spiritual assistance to Duplin County residents experiencing unexpected crises. 514 S. Norwood St., Wallace
Rotary backs Scouts’ Veterans Day mission The Wallace Rotary Club donated $1,350 to Boy Scout Troop 35 to help fund its trip to Washington, D.C., to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day. From left are Scoutmaster Stanley Skidmore and Rotary Club President Wayne Casteen, holding the check.
DUPLIN JOURNAL STAFF
Duplin Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
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CANDIDATE Q&A | CHUCK WEAVER
Weaver lays out approach to continue leading Duplin County Sheriff’s Office already underway. My approach would be to maintain the positive changes taking place, evaluate what is working and identify areas where we can improve. Law enforcement is not a job where we can afford to become complacent as we must continue adapting to the needs of our county, supporting our employees and ensuring the residents of Duplin County receive professional, effective and dependable service.
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal CHUCK WEAVER became Duplin County’s chief deputy and acting sheriff following Stratton Stokes’ resignation in July. Now running as a write-in candidate for sheriff, Weaver brings more than 28 years of experience with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, including work in patrol, investigations and narcotics. In a Q&A, Weaver discusses his priorities for the office, including building public trust, addressing staffing and retention challenges, strengthening partnerships with other public safety agencies and improving law enforcement coverage in rural communities. What are your top two priorities if elected sheriff, and what specific steps would you take to address each one in your first year? My first priority is to rebuild and strengthen the relationship between the sheriff’s office and the citizens of Duplin County, particularly in our rural communities. I believe effective law enforcement starts with trust, communication and visibility. I would focus on increasing the deputies’ presence in the communities they serve, encouraging more one-on-one interactions with residents, and supporting the development of community watch programs to promote communication and
SETTLEMENT from page A1 pipes required under the town’s State Operating Consent agreement was also approved. Town Manager Glenn Holland negotiated the contract price down to $96,000 from $198,000. The agreement requires all inspections to be completed by July 31, 2027, and sewer repairs by Jan. 31, 2028. The deadlines will allow the town to apply for state grants in February and October. The board approved beginning the process to install speed bumps on Elmore and East Kegan streets, rejecting a proposal to require a police traffic study first. Commissioner C.J. Weaver made the motion for a study, which Commissioner Gena Messer Knode seconded. The proposal failed in a hand vote
county commissioners to evaluate staffing requirements, identify responsible funding opportunities and make decisions to balance the needs of the sheriff’s office within the county’s overall budget. Retaining good employees also requires leadership that listens, recognizes hard work and provides opportunities for professional development.
forcement coverage throughout Duplin County, including our rural communities. What would you like Duplin County voters to understand about you and your approach to leadership that they may not already know? Why do you believe you are the right person to serve as sheriff?
The sheriff’s office has already begun making changes, and I believe it is important to recognize the progress while continuing to build on the work
Staffing, retention and employee morale are important to maintaining an effective sheriff’s office. The commissioners’ recently approved pay plan for starting positions is a positive step to help with recruiting qualified applicants and remain competitive. In addition, we recently received approval for a prehire program to allow us to recruit potential deputies, pay for their Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) and, upon successful completion, require them to serve with the sheriff’s office for two years under a contractual agreement. These initiatives can help us develop a stronger pipeline of qualified deputies while addressing staffing needs. I would continue working with our
The sheriff’s office has already implemented changes to patrol coverage by moving to a north, central and south coverage structure. This approach provides greater flexibility in how deputies are deployed and allows sergeants to move throughout their assigned areas, provide supervision, assist deputies when needed and help address coverage gaps as calls for service arise. I believe effective patrol coverage requires more than simply assigning deputies to specific areas. It requires active supervision, communication and the ability to adjust resources based on changing needs. My goal would be to continue evaluating this approach and make adjustments as necessary to improve visibility, support our deputies and provide dependable law en-
I have dedicated more than 28 years to serving the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, gaining experience in multiple areas of law enforcement, including patrol, investigations and narcotics. Throughout my career, I have served in several supervisory capacities, giving me firsthand knowledge of the responsibilities, challenges and decisions involved in leading a law enforcement agency. In addition to my operational experience, I have a strong understanding of budgeting and the financial responsibilities involved in managing different divisions. I have also overseen the Special Response Team and been involved in numerous high-risk situations where preparation, sound judgment and leadership are essential. I believe the sheriff must understand both the operational demands of the job and the responsibility of leading people, managing resources and serving the public. My experience has prepared me to take on that responsibility. I am committed to building public trust, supporting the men and women who serve this county, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that the sheriff’s office remains focused on the safety and well-being of every Duplin County resident.
after Mayor Pro Tem Delreese Simmons questioned the need for additional data. “I think this study is a waste of time,” Simmons said, adding that he sees traffic on the streets regularly and questioned using police time to monitor it. Holland estimated that speed bumps cost between $100 and $800 each, depending on the dimensions and materials. Town Attorney Carroll Turner said the town could meet administrative requirements by collecting resident petition signatures or holding a public hearing. Holland, who also serves as public works director, outlined recent infrastructure work across the town’s four districts, including repairs to a heavily obstructed storm drain on South Center Street near the railroad tracks.
Crews found that a 36-inch drain was largely blocked by stone, leaving only about 6 inches of open space. After clearing the shoulder toward Avenue Street, workers replaced crushed pipes, installed a new catch basin, graded the shoulder and inspected nearby water and sewer lines for infiltration. The town has also purchased a trail mower designed to reach beyond a tractor to clear ditches and road shoulders while reducing the risk of rocks striking vehicles. Holland and Simmons said traditional mowing had contributed to three or four broken windshields annually, costing about $1,000 per replacement. Separately, commissioners referred the town’s cemetery landscaping contract to the next ordinance meeting for re-
vision after Knode questioned its maintenance standards and payment structure. Knode said the contract allows grass to reach 8 to 10 inches before a default can be declared, while the town’s general nuisance ordinance sets a 12-inch threshold. The contract also provides the same monthly payment throughout the year and does not require preemergent weed treatments, edging or headstone cleaning. Turner said the contract could be nonrenewed before its annual anniversary and recommended renegotiating the terms to specify summer mowing frequency and winter maintenance duties. Holland also reported that the town had commissioned a four- to six-week study of industrial water rates through
the North Carolina Rural Water Association. He emphasized that residential rates would not be affected. Responding to complaints about brown tap water, Holland explained that jet-cleaning water and sewer mains can temporarily reverse water flow and loosen mineral scale inside aging pipes. He advised residents to flush their lines through a bathtub or outside spigot rather than a sink with an aerator and to contact Town Hall directly with concerns. During closing remarks, commissioners praised Fire Chief Will Bryant and the town’s volunteer firefighters for their service, emphasizing that 80% to 85% of firefighters nationwide are volunteers who train and risk their lives without pay.
COURTESY
Charles Weaver cooperation between residents and law enforcement. My second priority is to strengthen relationships with other local public safety agencies. By improving communication, coordination and cooperation with municipal police departments, fire departments, EMS and other partners, we can work together more effectively to protect our residents and respond to the needs of our communities. What do you believe the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office is doing well, and where do you believe it needs to improve?
How would you address staffing shortages, deputy retention and employee morale, and how would you fund those efforts within the county’s budget?
How would you improve response times and law enforcement coverage in rural parts of Duplin County, particularly in areas far from the sheriff’s office?
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Duplin Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | JIMMY DIXON
Why the next election matters most
“Ask them no questions, and you’ll be told no lies.” Charles Dickens
THERE IS NO IRONY in the fact that this Nov. 3 is the most important election of our lifetime. It was true the last election, and it will be true in the next election. Because we have heard that many times before, we may brush it off as hyperbole. Please do not ignore that statement or shrug your shoulders and say or think, “So what else is new?” Do not make that short-sighted mistake as we approach the upcoming midterm elections. Stop, think and ask the following questions: What is the most important shot for a golfer to think about? What is the most important question for a student to think about after he answers a question on an exam? After a harvest is over, what is the most important crop season for a farmer? The next one is the proper answer! Certainly the last shot or the last decision should be considered and be a factor in the next shot or the next decision, but you can’t unring a bell. The good news is that we can repeat a good shot or a good decision, and we can try to improve a bad shot or a bad decision. But in real life we cannot retake a shot nor can we remake a decision. The next one is the most important. There are two major political parties to which most candidates belong and which most voters ultimately support and vote for. Our elections, for the most part, are partisan rather than nonpartisan, meaning that our ballots show the party to which a candidate belongs. The two major political parties are the
Republican Party and the Democratic Party. The platforms of the two parties are extremely important, and if a voter wishes to cast an informed vote, he must know the truth about where the party stands and where the candidate stands relative to the tenets (foundational principles) of each party. For more than half of my life, I was registered with the Democratic Party. Then I registered as unaffiliated. For the last 40 years, I have registered with the Republican Party. I have never voted a straight party ticket. I shall now express my opinions by contrasting the current tenets of the state and the national leaders of the Republican and the Democratic parties. I will contrast Michael Whatley, Roy Cooper, Sarah Stevens and Anita Earls, the candidates for the U.S. Senate and the North Carolina Supreme Court. Whatley and Stevens are conservatives; Cooper and Earls are ultraliberals. With Whatley and Stevens, you see exactly what they really are. With Cooper and Earls, you see only what they want you to see. Earls and her campaign have viciously and falsely accused Stevens with hideous accusations. I personally know Stevens as we were seatmates for six years in the North Carolina General Assembly, and Earls’ commercials are blatantly false. Cooper’s campaign grossly misrepresents my friend Whatley’s knowledge about a convicted man. Please remember that Cooper vetoed 52 good bills, including every Farm Act that Sen. Brent Jackson and I passed. Whatley and
Stevens strongly support our hard-working farm families. Cooper and Earls support abortion up to the point of birth. Cooper vetoed The Born Alive Bill, which simply said “if a baby survives an attempted abortion” give him or her medical attention. But Cooper and Earls say just make the baby comfortable and let it die. Whatley and Stevens revere life. Cooper and Earls toe the national party line which is pro-abortion up to the moment of birth. Before you vote, consider these facts about the national leadership that Cooper and Earls will support. They oppose voter ID. They support mail-in ballots for all voters. They promote open borders. They support mass amnesty. They want welfare for illegals. They want government-run healthcare. They support abortion till birth. They will pack the Supreme Court. They will impeach Donald Trump. You cannot separate Cooper from Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders. You cannot separate Earls from Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan or Ketanji Brown Jackson, who were appointed by Barack Obama and Joe Biden. “Ask them no questions, and you’ll be told no lies.” (Dickens) We the North Carolina people must understand that this election is the most important election of our lifetime. Rep. Jimmy Dixon represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.
COLUMN | JOSH HAMMER
Don’t let Flydubai terror scare derail Abraham Accords progress A Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews.
TERRORISTS want nothing more than to prevent peace. It’s why they fly planes into buildings, don explosive vests and rain indiscriminate missiles on civilian populations. The response to such terrorism isn’t to cower. It is to lead with boldness, courage and, sometimes, outright heroism. The world just saw precisely such heroism in the high drama aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, from Dubai to Tel Aviv. There was the Indian national pilot, Smit Machchhar, who, though bleeding badly after he was brutally stabbed by his terrorist Omani national copilot, had the presence of mind to open the cockpit door as the plane nosedived 10,000 feet a minute. There were the ordinary Israeli citizens — and above all, new national hero Yaniv Hayoun — who, Todd Beamer-style, swiftly rushed the cockpit and subdued the terrorist in a chokehold (yes, really). There were the two off-duty pilots — reportedly British, South African or New Zealander in nationality — who were able to glide the plane to a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. There was the Emirati flight crew, which handled the madness with aplomb, preventing chaos in a terrified cabin and ensuring the safety of all passengers. Israeli activist Hillel Fuld quoted a military pilot on X: “In virtually every historical incident where an airliner got anywhere close to these speeds, the tail ripped off the entire back of the plane.” In the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible, God is not mentioned once. This is
deliberate. His name doesn’t need to appear: His presence is felt, and seen, everywhere. It was the same way aboard Flydubai Flight 1073. Some have reacted to this mesmerizing story in knee-jerk fashion. They have leapt to call for the full cancelation of all direct flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates — and perhaps a downgrading of ties between Israel and the Arab world, more generally. The instinct is understandable. The anti-Israel press downplayed the harrowing affair as a “pilot altercation,” but the fact is, a Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews. That looks like terrorism. That’s certainly what the Israelis think happened. But terror attacks and near-terror attacks must not derail peace. To allow peace to be derailed is actually to do the terrorists’ bidding. The Abraham Accords, those dynamic 2020 peace agreements that normalized Israeli relations with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, must go on. Indeed, they must expand. Many predicted the Abraham Accords would die after the Hamas savagery of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing war in Gaza. They didn’t. On the contrary, the accords are stronger today. The Iran conflict, which has seen the Islamic Republic strike the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, has sent an unmistakable message: The Sunni Gulf states’ threat isn’t Jerusalem. It’s Tehran. That’s why, just days before the near catastrophe aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to
Abu Dhabi to meet with representatives from eight different Arab countries. Prior to that confab, Netanyahu rendezvoused directly with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed. It was the first time such a bilateral meeting was publicly verified by both countries. Perhaps, then, the attempted terror attack timing isn’t a coincidence. The rumor mill has also been swirling that Kuwait might soon join the Abraham Accords. It’s not hard to see what is going on here. Before the Oct. 7 pogrom, Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Arab world — was on the precipice of making peace with Israel. Netanyahu dedicated much of his September 2023 address to the United Nations General Assembly to the topic. Around the same time, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Fox News’ Bret Baier “every day we get closer” to normalization with Israel. Peace seemed imminent. One of Hamas’ aims with its massacre was to derail Israeli-Saudi normalization. In that, Hamas was successful — for now. But in the long run, Hamas won’t be successful. Despite the setback, the House of Saud still knows that peace with Israel is an inevitability. We cannot allow this would-be terrorist copilot to be successful either. This is not the time to pump the diplomatic brakes. We might have to brace ourselves for additional attempted terror attacks, as cynics once again try to stop peace. Israel is undoubtedly prepared for that. The Arab states should prepare too. Israel should also reevaluate its aviation procedures. Perhaps Israeli authorities can help vet inbound and outbound commercial pilots. But the pursuit of regional peace must go on. There would be no greater tribute to the heroes of Flydubai Flight 1073 than that. Josh Hammer is the senior editor-at-large of Newsweek and host of “The Josh Hammer Show” and podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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Duplin Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Duplin schools report gains despite low-performing designation Board members challenged the state’s grading system as the district showed improved proficiency and graduation rates By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Concerns about student test scores and reading rates were central to discussion at the October meeting of the Duplin County Board of Education. The board reviewed the 2025-26 accountability results, released publicly in September. The results showed that overall grade-level proficiency increased by 2.5% proficiency points, with gains across 85.7% of the district’s major student subgroups. Schools serving students through eighth grade recorded the most gains, while high schools saw declines in Math 1 and Math 3 but improvements in biology and En-
PAY PLAN from page A1 an increase of about 1.5 cents per $100 of assessed value. The revised plan replaces salary data compiled in June with a market-based pay scale benchmarked against neighboring counties, including Greene, Lenoir, Sampson, Pender, Jones, Brunswick and Craven. “My goal in doing this is to try to stop the bleed,” Hughes said. “We’re losing employees. Yes, we’re losing them to other counties. Some say because of money. So this is all in an attempt to try to fill vacancies, get us staffed in those key positions and keep the good employees that we have.” She said the county cannot match the salaries offered by some larger neighboring jurisdictions but hopes the new plan will make Duplin more competitive in attracting and retaining employees. Hughes identified paramedics and public health nurses among the critical positions affected by vacancies. Under the plan, employees earning less than the new minimum salary for their pay grade will receive an increase to that minimum. Employees already earning at or above the new minimum will not receive an automatic raise. Employees who have not met all formal qualifications for their positions may be paid up to 10% below the minimum until they meet the requirements. The plan also ties future pay increases to specific circumstances, including promotions, changes in duties, completion of required qualifications and board-approved cost-of-living adjustments or educational incentives. Unsworn trainees in the Basic Law Enforcement Training prehire program will start at 10% below the minimum starting salary for a deputy sheriff I and move to the full
glish 2. The district’s cohort graduation rate rose to 84% (up from 82.9%). Six of the district’s 13 schools met or exceeded growth expectations. However, because eight of 13 schools were designated as “low performing,” Duplin County Schools was categorized overall as a low-performing district. Board members questioned the state’s accountability system and whether its grades fairly reflect school performance. “I think the grades are not fair to public schools,” Vice Chairman Reginald Kenan said. “They are created to taint our schools and make people read about it in the paper in a way that does not show what we are truly dealing with in our schools. Some of these scores are not good, and we want to do better, but we know you work hard, and there is more work to be done.” Board member Pam Edwards said she looked forward to a study group that would ex-
starting rate after successfully completing training and obtaining certification. The plan also reclassifies 15 solid waste attendant positions as full time. The positions had been listed as “benefited part time” in the county’s human resources software despite employees working more than 38 hours per week. At the request of Chief Deputy Chuck Weaver, the plan distinguishes between sworn law enforcement supervisors and unsworn detention center supervisors, assigning them to separate pay grades. The largest increases will go to employees whose current salaries fall furthest below the revised minimums. The new minimum annual salaries include $32,760 for solid waste site attendants and event center staff, $37,924 for administrative specialists and tax assistants, and $46,097 for detention officers, paramedics and telecommunicators. The plan also reclassifies a vacant deputy county manager position as an internal operations specialist and updates job titles in several departments to better reflect current duties. The county estimates that raising the minimum salaries for all vacant, budgeted positions would represent an additional $788,000 annually on paper. However, Hughes said the adjustments would be covered by existing budget allocations for vacant positions rather than new tax revenue or additional appropriations. The savings are known as lapsed salary funds — budgeted money that remains unspent while a position is vacant. When a position is filled at the new minimum salary, the department can use those accumulated savings to help cover the higher pay. Hughes said the county will examine its workforce to identify positions that could be eliminated through attrition
amine the results on what she considered a fairer basis. Edwards and Board Chairman Brent Davis also questioned whether the state’s testing system fairly compares public and private schools. “Unfortunately,” Davis said, “the state requires testing. … I think it is completely worthless. … The way this data is put together by the state brings down student and staff morale … and everything is a moving target in it. You are never looking at the same data in comparison. “So much of this is not relative to what we do here. I keep hoping and praying that the state will change what they are doing here. … I refuse to let this define the hard work that goes on in our schools.” Davis also advocated changing the state’s accountability formula from a weighting of 80% proficiency and 20% growth to 80% growth and 20% proficiency. Kenan requested a future presentation outlining the district’s ef-
rather than layoffs. Removing positions from future budgets could generate ongoing savings to help offset the cost of the pay plan. She cited the county’s more than 600 budgeted positions and said officials would compare staffing levels with neighboring counties to identify potential efficiencies. “That’s a lot of employees for a county our size and for a budget our size,” Hughes said. “So we’re going to start looking at that … because we do have a lot of vacant positions.” Commissioner Justin Edwards raised concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers, noting that some residents who would help fund employee raises might not receive pay increases themselves. “Commissioner (Wayne) Branch spoke of the need for increased salaries for our county employees,” Edwards said. “I’m with you, but I also have to take into account the families that have to pay. We’re giving our employees a pay raise, but that family that’s got to pay for that employee may not be given (one). That part I don’t like.” Hughes also criticized previous personnel policies that she said had allowed raises without clear justification or additional duties. “Some of the things in Duplin have gotten out of whack simply because the personnel policy that was adopted by the board many years ago ... allowed people to receive pay raises without justifications,” Hughes said. “And nobody was held accountable for approving those salaries.” Under other business, commissioners approved an increase in the county’s contribution to the North Carolina Forest Service budget and a $6,490 change order to extend underground power to planned sites at the county’s AirPark.
forts to close achievement gaps. In other business, the board recognized Melvin Stevens, head painter in the Maintenance Department, as Employee of the Quarter. Stevens began working for Duplin County Schools in 2008 as a custodian at James Kenan High School. He became head painter in 2017. “He always lends a helping hand looking after our facilities and creating welcoming environments for students, staff, family and visitors,” Davis said. “The maintenance department is stronger, more cohesive and more successful with people like Melvin Stevens.” The board unanimously approved a consent agenda that included a $95,000 contract with Engineering Source of NC for intercom and school safety replacements, funded through lottery funds, as well as a Duke Energy Progress easement at Wallace-Rose Hill High School. Other approvals included contracts for international teachers, special education
services, school partnerships, arts grants, child nutrition supplies and software, along with various student field trips and fundraisers. Following an executive session to discuss personnel, confidential student information and attorney-client matters, the board unanimously approved Superintendent Daren Tyndall’s recommended personnel changes. Those included appointing Dena Hall, the district’s recently named Teacher of the Year, as assistant principal of Wallace Elementary School effective Oct. 7. “We are pleased to recognize Dena Hall as she takes this next step in her career with Duplin County Schools,” Tyndall said. “Her experience as a middle grades English language arts teacher has given her valuable insight into the needs of students, teachers and schools. Dena has demonstrated a strong commitment to our district, and we look forward to the leadership, perspective and dedication she will bring to her new position.” Edwards was nominated as a voting delegate for the North Carolina School Boards Association conference, scheduled for Nov. 9-11 in Greensboro. The meeting adjourned following the reports.
Elect WRITE IN CANDIDATE Charles (Chuck)
WEAVER for DUPLIN COUNTY
SHERIFF
SPEAKING OF HIS 28 YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT:
“It has been the honor of my life to serve Duplin County.”
COMMITMENT
HONOR
INTEGRITY
RESPECT
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Duplin Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
EF2 tornado tore through Duplin County with winds reaching 125 mph By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal AN EF2 TORNADO with peak winds estimated at 115-125 mph tore through parts of Duplin County on Sunday afternoon as a trailing cold front associated with the remnants of Hurricane Isaias moved through eastern North Carolina. The severe storm generated destructive winds damaging buildings, uprooting trees and downing power lines, according to the National Weather Service. Following ground surveys, the National Weather Service traced a continuous path of destruction through the county, documenting damage from N.C. 41 to areas near Teachey and Beulaville. “No injuries have been reported to us, and fortunately though some structures were damaged, the residential portions of those properties are still able to be occupied,” Duplin County Public Safety Director Matthew Barwick told Duplin Journal. Despite the severe damage in concentrated areas, nearby homes frequently sustained little or no damage, according to the National Weather Service. Surveyors attributed the uneven impacts to the tornado’s narrow, convergent path. Barwick said structural damage was concentrated around N.C. 41, near Cornwallis Road and along the 1800 block of Pasture Branch Road. In Wallace, the tornado lifted a two-car garage off its foundation, tearing its anchoring bolts from the concrete.
COURTESY CHAD HOXIE
Earlier Sunday, Wallace police reported significant damage near Teachey Road, where downed power lines blocked the highway. U.S. 117 North was closed between Teachey Road and Stallings Road as authorities urged drivers to avoid the area. Multiple trees were snapped at their bases, and Awaken Church sustained heavy roof damage. Metal poles anchored in concrete were also bent by the storm. In the Teachey area, surveyors documented a destroyed garage and numerous uprooted trees. The tornado lifted an attached garage and dragged a full-size pickup truck several feet. Damage was also severe about six miles southwest of Beulaville, where winds estimated at 125 mph ripped a feed silo weighing more than 1,000 pounds from its concrete anchors and flattened a nearby barn. Barwick noted that affected residents seeking recovery assistance can contact his office at 910-296-2160 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 for information about local resources.
VOTE from page A1 exception for certain decorative or seasonal flags. The proposed restrictions prompted discussion about how the rules would affect businesses trying to bring customers downtown. Joseph Merritt, owner of Honeycutt Pawn Shop on Main Street, spoke in favor of allowing businesses to use feather flags. For businesses seeking to draw attention from potential customers, the flags offer a visible way to advertise their locations and promotions, he said. “This has been brought up because of my feather flags,” Merritt said. “I understand what you’re trying to do. But I keep my flags up like they’re supposed to be. I keep them neat. When one of them is damaged or changes colors … I replace it.” Merritt pointed out that his flags do not hang over the sidewalk or street due to the grassy area in front of his business at the corner of Main and Railroad streets. “We keep making rules and we keep changing rules as we go, and I understand that the world is changing, but at the end
of the day we have a downtown that is starting to thrive a little bit, and it’s looking better downtown than it has in a long time.” Mayor Jason Wells raised the question of whether downtown Wallace should be treated differently from the rest of town, highlighting the challenge of balancing consistent sign regulations with the desire to protect downtown’s historic appearance. “Obviously downtown is an area that is important to all of us, and I guess the question before the board is, do you want to treat it differently than you would any other part of town?” Wells said. Fritz said the proposed changes grew out of questions about the existing rules and a need to clarify what types of signs and flags businesses may use for advertising. The discussion also touched on the importance of applying the regulations consistently so business owners understand what is permitted. Councilman Glenn Price spoke in favor of the flag restriction, though the council did not bring it to a vote. “My personal opinion is, if you’re gonna have a historic downtown, you should try to
maintain, as much as you possibly can, the aesthetic of the downtown,” Price said. “Otherwise, what’s the point of the designation? … I’m not sure that feather flags are the answer to bringing everybody downtown.” Pam Teachey, a downtown property owner and president of Cultivate Downtown Wallace, a local downtown revitalization group, said she was disappointed the council delayed its decision but remains hopeful the council will place restrictions on the flags downtown. “While I was disappointed the vote was pushed out another 30 days, I have faith our town council will move forward with a vote in November that supports the wishes of the Historic Downtown Wallace merchants, property owners and our citizens,” Teachey said in a statement following the meeting. “Decisions made today will impact historic downtown Wallace as we move forward with revitalization efforts. In light of the rapid growth headed to Wallace, I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping Historic Downtown Wallace special, inviting and the heart of our community.”
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DUPLIN SPORTS Bubble buster “We can beat anyone in the East.” Kevin Motsinger, WRH head coach
Tanner Williams’ touchdown with 10 seconds left gave Midway a 19-16 win over WRH By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WALLACE — Wallace-Rose Hill played well enough last Friday night to beat Midway. That’s a clear observation. Yet two scores in the final three minutes, including Tanner Williams’ scrambling touchdown with 10 seconds left to play, lifted the Raiders to a key 19-16 win in a game that affects both the Swine Valley Conference and the RPI marks in 3A. The loss is devastating to the Bulldogs, who dropped to 18th in the category used to seed
teams for the state playoffs. Midway is third, JK seventh and Whiteville the top seed in the East. It was a nine-spot slide for WRH. It also forces head coach Kevin Motsinger’s club into a must-win game against James Kenan on Oct. 30. And if that happens, there would be a three-way tie atop the SVC. The Tigers will have an on-field opinion on that rivalry game. Yet the veteran coach had nearly as many positive as negative things to say about his team’s season. After all, it was hard not to mention his defense. But on the flip side, he saw miscues that came back to haunt the ’Dawgs (4-3, 2-1). “The defense played at a very
high level, and we stopped a lot of stuff that no one else has stopped,” Motsinger said in crediting defensive coordinator Tyler Pugh. “I told our guys, ‘Midway is the most complete team in the conference, and go watch both films and then talk to me.’ “But … we can beat anyone in the East. We lost three games (ED 16-14, Clinton 7-6) by six points, and in all three, we beat ourselves. And we did that on two crucial drives late.” Williams, an NC State recruit who ran for 141 yards, engineered the winning drive with 1:16 left on the clock. He made an 11-yard completion on third-and-7 in Midway territory and ran to WRH 37 on third-and-15. Williams scored from the 27 on third-and-1. Williams (17-141, 2 TDs) dodged and juked through several ’Dawgs before crashing See BULLDOGS, page B4
COURTESY THURMAN PARKER
Amir Lamont and ED didn’t give any ground to Trask.
Panthers-Horses fight for ECC title, No. 1 seed in 4A Big rewards are at stake when the powerprograms clash for the 36th time By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Seth Carroll, Tyreke Williams, Trenell Madina-Smith and Jonathan Robinson stuff Midway’s Wesley Tew.
BEULAVILLE — Through two games, play in the ECC has been more of a warmup than fierce competition for East Duplin and Clinton. The Panthers have a 100-0 advantage over Southwest Onslow and Trask. Clinton had a 78-26 edge over Pender and South Lenoir. The league title is the reward Oct. 16 when the Dark Horses (5-2) visit East Duplin (6-1) at Brian Aldridge Field. “It’s a big game for the kids for obvious reasons and potentially for the conference and No. 1 seed in the (3A) East,” said first-year Clinton head coach Jason Arnette, who coached at Harrells Christian for six years and is a former Dark Horses player. “You just can’t say it isn’t a huge game. East Duplin coaches say big is the word for the Horses’ front lines. “They have a big defensive line, and the secondary runs to the ball,” said ED coach Battle Holley, who is 7-4 against Clinton since taking over in 2011. “They have a good quarterback and athletes. Last year we were lucky to leave there with a win.” See PANTHERS, page B3
Tigers flex early and often in SVC romp over Cougars JK scored on its first five possessions before the mercy rule was enforced By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WARSAW — James Kenan didn’t need fireworks before, during or after its 55-0 shellacking of Goldsboro last Friday. There were already enough shooting star performances as the Tigers cranked out nearly 500 yards of offense and the defense held the Cougars to four yards. JK has eight stops behind the line of scrimmage and two interceptions.
“We tried to have a dominant night to do what we are supposed to do,” said Tigers head coach Tim Grady. “In games like these, you have to challenge your kids. In a lot of cases, we tried to throw players into situations they had not been before. You don’t want them to be in a big moment against a team like Wallace-Rose Hill or deep in the playoffs without being prepared.” The Cougars (0-7, 0-3) showed little resistance as JK (6-1, 3-0) scored on its first five possessions. Kingston Dunn ran for 97 yards, Zavion Woodard 76 and Kentrall Morrisey 49, and each
had a pair of touchdowns. Quarterback Keyshawn Murray used his legs to run for 128 yards and a score and threw for scores to Morrisey and Terrell Allen. The win came a week after the Tigers whipped Midway to claim sole possession of the Swine Valley Conference. JK travels to Charles B. Aycock (2-5) on Friday before finishing up with league tilts against Princeton (3-4, 0-2) and WRH (4-3, 2-1) as the Tigers are two wins from their second-consecutive SVC crown. JK tied WRH for the title in ’24. See TIGERS, page B2
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JK’s Kingston Dunn ran for 97 yards and scored twice against Goldsboro.
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B2
Duplin Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
PREP ROUNDUP
TIGERS from page B1 The Tigers advanced to the East Region finals last fall and were eliminated in the fourth round the previous season. Both campaigns ended with 12-2 marks. This year’s group is cutting its teeth and learning on the fly. Fast scores Woodard scored from the 6 on the fourth snap of JK’s first possession after Morrisey bolted 43 yards. Murray then alertly fell on the Cougars’ onside kickoff. JK went 53 yards in 11 plays as Murray had two solid completions before finding Allen on first-and-goal from the 6. During the march Woodard and Murray had runs of 10 and 12 yards, respectively. Goldsboro ran two plays before Sherrod King nabbed an interception to set the Tigers up at their own 46. Dunn had a 19-yard scamper and Woodard an 11-yard push before Murray scored from the 21 to make it 21-0 with 2:56 to play in the opening quarter. A pick by Jamarion Dudley created the opportunity for JK’s next score.
“In games like these you have to challenge your kids.” Tim Grady, JK head coach It came like thunder. One play after Murray jetted for a first down, he connected with Morrisey for a 39-yard touchdown strike. Goldsboro moved the chains for the fifth time in its next possession before punting. Six action plays later it was 34-0. Allen started it with an 11-yard catch. Woodard rumbled 34 yards and Murray for 14 and then hit Zyquan Twitty to move the ball to the 7. Dunn scored from the 4 two plays later. Woodard, Morrisey and Dunn added second scores. Woodard’s celebration was because of 15- and 10-yard efforts by Murray as the clock began running continuously via the mercy rule. A long run by Dunn let Morrisey score from the 19. Dunn had the final touchdown from the 5, which came a play after he made a 22-yard jaunt.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
JK’s Tyquan Twitty is averaging more than nine tackles per game.
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Rebels spikers, Panthers tennis roll into postseason Unbeaten ED plays from No. 2 seed in 4A bracket, while second-seeded ND seeks the CC crown By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WALLACE — The East Duplin tennis team needs to be challenged. The North Duplin volleyball team needs a title with revenge as a motive. Both teams play in tournament action this week. Meanwhile, James Kenan and Wallace-Rose Hill booters eye clean Swine Valley Conference slates in the days leading up to what could be a league-deciding match Oct. 30. Holley twins, Robinson, Murphy propel Panthers in 4A playoffs East Duplin (11-0) wasn’t tested much during the regular season as the Panthers captured an ECC flag and nabbed the No. 2 seed and first-round bye in the 4A playoffs. The Panthers will face the survivor of the after-press match between West Stokes and Lexington. A win could pit ED against Clinton. The Panthers handled the Dark Horses 6-3 in two regular season matches and also beat Pender 7-2. Every other ED match has ended up in a 9-0 whitewash. Senior Anastan Holley is 11-0 at first singles, twin sister Tabor is 8-0 at the third spot, and together the twins are 10-0 at first doubles. No. 2 Scarlett Robinson (8-0) and No. 4 Abrielle Murphy (10-1) are 11-0 at second doubles. Meanwhile No. 5 singles player Leslie Alonso (9-2) has done her share to support the team, as has No. 6 Kyleigh Beth Turner (5-1). Robinson and Turner are sophomores on an otherwise senior roster. Entering this week, the Panthers (89-8) have won 97.1% of their matches en route to an 11-0 overall mark. VOLLEYBALL Rebels seek revenge push to play No. 1 Eagles in CC final North Duplin finished second in the Carolina Conference and was set to face league nemesis East Bladen in the tournament final after press on Wednesday at Lakewood High School.
The No. 2 Rebels (13-5, 10-2) lost a pair of 3-1 matches to the No. 1 Eagles (16-6, 11-1) this fall. ND hosts No. 7 Union (2-17, 1-11) in the first round, and a win delivers the survivor of No. 3 East Columbus (11-5, 8-4) and No. 6 Lakewood (7-13, 4-8). EC gets the winner of No. 4 West Columbus (4-12, 4-8) and No. 5 Hobbton (7-10, 4-8). While ND can’t overlook EC in the semifinals, a win in the finals over the Eagles would push the Rebels’ RPI up significantly. The first round of the state playoffs starts Saturday, though ND could get a first-round bye. The Rebels are No. 22 among all schools in 2A. The top eight seeds in the East and West will host second-round matches. Maggie Brown accounted for 17 kills, and Gracie Higginbotham (four kills, five aces, 12 assists) paced ND to a 3-1 (25-20, 25-27, 25-14, 25-23) triumph over Lakewood in the Rebels’ regular season finale. ND, which was second in the CC for the second season in a row, won for the third straight time and seventh time in eight matches. Panthers slip past Horses in search of share of ECC title The youngest Holley female sibling, Bennett, and Lorena Rodriguez, the younger sister of three-sport senior soccer speedster Annamarie, paced the ED volleyball team to a 3-2 win over Clinton to push a step closer to sharing the ECC title with the Dark Horses. But it wasn’t easy to exact revenge as the Panthers had to win a 15-3 tie-breaking set. Holley had 16 kills and nine aces, while Rodriguez had 14 kills and 22 digs. Yet it was still a team effort as Anna Brown had 10 blocks and Karsyn Parker 22 digs. ED won two of the first three sets, all of which were super-competitive, before being dunked 25-15 in the fourth set. The Panthers faced South Lenoir (10-9, 5-4) early this week in a regular season finale that would deliver a piece of the league’s title. ED (16-8) entered the week as the No. 15 RPI team in 4A. Clinton (16-3) is fifth. Both will not begin state action until the second round. ’Dawgs take down Tigers to extend streak to 29 While James Kenan is improving, Wallace-Rose Hill is showing signs of recovering
from the loss of three all-state players. Gabby Debnam had 18 kills, eight blocks and four aces with McKeithan Cross adding 15 kills and four aces. Ella Turner cleaned up with 21 digs. WRH took the middle two sets (25-13, 25-23) and a close tiebreaker (15-12). JK won the first and fourth sets at 25-20. The ’Dawgs swept the season series against the Tigers with a 3-2 triumph for their 29th consecutive victory against their 3A rival. JK fell 3-2 earlier in the season to WRH, yet the Tigers have only gotten to the 3-2 verdict four times during the losing streak, which started about the time most JK players were born (2011). Y’Anna Rivers netted 10 kills and had six aces for JK, which also got five kills from Jovi Hall and six aces from Payton Ezzell. JK (5-13, 4-8) has experienced several close losses this season and is better than its record would indicate — at least on the court. No. 3 WRH (13-8, 8-4) won its third straight and eight in its past nine matches, and it will take on No. 2 Goldsboro (14-7, 8-4) in the semifinals of the Swine Valley Conference Tournament. The winner faces the survivor of No. 1 Midway (18-1) and No. 4 Princeton (10-10). SOCCER Tigers take care of spoiler Gators Ronald Ramirez fired in two goals, and Ismael Covarrubias, Devis Gomez and William Guerra added a score as James Kenan (12-2, 6-1) beat Spring Creek 5-1 as the Tigers continue to win en route to a season-ending showdown with Wallace-Rose Hill (12-5-12, 5-0-1). Spring Creek (10-5-1, 3-3-1) forced a 1-1 draw against WRH a week previous to open the door for a Tigers title if they can rule over the Bulldogs in Warsaw on Oct. 30. Hard-luck Panthers fall in OT twice East Duplin’s only luck last week was not good. The Panthers played hard and were in a position to win before falling to Pender (4-2) and South Lenoir (5-4) in overtime matches. The Panthers (5-11-1) tied another ECC school, Trask, on Sept. 28 and are 1-3-1 in their last four conference tilts. ED begins its second spin around the league this week.
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Maggie Brown leads ND in kills with 165 as ND looks for a CC Tournament title this week.
B3
Duplin Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
FOOTBALL ROUNDUP
PANTHERS from page B1
Rebels get back on winning track by pushing over Vikings
And then it could come down to mistakes. Both head coaches said turnovers would decide the game. “We have to be more physical up front and then get to the football,” said ED defensive coordinator Seth Sandlin. “I think we’ve gang tackled well the last two weeks. It’s about eliminating mistakes and taking advantage of their mistakes.” But will it be a high-scoring affair or defensive battle? “Our defense is a bend-butdon’t-break group,” Arnette said. “East Duplin plays disciplined football really well and throws a lot of different looks at you. You have to adjust. We’re a solid football team but not good enough to overcome mistakes. We have to play a perfect game.” The Panthers did that during their 63-0 beating of the Titans last Friday, a week after crushing Pender 37-0. ED lost 42-7 to 5A Jacksonville, while Clinton lost to Whiteville (34-21) and Midway (32-14), the No. 1 and No. 4 RPI seeds in 3A, respectively. The Horses are led by quarterback Elijah Bryant (53-77 for 791 yards, 9 TDs; 53-309, 3 TDs running) and running backs Jonah Boone (32-191, 4 TDs; 16-374, 3 TDs receiving), Gavin Miller (41-373, 5 TDs) and sophomore speedster Uriah Robinson (43-254, 4 TDs). Bryson Mozinger (13-175, 2 TDs) is another favorite target for Bryant. Modern-day offensive guru Holley has plenty of weapons. The first line of fire is Noah LeBlanc (77-566, 13 TDs), Keeshon Mckinnie (68-397, 7 TDs) and Darwin Bonilla (17-126, TD). Mckinnie is also
ND snapped its two-game skid with a 36-16 win over West Columbus By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal CERRO GORDO — North Duplin offensive coordinator Brad Rhodes spread the love out among his running backs during a 36-16 road win over West Columbus last Friday. Four running backs ran for more than 65 yards, and the Rebels defense held the Vikings to 114 passing and 28 on the ground. The win followed heartbreaking losses to Carolina Conference foes East Bladen (40-35) and Lakewood (28-14). “Coming off two tough games, we played really well early, particularly in the first quarter,” said ND head coach Hugh Martin. “We were able to open it up in the second half after letting them back in the game a little bit in the second quarter.” ND (4-2, 1-2) hosts Union (3-4, 0-3) on Friday at H.E. Grubbs Field. Noa Quintanilla (11-82, TD), DJ Carlton (12-69, 2 TDs), Jayden Pope (1066) and Cole Grady (10-65) helped the Rebels roll for 280 yards. “They’ve been a group of backs that all year long has been used on defense, so it limits how much a given player can run the ball given the defensive situation,” Martin said. “Each have had their (good) nights and nights where they played mostly on defense.” Junior Messiah Cooper and freshman Damarion Smith are also included in the ND running back ranks. “It’s good to get that kind of productivity from our backs,” Martin said. “We just need to rotate them in without leaving ourselves short at another position.” Start early, put Vikes away with long drive Pope gave the Rebels a 1-0 lead less than two minutes into the game, and the lead ballooned to 22-0 before West Columbus woke up and made it competitive. Four snaps into its first possession, Pope scored from the 11. It was 15-0 in a flash as Pope scored from the 4 and ran for the 2-point conversion following a five-play march. A Pope fumble recovery set up Carlton for a 23-yard tal-
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ND’s Hugh Martin won the 163rd game of his 25-year career last Friday.
“Coming off two tough games, we played really well early, particularly in the first quarter.” Hugh Martin, ND head coach ly that upped the margin to 22-0. WC (2-5, 1-3) pushed across its only scores in the next five minutes of game clock. Graham scrambled 22 yards for the first score and added the 2-point conversion to trim the lead to 22-8. WC’s other score covered 70 yards in 12 plays, with Graham scoring from the 6 and hitting a Santonio Vereen conversion as ND’s lead was reduced to 22-16. A Damarion Smith interception set up the Rebels for a 14-play, 95-yard drive that featured long runs of 22 yards by Quintanilla, Carlton for 22 more, Grady 16 and Pope 11. Carlton scored from the 11 on fourth-and-7 from the 11. Quintanilla was untouched on the conversion run to bring the margin to 30-16 with 1:35 to play in the third quarter. Early in the fourth, Quintanilla ripped off a 35-yard run on third-and-6 from the Vikings 36. He broke numerous tackles and scored on the next snap. ND’s defense had a pair of three-and-outs to end the affair. Don’t underestimate Spartans ND has an 11-4 lead in its series against Union, which includes wins in the last eight games. The Spartans’ last win came in ’10.
The running attack is led by junior Tobias Cromartie (125-975 for 5 TDs) and supplemented by sophomore Marquavion Melvin (68-594, 8 TDs). “They have improved in the last few years running their bone-based offense,” Martin said. Rebels notebook ND leads the series 3-0 after wins in ’25 (49-14) and ’17 (46-12). Jackson Lee caught Henry Pope’s only pass and took it for 13 yards. The senior led ND in tackles with five. Smith and Ben Kelly each had four takedowns. Rimi Villalon was 2 of 3 on PATs and nailed both of his field goal attempts. Jayden Clemens pounced on a fumble in the third quarter.
a threat catching the ball (5-65, TD) and when returning kicks. Quarterback Brayden Jones (16-33 for 269, 5 TDs) has shown improvement as first-year sophomore starter. The next series, Zachary Cruz (44-262, 2 TDs), Esiah Bennerman (50-284) or Jeremiah Monk (10-74) could tote the pig. ED has won three straight and five of the last seven encounters yet trail 30-15 in the all-time series. Clinton dominated the early years with two 10-game winning streaks and eight- and six-game streaks. The Panthers won last fall 20-13 and have an 11-4 edge since ’07. Holley has a career mark of 170-63 with a state title in ’22 and a runner-up finish in ’17. Arnette is 50-34 with two trips to the NCISAA 2A finals at HCA. He was a Dark Horses assistant for six seasons before coaching the Crusaders. Panthers pound Titans ED held Trask to negative 11 yards of total offense as the Panthers led 42-0 at halftime. Trask had only one first down and went 0 of 6 on fourth down. Nine Panthers runners contributed 12 or more yards, with Amir Lamont scoring on a 90-yard run and Bonilla (252), LeBlanc (6-66), Mckinnie (6-47), Cruz (3-19) also hitting pay dirt from the backfield. Mckinnie returned a punt 65 yards for a score, took a Jones pass five yards to the end zone and had a 49-yard pick-six. Jones’ first touchdown pass went to Cruz and put ED in front 7-0. ED faced third down only once during the game. Noah LeBlanc is second in area in rushing (77-566) and touchdowns (11), and he leads ED in tackles with 55.
Crusaders overwhelmed by Patriots Sincere Thompson ran for 194 yards and four touchdowns as Southern Alamance beat Harrells Christian 42-0. The Crusaders (4-3) scheduled the NCHSAA 6A Patriots (5-2) following a cancellation by Asheville Christian. DJ Davis threw for 60 yards, and Jeremiah Davis was limited to 20 yards in 10 carries. Leading tackler Javion Peterson had 11 takedowns. Noah Tanner and Amir Moore each had nine, and Riley Falatovich added seven. HCA travels to face High Point Christian (5-2) on Friday. The Cougars won an NCISAA 2A title last season and were 10-1 in ’24. They are allowing 14.1 points per game this fall.
COURTESY THURMAN PARKER
MVP OF THE WEEK Adrian Glover Wallace-Rose Hill High School
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McKinly Matthews, Agent mckinly.matthews@ncfbins.com EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Noah Quintanilla ran for 82 yards and a touchdown in a win over West Columbus. He’s also the Rebels’ top tackler on defense for his LB position.
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B4
Duplin Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
BULLDOGS from page B1
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into the end zone at the Jack Holley Sport Complex. The senior southpaw quarterback (11 of 26) also had a touchdown pass.
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Classic battle from start No matter which team won, it was a classic for gridiron fans, especially for the old-school defensive-minded. While WRH led throughout, Midway was not far behind. Williams’ second throw of the night was tipped and picked off by Raquan McCrimmon, setting up WRH at the Midway 20 following a Raiders offside penalty. Adrian Glover pushed for 13 yards and then scored from the 7 on the next play as WRH went in front 7-0 after playing 40 seconds. Glover then stopped Wesley Tew from scoring on a 28-yard run. Williams found a way to move Midway (6-1, 2-1) to the WRH 24, but the defense stuffed Tew on fourth down. Defense ruled the rest of the first quarter as Tyreke Williams (14 tackles), Tyrone Boney (10), Adrian Allen (six), and Duwon Walker and Glover (five apiece) played aggressively. Glover punted the ball to the 1 just before the quarter ended. But Midway made it to the ’Dawgs 32 before McCrimmon broke up a pass on fourth-and-10. Midway cut the deficit to 7-6 when Williams ran a bootleg from the 10 with 48 seconds left in the first half. WRH made it to the Midway 27 with four runs before the clock expired. Second-half adjustments Adjusting to the way the game was called by the officials and by the playcalling of coaches made the third quarter interesting. WRH went to Glover, and his 43-yard run put the ball on the Midway 10. But the Raiders showed resistance, and WRH was forced to attempt a field goal. Dorlin Bonilla split the uprights from 31 yards away to up the lead to 10-6 at the 8:52 mark.
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Adrian Allen, Dan Wagner, Christian Smith and Tyreke Williams ganged up on Raiders runners. It only got better for the home team as Walker batted down a pass three plays later to force Midway to punt. WRH then chewed up 6:01 off the clock using 13 plays to make it 16-6. Yet it all played out in a not-so-normal way. Jarrod Miller and Glover had key first-down carries before being stopped on fourth-and-7 from the Midway 12. But a personal foul on the Raiders helped Glover score from the 1 on the next play. In front 16-6, WRH’s defense stopped Midway on fourth-and-1 when Williams couldn’t escape the grip of Allen, who dragged the quarterback to the ground for a 4-yard loss to force a punt. WRH then had a chance to score one more time and eat up more of the clock as it took the ball to start the fourth quarter. The ’Dawgs strategy of running the ball up the gut of the defense was working as Josiah Faison, Walker and Glover pounded for 4- to 5-yard gains before a holding penalty killed the drive. Glover’s touchback put Mid-
way on its own 20 with 6:57 to play. Seven passes and six running plays later, it was 16-12 after Tew scored from the 4. He also converted on fourth-and-2 from the 16. Williams then took center stage in the final minute. All WRH had to do was put him on the ground short of the end zone to win the game during his final run of the night. “In the end, we got beat by a DI player who delivered the mail at the end of the game,” Motsinger said. “They ran a ton of RPOs and only really hurt us big on three pass plays, but some of that was our choice. “We met on Jan. 6 and said this defense can be the best in the state. But at this point we are not young and inexperienced. So there are now things that aren’t acceptable. We will fix them.” WRH won’t play this week because SVC member Spring Creek is not playing a varsity schedule. The ’Dawgs travel to Rosewood on Oct. 23 and then host rival JK a week later.
East Duplin, tennis Anastan Holley has been a rising tennis player on the ECC circuit for the past three seasons. The East Duplin senior is 11-0 playing No. 1 singles and 10-0 in doubles with her twin sister, Tabor. Holley worked her way into the spotlight by going 11-1 at second singles as a junior. She was 8-0 as a sophomore at fifth singles. In the spring, Holley plays soccer and was a key member of the Panthers team that head coach Joey Jones put in numerous positions because of her athletic talents. East Duplin won the ECC last season and advanced to the fourth round of the 4A playoffs. The Panthers pushed into the third round Holley’s sophomore campaign. The senior was also on the ED track and field squad in previous seasons. She also serves as a copy editor for the school’s Panther’s Paw student publication.
CONTRIBUTED
NOTICES
TOWN OF TEACHEY PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATE The Town of Teachey NC is seeking a qualified and experienced professional to serve as Public Works Associate. This position provides leadership and oversight for the Town’s public works operations and is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of essential municipal services.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Ability to work effectively with elected officials, employees, contractors, and the general public
The Public Works Associate will plan, organize, direct, and supervise the activities of the Public Works Department, including but not limited to:
• Knowledge of municipal public works practices, including streets, drainage/stormwater, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure maintenance • Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#26E000167-300 The undersigned, ALYSSA J. EMERSON, having qualified on the 17TH DAY of SEPTEMBER 2026, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of TERI BRINEGAR EMERSON, aka TERI WYNNE BRINEGAR, 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 24TH Day of DECEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 24TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2026. ALYSSA J. EMERSON, EXECUTOR 422 W. SPRAGUE ST. WINSTON SALEM, NC 27127 Run dates:S24,O1,8,15p
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
• Pass background check • Operate heavy equipment and heavy equipment knowledge
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
• Solid waste and sanitation services
SALARY AND BENEFITS
FILE#26E000447-300
• Equipment maintenance
Negotiable based upon experience and qualifications. The Town offers a competitive benefits package, which may include health insurance, retirement benefits, paid vacation and sick leave, holidays, and other employee benefits.
The undersigned, MARY JAMES ASHLEY, having qualified on the 9TH DAY of OCTOBER 2026, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of WILLIAM TERRY JAMES, 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 15TH Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 15TH Day of OCTOBER 2026.
HOW TO APPLY
MARY JAMES ASHLEY, ADMINISTRATOR 3359 NC HWY.11 S TEACHEY, NC 28464
• Street and right-of-way maintenance • Stormwater and drainage systems
• Buildings, grounds, and municipal facilities • Public works construction and maintenance projects • Coordination with contractors, engineers, utility providers, and other governmental agencies • Responding to citizen concerns and service requests • Advising the Mayor, and Town Commissioner on public works matters • Emergency and disaster response activities • Compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and safety requirements • Performs leaf and debris removal on Town streets, grounds and parks. Public Works Public Works Technician • Performs park maintenance duties including stocking and cleaning restrooms and maintaining trails and picnic areas. • Picks up trash on Town streets and in common areas • Identify and respond to water/sewer repairs as needed and required • Preventative maintains on all equipment as needed and required
Interested applicants should submit a completed application and résumé in person or by mail to Clerk Morgan Jacobs: Town of Teachey 116 E Second St. P.O. Box 145 Teachey NC 28464 910-285-7564 morgan@teacheytown.com Application Deadline: 10/16/26 @ 5:00 pm The Town of Teachey is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legally protected status. THE TOWN OF TOWN OF TEACHEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Run dates: O15,22,29,N5p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#26E000426-300 The undersigned, ANDREW RIDDICK, having qualified on the 29TH DAY of SEPTEMBER 2026, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of SHARON SUTTON RIDDICK, 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 8TH Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 8TH Day of OCTOBER 2026. ANDREW RIDDICK, ADMINISTRATOR 516 N. CENTER STREET WARSAW, NC 28398 Run dates: O8,15,22,29p
PUBLIC NOTICE / LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENT TO REMOVE HAZARDOUS FENCING MAGNOLIA CEMETERY MAGNOLIA, NORTH CAROLINA
Notice is hereby given by the Town of Magnolia that all unauthorized, deteriorated, or rusting metal fences, borders, and enclosures surrounding gravesites pose an acute physical safety hazard and violate cemetery maintenance rules. Cemetery staff will begin the systematic removal and disposal of all rusting or damaged grave fences starting on January 18, 2027. Family members and plot owners are strongly urged to remove
their personal fencing materials prior to this date. Any items remaining on or after the effective removal date will be dismantled, removed by maintenance crews, and discarded without liability to Magnolia Cemetery, Items will not be stored once removed. Please contact Magnolia Town Hall if you have any questions at 910-289-3205 or visit us in person between the hours of 8AM and 6PM, Monday through Thursday.
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Duplin Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
obituaries
SPONSORED BY QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME
Cornelia Faye Lewis
Christopher Maurice Twine
Alvis Earl Hines Ruby Lee Smith Evelyn Stallings Dec. 29, 1940 – Oct. 6, 2026 Sept. 29, 1933 – Oct. 5, 2026 McGowen
Feb. 22, 1941 – Oct. 7, 2026
Aug. 14, 1969 – Oct. 7, 2026
Cornelia Faye Wells Lewis departed her earthly life in the early morning of Wednesday, October 7, 2026, while in Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Born on February 22, 1941, she is the daughter of the late Paul and Rachel Hazel English Wells. Also preceding her in death are her husbands-David Robinson, Edward Davenport, and Larry Lewis; her son-David Paul Robinson; and brother-Paul Dean Wells. Left to cherish her memory are her son Terry Robinson of Greenville (NC); sister-Vivian Brice and husband Victor of Wallace; grandchildren-Shannon, Natasha, Tracey, Michael, and Ashley; several great grandchildren; sister-in-law-Diane Wells of Tarboro; nephews-Dean Wells and Robin Wells of Tarboro; and nieces-Melanie Vinson and Paula Brice of Wallace. Mrs. Lewis lived in the Wallace area for many years and was a member of the Poston Baptist Church. She had a great love for many extended families during her life time and was a person with good nurturing skills along with the ability to be a wonderful caregiver when needed. Service details will be forthcoming.
Mr. Christopher Maurice Twine, age 57, of Fort Knox Road, Magnolia, NC, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Grantsbrook Nursing and Rehab Center in Grantsboro, NC. Chris was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He relocated to Duplin County, North Carolina in the 1990’s and found employment with Mainor Family Farms, Mainor Tile and Irrigation and D& L Poultry. He was a friendly person and enjoyed having conversations with whomever he met. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at The Chapel of Rose Hill Funeral Home in Rose Hill, North Carolina. The viewing will be one hour before the service. Interment will be in the Mainor Family Cemetery in Magnolia, North Carolina. His survivors include sister, Aleatha Marie Vasquez and niece, Victoria Vasquez both of New Orleans, La; the entire George Mainor Family, his extended community family, co-workers and other acquittances.
Alvis Earl Hines Sr., age 85, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Mobley Hines. He is survived by his children: Alvis Earl Hines Jr.; Rhonda Hines; Christy Lanier and her husband, Joseph; and Jonathan Pierce and his wife, Denita. He was also a proud grandfather to Bodhee Williams; Curtis Lanier and his wife, Sarah; Ethan Lanier and his wife, Casey; Luke Lanier; Colt Pierce and his wife, Olivia; Samantha Benson and her husband, Eric; and Anita Lanier and her husband, Gerren. His great-grandchildren are Kendall Lanier, Jackson Lanier, Gavin Lanier, Carlie Benson, Madilynn Johnson, Payton Johnson, Hudson Pierce, Junie Lanier and Eliza Lanier. He is also survived by his nieces: Tammy Robbins and her husband, David; Brandi Wash and her husband, Hank; and Kayla Lanier and her husband, Joshua. Earlier in his career, Earl repaired refrigerators, drove delivery trucks, and worked in appliance sales. He later spent many years in insurance sales before beginning a second career as a builder. Through his craftsmanship and dedication, he helped construct numerous schools throughout North Carolina, leaving a lasting mark on communities across the state. Earl was gifted with his hands and took pride in creating and building throughout his life. In retirement, he remained active and happiest when working outdoors. He spent countless hours tending his garden, cutting grass, building picnic tables and nightstands, and simply enjoying the warmth of the sun on his back. Known for his remarkable energy, vitality, and youthful spirit, Earl approached life with a sense of curiosity and wonder. He loved history, enjoyed a spirited debate, never passed up a good Western, and counted “Duke of Earl” among his favorite songs. He also treasured time with his best friend, David, whether they were riding the country roads or grabbing food together. A funeral service will be Saturday, October 10, 2026, at noon with visitation one hour prior to the service at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC Interment will be at Cole Mobley Lanier Cemetery, across from 208 Willie Hatcher Road in Chinquapin, NC. Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Hines family.
Belinda Diane Murphy-Wiley Charles Bryan McIntyre Nov. 3, 1966 – Oct. 5, 2026 Charles Bryan McIntyre, 59, of Willard passed from this earthly life to his eternal rest on Monday, October 5, 2026, from Novant Health New Hanover Medical Center. He was born on November 3, 1966, in Onslow County; the son of the late Charles George and Gloria Rivenbark McIntyre. Charles proudly served his country in the US Army for 21 years. Surviving to cherish his memory is his brother Stephen Keith McIntyre and wife Laurie of Wallace, nephew Stephen Cary McIntyre; nieces Stephanie M. Miller and husband Cole and Kayla Rosales and husband David; stepson Cameron Stillwell and wife Holley of Richlands; numerous extended family and friends that loved Charles dearly. Charles was a kind and caring brother, uncle and stepfather who loved his family. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding motorcycles. In fact, it is said that he had more motorcycles than he had cars. Charles was a peoples person who never met a stranger. He enjoyed being around people. He loved to laugh and make others laugh with him. Charles was blessed to travel the world and see the many sights during his time in the military. There he met many friends while serving his country. Charles will surely be missed but will never be forgotten. Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family request that you donate to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or online at https:// support.woundedwarriorproject. org Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wallace.
Dec. 21, 1953 – Oct. 5, 2026 Mrs. Belinda Diane Murphy-Wiley of Rose Hill, NC, age 72, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026, at ECU Duplin Hospital in Kenansville, NC. There will be a viewing from 11am-11:45am, with funeral services to begin at 12 noon on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at First Baptist Missionary Church of Rose Hill in Rose Hill, NC. Interment will be held following the service at Rose Hill Funeral Home Cemetery. Left to cherish her precious memories are: husband, Cirlee Wiley of Rose Hill, NC; one brother, Alvin Murphy (Nancy) of Gardena, CA; one sister, Cynthia D. Carlton of Suffolk, VA; one grandson, Isaiah M. Johnson of Mt. Vernon, NY; one stepson, Nikia Wiley (Tamika) of Durham, NC; one uncle, Joe Murphy of Norfolk, VA; six sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends that will miss her dearly.
Ervin Ray Sanderson Jan. 10, 1943 – Sept. 20, 2026
Doris Bouyer Sept. 11, 1937 – Oct. 6, 2026 Doris Bouyer, 89, of Radcliff, Kentucky (formerly of Duplin County) passed away October 6, 2026 at the Kensington Center in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Funeral service will be 1:00pm Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Hines Chapel Church in Warsaw. Public viewing will be 12 noon - 1:00pm (one hour prior to the service). Interment following the service at Sam Miller Cemetery in Warsaw.
Ervin Ray Sanderson, 83, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in ECU Duplin Hospital, Kenansville, NC. All arrangements are private. He is survived by girlfriend Nicky Dunn of Beulaville, NC; step-sons Nicholas Simpson (Michelle) and Kendall Simpson, both of Beulaville, NC; and Bobby Simpson Jr. (Courtney) of New Bern, NC; step-daughters Kendy Brecket (David) of Goldsboro, NC; and Shenna Worley and Ariel Dunn, both Beulaville, NC; sisters Edna Dixon of Beulaville, NC, and Shirley Kennedy (Rudy) of Kenansville, NC; and sister-in-law Retha Sanderson of Beulaville, NC Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Sanderson family.
Ruby Lee Byrd Smith, 93, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Smith; parents, Ernest and Anne Lee Byrd; brothers, Ernest Byrd Jr. and Perry Byrd; sisters, Tessie Hill and Lizzie Stanley. Ruby is survived by her daughter, Diane Smith; grandchildren, Michael Paul Jarman (Kim), Johnathan Jarman (Christina Williams), Tiffany Turner (Diamond), Nick Jarman (Chalea) and Brittany Graham; great grandchildren, Angel Heath (Mackenzie), John Michael Jarman (Zoey Burns), Taylor Jarman (Aaron Houston), Addison Williams, Lillie Williams, Raylee Williams, Austin Turner (Ashley Peters), Hayden Turner (Kennedy Swigart), and Freya Graham; great- great- grandson, Sawyer Heath and one on the way; and her sister, Irene Byrd Davis. Funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026 with visitation following the service. Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Christian Chapel Church Cemetery, Jonestown Road, Pink Hill, North Carolina. Ruby was a loving mother, hard worker, and always a very sassy lady. . She leaves many memories behind for her daughter, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and great-great grandchild to cherish. She will truly be missed. To
Fred Douglas Hall Sr.
June 27, 1940 – Oct. 5, 2026 Mary Evelyn Stallings McGowen, age 86, of Wallace, North Carolina left this earthly life for her eternal rest on Monday, October 5, 2026. She was born on June 27, 1940, in Duplin County; the daughter of the late Marshall William and Mary Ellen Murray Stallings. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Edward Neil McGowen Sr. and sister Emma Gray Walker. Surviving to cherish her memory is her son Edward Neil McGowen Jr. and wife Amberly of Wallace; grandchildren Amberlyn, Weston and Maxden; special cousin and brother Joe Murray and wife Betty of Wallace; numerous extended family and friends that loved Evelyn dearly. Evelyn was a loving mother and caring grandmother who loved her family with all her heart. She was a diligent homemaker and great cook as long as her health permitted. With a joyful spirit she filled her home with love and welcomed all who entered. She loved to work in her yard and it was always immaculate. Being a good neighbor and friend, Evelyn was loved by all who knew her. She was a devoted bookkeeper for Williams Blanchard Surveying Company for many years. Most of all, her son Neil was her world, and her grandchildren were the apples of her eye. Evelyn will surely be missed but treasured memories of Evelyn will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Rockfish Memorial Cemetery, Wallace, NC with Pastor Chris Jarman officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial gift be given to Wallace Christian Academy, 4121 S NC Hwy 11, Wallace, NC 28466. Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, NC
March 4, 1943 – Oct. 4, 2026 Deacon Fred Douglas Hall of Duplin County, NC, age 83, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. A viewing will be held one hour prior to service at 11:00am and a celebration of Life Homegoing will be at 12 noon at The Church of God and True Holiness 375 Joe Hop Williams Road, Beulaville, NC 28518. Interment will follow the service at the Hall Cemetery in Duplin County, NC.
Julia Faye Smith June 8, 1961 – Sept. 24, 2026 Julia Faye Smith, 65, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at her home. All services are private. She is survived by daughter Kelly Newburn of Beulaville, NC; sisters Patricia Braxton of Richlands, NC; Sherill Smith of Roxboro, NC; brothers Jerry Smith of Richlands, NC; Thomas Earl Smith of Kinston, NC; grandson Joe Newburn III (Alyssa) of Pink Hill, NC; and great-grandchild Cooper Henderson. Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Smith family.
Herman Lee Duff Sr. Sept. 3, 1929 – Sept. 24, 2026 Warsaw - Herman Lee Duff Sr., 97, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026 at his home. Mr. Duff was born September 3, 1929 in Duplin County, NC to the late George Stedman Duff and Eva F. Brown Duff. A visitation will be held 6:008:00pm, Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw. A funeral service will be held 11:00am, Monday, September 28, 2026 in Community Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Devotional Gardens. Mr. Herman is survived by beloved daughters, Linda D. White and husband, Raymond and Faye D. Landis all of Warsaw, daughter-in-law, Cheryl Duff of Warsaw, six grandchildren, Kevin White, Eric White, Johnthan Landis, Gabriel Landis, Ashley Smith, and Brock Duff; 13 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Herman was preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn Torrance Duff, son, Herman Lee Duff Jr., son-in-law, James “Jim” Landis, and sister, Frances Atkinson. Flowers are welcome or memorials maybe made to Bethany PFWB Church, 1068 Rackley Road, Clinton, NC 28328.
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Duplin Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Kenansville board approves grant-funded police equipment The funding will help the police department obtain new tasers and protective vests
“Our current equipment is outdated and can’t be repaired.”
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
Town Manager Anna West
KENANSVILLE — The Kenansville Town Board unanimously approved a grant project ordinance Tuesday allowing the police department to use nonrepayable state grant funds to replace its in-car cameras and purchase additional equipment as funding allows. The police department requested the funding directly from the state, which awarded the grant through the state budget. During the presentation, Police Chief Jackie Benton referenced $8,000 in assistance. The board also approved leasing a new printer and copier for town hall after reviewing proposals from two companies. The existing equipment dates to a 2016 lease, and replacement parts are no longer manufactured. “Our current equipment is outdated and can’t be repaired,” Town Manager Anna West said. “We budgeted money to replace it, but the options exceed the budgeted amount.” Systel Business Equipment offered a 48-month lease at $233 per month, including a cabinet and internal staple finisher. Copy Pro presented a five-year lease totaling $22,000 and a cash purchase option of $11,000. The board discussed service agreements, maintenance response times and service guarantees before approving a lease and allowing town hall staff to select a vendor. West also presented plans for the town’s Christmas lun-
cheon scheduled for Dec. 11. She requested that the office close 1-5 p.m. to allow time for the luncheon and cleanup afterward. Mayor Stephen Williamson Jr. offered an off-site location to make the event easier for everyone. The board approved closing town hall 1-5 p.m. that day to accommodate the luncheon and cleanup. Benton discussed preparations for the town’s Christmas parade scheduled for Nov. 28 at 5:30 p.m., including efforts to notify residents and businesses along the route about traffic impacts. “It is an evening parade, and we’d like to get the word out to help keep the roads clear, especially on Old Warsaw Road, to avoid any incidents,” Benton said. In other business, the board approved tax releases for two properties because of billing errors and appointed Dawn Craft to fill a vacancy on the ABC Board. Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Brown reported problems with people moving equipment on the soccer field. “It’s not supposed to be moved, and it is causing us to have to go out and remeasure and reposition it,” Brown said. Public Works is also gathering contractor estimates for street patching and repairs to sinking stormwater structures. The board reviewed budget matters as staff prepared for the upcoming municipal audit. The meeting then adjourned.
Faison board reviews staffing, recreation plans Three officials take on new roles as commissioners approved a Parks and Recreation hire and accepted an employee’s resignation
Mayor Billy Ward, left, swears in Mandy Taylor as town clerk and deputy tax collector following the completion of her probationary period.
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal FAISON — Three town employees took on new roles this week as Mayor Billy Ward was sworn in as finance officer, Mandy Taylor was sworn in as town clerk and deputy tax collector, and Carmen Gonzalez was sworn in as tax collector and deputy town clerk. “I am impressed with both of these ladies’ eagerness to learn,” Ward said. “Mandy has completed the intro to local government class, and Carmen has completed a property tax seminar.” Executive Administrator Jimmy Tyndall praised them as well. “I am most impressed about the attitude they bring to the job and their work ethic,” Tyndall said. “There is no stress here; when there is a problem, we all work together to find a solution. It is a new and refreshing approach to troubleshooting.” In other business, the board accepted a text message resignation from Parks and Recreation employee Nathan Holloman. After working for the town for slightly more than a year, Holloman completed a shift and texted the town that it would be his last. According to town policy, he was not eligible to receive accrued vacation pay because he did not provide notice. The board approved his resignation and the forfeiture of his accrued vacation time. The board approved hiring Christopher Omar Mejia Vel-
REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
asquez Rivera to replace Holloman. Rivera was hired full time with benefits at $17 per hour and came highly recommended by Brewer’s Hardware. Ward gave an update about Parks and Recreation activities. “We have 100 girls playing volleyball this fall and 160 kids out there playing soccer,” he said. “We have 260 kids at the Rec and in our park on the weekends.” Ward also discussed a request from the North Duplin Skills USA Club to hold a Bingo Night fundraiser. “The North Duplin Skills USA Club wants to have a Bingo Night on Nov. 14,” Ward said. “I would like to offer a space free of charge at the Rec Center because it is a school.” The board unanimously approved the request. The board also approved a Halloween resolution providing for the closure of Winnifred Street Saturday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. During commissioner reports, the board discussed three code violations at the former Piggly Wiggly building, including an illegal sign advertising services no longer offered at the location, graffiti and property maintenance concerns. Tyndall said the town has
sent multiple notices to the owner and received signed receipts confirming delivery, but the violations remain unresolved. Although some cleanup has occurred after notices were received, the town has struggled to establish direct communication with the owner. Enforcement proceedings have begun, and the documentation has been turned over to the town attorney for formal legal action. Board members expressed frustration with the lack of progress and discussed community interest in seeing the property sold so a grocery store could return to town. Commissioner Sandy McCarthy reported the fire department’s fundraiser was very successful. She reported the fire department had 33 calls for the month, including 13 calls inside town limits, 15 in the county and five mutual-aid calls. Commissioner Kristie Allen shared about FIG’s Ghost Walk for Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. “This year’s is special because we have eight actors covering 250 years of the town’s history,” Allen said. Henry Faison, the town’s founder, is among the figures expected to appear. The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.
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VOLUME 146 ISSUE 82 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 704-982-2121
Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING
State Fair fried festivities Members of the media and social
Vatican says pope’s lung nodule surgery successfully completed
media influencers gathered at the North Carolina State Fair’s annual Deep Fried Media Day on Monday to taste and test some of the fair’s 84 new food and drink offerings. The fair opens Thursday and runs through Oct. 25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. For more,
Rome Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery to remove a lung nodule, with the Vatican confirming the procedure was successful. The 71-year-old pontiff returned to his room at Rome’s Gemelli hospital after the operation Tuesday. The surgery aimed to determine if the nodule is malignant and whether further treatment is needed. Leo had announced the discovery of the nodule during his Sunday prayer. Experts say his prognosis is excellent, even if the nodule is cancerous, as it was caught early. The Vatican has canceled his audiences through Oct. 20, allowing for recovery.
turn to NSJ, page A13.
STAN GILLILAND / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Guilfoyle, ambassador to Greece, resigns after allegations of improper conduct President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, has resigned after allegations of improper conduct but says she’ll “vigorously defend” herself. The White House says Guilfoyle was asked to resign after coming under severe criticism over allegations she engaged in improper and possibly illegal conduct before and during her tenure in Athens. Guilfoyle’s departure Tuesday comes after its possibility was previewed to The Associated Press over the weekend and Trump registered his unhappiness with reports about her alleged conduct on Monday. The Republican president was asked by reporters if he was considering firing Guilfoyle and said he was “looking at it” and was “not happy.”
Blair accused of attacking 2 flight attendants, assaulting police officer, nurse New York Actor Selma Blair was arrested after she was accused of injuring two flight attendants on a trip from Los Angeles to New York. She has also been charged with two counts of assault for allegedly kicking a police officer and a nurse after the flight. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges and faces more for the events on the flight. Authorities said Monday that Blair was detained late Sunday after the Delta Air Lines jet landed in New York.
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Stanly County strengthens zoning restrictions for cell towers The new rules increase setbacks for commercial telecom tower facilities By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Commercial telecommunications towers within the county are now subject to stricter regulations on where they can be built. The Stanly County Board of Commissioners voted 7-0 on Oct. 5 to increase the required distances between new towers and nearby homes, property lines and other towers. The unanimous vote amend-
ed the county’s Telecommunications Tower, Antennae and Facilities Overlay District following concerns raised by residents about where new towers can be constructed. Bailey Cline, the county’s planning and zoning director, presented the proposed changes to commissioners after the Planning Board considered the matter last month. “On Sept. 14, the Stanly County staff presented an item to the Planning Board that was brought by concerned citizens,” Cline said. “The item was to increase the setbacks from telecommunications towers to both residen-
tial dwellings and all adjoining property lines.” Under the approved amendment, commercial monopole towers must be located at least 1,500 feet from residential dwellings, a fivefold increase from the previous 300-foot requirement. The new regulations also require towers to be set back from adjoining property lines by a distance equal to twice their height. Previously, the required distance was equal to the tower’s height or its documented collapse zone, whichever was less. Additionally, the amendment establishes a minimum
Donaldson memorabilia returns home to Badin
LOCATIONS
• Albemarle-East/ Anderson Rd. • North Oakboro/ Red Cross Rd. • South Oakboro/ Rocky River Rd. • Mt. Pleasant • Biscoe • Locust
Commissioner Mike Barbee separation of 10,000 feet, approximately 1.9 miles, between telecommunications towers. Companies seeking exceptions to the setback requirements because of coverage See ZONING, page A5
inside North Stanly captured the Stanly Cup with a shutout sweep, dominating the other schools in the county. Read more on page B1.
The donation precedes a centennial celebration at Badin Coffee By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal BADIN — A collection of personal belongings and career memorabilia from Badin-born jazz legend Lou Donaldson is finding a new home in his hometown. The Badin Historic Museum announced Oct. 2 that Donaldson’s estate has donated the items ahead of a Nov. 9 celebration marking the centennial of the late saxophonist’s birth. Donaldson, who died in 2024 at age 98, became internationally known for his blues-influenced alto saxophone playing during a career spanning more than six decades.
COURTESY DALL WILSON
An image of Lou Donaldson is displayed at the “Musical Badin” public art installation located at the Badin Post Office. The donation expands the museum’s existing Donaldson collection and will serve as the centerpiece of a new exhibit highlighting his See DONALDSON, page A4
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 14, 2026
WEDNESDAY
10.14.26 #153
Giant pumpkins battle STANLY happening for heavyweight glory, world record in California Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County.
Four-time champion Travis Gienger makes his comeback after missing last year when his pumpkin broke
“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 518620) (ISSN 2471-1365) Trip Hoffend Publisher Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers Cory Lavalette Senior Editor Jordan Golson Local News Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Jesse Deal Reporter Stan Gilliland Photographer ADVERTISING Kateland Treece Advertising Representative Published Wednesday and Sunday as part of North State Journal 1548 NC 24-27 BYP W Albemarle NC 28001 TO SUBSCRIBE OR PLACE LEGAL NOTICE: 704-982-2121 STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Albemarle N.C. and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh NC 27607
Oct. 15 Landmark Lounge: Opera House 5:30-8:30 p.m.
By Terry Chea and Olga R. Rodriguez The Associated Press HALF MOON BAY, Calif. — Giant pumpkin growers and their massive gourds will converge on Monday in Northern California for an annual pumpkin-weighing contest, competing for the top prize and a chance to challenge the world record set just last week in England. At least 30 growers of giant pumpkins have signed up for the 53rd World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, said event spokesman Ronan Fowler. Among the participants is four-time champion Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher from Minnesota whose winning streak ended last year after he was unable to participate because his pumpkin broke while it was still growing. Gienger, who this year had to deal with temperatures that dipped below freezing, grew a pumpkin whose circumference is so big it could be a world record contender, Fowler said. Fowler said last week that Gienger and his father planned to take turns driving 30 hours over the weekend to get the pumpkin the size of a small car to California. The new world record was set by Ian Paton, of Lymington, England, with a gi-
Timed small-group tours climb to the second-floor Opera House, one of Albemarle’s historic landmarks, with beer samples and popcorn while you wait. Tickets are $10; guests must be 18 or older, and the space is not ADA accessible. GODOFREDO A. VÁSQUEZ / AP PHOTO
Brandon Dawson, left, celebrates after winning the Safeway 52nd annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California, in October 2025.
“The fact that Travis can weather the elements, like 30-degree weather, and still grow this massive pumpkin is pretty unbelievable.” Ronan Fowler, event spokesman ant squash weighing 2,857 pounds. That’s heavier than two and a half concert grand pianos. Paton grows his giant gourds in a greenhouse, while Gienger grows them in the pumpkin patch in his backyard in Anoka, a city on the banks of the Mississippi River north of Minneapolis, Fowler said. “The fact that Travis can weather the elements, like
30-degree weather, and still grow this massive pumpkin is pretty unbelievable,” the spokesman said. Brandon Dawson, of Santa Rosa, California, who won the top prize last year with a behemoth of a pumpkin weighing 2,346 pounds, will also compete. The pumpkin champ this year will win $9 per pound of pumpkin and have their lumpy gourd showcased during a parade through Half Moon Bay this weekend. If they break the world record, they will take an extra prize of $30,000. Monday’s festivities, which will kick off the city’s fall celebration, will also include a special appearance by pumpkin carver Mike Valladao. Sadly, these giants are grown for their size, not flavor, so there will be no giant pumpkin pies at the end of the festival.
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Oct. 17 Start It, Stanly! Hike It! 8 a.m. Atrium Health Stanly and the state park lead a free guided hike on the Sugarloaf Trail, the first of four fall Saturday sessions. Sign up online; walkers meet at the horse-trailer parking area a half-mile inside the park entrance. Morrow Mountain State Park 49104 Morrow Mountain Road Albemarle
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Jesus Cruzaley, 10, middle right, celebrates with his grandfather, Harold Stern, after his pumpkin was weighed at the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off on Monday in Half Moon Bay, California.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 14, 2026
THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | JORDAN TOPAL
When should a town sell its water system? State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers.
TOWNS ACROSS THE COUNTRY have sold their water system with good reason: some have environmental problems, others have budget deficits and unfunded pensions, still others can’t afford to fix failing pipes. North Carolina has labeled 160 local utilities as distressed, including 11 across Duplin, Moore, Randolph and Stanly counties. The state has helped several of these with loans or grants to fix their issues. Unless it’s the only option for safe water and sewer, selling to a private utility usually isn’t worth it. North Carolina passed the fair-value law in 2018. It allowed private utilities that buy municipal systems to earn a regulated return on what they paid instead of the depreciated value of decades-old assets on the town’s books. Each purchase receives three appraisals before approval from the N.C. Utilities Commission. The buyer earns a return on the lower of the purchase price or the average appraisal value. Carteret County’s 2023 sale of a 1,200-customer water system to Carolina Water was the first under the law. Customers pay for needed repairs no matter who owns the system, so what matters is who can finance them more cheaply. Regulators set the private utility’s profit because there is no local competition. In North Carolina, they typically allow a return of 9.8% on equity, the shareholders’ contribution, and customers also pay the utility’s debt interest. Including the utility’s income taxes, customers pay a blended 8.5% to 8.9% a year on the capital. When a private utility spends money to upgrade pipes,
that amount is added to its rate base, the total amount customers pay a return on. So the utility has no reason to hold down construction spending. A healthy municipality borrows with tax-free bonds. Their rates are lower than corporate bond rates because investors pay no income tax on the interest, and municipalities have no shareholder dividends to pay. Over the last few years, that rate has averaged 3% to 5%. On financing costs alone, it’s much cheaper for a municipality to run a water and sewer system. On occasion, a distressed municipality is unable to maintain the utility. It lacks the money or the expertise to bring it back into serviceable shape. The first answer is usually state assistance. On Oct. 6, the Local Government Commission approved $46.2 million in State Revolving Fund loans to rebuild Albemarle’s wastewater plant, mostly at a 0.1% interest rate. In February, the state paid for studies of Greenevers merging with neighboring Wallace and of Stanly County taking over Stanfield’s water and sewer. A sale is the last resort once the public options are exhausted. A private operator has large engineering staffs and a deep back office for billing and customer service. Buyers usually hire the municipal employees as well to maintain local expertise. Selling solves three problems for a town: It no longer has to manage the utility or vote for unpopular rate hikes, and the cash ends its acute financial distress. But the rate hikes don’t
go away. State regulators approve them instead of the town council. After a sale, the buyer usually freezes rates for one to three years. Then it asks the Utilities Commission for large rate hikes to pay for the system’s needed improvements. In Pennsylvania, buyers proposed increases of 40% to 94%. After Pennsylvania American Water bought Exeter Township’s sewer system in 2019, the average monthly bill nearly tripled within five years, from $43 to $115. North Carolina regulators have approved a steep increase for Carteret County, where water-only bills will rise 78% by 2028, from $81 to $144. Future rates will continue rising with each rate case the utility brings to the commission. Selling the utility is like a sale-leaseback in the corporate world. The town takes the utility and upkeep off the books, but citizens pay a higher price long-term to lease the asset. However, a company can move out when its lease ends. Utility customers can’t because they’re renting a regulated monopoly. If a town has any capacity to borrow with a BBB rating or better, it’s cheaper to keep the utility public. State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers. Any council weighing an offer should ask for that number before considering a letter of intent. Jordan Topal is a CFA charterholder who spent two decades in municipal finance. He writes about local government finance at fundbalance.substack.com.
COLUMN | JOSH HAMMER
Don’t let Flydubai terror scare derail Abraham Accords progress A Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews.
TERRORISTS want nothing more than to prevent peace. It’s why they fly planes into buildings, don explosive vests and rain indiscriminate missiles on civilian populations. The response to such terrorism isn’t to cower. It is to lead with boldness, courage and, sometimes, outright heroism. The world just saw precisely such heroism in the high drama aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, from Dubai to Tel Aviv. There was the Indian national pilot, Smit Machchhar, who, though bleeding badly after he was brutally stabbed by his terrorist Omani national copilot, had the presence of mind to open the cockpit door as the plane nosedived 10,000 feet a minute. There were the ordinary Israeli citizens — and above all, new national hero Yaniv Hayoun — who, Todd Beamer-style, swiftly rushed the cockpit and subdued the terrorist in a chokehold (yes, really). There were the two off-duty pilots — reportedly British, South African or New Zealander in nationality — who were able to glide the plane to a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. There was the Emirati flight crew, which handled the madness with aplomb, preventing chaos in a terrified cabin and ensuring the safety of all passengers. Israeli activist Hillel Fuld quoted a military pilot on X: “In virtually every historical incident where an airliner got anywhere close to these speeds, the tail ripped off the entire back of the plane.” In the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible, God is not mentioned once. This is
deliberate. His name doesn’t need to appear: His presence is felt, and seen, everywhere. It was the same way aboard Flydubai Flight 1073. Some have reacted to this mesmerizing story in knee-jerk fashion. They have leapt to call for the full cancelation of all direct flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates — and perhaps a downgrading of ties between Israel and the Arab world, more generally. The instinct is understandable. The anti-Israel press downplayed the harrowing affair as a “pilot altercation,” but the fact is, a Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews. That looks like terrorism. That’s certainly what the Israelis think happened. But terror attacks and near-terror attacks must not derail peace. To allow peace to be derailed is actually to do the terrorists’ bidding. The Abraham Accords, those dynamic 2020 peace agreements that normalized Israeli relations with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, must go on. Indeed, they must expand. Many predicted the Abraham Accords would die after the Hamas savagery of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing war in Gaza. They didn’t. On the contrary, the accords are stronger today. The Iran conflict, which has seen the Islamic Republic strike the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, has sent an unmistakable message: The Sunni Gulf states’ threat isn’t Jerusalem. It’s Tehran. That’s why, just days before the near catastrophe aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to
Abu Dhabi to meet with representatives from eight different Arab countries. Prior to that confab, Netanyahu rendezvoused directly with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed. It was the first time such a bilateral meeting was publicly verified by both countries. Perhaps, then, the attempted terror attack timing isn’t a coincidence. The rumor mill has also been swirling that Kuwait might soon join the Abraham Accords. It’s not hard to see what is going on here. Before the Oct. 7 pogrom, Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Arab world — was on the precipice of making peace with Israel. Netanyahu dedicated much of his September 2023 address to the United Nations General Assembly to the topic. Around the same time, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Fox News’ Bret Baier “every day we get closer” to normalization with Israel. Peace seemed imminent. One of Hamas’ aims with its massacre was to derail Israeli-Saudi normalization. In that, Hamas was successful — for now. But in the long run, Hamas won’t be successful. Despite the setback, the House of Saud still knows that peace with Israel is an inevitability. We cannot allow this would-be terrorist copilot to be successful either. This is not the time to pump the diplomatic brakes. We might have to brace ourselves for additional attempted terror attacks, as cynics once again try to stop peace. Israel is undoubtedly prepared for that. The Arab states should prepare too. Israel should also reevaluate its aviation procedures. Perhaps Israeli authorities can help vet inbound and outbound commercial pilots. But the pursuit of regional peace must go on. There would be no greater tribute to the heroes of Flydubai Flight 1073 than that. Josh Hammer is the senior editor-at-large of Newsweek and host of “The Josh Hammer Show” and podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 14, 2026
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Security incident at US-run air base almost certainly directed by Iran, UK prime minister says All seven suspects arrested were released on bail with no charges filed The Associated Press LONDON — A suspected terror plot at a U.S.-run military air base in England was “almost certainly” directed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Monday. Burnham previously said there are strong indications Iran was linked to the apparent plan last month to attack the RAF Fairford air base, which has been used by American bombers to strike Iran in the ongoing war. Police have arrested seven men in the investigation into the alleged plot, but all suspects have been released on bail and no one has been charged so far. Iran has denied involvement, although it has previously said that it considers any base used to attack its territory a legitimate target. “I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary
Guard,” Burnham told lawmakers. “We will not tolerate these threats on our soil.” Scores of residents near the air base were evacuated from their homes on Sept. 27 as armed police officers and army bomb-disposal experts swarmed the rural area. Police later said they had found a quantity of an accelerant — gasoline — in three vans linked to the initial five suspects who were arrested on the scene, but no explosives. All the suspects arrested are in their 20s. Six are British nationals while one is a dual U.K.-Iranian citizen. The U.S. pulled its bombers last week from RAF Fairford, about 100 miles west of London, and the Pentagon said all American bombers at the facility had been redeployed to their home bases in the U.S. The Trump administration has said it believed the base faced Iranian threats intended to kill as many American troops and destroy as many U.S. planes as possible. The British government allowed the U.S. military to use RAF Fairford for what it called defensive strikes on Iranian missiles and their launch sites
following Iranian attacks on U.K. interests and Britain’s allies in the Gulf. On Monday, the British government summoned the Iranian ambassador to express displeasure at “Iran’s continued attempts to undermine the security of the United Kingdom and international partners through its criminal networks, proxy groups and state-backed malign activity.” It also said it added two Iranians, including the head of counterespionage operations in the Revolutionary Guard, to its sanctioned list. Iran and allied militant groups have previously been accused of plotting or carrying out attacks on U.S., British and Jewish targets, allegedly acting through local proxies. In a joint statement released Monday, the foreign ministers of more than two dozen Western countries condemned Iranian attacks on their territories through proxies or other means. “Anyone who conducts hostile activities on behalf of Iran, or any other state, should know that we will take action to identify, investigate, disrupt, and prosecute these acts,” the statement said.
DNA, vehicle-tracking help French investigators recover stolen Renoirs, make arrests in theft Investigators suspect the four arrested men were preparing another art heist By Sylvie Corbet and Eva Van Dam The Associated Press
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DONALDSON from page A1 life, music and ties to Badin. Among the additions are a Bundy A&H Selmer clarinet that Badin band director Leo Gabriel sold to Donaldson’s mother, Lucy, and a handmade saxophone case that Donaldson carried during his travels around the world. Other items include his favorite beige straw hat with a black band, a “Sweet Poppa Lou” performance shirt, a saxophone-themed tie worn onstage and the North Carolina Award for Fine Arts he received in 2012.
Located at 60 Falls Road, the Badin Historic Museum preserves the history of the town and its surrounding communities. The collection arrives as the town prepares to honor Donaldson’s musical legacy with a centennial celebration at Badin Coffee on Nov. 9. From 7-9 p.m., the venue will host the inaugural Lou Donaldson Memorial Concert, celebrating the musician’s influence and the town’s longstanding musical traditions. The event will also recognize the dedication of “Musical Badin,” a
NANTERRE, France — DNA left on a protective painting cover helped investigators recover two stolen Renoirs and uncover what they suspected were preparations for another art heist, a French prosecutor said Monday. Four men were given preliminary charges in the investigation into the Sept. 8 theft from the small Renoir Museum in the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. The charges include organized theft and criminal association, Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone said. One painting, “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano,” suffered a tear. The other, “Young Woman at the Well,” had slight damage to its frame, Bessone said. He estimated their combined value at $4.7 million. The thieves used an electric saw to cut through a fence, entered the museum through the ground floor and cut clips securing the frames of four paintings. An alarm sounded and police officers arrived four minutes later, a swift response that “apparently caused the perpetrators to panic,” Bessone said. “As they fled, they were unable to take all four paintings and abandoned two of them, which were later found in a protective sleeve,” he said.
“Donaldson’s music delighted many people across the world.” Badin Historic Museum board member Dall Wilson public art installation recently unveiled at the Badin Post Office. Created by museum board member Dall Wilson, the installation features five large murals — including one of Donaldson — depicting the
Vehicle tracking led to suspects The DNA found on the abandoned cover matched that of a 29-year-old already under investigation in a drug trafficking case in which police were tracking his vehicle, Bessone said. Vehicle-tracking data showed that the suspect, accompanied by a 41-year-old man, went to the home of a third man shortly after the theft, Bessone said. Police surveillance also showed that the 29-year-old on Oct. 3 visited the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence — home to a large modern art collection. The suspect then met with a fourth man known to police from art theft and forgery cases in 2001 and 2003. Bessone said the arrests were prompted by the “very strong suspicion that another heist was imminent.”
from the hiding place, Bessone said. The fourth suspect acknowledged seeing photographs of the paintings but said he did not immediately recognize them. Both of those suspects were given preliminary charges of “concealment” of stolen paintings. They were released under judicial supervision and barred from leaving France. Two additional people who had been arrested were released without charge. Theft renews concerns about museum security
The two men suspected of carrying out the museum theft have been given preliminary charges of “theft committed by an organized gang” and “criminal association,” among other counts. They were sent to prison pending further investigation. They have denied wrongdoing, Bessone said. The third suspect acknowledged receiving the paintings at his home and hiding them behind a wall built beneath a staircase after the theft. Investigators recovered the Renoirs
The Renoir Museum occupies the final home of the leading French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who lived there until his death in 1919. It is the best-known attraction in Cagnes-sur-Mer, a Mediterranean coastal town between Cannes and Nice. The theft revived painful memories of the spectacular theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris last year and renewed calls for better security and funding at the many cultural sites across France. Christian Sainte, national director of judicial police, said Monday that the country “is repeatedly targeted by organized criminal groups that carry out theft operations targeting valuable objects that are part of our cultural heritage” in museums, castles, places of worship, private homes and art galleries. French museums recorded 23 cases in 2025 and about 10 this year, he said.
town’s musical history through historic photographs and imagery. “Donaldson’s music delighted many people across the world,” Wilson said in a statement. “His daughter has been a delight to know, and her gifts are deeply appreciated.” Born in Badin in 1926, Donaldson attended North Carolina A&T before serving in the Navy during World War II, where he was introduced to bebop jazz. His recording journey began in 1950, and he went on to release 50 studio albums as a bandlead-
er while also performing alongside musicians such as Thelonious Monk, Clifford Brown, Art Blakey and Grant Green. Following his career as a defining artist on Blue Note Records, his accomplishments included induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and recognition as a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master. In 2022, a stretch of N.C. Highway 740 in Badin was named Lou Donaldson Boulevard, another tribute to the musician whose hometown continues to celebrate his legacy.
Paintings hidden behind wall
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Cyberattacks hit European supermarket chains, disrupt refrigeration systems Refrigeration outages forced hundreds of supermarkets across Europe to discard spoiled food products
A car leaves a Carrefour supermarket in Anglet, France, in January 2018.
By Angela Charlton and Dee-Ann Durbin The Associated Press PARIS — Cyberattacks have disrupted European supermarket chains, affecting refrigeration systems at hundreds of stores in France and forcing a major grocer to shut down websites serving customers in Europe and the United States. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told Parliament on Tuesday that about 700 of the country’s 10,000 supermarkets were affected. He said there was no risk to France’s food supplies but acknowledged that the attack “touches the heart of our food security.” “It was a wake-up call for everyone,” he said. The Paris prosecutor’s office said Tuesday that its cybercrime unit was investigating the large-scale attack, including the extent of damage caused by spoiled food and reports of fires. French supermarket group Groupement Mousquetaires, which operates more than 4,000 stores across Europe, said 300 of its Intermarché and Netto stores were impacted. Some refrigerated and frozen food display cases remained out of service Tuesday. Dominique Schelcher, CEO of French grocery chain Cooperative U, said 80 of the company’s 2,000 stores were affected. Most managed to prevent disruptions to refrigeration, but some had to discard
BOB EDME / AP PHOTO
food, he said in a post on X. “Targeting equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products is an attack on the French food supply chain. It is unprecedented, extremely serious, and unacceptable,” Schelcher said. Carrefour and Monoprix supermarkets were also impacted. Danish technology company Danfoss, which supplied the refrigeration management software, said Monday that most affected systems were older products that no longer received software or security updates. “Danfoss has long advised
customers to keep supported systems updated with the latest firmware, as well as to operate behind a firewall,” the company said. Danfoss said it was working with affected customers to limit the damage. Separately, Dutch supermarket giant Ahold Delhaize said Tuesday it was working to restore systems it had shut down following what it described as a security issue. The company, which operates Albert Heijn in the Netherlands, Delhaize in Belgium and Stop & Shop in the United States, de-
clined to provide further details. Websites for several of its brands, including Stop & Shop, Food Lion and Albert Heijn, remained offline Tuesday, although stores were open and serving customers. Ahold Delhaize said it had no evidence that customer or employee data had been stolen. “Protecting our infrastructure in the best interest of our customers, associates and partners is a top priority,” the company said. “We apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused customers and partners.”
“Targeting equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products is an attack on the French food supply chain. It is unprecedented, extremely serious, and unacceptable.” Dominique Schelcher, Cooperative U CEO
ZONING from page A1
CITY OF ALBEMARLE PUBLIC HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO OPEN WAITING LIST ALBEMARLE, NC – The City of Albemarle Department of Public Housing (DOPH) will open the Public Housing waiting list for all bedroom sizes. Effective October 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., applications will be accepted for Public Housing ONLY! Applications are available online at www.albemarlenc.gov/publichousingapplication or may be obtained in person at the Public Housing office located at 300 S. Bell Avenue, Albemarle, NC 28001. The Public Housing waiting list will remain open until 4:30 p.m. on November 4, 2026. THE DEADLINE IS FINAL. All applications and required documentation must be received by 4:30 p.m. on November 4, 2026. Applications or required documents received after the deadline will NOT be accepted or processed. No exceptions will be made. IMPORTANT: VITAL RECORDS Original vital records must be submitted IN PERSON at the Public Housing office located at 300 S. Bell Avenue, Albemarle, NC 28001. Copies submitted by email will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all required documentation is submitted by the deadline. For questions or additional information, please contact the City of Albemarle Department of Public Housing at 704-984-9580 or via email at publichousing@albemarlenc.gov.
needs must obtain signed affidavits from all adjoining property owners agreeing to the reduced distances. The restrictions apply specifically to commercial monopole towers, excluding public safety and emergency medical services towers, small-cell facilities, certain lattice towers and amateur radio antennas. Existing telecommunications towers are allowed to remain in place under the county’s zoning ordinance, with the stricter setback requirements affecting new construction. Before reaching commissioners, the proposal received a 5-1 recommendation from the Planning Board on Sept. 14. That recommendation included a 750-foot residential setback, twice the tower height from property lines and the additional spacing and affidavit requirements. Commissioners ultimately adopted the larger 1,500-foot residential setback. Cline said residents expressed differing opinions during the Planning Board’s discussion, with some supporting greater restrictions and others questioning their potential impact on cellular coverage. Opponents raised concerns that stricter setbacks could make it more difficult to establish or improve service in underserved areas, while supporters argued the changes would provide greater protection for neighboring properties. Commissioner Mike Barbee emphasized that the exception process would still allow telecommunications companies to pursue tower construction where additional coverage is needed. “If a cell tower company deems it necessary, they can go and get signatures from the surrounding people,” Barbee said. “So we’re really not limiting the cell towers in their areas; it’s just that we’re making them have to jump through a couple more hoops.” The Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 14, 2026
OBITUARIES IN MEMORY
HELEN BEATRICE HARWOOD
GARRY WADE BARRIER
JANE DUDLEY HARRISON
DEC. 9, 1932 – OCT. 8, 2026
DEC. 20, 1943 – OCT. 7, 2026
JUNE 23, 1937 – OCT. 5, 2026
Helen Beatrice Lorch Harwood, 93, of Stanly County, passed away peacefully at her home on October 8, 2026. She was born on December 9, 1932, in Stanly County to the late Matthew Lorch and Onnie Lowder Lorch. Helen was also preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Ray Harwood; her son, Eddie D. Harwood; her sisters, Bessie Lee Lorch and Mary Jewel Lorch Medley; and her brother, Cecil Clay Lorch. She leaves behind her son, Donnie Harwood and his wife, Rhonda of Locust; grandchildren, Jennifer N. Harwood of Albemarle, Matthew Harwood and his wife, Lauren of Albemarle, and Heather Harwood of Stanfield; and great-grandchildren Saylor Grace Harwood and Olivia Harwood both of Albemarle, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 4:30 pm at Plyler Baptist Church Cemetery, 25958 Austin Rd., Albemarle, if inclement weather the service will be held in the church. Helen had a special place in her heart for animals and never met an animal she didn’t like. She especially loved the summer months and looked forward to tending her vegetable garden. She enjoyed cooking and canning the vegetables she grew, and her family will always say that no one could fry chicken quite like Helen. She was also a talented seamstress who could sew just about anything. In her quieter moments, Helen enjoyed watching Gunsmoke and listening to George Jones. These simple pleasures, along with her love of family, home, and animals, were such an important part of the life she lived. Helen will be remembered for her love of family, her generous heart, her many talents, and the simple joys she found in everyday life. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved her. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Cindy Mauney for taking such good care of Helen and for the love and kindness she showed her. Also, a special Thank you to Susan Deberry for spending her weekends and evenings taking good care of Helen. The family also expresses their sincere gratitude to Gentiva Health Services for their compassion, comfort, and care during Helen’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Gentiva Foundation, Stanly County Senior Services (Home Delivered Meals), or the Stanly County Humane Society in Helen’s memory. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Harwood family.
Garry Wade Barrier, 82, of Albemarle, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, surrounded by the love and care of those closest to him. A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Stanly Gardens of Memory, with Rev. Hanna Barlow officiating. Military honors will be presented by the United States Navy in recognition of his honorable service to our country. Born December 20, 1943, in Stanly County, Garry was the son of the late James Barrier and Nell Lowder Barrier. He was a graduate of Albemarle High School and proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy. Following his military service, Garry enjoyed a successful career as a computer analyst with First Bank Data Services in Troy, North Carolina, where he retired after many years of dedicated service. Garry was a man of deep and abiding faith and a devoted member of South Albemarle Baptist Church. His faith was an important part of his life and was reflected in the kindness, compassion, and genuine concern he showed toward others. He had a love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed golfing and hunting. Whether spending time pursuing his favorite hobbies or simply enjoying the company of those he loved, Garry appreciated life’s simple pleasures. Above all, Garry was a devoted family man with a kind and generous heart. He treasured his family and took great pride in the relationships he shared with those closest to him. His gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and sincere love for others made a lasting impression on everyone, fortunate enough to know him. Garry is lovingly survived by his son, Jeff Barrier (Karen) of Albemarle; two grandchildren, Gabriella Marge of Davidson and Julia Barrier of Kannapolis; his brother, Jimmy Barrier (Pam) of Savannah, Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane Taylor Barrier, who passed away on July 7, 2017, and his brothers, Jerry Barrier and Bobby Barrier. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Garry’s niece, Beth Hinson, for the loving care, kindness, and devotion she provided during his time of need. Her compassion and support were a tremendous blessing to Garry and his family. Memorial contributions may be made to Atrium Health Tucker Hospice House, 5005 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC. Garry will be remembered as a man who lived with faith, loved with his whole heart, and quietly touched the lives of those around him. While his family will deeply miss his presence, they find comfort in the many treasured memories he leaves behind and in the blessed assurance that his earthly journey has ended in the peace and promise of his Heavenly home. His legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Jane Dudley Harrison, 89, of Albemarle, passed away on Monday October 5th at Atrium Health Stanly. Ms. Harrison was born June 23rd, 1937, in Badin NC to Guy Wendell Harrison and Francis Keith Feamster Harrison. She is preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Francis Harrison. Jane was a graduate of Greensboro Women’s College in 1957 and worked in interior design before marrying and having twins. She is survived by her twin children, Chris B. Snyder and wife Paula S. of Washington, NC, and Julia Snyder Curtis and husband Tom of Albemarle, NC. She has four grandchildren and two great grandchildren both of whom will carry on her name. She is also survived by her brother, James Harrison and wife Toni Council Harrison, of Badin, NC. Jane had numerous nieces and nephews as well. Jane spent many years volunteering with the Badin Historic Museum. Her artwork appeared on cards, brochures and T-shirt designs for the Best of Badin annual festivals. Jane was a talented watercolor painter for most of her life. She delivered hundreds of meals with the Meals on Wheels program in Albemarle and left lifelong memories of adventures while co-leading a local chapter of the Girl Scouts. Jane was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Aunt, sister, friend and confidant. Her easy nature, artistic talents and quick humor will be missed by all who loved her. Her family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to all the kind caregivers at Spring Arbor of Albemarle. Your kindness and humor was invaluable in her final years! A celebration of life will be held on Friday December 11th, 3 PM at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. Memorials can be made to Badin Historic Museum, 60 Falls Road, Badin, NC, or Stanly County Humane Society, 2049 Badin Road, Albemarle, NC 28001. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Harrison family.
RODNEY DAVIS TUCKER DEC. 13, 1940 – OCT. 8, 2026 Rodney Davis Tucker, born December 13, 1940, to the late Gurley and Lois Tucker, passed away October 8, 2026 surrounded by family and friends leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and deep love for his family. Rodney proudly served in the United States Army for three years, carrying with him a lifelong sense of duty and patriotism. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly and with purpose. In his younger years, he owned and operated a turkey farm, a testament to his determination and work ethic. He later became a licensed real estate agent, and even after retirement, he continued to enjoy working outdoors, especially surveying property. Rodney found joy in the outdoors, and one of his favorite hobbies was panning for gold, a pastime he approached with patience and enthusiasm. He loved to travel, and one of his most cherished adventures was a recent trip out West-a journey he spoke of often and fondly. His faith was the foundation of his life. Rodney dearly loved his weekly Bible study group, where fellowship and scripture brought him strength. He was known for testifying about Jesus Christ to everyone he met, sharing prayer cards and offering encouragement with a sincerity that touched countless lives. Rodney was a loving father whose greatest happiness came from time spent with his family. He is survived by his brother Dale (Terry) of Charlotte; his children Rodney Jr. (Mary) of Locust, Rowdy of Locust, Rusty (Brandi) of Locust, and Rendee (Heath) of Stanfield. He was blessed with grandchildren Alisha (Cody) Hunt of Norwood, Jeremy (Allison) Hunt of Albemarle, Matt (Sydney) Tucker of Pageland, SC and Justin Tucker of Mt, Pleasant. Also great-grandchildren Isabella & Mason Rutherford of Norwood and Maddix & Maylynn Hunt of Albemarle, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. Rodney’s warmth, his stories, his laughter, and his unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 13, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Hartsell Funeral Home, located at 13575 Broadway Avenue, Midland, NC. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 14, at 11:00 AM at Dulin’s Grove Church, located at 11200 Arlington Church Road, Charlotte, NC. Rodney’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, his friends, and the many people whose lives were brightened by his kindness and testimony.
TAMMY ANN LEFEBVRE JAN. 14, 1975 – OCT. 6, 2026 Tammy Ann Willis-Lefebvre was born on January 14th, 1975, in Chickasha, Ok to Rodger and Linda Willis. Tammy went to be with the Lord on October 6,2026 at her home in New London NC. Tammy grew up and attended Verden public schools in Verden Oklahoma. Upon graduation she attended South-Western Oklahoma State University and obtained a degree in Education with a minor in Business. Starting her career in education she loved the children, pre k and kindergarten was her passionate focus. She continued her education with a Master’s Degree from Oklahoma State University which later opened the opportunity to transition to children’s book writer and editor in North Carolina. She truly loved watching kids grow and learn. After that she decided to return to the classroom and loved working in North Carolina school districts. While doing that she also started as a Real Estate agent. This was her second career. She truly loved people and wanted to help them. Whether it was pointing out things for buyers to look for or making sure everything was done correctly. She was very community-oriented, donating her time, funds and love for various school, church, community events. She was selfless, doing much of it in a way that no one knew she had done it. It truly spoke to her strong faith, heart, and character. She touched many lives in her day-to-day life over the years and hoped she had left a positive lasting impression with you. She will be deeply missed. Tammy was preceded in death by both of her parents. She is survived by her brother and wife, Phillip and Shanna Willis of Verden, OK; a niece and her husband, Sharee and Christian Larson of Irving TX; nephews: Shelton, Shafer, and Shadrick Willis of Verden OK, and several other family members, students, parents, and friends. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Pugh Troy Funeral Home Chapel, 211 N. Main St., Troy, NC beginning at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45 AM. Burial will be in Verden Cemetery, Verden OK. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tammy’s honor may be made at the donor’s choice. On-line condolences may be made at www. pughfuneralhome.com. Pugh Troy Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Tammy Lefebvre.
ZANDA CHERYL COUCH MAY 8, 1980 – SEPT. 26, 2026 Zanda Cheryl Couch, 46, of New London, passed away Saturday, September 26, 2026, at her home in New London. Zanda was born May 8, 1980, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to Zanda Ertzberger Couch and to the late Charles William Couch. She was also preceded in death by grandmother Edith Ertzberger. Zanda was an Artist, she enjoyed painting, working with pottery, and writing poetry. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends who she loved dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Survivors include mother, Zanda Ertzberger Couch, brother, Charles William Couch, Jr. (Cari) and nieces Stella and Eloise Couch. She is also survived by Darryl Lee, dearest friend; cousins, Nancy Detter and family, Shawn Ezzell and family, Cary Ertzberger and family, Marcel Ertzberger and family, and Sandrell Martin Craig (deceased) and family; and Sister, Kimberly Couch. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Couch family.
TIMOTHY LAMAR BLALOCK DEC. 1, 1966 – SEPT. 23, 2026 It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Timothy. He was born in Stanly County to the late Henry Vernon Blalock Sr. and Nell Esther Oliver Blalock. He was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He was a true man of faith and a beloved member of the Albemarle Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was a true servant of Jehovah God, learning and sharing his biblical knowledge with others as often as possible. His kind heart and love for others will truly be missed. He was proceeded in death by his father Henry Vernon Blalock Sr. of Eden, NC and his mother Nell Esther Oliver Blalock of Albemarle, his sister Anita Carol Gainey and niece April Michelle Gainey Thompson of Albemarle, brothers Henry Vernon Blalock Jr. of Albemarle and Rudy Marlon Blalock of Charlotte, NC. He is survived by his daughter Taska Blalock and grandsons Daylen Blalock, Lukas Miller, Connor Miller and Maddox Miller of Midland, NC and daughter McKayla Blalock and grandson Bently Barnes of Stanly County, sisters Linda Herlocker of Albemarle and Dorie Akers of North Myrtle Beach, SC. A memorial service will be held for Timothy on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 4pm at the Albemarle Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 32106 NC-740, Albemarle, NC 28001.
STANLY SPORTS
COURTESY LESLIE GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY
Albemarle has a 1-3 record since losing at West Stanly on Sept. 4.
Albemarle looks to snap 3-game skid The Bulldogs have dropped to 2-5 By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Week 9 of the high school football season is here, with three of Stanly County’s four squads in action as the regular season enters its final three weeks. One team will try to snap a three-game losing streak, another will seek its eighth straight victory and the third will look to rebound from a 70-0 loss.
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Points scored by the Bulldogs in a loss to Union Academy
Albemarle at Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy Searching for its first Yadkin Valley Conference win of the season, the Albemarle Bulldogs (2-5, 0-2 YVC) followed up back-to-back shutout losses
with a 37-34 home loss to Union Academy last Friday. The Bulldogs, who have lost five of their past six games after starting the season 1-0, will now head to Huntersville to face the winless Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy Eagles (0-7, 0-4 Catawba River). Albemarle defeated the Eagles 41-14 at home last season, serving as one of the Bulldogs’ five wins as they went on to finish with a 5-7 record. North Stanly at North Rowan North Stanly, the top team in
the county, can remain undefeated with a win, but the Comets (7-0, 3-0 YVC) will have to overcome North Rowan on the road. The Cavaliers (6-1, 4-0 YVC) currently have the most league wins in the YVC this fall, providing North Stanly an important test in Spencer. The Comets have won each of their past three games by at least 55 points North Stanly won by 12 points when these two teams squared off in New London last season. Forest Hills at West Stanly The West Stanly Colts (3-4,
1-1 Rocky River Conference) are reeling after a 70-point loss at Monroe last weekend but will attempt to get back in the win column when they host Forest Hills. The Yellow Jackets (7-0, 2-0 RRC) have five straight winning seasons, and they’re coming off a 14-0 home shutout win over Parkwood. West Stanly was 1-6 at this same point last season, proceeding to lose to the Yellow Jackets 40-28 on the road as the Colts fell to 1-7. In this current matchup, West Stanly could progress to a .500 record with a win.
North Stanly claims Stanly Cup with shutout sweep The Comets improved to 7-0 with a 62-0 win By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal NEW LONDON — North Stanly extended its unbeaten start and secured the 2026 Stanly Cup with a 62-0 home victory over South Stanly last Friday night. The Comets (7-0, 3-0 Yadkin Valley Conference) have successfully completed a shutout sweep of their three county opponents, claiming the local football award for county bragging rights without surrendering a single point. Each season, Albemarle, North Stanly, South Stanly and West Stanly compete for the cup, battling for the top record in their regular-season rivalry games. This marked the first time North Stanly had shut out the entire county on its way to winning the cup. The Comets opened the sweep with a 41-0 home victory over West Stanly on Aug. 28 before beating Albemarle 55-0 on the road Oct. 2. Heading into Friday’s game, North Stanly had reached 6-0 for the third time in seven seasons, but this year’s team be-
came the first in that stretch to extend the unbeaten start to seven games. Off to one of the best starts in program history, the Comets are seeking their second straight YVC championship. They have won five league titles in the past nine seasons, a stretch that also includes three 10-win campaigns. Five of this season’s victories have come by at least 28 points, with the Comets approaching a six-to-one ratio of points scored to points allowed. Against South Stanly (1-6, 1-3 YVC), North Stanly scored six rushing touchdowns, one defensive touchdown and twice on special teams. The Comets totaled 294 rushing yards while adding 21 yards through the air. Sophomore running back R.J. Brooks led the ground attack with 130 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. Brooks averaged more than 18 yards per carry and accounted for nearly half of the Comets’ rushing yardage. Junior J.J. Crute added 49 yards and two scores on five attempts. Senior quarterback Brady Lowder rushed four times for 24 yards and a touchdown, while senior Kylan Dockery
COURTESY DAWN LUCAS PHOTOGRAPHY
North Stanly’s football team completed an unprecedented Stanly Cup shutout sweep last Friday night. contributed 21 yards and a score on three carries. Sophomore defensive back Malakhi Blackmon scored on a fumble recovery. Junior Racere Bruton added two special teams scores, returning a kickoff 95 yards and a punt 46 yards for touchdowns. Senior linebackers Mad-
dox Lowder and Maddox Cody combined for 14 tackles, helping the Comets complete another shutout. North Stanly outscored its three county foes by a combined 158-0 score. North Stanly will try to improve to 8-0 when it travels to Spencer to face North Rowan on Friday night.
9
Total touchdowns for the Comets against the Bulls
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 14, 2026
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Altman retires after 16 seasons as Oregon coach including Final Four berth, 9 NCAA bids Longtime Oregon men’s basketball coach Dana Altman has announced his retirement. Altman decided to end his 37-year coaching career less than a month before the start of the new season. He spent the last 16 seasons at Oregon, leading the Ducks to a Final Four among nine NCAA Tournament appearances. The 68-year-old Altman says he no longer has the energy to perform to his standard. Assistant coach Tony Stubblefield will lead the Ducks this season.
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Browns rookie Concepcion ruled out after helmet-to-helmet hit by Jets’ Fitzpatrick East Rutherford, N.J. Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion left with a concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit from the Jets’ Minkah Fitzpatrick. Concepcion appeared to make a catch when Fitzpatrick hit him in the helmet, causing the ball to drop. Concepcion went face down on the turf and appeared unconscious. After a few minutes, he sat up and walked to the locker room. The Browns ruled him out for the game shortly after. Fitzpatrick was penalized for the hit on a defenseless receiver.
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Georgia seizes No. 1 spot atop AP Top 25 as Oklahoma upsets Texas Georgia is back on top of the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2024 after a 20-17 win over Alabama. The Bulldogs moved up after Texas’ loss to Oklahoma. UCLA and Kentucky are the week’s biggest climbers. The Bruins jumped to No. 12 after upsetting Oregon, while Kentucky returned to the poll at No. 15 after beating LSU 35-34. LSU fell from No. 10 to No. 22, and Oregon and Florida dropped out of the rankings. Wake Forest entered at No. 21, its first ranking since 2022.
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NCAA BASKETBALL
Kentucky State’s Seck freed while another player lands in ICE custody Louisville, Ky. A Kentucky State women’s basketball player from Senegal who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been released after spending two months in custody. A judge granted a $2,500 bond for Aminata Seck, and it was posted after ICE did not appeal. Meanwhile, a men’s basketball player from Mississippi Valley State has been placed in ICE custody. Qingfang Pang, who is from China, was recently detained and is being held at the Richwood Correctional Facility.
MLB
Industriales become first Cuban baseball team to wear private sponsor logo Havana Cuba’s flagship baseball team, Industriales, debuted a jersey with a private sponsor’s logo, a significant shift in a country that long rejected professional sports and advertising. The Havana-based team wore jerseys featuring the logo of “A Granel,” a Cuban fuel distribution company. The logo also appears on the outfield wall at their stadium. It is the first time in the 65-year history of Cuba’s National Baseball Series that a team has taken the field with a sponsor. Officials say the sponsorship will help improve conditions, providing essential equipment and logistics support.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Busch’s 11-year-old son highlights father’s ‘celebration of life’ ceremony with burnout The NASCAR legend’s life was honored at an emotional ceremony at Charlotte Motor Speedway By Steve Reed The Associated Press CONCORD — The NASCAR community and more than 10,000 race fans celebrated the life of the late Kyle Busch during an uplifting ceremony at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Busch’s widow, Samantha Busch, spoke at the free event and shared memories of their life together during an emotional 10-minute speech. But it was 11-year-old son Brexton, a budding racer, who stole the show with a burnout on the track’s frontstretch in his father’s No. 8 car before climbing on the roof and honoring his dad by doing his traditional bow with a checkered flag. “I don’t want to feel like we are putting a period on (his life) today,” Samantha Busch said. “This is not the end of Kyle’s story. His story continues every time we give a young racer a chance, share something he taught us or share with the next generation what made Rowdy unforgettable.” She added: “Years from now I hope people remember Kyle as one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers. He worked his entire life for that. But I also hope they meet someone whose life is better because Kyle was here. That’s a legacy that no checkered flag can contain.” Busch died unexpectedly in May at age 41 from hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation after complications from bacterial pneumonia led to sepsis. The news sent shock waves throughout the sport, and several drivers have celebrated their wins this season by honoring Busch with his postrace bow in Victory Lane. Friday night was about remembering the good times.
PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO
Kyle Busch waves to fans while doing a victory lap after winning a qualifying race for the 2013 Daytona 500. Samantha Busch talked about how happy Kyle was at the end of his career — despite not winning many races during one stretch — because he loved being a father and raising Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix. She shared memories of spending nights at dirt tracks across the country and being exhausted late at night following a race while Brexton ran around with his friends covered in dirt and grease. Those, she said, are the memories she will cherish the most, calling it their happiest times. She also thanked the racing community. “I never fully understood what this sport meant until we lost him,” Samantha Busch said. “The races kept going, the cars kept circling the track, but our world had stopped. I
didn’t know how we would find our way without him. But then all of you showed us. You came to Brexton’s races. You honored Kyle at every racetrack across the country and shared what he meant to you.” Kurt Busch, Kyle’s older brother and former Cup Series champion, shared stories, memories and funny moments about the driver fondly known as “Rowdy.” Christopher Bell, Noah Gragson, Daniel Suárez, Kyle Larson and Austin Dillon also spoke at the one-hour ceremony. “Even at a young age, he wanted to do everything better than me,” Kurt Busch said. “It was tough to beat him on the track even though I had six years on him.” After Kurt Busch won his first Cup Series pole at Darlington in 2001, he was asked by re-
porters about his little brother who was winning races in lower level series across the country. “I said back then, ‘You think I’m good, you just wait until Kyle gets here,’” Kurt Busch said. Busch’s 234 race wins across NASCAR’s top three national series is the most of any driver in history, and he is considered a certain first-ballot Hall of Famer. He won 63 Cup Series races and earned season championships in 2015 and 2019. Larson called him the most talented driver he’s raced against. The celebration was put on by Kyle Busch Motorsports and featured 10 iconic cars representative of Busch’s motorsports career. The evening concluded with an acoustic musical performance
Knicks champion Towns opens up about grief for World Mental Health Day Athletes are getting more honest about the need for mental healthcare By James Pollard The Associated Press NEW YORK — Karl-Anthony Towns has been traded from Minnesota, lost the conference finals and won the NBA title for his childhood team — and still feels he is in the period of grief that began six years ago. Just 10 days before the New York Knicks’ banner-raising celebration, the All-Star big man marked World Mental Health Day by sharing his ongoing emotional journey following the death of his mother to complications from COVID-19. Entering the first game of this year’s NBA Finals, he said he felt “this very big calm” wash over him. He was taken back to amateur youth games with crowds so small he could spot his mom from anywhere. “I felt like it was kinda just me, her and the game of basketball,” he told the audience gathered by the nonprofit Project Healthy Minds. “I was able to be like an artist out there. I was able to have my paint brush and have a canvas with the court. And I was able to just paint a beautiful picture for her about the love I have for the game. The love I have to show the world because of her.” There was a time when he had lost that love for the game. Towns, whose bright smile became a constant image of the Knicks’ championship run, said basketball “felt hollow” after his mother’s death. “I didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore,” he said.
HEATHER KHALIFA / AP PHOTO
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns takes part in a discussion at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival. But Towns found some solace in Arnie Kander, a well-known strength and wellness coach. “Just to be heard, to be able to talk to someone you can trust, be able to really unload all that pain onto it and allow them to understand your feelings and articulate your feelings the right way, it makes life much lighter,” he said. “And I felt myself getting lighter every time we kept talking.” Project Healthy Minds hopes Towns’ example will inspire others to seek mental healthcare. The tech nonprofit runs a free online marketplace for finding therapy, psychiatry, support groups and other services.
These sorts of conversations are growing more prevalent among athletes. DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love kick-started the conversation eight years ago when DeRozan tweeted about depression and Love then published a first-person essay about anxiety. Most players won’t feel that comfortable constantly telling their story. Mental health isn’t a topic of discussion in the locker room. But players are certainly more aware of its impact. Another panel featured former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall for a conversation about finding purpose outside
“I didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore.” Karl-Anthony Towns on playing basketball while grieving his mother of performance. Marshall, a six-time Pro Bowl player who publicly shared his borderline personality disorder diagnosis in 2011, said therapy showed him how to “connect with his brain.” He even started taking his therapy sessions in the cafeteria to normalize it for others.
by country artist Cole Swindell. The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte also unveiled a new exhibit, “Kyle Busch: Honoring A Legacy,” honoring Busch’s 25-year professional racing career. The exhibit features Busch’s No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry from his 2015 NASCAR Cup Series championship season, along with videos and images highlighting his achievements and influence on the sport. Samantha Busch was given the choice of selecting a car for the exhibit and picked her husband’s No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing M&M’s car that he raced for his first Cup Series championship. “When I look at this car, I don’t just see a championship. I see everything Kyle overcame to earn it,” she said.
Using sports to show emotional strength The sports focus offers a glimpse into Project Healthy Minds’ future programming. The nonprofit relies on cultural figures to introduce its platform to their audiences. It partnered this summer with the Broadway play “Every Brilliant Thing,” a one-person show whose narrator — originally played by Daniel Radcliffe, then Mariska Hargitay and, finally, Tracee Ellis Ross — presents his struggling mother with a list of reasons to live. Soon-to-be-announced initiatives will lean further into sports as the nonprofit tries to inspire more communities to seek mental healthcare. With interest in women’s sports growing and live sports remaining a powerful convener in an otherwise fragmented media landscape, Project Healthy Minds CEO Phil Schermer finds that athletes are well suited to bring their message to the masses. Athletes, according to Schermer, also shape the American public’s notions of strength. It makes sense to him that they could then model that “it is strong to talk about your emotions.” The Knicks championship run became a rare moment of monoculture, Schermer suggested. The title chase also offered the in-person socialization that young people are demanding, according to Rachel Janfaza, the founder of the Gen Z research firm The Up and Up. Speaking with “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt and The TAG Movement CEO Alexa Arnold, Janfaza said young people used the Knicks and the World Cup to create the in-real-life community they missed during the pandemic. “We’re seeing this swing,” she said, “and it’s really incumbent upon schools and employers and anyone who has a vested interest in helping this generation thrive to actually celebrate this.”
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 14, 2026
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2023 NISSAN FRONTIER SV CREW CAB 2025 NISSAN SENTRA 30K RATED$34,995 4X4 WHITE V6 12K LIKESV NEW ......... 40MPG HIGHWAY ROSEWOOD MET 2023 DODGE CHARGER SXT .................................................. JUST 19,995 BLACK TOP PACKAGE WHITE 2025 MILES JEEP COMPASS TRAILHAWK AWD 2,600 SHARP .................... $29,995 WHITE 27K OFF RD PACKAGE...........25,995 2023 CHEV EQUINOX LT 19K ALL WHEEL 2024 HONDA RIDGELINE BLACK EDITION DRIVE 4CLY PRETTY GRAY JUST ..... $25,995 AWD 52K 1 OWNER WHITE .........TOO LATE! 2022 FORD F150 CREW CAB 4X4 5.0 V8 FX4 2024 HONDA RIDGELINE SPORT SONIC PACKAGE WHITE SHARP ............... $35,995 GRAY PEARL 37K AWD 1 OWNER 2022 HONDA CIVIC TOURING LEATHER .............................................................33,995 SUNROOF DIAMOND WHITE LOOK ... $25,995 2024 FORD BRONCO SPORT DESERT SAND 2021 GLADIATOR OVERLAND 4X4 37K AWDJEEP 45K BIG BEND EDITION ............26,995 12023 OWNER MED FRONTIER RED MET SHARP ..... $36,995 NISSAN SV CREW CAB 4X4 2021 HONDA ODYSSEY EXL 43K LEATHER V6 WHITE 18K NICE ...........................35,995 SUNROOF NEWACCORD TIRES CLEAN ......... $33,995 2022 HONDA 4DR TOURING 28K
2021 FORDSUNROOF BRONCO RED SPORT BADLANDS LEATHER MET ..........31,995 4X4 WHITE ONE OWNER “8K”....4X4 $31,995 2021 JEEPNC GLADIATOR OVERLAND 37K 2021 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 WHITE 1 OWNER MED RED MET .....V6 “NOW” 32,995 DOUBLE CAB 56K BLACK WHEELS $31,995 2022 TOYOTA TACAOMA DOUBLE ... CAB SR5 V6 4X4 SILVER “51K” ..................TOO 2021 TOYOTA RAV4 XLE 49K WHITE LATE! LOCAL TAN INTERIOR NICE ............ $27,995 2022 TOYOTA RAV4 XLE PREMIUM BLIZZARD PEARL LEATHER 64K LUX V6 2021 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE .............................................................28,995 NEW GRAY COLOR 15K SHARP ....... $25,995 2022NISSAN HONDAALTIMA ODYSSEY V6 LEATHER 2021 SREXL WHITE 16K PRETTY NCNICE 1 OWNER ONLY $24,995 4CLY LOWBLUE MILES ................. .............................................................24,995 2021 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT 2022 HONDA HRVWHEEL EX AWDDRIVE MED GRAY 45K WAGON 4CLY ALL GAS” ................................22,995 1“GOOD 0WNERON 23K ............................ $23,995 2021HONDA FORD BRONCO CACTUS GRAY 2020 CRV EXLSPORT DIAMOND WHITE 24K ONE OWNER “THE “21K” NEWEST” LIGHT BEIGE INTERIOR ........ $29,995 .............................................................24,995 2019 SUBARU FORESTER LIMITED DIAMOND 2021 HONDA EXL 67K MED GRAY WHITE 59K 59KCRV LEATHER .............. $25,995 LEATHER SUNROOF VERY CLEAN 2019 CHEV BLAZER PREMIER V6 ALL WHEEL .............................................................25,995 DRIVE 62K SILVER LEATHER .......... $24,995 2020 FORD RANGER XLT CREW CAB 4X4 2019 FORD FUSION SE 4CLY 65K RUBY RED FX4 OFF RD PKG MED RED 22K ........29,995 MET NICE AND SHARP ONLY .......... $18,995 2020 FORD F150 XLT CREW CAB 4X4 “RED” 2019 MAZDA 3 PREMIUM 5.0 V8 ENGINE “PRICED” LEATHER SUNROOF DIAMOND WHITE 43K .............................................................22,995 JUST ....................................... $19,995 2019 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB TRD 2019 TOYOTA CAMRY GRAY SE 4CLY SPORT 4X4 CEMENT 71KPOWER SEAT PRETTY BLUE SPORT WHEELS ....... $19,995 .......................................................TOO LATE! 2019 LX WHITE 2019HONDA TOYOTACIVIC TACOMA DOUBLE CAB TRD LOCAL OWNER4X4 TRADE TIRES OFF RD1 SILVER 63K NEW V6 ..............32,995 JUST ....................................... $12,995 2019 FORD F150 CREW CAB XLT 4X4 FX4 2018 LEATHER OFF FORD RD PKGEXPLORER RUBY REDXLT METV698K SILVER “LOW MILES 21K” ........ TOO LATE ! ............................................................ 25,995 2018 HONDA CRV EXL LEATHER SUNROOF 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 XLE ALL WHEEL DRIVE 50K ALL WHITE WHEEL67K DRIVE ........ TOO LATE! SUPER NICETAN ....................24,995
2018 CRV AWD TOURING 2019HONDA CHEV BLAZER PREMIER V6 DIAMOND ALL WHITE LOCAL OWNER ...... $22,995 WHEEL84K DRIVE 62KONE SILVER LEATHER 2018 TOYOTA COROLLA LE WHITE .............................................................24,995 “26K” GREAT GAS $18,995 2019 HONDA CIVICMILEAGE TOURING.......... PLATINUM WHITE PEARLTACOMA 49K SHARP ................21,995 2017 TOYOTA DOUBLE CAB LIMITED 4X4 WHITE 70KDOUBLE ............... 2017 TOYOTA TUNDRA CAB $34,995 TRD OFF TOYOTA RD 5.7 V8HIGHLANDER 4X4 WHITE...........TOO LATE! 2017 XLE LEATHER 2018 KIA SOUL 92K$26,995 LOCAL SILVER 3RD SEAT4CLY 79KMED LOOKGRAY .......... TRADE “BEST ....................TOO LATE! 2016 FORD F150BUY” CREW CAB XLT V6 BLACK 2016 TOYOTA CAMRYWHEELS XLE 4CLY....... TAN $21,995 ALL POWER CHROME LEATHER WHITE 2016 FORDDIAMOND F150 CREW CAB 116K XLT V6 RUBY .............................................................15,995 RED 112K 2 WHEEL DRIVE............. $19,995 2014 HONDA PILOT TOURING BLIZZARD 2016 HONDA CRV TOURING PEARLE WHITE 101K WHITE DIAMOND 77K 3RD SEAT ...................................................... TOO$19,995 LATE! LEATHER SUNROOF..................... 2014 HONDA CRV LX DIAMOND WHITE 4CLY 2016 HONDA ACCORD EX MED GRAY 4CLY 135K X-NICE INSIDE AND OUT......... .........13,495 71K 1 OWNER HARD TO FIND $18,995 2014 HONDA CRV LX BASQUE RED PEARL 2016 HONDA CRV SE AWD SILVER 107K 105K 4CLY CLEAN..............................12,995 NICE AND CLEAN JUST ................. $16,995 2012 HONDA ACCORD EX 4CLY BLACK 2016 FORD MUSTANG V6 SILVER 86K CLEAN HARD TO FIND JUST ............. 11,995 LOW MILES SPORTY BUY IT........ TOO LATE! 2012 HONDA CIVIC LX 4DR GRAY 109K 2015 JEEP UNLIMITED RUBICON 4X4 SILVER GREAT GAS MILEAGE ..................TOO LATE! 69K LOADED NC 1 OWNER ............ $26,995 2014 BUICK LACROSSE V6 CXL LEATHER SEATS CHAMPAGNE COLOR “66K”...................................... $16,995 2013 HONDA ACCORD EXL V6 LEATHER PEARL WHITED 125K LOCAL TRADE ........................... $12 ,995
2010 FORD F150 LARIAT CREW CAB DIAMOND WHITE 5.4 ENG “THE KIND” .............................. $17,995
NOTICES
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NOTICE IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF EMANUEL COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA C.A. NO. 26CV00128 CODY GARDINIER, Petitioner, v. HAILEY WILLIAMS, Respondent. NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
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By order for service by publication dated the 1st day of September, 2026, and filed on the 10th day of September, 2026, you are hereby notified that on June 18, 2026, Cody Gardinier filed a Petition for Legitimation in the Superior Court of Emanuel County, Georgia. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court of Emanuel County and serve upon Petitioner’s attorney, whose name and address are: Courtney Joiner Anderson, C. Joiner Anderson, Law, P.C., P.O. Box 1488, Lyons, GA 30436, an Answer to the Petition within sixty (60) days of the date of the Order for Publication. The Court has scheduled a hearing in this matter for November 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in the courtroom of the Honorable Robert S. Reeves, located at 25 S Main Street, Swainsboro, GA 30401. If you fail to answer or appear for hearing, judgment may be entered against you, and the Court may grant the relief requested in the Petition. This notice shall be published once a week for four consecutive weeks. This 16th day of September, 2026. Courtney Joiner Anderson Attorney for Petitioner Signed as Officer of the Court
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 26CV000907-830 KATHARINE MCLARY, Plaintiff. Vs. LINN SHANK, Defendant. TO: LINN SHANK TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Breach of Contract and Specific Performance or in the Alternative, Rescission and Sale. You are required to make defense to such Complaint not later than forty (40) days from the first date this Notice is published. You may file a response with the Clerk of Superior Court, Stanly County, 201 S. 2nd Street, Albemarle, NC 28001, or through the North Carolina E-Courts File and Serve system (www.nccourts. com). Failure to respond in the time period provided by law will result in Plaintiff making application to the Court for entry of an Order for the sale of property located at 16235 Liberty Hill Church Road, Oakboro, NC 28129. This the 14th day of October, 2026, WEBSTER LAW OFFICE. P.A. John W. Webster John W. Webster Attorney for Plaintiff 146 North 4th Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Phone: (704) 983-6900 State Bar ID: 22840
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
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The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator for the Estate of James Franklin Heglar, Jr, deceased, late of Stanly County, NC hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the said decedent to present to the undersigned on or before January 10, 2027 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to said estate are notified to make immediate payment. Mamie Hensley, Administrator for the Estate of James Franklin Heglar, Jr Estate File 26E000440-830, 37606 Old Country Road, Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124.
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000446-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Virginia Cagle Eury a/k/a Virginia C. Eury a/k/a Evelyn V. Eury deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Virginia Cagle Eury a/k/a Virginia C. Eury a/k/a Evelyn V. Eury to present them to the undersigned on or before January 8, 2027 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 7th day of October 2026. Brenda B. Eury 24205 Saint Martin Road Albemarle, NC 28001 Administrator
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000394-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administratrix of the Estate of Ricky Dale Lisenby deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Ricky Dale Lisenby to present them to the undersigned on or before December 23, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 23rd day of September 2026. Amanda Lisenby Cranford 6700 Kluttz Road Concord, NC 28025 Administratrix
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000413-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Teressa Strawn Martin deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Teressa Strawn Martin to present them to the undersigned on or before December 23, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 23rd day of September 2026. Rachel Rhodes Perry 5927 Morris Woods Drive Stanfield, NC 28163 Executor
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000428-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of David Glenn Thomas, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said David Glenn Thomas to present them to the undersigned on or before January 8, 2027 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 7th day of October, 2026. David Michael Thomas 474 Woodgate Way Summerville, SC 29485 Administrator Information John W Webster 146 North 4th Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Attorney Information
NOTICE Albemarle Department of Public Housing (the “Agency”), Albemarle, North Carolina, is requesting proposals from qualified, licensed, and insured consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive Physical Needs Assessment (PNA) of its public housing portfolio. The PNA is intended to assist the Agency in making strategic decisions regarding capital planning, investments, asset management, and the potential redevelopment, longterm, and future sustainability of its portfolio. The Agency intends to award a contract to the responsible firm whose proposal is determined to be most advantageous to the Agency, price and other factors considered for professional consulting services in the following areas: • Immediate, short-term, and long-term capital and infrastructure rehabilitation needs, with expected useful life (EUL) projections and estimated replacement costs to support strategic capital planning. • Identification of health and safety deficiencies, with assessment and recommended remedies. • Identification and recommended remedies for code-compliance deficiencies affecting structural, roofing, and unit dwelling-interior components; and electrical, plumbing, sewer, and HVAC systems. • Site infrastructure maintenance and repair needs for stormwater drainage, sewer/water systems, and environmental systems; and • Data and analysis sufficient to support the Agency’s evaluation of repair vs. rehabilitation vs. redevelopment vs. demolition/disposition, including any obsolescence justification the Agency may elect to pursue under Section 18 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937. Submission of Proposals Proposals will be received electronically through the Housing Agency Marketplace portal at https://ha.internationaleprocurement. com/requests.html?company_ id=78253 on or before 11:00 AM, Monday, November 2, 2026. The portal is the only accepted method of submission. Late submittals will not be considered. A non-mandatory, but strongly recommended, Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM at 300 South Bell Avenue, Albemarle, NC 28001. Submit all questions in writing to: Renae Miller, Director, Public Housing Department, rmiller@albemarlenc.gov. Reference “Proposal for Physical Needs Assessment” and include the page/ section where applicable. Addenda, if issued, will be provided to all known respondents; it is the respondent’s responsibility to ensure they have received and reviewed all addenda, which must be acknowledged in the proposal. Albemarle Department Public Housing reserves the right to reject any and all proposals for any reason determined to be in the best interest, and to waive informalities and minor irregularities in the proposals received.
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000454-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administratrix of the Estate of Marius Volosenco deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Marius Volosenco to present them to the undersigned on or before January 15, 2027 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 14th day of October 2026. Galina Volosenco 330 Peachtree Road Oakboro, NC 28129 Administratrix
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 14, 2026
the stream
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO
Grian Chatten of the Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. performs at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, in 2023. The band’s new album, “Dopamine Chamber,” is out now.
Katseye, ‘VisionQuest,’ ‘Tenzing,’ new ‘Castlevania’ video game “Crystal Lake,” a prequel to the “Friday the 13th” franchise, lands on Netflix By Jake Coyle The Associated Press A NEW ALBUM from Katseye and the Marvel series “VisionQuest” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Judd Apatow’s tribute to Norm Macdonald, “Dopamine Chamber” from Fontaines D.C. and a new entry in the “Castlevania” video game series. MOVIES TO STREAM Apatow pays affectionate tribute to Macdonald with the documentary “Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald” (Netflix). Apatow’s film about the stand-up comedian, who died in 2021, plays with Macdonald’s still constant ubiquity on social media, where bits and late-show appearances still regularly flood the feeds of comedy fans. Jennifer Peedom’s “Tenzing” (Apple TV) is a biopic and historical drama about an often-unsung hero of mountaineering: Tenzing Norgay. Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston star as Tenzing and Edmund Hillary, respectively, in Peedom’s film about the first climbers to summit Mount Everest. Willem Dafoe co-stars. “The Death of Robin Hood”
EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Hugh Jackman attends the world premiere of “The Death of Robin Hood” at AMC Lincoln Square in New York on June 10. The film is now streaming on HBO Max. (HBO Max) stars Hugh Jackman as a grizzled and violent outlaw little like most contemporary versions of Robin Hood. Michael Sarnoski (“Pig,” “A Quiet Place: Day One”) eschews cheerier mythologies for a brutal telling of the medieval tale. In his review AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that it “drains the blood, and life, out of an old English legend.” MUSIC TO STREAM Call Katseye the great, global girl group experiment of the decade. The band officially debuted at the end of 2023, created by the Hybe Corporation and Geffen Records in a TV competition process that was documented on the Netflix series “Popstar Academy: Katseye.” That feels like ancient history now. Today, they’re easily one of the biggest groups on
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25SP000066-830
estate situated in Albemarle in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Steve W. McRae, Kathy E. Simpson and Donna McRae (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Donna McRae and Kathy E. Simpson and Lisa Elaine Gulledge and Estate of Donna S. McRae) to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), dated June 23, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 1131, at Page 0097 in Stanly County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Stanly County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on October 28, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real
BEGINNING at an iron stake on the South side of Maple Street, (formerly Lowder Street) a corner of the L.R. Tucker Estate Lot, and runs thence with said line S. 3-30 W 185 feet to an iron stake in Scott’s line; thence N. 87-15 W. 100 feet to an iron stake, a new corner, thence a new line N. 3-30E. 185 feet to an iron stake, a new corner on the South side of Maple Street; thence with the South side of Maple Street S. 8715 E. 100 feet to the BEGINNING. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1115 Wood Street, Albemarle, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires
the planet, and their swift ascent is further documented in a new film, “Katseye: Wild Heart,” available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. If the Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. is still unknown to you, that’s sure to change. Their last album, 2024’s “Romance,” was certified platinum in the U.K. off the strength of its singles “Favourite” and “Starburster.” Their latest album, “Dopamine Chamber,” is on track to be one of the biggest rock releases of the year, from the trip-hop-adjacent “Tongue” to the dizzying “Marianne.” When it comes to Riot Grrrl, the ’90s feminist movement, some names loom larger than others in cultural memory. At the forefront is Kathleen Hanna, the feminist punk pioneer and celebrated Bikini Kill frontwoman, as well as acts like Bratmobile. The list
certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing 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.
should also include Heavens to Betsy, the duo of drummer Tracy Sawyer and singer-guitarist Corin Tucker (who would later form Sleater-Kinney with Carrie Brownstein). On Friday, they will release “Baby’s Gone,” a newly unearthed demo tape originally recorded in February 1992 by Bratmobile’s Molly Neuman — and two 7-inch EPs. It’s a miracle for followers of the DIY musical underground and a gift for others just discovering it now (perhaps in no small part due to Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Festival)? SERIES TO STREAM Paul Bettany returns as Vision in the Marvel series “VisionQuest,” that closes out the WandaVision trilogy. Vision is now a fugitive after the events of “WandaVision,” with authorities hunting him down. James Spader reprises his role as Ultron, an evil artificial intelligence that built Vision to be his own ultimate physical form. The first two episodes are streaming now on Disney+. “Hollywood Arts,” a sequel to the Nickelodeon sitcom “Victorious” that ran from 2010 to 2013, arrives on Netflix. It follows Daniella Monet’s Trina Vega, a down-on-her-luck actress with no teaching credentials who takes a substitute job at her old high school. Original stars Victoria Justice and Ariana Grande are not among the main cast, but Justice has said she may make a cameo in the future. The first 13 episodes drop Thursday and the second half of the season
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.
will premiere at a later date. Before Jason ever picked up a machete, his mom was doing the bloody work. A new “Friday the 13th” prequel series called “Crystal Lake” goes back to where the legend began. It’s an eight-episode series starring Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees, who is Jason’s mom. The full season debuts Thursday. VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY William, the hero of “Valor Mortis,” takes the title (which means “the value of death”) a bit too literally. He has already died fighting for Napoleon, but somehow, he has come back to life. That unholy resurrection gives William some wicked supernatural powers to go along with his slick swordplay. Meanwhile, Napoleon’s endless war has corrupted a broad chunk of 19th-century Europe, so hordes of “plague-ridden abominations” have joined the fight. Polish studio One More Level, best known for the cyberpunk slasher “Ghostrunner,” promises demanding first-person combat in a haunted alternate history. Take up arms on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. While we’re messing around in France, let’s travel back in time to 1499 for “Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse.” A new protagonist, Rose Belmont, has inherited the mighty whip known as the Vampire Killer. Dracula has been defeated for good, but his castle has plunked itself down in Paris and all sorts of demons — not to mention Joan of Arc — are on the loose. The 2D, side-scrolling action of Konami’s 1986 original has recently inspired dozens of imitators like “Dead Cells,” and the studios behind that cult hit have taken the reins here. Whip it good starting Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC.
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, LLP P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 24531 - 122906
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, October 14, 2026
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VOLUME 8 ISSUE 46 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
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THE FORSYTH COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
KARL DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO
NC State’s Davion Gause (7) tries to break away from Wake Forest’s Zach Lohavichan (94) on Saturday in Winston-Salem.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Vatican says pope’s lung nodule surgery successfully completed Rome Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery to remove a lung nodule, with the Vatican confirming the procedure was successful. The 71-year-old pontiff returned to his room at Rome’s Gemelli hospital after the operation Tuesday. The surgery aimed to determine if the nodule is malignant and whether further treatment is needed. Leo had announced the discovery of the nodule during his Sunday prayer. Experts say his prognosis is excellent, even if the nodule is cancerous, as it was caught early. The Vatican has canceled his audiences through Oct. 20, allowing for recovery.
Guilfoyle, ambassador to Greece, resigns after allegations of improper conduct President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, has resigned after allegations of improper conduct but says she’ll “vigorously defend” herself. The White House says Guilfoyle was asked to resign after coming under severe criticism over allegations she engaged in improper and possibly illegal conduct before and during her tenure in Athens. Guilfoyle’s departure Tuesday comes after its possibility was previewed to The Associated Press over the weekend and Trump registered his unhappiness with reports about her alleged conduct on Monday. The Republican president was asked by reporters if he was considering firing Guilfoyle and said he was “looking at it” and was “not happy.”
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Lopez’s big day lifts Wake Forest past NC State 38-14 The Demon Deacons got their first ranking since 2022, moving to No. 21 By Bob Sutton The Associated Press RALEIGH — Gio Lopez threw for three touchdowns and ran for another in Wake Forest’s 38-14 win over NC State on Saturday. Lopez was 26 for 33 with 303 yards in the air as the Demon Deacons (5-1, 3-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) won their third game in a row, undeterred by a rainy second half. “We were down at halftime,” Lopez said. “There was no head-hanging. … I think it shows we’re battle-tested.” Jack Foley racked up 156 receiving yards on eight catches, and Carlos Hernandez had 117 receiving yards on 12 receptions. They each made a touchdown reception. NC State’s CJ Bailey was 28 for 40 for 241 yards with a costly first-quarter fumble. He
“We did our job. ... It’s a momentum-based game. Everybody is feeding off of it.” Braylon Johnson, Wake Forest recovered from that by completing his first 16 passes until an attempt was deflected late in the second quarter for the Wolfpack (3-3, 1-2), who led 14-10 at halftime. “They outplayed us in the second half,” NC State coach Dave Doeren said. “We did a lot of good things in the first half. We had enough stops in the first half. We came out in the second half, and it was the opposite; we couldn’t stop them.” Lopez threw six yards to Hernandez and 10 yards to Foley for third-quarter scores. He plowed in from 1 yard out later in the quarter as the margin grew to 31-14. The Wolfpack had only six
Commissioners to sell 20 acres along Yadkin River The county has an offer of more than $325,000 to purchase the 19.88 acres on Williams Road By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald WINSTON-SALEM — The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners met Oct. 1 for its regular business meeting with an agenda primarily consisting of property matters. The board approved a resolution authorizing the publication of an offer to purchase approximately 20 acres of
county-owned property located at 0 Williams Road, along the Yadkin River, for a total just under $330,000. The property will now enter an upset bid period, where other prospective buyers may offer more for the property, although the board is not required to accept any bids at the end of the period. The commissioners were split on the decision to even surplus the property in the first place, with Commissioners Richard Linville, Tonya McDaniel and Dan Besse voting against the sale. “I believe this is an unusu-
second-half first downs, while Wake Forest tallied 265 yards after halftime. “A lot of times they’re running the same plays, and we’re not defending them with discipline,” Doeren said. Wake Forest’s Braylon Johnson returned Bailey’s fumble on the opening possession to the 2-yard line. Two plays later, Lopez connected with Matthew Lusardi on a 1-yard touchdown toss. Wake Forest reached the NC State 1 in the final seconds of the first half but, after a penalty, settled for Connor Calvert’s 23-yard field goal on the last snap of the half to finish a 16-play, 89-yard drive. The takeaway Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons have won two road games and a home romp past Stanford since losing to nationally ranked Miami. Their best defensive performances have come in the past two games. NC State: The Wolfpack’s
al piece of property in that it’s riverfront property, most of it is unbuildable because it’s in the floodplain,” Besse said. “It’s essentially conservation property, and I believe that’s a better use for the county citizens than to simply sell it on a firesale basis.” The board also approved a resolution authorizing a new septic system agreement and the granting and execution of an easement with Horizons Residential Care Center on 35 acres of Forsyth County leased property. “Due to the recent construction of parking lot improvements serving Horizons Park, a new septic repair area must be identified for Horizons to meet certain requirements of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Environmental Health,” said County Manager Shontell Robinson. The board then held a public hearing to modify the Unified Development Ordinance in order to provide minor, nonsub-
two-game winning streak ended, and there wasn’t much to build on after allowing the game’s final 31 points. The offense generated 15 yards on the ground. Second-half success It’s the second week in a row that Wake Forest didn’t allow a second-half point. “It means we did what we’re supposed to do,” Johnson said. “We did our job. … It’s a momentum-based game. Everybody is feeding off of it.” The Demon Deacons have outscored opponents 119-41 in the second half of games this season. Week to work NC State has a week off, and there will be plenty to address. “Attack it,” linebacker Popo Aguirre said. “We got to be a little bit more disciplined.” Doeren noted it’s imperative that the Wolfpack get some injured players back in action. “Sometimes personnel wins,” Doeren said. “Today, it did.” Up next Wake Forest: At California on Saturday. NC State: At Stanford on Oct. 23.
“It’s essentially conservation property and I believe that’s a better use for the county citizens.” Commissioner Dan Besse stantive changes, corrections and clarifications. In total, staff recommended 16 text amendments intended to keep the UDO up to date. “There are three amendments that provide clarification to ordinance requirements, three amendments that remove conflicts with other state, county or local regulations or long-standing practice, and 10 amendments that correct errors without any changes in content,” said Planning Director Chris Murphy. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will next meet Oct. 15.
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THURSDAY
10.15.26 #422
Jordan jersey sets $14M record for basketball memorabilia, according to auction house It represents the third multimillion-dollar sale of a Jordan jersey from the 1998 Finals
“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Trip Hoffend Publisher Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers Cory Lavalette Senior Editor Jordan Golson Local News Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Ryan Henkel Reporter Stan Gilliland Photographer BUSINESS David Guy Advertising Manager Published each Thursday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 919-663-3232 NSJONLINE.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, NC and at additional mailing offices
David Hunt, Hunt Auctions president
By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press MIAMI — A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has been privately sold for $14 million, an auction house announced Monday, calling it the highest price ever paid for a piece of basketball memorabilia. Pennsylvania-based Hunt Auctions announced the private treaty sale and identified the buyer as Miami real estate investor Ron Firman. The red jersey is the one Jordan wore in Game 2 of that series on June 5, 1998; he and the Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz that night to even the matchup at a game apiece. Jordan and the Bulls would go on to win the series in six games, the sixth and final title of his Hall of Fame career. That 1997-98 season was the subject of the 10-episode “Last Dance” documentary series that was released in 2020. “While Michael Jordan’s
“While Michael Jordan’s importance within the sports memorabilia marketplace has long been established it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art.”
MARK J. TERRILL / AP PHOTO
Bulls guard Michael Jordan pulls the ball out of reach of Jazz guard Jeff Hornacek during third quarter action in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 5, 1998. importance within the sports memorabilia marketplace has long been established it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art,” said David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions. “We are very pleased to have been able to facilitate this historic sale which serves as another benchmark for our industry.” The $14 million price would be the second-biggest known cost for a game-worn jer-
sey, behind the $24.12 million paid in 2024 for the jersey worn by Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees when he hit the “called shot” home run against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series. This sale becomes at least the third time a Jordan jersey from that 1998 finals has fetched at least $10 million. A jersey from Game 1 was sold at auction for about $10.1 million in 2022, and a
jersey from Game 3 was auctioned last month for about $12.3 million. “Michael Jordan was an incredibly talented player who is admired around the world,” Firman said in a news release distributed by the auction house. “I’m very excited about the purchase.” The jersey that Firman purchased was originally bought from the Bulls by a private collector in 2003, Hunt said, adding that it “has remained within a succinct chain of custody having only changed hands once from the original purchaser.” Just about anything related to the 1998 finals and Jordan’s final season with the Bulls has been the subject of massive interest in the collector space. In 2023, a pair of Air Jordan sneakers that he wore in Game 2 against the Jazz was sold by Sotheby’s for $2.2 million, touted at the time as “a new world record for the most valuable sneakers ever sold.”
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Giant pumpkins battle for heavyweight glory, world record in California Four-time champion Travis Gienger makes his comeback after missing last year By Terry Chea and Olga R. Rodriguez The Associated Press
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HALF MOON BAY, Calif. — Giant pumpkin growers and their massive gourds will converge on Monday in Northern California for an annual pumpkin-weighing contest, competing for the top prize and a chance to challenge the world record set just last week in England. At least 30 growers of giant pumpkins have signed up for the 53rd World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, said event spokesman Ronan Fowler. Among the participants is four-time champion Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher from Minnesota whose winning streak ended last year after he was unable to participate because his pumpkin
broke while it was still growing. Gienger, who this year had to deal with temperatures that dipped below freezing, grew a pumpkin whose circumference is so big it could be a world record contender, Fowler said. Fowler said last week that Gienger and his father planned to take turns driving 30 hours over the weekend to get the pumpkin the size of a small car to California. The new world record was set by Ian Paton, of Lymington, England, with a giant squash weighing 2,857 pounds. That’s heavier than two and a half concert grand pianos. Paton grows his giant gourds in a greenhouse, while Gienger grows them in the pumpkin patch in his backyard in Anoka, a city on the banks of the Mississippi River north of Minneapolis, Fowler said. “The fact that Travis can weather the elements, like 30-degree weather, and still grow this massive pumpkin is pretty unbelievable,” the spokesman said. Brandon Dawson, of Santa
GODOFREDO A. VÁSQUEZ / AP PHOTO
Brandon Dawson, left, celebrates after winning the Safeway 52nd annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California, in October 2025. Rosa, California, who won the top prize last year with a behemoth of a pumpkin weighing 2,346 pounds, will also compete. The pumpkin champ this year will win $9 per pound of pumpkin and have their lumpy gourd showcased during a parade through Half Moon Bay this weekend. If they break the world record, they will
take an extra prize of $30,000. Monday’s festivities, which will kick off the city’s fall celebration, will also include a special appearance by pumpkin carver Mike Valladao. Sadly, these giants are grown for their size, not flavor, so there will be no giant pumpkin pies at the end of the festival.
Cyberattacks hit European supermarket chains, disrupt refrigeration systems Refrigeration outages forced hundreds of supermarkets across Europe to discard spoiled food products
By Angela Charlton and Dee-Ann Durbin The Associated Press PARIS — Cyberattacks have disrupted European supermarket chains, affecting refrigeration systems at hundreds of stores in France and forcing a major grocer to shut down websites serving customers in Europe and the United States. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told Parliament on Tuesday that about 700 of the country’s 10,000 supermarkets were affected. He said there was no risk to France’s food supplies but acknowledged that the at-
tack “touches the heart of our food security.” “It was a wake-up call for everyone,” he said. The Paris prosecutor’s office said Tuesday that its cybercrime unit was investigating the large-scale attack, including the extent of damage caused by spoiled food and reports of fires. French supermarket group Groupement Mousquetaires, which operates more than 4,000 stores across Europe, said 300 of its Intermarché and Netto stores were impacted. Some refrigerated and frozen food display cases remained out of service Tuesday. Dominique Schelcher, CEO of French grocery chain Cooperative U, said 80 of the company’s 2,000 stores were affected. Most managed to prevent disruptions to refrigeration, but some had to discard food, he said in a post on X.
“Targeting equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products is an attack on the French food supply chain. It is unprecedented, extremely serious, and unacceptable,” Schelcher said. Carrefour and Monoprix supermarkets were also impacted. Danish technology company Danfoss, which supplied the refrigeration management software, said Monday that most affected systems were older products that no longer received software or security updates. “Danfoss has long advised customers to keep supported systems updated with the latest firmware, as well as to operate behind a firewall,” the company said. Danfoss said it was working with affected customers to limit the damage. Separately, Dutch supermarket giant Ahold Delhaize
said Tuesday it was working to restore systems it had shut down following what it described as a security issue. The company, which operates Albert Heijn in the Netherlands, Delhaize in Belgium and Stop & Shop in the United States, declined to provide further details. Websites for several of its brands, including Stop & Shop, Food Lion and Albert Heijn, remained offline Tuesday, although stores were open and serving customers. Ahold Delhaize said it had no evidence that customer or employee data had been stolen. “Protecting our infrastructure in the best interest of our customers, associates and partners is a top priority,” the company said. “We apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused customers and partners.”
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Twin City Herald for Thursday, October 15, 2026
THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | JORDAN TOPAL
When should a town sell its water system? State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers.
TOWNS ACROSS THE COUNTRY have sold their water system with good reason: some have environmental problems, others have budget deficits and unfunded pensions, still others can’t afford to fix failing pipes. North Carolina has labeled 160 local utilities as distressed, including 11 across Duplin, Moore, Randolph and Stanly counties. The state has helped several of these with loans or grants to fix their issues. Unless it’s the only option for safe water and sewer, selling to a private utility usually isn’t worth it. North Carolina passed the fair-value law in 2018. It allowed private utilities that buy municipal systems to earn a regulated return on what they paid instead of the depreciated value of decades-old assets on the town’s books. Each purchase receives three appraisals before approval from the N.C. Utilities Commission. The buyer earns a return on the lower of the purchase price or the average appraisal value. Carteret County’s 2023 sale of a 1,200-customer water system to Carolina Water was the first under the law. Customers pay for needed repairs no matter who owns the system, so what matters is who can finance them more cheaply. Regulators set the private utility’s profit because there is no local competition. In North Carolina, they typically allow a return of 9.8% on equity, the shareholders’ contribution, and customers also pay the utility’s debt interest. Including the utility’s income taxes, customers pay a blended 8.5% to 8.9% a year on the capital. When a private utility spends money to upgrade pipes,
that amount is added to its rate base, the total amount customers pay a return on. So the utility has no reason to hold down construction spending. A healthy municipality borrows with tax-free bonds. Their rates are lower than corporate bond rates because investors pay no income tax on the interest, and municipalities have no shareholder dividends to pay. Over the last few years, that rate has averaged 3% to 5%. On financing costs alone, it’s much cheaper for a municipality to run a water and sewer system. On occasion, a distressed municipality is unable to maintain the utility. It lacks the money or the expertise to bring it back into serviceable shape. The first answer is usually state assistance. On Oct. 6, the Local Government Commission approved $46.2 million in State Revolving Fund loans to rebuild Albemarle’s wastewater plant, mostly at a 0.1% interest rate. In February, the state paid for studies of Greenevers merging with neighboring Wallace and of Stanly County taking over Stanfield’s water and sewer. A sale is the last resort once the public options are exhausted. A private operator has large engineering staffs and a deep back office for billing and customer service. Buyers usually hire the municipal employees as well to maintain local expertise. Selling solves three problems for a town: It no longer has to manage the utility or vote for unpopular rate hikes, and the cash ends its acute financial distress. But the rate hikes don’t
go away. State regulators approve them instead of the town council. After a sale, the buyer usually freezes rates for one to three years. Then it asks the Utilities Commission for large rate hikes to pay for the system’s needed improvements. In Pennsylvania, buyers proposed increases of 40% to 94%. After Pennsylvania American Water bought Exeter Township’s sewer system in 2019, the average monthly bill nearly tripled within five years, from $43 to $115. North Carolina regulators have approved a steep increase for Carteret County, where water-only bills will rise 78% by 2028, from $81 to $144. Future rates will continue rising with each rate case the utility brings to the commission. Selling the utility is like a sale-leaseback in the corporate world. The town takes the utility and upkeep off the books, but citizens pay a higher price long-term to lease the asset. However, a company can move out when its lease ends. Utility customers can’t because they’re renting a regulated monopoly. If a town has any capacity to borrow with a BBB rating or better, it’s cheaper to keep the utility public. State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers. Any council weighing an offer should ask for that number before considering a letter of intent. Jordan Topal is a CFA charterholder who spent two decades in municipal finance. He writes about local government finance at fundbalance.substack.com.
COLUMN | JOSH HAMMER
Don’t let Flydubai terror scare derail Abraham Accords progress A Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews.
TERRORISTS want nothing more than to prevent peace. It’s why they fly planes into buildings, don explosive vests and rain indiscriminate missiles on civilian populations. The response to such terrorism isn’t to cower. It is to lead with boldness, courage and, sometimes, outright heroism. The world just saw precisely such heroism in the high drama aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, from Dubai to Tel Aviv. There was the Indian national pilot, Smit Machchhar, who, though bleeding badly after he was brutally stabbed by his terrorist Omani national copilot, had the presence of mind to open the cockpit door as the plane nosedived 10,000 feet a minute. There were the ordinary Israeli citizens — and above all, new national hero Yaniv Hayoun — who, Todd Beamer-style, swiftly rushed the cockpit and subdued the terrorist in a chokehold (yes, really). There were the two off-duty pilots — reportedly British, South African or New Zealander in nationality — who were able to glide the plane to a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. There was the Emirati flight crew, which handled the madness with aplomb, preventing chaos in a terrified cabin and ensuring the safety of all passengers. Israeli activist Hillel Fuld quoted a military pilot on X: “In virtually every historical incident where an airliner got anywhere close to these speeds, the tail ripped off the entire back of the plane.” In the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible, God is not mentioned once. This is
deliberate. His name doesn’t need to appear: His presence is felt, and seen, everywhere. It was the same way aboard Flydubai Flight 1073. Some have reacted to this mesmerizing story in knee-jerk fashion. They have leapt to call for the full cancelation of all direct flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates — and perhaps a downgrading of ties between Israel and the Arab world, more generally. The instinct is understandable. The anti-Israel press downplayed the harrowing affair as a “pilot altercation,” but the fact is, a Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews. That looks like terrorism. That’s certainly what the Israelis think happened. But terror attacks and near-terror attacks must not derail peace. To allow peace to be derailed is actually to do the terrorists’ bidding. The Abraham Accords, those dynamic 2020 peace agreements that normalized Israeli relations with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, must go on. Indeed, they must expand. Many predicted the Abraham Accords would die after the Hamas savagery of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing war in Gaza. They didn’t. On the contrary, the accords are stronger today. The Iran conflict, which has seen the Islamic Republic strike the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, has sent an unmistakable message: The Sunni Gulf states’ threat isn’t Jerusalem. It’s Tehran. That’s why, just days before the near catastrophe aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to
Abu Dhabi to meet with representatives from eight different Arab countries. Prior to that confab, Netanyahu rendezvoused directly with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed. It was the first time such a bilateral meeting was publicly verified by both countries. Perhaps, then, the attempted terror attack timing isn’t a coincidence. The rumor mill has also been swirling that Kuwait might soon join the Abraham Accords. It’s not hard to see what is going on here. Before the Oct. 7 pogrom, Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Arab world — was on the precipice of making peace with Israel. Netanyahu dedicated much of his September 2023 address to the United Nations General Assembly to the topic. Around the same time, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Fox News’ Bret Baier “every day we get closer” to normalization with Israel. Peace seemed imminent. One of Hamas’ aims with its massacre was to derail Israeli-Saudi normalization. In that, Hamas was successful — for now. But in the long run, Hamas won’t be successful. Despite the setback, the House of Saud still knows that peace with Israel is an inevitability. We cannot allow this would-be terrorist copilot to be successful either. This is not the time to pump the diplomatic brakes. We might have to brace ourselves for additional attempted terror attacks, as cynics once again try to stop peace. Israel is undoubtedly prepared for that. The Arab states should prepare too. Israel should also reevaluate its aviation procedures. Perhaps Israeli authorities can help vet inbound and outbound commercial pilots. But the pursuit of regional peace must go on. There would be no greater tribute to the heroes of Flydubai Flight 1073 than that. Josh Hammer is the senior editor-at-large of Newsweek and host of “The Josh Hammer Show” and podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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DNA, vehicle-tracking help French investigators recover stolen Renoirs, make arrests in theft Investigators suspect the four arrested men were preparing another art heist By Sylvie Corbet and Eva Van Dam The Associated Press NANTERRE, France — DNA left on a protective painting cover helped investigators recover two stolen Renoirs and uncover what they suspected were preparations for another art heist, a French prosecutor said Monday. Four men were given preliminary charges in the investigation into the Sept. 8 theft from the small Renoir Museum in the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. The charges include organized theft and criminal association, Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone said. One painting, “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano,” suffered a tear. The other, “Young Woman at the Well,” had slight damage to its frame, Bessone said. He estimated their combined value at $4.7 million. The thieves used an electric saw to cut through a fence, entered the museum through the ground floor and cut clips securing the frames of four paintings. An alarm sounded and police officers arrived four minutes later, a swift response that “apparently caused the perpetrators to panic,” Bessone said. “As they fled, they were unable to take all four paintings and abandoned two of them, which were later found in a protective sleeve,” he said. Vehicle tracking led to suspects The DNA found on the abandoned cover matched that of a 29-year-old already under investigation in a drug trafficking case in which police were tracking his vehicle, Bessone said. Vehicle-tracking data showed that the suspect, accompanied by a 41-year-old man, went to the home of a third man shortly after the theft, Bessone said. Police surveillance also showed that the 29-year-old on Oct. 3 visited the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence — home to a large modern art collection.
PHOTOS BY PHILIPPE MAGONI / AP PHOTO
Recovered paintings “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano,” right, and “Young Woman at the Well,” stolen from the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer are on display at the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Conservation and Restoration of Heritage in Marseille, France, on Monday. The suspect then met with a fourth man known to police from art theft and forgery cases in 2001 and 2003. Bessone said the arrests were prompted by the “very strong suspicion that another heist was imminent.”
Paintings hidden behind wall The two men suspected of carrying out the museum theft have been given preliminary charges of “theft committed by an organized gang” and “crim-
inal association,” among other counts. They were sent to prison pending further investigation. They have denied wrongdoing, Bessone said. The third suspect acknowledged receiving the paintings at his home and hiding them behind a wall built beneath a staircase after the theft. Investigators recovered the Renoirs from the hiding place, Bessone said. The fourth suspect acknowledged seeing photographs of the paintings but said he did not immediately recognize them. Both of those suspects were given preliminary charges of “concealment” of stolen paintings. They were released under judicial supervision and barred from leaving France. Two additional people who had been arrested were released without charge. Theft renews concerns about museum security The Renoir Museum occupies the final home of the leading French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who lived there until his death in 1919. It is the best-known attraction in Cagnes-sur-Mer,
“As they fled, they were unable to take all four paintings and abandoned two of them, which were later found in a protective sleeve.” Nicolas Bessone, Marseille prosecutor a Mediterranean coastal town between Cannes and Nice. The theft revived painful memories of the spectacular theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris last year and renewed calls for better security and funding at the many cultural sites across France. Christian Sainte, national director of judicial police, said Monday that the country “is repeatedly targeted by organized criminal groups that carry out theft operations targeting valuable objects that are part of our cultural heritage” in museums, castles, places of worship, private homes and art galleries. French museums recorded 23 cases in 2025 and about 10 this year, he said.
Security incident at US-run air base almost certainly directed by Iran, UK prime minister says All seven suspects arrested were released on bail with no charges filed
“We will not tolerate these threats on our soil.”
The Associated Press LONDON — A suspected terror plot at a U.S.-run military air base in England was “almost certainly” directed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Monday. Burnham previously said there are strong indications Iran was linked to the apparent plan last month to attack the RAF Fairford air base, which has been used by American bombers to strike Iran in the ongoing war. Police have arrested seven men in the investigation into the alleged plot, but all suspects have been released on bail and no one has been charged so far. Iran has denied involvement, although it has previously said that it considers any base used to attack its territory a legitimate target. “I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard,” Burnham told lawmakers. “We will not tolerate these threats on our soil.” Scores of residents near the air base were evacuated
Andy Burnham, British prime minister
ALASTAIR GRANT / AP PHOTO
A B-1 bomber takes off from RAF Fairford in Fairford, England, on Sept. 29. from their homes on Sept. 27 as armed police officers and army bomb-disposal experts swarmed the rural area. Police later said they had found a quantity of an accelerant — gasoline — in three vans linked to the initial five suspects who were arrested on the scene, but no explosives. All the suspects arrested are in their 20s. Six are British
nationals while one is a dual U.K.-Iranian citizen. The U.S. pulled its bombers last week from RAF Fairford, about 100 miles west of London, and the Pentagon said all American bombers at the facility had been redeployed to their home bases in the U.S. The Trump administration has said it believed the base faced Iranian threats intend-
ed to kill as many American troops and destroy as many U.S. planes as possible. The British government allowed the U.S. military to use RAF Fairford for what it called defensive strikes on Iranian missiles and their launch sites following Iranian attacks on U.K. interests and Britain’s allies in the Gulf. On Monday, the British gov-
ernment summoned the Iranian ambassador to express displeasure at “Iran’s continued attempts to undermine the security of the United Kingdom and international partners through its criminal networks, proxy groups and state-backed malign activity.” It also said it added two Iranians, including the head of counterespionage operations in the Revolutionary Guard, to its sanctioned list. Iran and allied militant groups have previously been accused of plotting or carrying out attacks on U.S., British and Jewish targets, allegedly acting through local proxies. In a joint statement released Monday, the foreign ministers of more than two dozen Western countries condemned Iranian attacks on their territories through proxies or other means. “Anyone who conducts hostile activities on behalf of Iran, or any other state, should know that we will take action to identify, investigate, disrupt, and prosecute these acts,” the statement said.
Forsyth SPORTS Phillips touts ACC’s health amid possible departures, realignment in future The commissioner was optimistic despite four teams telegraphing a possible departure By Aaron Beard The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips isn’t publicly fretting about four member schools expressing support for tweaking realignment provisions in the Protect College Sports Act to make it easier for schools to change leagues. Speaking at preseason ACC basketball media days, Phillips touted the health and financial gains for the league while also saying schools “need direct access to state their case” when it comes to the proposed law to reform college athletics. The U.S. Senate has approved a version of the measure and sent it to the House. The presidents and chancellors of Clemson, Florida State, Miami and UNC sent a letter last week to House leaders seeking to increase the bill’s membership cap for conferences from 20 to 22 schools. They also requested removing a requirement for a school to be independent for three years before joining another league. Phillips said he would continue to stay in touch with all ACC schools and noted most back the measure. “We have 14 schools that feel really good about it that want to sign it, and we have four schools that have an issue with a portion of it,” he said. “So that’s what I’m going to continue to
push towards the decision makers and those that have written the bill to date.” FSU and Clemson filed lawsuits against the ACC in 2023 and 2024, respectively, to challenge the league’s ability to levy hundreds of millions in exit fees to leave the conference. The league countersued. The parties ultimately settled the case in early 2025 with a deal that revised long-term exit costs while also revamping the league’s revenue-distribution model as a way for schools generating the highest TV ratings to earn more money. That’s been part of a series of changes by the league to bolster the financial picture while facing a growing gap behind the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences, though still finishing ahead of the Big 12 among the Power Four. The ACC reported about $826.5 million in total revenue in tax filings covering the 2024-25 sports season, with schools earning a full distribution share getting an average of $47.1 million. That continued an upward trajectory from $617 million for 2021-22 in Phillips’ first full season, good for a full-share average of $39.4 million. By comparison, the Big Ten and SEC both crossed the $1 billion mark in total revenue in their 2024-25 filings, with the Big Ten paying an average of nearly $79.9 million to full-share members while the SEC came in at nearly $72.4 million. The ACC’s legal settlement with Clemson and FSU helped make 2030-31 a significant marker. The ACC’s exit fee will decline each year before level-
“We’re as healthy as we’ve ever been.”
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Christine El Khoury
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips on the state of the league ing off around $75 million per school that season, while media deals for other leagues are expiring around that time to create at least the potential for another wave of broad realignment. Provisions in any new law could make that harder, starting with membership caps that could limit the available landing spots. In addition, requiring a school to operate as an independent for a defined period after leaving a league would mean missing formerly guaranteed media payouts before being able to cash in elsewhere. “I’ve been very consistent about I have always tried to make sure that this was a conference that people wanted to be in, and I’m really proud of what we’ve done,” Phillips said. “We’re as healthy as we’ve ever been.” Phillips declined to discuss “hypotheticals” when asked whether he was concerned about whether this was a sign of multiple schools intending to leave. “The conference is in a good place,” he said. “Healthy, functioning, achieving at a high level. We’ll see where all this takes us. So you have to be ready. You have to be ready for anything. But I feel good about where we’re at, and we’ll see what this bill ends up doing.”
COURTESY FORSYTH COUNTRY DAY ALUMNI / FACEBOOK
Forsyth Country Day, volleyball Christine El Khoury is a senior co-captain of the Forsyth Country Day volleyball team. The Furies split two games last week, and El Khoury came up big. In a five-set match with Burlington Christian Academy, El Khoury had three service aces, seven digs and 31 assists, which were not only team- and game-high but the high assist total for the entire county last week. For the season, El Khoury is tied for second on the team in service aces and second in assists.
Knicks champion Towns opens up about grief for World Mental Health Day Athletes are getting more honest about the need for mental health care By James Pollard The Associated Press NEW YORK — Karl-Anthony Towns has been traded from Minnesota, lost the conference finals and won the NBA title for his childhood team — and still feels he is in the period of grief that began six years ago. Just 10 days before the New York Knicks’ banner-raising celebration, the All-Star big man marked World Mental Health Day by sharing his ongoing emotional journey following the death of his mother to complications from COVID-19. Entering the first game of this year’s NBA Finals, he said he felt “this very big calm” wash over him. He was taken back to amateur youth games with crowds so small he could spot his mom from anywhere. “I felt like it was kinda just me, her and the game of basketball,” he told the audience gathered by the nonprofit Project Healthy Minds. “I was able to be like an artist out there. I was able to have my paint brush and have a canvas with the court. And I was able to just paint a beautiful picture for her about the love I have for the game. The love I have to show the world because of her.” There was a time when he had lost that love for the game. Towns, whose bright smile became a constant image of the Knicks’ championship run, said basketball “felt hollow” after his mother’s death. “I didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore,” he said. But Towns found some solace in Arnie Kander, a well-known strength and wellness coach.
HEATHER KHALIFA / AP PHOTO
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns takes part in a discussion at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival. “Just to be heard, to be able to talk to someone you can trust, be able to really unload all that pain onto it and allow them to understand your feelings and articulate your feelings the right way, it makes life much lighter,” he said. “And I felt myself getting lighter every time we kept talking.” Project Healthy Minds hopes Towns’ example will inspire others to seek mental health care. The tech nonprofit runs a free online marketplace for finding therapy, psychiatry, support groups and other services. These sorts of conversations are growing more prev-
alent among athletes. DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love kick-started the conversation eight years ago when DeRozan tweeted about depression and Love then published a first-person essay about anxiety. Most players won’t feel that comfortable constantly telling their story. Mental health isn’t a topic of discussion in the locker room. But players are certainly more aware of its impact. Another panel featured former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall for a conversation about finding purpose outside of performance. Marshall,
a six-time Pro Bowl player who publicly shared his borderline personality disorder diagnosis in 2011, said therapy showed him how to “connect with his brain.” He even started taking his therapy sessions in the cafeteria to normalize it for others. Using sports to show emotional strength The sports focus offers a glimpse into Project Healthy Minds’ future programming. The nonprofit relies on cultural figures to introduce its platform to their audiences. It
“I didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore.” Karl-Anthony Towns on playing basketball while grieving his mother partnered this summer with the Broadway play “Every Brilliant Thing,” a one-person show whose narrator — originally played by Daniel Radcliffe, then Mariska Hargitay and, finally, Tracee Ellis Ross — presents his struggling mother with a list of reasons to live. Soon-to-be-announced initiatives will lean further into sports as the nonprofit tries to inspire more communities to seek mental healthcare. With interest in women’s sports growing and live sports remaining a powerful convener in an otherwise fragmented media landscape, Project Healthy Minds CEO Phil Schermer finds that athletes are well suited to bring their message to the masses. Athletes, according to Schermer, also shape the American public’s notions of strength. It makes sense to him that they could then model that “it is strong to talk about your emotions.” The Knicks championship run became a rare moment of monoculture, Schermer suggested. The title chase also offered the in-person socialization that young people are demanding, according to Rachel Janfaza, the founder of the Gen Z research firm The Up and Up. Speaking with “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt and The TAG Movement CEO Alexa Arnold, Janfaza said young people used the Knicks and the World Cup to create the in-real-life community they missed during the pandemic. “We’re seeing this swing,” she said, “and it’s really incumbent upon schools and employers and anyone who has a vested interest in helping this generation thrive to actually celebrate this.”
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Twin City Herald for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Busch’s 11-year-old son highlights father’s ‘celebration of life’ ceremony with burnout The NASCAR legend’s life was honored at an emotional ceremony at Charlotte Motor Speedway By Steve Reed The Associated Press CONCORD — The NASCAR community and more than 10,000 race fans celebrated the life of the late Kyle Busch during an uplifting ceremony at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Busch’s widow, Samantha Busch, spoke at the free event and shared memories of their life together during an emotional 10-minute speech. But it was 11-year-old son Brexton, a budding racer, who stole the show with a burnout on the track’s frontstretch in his father’s No. 8 car before climbing on the roof and honoring his dad by doing his traditional bow with a checkered flag. “I don’t want to feel like we are putting a period on (his life) today,” Samantha Busch said. “This is not the end of Kyle’s story. His story continues every time we give a young racer a chance, share something he taught us or share with the next generation what made Rowdy unforgettable.” She added: “Years from now I hope people remember Kyle as one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers. He worked his entire life for that. But I also hope they meet someone whose life is better because Kyle was here. That’s a legacy that no checkered flag can contain.” Busch died unexpectedly in May at age 41 from hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation after complications from bacterial pneumonia led to sepsis. The news sent shock waves throughout the sport, and several drivers have celebrated their wins this season by honoring Busch with his postrace bow in Victory Lane. Friday night was about remembering the good times. Samantha Busch talked about how happy Kyle was at the end of his career — despite not winning many races during
PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO
Kyle Busch waves to fans while doing a victory lap after winning a qualifying race for the 2013 Daytona 500. one stretch — because he loved being a father and raising Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix. She shared memories of spending nights at dirt tracks across the country and being exhausted late at night following a race while Brexton ran around with his friends covered in dirt and grease. Those, she said, are the memories she will cherish the most, calling it their happiest times. She also thanked the racing community. “I never fully understood what this sport meant until we lost him,” Samantha Busch said. “The races kept going, the cars kept circling the track, but our world had stopped. I didn’t know how we would find our way without him. But then all of you showed us. You came to Brexton’s races. You honored Kyle at every racetrack across the country and
“The races kept going, the cars kept circling the track, but our world had stopped.” Samantha Busch shared what he meant to you.” Kurt Busch, Kyle’s older brother and former Cup Series champion, shared stories, memories and funny moments about the driver fondly known as “Rowdy.” Christopher Bell, Noah Gragson, Daniel Suárez, Kyle Larson and Austin Dillon also spoke at the one-hour ceremony. “Even at a young age, he wanted to do everything better than me,” Kurt Busch said. “It was tough to beat him on the track even though I had six years on him.”
After Kurt Busch won his first Cup Series pole at Darlington in 2001, he was asked by reporters about his little brother who was winning races in lower level series across the country. “I said back then, ‘You think I’m good, you just wait until Kyle gets here,’” Kurt Busch said. Busch’s 234 race wins across NASCAR’s top three national series is the most of any driver in history, and he is considered a certain first-ballot Hall of Famer. He won 63 Cup Series races and earned season championships in 2015 and 2019. Larson called him the most talented driver he’s raced against. The celebration was put on by Kyle Busch Motorsports and featured 10 iconic cars representative of Busch’s motorsports career. The
Panthers’ offense thriving under new play caller Idzik 4 games into season Carolina ranks near the top of the league in most categories By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales misses the rush of calling plays on game day. But the third-year head coach believes that handing over the call sheet to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik before the season was the right call after two years of handling those duties himself. It’s hard to argue that point. The Panthers (2-2) enter the bye week near the top of the league in most offensive categories with Idzik calling the shots. Carolina has gone from 26th in the league in passing a year ago to first this year, averaging 301.3 yards per game. The Panthers are fourth in the league in both scoring (30.3) and total yards (405.8) per game, and they rank in the top 10 in red zone offense. Fourth-year quarterback Bryce Young is suddenly looking like a potential MVP candidate. The 25-year-old is on pace to throw for nearly 5,400 yards with 38 touchdown passes. “Really, the part that I miss the most is just how fast it happens live — there’s such a rush in it,” Canales said. “Forty seconds is not very long for you to be able to consider what the situation is, who my guys are, what are they doing and all
PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO
Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, left, talks on the sideline with quarterback Bryce Young, center. that stuff. It’s really stimulating. And then, of course, when it works well, you win the game and the payoff for the whole group. We did this. Yeah, I miss that.” Canales said Idzik has done an outstanding job in his first stint as an NFL play caller, crediting his mix of calls that include run-pass option, bubble screens and play actions
to keep defenses on their heels. He also credited Idzik for the speed in which he relays calls to Young in the huddle. “The sooner he can get it to Bryce, the sooner Bryce can take himself through the whole play and visualize what’s going to happen,” Canales said. “So I have been really proud of that.” Canales and Idzik worked together in Tampa Bay in 2023.
Idzik accepted the offensive coordinator role in Carolina after Canales was hired the following offseason with the understanding he wouldn’t be the play caller. That changed during the offseason. Canales recognized that having a more global approach might serve the team better. That was evident in Caroli-
evening concluded with an acoustic musical performance by country artist Cole Swindell. The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte also unveiled a new exhibit, “Kyle Busch: Honoring A Legacy,” honoring Busch’s 25-year professional racing career. The exhibit features Busch’s No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry from his 2015 NASCAR Cup Series championship season, along with videos and images highlighting his achievements and influence on the sport. Samantha Busch was given the choice of selecting a car for the exhibit and picked her husband’s No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing M&M’s car that he raced for his first Cup Series championship. “When I look at this car, I don’t just see a championship. I see everything Kyle overcame to earn it,” she said.
“He’s good at seeing what we like, what Bryce likes.” Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan on Brad Idzik na’s 32-26 Oct. 4 win over the Lions when he was able to pull aside Akayleb Evans and give the team’s fill-in cornerback a pep talk after surrendering a 57-yard completion to Isaac TeSlaa. Canales said that’s not something he would have been able to do had he needed to focus on the next offensive series. “I was able to connect with him on the sideline and just be like, ‘Look, this is a great opportunity. You’ve given up a few plays. They’re going to come back (at you) here. So just be ready for the next opp(ortunity) because you’re going to get that,’” Canales said. He had a similar conversation with outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen after he made a few “uncharacteristic mental errors” early in the game. Umanmielen put his miscues behind him and came up with a late sack that helped seal the Carolina win. Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who had a career game against the Lions with 14 catches on 16 targets for 192 yards and two touchdowns, said Idzik is putting players in the right positions. McMillan added that he likes that Idzik has been open to suggestions from players when it comes to play calls. “He’s good at seeing what we like, what Bryce likes,” McMillan said. “He likes to communicate in that way as far as getting our opinions. He’s humble in that way as far as just asking everybody for their opinions.”
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Twin City Herald for Thursday, October 15, 2026
the stream
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO
Grian Chatten of the Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. performs at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, in 2023. The band’s new album, “Dopamine Chamber,” is out now.
Katseye, ‘VisionQuest,’ ‘Tenzing,’ new ‘Castlevania’ video game A NEW ALBUM from Katseye and the Marvel series “VisionQuest” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Judd Apatow’s tribute to Norm Macdonald, “Dopamine Chamber” from Fontaines D.C. and a new entry in the “Castlevania” video game series.
telligence that built Vision to be his own ultimate physical form. The first two episodes are streaming now on Disney+. “Hollywood Arts,” a sequel to the Nickelodeon sitcom “Victorious” that ran from 2010 to 2013, arrives on Netflix. It follows Daniella Monet’s Trina Vega, a down-on-her-luck actress with no teaching credentials who takes a substitute job at her old high school. Original stars Victoria Justice and Ariana Grande are not among the main cast, but Justice has said she may make a cameo in the future. The first 13 episodes drop Thursday and the second half of the season will premiere at a later date. Before Jason ever picked up a machete, his mom was doing the bloody work. A new “Friday the 13th” prequel series called “Crystal Lake” goes back to where the legend began. It’s an eight-episode series starring Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees, who is Jason’s mom. The full season debuts Thursday.
MOVIES TO STREAM
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
Apatow pays affectionate tribute to Macdonald with the documentary “Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald” (Netflix). Apatow’s film about the stand-up comedian, who died in 2021, plays with Macdonald’s still constant ubiquity on social media, where bits and late-show appearances still regularly flood the feeds of comedy fans. Jennifer Peedom’s “Tenzing” (Apple TV) is a biopic and historical drama about an often-unsung hero of mountaineering: Tenzing Norgay. Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston star as Tenzing and Edmund Hillary, respectively, in Peedom’s film about the first climbers to summit Mount Everest. Willem Dafoe co-stars. “The Death of Robin Hood” (HBO Max) stars Hugh Jackman as a grizzled and violent outlaw little like most contemporary versions of Robin Hood. Michael Sarnoski (“Pig,” “A Quiet Place: Day One”) eschews cheerier mythologies for a brutal telling of the medieval tale. In his review AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that it “drains the blood, and life, out of an old English legend.”
William, the hero of “Valor Mortis,” takes the title (which means “the value of death”) a bit too literally. He has already died fighting for Napoleon, but somehow, he has come back to life. That unholy resurrection gives William some wicked supernatural powers to go along with his slick swordplay. Meanwhile, Napoleon’s endless war has corrupted a broad chunk of 19th-century Europe, so hordes of “plague-ridden abominations” have joined the fight. Polish studio One More Level, best known for the cyberpunk slasher “Ghostrunner,” promises demanding first-person combat in a haunted alternate history. Take up arms on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. While we’re messing around in France, let’s travel back in time to 1499 for “Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse.” A new protagonist, Rose Belmont, has inherited the mighty whip known as the Vampire Killer. Dracula has been defeated for good, but his castle has plunked itself down in Paris and all sorts of demons — not to mention Joan of Arc — are on the loose. The 2D, side-scrolling action of Konami’s 1986 original has recently inspired dozens of imitators like “Dead Cells,” and the studios behind that cult hit have taken the reins here. Whip it good starting Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC.
“Crystal Lake,” a prequel to the “Friday the 13th” franchise, lands on Netflix By Jake Coyle The Associated Press
MUSIC TO STREAM Call Katseye the great, global girl group experiment of the decade. The band officially debuted at the end of 2023, created by the Hybe Corporation and Geffen Records in a TV
AMY HARRIS / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Norm Macdonald performs at KAABOO at the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California, in 2017. A new documentary about the late comedian premieres Friday on Netflix.
EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Hugh Jackman attends the world premiere of “The Death of Robin Hood” at AMC Lincoln Square in New York on June 10. The film is now streaming on HBO Max. competition process that was documented on the Netflix series “Popstar Academy: Katseye.” That feels like ancient history now. Today, they’re easily one of the biggest groups on the planet, and their swift ascent is further documented in a new film, “Katseye: Wild Heart,” available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. If the Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. is still unknown
to you, that’s sure to change. Their last album, 2024’s “Romance,” was certified platinum in the U.K. off the strength of its singles “Favourite” and “Starburster.” Their latest album, “Dopamine Chamber,” is on track to be one of the biggest rock releases of the year, from the trip-hop-adjacent “Tongue” to the dizzying “Marianne.” When it comes to Riot Grrrl, the ’90s feminist move-
ment, some names loom larger than others in cultural memory. At the forefront is Kathleen Hanna, the feminist punk pioneer and celebrated Bikini Kill frontwoman, as well as acts like Bratmobile. The list should also include Heavens to Betsy, the duo of drummer Tracy Sawyer and singer-guitarist Corin Tucker (who would later form Sleater-Kinney with Carrie Brownstein). On Friday, they will release “Baby’s Gone,” a newly unearthed demo tape originally recorded in February 1992 by Bratmobile’s Molly Neuman — and two 7-inch EPs. It’s a miracle for followers of the DIY musical underground and a gift for others just discovering it now (perhaps in no small part due to Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Festival)? SERIES TO STREAM Paul Bettany returns as Vision in the Marvel series “VisionQuest,” that closes out the WandaVision trilogy. Vision is now a fugitive after the events of “WandaVision,” with authorities hunting him down. James Spader reprises his role as Ultron, an evil artificial in-
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Twin City Herald for Thursday, October 15, 2026
STATE & NATION
PVC pipes swept away by Hurricane Helene flooding still dominate cleanup of NC river The cleanup has consumed 50,000 work-hours and $1.5 million, with years of work still ahead
“We want to avoid that stuff sitting there forever and just slowly deteriorating and breaking into smaller and smaller pieces.”
By Tammy Webber and Allison Joyce The Associated Press WOODFIN — They’re piled on river banks, lodged in uprooted trees, embedded in sediment and jammed under logs. Many are tangled in mounds of debris up to two stories high. Two years after Hurricane Helene leveled forests, bulldozed houses and filled western North Carolina rivers with everything from cars to refrigerators, the work of cleaning up the debris goes on. And along the iconic French Broad River, known for its whitewater rapids, one item stands out among the rest: massive numbers of PVC pipes that washed away from a factory north of Asheville. “Just the amount of time and energy that we put into removing all this pipe is exhausting,” said Jon Stamper, operations director at MountainTrue, the nonprofit conducting cleanup on several rivers affected by Helene. “We still have stretches of river that haven’t been touched.” MountainTrue estimates its crews have pulled hundreds of thousands of pipes from the river — most of which went to landfills — with an untold number still littering the river for 70 miles (113 kilometers), to a large lake at the Tennessee border. Canada-based IPEX would not say how many pipes were stored at its Woodfin, North Carolina, site before the storm or share results of a company-funded study of how much remains in the river, calling the information “commercially sensitive.” Officials did say 60% of pipes stored outdoors at the site, sandwiched between railroad tracks and the river, were swept away in the 2024 flood, but most were recovered fairly quickly. But the company acknowledged that the remaining debris was significant and has agreed to pay MountainTrue $500,000 toward continued cleanup on the French Broad, which will allow the organization to continue working into next year. A $10 million state grant
Jon Stamper, MountainTrue operations director
ALLISON JOYCE / AP PHOTO
Workers from MountainTrue paddle IPEX PVC pipe they collected from the riverbank July 22 in Alexander. awarded to MountainTrue in 2025 to clean up debris in several western North Carolina rivers that was set to expire in December has been extended to February. The organization said there’s still a long way to go, and estimates that it’s spent 50,000 work-hours and over $1.5 million just on pipe removal, which is only in the French Broad. PVC pipe comprises 80% of the debris in some areas, according to MountainTrue, posing risks to rafters and kayakers, changing water flow and altering the ecosystem. “We understand the ongoing challenge,” IPEX CEO Colleen Pritchett said. “We recognize that ... recovery efforts are complex, they’re resource-intensive, and it’s constantly shaped by the river conditions.” Epic flood took everyone by surprise Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina in late September 2024, dumping more than 30 inches of rain in some areas, triggering landslides, toppling trees, pushing buildings off their foundations and choking waterways. At IPEX, an earthen berm was the only thing separating tall stacks of pipes from the French Broad River. Company officials said they expect-
ed a so-called 100-year flood — meaning it has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year — and moved pipes out of that flood zone. But the flooding from Helene was 10 times worse. “We secured the site as best we could and we sent people home a day before the flooding was expected,” said Johnny Drummond, vice president of manufacturing. He said the company did not anticipate a 1,000-year flood, which has a 1-in-1,000 chance of occurring. The company closed the factory for a couple of months afterward, with losses “well over $100 million,” Pritchett said. It since has invested over $100 million to repair and strengthen the buildings, and now is studying ways to contain the pipes in future floods — something MountainTrue had publicly urged for months. Though there’s much more than IPEX debris still in the waterways, the pipes are so ubiquitous that “there are places where you go that it makes up almost everything that we remove,” said Stamper, who formerly worked for a whitewater river outfitter and now oversees 10 cleanup crews totaling about 100 people — many of them former river or fishing guides who lost their livelihoods after the hurricane.
Removing the pipe is especially vexing because it binds with other debris and has embedded in the river bottom, where fish and other creatures have taken up residence inside. Stamper said he also worries about long-term environmental and health effects from the pipe, which can degrade and become brittle, leaving microplastics in the river. “We want to avoid that stuff sitting there forever and just slowly deteriorating and breaking into smaller and smaller pieces,” said Stamper. “Some of the pipe that’s been sitting out since Hurricane Helene that has been exposed to the sun all the time is getting to the point where you could crack it when you grab it.” Removing pipes tedious, sometimes dangerous Some of the pipes — both straight, rigid plastic and flexible coils that have unraveled — are under huge piles of tangled logs topped by other debris, often in mounds 20 feet (6 meters) high. Cleanup crews “just sort of picture it as a jungle gym” that they must climb and balance on as they clear the pile, said Jemima Filiss-Cook, who leads the cleanup in Madison County, where most of the pipe is concentrated.
She said many crew members were already cleaning up the river before MountainTrue hired them, as a way of “trauma bonding” over what had happened. They include avid outdoorspeople, including rock climbers, because the cleanup is “quite a tedious and technical process” that requires a comfort with the rigors of the job, said Anna Alsobrook, MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper. Crews saw longer pipes into smaller chunks, load them on a boat, then take it downstream to a landing spot where it’s loaded onto a truck. Almost all of the pipe goes to a landfill, though some in good condition are given to community members, because there are no good recycling options, MountainTrue said. “I truly don’t think anybody else could do this work except for our debris team members,” said Alsobrook, noting they must be able to navigate whitewater rapids with a boat full of pipes and saws. The first priority was removing pipes that could pose an immediate danger or entrapment hazard to tubers or kayakers, and much of the remaining debris was stranded in flood plains and on banks, especially around riverbends and corners and vulnerable to being washed away in another flood, Stamper said. But it becomes apparent that many pipes are still in the river whenever the water levels change, he said. MountainTrue is applying for other grants to help extend its program after state and IPEX funding run out, Stamper said, because it could take years to remove all the debris. “We’re going to do our best as long as the funding allows,” he said. “But there’s going to be pipe out there that we can’t get ever.”
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 34 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 | RANDOLPHRECORD.COM
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Randolph record THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Fit for a queen Asheboro High School student Leilany Martinez Castro reacts to the announcement that she has been selected as the homecoming queen during Friday night’s football game vs. Southeast Guilford. She was escorted by her father, Roberto Martinez, right. For more on area football results, see page B1 in sports.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Vatican says pope’s lung nodule surgery successfully completed Rome Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery to remove a lung nodule, with the Vatican confirming the procedure was successful. The 71-year-old pontiff returned to his room at Rome’s Gemelli hospital after the operation Tuesday. The surgery aimed to determine if the nodule is malignant and whether further treatment is needed. Leo had announced the discovery of the nodule during his Sunday prayer. Experts say his prognosis is excellent, even if the nodule is cancerous, as it was caught early. The Vatican has canceled his audiences through Oct. 20, allowing for recovery.
Guilfoyle, ambassador to Greece, resigns after allegations of improper conduct President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, has resigned after allegations of improper conduct but says she’ll “vigorously defend” herself. The White House says Guilfoyle was asked to resign after coming under severe criticism over allegations she engaged in improper and possibly illegal conduct before and during her tenure in Athens. Guilfoyle’s departure Tuesday comes after its possibility was previewed to The Associated Press over the weekend and Trump registered his unhappiness with reports about her alleged conduct on Monday.
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Asheboro seeking $5M in grant funding for public facility improvements The Community Development Block Grant is funded through the N.C. Department of Commerce By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record ASHEBORO — The Asheboro City Council has submitted its Community Development Block Grant. At the council’s Oct. 8 meeting, a public hearing was held to collect input on the Community Development Block Grant application before submission. The city’s application to the North Carolina Department of Commerce is for $5 million in funding to assist with pub-
lic facility improvements benefiting low and moderate income households. The funding request is broken down as follows: • $1 million for public water improvements, specifically the raw water intake replacement project at Lake Lucas • $2.5 million for neighborhood facilities, including continued work on the roof at Asheboro Public Library as well as renovations at the Memorial Park pool • $1.2 million for public sewer improvements for the benefit of East Asheboro • $300,000 for program administration “The Department of Commerce could elect to reward portions of our request,” said
assistant city manager Trevor Nuttall. “So we could get all of the funding or we could get pieces of it. It is a competitive process, so it will be dependent on what other applications come in.” Following the hearing, the council approved the submission of the application. The council then approved three ordinances revising parking plans. They include: • A change in the allowed on-street parking times on Cliff Road at Lindley Elementary School, between South Randolph Street and South High Street, allowing for an additional hour of time (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) in order to allow parents to be able to park and then walk their children to school.
“The Department of Commerce could elect to reward portions of our request. So we could get all of the funding or we could get pieces of it.” Trevor Nuttall, Assistant city manager • The prohibition of parking along the east side of North Church Street from its intersection with Foust Street to its terminus and the east and west sides of Church Street within See GRANT, page A2
March date set for zoo’s Asia opening The new habitat has been on hold for months awaiting funding and personnel in place By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO — There’s a date and a wait for the Asia continent exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced that the new exhibit will open to the public March 1 — months after the anticipated launch for the much-anticipated zoo expansion. “We can’t wait for guests to meet these enchanting residents, learn from them, and discover ways to protect their wild habitats and cousins,” said
Mark Penning, the new director at the zoo. “Asia marks an important milestone in the Zoo’s 52-year history.” When a new state budget was passed and signed into law in early July, approximately $6.2 million in operating funds could then be tapped for the zoo. More than 50 positions were to be filled to handle the expansion. At the time, a fall opening for the Asia exhibition was believed to be likely. Groundbreaking for the Asia expansion was held more than four years ago in the summer of 2022. Construction for the new habitat was completed in the spring. The exhibit, which covers 12½ acres, comes at a cost of $75 million. Funding has come from a combination of state funds and private donors, according to the zoo.
PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD FILE PHOTO
The North Carolina Zoo’s new Asia exhibit is expected to open March 1. Among nearly 50 new species in the Asia exhibit will be tigers, white-cheeked gibbons, Komodo dragons, Chinese alligators, king cobras, mixed birds, Asian small-clawed otters, cinereous vultures, Visayan warty pigs and Chinese giant salamanders. A large indoor café overlooks the habitat for tigers. There will be more than
6,000 new plants as part of the exhibit. Penning said new technology will be part of the ways for zoo visitors to explore the habitat. Pamela Cashwell, secretary of NCDNCR, said more than 1 million guests visit the zoo each year. The March 1 opening for the exhibit is set for noon. This is the zoo’s first major expansion since 1994.
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Randolph Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
THURSDAY
10.15.26
Siler City radio icon dead at 78 Barry Hayes expanded the coverage offered by the local station in numerous ways
“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Randolph Record (ISSN 2768-5268) Trip Hoffend Publisher Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers Cory Lavalette Senior Editor Jordan Golson Local News Editor Bob Sutton Randolph Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Ryan Henkel Reporter Stan Gilliland Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager Published each Thursday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 919-663-3232 RANDOLPHRECORD.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, NC and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607
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By Bob Sutton Randolph Record SILER CITY — Barry Hayes, a longtime radio station manager with a wide-ranging impact in the region, died Sept. 30 at age 78. Hayes was on the air for 40 years on WNCA AM-1570, which is based in Chatham County with a signal that stretches into Randolph County. “There was so many things Barry did for that radio station,” said David Hart, who worked alongside Hayes and continues to be a host of weekend programming. “He was the heart and soul of that radio station and really across the county.” Hayes was involved in all aspects of the station. By 1982, Hayes was in charge of the small station and the program grew, particularly after the Federal Communications Commission gave clearance for the station to be on the air after dark. Hayes continued to find new avenues for the small town’s station to expand coverage, Hart said. He stepped away from the radio business a few years ago. The nighttime signal led to coverage of local sports, beginning with high school events at Jordan-Matthews and spreading to Chatham Central and Northwood. Hayes was busy with all as-
COURTESY PHOTO
Barry Hayes
“He made everyone at the radio station feel like a member of his family. He made you feel appreciated.” David Hart, radio personality pects of the station. He implemented various remote coverage projects that put the station in the community at numerous events and the Sunday morning ministries on the air. “He did so much to get the station out there,” Hart said. He was rooted in local news coverage, Hart said. There was a commitment to have an hourly presence with updated news. Hayes’ extensive local crime reports became must-listen programming, Hart said. “Barry told it like it is,” he said. Hayes also planted the seeds for the “Dial-a-Deal” program that was a swap-shop type of call-in session with residents offering items for sale. “That was real popular because they would call from
all over Chatham County and Randolph County,” Hart said. Hayes also had a background in aviation and so he combined the radio component to that. He would pilot small planes, with his obituary saying he would operate an airplane and call in reports that he dubbed from “the bear in the air.” Much of his mechanical skills were put to use maintaining the radio station and keeping the signal on the air. Hart said it was typical that Hayes would work on the transmitter, and be called to assist other stations in the region when problems arose. “It wasn’t unusual for him to go to Asheboro to help with something there,” Hart said. Hart had a sizable role at the station as well, beginning in sales, taking over a morning show and helping launch the local sports coverage — first as a commentator and eventually handling play-by-play. “I never one time in my life considered Barry my boss,” Hart said. “He made everyone at the radio station feel like a member of his family. He made you feel appreciated.” Visitation and funeral were held Saturday at Siler City Presbyterian Church. Interment was at Chatham Memorial Park. According to an obituary from Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, Hayes began his radio days while in high school (Southeast Guilford) at WCOG in Greensboro. He’s past president of the Siler City Rotary Club. He was on the board of UNC-Chatham Hospital, Central Carolina Community College and the Siler City Authority Advisory Board. He’s survived by his wife, Dacia; daughter, Donna Bramell; sons John Hayes and Randy Hayes; and stepsons Brandon Jones and Benjamin Jones.
Jordan jersey sets $14M record for basketball memorabilia, according to auction house It represents the third multimillion-dollar sale of a Jordan jersey from the 1998 Finals By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press MIAMI — A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has been privately sold for $14 million, an auction house announced Monday, calling it the highest price ever paid for a piece of basketball memorabilia. Pennsylvania-based Hunt Auctions announced the private treaty sale and identified the buyer as Miami real estate investor Ron Firman. The red jersey is the one Jordan wore in Game 2 of that series on June 5, 1998; he and the Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz that night to even the matchup at a game apiece. Jordan and the Bulls would go on to win the series in six games, the sixth and final title of his Hall of Fame career. That 1997-98 season was the subject of the 10-episode “Last Dance” documentary series that was released in 2020. “While Michael Jordan’s importance within the sports
GRANT from page A1 100 feet of its terminus to allow for more maneuverability of emergency and service vehicles. • The removal of on-street parking on North Cox Street at the Randolph County Courthouse, between East Salisbury Street and Worth Street, and the restriction of spaces adjacent to the courthouse to courthouse personnel and law enforcement officers use only. The council also approved two ordinances to extend the corporate limits of the city by
“While Michael Jordan’s importance within the sports memorabilia marketplace has long been established it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art.” David Hunt, Hunt Auctions president memorabilia marketplace has long been established it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art,” said David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions. “We are very pleased to have been able to facilitate this historic sale which serves as another benchmark for our industry.” The $14 million price would be the second-biggest known cost for a game-worn jersey, behind the $24.12 million paid in 2024 for the jersey worn by Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees when he hit the “called shot” home run against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley
annexing a bit under 14 acres of land along Hub Morris Road and around 2 acres of property located north of the intersection of South Fayetteville Street and Boyd Avenue. Finally, the council approved an amendment to its agreement with Hiram Marziano, PE for professional services related to the city’s sanitary sewer lift station improvements project. “This project has a long history,” water resources director Michael Rhoney said. “The first agreement was signed in 2019, and it took almost five years
Field in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series. This sale becomes at least the third time a Jordan jersey from that 1998 finals has fetched at least $10 million. A jersey from Game 1 was sold at auction for about $10.1 million in 2022, and a jersey from Game 3 was auctioned last month for about $12.3 million. “Michael Jordan was an incredibly talented player who is admired around the world,” Firman said in a news release distributed by the auction house. “I’m very excited about the purchase.” The jersey that Firman purchased was originally bought from the Bulls by a private collector in 2003, Hunt said, adding that it “has remained within a succinct chain of custody having only changed hands once from the original purchaser.” Just about anything related to the 1998 finals and Jordan’s final season with the Bulls has been the subject of massive interest in the collector space. In 2023, a pair of Air Jordan sneakers that he wore in Game 2 against the Jazz was sold by Sotheby’s for $2.2 million, touted at the time as “a new world record for the most valuable sneakers ever sold.”
to get funding for it. We now have funding, but not enough to complete the project, so now we need to completely change the scope of the project.” According to Rhoney, the original scope of the project, which tripled in cost during the waiting period, included the construction of a new lift station to pick up additional development, but the new scope will see only the replacement of the existing lift station without a force main replacement, but it will be upsized. The Asheboro City Council will next meet Nov. 5.
Randolph
Guide Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Randolph County.
Oct. 17 A Day on Main Street 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Ramseur Eastern Randolph Chamber’s 38th annual fall festival brings local arts and crafts, food vendors, live music and kids’ games to the historic downtown. Admission is free. Historic downtown 1500 Main St. Ramseur
Hospice Auction & Barbecue 11 a.m. until sold out Hospice of Randolph’s 41st annual fundraiser sells $12 drive-thru barbecue plates with beans, slaw, hushpuppies and homemade dessert. The online auction opens the same day and runs through Oct. 22. Sunset Avenue Church of God 900 Sunset Ave. Asheboro
Quaker Lake Pumpkin Festival 2 p.m. Quaker Lake Camp’s biggest event of the year brings hayrides, pumpkin painting, inflatables, canoeing, pumpkin smashing and live music, plus festival food from hot dogs and pizza to funnel cakes and cotton candy. Quaker Lake Camp 1503 N.C. 62 E. Climax
Oct. 17-18 Boo at the NC Zoo 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids 4 to 12 can trick-or-treat along the Africa loop, enter costume contests and play games at the Africa Amphitheater. Wristbands are $10, or $8 for zoo members, on top of admission and are sold only on event days until 2 p.m. Each wristband also gets a small pumpkin while supplies last. It returns Oct. 24-25. North Carolina Zoo 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro
Oct. 22 Ed Rich: History of Back Creek in Paintings 6 p.m. Local artist Ed Rich, known as the “motorcycle artist,” shares paintings that trace the old roads, mills, dams and creek scenes of the Back Creek and Caraway Creek areas, drawn from his family’s 275 years in the county. Asheboro Public Library 201 Worth St. Asheboro
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Randolph Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | JORDAN TOPAL
When should a town sell its water system? State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers.
TOWNS ACROSS THE COUNTRY have sold their water system with good reason: some have environmental problems, others have budget deficits and unfunded pensions, still others can’t afford to fix failing pipes. North Carolina has labeled 160 local utilities as distressed, including 11 across Duplin, Moore, Randolph and Stanly counties. The state has helped several of these with loans or grants to fix their issues. Unless it’s the only option for safe water and sewer, selling to a private utility usually isn’t worth it. North Carolina passed the fair-value law in 2018. It allowed private utilities that buy municipal systems to earn a regulated return on what they paid instead of the depreciated value of decades-old assets on the town’s books. Each purchase receives three appraisals before approval from the N.C. Utilities Commission. The buyer earns a return on the lower of the purchase price or the average appraisal value. Carteret County’s 2023 sale of a 1,200-customer water system to Carolina Water was the first under the law. Customers pay for needed repairs no matter who owns the system, so what matters is who can finance them more cheaply. Regulators set the private utility’s profit because there is no local competition. In North Carolina, they typically allow a return of 9.8% on equity, the shareholders’ contribution, and customers also pay the utility’s debt interest. Including the utility’s income taxes, customers pay a blended 8.5% to 8.9% a year on the capital. When a private utility spends money to upgrade pipes,
that amount is added to its rate base, the total amount customers pay a return on. So the utility has no reason to hold down construction spending. A healthy municipality borrows with tax-free bonds. Their rates are lower than corporate bond rates because investors pay no income tax on the interest, and municipalities have no shareholder dividends to pay. Over the last few years, that rate has averaged 3% to 5%. On financing costs alone, it’s much cheaper for a municipality to run a water and sewer system. On occasion, a distressed municipality is unable to maintain the utility. It lacks the money or the expertise to bring it back into serviceable shape. The first answer is usually state assistance. On Oct. 6, the Local Government Commission approved $46.2 million in State Revolving Fund loans to rebuild Albemarle’s wastewater plant, mostly at a 0.1% interest rate. In February, the state paid for studies of Greenevers merging with neighboring Wallace and of Stanly County taking over Stanfield’s water and sewer. A sale is the last resort once the public options are exhausted. A private operator has large engineering staffs and a deep back office for billing and customer service. Buyers usually hire the municipal employees as well to maintain local expertise. Selling solves three problems for a town: It no longer has to manage the utility or vote for unpopular rate hikes, and the cash ends its acute financial distress. But the rate hikes don’t
go away. State regulators approve them instead of the town council. After a sale, the buyer usually freezes rates for one to three years. Then it asks the Utilities Commission for large rate hikes to pay for the system’s needed improvements. In Pennsylvania, buyers proposed increases of 40% to 94%. After Pennsylvania American Water bought Exeter Township’s sewer system in 2019, the average monthly bill nearly tripled within five years, from $43 to $115. North Carolina regulators have approved a steep increase for Carteret County, where water-only bills will rise 78% by 2028, from $81 to $144. Future rates will continue rising with each rate case the utility brings to the commission. Selling the utility is like a sale-leaseback in the corporate world. The town takes the utility and upkeep off the books, but citizens pay a higher price long-term to lease the asset. However, a company can move out when its lease ends. Utility customers can’t because they’re renting a regulated monopoly. If a town has any capacity to borrow with a BBB rating or better, it’s cheaper to keep the utility public. State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers. Any council weighing an offer should ask for that number before considering a letter of intent. Jordan Topal is a CFA charterholder who spent two decades in municipal finance. He writes about local government finance at fundbalance.substack.com.
COLUMN | JOSH HAMMER
Don’t let Flydubai terror scare derail Abraham Accords progress A Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews.
TERRORISTS want nothing more than to prevent peace. It’s why they fly planes into buildings, don explosive vests and rain indiscriminate missiles on civilian populations. The response to such terrorism isn’t to cower. It is to lead with boldness, courage and, sometimes, outright heroism. The world just saw precisely such heroism in the high drama aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, from Dubai to Tel Aviv. There was the Indian national pilot, Smit Machchhar, who, though bleeding badly after he was brutally stabbed by his terrorist Omani national copilot, had the presence of mind to open the cockpit door as the plane nosedived 10,000 feet a minute. There were the ordinary Israeli citizens — and above all, new national hero Yaniv Hayoun — who, Todd Beamer-style, swiftly rushed the cockpit and subdued the terrorist in a chokehold (yes, really). There were the two off-duty pilots — reportedly British, South African or New Zealander in nationality — who were able to glide the plane to a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. There was the Emirati flight crew, which handled the madness with aplomb, preventing chaos in a terrified cabin and ensuring the safety of all passengers. Israeli activist Hillel Fuld quoted a military pilot on X: “In virtually every historical incident where an airliner got anywhere close to these speeds, the tail ripped off the entire back of the plane.” In the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible, God is not mentioned once. This is
deliberate. His name doesn’t need to appear: His presence is felt, and seen, everywhere. It was the same way aboard Flydubai Flight 1073. Some have reacted to this mesmerizing story in knee-jerk fashion. They have leapt to call for the full cancelation of all direct flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates — and perhaps a downgrading of ties between Israel and the Arab world, more generally. The instinct is understandable. The anti-Israel press downplayed the harrowing affair as a “pilot altercation,” but the fact is, a Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews. That looks like terrorism. That’s certainly what the Israelis think happened. But terror attacks and near-terror attacks must not derail peace. To allow peace to be derailed is actually to do the terrorists’ bidding. The Abraham Accords, those dynamic 2020 peace agreements that normalized Israeli relations with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, must go on. Indeed, they must expand. Many predicted the Abraham Accords would die after the Hamas savagery of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing war in Gaza. They didn’t. On the contrary, the accords are stronger today. The Iran conflict, which has seen the Islamic Republic strike the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, has sent an unmistakable message: The Sunni Gulf states’ threat isn’t Jerusalem. It’s Tehran. That’s why, just days before the near catastrophe aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to
Abu Dhabi to meet with representatives from eight different Arab countries. Prior to that confab, Netanyahu rendezvoused directly with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed. It was the first time such a bilateral meeting was publicly verified by both countries. Perhaps, then, the attempted terror attack timing isn’t a coincidence. The rumor mill has also been swirling that Kuwait might soon join the Abraham Accords. It’s not hard to see what is going on here. Before the Oct. 7 pogrom, Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Arab world — was on the precipice of making peace with Israel. Netanyahu dedicated much of his September 2023 address to the United Nations General Assembly to the topic. Around the same time, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Fox News’ Bret Baier “every day we get closer” to normalization with Israel. Peace seemed imminent. One of Hamas’ aims with its massacre was to derail Israeli-Saudi normalization. In that, Hamas was successful — for now. But in the long run, Hamas won’t be successful. Despite the setback, the House of Saud still knows that peace with Israel is an inevitability. We cannot allow this would-be terrorist copilot to be successful either. This is not the time to pump the diplomatic brakes. We might have to brace ourselves for additional attempted terror attacks, as cynics once again try to stop peace. Israel is undoubtedly prepared for that. The Arab states should prepare too. Israel should also reevaluate its aviation procedures. Perhaps Israeli authorities can help vet inbound and outbound commercial pilots. But the pursuit of regional peace must go on. There would be no greater tribute to the heroes of Flydubai Flight 1073 than that. Josh Hammer is the senior editor-at-large of Newsweek and host of “The Josh Hammer Show” and podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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Randolph Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
obituaries
Wendell Thomas Briles Dec. 11, 1940 – Oct. 5, 2026 Wendell Thomas Briles, 85, of Asheboro, died Monday, October 5, 2026, at Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2026, at High Rock Baptist Church, 1047 Bescher Chapel Road, Trinity, where he attended, with Pastor Junior Summey officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Wendell was born on December 11, 1940, in Randolph County, the son of the late Ernest Sheridan Briles and Ella Mae Younts Briles. He was a graduate of Farmer High School, class of 1959 where he was a proud left handed baseball pitcher. He
Carolyn Raines Brown Feb. 8, 1943 – Oct. 10, 2026 Carolyn Alice Raines Brown, born February 8, 1943, in Greenville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her faithful, devoted and loving family at her home in Archdale, North Carolina, on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Furman and Myrtle Raines, and her siblings, Gary Raines, Edwin Raines, Larry Raines, Alma Rigdon, and Bobbi Gooch. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Jerry R. Brown; her children, Tommy Goode and wife Margie, Sheila Blank and husband Jeffrey, and Elana Jones and husband Doug; her grandchildren, Chris, Elida (Jeff), Haylea, Jeremy (Sammy), Brittini (Andrew), Mackensie (Austin), Cole, and Dara; her great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Waylen, Logan and her two beloved fur babies, Tucker and Lucy and several nieces, nephews and cousins who she loved and cherished. She also leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories with the family she loved so dearly. Carolyn relocated to the Piedmont Triad in 1954 and remained in the area for the rest of her life. She graduated from Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, and went on to establish a long and successful career as an administrative assistant with the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court. Through her years of dedicated service, she built a legacy of hard work and commitment leading her to be an influential member of the NC Deputy Clerks of Court Association and former Chair of the NC Order of the Eastern Star, Kernersville Chapter 205. A longtime member of Cedar Square Friends Meeting in Archdale, Carolyn held her faith close to her heart. Her church family was an important part of her life, providing a source of fellowship, comfort, and spiritual connection. She sang in the choir and was the treasurer of the building fund committee for many years. She was also an Elder of Ministry and Council and a longtime member of the USFW. Carolyn had a curious mind and a lifelong love of learning.
retired from Energizer after 48 years. Wendell was a member of Randolph County Cattleman Association and was a former volunteer fireman for Westside Fire Department. He had an incredible work ethic, was an avid hunter, and a die-hard UNC Tarheel fan. He enjoyed yard work, traveling, and spending time with family. In addition to his parents, Wendell was preceded in death by his sisters, Alice Loflin, Jewel Jordan, Doris Stout; brothers, Dalton Briles, Robert Briles, Gilbert Briles, and Wayne Briles. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, India Trotter Briles of the home; daughter, Karen Briles Adams (Ed) of Asheboro; sister-in-law, Gail Davis (Rick) of Asheboro; nieces, Janet Williams, Phyllis Caviness, Bonnie Blue, Kayla Jordan; several great nieces and one great nephew. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to High Rock Baptist Church, 1047 Bescher Chapel Road, Trinity, NC 27370; American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 11454; or to Randolph County Animal Shelter, 1370 County Land Rd., Randleman, NC 27317.
An avid reader, she was always eager to discover something new. She also enjoyed shopping at thrift stores with her daughters, and she was such an enthusiastic shopper that they often struggled to keep up with her as she explored the aisles. Those shopping trips were more than outings; they were opportunities to share laughter, make memories, and enjoy one another’s company. She loved to travel and treasured the trips she took with her daughters to destinations throughout the United States, including Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Denver, Colorado; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Fort Hood, Texas. Each journey offered new experiences and special moments to hold dear. Carolyn also had a special appreciation for the outdoors and the simple pleasures of home. She loved watching deer and squirrels in her backyard and had a remarkable gift for connecting with animals. It was not unusual for squirrels to eat directly from her hands, a testament to her gentle nature and patience. When she was relaxing at home, she enjoyed watching Gunsmoke and Fox 40 News. A phenomenal cook, Carolyn delighted in preparing meals for her family. Her kitchen was a place where love was expressed through home-cooked food, familiar traditions, and the joy of gathering together. She especially loved watching her grandchildren play sports and took great pleasure in being present for their activities and accomplishments. Above all, Carolyn was devoted to her family. The time she spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren was among her greatest joys. Her love was woven into the everyday moments she shared with them, from family meals and travels to shopping trips and backyard visits with her beloved wildlife. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her independent spirit, her many interests, her faith, and the special place she held in the lives of those who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she gave will remain with her family for generations to come. A celebration of life will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Cedar Square Friends Meeting in Archdale, North Carolina. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Square Friends Meeting in Archdale, North Carolina, or Hospice of the Piedmont. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered love, support, and kindness during this time of loss. Cumby Family Funeral Service of Archdale is honored to serve the Brown family at this time.
George Tiffany Foster Jr.
Harvey Stephen Payne
March 14, 1952 – Oct. 6, 2026
Aug. 8, 1949 – Oct. 8, 2026
George Tiffany Foster Jr., age 74 of Asheboro, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at his home. George was born on March 14, 1952 in Randolph County, NC to George and Hallie Poindexter Foster. From an early age, George loved to work with his hands and had an incredible work ethic. His strong work ethic is something he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He worked as a supervisor in the furniture industry with Stuart’s and then Klaussner Furniture. He was a taxidermist and very artistic with things that he built. George loved to fish and always enjoyed a good Mt. Dew and pack of Nabs. George went back to school later in his life and received an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology from RCC. Out of all the things George loved, he loved and adored his family the most. In addition to his parents, George is preceded by his wife, Cathy Foster; and his sister, Judy Brower. George is survived by his daughter, Brook Dezern (Shawn) of Asheboro; son, Preston Foster (Katelyn) of Raleigh; grandchildren, Jurney Dezern (Grayson), Blaze Dezern (Olivia), and Maggie Foster; sisters, Joyce Wilson, Janice Hamlett (Ray), Jane Dunn; brother, Ricky Foster (Deborah); and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 2:00pm - 2:45pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, NC 27203. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00pm in the Glenn “Mac” Pugh Chapel with Dr. Rev. Brandon Powell officiating.
Mr. Harvey Stephen Payne, 77 of Asheboro, passed away after a period of declining health at the Hospice House of Asheboro. Harvey was born August 8th, 1949 in Preston Maryland where he attended and graduated from Col. Richardson High School. While in school he played baseball for the high school team. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy where his career lasted for 20 years, from 1967 until his retirement in 1987. Proudly serving his country and being a part of the “best branch” in the United States, the U.S. Navy. Harvey retired from the Navy with the rank of E7, proudly known as a Chief. Eventually Mr. Payne made his way south landing in Asheboro, NC. Soon after coming to Asheboro, he began working for Wayne Thomas Chevrolet in Asheboro in sales where he launched his second career for almost 20 years. Services for Mr. Harvey Payne are being planned at this time. Please continue to check and when finalized the obituary will be updated. Pugh Funeral Home Asheboro is proudly serving the Payne family.
Karen Marie MacDonald Clarke Dec. 19, 1963 – Oct. 6, 2026
Geraldine Riggsbee June 26, 1945 – Oct. 6, 2026 It is with sadness that the passing of Geraldine Riggsbee of Asheboro, North Carolina is shared. Geraldine, born on June 26, 1945, passed away on October 6, 2026. Family and friends are welcome to or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. She was predeceased by: her parents, William Riggsbee and Myrtle Riggsbee; and her siblings, Gywen, Kenneth, Faye and Stanley. She is survived by: her children, Michael Riggsbee (Jessica) of Mebane, NC, Brenda Cheek (Phillip) of Asheboro, NC, Cherri Riggsbee of Graham, NC and Ja’Ny Alston; her grandchildren, Tejuan Riggsbee (Annie), Phillip Cheek II (Veronica), Antwan Riggsbee (Tanisha), Mikel Riggsbee, JJ Riggsbee and Belmon Dean IV; her great grandchildren, Dyamond, Ashley, Myah, TeAnnah, Taliah, Logan and Rae; her great great grandchildren, Jay and Wynter; and her siblings, Patricia, William (Patricia), Vance (Lewella), Donnie, Jackie and Janelle. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 17th 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Greater St Johns Baptist Church (819 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203).
Karen Marie Clarke, 62, of Asheboro, N.C. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Born December 19, 1963 in Syracuse, N.Y., Karen was a devoted mother and grandmother. Combining a joy of cooking/baking along with her sweet tooth, she was also ready to offer a treat to anyone especially her grandkids. An avid reader, she never passed up an opportunity to pick up the latest Nicholas Sparks novel. Her love of Jeopardy! led to her ritual of quizzing everyone on the daily answer from the Day-to-Day Calendar she always had. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Thomas MacDonald; her mother, Lois Spatuzzi; and her stepfather, Tony Spatuzzi. She is survived by her children, Patrick Clarke (Rachel) of Durham, N.C. and Sara Clark (Travis) of Eagle Mountain, UT; grandchildren Spencer, Lily, Ryan, Sam, and Evelyn; siblings Michael MacDonald (Nancy) of Utica, N.Y., Sam Schraven (Tom) of Baldwinsville, N.Y., Lisa Lohrberg (Michael) of Rochester, N.Y., Kevin MacDonald of Baltimore, M.D., and Susie Barnes (Rich) of Cortland, N.Y.; stepmother Sue MacDonald of Bluffton, S.C.; 16 nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends and family on Friday, October 16, 2026 beginning with a visitation at 1p.m. followed by a memorial service at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. There will be a celebration of life in Syracuse, N.Y. at a future date.
Geraldine Elizabeth Lopossay Aug. 17, 1944 – Oct. 11, 2026 Geraldine Elizabeth Lopossay, 82, of Ramseur passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026 at her home. Geraldine was a native of Chatham County, born August 17, 1944, daughter of the late James and Edith Shuskey Lopossay. Geraldine loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She also enjoyed her pets and loved taking care of them. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time outdoor walking and later in life enjoyed coloring and drawing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Joshua Lee Holland; brothers, James William Lopossay, Jr. and Joseph Wade Lopossay; as well as her sisters, Rachel Rena Andrews and Edith Darlene Ritter. Ms. Lopossay is survived by her son, Hans Stone of Ramseur; daughter, Tina Stone of Franklinton, NC; brother, Paul Riley Lopossay of Bonlee; and sister, Betty Maness of Asheboro. No services are scheduled at this time.
Mary Zmithrovitch April 26, 1938 – Oct. 10, 2026 It is with great sadness we share the passing of Mary Elizabeth DeLorme Zmithrovitch on October 10, 2026 after a period of declining health. Mary was born April 26, 1938, in Troy, New York. Mary was the only child of Francis and Mary (Kinney) DeLorme. Mary was raised in Troy and completed her schooling at Troy High School, where she met the love of her life Gilbert Murray Zmithrovitch, who became her husband in September 1957 and preceded her in death. Gil and Mary had three children, Darlene Turner, Gilbert (Ellen) Zmithrovitch and Karla (John) DeHont, who survive. Mary was also blessed with 7 grandchildren, Matt (Amanda), Kelly, Katrina (Cliff), Zach, Adam (Kaitlin) and Emma, and 5 greatgrandchildren, Rona, Avery, Sam, Harrison and Mackenzie. Mary was a homemaker while her children were growing up and then became a receptionist at Woodland Village, an assisted living facility in Troy, NY. After many years in Troy, New York, Gil and Mary decided to move south to Asheboro, NC in late 2021 to escape the winters and be closer to their son and his family. Mary enjoyed their new home and climate, and sharing holidays and Sunday family dinners. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (curefa. org) or to Hospice of Randolph. A special thank you to Dr. Jaber Khan, who cared for Mary while she lived in Asheboro and to all the wonderful staff at GrayBrier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Trinity, NC that provided loving care for Mary in the last months of her life. Arrangements by Ridge Funeral Home in Asheboro. A graveside service for the commitment of Gil and Mary’s cremains will be held at a later date.
Randolph Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Cornie Coffield Warlick April 10, 1929 – Oct. 5, 2026 Cornelia Hodgin Coffield Warlick, 97, of Archdale, passed away Monday, October 5, 2026, at GrayBrier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born April 10, 1929, in Guilford County, she was a daughter to the late William Herbert Hodgin and the late Mary Andrews Hodgin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Bryant Coffield, and her brother, William Herbert Hodgin, Jr. Cornelia Ann Warlick was known by many surnames: Hodgin, Coffield, & Warlick. Her parents addressed her as Cornelia Ann. Her cousins called her C’Ann. Most knew her as Cornie. Only 4 called her Mama. She was the 2nd child of Herb and Mary Hodgin. She grew up in Archdale surrounded by a vibrant Quaker community. After completing a few years at Guilford College, she married Joe Coffield in 1951 and returned to live across the street from her parents, much to their delight after grandchildren Jock, Blair, Hodge and Hank were born. Cornie spent her life cultivating a welcoming home, sculpting a successful family, and fostering a strong community. When Joe became involved with Boy Scout Troop 25 Cornie shepherded her sons and other mothers’ sons through the ranks of Cub Scouts into the Boy Scouts. Later, she would spend summers cooking for weekly rotations of summer campers for the Uwharrie Council. Cornie maintained a stockpile of uniforms & equipment for scouts who were growing faster than their parents could purchase new ones. Cornie was eventually awarded the seldom awarded Silver Beaver Award for her contributions. Volunteering was more than sustaining the community. It was who she was. Cornie’s membership with the Garden Club yielded the beautification of High Point. She managed the HP Junior League Thrift Shop (later known as The Second Closet), a successful repository of gently worn clothing long before “Shopping Vintage” was A Thing. Her true passion was
seated in politics. She vigorously campaigned for issues and candidates. Cornie was well versed in Democratic Party merits and hotly defended its principles and vision. The virtual All-Are-WelcomedHere flag always flew at full staff at Fort Coffield - so named after erecting a tall wood slatted fence to corral the Coffield children. Cornie believed that food was love and those who broke bread together ate meals of fellowship and concord. She delighted in hosting family meals, celebration meals, and oyster shucking parties in February. The most enduring single event was Tuesday Night Bridge Club with 7 of her dearest and oldest friends. Life was full of activities, new ventures, children leaving the nest, changes great & small. There was tragedy, too, when Jock died in 1975 followed by Joe’s death. Cornie called upon her own resilience and leaned into community strength to write Part II of her life chapters. Cornie married Larry Warlick in 1978 after he won the approval of the aforementioned Tuesday Night Bridge Club. Whew! She moved out of her Archdale home with Larry wherever he was transferred around NC wildlife management regions. They were young again. Cornie, with her succession of German Shepherds, thrived with Larry. Cornie and Larry returned to the Archdale home when her parents needed care as they aged in place. Life flowed like a river: slowly over the depths, dancing lightly over pebbles, wearing down the boulders, always changing but appearing the same. They endured and lived (mostly) happily ever after. Until Cornie succumbed to the ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease. Her memories, adventures, and challenges are remembered by those who survive her: husband Larry of 48 years, daughter Blair & granddaughter Sarah, Hodge (Pam), and Hank (Katie). She is survived by her husband, Larry Warlick; sons, Herbert Hodgin Coffield (Pamela) of Salisbury, and Henry Harmon Coffield (Katherine) of Spencer; daughter, Martha Blair Schuetz (Reinhold) of Bremerton, WA; and granddaughter, Sarah Lewtas. Service will be 1:00PM Friday, October 9, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church; 108 W. Farris Ave., High Point, NC; with Father Rob Travis officiating. The family will receive friends in the Parish Hall following the service. Private burial will follow in the Springfield Friends Meeting cemetery. Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point, is in charge of the arrangements.
Erick Jaimes and spouse; 19 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home.
Silviano Jaimes Rebollar Dec. 14, 1943 – Oct. 8, 2026 Silviano Jaimes Rebollar, 82, of Asheboro, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. A funeral mass will be conducted 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 512 West Wainman Avenue, Asheboro, with Father Ramiro Tijerno officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Memorial Gardens. Silviano was born on December 14, 1943, in Mexico. Silviano was a man of deep Catholic faith who lived his life with kindness, and love for others. He was a wonderful husband and the best father and grandfather, always cherishing the family he loved so dearly. Through the way he lived his life, his family could see Jesus reflected in him. Silviano was also deeply involved in his community and was known for his humble spirit and caring heart. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love for his family, and the beautiful example he set for all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Adela Campuzano; daughters, Alba Jaimes, Noelia Jaimes and spouse, Noemi Jaimes and spouse; sons, Eliud Jaimes and spouse, Eder Jaimes and spouse,
Silviano Jaimes Rebollar, de 82 años, residente de Asheboro, falleció el jueves 8 de octubre de 2026, en su hogar, rodeado de su familia. Se celebrará una misa fúnebre el lunes 12 de octubre de 2026, a las 11:00 a. m., en la Iglesia Católica de San José (St. Joseph’s Catholic Church), ubicada en 512 West Wainman Avenue, Asheboro, con el Padre Ramiro Tijerno como celebrante. El entierro se llevará a cabo en New Hope Memorial Gardens. Silviano nació el 14 de diciembre de 1943, en México. Fue un hombre de profunda fe católica que vivió su vida con bondad y amor hacia los demás. Fue un esposo maravilloso y el mejor padre y abuelo, que siempre atesoró a la familia que tanto amaba. A través de su manera de vivir, su familia podía ver a Jesús reflejado en él. Silviano también participaba activamente en su comunidad y era conocido por su espíritu humilde y su corazón bondadoso. Será recordado por su fe inquebrantable, su amor por su familia y el hermoso ejemplo que dejó a todos los que tuvieron el privilegio de conocerlo. Le sobreviven su esposa, Adela Campuzano; sus hijas e hijos, Alba Jaimes, Noelia Jaimes y su cónyuge, Noemi Jaimes y su cónyuge, Eliud Jaimes y su cónyuge, Eder Jaimes y su cónyuge, y Erick Jaimes y su cónyuge; 19 nietos y tres bisnietos. La familia recibirá a familiares y amigos el domingo 11 de octubre de 2026, de 6:30 p. m. a 8:00 p. m., en Ridge Funeral Home.
Faye Luther April 8, 1933 – Oct. 8, 2026 Faye Jarrell Luther, 93, of Asheboro, died Thursday, October 8, 2026, at her home. A funeral service will be conducted 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gerald Hussey officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park. Faye was born on April 8, 1933, in Asheboro to the late Frank D. Jarrell and Ida Sheffield Jarrell. She attended Central Falls School before continuing her education at Asheboro Business College. Faye worked many years in hosiery manufacturing and retired from Technimark. She was preceded in death by her husband James “Jimmy” Harlan Luther; daughter, Susan Green; brothers, Calvin Spencer Jarrell, Lester Jarrell, Max Jarrell, Tanford “Buddy” Jarrell, Coy Jarrell; and sister, Dixie Way. She is survived by her sons, Bruce McMasters and wife Lisa of Ramseur, Timmy Hasty and wife Gayle of Asheboro, Tony Hasty of Asheboro; grandchildren, Wayne McMasters and wife Dawn, Katelyn Hasty, Tyler Hasty and wife Alisha, Natalie Hoogkamp and husband Brett; six great grandchildren, and one greatgreat grandchild. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m., prior to the service. To honor her memory, the family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Falls Baptist Church, 1332 Old Liberty Road, Asheboro, NC 27205, where she attended.
Charlie L. Bullard April 13, 1944 – Oct. 8, 2026 Charles Lindsey “Charlie” Bullard, age 82, of Asheboro passed away on October 8, 2026, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center. Charlie was born in Anson County, NC on April 13, 1944, to Joseph and Clara Threadgill Bullard, who preceded him in death. He was formerly employed as a master mechanic with Stedman Manufacturing. Charlie was a very kind gentleman. He enjoyed spending time with his family and coached his sons in little league. He was good with his hands and could fix anything. Charlie loved NASCAR, hunting, fishing, and watching westerns. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Hill Bullard; sons, Michael “Mike” Bullard (LuAnn) of Trinity and Steve Bullard (Melinda) of Asheboro; stepdaughter, Susan Clapp (Rodney) of Liberty; grandchildren, Elise, Taryn, Andee, and Haley; step granddaughters, Evanna and Taylor; great grandchildren, Cooper, Salem, Truit, Samuel, Elin, Charles, and Paul; and sister, Clara Mae Wilkerson of Asheboro. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Glenn “Mac” Pugh Chapel with Pastor Troy Carter officiating. Interment will follow at Randolph Memorial Park. Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is honored to serve the Bullard family.
George Donald “Don” Coe June 9, 1947 – Oct. 5, 2026 George Donald Coe, “Don,” 79, went to his heavenly home on Monday, October 5, 2026. Don was born June 9, 1947, in Davidson County to Lonnie Don Coe and Ethel Alberta Jarrett Coe. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Surratt Coe (2023), and his brother, Roger Coe. Don is survived by his children, Steven Coe (Rhonda) of Trinity and Stephanie Coe Williams (Jim) of Trinity, and a brother, Steve Coe, and beloved grandchildren, Noah Coe (Kierston), Kaelah Coe, Hannah Williams and great-grandson, Hudson, due in November. Don also has many friends made through his company connections, church, and community who will miss him dearly. He attended Archdale Wesleyan Church for many years and had a strong faith in and love for the Lord Jesus Christ. He also served proudly in the National Guard during Vietnam. Don attended Ledford High School growing up and was a part of the class of 1965. He met his soulmate Joyce shortly thereafter at McDonald’s on North Main Street in High Point, and they were married in 1968. He was a devoted husband and later a father. He took care of Joyce until her passing, and it was just another measure of his devotion and love for her. They were married for almost 55 years. Don spent many years as the owner of Don Coe Concrete, where he worked with many local contractors. He was a jovial soul who was funny and loved to laugh. He was kind and generous and always tried to help others. He was truly the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his own back if you needed it. He loved his children and grandchildren immensely-they were among his favorites-and he was proud of them and loved being a part of their lives. Don worked hard his whole life. Among some of his best memories were going on fishing trips to Kure Beach, NC, with his brother, Steve, and bringing the whole family together every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. His love for his family and the way he sought to make the holidays special and memorable, especially for the grandkids, is just a small part of his lasting legacy. He also loved being a part of his church. He was known for bringing those Honey Baked hams to Sunday lunches after church and serving the drinks at the drink station. He also loved being a part of their Christmas plays a time or two! Don Coe was one outstanding, unforgettable, and irreplaceable man. His family is truly thankful, humbled, and blessed to have had him in their lives for so long. He is legendary in his own right! The family will greet friends on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. at Cumby Family Funeral Service at 1015 Eastchester Drive in High Point. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel with Pastor Ron Jones, officiating and burial will be at Guil-Rand Memorial Park Cemetery. Any memorial donations can be sent to the Archdale Wesleyan Church, 308 Hattie Street, Archdale, NC 27263. Condolences may be shared on Don’s tribute page at www. cumbyfuneral.com. Cumby Family Funeral Service in Archdale is serving the family.
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Arzelle Brock March 30, 1941 – Oct. 6, 2026 Catherine Arzelle Lyons Hoos Brock, 85, of Asheboro, died Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at her home. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Dr. David Burroughs officiating. Arzelle was born on March 30, 1941, in Mecklenburg County, the daughter of the late Ralph Elbert Lyons and Ruia Jane Mast Lyons. She graduated from Harry P. Harding High School in Charlotte. In 1978, Arzelle moved from Greensboro to Asheboro, where she and her late husband, Herbert Hoos, opened the Sir Robert Restaurant. Over the years, they went on to own and operate several restaurants, including Herbert’s in Greensboro and Asheboro, Landmark Grill, and the Gingerbread House. She loved working at the restuarants where she met so many wonderful people. Arzelle had a genuine passion for people and enjoyed getting to know them and talking with them on a regular basis. Alongside her work in the restaurant business, Arzelle also worked at Wachovia Bank. Following her retirement, she continued serving her community through her work with the Randolph County Board of Elections. Arzelle enjoyed gardening, dancing, especially shag dancing, traveling to the beach and to Europe; and making special memories with her grandchildren. She and her husband, R.C., also loved traveling throughout North Carolina, especially to the mountains. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was an active member of Ashley Heights Baptist Church in Aberdeen, where she served as the financial officer and helped prepare breakfast before Sunday services. Arzelle will be remembered for her hardworking spirit, love of family, devotion to her church, and the many lives she touched throughout the years. In addition to her parents and husband, Herbert Hoos, Arzelle was preceded in death by her sister, Anne Melton. She is survived by her husband, R. C. Brock of the home; daughters, Dee Anderson (Craig) of Hillsborough, Gigi Rogers of Asheboro; son, Herbie Hoos (Carolyn) of East Stroudsburg, PA; sisters, Donna Setzer (Joe) of Lincolnton, NC, Judy Walker of North Wilkesboro; brother, Sanford “Sandy” Lyons (Norma) of Nelson, GA; stepchildren, Charlie Brock, Rhonda Lee, Matthew Brock, Andrew Brock, Phillip Brock; grandchildren, Rose Lopez, Robbie Golien, Hannah Esteban (Emilio); great grandchildren, Lillian Lopez, Eric Lopez, Vanessa Lopez, Jackeline Lopez, Miranda Morales, Noah Esteban, Liam Esteban; great-great grandchild, Valentina Lopez; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m., at Ridge Funeral Home, prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203, or to CurePSP, 325 Hudson St. 4th floor, New York, NY 10013.
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Randolph Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
STATE & NATION PVC pipes swept away by Hurricane Helene flooding still dominate cleanup of NC river The cleanup has consumed 50,000 work-hours and $1.5 million, with years of work still ahead
“We want to avoid that stuff sitting there forever and just slowly deteriorating and breaking into smaller and smaller pieces.”
By Tammy Webber and Allison Joyce The Associated Press WOODFIN — They’re piled on river banks, lodged in uprooted trees, embedded in sediment and jammed under logs. Many are tangled in mounds of debris up to two stories high. Two years after Hurricane Helene leveled forests, bulldozed houses and filled western North Carolina rivers with everything from cars to refrigerators, the work of cleaning up the debris goes on. And along the iconic French Broad River, known for its whitewater rapids, one item stands out among the rest: massive numbers of PVC pipes that washed away from a factory north of Asheville. “Just the amount of time and energy that we put into removing all this pipe is exhausting,” said Jon Stamper, operations director at MountainTrue, the nonprofit conducting cleanup on several rivers affected by Helene. “We still have stretches of river that haven’t been touched.” MountainTrue estimates its crews have pulled hundreds of thousands of pipes from the river — most of which went to landfills — with an untold number still littering the river for 70 miles (113 kilometers), to a large lake at the Tennessee border. Canada-based IPEX would not say how many pipes were stored at its Woodfin, North Carolina, site before the storm or share results of a company-funded study of how much remains in the river, calling the information “commercially sensitive.” Officials did say 60% of pipes stored outdoors at the site, sandwiched between railroad tracks and the river, were swept away in the 2024 flood, but most were recovered fairly quickly. But the company acknowledged that the remaining debris was significant and has agreed to pay MountainTrue $500,000 toward continued cleanup on the French Broad, which will allow the organization to continue working into next year. A $10 million state grant
Jon Stamper, MountainTrue operations director
ALLISON JOYCE / AP PHOTO
Workers from MountainTrue paddle IPEX PVC pipe they collected from the riverbank July 22 in Alexander. awarded to MountainTrue in 2025 to clean up debris in several western North Carolina rivers that was set to expire in December has been extended to February. The organization said there’s still a long way to go, and estimates that it’s spent 50,000 work-hours and over $1.5 million just on pipe removal, which is only in the French Broad. PVC pipe comprises 80% of the debris in some areas, according to MountainTrue, posing risks to rafters and kayakers, changing water flow and altering the ecosystem. “We understand the ongoing challenge,” IPEX CEO Colleen Pritchett said. “We recognize that ... recovery efforts are complex, they’re resource-intensive, and it’s constantly shaped by the river conditions.” Epic flood took everyone by surprise Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina in late September 2024, dumping more than 30 inches of rain in some areas, triggering landslides, toppling trees, pushing buildings off their foundations and choking waterways. At IPEX, an earthen berm was the only thing separating tall stacks of pipes from the French Broad River. Company officials said they expect-
ed a so-called 100-year flood — meaning it has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year — and moved pipes out of that flood zone. But the flooding from Helene was 10 times worse. “We secured the site as best we could and we sent people home a day before the flooding was expected,” said Johnny Drummond, vice president of manufacturing. He said the company did not anticipate a 1,000-year flood, which has a 1-in-1,000 chance of occurring. The company closed the factory for a couple of months afterward, with losses “well over $100 million,” Pritchett said. It since has invested over $100 million to repair and strengthen the buildings, and now is studying ways to contain the pipes in future floods — something MountainTrue had publicly urged for months. Though there’s much more than IPEX debris still in the waterways, the pipes are so ubiquitous that “there are places where you go that it makes up almost everything that we remove,” said Stamper, who formerly worked for a whitewater river outfitter and now oversees 10 cleanup crews totaling about 100 people — many of them former river or fishing guides who lost their livelihoods after the hurricane.
Removing the pipe is especially vexing because it binds with other debris and has embedded in the river bottom, where fish and other creatures have taken up residence inside. Stamper said he also worries about long-term environmental and health effects from the pipe, which can degrade and become brittle, leaving microplastics in the river. “We want to avoid that stuff sitting there forever and just slowly deteriorating and breaking into smaller and smaller pieces,” said Stamper. “Some of the pipe that’s been sitting out since Hurricane Helene that has been exposed to the sun all the time is getting to the point where you could crack it when you grab it.” Removing pipes tedious, sometimes dangerous Some of the pipes — both straight, rigid plastic and flexible coils that have unraveled — are under huge piles of tangled logs topped by other debris, often in mounds 20 feet (6 meters) high. Cleanup crews “just sort of picture it as a jungle gym” that they must climb and balance on as they clear the pile, said Jemima Filiss-Cook, who leads the cleanup in Madison County, where most of the pipe is concentrated.
She said many crew members were already cleaning up the river before MountainTrue hired them, as a way of “trauma bonding” over what had happened. They include avid outdoorspeople, including rock climbers, because the cleanup is “quite a tedious and technical process” that requires a comfort with the rigors of the job, said Anna Alsobrook, MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper. Crews saw longer pipes into smaller chunks, load them on a boat, then take it downstream to a landing spot where it’s loaded onto a truck. Almost all of the pipe goes to a landfill, though some in good condition are given to community members, because there are no good recycling options, MountainTrue said. “I truly don’t think anybody else could do this work except for our debris team members,” said Alsobrook, noting they must be able to navigate whitewater rapids with a boat full of pipes and saws. The first priority was removing pipes that could pose an immediate danger or entrapment hazard to tubers or kayakers, and much of the remaining debris was stranded in flood plains and on banks, especially around riverbends and corners and vulnerable to being washed away in another flood, Stamper said. But it becomes apparent that many pipes are still in the river whenever the water levels change, he said. MountainTrue is applying for other grants to help extend its program after state and IPEX funding run out, Stamper said, because it could take years to remove all the debris. “We’re going to do our best as long as the funding allows,” he said. “But there’s going to be pipe out there that we can’t get ever.”
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Eastern Randolph’s Nolan Houston (22) and Maddox Carson (51) gang up on Southwestern Randolph ball carrier Nathan Garner.
Wildcats keep control of Southwestern Randolph Asheboro, Wheatmore and Providence Grove all posted convincing victories last week Randolph Record staff ASHEBORO — Dayveion Ford made a game-changing return of a fumble and Cade McCallum threw for two touchdowns in Eastern Randolph’s 28-7 road victory against Southwestern Randolph in Four Rivers Conference football last Friday.
The Wildcats (5-3 overall, 2-0 Four Rivers Conference) scored the game’s final 28 points. Kobe Walker ran for a touchdown as part of his 71-yard, 13-carry outing. McCallum threw a 36-yard scoring pass to Jayden Spinks and had a 62-yard connection with Cainan Glover. Ford’s 93-yard return of a fumble gave the Wildcats their first points after the Cougars took a 7-0 lead. Southwestern Randolph (5-2, 0-1) posted the first points on
quarterback Levi Dalke’s 2-yard run. Trivette Kennedy made six catches for 78 yards, while teammate Nathan Garner had a total of 108 yards (65 receiving, 43 rushing). Asheboro 38, Southeast Guilford 10: At Asheboro, Dallas Brinton scored four touchdowns and ran for 177 yards as the Blue Comets won on homecoming. Connor Brinton added 106 yards on the ground with a touchdown. Jefferson Aguilar kicked a field goal as Asheboro
PREP VOLLEYBALL
Cougars, others head toward postseason on high notes Southwestern Randolph and Trinity won league regular-season titles and Randleman shared one
STAN GILLILAND / RANDOLPH RECORD
Southwestern Randolph’s Cheyenne Dixon returns the ball against Northwood in last week’s match. Second-place Uwharrie Charter Academy, the defending league champion, slammed host Northwood 25-14, 25-13, 25-6 as Alyvia Spinks supplied 27 assists. The Eagles also drilled visiting Jordan-Matthews 25-12, 25-10, 25-13. • Also in the Four Rivers Conference, Eastern Randolph turned back host Jordan-Matthews 25-20, 24-26, 26-15,
25-19 as Raegan Bever had 16 digs and nine kills and Jersey Jones provided 34 assists and 12 digs. North Moore edged host Eastern Randolph in five sets while Gracie McNeill cranked out 14 kills in defeat. • Asheboro won its final two Triad Area Athletic Conference matches to tie for second place, See VOLLEYBALL, page B2
Friday’s games • Jordan-Matthews at Southwestern Randolph • Asheboro at Eastern Guilford • Providence Grove at East Davidson • Trinity at Thomasville • Wheatmore at West Davidson
Trinity dropped to 1-6, 0-2. Wheatmore 35, East Davidson 7: At Trinity, Cole Lane threw for two touchdowns and ran for two others in the Central Carolina 3A Conference home victory. Bentley Mills had two touchdown catches for Wheatmore (2-5, 1-1). Kenny Hoover See FOOTBALL, page B2
Caraway’s ownership readies for final ride The race track has been sold, and the regular season will end this weekend By Bob Sutton Randolph Record
Randolph Record staff SOUTHWESTERN Randolph wrapped up a conference volleyball championship, but the Cougars will be looking for more. They dominated the Four Rivers Conference with a 10-0 record, sweeping their final nine matches against conference opponents. Southwestern Randolph’s regular-season record stood at 21-5 heading into this week’s conference tournament. The state playoffs for volleyball begin Saturday, though some area teams are lined up to receive first-round byes. Southwestern Randolph handled visiting Northwood 25-16, 25-10, 25-8 last week. The Cougars also cruised past visiting North Moore 25-9, 25-14, 25-14 behind Cheyenne Dixon’s 19 digs and 15 kills, Mary Kathryn Coltrane’s 19 assists and four aces, and Miah Williams’ 10 assists.
(6-1, 1-1) bounced back from its first loss. Dallas Brinton threw for 153 yards, completing 13 of 19 passes with an interception. Nirey White’s 78 yards came on seven catches. Southeast Guilford is 1-6, 0-2. Providence Grove 52, Trinity 0: At Trinity, Landon Fox ran for two touchdowns and threw for two others as the Patriots rolled in the Central Carolina 3A Conference game. Chase Collins, who rushed for 100 yards on nine carries, joined Hunner Norris and Ryder Jones with touchdown runs for Providence Grove (4-3, 1-1). Conner Haithcock and Connor Tozer had touchdown catches. Kyler Keller kicked a 37-yard field goal.
SOPHIA — An era of racing at Caraway Speedway comes to a close this weekend. The track’s ownership is about to change hands after nearly 50 years under the guidance of the Hackett family — and more recently Darren Hackett. The final race card comes Saturday, with racing set to begin at 5 p.m. It’s an even bigger agenda than expected because of this past weekend’s washout. “We are working hard to end the 2026 season with some great racing for the fans and teams that have supported Caraway Speedway over the years,” Hackett said. “It will be bittersweet for me and the staff, but we want everyone to remember the hard work we have done to bring Caraway Speedway’s events and facilities to where we are now.” The track has been sold to Robert Tyler, a businessman with a background as a racer in the Mid-Atlantic. The Hacketts have been op-
“It will be bittersweet for me and the staff but we want everyone to remember the hard work we have done to bring Caraway Speedway’s events and facilities to where we are now.” Darren Hackett, Caraway owner erating the track since 1977, with Darren Hackett’s parents, Russell and Valastra Hackett, the first operators. Darren Hackett and his sister, Dee Dee Hackett, took control in 2010. With last weekend’s championship night pushed back into this Saturday’s scheduled finale, it means there will be an expanded list of races. Part of Saturday’s card includes the Caraway Crown 125 for Limited Late Models. The race pays $10,000 to the winner. The Chargers class had its scheduled 75-lap finale postponed from Saturday, so that’s back on the docket. Tyler Bush, See CARAWAY, page B2
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Randolph Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
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League streak ends for Cougars Asheboro and Trinity picked up a pair of victories Randolph Record staff SOUTHWESTERN Randolph had different types of results in the Four Rivers Conference last week for boys’ soccer. The Cougars rallied for a 3-3 tie at Northwood despite playing with 10 players on the field for the closing stretch following an ejection. Gio Hernandez, Griffin Hall and David Leon had the goals for Southwestern Randolph. But earlier in the week,
Southwestern Randolph suffered its first Four Rivers Conference loss, falling 3-1 to visiting Jordan-Matthews. That marked the end of the Cougars’ 15-game winning streak on conference games dating to a 2024 loss to Randleman in what was then the Piedmont Athletic Conference. Alejandro Jimenez had the goal for Southwestern Randolph. Jordan-Matthews also produced a 5-0 road victory against Uwharrie Charter Academy. • Joel Medina Salinas scored two goals when Eastern Randolph beat visiting Uwharrie Charter Academy 2-0. Eastern Randolph then lost
3-2 to visiting North Moore. • Goals from Jonathan Ortega, Samuel Paul and Alexander Diaz helped Asheboro’s 3-1 victory at Southern Guilford in the Triad Area Athletic Conference. Asheboro captured a 7-0 home rout of Northeast Guilford with two goals from Manuel Alarcon and one goal and three assists from Ivan Castaneda. Zamire Bush, Milton Ramos and Alexander Diaz also had goals. • Providence Grove decked visiting West Davidson 8-0 in the Central Carolina 3A Conference following a 4-1 loss at Thomasville. Providence Grove began the week by nipping visiting Wheatmore 5-4. • Trinity notched an 8-0 victory against visiting West Davidson and then registered a 6-1 victory against host Wheatmore. East Davidson topped host Trinity 3-1.
VOLLEYBALL from page B1
COURTESY ASHEBORO ATHLETICS
Senior standout Zamire Bush has made big impacts for Asheboro’s boys’ soccer team this year.
Asheboro, boys’ soccer Bush is one of the key contributors on offense for the Blue Comets, who are amidst another winning season. He entered this week averaging about one goal per game as one of the team’s leading scorers. Asheboro has produced nearly four goals per game. The Blue Comets are contenders in the Triad Area Athletic Conference after winning their first four league games. Bush was on the scoresheet as a goal scorer or assist provider in each of those games.
trouncing host Southern Guilford 25-12, 25-13, 25-11 behind Lydia Scearce’s 15 assists and Adalynn Scherer’s 11 kills and nine aces and socking visiting Northeast Guilford 25-11, 25-12, 25-9. Asheboro also stepped out of conference for a 25-18, 26-24, 25-17 vs. visiting Randleman. • Trinity won all 12 of its matches in the Central Carolina 3A Conference. Trinity’s 25-11, 25-10, 25-14 road victory against second-place Trinity clinched the outright title for the Bulldogs’ first league championship in 30 years. The Bulldogs completed the regular season by overcoming visiting Wheatmore 21-25, 25-23, 25-11, 25-6 as Avalynn Johnson piled up 46 assists and Dakota Odell had 14 kills. • Providence Grove placed third in the Central Carolina 3A Conference by ending on
STAN GILLILAND / RANDOLPH RECORD
Southwestern Randolph’s Mary Kathryn Coltrane sets the ball during last week’s match vs. Northwood. a three-game winning streak. The Patriots won in four sets at fifth-place Wheatmore and eased past visiting Thomasville by 25-10, 25-10, 25-9. Wheatmore also suffered a 25-23, 25-19, 19-25, 25-22 loss to visiting Bishop McGuinness despite Addison Phillips’ 16 kills, 16 digs and 13 assists.
• Randleman’s 25-15, 25-22, 25-22 home victory against Ledford in the Piedmont Athletic Conference came with Olivia Asheby’s 23 digs and Kenzlie Vaughn’s 21 assists. That allowed the Tigers to share the PAC regular-season title with Central Davidson with matching 11-1 records.
SIDELINE REPORT NCAA BASKETBALL
Altman retires after 16 seasons as Oregon coach including Final Four berth, 9 NCAA bids Longtime Oregon men’s basketball coach Dana Altman has announced his retirement. Altman decided to end his 37-year coaching career less than a month before the start of the new season. He spent the last 16 seasons at Oregon, leading the Ducks to a Final Four among nine NCAA Tournament appearances. The 68-year-old Altman says he no longer has the energy to perform to his standard. Assistant coach Tony Stubblefield will lead the Ducks this season.
NFL
Browns rookie Concepcion ruled out after helmet-to-helmet hit by Jets’ Fitzpatrick East Rutherford, N.J. Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion left with a concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit from the Jets’ Minkah Fitzpatrick. Concepcion appeared to make a catch when Fitzpatrick hit him in the helmet, causing the ball to drop. Concepcion went face down on the turf and appeared unconscious. After a few minutes, he sat up and walked to the locker room. The Browns ruled him out for the game shortly after. Fitzpatrick was penalized for the hit on a defenseless receiver. STAN GILLILAND / RANDOLPH RECORD
Asheboro’s Micah McLaughlin (4) tries to fend off Southeast Guilford’s Jason Belk during last Friday’s homecoming football game in Asheboro. FOOTBALL from page B1 returned a kickoff for a touchdown. East Davidson (3-4, 1-1) trailed 25-0 through three quarters. Central Davidson 42, Randleman 41: At Randleman, the visiting Spartans
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without a victory in the class this year, is atop the standings and followed by 2025 champion Matthew Smith. The 602 Modifieds have a 35-lap race set, though David Creed has sealed the points title for the first time. Mini Stocks is set for 20 laps, with a close points battle between leader Brandon Crotts and second-place Jason Gallimore. For UCARS, there’s a 36-lap
withstood a back-and-forth matchup to pull out the victory when they made a stop on Randleman’s two-point conversion play in the Piedmont Athletic Conference game. The Tigers fumbled the ball, so they failed to convert following Kayden Saunders’ touchdown with 28 seconds left.
Saunders scored five touchdowns and gained 135 yards on the ground. Randleman (3-5, 2-1) also scored on Lincoln Lawson’s 69-yard kickoff return. For Central Davidson (3-5, 1-2), Ahmad Saunders scored two touchdowns on offense and returned an interception for a touchdown.
event, dubbed the Keith Clapp Memorial. Tito Clapp leads by 24 points on Jimmy Cooper, who has won 10 times this year. Crown Vics are set for 12 laps, though Corey Wyatt has clinched the season title. Three drivers have a shot at a $500 bonus in the Bowman Gray Challenge for the Sportsman and Street Stock cars. Riley Neal, Christian Joyce and Nate Gregg have each won one of the four scheduled races. If either of them wins Saturday, that driver collects the bonus.
There’s also racing in Legends, Bandoleros and the Virginia Vintage Racing Series. The decision to scrap last Saturday’s racing came a day earlier when it was clear to race officials that conditions with a rainy and potentially stormy forecast wouldn’t make racing possible. The new ownership will oversee next month’s North-South Shootout at the track. Caraway Speedway has been in operation since 1966, then as a dirt track. The .455-mile oval was paved in 1972.
Randolph Record for Thursday, October 15, 2026
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pen & paper pursuits this week in history #MeToo movement begins, Concorde lands in New York, “Old Ironsides” launched in Boston The Associated Press OCT. 15
1931: Mobster Al Capone was convicted of income tax evasion in Chicago and later sentenced to 11 years in prison. 1989: A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Northern California, killing 63 people and causing up to $10 billion in damage.
1815: Napoleon Bonaparte, the deposed French emperor, arrived on the British-ruled South Atlantic island of St. Helena. 1954: Hurricane Hazel made landfall near the North Carolina-South Carolina border as a Category 4 storm. Hazel was blamed for about 1,000 deaths in the Caribbean, 95 in the U.S. and 81 in Canada. 2017: Actor and activist Alyssa Milano tweeted that women who had been sexually harassed or assaulted should write “Me too” as a status. Within hours, tens of thousands had used the #MeToo hashtag.
OCT. 18
OCT. 16
OCT. 19
1793: Marie Antoinette, queen of France, was beheaded during the French Revolution. 1859: Abolitionist John Brown raided the U.S. arsenal at Harpers Ferry in an unsuccessful attempt to spark a slave rebellion. He was captured and later executed. 1987: Eighteen-month-old Jessica McClure was pulled from an abandoned well in Midland, Texas, after being trapped for more than two days. The effort to rescue “Baby Jessica” captured national attention.
1781: British forces under Gen. Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, effectively ending major combat in the American Revolution. 1960: The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested during a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in Atlanta as part of the growing nonviolent civil rights movement. 1977: The supersonic Concorde made its first landing in New York City after a flight from Paris lasting three hours and 44 minutes, marking the beginning of regular commercial service between the two cities.
OCT. 17 1777: British Gen. John Burgoyne surrendered to American forces at Saratoga, New York, in a turning point of the Revolutionary War.
1867: The United States formally took possession of Alaska from Russia. 1898: The American flag was raised in Puerto Rico for the first time, shortly before Spain formally ceded the island to the United States. 1977: Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in Game 6 of the World Series, leading the New York Yankees to an 8-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers and their 21st championship. His performance helped earn him the nickname “Mr. October.”
OCT. 20 1944: Gen. Douglas MacAr-
ERIC GAY / AP PHOTO
Rescue worker Steven Forbes carries 18-month-old Jessica McClure after she was pulled from an abandoned well in Midland, Texas, on Oct. 16, 1987. thur returned to the Philippines during World War II, wading ashore and fulfilling his 1942 promise, “I shall return,” after being ordered to evacuate by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 1973: Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Sydney Opera House in Australia. 1977: Three members of the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, were killed along with three others when their chartered plane crashed near McComb, Mississippi. OCT. 21 1797: The U.S. Navy frigate Constitution, known as “Old Ironsides,” was launched in Boston Harbor. 1805: A British fleet commanded by Vice Adm. Horatio Nelson defeated a French-Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson was killed in the battle. 1940: Ernest Hemingway’s novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls” was first published.
AP PHOTO
A chartered plane crash near McComb, Mississippi, on Oct. 20, 1977, killed six people, including Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and two other members of the Southern rock band.
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Darth Vader lightsaber used in ‘Empire Strikes Back’ duel goes up for auction The item will open to bidders on Nov. 12 The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — In July, a lightsaber with Luke Skywalker’s severed hand from “The Empire Strikes Back” sold for $3.75 million at auction, the highest price ever fetched for a prop used in a “Star Wars” film according to the auction house. Now, someone can buy the saber that did the severing. A Darth Vader lightsaber used in the climactic duel in Cloud City where he tells Skywalker “I am your father” is among the highlights of the Ultimate Star Wars Auction to be held by Heritage Auctions on Nov. 12. The Vader saber, also used in “Return of the Jedi,” is expected to fetch at least $1 million. It is one of more than two dozen lightsaber props that will be up for sale at the auction that spans “Star Wars” Episodes I through IX and other
HERITAGE AUCTIONS VIA AP
An EE-3 carbine blaster used by the character Boba Fett in the film “The Empire Strikes Back” is up for auction by Heritage Auctions. films and TV shows from the galaxy George Lucas created. Others include dueling lightsabers forcefully wielded by Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker in “Revenge of the Sith” that are expected to go for at least $10,000 apiece. An EE-3 carbine blaster wielded by Boba Fett throughout “The Empire Strikes Back”
is estimated to bring in more than $100,000. Also included are a Yoda puppet hand used by Frank Oz in the character’s original appearance in “The Empire Strikes Back,” C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels’ signed, personal third-draft screenplay for the original 1977 “Star Wars” and a TIE Fighter pilot helmet from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”
SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
A Darth Vader-costumed character poses at the Hasbro and Amazon Star Wars Interactive Imperial March experience at the Empire State Building in New York in 2024.
Pope Francis’ diaries to be published next month, with reflections on Vatican years The pontiff died in 2025 at age 88 By Hillel Italie The Associated Press NEW YORK — Journal entries kept by Pope Francis before and during his papacy will be published this fall for the first time. Image, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, announced that “The Private Diary of Pope Francis” will be released in English and four other languages on Nov. 24. According to Image, the book will provide an “extraordinary glimpse” into the late pontiff’s “hopes and fears, struggles and prayers.” It will be issued in partnership with Libreria Editrice Vaticana, or LEV, the Vatican Publishing House. The writings span from December 1992, just over two decades before he became pope, to August 2024, eight months before he died and was succeeded by Pope Leo XIV. The English-language edition of his private reflections was translated from the Spanish original by Sister Bernadette Reis and edited and annotated by Víctor Manuel Fernández, an Argentine cardinal who heads the Dicastery
THE BEST TACOS & Margaritas ANDREW MEDICHINI / AP PHOTO
Pope Francis leaves at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican in 2019. for the Doctrine of the Faith. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Francis was a native of Argentina and history’s first Latin American pope. He was known for his down-to-earth style and emphasis on humility, including visits to poor countries with persecuted Christian minorities rather than the traditional strongholds of Catholicism. At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, from an empty St. Peter’s Square, he called for “all of us to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.” At times, he was controversial. He angered some con-
servatives with his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics and was widely criticized for saying that those who accused Chilean Bishop Juan Barros of helping to protect the alleged pedophile Rev. Fernando Karadima had committed slander. In 2016, commenting on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump’s vow to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border, Francis said that anyone building a wall to keep migrants out “is not Christian.” In his lifetime, Francis’ books included “The Name of God Is Mercy” and the memoir “Hope.”
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famous birthdays this week Singer Gary Puckett celebrates 84, Judge Judy Sheindlin hits 84, singer Wanda Jackson turns 89
The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week. OCT. 15 Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Palmer is 81. Musician Richard Carpenter is 80. Film director Mira Nair is 69. Britain’s Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, is 67. Chef Emeril Lagasse is 67. Actor Dominic West is 57. OCT. 16
CHARLES SYKES / INVISION VIA AP
Film director Mira Nair turns 69 on Thursday.
Actor Fernanda Montenegro is 97. Actor Barry Corbin is 86. Actor-director Tim Robbins is 68. Rock musician Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) is 64. Filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan is 64. Actor Terri J. Vaughn is 57. Singer John Mayer is 49. OCT. 17 Singer Gary Puckett is 84. Actor-musician Michael McKean is 79. Former astronaut Mae Jemison is 70. Country singer Alan Jackson is 68. Animator-filmmaker Mike Judge is 64. Reggae singer Ziggy Marley is 58. Musician Wyclef Jean is 57. Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els is 57. Rapper Eminem is 54. OCT. 18 Composer Howard Shore is 80. Author Terry McMillan is 75. Tennis Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova is 70. Boxing Hall of Famer Thomas Hearns is 68. Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme is 66. Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis is 65. OCT. 19 Artist Peter Max is 89. Actor John Lithgow is 81. Actor Ken Stott is 72. Singer Jennifer Holliday is 66. Boxing Hall of Famer Evander Holyfield is 64. Filmmaker Jon Favreau is 60. Former first daughter Amy Carter is 59. “South Park” co-creator Trey Parker is 57.
MANUEL BALCE CENETA / AP PHOTO
Former astronaut Mae Jemison turns 70 on Saturday. OCT. 20 Japan’s Empress Michiko is 92. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer Wanda Jackson is 89. Baseball Hall of Famer Juan Marichal is 89. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky is 86. Rapper Snoop Dogg is 55. OCT. 21 Rock singer Manfred Mann is 86. TV’s Judge Judy Sheindlin is 84. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is 77. Film director Catherine Hardwicke is 71. Republican Sen. Ted Budd of North Carolina is 55.
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the stream
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO
Grian Chatten of the Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. performs at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, in 2023. The band’s new album, “Dopamine Chamber,” is out now.
Katseye, ‘VisionQuest,’ ‘Tenzing,’ new ‘Castlevania’ video game A NEW ALBUM from Katseye and the Marvel series “VisionQuest” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Judd Apatow’s tribute to Norm Macdonald, “Dopamine Chamber” from Fontaines D.C. and a new entry in the “Castlevania” video game series.
telligence that built Vision to be his own ultimate physical form. The first two episodes are streaming now on Disney+. “Hollywood Arts,” a sequel to the Nickelodeon sitcom “Victorious” that ran from 2010 to 2013, arrives on Netflix. It follows Daniella Monet’s Trina Vega, a down-on-her-luck actress with no teaching credentials who takes a substitute job at her old high school. Original stars Victoria Justice and Ariana Grande are not among the main cast, but Justice has said she may make a cameo in the future. The first 13 episodes drop Thursday and the second half of the season will premiere at a later date. Before Jason ever picked up a machete, his mom was doing the bloody work. A new “Friday the 13th” prequel series called “Crystal Lake” goes back to where the legend began. It’s an eight-episode series starring Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees, who is Jason’s mom. The full season debuts Thursday.
MOVIES TO STREAM
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
Apatow pays affectionate tribute to Macdonald with the documentary “Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald” (Netflix). Apatow’s film about the stand-up comedian, who died in 2021, plays with Macdonald’s still constant ubiquity on social media, where bits and late-show appearances still regularly flood the feeds of comedy fans. Jennifer Peedom’s “Tenzing” (Apple TV) is a biopic and historical drama about an often-unsung hero of mountaineering: Tenzing Norgay. Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston star as Tenzing and Edmund Hillary, respectively, in Peedom’s film about the first climbers to summit Mount Everest. Willem Dafoe co-stars. “The Death of Robin Hood” (HBO Max) stars Hugh Jackman as a grizzled and violent outlaw little like most contemporary versions of Robin Hood. Michael Sarnoski (“Pig,” “A Quiet Place: Day One”) eschews cheerier mythologies for a brutal telling of the medieval tale. In his review AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that it “drains the blood, and life, out of an old English legend.”
William, the hero of “Valor Mortis,” takes the title (which means “the value of death”) a bit too literally. He has already died fighting for Napoleon, but somehow, he has come back to life. That unholy resurrection gives William some wicked supernatural powers to go along with his slick swordplay. Meanwhile, Napoleon’s endless war has corrupted a broad chunk of 19th-century Europe, so hordes of “plague-ridden abominations” have joined the fight. Polish studio One More Level, best known for the cyberpunk slasher “Ghostrunner,” promises demanding first-person combat in a haunted alternate history. Take up arms on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. While we’re messing around in France, let’s travel back in time to 1499 for “Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse.” A new protagonist, Rose Belmont, has inherited the mighty whip known as the Vampire Killer. Dracula has been defeated for good, but his castle has plunked itself down in Paris and all sorts of demons — not to mention Joan of Arc — are on the loose. The 2D, side-scrolling action of Konami’s 1986 original has recently inspired dozens of imitators like “Dead Cells,” and the studios behind that cult hit have taken the reins here. Whip it good starting Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC.
“Crystal Lake,” a prequel to the “Friday the 13th” franchise, lands on Netflix By Jake Coyle The Associated Press
MUSIC TO STREAM Call Katseye the great, global girl group experiment of the decade. The band officially debuted at the end of 2023, created by the Hybe Corporation and Geffen Records in a TV
AMY HARRIS / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Norm Macdonald performs at KAABOO at the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California, in 2017. A new documentary about the late comedian premieres Friday on Netflix.
EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO
Hugh Jackman attends the world premiere of “The Death of Robin Hood” at AMC Lincoln Square in New York on June 10. The film is now streaming on HBO Max. competition process that was documented on the Netflix series “Popstar Academy: Katseye.” That feels like ancient history now. Today, they’re easily one of the biggest groups on the planet, and their swift ascent is further documented in a new film, “Katseye: Wild Heart,” available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. If the Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. is still unknown
to you, that’s sure to change. Their last album, 2024’s “Romance,” was certified platinum in the U.K. off the strength of its singles “Favourite” and “Starburster.” Their latest album, “Dopamine Chamber,” is on track to be one of the biggest rock releases of the year, from the trip-hop-adjacent “Tongue” to the dizzying “Marianne.” When it comes to Riot Grrrl, the ’90s feminist move-
ment, some names loom larger than others in cultural memory. At the forefront is Kathleen Hanna, the feminist punk pioneer and celebrated Bikini Kill frontwoman, as well as acts like Bratmobile. The list should also include Heavens to Betsy, the duo of drummer Tracy Sawyer and singer-guitarist Corin Tucker (who would later form Sleater-Kinney with Carrie Brownstein). On Friday, they will release “Baby’s Gone,” a newly unearthed demo tape originally recorded in February 1992 by Bratmobile’s Molly Neuman — and two 7-inch EPs. It’s a miracle for followers of the DIY musical underground and a gift for others just discovering it now (perhaps in no small part due to Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Festival)? SERIES TO STREAM Paul Bettany returns as Vision in the Marvel series “VisionQuest,” that closes out the WandaVision trilogy. Vision is now a fugitive after the events of “WandaVision,” with authorities hunting him down. James Spader reprises his role as Ultron, an evil artificial in-
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State Fair fried festivities Members of the media and social media influencers gathered at the North Carolina State Fair’s annual Deep Fried Media Day on Monday to taste and test some of the fair’s 84 new food and drink offerings. The fair opens Thursday and runs through Oct. 25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. For more, turn to NSJ, page A13.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Vatican says pope’s lung nodule surgery successfully completed Rome Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery to remove a lung nodule, with the Vatican confirming the procedure was successful. The 71-year-old pontiff returned to his room at Rome’s Gemelli hospital after the operation Tuesday. The surgery aimed to determine if the nodule is malignant and whether further treatment is needed. Leo had announced the discovery of the nodule during his Sunday prayer. Experts say his prognosis is excellent, even if the nodule is cancerous, as it was caught early. The Vatican has canceled his audiences through Oct. 20, allowing for recovery.
Guilfoyle, ambassador to Greece, resigns after allegations of improper conduct President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, has resigned after allegations of improper conduct but says she’ll “vigorously defend” herself. The White House says Guilfoyle was asked to resign after coming under severe criticism over allegations she engaged in improper and possibly illegal conduct before and during her tenure in Athens. Guilfoyle’s departure Tuesday comes after its possibility was previewed to The Associated Press over the weekend and Trump registered his unhappiness with reports about her alleged conduct on Monday. The Republican president was asked by reporters if he was considering firing Guilfoyle and said he was “looking at it” and was “not happy.”
Accountability data shows growth in testing proficiency Hoke County Schools had no schools receive an F grade in this year’s school performance data By Ryan Henkel North State Journal RAEFORD — The Hoke County Schools Board of Education was presented with the district’s testing and accountability results for 2025-26 at its Oct. 8 meeting. One of the primary metrics that districts receive from the State Board of Education is the school performance grades, which are calculated based on student achievement and academic growth. Hoke County Schools (HCS) had one school earn an A grade — SandHoke Early College — while six schools received a C
grade and six received a D grade. From that bunch, two schools improved their overall letter grade (Hawk Eye and West Hoke Elementary School), while one dropped a letter grade (McLauchlin Elementary School). In total, seven schools met or exceeded academic growth, while six did not meet their growth metrics. As an alternative model school, Turlington earned “maintaining” status. The district had five schools that were classified by the state as low performing: East Hoke Middle, West Hoke Middle, Sandy Grove Middle, Scurlock Elementary and McLauchlin Elementary. “Low-performing schools are an annual state designation for schools that have received a grade of D or F and either did not or just met growth,” said
“When we look at Hoke County Schools, we see more students reaching proficiency, we see strong gains in key areas and we see schools that are moving forward.” Testing and Accountability Coordinator Regina Hyde Testing and Accountability Coordinator Regina Hyde. West Hoke Elementary School exited low-performing status this year, raising its numerical score by nearly 20 points from the prior year, while McLauchlin Elementary was a new addition to the low-performing list.
The district performance composite, which is a view of the students who achieved proficiency on all EOG and EOCs, rebounded from a down year last year, measuring in at 49%, a 3.7% increase. “When we look at (elementary, middle and high school) reading, math and science scores, across the board, we have increases for the 2025-26 school year,” Hyde said. “This is the highest achievement level in the last three years.” According to Superintendent Kenneth Spells, HCS was also second in the state for growth in biology scores. “When we look at Hoke County Schools, we see more students reaching proficiency, we see strong gains in key areas, and we see schools that are moving forward,” Hyde said. The district did, however, see a decrease in its cohort graduation rate for 2025-26 (78%), which follows the steadily declining trend that has been present over the past four years. The Hoke County Schools Board of Education will next meet Nov. 10.
March date set for zoo’s Asia opening The new habitat has been on hold for months awaiting funding and personnel in place By Bob Sutton North State Journal ASHEBORO — There’s a date and a wait for the Asia continent exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced that the new exhibit will open to the public March 1 — months after the anticipated launch for the much-anticipated zoo expansion. “We can’t wait for guests to meet these enchanting residents, learn from them, and discover ways to protect their wild habitats and cousins,” said
Mark Penning, the new director at the zoo. “Asia marks an important milestone in the Zoo’s 52-year history.” When a new state budget was passed and signed into law in early July, approximately $6.2 million in operating funds could then be tapped for the zoo. More than 50 positions were to be filled to handle the expansion. At the time, a fall opening for the Asia exhibition was believed to be likely. Groundbreaking for the Asia expansion was held more than four years ago in the summer of 2022. Construction for the new habitat was completed in the spring. The exhibit, which covers 12½ acres, comes at a cost of $75 million. Funding has come from a combination of state funds and private donors, according to the zoo.
PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL
The North Carolina Zoo’s new Asia exhibit is expected to open March 1. Among nearly 50 new species in the Asia exhibit will be tigers, white-cheeked gibbons, Komodo dragons, Chinese alligators, king cobras, mixed birds, Asian small-clawed otters, cinereous vultures, Visayan warty pigs and Chinese giant salamanders. A large indoor café overlooks the habitat for tigers. There will be more than
6,000 new plants as part of the exhibit. Penning said new technology will be part of the ways for zoo visitors to explore the habitat. Pamela Cashwell, secretary of NCDNCR, said more than 1 million guests visit the zoo each year. The March 1 opening for the exhibit is set for noon. This is the zoo’s first major expansion since 1994.
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
THURSDAY
10.15.26
Jordan jersey sets $14M record for basketball memorabilia, according to auction house It represents the third multimillion-dollar sale of a Jordan jersey from the 1998 Finals
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By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press MIAMI — A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has been privately sold for $14 million, an auction house announced Monday, calling it the highest price ever paid for a piece of basketball memorabilia. Pennsylvania-based Hunt Auctions announced the private treaty sale and identified the buyer as Miami real estate investor Ron Firman. The red jersey is the one Jordan wore in Game 2 of that series on June 5, 1998; he and the Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz that night to even the matchup at a game apiece. Jordan and the Bulls would go on to win the series in six games, the sixth and final title of his Hall of Fame career. That 1997-98 season was the subject of the 10-episode “Last Dance” documentary series that was released in 2020.
MARK J. TERRILL / AP PHOTO
Bulls guard Michael Jordan pulls the ball out of reach of Jazz guard Jeff Hornacek during third quarter action in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 5, 1998. “While Michael Jordan’s importance within the sports memorabilia marketplace has long been established it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art,” said David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions. “We are very pleased to have been able to facilitate this historic sale which serves as another benchmark for our industry.”
The $14 million price would be the second-biggest known cost for a game-worn jersey, behind the $24.12 million paid in 2024 for the jersey worn by Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees when he hit the “called shot” home run against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series. This sale becomes at least the
third time a Jordan jersey from that 1998 finals has fetched at least $10 million. A jersey from Game 1 was sold at auction for about $10.1 million in 2022, and a jersey from Game 3 was auctioned last month for about $12.3 million. “Michael Jordan was an incredibly talented player who is admired around the world,” Firman said in a news release distributed by the auction house. “I’m very excited about the purchase.” The jersey that Firman purchased was originally bought from the Bulls by a private collector in 2003, Hunt said, adding that it “has remained within a succinct chain of custody having only changed hands once from the original purchaser.” Just about anything related to the 1998 finals and Jordan’s final season with the Bulls has been the subject of massive interest in the collector space. In 2023, a pair of Air Jordan sneakers that he wore in Game 2 against the Jazz was sold by Sotheby’s for $2.2 million, touted at the time as “a new world record for the most valuable sneakers ever sold.”
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Pumpkins battle for heavyweight world record in California
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Four-time champion Travis Gienger makes his comeback after missing last year when his pumpkin broke By Terry Chea and Olga R. Rodriguez The Associated Press HALF MOON BAY, Calif. — Giant pumpkin growers and their massive gourds will converge on Monday in Northern California for an annual pumpkin-weighing contest, competing for the top prize and a chance to challenge the world record set just last week in England. At least 30 growers of giant pumpkins have signed up for the 53rd World Championship
Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, said event spokesman Ronan Fowler. Among the participants is four-time champion Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher from Minnesota whose winning streak ended last year after he was unable to participate because his pumpkin broke while it was still growing. Gienger, who this year had to deal with temperatures that dipped below freezing, grew a pumpkin whose circumference is so big it could be a world record contender, Fowler said. Fowler said last week that Gienger and his father planned to take turns driving 30 hours over the weekend to get the pumpkin the size of a small car to California. The new world record was
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set by Ian Paton, of Lymington, England, with a giant squash weighing 2,857 pounds. That’s heavier than two and a half concert grand pianos. Paton grows his giant gourds in a greenhouse, while Gienger grows them in the pumpkin patch in his backyard in Anoka, a city on the banks of the Mississippi River north of Minneapolis, Fowler said. “The fact that Travis can weather the elements, like 30-degree weather, and still grow this massive pumpkin is pretty unbelievable,” the spokesman said. Brandon Dawson, of Santa Rosa, California, who won the top prize last year with a behemoth of a pumpkin weighing 2,346 pounds, will also compete. The pumpkin champ this
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“The fact that Travis can weather the elements, like 30-degree weather, and still grow this massive pumpkin is pretty unbelievable.” Ronan Fowler, event spokesman year will win $9 per pound of pumpkin and have their lumpy gourd showcased during a parade through Half Moon Bay this weekend. If they break the world record, they will take an extra prize of $30,000. Monday’s festivities, which will kick off the city’s fall celebration, will also include a special appearance by pumpkin carver Mike Valladao. Sadly, these giants are grown for their size, not flavor, so there will be no giant pumpkin pies at the end of the festival.
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | JORDAN TOPAL
When should a town sell its water system? State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers.
TOWNS ACROSS THE COUNTRY have sold their water system with good reason: some have environmental problems, others have budget deficits and unfunded pensions, still others can’t afford to fix failing pipes. North Carolina has labeled 160 local utilities as distressed, including 11 across Duplin, Moore, Randolph and Stanly counties. The state has helped several of these with loans or grants to fix their issues. Unless it’s the only option for safe water and sewer, selling to a private utility usually isn’t worth it. North Carolina passed the fair-value law in 2018. It allowed private utilities that buy municipal systems to earn a regulated return on what they paid instead of the depreciated value of decades-old assets on the town’s books. Each purchase receives three appraisals before approval from the N.C. Utilities Commission. The buyer earns a return on the lower of the purchase price or the average appraisal value. Carteret County’s 2023 sale of a 1,200-customer water system to Carolina Water was the first under the law. Customers pay for needed repairs no matter who owns the system, so what matters is who can finance them more cheaply. Regulators set the private utility’s profit because there is no local competition. In North Carolina, they typically allow a return of 9.8% on equity, the shareholders’ contribution, and customers also pay the utility’s debt interest. Including the utility’s income taxes, customers pay a blended 8.5% to 8.9% a year on the capital. When a private utility spends money to upgrade pipes,
that amount is added to its rate base, the total amount customers pay a return on. So the utility has no reason to hold down construction spending. A healthy municipality borrows with tax-free bonds. Their rates are lower than corporate bond rates because investors pay no income tax on the interest, and municipalities have no shareholder dividends to pay. Over the last few years, that rate has averaged 3% to 5%. On financing costs alone, it’s much cheaper for a municipality to run a water and sewer system. On occasion, a distressed municipality is unable to maintain the utility. It lacks the money or the expertise to bring it back into serviceable shape. The first answer is usually state assistance. On Oct. 6, the Local Government Commission approved $46.2 million in State Revolving Fund loans to rebuild Albemarle’s wastewater plant, mostly at a 0.1% interest rate. In February, the state paid for studies of Greenevers merging with neighboring Wallace and of Stanly County taking over Stanfield’s water and sewer. A sale is the last resort once the public options are exhausted. A private operator has large engineering staffs and a deep back office for billing and customer service. Buyers usually hire the municipal employees as well to maintain local expertise. Selling solves three problems for a town: It no longer has to manage the utility or vote for unpopular rate hikes, and the cash ends its acute financial distress. But the rate hikes don’t
go away. State regulators approve them instead of the town council. After a sale, the buyer usually freezes rates for one to three years. Then it asks the Utilities Commission for large rate hikes to pay for the system’s needed improvements. In Pennsylvania, buyers proposed increases of 40% to 94%. After Pennsylvania American Water bought Exeter Township’s sewer system in 2019, the average monthly bill nearly tripled within five years, from $43 to $115. North Carolina regulators have approved a steep increase for Carteret County, where water-only bills will rise 78% by 2028, from $81 to $144. Future rates will continue rising with each rate case the utility brings to the commission. Selling the utility is like a sale-leaseback in the corporate world. The town takes the utility and upkeep off the books, but citizens pay a higher price long-term to lease the asset. However, a company can move out when its lease ends. Utility customers can’t because they’re renting a regulated monopoly. If a town has any capacity to borrow with a BBB rating or better, it’s cheaper to keep the utility public. State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers. Any council weighing an offer should ask for that number before considering a letter of intent. Jordan Topal is a CFA charterholder who spent two decades in municipal finance. He writes about local government finance at fundbalance.substack.com.
COLUMN | JOSH HAMMER
Don’t let Flydubai terror scare derail Abraham Accords progress A Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews.
TERRORISTS want nothing more than to prevent peace. It’s why they fly planes into buildings, don explosive vests and rain indiscriminate missiles on civilian populations. The response to such terrorism isn’t to cower. It is to lead with boldness, courage and, sometimes, outright heroism. The world just saw precisely such heroism in the high drama aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, from Dubai to Tel Aviv. There was the Indian national pilot, Smit Machchhar, who, though bleeding badly after he was brutally stabbed by his terrorist Omani national copilot, had the presence of mind to open the cockpit door as the plane nosedived 10,000 feet a minute. There were the ordinary Israeli citizens — and above all, new national hero Yaniv Hayoun — who, Todd Beamer-style, swiftly rushed the cockpit and subdued the terrorist in a chokehold (yes, really). There were the two off-duty pilots — reportedly British, South African or New Zealander in nationality — who were able to glide the plane to a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. There was the Emirati flight crew, which handled the madness with aplomb, preventing chaos in a terrified cabin and ensuring the safety of all passengers. Israeli activist Hillel Fuld quoted a military pilot on X: “In virtually every historical incident where an airliner got anywhere close to these speeds, the tail ripped off the entire back of the plane.” In the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible, God is not mentioned once. This is
deliberate. His name doesn’t need to appear: His presence is felt, and seen, everywhere. It was the same way aboard Flydubai Flight 1073. Some have reacted to this mesmerizing story in knee-jerk fashion. They have leapt to call for the full cancelation of all direct flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates — and perhaps a downgrading of ties between Israel and the Arab world, more generally. The instinct is understandable. The anti-Israel press downplayed the harrowing affair as a “pilot altercation,” but the fact is, a Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews. That looks like terrorism. That’s certainly what the Israelis think happened. But terror attacks and near-terror attacks must not derail peace. To allow peace to be derailed is actually to do the terrorists’ bidding. The Abraham Accords, those dynamic 2020 peace agreements that normalized Israeli relations with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, must go on. Indeed, they must expand. Many predicted the Abraham Accords would die after the Hamas savagery of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing war in Gaza. They didn’t. On the contrary, the accords are stronger today. The Iran conflict, which has seen the Islamic Republic strike the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, has sent an unmistakable message: The Sunni Gulf states’ threat isn’t Jerusalem. It’s Tehran. That’s why, just days before the near catastrophe aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to
Abu Dhabi to meet with representatives from eight different Arab countries. Prior to that confab, Netanyahu rendezvoused directly with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed. It was the first time such a bilateral meeting was publicly verified by both countries. Perhaps, then, the attempted terror attack timing isn’t a coincidence. The rumor mill has also been swirling that Kuwait might soon join the Abraham Accords. It’s not hard to see what is going on here. Before the Oct. 7 pogrom, Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Arab world — was on the precipice of making peace with Israel. Netanyahu dedicated much of his September 2023 address to the United Nations General Assembly to the topic. Around the same time, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Fox News’ Bret Baier “every day we get closer” to normalization with Israel. Peace seemed imminent. One of Hamas’ aims with its massacre was to derail Israeli-Saudi normalization. In that, Hamas was successful — for now. But in the long run, Hamas won’t be successful. Despite the setback, the House of Saud still knows that peace with Israel is an inevitability. We cannot allow this would-be terrorist copilot to be successful either. This is not the time to pump the diplomatic brakes. We might have to brace ourselves for additional attempted terror attacks, as cynics once again try to stop peace. Israel is undoubtedly prepared for that. The Arab states should prepare too. Israel should also reevaluate its aviation procedures. Perhaps Israeli authorities can help vet inbound and outbound commercial pilots. But the pursuit of regional peace must go on. There would be no greater tribute to the heroes of Flydubai Flight 1073 than that. Josh Hammer is the senior editor-at-large of Newsweek and host of “The Josh Hammer Show” and podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Security incident at US-run air base almost certainly directed by Iran, UK prime minister says All seven suspects arrested were released on bail with no charges filed The Associated Press LONDON — A suspected terror plot at a U.S.-run military air base in England was “almost certainly” directed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Monday. Burnham previously said there are strong indications Iran was linked to the apparent plan last month to attack the RAF Fairford air base, which has been used by American bombers to strike Iran in the ongoing war. Police have arrested seven men in the investigation into the alleged plot, but all suspects have been released on bail and no one has been charged so far. Iran has denied involvement, although it has previously said that it considers any base used to attack its territory a legitimate target. “I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard,” Burnham told lawmakers. “We will not tolerate these threats on our soil.”
“We will not tolerate these threats on our soil.” Andy Burnham, British prime minister Scores of residents near the air base were evacuated from their homes on Sept. 27 as armed police officers and army bomb-disposal experts swarmed the rural area. Police later said they had found a quantity of an accelerant — gasoline — in three vans linked to the initial five suspects who were arrested on the scene, but no explosives. All the suspects arrested are in their 20s. Six are British nationals while one is a dual U.K.-Iranian citizen. The U.S. pulled its bombers last week from RAF Fairford, about 100 miles west of London, and the Pentagon said all American bombers at the facility had been redeployed to their home bases in the U.S. The Trump administration has said it believed the base faced Iranian threats intended to kill as many American troops and destroy as many U.S. planes as possible. The British government allowed the U.S. military to use
RAF Fairford for what it called defensive strikes on Iranian missiles and their launch sites following Iranian attacks on U.K. interests and Britain’s allies in the Gulf. On Monday, the British government summoned the Iranian ambassador to express displeasure at “Iran’s continued attempts to undermine the security of the United Kingdom and international partners through its criminal networks, proxy groups and state-backed malign activity.” It also said it added two Iranians, including the head of counterespionage operations in the Revolutionary Guard, to its sanctioned list. Iran and allied militant groups have previously been accused of plotting or carrying out attacks on U.S., British and Jewish targets, allegedly acting through local proxies. In a joint statement released Monday, the foreign ministers of more than two dozen Western countries condemned Iranian attacks on their territories through proxies or other means. “Anyone who conducts hostile activities on behalf of Iran, or any other state, should know that we will take action to identify, investigate, disrupt, and prosecute these acts,” the statement said.
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Vehicle-tracking, DNA help French investigators recover stolen Renoirs, make arrests in theft Investigators suspect the four arrested men were preparing another art heist By Sylvie Corbet and Eva Van Dam The Associated Press
lice from art theft and forgery cases in 2001 and 2003. Bessone said the arrests were prompted by the “very strong suspicion that another heist was imminent.” Paintings hidden behind wall
NANTERRE, France — DNA left on a protective painting cover helped investigators recover two stolen Renoirs and uncover what they suspected were preparations for another art heist, a French prosecutor said Monday. Four men were given preliminary charges in the investigation into the Sept. 8 theft from the small Renoir Museum in the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. The charges include organized theft and criminal association, Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone said. One painting, “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano,” suffered a tear. The other, “Young Woman at the Well,” had slight damage to its frame, Bessone said. He estimated their combined value at $4.7 million. The thieves used an electric saw to cut through a fence, entered the museum through the ground floor and cut clips securing the frames of four paintings. An alarm sounded and police officers arrived four minutes later, a swift response that “apparently caused the perpetrators to panic,” Bessone said. “As they fled, they were unable to take all four paintings and abandoned two of them, which were later found in a protective sleeve,” he said. Vehicle tracking led to suspects The DNA found on the abandoned cover matched that of a 29-year-old already under investigation in a drug trafficking case in which police were tracking his vehicle, Bessone said. Vehicle-tracking data showed that the suspect, accompanied by a 41-year-old man, went to the home of a third man shortly after the theft, Bessone said. Police surveillance also showed that the 29-year-old on Oct. 3 visited the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paulde-Vence — home to a large modern art collection. The suspect then met with a fourth man known to po-
The two men suspected of carrying out the museum theft have been given preliminary charges of “theft committed by an organized gang” and “criminal association,” among other counts. They were sent to prison pending further investigation. They have denied wrongdoing, Bessone said. The third suspect acknowledged receiving the paintings at his home and hiding them behind a wall built beneath a staircase after the theft. Investigators recovered the Renoirs from the hiding place, Bessone said. The fourth suspect acknowledged seeing photographs of the paintings but said he did not immediately recognize them. Both of those suspects were given preliminary charges of “concealment” of stolen paintings. They were released under judicial supervision and barred from leaving France. Two additional people who had been arrested were released without charge. Theft renews concerns about museum security The Renoir Museum occupies the final home of the leading French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who lived there until his death in 1919. It is the best-known attraction in Cagnes-sur-Mer, a Mediterranean coastal town between Cannes and Nice. The theft revived painful memories of the spectacular theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris last year and renewed calls for better security and funding at the many cultural sites across France. Christian Sainte, national director of judicial police, said Monday that the country “is repeatedly targeted by organized criminal groups that carry out theft operations targeting valuable objects that are part of our cultural heritage” in museums, castles, places of worship, private homes and art galleries. French museums recorded 23 cases in 2025 and about 10 this year, he said.
IntegrityOpen OpenArms ArmsEmployee Residentsof ofthe theMonth Month Integrity Robert General has been a resident at Open Arms since August 2021. He was born in South Carolina, relocated to Richmond Virginia and later moved to North Carolina. Robert enjoys BINGO, church and knitting. He is a joy to have here at Open Arms Retirement Center. Shonte is our amazing assistant who here Mrs. Florence Herbert administrator has been a resident truly loves the residents since May 2021. She moved to Northand Carolina goes above and beyond our from Pennsylvania to escape the badfor weather. community. In her free time she Florence enjoys word searches, BINGO, cookingtime andwith spending watching TVenjoys and spending her friends time with family and friends. on the Special Care Unit at Integrity Open Arms. We appreciate her dedication Mrs. Betty Purcell is from North Carolina. and all that Raeford, she does! She moved into our assisted living this past June. Besides being the mother of two, she worked for many years at Burlington Mills. Betty enjoys church, watching youtube and doing word searches.
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HOKE SPORTS Bucks continue to build on football renaissance Hoke won its fourth game of the year to move above .500 North State Journal staff THE HOKE COUNTY Bucks continue to have a turnaround season under new coach Duran McLaurin. After not winning back-toback games in any of the last three seasons, the Bucks have assembled their second two-game win streak of the season after beating Pine Forest 20-9 on the road. The Bucks now have two road wins on the year, their first season with multiple wins away from Hoke since 2022. That was also the last time the Bucks have reached the four-win plateau that the Pine Forest victory achieved. Hoke is currently 4-3, the latest in the season they’ve been over .500 since they were 5-4 in that 2022 season before finishing 5-6. Hoke totaled four wins over the 748 days, spanning 20 games, from Oct. 14, 2023 until the end of last season. With the Bucks getting just nine passing yards at Pine Forest, Hoke leaned heavily on the running game. Darrell Baria carried 18 times for 129 yards and a touchdown, while quar-
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Brentley Blumer
COURTESY SPORTSBLAST / FACEBOOK
Darrell Baria (4) lines up in the backfield for a play in last week’s win at Pine Forest. terback Braylen Gilchrist carried eight times for 48 yards and a score. Special teams also came up big, with a 65-yard kick return by Wayne Claiborne and a 22-yard punt return by Amin Davis setting up the offense with good field position. Kicker Urijah Jones added a pair of field goals. The Bucks defense added six tackles for loss, 15 quarterback
hurries, a forced fumble and four pass defenses. Hoke will try to match its 2022 win total and win its third straight for the first time since 2019 Friday at Richmond in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Richmond won last season’s matchup 48-17 and is on a two-game winning streak, including a 30-point win over Pine Forest. The Raiders are 3-4 overall.
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Boys’ soccer NCAA BASKETBALL
NCAA FOOTBALL
Altman retires after 16 seasons as Oregon coach including Final Four berth, 9 NCAA bids
Georgia seizes No. 1 spot atop AP Top 25 as Oklahoma upsets Texas
Longtime Oregon men’s basketball coach Dana Altman has announced his retirement. Altman decided to end his 37-year coaching career less than a month before the start of the new season. He spent the last 16 seasons at Oregon, leading the Ducks to a Final Four among nine NCAA Tournament appearances. The 68-year-old Altman says he no longer has the energy to perform to his standard. Assistant coach Tony Stubblefield will lead the Ducks this season.
Georgia is back on top of the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2024 after a 20-17 win over Alabama. The Bulldogs moved up after Texas’ loss to Oklahoma. UCLA and Kentucky are the week’s biggest climbers. The Bruins jumped to No. 12 after upsetting Oregon, while Kentucky returned to the poll at No. 15 after beating LSU 35-34. LSU fell from No. 10 to No. 22, and Oregon and Florida dropped out of the rankings. Wake Forest entered at No. 21, its first ranking since 2022.
NFL
NCAA BASKETBALL
Browns rookie Concepcion ruled out after helmet-to-helmet hit by Jets’ Fitzpatrick
Kentucky State’s Seck freed while another player lands in ICE custody
East Rutherford, N.J. Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion left with a concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit from the Jets’ Minkah Fitzpatrick. Concepcion appeared to make a catch when Fitzpatrick hit him in the helmet, causing the ball to drop. Concepcion went face down on the turf and appeared unconscious. After a few minutes, he sat up and walked to the locker room. The Browns ruled him out for the game shortly after. Fitzpatrick was penalized for the hit on a defenseless receiver.
Louisville, Ky. A Kentucky State women’s basketball player from Senegal who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been released after spending two months in custody. A judge granted a $2,500 bond for Aminata Seck, and it was posted after ICE did not appeal. Meanwhile, a men’s basketball player from Mississippi Valley State has been placed in ICE custody. Qingfang Pang, who is from China, was recently detained and is being held at the Richwood Correctional Facility.
Brentley Blumer is a senior goalkeeper on the Hoke County boys’ soccer team. The Bucks are 11-4-3 on the year and 4-1-1 in their last six. Blumer made five saves in a 1-0 loss to Jack Britt and then led a 2-1 win against Overhills on senior night, turning in another five saves. For the season, Blumer is third in N.C. Class 8A in goals-against average and 14th in saves. He leads the Mid-South 7A/8A conference in goals-against average.
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Busch’s 11-year-old son highlights father’s ‘celebration of life’ ceremony with burnout The NASCAR legend’s life was honored at an emotional ceremony at Charlotte Motor Speedway
By Steve Reed The Associated Press CONCORD — The NASCAR community and more than 10,000 race fans celebrated the life of the late Kyle Busch during an uplifting ceremony at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Busch’s widow, Samantha Busch, spoke at the free event and shared memories of their life together during an emotional 10-minute speech. But it was 11-year-old son Brexton, a budding racer, who stole the show with a burnout on the track’s frontstretch in his father’s No. 8 car before climbing on the roof and honoring his dad by doing his traditional bow with a checkered flag. “I don’t want to feel like we are putting a period on (his life) today,” Samantha Busch said. “This is not the end of Kyle’s story. His story continues every time we give a young racer a chance, share something he taught us or share with the next generation what made Rowdy unforgettable.” She added: “Years from now I hope people remember Kyle as one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers. He worked his entire life for that. But I also hope they meet someone whose life is better because Kyle was here. That’s a legacy that no checkered flag can contain.” Busch died unexpectedly in May at age 41 from hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation after complications from bacterial pneumonia led to sepsis. The news sent shock waves throughout the sport, and several drivers have celebrated their wins this season by honoring Busch with his postrace bow in Victory Lane. Friday night was about remembering the good times.
PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO
Kyle Busch waves to fans while doing a victory lap after winning a qualifying race for the 2013 Daytona 500. Samantha Busch talked about how happy Kyle was at the end of his career — despite not winning many races during one stretch — because he loved being a father and raising Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix. She shared memories of spending nights at dirt tracks across the country and being exhausted late at night following a race while Brexton ran around with his friends covered in dirt and grease. Those, she said, are the memories she will cherish the most, calling it their happiest times. She also thanked the racing community. “I never fully understood what this sport meant until we lost him,” Samantha Busch said. “The races kept going, the cars kept circling the track, but our world had stopped. I
didn’t know how we would find our way without him. But then all of you showed us. You came to Brexton’s races. You honored Kyle at every racetrack across the country and shared what he meant to you.” Kurt Busch, Kyle’s older brother and former Cup Series champion, shared stories, memories and funny moments about the driver fondly known as “Rowdy.” Christopher Bell, Noah Gragson, Daniel Suárez, Kyle Larson and Austin Dillon also spoke at the one-hour ceremony. “Even at a young age, he wanted to do everything better than me,” Kurt Busch said. “It was tough to beat him on the track even though I had six years on him.” After Kurt Busch won his first Cup Series pole at Darlington in 2001, he was asked by re-
porters about his little brother who was winning races in lower level series across the country. “I said back then, ‘You think I’m good, you just wait until Kyle gets here,’” Kurt Busch said. Busch’s 234 race wins across NASCAR’s top three national series is the most of any driver in history, and he is considered a certain first-ballot Hall of Famer. He won 63 Cup Series races and earned season championships in 2015 and 2019. Larson called him the most talented driver he’s raced against. The celebration was put on by Kyle Busch Motorsports and featured 10 iconic cars representative of Busch’s motorsports career. The evening concluded with an acoustic musical performance
Knicks champion Towns opens up about grief for World Mental Health Day Athletes are getting more honest about the need for mental health care By James Pollard The Associated Press NEW YORK — Karl-Anthony Towns has been traded from Minnesota, lost the conference finals and won the NBA title for his childhood team — and still feels he is in the period of grief that began six years ago. Just 10 days before the New York Knicks’ banner-raising celebration, the All-Star big man marked World Mental Health Day by sharing his ongoing emotional journey following the death of his mother to complications from COVID-19. Entering the first game of this year’s NBA Finals, he said he felt “this very big calm” wash over him. He was taken back to amateur youth games with crowds so small he could spot his mom from anywhere. “I felt like it was kinda just me, her and the game of basketball,” he told the audience gathered by the nonprofit Project Healthy Minds. “I was able to be like an artist out there. I was able to have my paint brush and have a canvas with the court. And I was able to just paint a beautiful picture for her about the love I have for the game. The love I have to show the world because of her.” There was a time when he had lost that love for the game. Towns, whose bright smile became a constant image of the Knicks’ championship run, said basketball “felt hollow” after his mother’s death. “I didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore,” he said.
HEATHER KHALIFA / AP PHOTO
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns takes part in a discussion at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival. But Towns found some solace in Arnie Kander, a well-known strength and wellness coach. “Just to be heard, to be able to talk to someone you can trust, be able to really unload all that pain onto it and allow them to understand your feelings and articulate your feelings the right way, it makes life much lighter,” he said. “And I felt myself getting lighter every time we kept talking.” Project Healthy Minds hopes Towns’ example will inspire others to seek mental health care. The tech nonprofit runs a free online marketplace for finding therapy, psychiatry, support groups and other services.
These sorts of conversations are growing more prevalent among athletes. DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love kick-started the conversation eight years ago when DeRozan tweeted about depression and Love then published a first-person essay about anxiety. Most players won’t feel that comfortable constantly telling their story. Mental health isn’t a topic of discussion in the locker room. But players are certainly more aware of its impact. Another panel featured former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall for a conversation about finding purpose outside
“I didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore.” Karl-Anthony Towns on playing basketball while grieving his mother of performance. Marshall, a six-time Pro Bowl player who publicly shared his borderline personality disorder diagnosis in 2011, said therapy showed him how to “connect with his brain.” He even started taking his therapy sessions in the cafeteria to normalize it for others.
by country artist Cole Swindell. The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte also unveiled a new exhibit, “Kyle Busch: Honoring A Legacy,” honoring Busch’s 25-year professional racing career. The exhibit features Busch’s No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry from his 2015 NASCAR Cup Series championship season, along with videos and images highlighting his achievements and influence on the sport. Samantha Busch was given the choice of selecting a car for the exhibit and picked her husband’s No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing M&M’s car that he raced for his first Cup Series championship. “When I look at this car, I don’t just see a championship. I see everything Kyle overcame to earn it,” she said.
Using sports to show emotional strength The sports focus offers a glimpse into Project Healthy Minds’ future programming. The nonprofit relies on cultural figures to introduce its platform to their audiences. It partnered this summer with the Broadway play “Every Brilliant Thing,” a one-person show whose narrator — originally played by Daniel Radcliffe, then Mariska Hargitay and, finally, Tracee Ellis Ross — presents his struggling mother with a list of reasons to live. Soon-to-be-announced initiatives will lean further into sports as the nonprofit tries to inspire more communities to seek mental healthcare. With interest in women’s sports growing and live sports remaining a powerful convener in an otherwise fragmented media landscape, Project Healthy Minds CEO Phil Schermer finds that athletes are well suited to bring their message to the masses. Athletes, according to Schermer, also shape the American public’s notions of strength. It makes sense to him that they could then model that “it is strong to talk about your emotions.” The Knicks championship run became a rare moment of monoculture, Schermer suggested. The title chase also offered the in-person socialization that young people are demanding, according to Rachel Janfaza, the founder of the Gen Z research firm The Up and Up. Speaking with “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt and The TAG Movement CEO Alexa Arnold, Janfaza said young people used the Knicks and the World Cup to create the in-real-life community they missed during the pandemic. “We’re seeing this swing,” she said, “and it’s really incumbent upon schools and employers and anyone who has a vested interest in helping this generation thrive to actually celebrate this.”
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
obituaries Mike Ditka, quintessential Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer, dead at 86 Haydee Seda Ramirez
Michael “Doug” Dial
June 29, 1940 – Oct. 7, 2026
Sept. 3, 1958 – Oct. 7, 2026
The passing of Haydee Seda Ramirez (Raeford, North Carolina) occurred on October 7, 2026. Haydee, born on June 29, 1940, is remembered by those who knew her. Haydee touched many lives and will be remembered fondly for the moments shared and the memories created. Family, friends, and colleagues extend their love and support during this time. While Haydee’s presence will be missed, the influence she had on others will remain. Those who knew her will carry forward memories that reflect her character and spirit.
Michael Douglas “Doug” Dial, 68, of Maxton, North Carolina, passed away to his heavenly home on October 7, 2026, in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Born on September 3, 1958, in Lumberton, North Carolina, Doug lived a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. He was a God-fearing man who loved serving the Lord and living out his faith each day. For more than 40 years, he worked in the muffler shop, where he took pride in his work and was known for his dedication and strong work ethic. Doug was a gentle, kindhearted, humble, loving, and hardworking man. He cherished spending time with his family, friends, and loved ones, especially his beloved wife and grandchildren. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including riding horses, riding his lawn mower, working in the yard, and spending time at the muffler shop. These were some of the things that brought him happiness throughout his life. Above all, Doug loved his family and treasured the memories they made together. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 49 years, Ruby Dial (Coota); his three sons, Cecil Locklear, Michael Kelvin (Marie), and Cyran Dial (Kinsley), all of Maxton, North Carolina; and his four daughters, Latisha Locklear (Jonathan) of Maxton, North Carolina, Kimberly Dial Locklear (Joshua) of Raeford, North Carolina, Veranda Dial Oxendine (Christopher) of Maxton, North Carolina, and Brianna Carline Dial of Maxton, North Carolina. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren, who brought him much love and joy. Special recognition is given to his grandchild, Jas, for the loving care, time, and devotion shown to him throughout his journey. Jas held a special place in his life, and that love and care will always be remembered. Doug also held a special place in the hearts of his bonus grandchildren, who may not have been his biological grandchildren but loved him dearly and lovingly called him “Papa.” He welcomed them with love, and the bond they shared was just as special as any family bond. They will forever cherish the memories they made with him and carry his love in their hearts. No matter the blood connection, Doug’s love for them was genuine, and he will always be remembered as their beloved Papa. Doug is also survived by his brother, Delton Dial; his sisters, Lillie Locklear (RL), Phyllis Chavis, and Glenda Deese(Harold) and his special sister-in-law, Ruth. He also leaves to cherish his memory his special friends, Bill Stubbs and James Ray Locklear, affectionately known as “Peter.” He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Dial; his mother, Susanna Dial; his brothers, Charles Dial and Larry Dial; his sister, Vivian Dial; and his great-grandchild, Baby Dial. Throughout his life, Doug remained devoted to God, his family, and the values he held dear. He will be remembered for his caring heart, gentle spirit, strong work ethic, and the love he showed to those around him. His faith in God and the memories he created with his loved ones will continue to live on through the lives he touched. Though he is no longer with us, the love he shared and the memories he leaves behind will forever remain in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will be deeply missed.
Cathy Chason Dec. 26, 1970 – Oct. 3, 2026 Cathy Chason of Lumber Bridge, North Carolina, born on December 26, 1970, passed away on October 3, 2026. Cathy leaves behind cherished memories for friends, family, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Cathy’s life was marked by connections and experiences that touched those around her. Though she is no longer with us, the moments shared, the laughter, and the support she offered will continue to resonate. All who knew Cathy will carry forward her memory in their hearts. She was predeceased by: her father Harold Chason. She is survived by: her mother Myrtle Chason; her siblings, Wanda Chason and Harold Chason; and her nephew Shawn Chason. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 7th 2026 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Crumpler Funeral Home (131 Harris Ave, Raeford, NC 28376). A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 7th 2026 at 2:00 PM at the same location. A burial will be held on Wednesday, October 7th 2026 at the Chason Family Cemetery.
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@ northstatejournal.com
He helped revolutionize the tight end position before coaching Chicago to a Super Bowl victory
Mike Ditka, pictured in 2013, both played for and coached the Chicago Bears.
By Jim Litke The Associated Press CHICAGO — Mike Ditka, who personified the toughness and grit of Chicago in a Hall of Fame career as a player and coach of the Bears and the leader of arguably the most dominant team in NFL history, has died. He was 86. Ditka’s family announced the death last Friday in a statement. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” the family said. “While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family. Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.” Nicknamed “Iron Mike” as a player, Ditka helped revolutionize the tight end position, then moved to the sidelines and took over as Chicago’s coach. His 1985 team featured one of the game’s most dominant defenses ever. It also had enough outsized personalities to record a rap video, “The Super Bowl Shuffle,” and back up their boasting in the championship game three months later. He was arguably the NFL’s most recognizable — and imitated — personality during his time as Chicago’s coach with his thick but neatly groomed mustache and sweater vest with “BEARS” emblazoned across the chest. The iconic look is still mimicked by fans at Bears games decades later. That along with his fiery, red-faced sideline tantrums inspired the popular “Da Bears” skit on “Saturday Night Live” during the 1980s. After retiring as a coach, Ditka became a restaurateur, pitchman and TV personality, as well as a forceful advocate for improved medical and retirement benefits for former players. Ditka was tough and gruff, the quintessential Chicago Bear. He did everything from order off the menu to knock defensive backs on their butts with a growl. His adopted hometown reveled in every minute. He is still revered as “Da Coach” and ringmaster of the 1985 Bears, one of the most dominant and perhaps the zaniest Super Bowl-winning team in league history. Ditka was enshrined in the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, and the Bears said during a ceremony in 2013 that his “No. 89” jersey will be the last one retired by the team. “Player. Coach. Legend,” the Bears wrote in a tribute on social media. “Mike Ditka embodied the spirit of Chicago and will be deeply missed.” Ditka was the first person enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, who had won Super Bowls as a player, assistant coach and head coach. Tom Flores, inducted in 2021, is the only other person to accomplish the feat. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Ditka “epitomized football over so many years” during his career. “He brought intensity, authenticity and an unmistakable personality to everything he did,” Goodell said in a statement. “As a Hall of Fame player, Super Bowl-winning coach with his beloved and iconic Bears, and as a broadcaster, Mike served as an ambassador for the game and inspired
NAM Y. HUH / AP PHOTO
generations of fans. Through his work with the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, Mike was a champion for taking care of those who helped build our game. We extend our deepest condolences to Diana and the Ditka family.” Ditka got “Iron Mike” nickname during western Pennsylvania upbringing He was born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, the son of a welder who changed the family name from Dyczko. He grew up in nearby Aliquippa — which also later produced fellow Pro Football Hall of Famers Ty Law and Darrelle Revis — close to the coal-mining and steel-manufacturing plants that dotted the western part of the state, a big, talented, three-sport athlete and All-American at Pitt whose bruising style made his first nickname, “Iron Mike,” a good fit. “When our players see Mike Ditka’s name, I want them to understand how he competed,” current Pitt football coach Pat Narduzzi said in a statement. “He gave everything he had and expected the same from the guys beside him. That’s Pitt. He showed us that tough people find a way through tough times and taught us to fight for the names on the front and back of our jerseys.” Selected fifth overall by flinty Chicago owner George Halas in the 1961 draft, Ditka went on to Rookie of the Year honors, multiple Pro Bowl trips and the 1963 NFL Championship. He and Baltimore’s John Mackey changed the tight end position and offensive schemes forever. He was a battering ram of a blocker, but Ditka was just as likely to catch a short pass and pinball through an entire secondary or outrace a lone safety on a deep touchdown throw. He left Chicago in 1966, playing briefly for Philadelphia and Dallas. Soon after playing days, Ditka became “Da Coach” of Bears Ditka moved to the sideline in 1973 as an assistant to the revered Tom Landry and stayed with the Cowboys for eight years, including winning the Super Bowl during the 1977 season, before returning to a hero’s welcome in Chicago as head coach in 1982. Ditka’s return to the Bears lasted 10 tumultuous years, including five straight NFC Central titles, the Super Bowl win, a DUI conviction, a heart attack, a long-running feud with defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan and, finally, a new nickname — “Da Coach.” To Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, the seeds of what was to come were planted in Ditka’s first meeting with the team. He laid out his vision, saying Chicago would be in the Super Bowl in three years — and many of the players in the room would not be around for it. “When I first heard him when he walked in the room, to me Coach Ditka had the opportunity to be the greatest coach of all time because he had the fire,” Singletary said at the Bears’ 100th anniversary celebration in June 2019.
“I don’t know how George Halas coached. But I can imagine that the fire and intensity and passion that Coach Ditka exuded that first day set the tone for exactly what he said: ‘Three years from now, we’re going to be in the Super Bowl.’ And that was 1982. In ’85, we were there, and it was because of that vision.” Bears were colorful bunch, with Ditka leading way The public beefs with Ryan mirrored the behind-the-scenes battles that Ditka waged trying to contain a team bristling with outsized personalities. “It was more than a team,” Ditka once said. “It was a team of characters that had character that played for a crazy man, who let him be crazy and had fun doing it and don’t apologize for it ever. I wouldn’t want to be one of these suits walking around on the sideline today. “I have no desire to be that. I was what I was and they were what they were and, damn, it was fun.” It wasn’t until two dozen players recorded “The Super Bowl Shuffle” — an audacious rap-styled video released three months ahead of the 1986 title game — that the rest of the football world wondered whether Ditka was losing his grip. His players never did. “We call him ‘Sybil’ after that girl in the movie,” quarterback Jim McMahon once explained. “You know, the one that had all those personalities. Mike will be calm one minute, then throw a clipboard the next. People don’t understand that, but we do.” The Bears demolished the New England Patriots 46-10 in the Super Bowl, but Ditka often said he regretted having McMahon and defensive tackle William “The Refrigerator” Perry run for touchdowns instead of Walter Payton, Chicago’s loyal and long-suffering running back. Ryan departed for a head coaching job in Philadelphia soon after. While the Bears continued to be a contender for most of the next five years, a 5-11 season prompted Ditka’s departure in 1992. Ditka’s last coaching tenure in New Orleans highlighted by stunning trade After a five-year absence, he returned to coaching with the New Orleans Saints but failed to revive the franchise. His tenure with the team might be best remembered for the trade before the 1999 NFL Draft when he dealt a package of eight draft picks — including each one the Saints had that year and two of its first three selections in 2000 — to Washington to move up from 12th overall to No. 5 so New Orleans could select running back Ricky Williams. After a miserable 1999 season ended with a 3-13 record — Ditka’s worst as either a player or coach — he left the sidelines for good. Ditka did stay close to the game after his coaching career concluded, serving as an NFL analyst and game-day show personality at ESPN.
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 34 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 | MOORE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM
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MOORE COUNTY THE MOORE COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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State Fair fried festivities Members of the media and social media influencers gathered at the North Carolina State Fair’s annual Deep Fried Media Day on Monday to taste and test some of the fair’s 84 new food and drink offerings. The fair opens Thursday and runs through Oct. 25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. For more, turn to NSJ, page A13.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Vatican says pope’s lung nodule surgery successfully completed Rome Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery to remove a lung nodule, with the Vatican confirming the procedure was successful. The 71-year-old pontiff returned to his room at Rome’s Gemelli hospital after the operation Tuesday. The surgery aimed to determine if the nodule is malignant and whether further treatment is needed. Leo had announced the discovery of the nodule during his Sunday prayer. Experts say his prognosis is excellent, even if the nodule is cancerous, as it was caught early. The Vatican has canceled his audiences through Oct. 20, allowing for recovery.
Guilfoyle, ambassador to Greece, resigns after allegations of improper conduct President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, has resigned after allegations of improper conduct but says she’ll “vigorously defend” herself. The White House says Guilfoyle was asked to resign after coming under severe criticism over allegations she engaged in improper and possibly illegal conduct before and during her tenure in Athens. Guilfoyle’s departure Tuesday comes after its possibility was previewed to The Associated Press over the weekend and Trump registered his unhappiness with reports about her alleged conduct on Monday. The Republican president was asked by reporters if he was considering firing Guilfoyle and said he was “looking at it” and was “not happy.”
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Moore County Schools to create new foundations The foundations will take advantage of the Educational Freedom Tax Credits By Ryan Henkel North State Journal CARTHAGE — Moore County Schools is working toward establishing two new 501(c) (3) foundations to support the district. At the Moore County Schools Board of Education’s Oct. 12 meeting, the board authorized staff to begin the administrative process to officially form the foundations, which would make three in total for the school district. “The concept is that we stand up two additional foundations to support Moore County Schools,”
said board member David Hensley, who chairs the Foundation Committee. “One is a standard, unrestricted foundation, and the other one is a scholarship-granting organization or an SGO.” According to Hensley, the first foundation would generate revenue for Moore County Schools through traditional fundraising means while also supporting low-cost housing for Moore County Schools’ employees by investing in Moore County residential real estate. The SGO foundation would take advantage of the Educational Freedom tax credits included in the One Big Beautiful Bill, which offers up to $1,700 in tax credits for those who donate to SGOs. While 90% of an SGO’s money must go toward scholarships, Hensley said that there are plen-
“We have federal, state and local revenue, but additional revenue would allow us to do things we don’t currently have the ability to do.” Superintendent Jenny Purvis ty of ways the district can utilize that. “You can use scholarships for tuition and fees, academic tutoring, summer school, special needs services, books, supplies and other equipment needed for enrollment,” Hensley said. “There will be no shortage of ways we can come up with to make sure that this scholarship
money supports our students.” Hensley also stated a need for urgency in establishing these foundations as the tax credits become effective at the start of 2027. The “very ambitious” goal for the foundations, per Hensley, is to raise $20 million annually. Hensley is joined on the foundation committee by board members Pauline Bruno and Steve Johnson. “I’m excited to get a move on in this direction,” Johnson said. “I think there’s a lot of resources in the community that can be brought to bear and given great direction, and a lot of great things can happen for our staff and students as a result of that.” “We have federal, state and local revenue, but additional revenue would allow us to do things we don’t currently have the ability to do,” said Superintendent Jenny Purvis. Moore County Schools is also served by the Public Education Foundation of Moore County, which was established in 1984. The Moore County Schools Board of Education will next meet Nov. 9.
March date set for zoo’s Asia opening The new habitat has been on hold for months awaiting funding and personnel in place By Bob Sutton North State Journal ASHEBORO — There’s a date and a wait for the Asia continent exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced that the new exhibit will open to the public March 1 — months after the anticipated launch for the much-anticipated zoo expansion. “We can’t wait for guests to meet these enchanting residents, learn from them, and discover ways to protect their wild habitats and cousins,” said
Mark Penning, the new director at the zoo. “Asia marks an important milestone in the Zoo’s 52-year history.” When a new state budget was passed and signed into law in early July, approximately $6.2 million in operating funds could then be tapped for the zoo. More than 50 positions were to be filled to handle the expansion. At the time, a fall opening for the Asia exhibition was believed to be likely. Groundbreaking for the Asia expansion was held more than four years ago in the summer of 2022. Construction for the new habitat was completed in the spring. The exhibit, which covers 12½ acres, comes at a cost of $75 million. Funding has come from a combination of state funds and private donors, according to the zoo.
PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL
The North Carolina Zoo’s new Asia exhibit is expected to open March 1. Among nearly 50 new species in the Asia exhibit will be tigers, white-cheeked gibbons, Komodo dragons, Chinese alligators, king cobras, mixed birds, Asian small-clawed otters, cinereous vultures, Visayan warty pigs and Chinese giant salamanders. A large indoor café overlooks the habitat for tigers. There will be more than
6,000 new plants as part of the exhibit. Penning said new technology will be part of the ways for zoo visitors to explore the habitat. Pamela Cashwell, secretary of NCDNCR, said more than 1 million guests visit the zoo each year. The March 1 opening for the exhibit is set for noon. This is the zoo’s first major expansion since 1994.
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10.15.26
North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Jordan jersey sets $14M record moore happening for basketball memorabilia, according to auction house Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County.
“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Trip Hoffend Publisher Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers Cory Lavalette Senior Editor Jordan Golson Local News Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Ryan Henkel Reporter Stan Gilliland Photographer BUSINESS David Guy Advertising Manager Published each Thursday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 919-663-3232 MOORE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, NC and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607
CRIME LOG Oct. 6 • Anthony Spencer, 36, of Hamlet, was arrested by MCSO for possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and other charges. • Avin Zeric Williams, 21, of Ellerbe, was arrested by MCSO for assault with a deadly weapon on a government, campus or company police officer or employee; fleeing to elude arrest in a motor vehicle; and injury to personal property, and other charges. Oct. 7 • Brittany Leann Marshall, 30, of Bear Creek, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for felony possession of cocaine. • Christian Anthony McIe, 24, of Whispering Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for resisting a public officer. • Mark Timothy Roberts, 55, of West End, was arrested by MCSO for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. Oct. 8 • Nicole Ann Prowse, 56, of Carthage, was arrested by Carthage PD for carrying a concealed weapon. • Stephanie Renee Caviness, 44, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft. Oct. 9 • Nico-Lachad Rickenan Monroe, 35, of Aberdeen, was arrested by MCSO for possession of a firearm by a felon, fleeing to elude arrest in a motor vehicle and possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, and other charges. • Ricky Allen Bready, 47, of Charlotte, was arrested by MCSO for felony larceny. Oct. 10 • Isaac Sigero Osorio, 39, of Aberdeen, was arrested by MCSO for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and resisting a public officer. • Jason David McIntosh, 32, of Cameron, was arrested by MCSO for intoxicated and disruptive, simple affray and disorderly conduct. • Mark Lynwood Moon, 35, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. • Russell Goldston, 29, of Aberdeen, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for assault on a female, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and breaking or entering with intent to terrorize or injure an occupant. Oct. 11 • Andrew Joseph Cain Fowler, 27, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for driving while impaired.
It represents the third multimillion-dollar sale of a Jordan jersey from the 1998 Finals
Oct. 15-17
By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press MIAMI — A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has been privately sold for $14 million, an auction house announced Monday, calling it the highest price ever paid for a piece of basketball memorabilia. Pennsylvania-based Hunt Auctions announced the private treaty sale and identified the buyer as Miami real estate investor Ron Firman. The red jersey is the one Jordan wore in Game 2 of that series on June 5, 1998; he and the Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz that night to even the matchup at a game apiece. Jordan and the Bulls would go on to win the series in six games, the sixth and final title of his Hall of Fame career. That 1997-98 season was the subject of the 10-episode “Last Dance” documentary series that was released in 2020. “While Michael Jordan’s importance within the sports memorabilia marketplace has long been established it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art,” said David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions. “We are very pleased to have been able to facilitate this historic sale which serves as another benchmark for our industry.” The $14 million price would be the second-biggest known cost for a game-worn jersey, behind the $24.12 million paid in 2024 for the jersey
79th annual Moore County Agricultural Fair Thursday-Friday 5-11 p.m.; Saturday 3-11 p.m.
MARK J. TERRILL / AP PHOTO
Bulls guard Michael Jordan pulls the ball out of reach of Jazz guard Jeff Hornacek during third quarter action in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 5, 1998.
“While Michael Jordan’s importance within the sports memorabilia marketplace has long been established it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art.” David Hunt, Hunt Auctions president worn by Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees when he hit the “called shot” home run against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series. This sale becomes at least the third time a Jordan jersey from that 1998 finals has fetched at least $10 million. A jersey from Game 1 was sold at auction for about $10.1 mil-
lion in 2022, and a jersey from Game 3 was auctioned last month for about $12.3 million. “Michael Jordan was an incredibly talented player who is admired around the world,” Firman said in a news release distributed by the auction house. “I’m very excited about the purchase.” The jersey that Firman purchased was originally bought from the Bulls by a private collector in 2003, Hunt said, adding that it “has remained within a succinct chain of custody having only changed hands once from the original purchaser.” Just about anything related to the 1998 finals and Jordan’s final season with the Bulls has been the subject of massive interest in the collector space. In 2023, a pair of Air Jordan sneakers that he wore in Game 2 against the Jazz was sold by Sotheby’s for $2.2 million, touted at the time as “a new world record for the most valuable sneakers ever sold.”
Cyberattacks hit European supermarket chains, disrupt refrigeration systems Refrigeration outages forced hundreds of supermarkets across Europe to discard spoiled food products
Moore County Agricultural Fairgrounds 3699 U.S. Highway 15-501 Carthage
Oct. 16 Movies by the Lake: “Minions 3” 7 p.m. Aberdeen Parks and Recreation’s free family movie series wraps its season on the big screen with concessions for purchase. Before the show, downtown businesses hand out treats during the Downtown Candy Crawl 4-6 p.m. The rain date is Oct. 17. Aberdeen Lake Park 301 Lake Park Crossing Aberdeen
Oct. 17 48th annual Holly Arts and Crafts Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 200 hand-crafters sell woodwork, glass, jewelry, metal sculpture and more through the Village of Pinehurst, and downtown shops offer specials. A food court and family picnic area are at the park, and a free shuttle runs from Rassie Wicker Park. Tufts Memorial Park 1 Village Green Road W. Pinehurst
By Angela Charlton and Dee-Ann Durbin The Associated Press PARIS — Cyberattacks have disrupted European supermarket chains, affecting refrigeration systems at hundreds of stores in France and forcing a major grocer to shut down websites serving customers in Europe and the United States. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told Parliament on Tuesday that about 700 of the country’s 10,000 supermarkets were affected. He said there was no risk to France’s food supplies but acknowledged that the attack “touches the heart of our food security.” “It was a wake-up call for everyone,” he said. The Paris prosecutor’s office said Tuesday that its cybercrime unit was investigating the large-scale attack, including the extent of damage caused by spoiled food and reports of fires. French supermarket group Groupement Mousquetaires, which operates more than 4,000 stores across Europe, said 300 of its Intermarché and Netto stores were impacted. Some refrigerated and frozen food display cases remained out of service Tuesday. Dominique Schelcher, CEO of French grocery chain Cooperative U, said 80 of the company’s 2,000 stores were affected. Most managed to prevent disruptions to refrigeration, but some had to discard food, he said in a post on X.
Exhibits, livestock, rides, games, food and entertainment fill the fairgrounds through Saturday night. Admission is $6 for ages 3 and older and free for children 2 and under; parking is $3.
Oct. 24 Aberdeen Fall-O-Ween 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BOB EDME / AP PHOTO
A car leaves a Carrefour supermarket in Anglet, France, in January 2018. “Targeting equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products is an attack on the French food supply chain. It is unprecedented, extremely serious, and unacceptable,” Schelcher said. Carrefour and Monoprix supermarkets were also impacted. Danish technology company Danfoss, which supplied the refrigeration management software, said Monday that most affected systems were older products that no longer received software or security updates. “Danfoss has long advised customers to keep supported systems updated with the latest firmware, as well as to operate behind a firewall,” the company said. Danfoss said it was working with affected customers to limit the damage. Separately, Dutch supermar-
ket giant Ahold Delhaize said Tuesday it was working to restore systems it had shut down following what it described as a security issue. The company, which operates Albert Heijn in the Netherlands, Delhaize in Belgium and Stop & Shop in the United States, declined to provide further details. Websites for several of its brands, including Stop & Shop, Food Lion and Albert Heijn, remained offline Tuesday, although stores were open and serving customers. Ahold Delhaize said it had no evidence that customer or employee data had been stolen. “Protecting our infrastructure in the best interest of our customers, associates and partners is a top priority,” the company said. “We apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused customers and partners.”
Aberdeen Parks and Recreation’s Halloween carnival offers carnival games, inflatables, pony rides and a climbing wall for ages 15 and under. Tickets are $5 for ages 2-15 and free for everyone else; costumes are encouraged, and food trucks and treat vendors are on-site. Malcolm Blue Farm 1177 Bethesda Road Aberdeen
Village of Pinehurst Oktoberfest 4-9 p.m. Kinderfest at 4-6 p.m. brings village trick-or-treating, food trucks, a kids zone and Halloween fun, then Oktoberfest continues 6-9 p.m. with live German music by OOPS, and food and beverages for purchase. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Tufts Memorial Park 1 Village Green Road W. Pinehurst
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THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | JORDAN TOPAL
When should a town sell its water system? State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers.
TOWNS ACROSS THE COUNTRY have sold their water system with good reason: some have environmental problems, others have budget deficits and unfunded pensions, still others can’t afford to fix failing pipes. North Carolina has labeled 160 local utilities as distressed, including 11 across Duplin, Moore, Randolph and Stanly counties. The state has helped several of these with loans or grants to fix their issues. Unless it’s the only option for safe water and sewer, selling to a private utility usually isn’t worth it. North Carolina passed the fair-value law in 2018. It allowed private utilities that buy municipal systems to earn a regulated return on what they paid instead of the depreciated value of decades-old assets on the town’s books. Each purchase receives three appraisals before approval from the N.C. Utilities Commission. The buyer earns a return on the lower of the purchase price or the average appraisal value. Carteret County’s 2023 sale of a 1,200-customer water system to Carolina Water was the first under the law. Customers pay for needed repairs no matter who owns the system, so what matters is who can finance them more cheaply. Regulators set the private utility’s profit because there is no local competition. In North Carolina, they typically allow a return of 9.8% on equity, the shareholders’ contribution, and customers also pay the utility’s debt interest. Including the utility’s income taxes, customers pay a blended 8.5% to 8.9% a year on the capital. When a private utility spends money to upgrade pipes,
that amount is added to its rate base, the total amount customers pay a return on. So the utility has no reason to hold down construction spending. A healthy municipality borrows with tax-free bonds. Their rates are lower than corporate bond rates because investors pay no income tax on the interest, and municipalities have no shareholder dividends to pay. Over the last few years, that rate has averaged 3% to 5%. On financing costs alone, it’s much cheaper for a municipality to run a water and sewer system. On occasion, a distressed municipality is unable to maintain the utility. It lacks the money or the expertise to bring it back into serviceable shape. The first answer is usually state assistance. On Oct. 6, the Local Government Commission approved $46.2 million in State Revolving Fund loans to rebuild Albemarle’s wastewater plant, mostly at a 0.1% interest rate. In February, the state paid for studies of Greenevers merging with neighboring Wallace and of Stanly County taking over Stanfield’s water and sewer. A sale is the last resort once the public options are exhausted. A private operator has large engineering staffs and a deep back office for billing and customer service. Buyers usually hire the municipal employees as well to maintain local expertise. Selling solves three problems for a town: It no longer has to manage the utility or vote for unpopular rate hikes, and the cash ends its acute financial distress. But the rate hikes don’t
go away. State regulators approve them instead of the town council. After a sale, the buyer usually freezes rates for one to three years. Then it asks the Utilities Commission for large rate hikes to pay for the system’s needed improvements. In Pennsylvania, buyers proposed increases of 40% to 94%. After Pennsylvania American Water bought Exeter Township’s sewer system in 2019, the average monthly bill nearly tripled within five years, from $43 to $115. North Carolina regulators have approved a steep increase for Carteret County, where water-only bills will rise 78% by 2028, from $81 to $144. Future rates will continue rising with each rate case the utility brings to the commission. Selling the utility is like a sale-leaseback in the corporate world. The town takes the utility and upkeep off the books, but citizens pay a higher price long-term to lease the asset. However, a company can move out when its lease ends. Utility customers can’t because they’re renting a regulated monopoly. If a town has any capacity to borrow with a BBB rating or better, it’s cheaper to keep the utility public. State law requires a buyer to file a five-year projection of the rate impact on the seller’s customers. Any council weighing an offer should ask for that number before considering a letter of intent. Jordan Topal is a CFA charterholder who spent two decades in municipal finance. He writes about local government finance at fundbalance.substack.com.
COLUMN | JOSH HAMMER
Don’t let Flydubai terror scare derail Abraham Accords progress A Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews.
TERRORISTS want nothing more than to prevent peace. It’s why they fly planes into buildings, don explosive vests and rain indiscriminate missiles on civilian populations. The response to such terrorism isn’t to cower. It is to lead with boldness, courage and, sometimes, outright heroism. The world just saw precisely such heroism in the high drama aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, from Dubai to Tel Aviv. There was the Indian national pilot, Smit Machchhar, who, though bleeding badly after he was brutally stabbed by his terrorist Omani national copilot, had the presence of mind to open the cockpit door as the plane nosedived 10,000 feet a minute. There were the ordinary Israeli citizens — and above all, new national hero Yaniv Hayoun — who, Todd Beamer-style, swiftly rushed the cockpit and subdued the terrorist in a chokehold (yes, really). There were the two off-duty pilots — reportedly British, South African or New Zealander in nationality — who were able to glide the plane to a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. There was the Emirati flight crew, which handled the madness with aplomb, preventing chaos in a terrified cabin and ensuring the safety of all passengers. Israeli activist Hillel Fuld quoted a military pilot on X: “In virtually every historical incident where an airliner got anywhere close to these speeds, the tail ripped off the entire back of the plane.” In the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible, God is not mentioned once. This is
deliberate. His name doesn’t need to appear: His presence is felt, and seen, everywhere. It was the same way aboard Flydubai Flight 1073. Some have reacted to this mesmerizing story in knee-jerk fashion. They have leapt to call for the full cancelation of all direct flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates — and perhaps a downgrading of ties between Israel and the Arab world, more generally. The instinct is understandable. The anti-Israel press downplayed the harrowing affair as a “pilot altercation,” but the fact is, a Muslim pilot tried to crash a plane full of Jews. That looks like terrorism. That’s certainly what the Israelis think happened. But terror attacks and near-terror attacks must not derail peace. To allow peace to be derailed is actually to do the terrorists’ bidding. The Abraham Accords, those dynamic 2020 peace agreements that normalized Israeli relations with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, must go on. Indeed, they must expand. Many predicted the Abraham Accords would die after the Hamas savagery of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing war in Gaza. They didn’t. On the contrary, the accords are stronger today. The Iran conflict, which has seen the Islamic Republic strike the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, has sent an unmistakable message: The Sunni Gulf states’ threat isn’t Jerusalem. It’s Tehran. That’s why, just days before the near catastrophe aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to
Abu Dhabi to meet with representatives from eight different Arab countries. Prior to that confab, Netanyahu rendezvoused directly with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed. It was the first time such a bilateral meeting was publicly verified by both countries. Perhaps, then, the attempted terror attack timing isn’t a coincidence. The rumor mill has also been swirling that Kuwait might soon join the Abraham Accords. It’s not hard to see what is going on here. Before the Oct. 7 pogrom, Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Arab world — was on the precipice of making peace with Israel. Netanyahu dedicated much of his September 2023 address to the United Nations General Assembly to the topic. Around the same time, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Fox News’ Bret Baier “every day we get closer” to normalization with Israel. Peace seemed imminent. One of Hamas’ aims with its massacre was to derail Israeli-Saudi normalization. In that, Hamas was successful — for now. But in the long run, Hamas won’t be successful. Despite the setback, the House of Saud still knows that peace with Israel is an inevitability. We cannot allow this would-be terrorist copilot to be successful either. This is not the time to pump the diplomatic brakes. We might have to brace ourselves for additional attempted terror attacks, as cynics once again try to stop peace. Israel is undoubtedly prepared for that. The Arab states should prepare too. Israel should also reevaluate its aviation procedures. Perhaps Israeli authorities can help vet inbound and outbound commercial pilots. But the pursuit of regional peace must go on. There would be no greater tribute to the heroes of Flydubai Flight 1073 than that. Josh Hammer is the senior editor-at-large of Newsweek and host of “The Josh Hammer Show” and podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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DNA, vehicle-tracking help French investigators recover stolen Renoirs, make arrests in theft Investigators suspect the four arrested men were preparing another art heist By Sylvie Corbet and Eva Van Dam The Associated Press NANTERRE, France — DNA left on a protective painting cover helped investigators recover two stolen Renoirs and uncover what they suspected were preparations for another art heist, a French prosecutor said Monday. Four men were given preliminary charges in the investigation into the Sept. 8 theft from the small Renoir Museum in the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. The charges include organized theft and criminal association, Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone said. One painting, “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano,” suffered a tear. The other, “Young Woman at the Well,” had slight damage to its frame, Bessone said. He estimated their combined value at $4.7 million. The thieves used an electric saw to cut through a fence, entered the museum through the ground floor and cut clips securing the frames of four paintings. An alarm sounded and police officers arrived four minutes later, a swift response that “apparently caused the perpetrators to panic,” Bessone said. “As they fled, they were unable to take all four paintings and abandoned two of them, which were later found in a protective sleeve,” he said. Vehicle tracking led to suspects The DNA found on the abandoned cover matched that of a 29-year-old already under investigation in a drug trafficking case in which police were tracking his vehicle, Bessone said. Vehicle-tracking data showed that the suspect, accompanied by a 41-year-old man, went to the home of a third man shortly after the theft, Bessone said. Police surveillance also showed that the 29-year-old on Oct. 3 visited the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence — home to a large modern art collection.
PHOTOS BY PHILIPPE MAGONI / AP PHOTO
Recovered paintings “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano,” right, and “Young Woman at the Well,” stolen from the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer are on display at the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Conservation and Restoration of Heritage in Marseille, France, on Monday. The suspect then met with a fourth man known to police from art theft and forgery cases in 2001 and 2003. Bessone said the arrests were prompted by the “very strong suspicion that another heist was imminent.”
Paintings hidden behind wall The two men suspected of carrying out the museum theft have been given preliminary charges of “theft committed by an organized gang” and “crim-
inal association,” among other counts. They were sent to prison pending further investigation. They have denied wrongdoing, Bessone said. The third suspect acknowledged receiving the paintings at his home and hiding them behind a wall built beneath a staircase after the theft. Investigators recovered the Renoirs from the hiding place, Bessone said. The fourth suspect acknowledged seeing photographs of the paintings but said he did not immediately recognize them. Both of those suspects were given preliminary charges of “concealment” of stolen paintings. They were released under judicial supervision and barred from leaving France. Two additional people who had been arrested were released without charge. Theft renews concerns about museum security The Renoir Museum occupies the final home of the leading French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who lived there until his death in 1919. It is the best-known attraction in Cagnes-sur-Mer, a Mediterranean coastal
“As they fled, they were unable to take all four paintings and abandoned two of them, which were later found in a protective sleeve.” Nicolas Bessone, Marseille prosecutor town between Cannes and Nice. The theft revived painful memories of the spectacular theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris last year and renewed calls for better security and funding at the many cultural sites across France. Christian Sainte, national director of judicial police, said Monday that the country “is repeatedly targeted by organized criminal groups that carry out theft operations targeting valuable objects that are part of our cultural heritage” in museums, castles, places of worship, private homes and art galleries. French museums recorded 23 cases in 2025 and about 10 this year, he said.
Security incident at US-run air base almost certainly directed by Iran, UK prime minister says All seven suspects arrested were released on bail with no charges filed
“We will not tolerate these threats on our soil.”
The Associated Press LONDON — A suspected terror plot at a U.S.-run military air base in England was “almost certainly” directed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Monday. Burnham previously said there are strong indications Iran was linked to the apparent plan last month to attack the RAF Fairford air base, which has been used by American bombers to strike Iran in the ongoing war. Police have arrested seven men in the investigation into the alleged plot, but all suspects have been released on bail and no one has been charged so far. Iran has denied involvement, although it has previously said that it considers any base used to attack its territory a legitimate target. “I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran, almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard,” Burnham told lawmakers. “We will not tolerate these threats on our soil.” Scores of residents near the air base were evacuated
Andy Burnham, British prime minister
ALASTAIR GRANT / AP PHOTO
A B-1 bomber takes off from RAF Fairford in Fairford, England, on Sept. 29. from their homes on Sept. 27 as armed police officers and army bomb-disposal experts swarmed the rural area. Police later said they had found a quantity of an accelerant — gasoline — in three vans linked to the initial five suspects who were arrested on the scene, but no explosives. All the suspects arrested are in their 20s. Six are British
nationals while one is a dual U.K.-Iranian citizen. The U.S. pulled its bombers last week from RAF Fairford, about 100 miles west of London, and the Pentagon said all American bombers at the facility had been redeployed to their home bases in the U.S. The Trump administration has said it believed the base faced Iranian threats intend-
ed to kill as many American troops and destroy as many U.S. planes as possible. The British government allowed the U.S. military to use RAF Fairford for what it called defensive strikes on Iranian missiles and their launch sites following Iranian attacks on U.K. interests and Britain’s allies in the Gulf. On Monday, the British gov-
ernment summoned the Iranian ambassador to express displeasure at “Iran’s continued attempts to undermine the security of the United Kingdom and international partners through its criminal networks, proxy groups and state-backed malign activity.” It also said it added two Iranians, including the head of counterespionage operations in the Revolutionary Guard, to its sanctioned list. Iran and allied militant groups have previously been accused of plotting or carrying out attacks on U.S., British and Jewish targets, allegedly acting through local proxies. In a joint statement released Monday, the foreign ministers of more than two dozen Western countries condemned Iranian attacks on their territories through proxies or other means. “Anyone who conducts hostile activities on behalf of Iran, or any other state, should know that we will take action to identify, investigate, disrupt, and prosecute these acts,” the statement said.
MOORE SPORTS PREP FOOTBALL ROUNDUP
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Union Pines, Pinecrest post big victories North State Journal staff Pinecrest 35, Overhills 12: Pinecrest won its second straight game to move above .500 for the first time this season at 4-3 following a road win at Overhills. The Patriots scored the first 35 points of the game to roll. Quarterback Najee Gillis threw two touchdowns on 13-of-21 passing for 230 yards. Marquise McNair supplied the ground power, gaining 194 yards on 21 carries and scoring three touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown and finished with two catches for 22 yards. Carlos McLaughlin gained 152 yards on seven catches with a touchdown. Pinecrest hosts Pine Forest
at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Trojans are 3-4 but have lost three straight. The Patriots won a shootout in last year’s matchup, 57-30. Union Pines 49, Southern Lee 6: The Vikings continued to roll with a fifth straight win, the last four by 20-plus points and all five by double figures. Union Pines has strung together three straight 40-point outings. Vida Blue had a near-perfect night, completing 9 of 10 passes for 210 yards and four touchdowns. Terai Lottie scored on two of his four catches, gaining 93 yards. Jeremy Leone and Liam Hicks also caught touchdowns from Blue. Leone also scored on a punt return.
Adrian Colon rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown. Zane Maxwell also found the end zone on the ground. The Union Pines defense had eight tackles for loss, four sacks and five pass breakups to go with a pair of interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Union Pines is 6-1 and travels to Triton for a 7 p.m. Friday kickoff. The Hawks are 7-0 and have scored 40 three straight weeks as well, including a 49-20 win at Southern Lee. Union Pines won last year’s clash 56-0. North Moore (idle): North Moore had a week off to try to find answers. The Mustangs have opened the season 0-7, including a 36-8 loss at Jordan-Matthews two Fridays ago. North Moore ventures back into Chatham County this week with a game at Northwood. The Chargers are 3-4 and coming off a 56-22 win at Jordan-Matthews last week. Northwood beat North Moore 27-6 last season in one of its three wins on the season. The game kicks off at 7 p.m.
Lynn Yoxtheimer
Pinecrest’s defense has been silencing opposing offenses in recent weeks. COURTESY MAXPREPS
Union Pines, girls’ tennis
DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Lynn Yoxtheimer is a senior on the Union Pines girls’ tennis team. She has also played lacrosse for the Vikings. Yoxtheimer is unbeaten on the season in both singles and doubles, according to MaxPreps’ tennis results and stats. Last week, she swept to the Carolina Pines Conference championship, winning the conference tournament. She won her first-round match 8-0 over Harnett’s Krytal Ortiz, then beat West Johnston’s Delilah Gomez 8-3 in the second round. She added 8-3 wins over Southern Lee’s Julie Slowik in the semis and Southern Lee’s Quillen Petrarca in the championship match.
Knicks champion Towns opens up about grief for World Mental Health Day Athletes are getting more honest about the need for mental health care By James Pollard The Associated Press NEW YORK — Karl-Anthony Towns has been traded from Minnesota, lost the conference finals and won the NBA title for his childhood team — and still feels he is in the period of grief that began six years ago. Just 10 days before the New York Knicks’ banner-raising celebration, the All-Star big man marked World Mental Health Day by sharing his ongoing emotional journey following the death of his mother to complications from COVID-19. Entering the first game of this year’s NBA Finals, he said he felt “this very big calm” wash over him. He was taken back to amateur youth games with crowds so small he could spot his mom from anywhere. “I felt like it was kinda just me, her and the game of basketball,” he told the audience gathered by the nonprofit Project Healthy Minds. “I was able to be like an artist out there. I was able to have my paint brush and have a canvas with the court. And I was able to just paint a beautiful picture for her about the love I have for the game. The love I have to show the world because of her.” There was a time when he had lost that love for the game. Towns, whose bright smile became a constant image of the Knicks’ championship run, said basketball “felt hollow” after his mother’s death. “I didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore,” he said. But Towns found some solace in Arnie Kander, a well-known strength and wellness coach.
HEATHER KHALIFA / AP PHOTO
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns takes part in a discussion at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival. “Just to be heard, to be able to talk to someone you can trust, be able to really unload all that pain onto it and allow them to understand your feelings and articulate your feelings the right way, it makes life much lighter,” he said. “And I felt myself getting lighter every time we kept talking.” Project Healthy Minds hopes Towns’ example will inspire others to seek mental health care. The tech nonprofit runs a free online marketplace for finding therapy, psychiatry, support groups and other services. These sorts of conversations are growing more prev-
alent among athletes. DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love kick-started the conversation eight years ago when DeRozan tweeted about depression and Love then published a first-person essay about anxiety. Most players won’t feel that comfortable constantly telling their story. Mental health isn’t a topic of discussion in the locker room. But players are certainly more aware of its impact. Another panel featured former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall for a conversation about finding purpose outside of performance. Marshall,
a six-time Pro Bowl player who publicly shared his borderline personality disorder diagnosis in 2011, said therapy showed him how to “connect with his brain.” He even started taking his therapy sessions in the cafeteria to normalize it for others. Using sports to show emotional strength The sports focus offers a glimpse into Project Healthy Minds’ future programming. The nonprofit relies on cultural figures to introduce its platform to their audiences. It
“I didn’t know if I wanted to do it anymore.” Karl-Anthony Towns on playing basketball while grieving his mother partnered this summer with the Broadway play “Every Brilliant Thing,” a one-person show whose narrator — originally played by Daniel Radcliffe, then Mariska Hargitay and, finally, Tracee Ellis Ross — presents his struggling mother with a list of reasons to live. Soon-to-be-announced initiatives will lean further into sports as the nonprofit tries to inspire more communities to seek mental healthcare. With interest in women’s sports growing and live sports remaining a powerful convener in an otherwise fragmented media landscape, Project Healthy Minds CEO Phil Schermer finds that athletes are well suited to bring their message to the masses. Athletes, according to Schermer, also shape the American public’s notions of strength. It makes sense to him that they could then model that “it is strong to talk about your emotions.” The Knicks championship run became a rare moment of monoculture, Schermer suggested. The title chase also offered the in-person socialization that young people are demanding, according to Rachel Janfaza, the founder of the Gen Z research firm The Up and Up. Speaking with “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt and The TAG Movement CEO Alexa Arnold, Janfaza said young people used the Knicks and the World Cup to create the in-real-life community they missed during the pandemic. “We’re seeing this swing,” she said, “and it’s really incumbent upon schools and employers and anyone who has a vested interest in helping this generation thrive to actually celebrate this.”
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
obituaries
Michael Jarrell Oct. 10, 2026 Michael Jarrell, age 82, of Southern Pines, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at his home, with his wife by his side. Arrangements are incomplete.
Barbara Green
Linda Moon Allen
Lendon E. Spivey
Gloria Duer Johnson
Jan. 14, 1955 – Oct. 4, 2026
June 6, 1938 – Oct. 8, 2026
Jan. 23, 1929 – Oct. 3, 2026
In loving memory of Linda Allen Linda Allen lived a life with love, kindness and compassion. She deeply loved her husband David Allen, Son Keary Allen, daughter in law Susanne Allen, granddaughters Shelby Giguere, Casey Allen, Sister Judy Burroughs and many nieces and nephews. Linda Allen is preceded in death by her mother Margret Ellen Moon and sister Donna Lynch. Above all Linda had an extraordinary love for animals. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her memory to their local humane society.
Lendon Elton Spivey, a.k.a. “Mayor” and “Putnam Blue Bird,” age 88 of Carthage died Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Peak Resources after a brief period of declining health. Born at home in Putnam, he was one of 12 children born to the late John Calvin Madison Spivey and Sadie Brady Spivey on June 6, 1938. He joined the US Army at age 17 and served our country for four years. After returning home he worked in textiles and later operated two different gas stations before starting Spivey’s Garage and Wrecker Service in 1977. In 2008 he retired and turned the business over to his grandson Jasper. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Helen Britt Spivey; son Ricky Spivey; grandson Cooper Spivey; and 10 of his siblings. He is survived by his daughter Linda Spivey Taylor (Terry); son Johnny Spivey (Tara); daughter-in-law Sandra Spivey; sister Maxine Spivey Tippett; 11 grandchildren; and 15 greatgrandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Putnam Friends Church on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor James Brewer officiating. Burial will follow at the home. Services are entrusted to Fry & Prickett Funeral Home.
Gloria Duer Johnson, age 97, of Southern Pines, NC, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026. She was born on January 23, 1929 in Baltimore, Maryland to William and Elizabeth Duer. Gloria will be remembered for her quiet strength and devotion to her family. Her Williamsburg garden was enjoyed by all who visited her lovely home.
April 26, 1947 – Oct. 5, 2026 Barbara Oldham Green, 79, passed away Monday, October 5, 2026 at her residence. Barbara was a resident of Moore County, she worked at Moore Regional Hospital in Human Resources. She was retired, and loving her life with her family. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She is the daughter of Carl “Buck” and Lillian Seawell Oldham. Barbara was an avid UNC Tarheel fan, and loved collecting Santa Clauses of all different types. She is predeceased by her husband, Ernest Hoyt Green; son, Steven Hoyt Green; parents, Carl “Buck” and Lillian Seawell Oldham; and brother, Randy K. Oldham. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Tara C. Troublefield and husband Jay; grandsons, Jamal Logan Hoyt and Jalen Ernest Troublefield; sister, Jean Oldham Matthews and husband Billy; nieces and nephews; and cousins. A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 10,2026 at Cool Springs Cemetery in Glendon NC.
Garland Wayne Watson June 7, 1933 – Oct. 8, 2026 Garland Wayne Watson, age 93, of Vass, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. A visitation and viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 11:00am at Cox Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Full Military Honors. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army with over 20 years and served one tour in Vietnam. He loved meeting new people and never met a stranger always joking around with them. He especially enjoyed tinkering on cars. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed. Garland was born in Mississippi on June 7, 1933 to the late Samuel Green Watson and Ara Panell Watson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Watson, sister, Elsie Pearl, brother, Rufus Watson. In addition to his wife Jamie Watson, he is survived by his children, Brenda Kay of Vass, Patricia Ridgon of Arkansas, Samuel Watson of Carthage, Allen Watson of Florida, Barbara Poppa of West End; ten grandchildren, fifteen greatgrandchildren and three, greatgreat-grandchildren; brother, Thurman Watson of Mississippi.
Davene Roberts Patterson June 1, 1948 – Oct. 4, 2026 Davene Roberts Patterson, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at FirstHealth Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family. A private interment will be held at Bethesda Cemetery by her family.
Henry Nunnery July 27, 1941 – Oct. 8, 2026 William Henry Nunnery, 85, of Moore County, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Henry was born on July 27, 1941, in Moore County to Dan Bryant and Elsie Nall Nunnery. He was a hardworking man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and took pride in providing for his family and neighbors Henry loved hunting deer, turkey, and fox, and he especially enjoyed fishing from a very young age. Whether hunting in the woods or deep-sea fishing at the beach, he found great enjoyment in spending time outdoors. He also raised his own pigs and chickens, enjoyed fixin’ barbecue, and took pride in gardening and growing his own vegetables. When he had an abundance, he enjoyed giving to his neighbors. His love of the outdoors and country living was an important part of who he was. In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruby Jean Welch Nunnery, and his daughters, Teresa Jean Nunnery and Mary Ellen Nunnery. He is survived by his daughter, Sherrie Murphy, and her husband, Stephen, of Carthage; his granddaughter, Kaylee Murphy; his sister, Ruth Frye; his brothers, Johnny Nunnery and Chuck Nunnery; and his wife, Leta, all of Carthage. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Fry & Prickett Funeral Home. A private interment will be held by the family at a later date. Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Nunnery family.
She is survived by her son, Donald R. Johnson, Jr. (Brookie) to carry her legacy on. She also leaves behind her grandson, Matthew T. Johnson (Donna) and her great grandson, Brenden T. Johnson. Gloria was also loved and will be remembered by her step grandchildren- Mary Mac Hess and Andrew Stirling; as well as four great grandchildren, Jane Calvin, Alli Brooke and Stirling. She will be forever missed by her precious dog, Katie. A private service will be held at Moreland Memorial Park Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland where she will be buried beside her beloved husband, Donald R. Johnson, Sr., our “Pap”. Rest in Peace, “Nanny J”. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Moore County Humane Society, 5355 NC Highway 22 Carthage, NC 28327. Phone # 910-9472631. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
Katherine Ilene Kiser July 19, 1952 – Oct. 5, 2026 Katherine Ilene Kiser, age 74, of Carthage, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026 at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst surrounded by her loving family. Katherine was born in Moore County on July 19, 1952 to the late Edgar Woodrow Kiser and Ruth Whitaker Kiser. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by brothers, Harold Kiser, Dean Kiser and Phillip Kiser; twin brother and sister, Faye and Ray Kiser; former husband, Wayne Caddell and longtime partner, Richard. She is survived by her sons, Bruce Caddell of Carthage and his girlfriend Frances, Jason Caddell of Vass and James Kiser of Pinehurst and his girlfriend Chantel; brother, Maxwell Kiser of Raeford; grandchildren, Laci, Kevin and Michael. Katherine spent 35 years working as a switchboard operator at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. She loved her church, Emmanuel Baptist and she loved to sing. Her greatest joy though was spending time with her family, especially her grandkids as they affectionately called her “Mimi”. She was a loving mother and “Mimi” and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Katherine’s loving memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at https://www.stjude. org. Services will be held at a later date.
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Judy Sherman Barrenger March 7, 1941 – Oct. 9, 2026 Judy Sherman Barrenger, 85, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, passed away on October 9, 2026. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, and a talented woman whose life was filled with family, creativity, a love of animals and a passion for golf. Judy was born at home in Pleasant Valley, New York, to Francis Sherman and Elsie Martin Sherman. Her arrival was memorable from the very beginning, as a massive early spring snowstorm prevented her parents from making the trip to the hospital. Judy was the beloved wife of Robert A. Barrenger, surviving at home, and they enjoyed 67 years of married life. Judy was the proud mother of Mary Jane Barrenger, James (Patti) Barrenger, Suzanne Card, and Paul Barrenger. Whether it was a sporting event, a band concert, or a chorus performance, Judy never missed an opportunity to be there for her children. A woman of many talents, Judy had a creative spirit and gifted hands. She could draw and paint, sew, knit, crochet, and do woodworking; making things that reflected her creative skills. She also had a passion for golf and was an avid player who proudly achieved not one, but two holesin-one. Judy was a very successful credit and collections manager for several corporate entities. She loved her work and performed her duties with compassion and thoughtfulness. A lifelong lover of dogs, Judy had a special place in her heart for her “son” Dixie, our 5th sibling - who brought her much companionship and joy. A lifetime traveler Judy and Robert took more than 30 cruises. A favorite trip was the mule train ride down into the Grand Canyon. Many fond memories were made during travels both abroad and within the USA before and after her 2002 retirement. Judy was a proud grandmother to Heather, Jim, Jennifer, Jeffrey, Stephanie, Austin, and Jonathan, and a loving great-grandmother to all her great-grandchildren/Judy was predeceased by her parents, her sister Patricia KinsellaDingee, her brother, Francis John Sherman, her son-in-law, David Card and her daughter in law Kim Barrenger. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Peak Resources Pinelake and Liberty Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and dedication in keeping Judy safe and caring for her. Their support and care are deeply appreciated. Judy will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her many talents, her enthusiasm for life, and the love she showed through simply being there. Her presence will be missed, but the memories she leaves behind will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. There will be no funeral or memorial service at this time. The date for Judy’s celebration of life will be announced later. Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is serving the Barrenger family.
Charles Wilkie Sept. 24, 1940 – Oct. 5, 2026 Charles Wilkie, age 86, of Cameron, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2:00PM at Cox Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Vass with Pastor Phillip Haire officiating. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1:00PM-2:00PM. Burial will follow at YatesThagard Church Cemetery in Whispering Pines. Charles was born in Lee County on September 24, 1940, to the late David Aubrey Wilkie and Mary Alice Womble Wilkie. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Thelma Garner Wilkie; twin brother, Carl Wilkie and his wife Glenda Wilkie; sister, Frances W. Phillips and her husband Bucky Phillips; son-inlaw, Tony Patterson; maternal grandparents, Whitney Gordon Womble and Memma Frances Thomas Womble and paternal grandparents, William Vance Wilkie and Lenora Matthews Wilkie Utley He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Wilkie Patterson and grandsons, Justin Ryan Patterson and his wife Megan Lynne Patterson and Tony Patrick Patterson. Charles graduated from Greenwood High School and worked at Saco-Lowell for 14 years and then at Magneti Marelli for 24 years. He was a member of Rocky Fork Church. Charles loved antique cars and spent a lot of time going to numerous car shows and watching go cart racing.
Robert Louis Sullivan II Oct. 19, 1969 – Oct. 2, 2026 Robert Louis Sullivan, II, 56, passed away on October 2, 2026. Born on October 19, 1969 in Sumter, South Carolina to Robert and Harriet Sullivan. Robert found joy in the simple things in life. He loved spending time at Lake Tillery with good friends, good stories, and plenty of adventures. His Mustang was something he truly loved, and if you knew Robert, you probably knew he was rarely without a cold Mountain Dew in his hand. He enjoyed four-wheeling, riding his Jet ski, and making memories with the people he loved. Above all, Robert treasured his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren, who brought him so much happiness. His love for his family, his Mustang, his adventures, and his Mountain Dew will always be remembered. He will be deeply missed and forever loved. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert. In addition to his mother, Robert is survived by three children, Faith (Luke Christopher), Christopher and Alicia; one sister, Roberta “Lisa” Sullivan; grandchildren, Beau Christopher and Bentlee Christopher; also survived by many other family and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 2:00PM at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
Laraine F. Motta
John VanCleve Weller, Sr.
March 1, 1947 – Oct. 6, 2026
Dec. 15, 1936 – Oct. 3, 2026
Laraine F. Motta, 79, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026. She was born on March 1, 1947, to Frank Incremona and Sadie Rizzo Incremona. Laraine grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, where she began a life marked by determination, creativity, intelligence, and an appreciation for beauty in all its forms. She married the love of her life, Alfred “Al” Motta, Jr., on April 1st 1967, and together they settled in North Haledon, New Jersey, where they built their life and raised their family. Laraine worked as a secretary for a law office and later served as a court clerk in North Haledon. Always curious and committed to learning, she attended William Paterson University at the age of 40 and proudly earned her bachelor’s degree. All while raising two children and doing the bookkeeping for the family business, Motta Construction. Later on she developed and produced her own line of beauty products and marketed them under the “Green Leaf” brand of skin care, reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit and love of beauty and self-expression. In 2006, Laraine and Al retired to Whispering Pines, North Carolina, where she embraced her new community. She was an active member of the Whispering Pines Garden Club, “Whispers” social and philanthropic organization and volunteered at the local Thrift Shop. She enjoyed belonging to book clubs and mahjong groups, making friends and sharing laughter along the way. Laraine was an artist, an interior designer, and a fashion critic with an unmistakable eye for style. She had a strong presence and commanded respect, yet she also possessed a deep appreciation for the quiet beauty found in simple, everyday things. She could find something special where others might not look, and she brought that same thoughtful perspective to her home, her friendships, and her life. Above all, Laraine cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and adored grandmother and greatgrandmother. Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy, and the love she gave them will remain a lasting part of their lives. Laraine is survived by her beloved husband, Alfred “Al” Motta, Jr.; her children, Charese Motta-Payne, husband Jeff, and Donald Motta; her grandchildren, Devin, wife Taylor, and Jaysen; and her great-grandchildren, Luke and Madilyn. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Laraine leaves behind not only cherished memories, but also a legacy of love, determination, creativity, and an appreciation for a good housekeeper. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday October 12, 2026 at the Boles Funeral Home, 425 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Southern Pines. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Moore County Animal Shelter or to the Whispering Pines Garden Club. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines
John VanCleve Weller, Sr., of Southern Pines, North Carolina, died peacefully October 3, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by his family. He was a Christian man of extreme faith. An extraordinary husband and father, and a oneof-a-kind visionary who had a rare gift: he made everyone around him believe they were going to win, no matter what stood in front of them. Born December 15, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, to Weston and Betty Weller, he grew up playing stickball and basketball with his beloved big brother, Doug Weller. He was married to Vivien Daniello of forty-two years; and they raised two children together Jeannie Weller Irby and John VanCleve Weller, Jr. Theirs was a partnership built on loyalty, humor, adventure, art, and an unbridled zest for life. After Vivien’s passing, he married Hollie Forrester Weller and spent fourteen of the most beautiful years with her. Hollie was his partner, his joy, and one of the most remarkable women he had ever known. With her, he found a second great love, marked by the same loyalty, humor, and appetite for life that defined him. To his children, John Jr. and Jeannie, he was always there to comfort them and cheer them on through every battle. He taught them that strength and kindness belonged in the same sentence. In his work, he turned his ideas into designs and his designs into beautiful products that people loved. Colleagues remember a man who could walk into any challenge, tough situation, or long shot and leave the room convinced the thing could be done, and done well. He brought dreams, ideas, and people to life. He was the life of the party and the guy you wanted in the foxhole with you when things got tough. He was creative and humble when it was time to take credit. Friends say the highest compliment he paid was not flattery, it was his belief. Once he decided you could do something, he would not make it easy for you to believe anything different. He is survived by his wife, Hollie Forrester Weller; his children and spouses, John and Susan Weller and Ricky and Jeannie Irby; and his grandchildren, Meghan Irby and Danielle Hawks , Zachary Irby, Julieanne Irby Grabowski and Joe Grabowski, Walker and Sara Hutchinson; Mark and Jennifer Forrester, Peter Forrester, Hillary Forrester and seven grandchildren, one great grandchild and two on the way. Blessed by a wide circle of family and friends, he was preceded in death by his brother, Doug Weller, and by his first wife, Vivien Daniello Weller. John was a member of the Christ Fellowship Church in Southern Pines, NC. A celebration of life will be held at The Fellowship Church in Southern Pines, NC on Saturday, Oct 10, 2026 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests doing something that makes someone else feel that anything is possible and remind them to never, ever give up. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
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Justin McArthur Adcock Nov. 14, 1988 – Oct. 4, 2026 Justin M. Adcock, 37, of Bear Creek, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Justin was born November 14, 1988 to Angela Oldham Pearce and Harold Adcock Jr. in Lee County, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Jimmy Oldham and paternal grandfather Harold Adcock Sr. Justin, affectionately called Jo-Jo by his family, was known by everyone for his quiet kindness. His family and friends who knew him best knew how witty and intelligent he was. He loved the beach and going on vacation with his family. Justin had a lifelong passion for sports, and he was a huge supporter of his favorite team, the NC State Wolfpack. He played football and baseball all four years at North Moore High School, and he was a manager of the basketball team while he studied at Coastal Carolina University where he built lifelong friendships. His favorite baseball teams were the St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland A’s. In the NFL, he cheered on the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers. He never missed a Carolina Hurricanes game, and he loved NASCAR. Left to cherish Justin’s memory is his mother Angela Oldham Pearce and stepfather Mark Pearce; father Harold Adcock and stepmother Tena Adcock; Brother Ryan Adcock; Stepbrothers Matthew Pearce (Ashton), Nathan Pearce, and Austin Baum; Stepsisters Lela Baum, and Britani Baum; Grandmothers Judy Barber Oldham and Patricia Powers Martinez; multiple aunts and uncles; many cousins; and his loving family dog, Benny. Justin will be deeply missed by those who loved and knew him. Memorial service will be 3 PM, Friday October 9, 2026 at Kennedy Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 2 PM.
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@ northstatejournal.com
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North State Journal for Thursday, October 15, 2026
STATE & NATION
PVC pipes swept away by Hurricane Helene flooding still dominate cleanup of NC river The cleanup has consumed 50,000 work-hours and $1.5 million, with years of work still ahead
“We want to avoid that stuff sitting there forever and just slowly deteriorating and breaking into smaller and smaller pieces.”
By Tammy Webber and Allison Joyce The Associated Press WOODFIN — They’re piled on river banks, lodged in uprooted trees, embedded in sediment and jammed under logs. Many are tangled in mounds of debris up to two stories high. Two years after Hurricane Helene leveled forests, bulldozed houses and filled western North Carolina rivers with everything from cars to refrigerators, the work of cleaning up the debris goes on. And along the iconic French Broad River, known for its whitewater rapids, one item stands out among the rest: massive numbers of PVC pipes that washed away from a factory north of Asheville. “Just the amount of time and energy that we put into removing all this pipe is exhausting,” said Jon Stamper, operations director at MountainTrue, the nonprofit conducting cleanup on several rivers affected by Helene. “We still have stretches of river that haven’t been touched.” MountainTrue estimates its crews have pulled hundreds of thousands of pipes from the river — most of which went to landfills — with an untold number still littering the river for 70 miles (113 kilometers), to a large lake at the Tennessee border. Canada-based IPEX would not say how many pipes were stored at its Woodfin, North Carolina, site before the storm or share results of a company-funded study of how much remains in the river, calling the information “commercially sensitive.” Officials did say 60% of pipes stored outdoors at the site, sandwiched between railroad tracks and the river, were swept away in the 2024 flood, but most were recovered fairly quickly. But the company acknowledged that the remaining debris was significant and has agreed to pay MountainTrue $500,000 toward continued cleanup on the French Broad, which will allow the organization to continue working into next year. A $10 million state grant
Jon Stamper, MountainTrue operations director
ALLISON JOYCE / AP PHOTO
Workers from MountainTrue paddle IPEX PVC pipe they collected from the riverbank July 22 in Alexander. awarded to MountainTrue in 2025 to clean up debris in several western North Carolina rivers that was set to expire in December has been extended to February. The organization said there’s still a long way to go, and estimates that it’s spent 50,000 work-hours and over $1.5 million just on pipe removal, which is only in the French Broad. PVC pipe comprises 80% of the debris in some areas, according to MountainTrue, posing risks to rafters and kayakers, changing water flow and altering the ecosystem. “We understand the ongoing challenge,” IPEX CEO Colleen Pritchett said. “We recognize that ... recovery efforts are complex, they’re resource-intensive, and it’s constantly shaped by the river conditions.” Epic flood took everyone by surprise Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina in late September 2024, dumping more than 30 inches of rain in some areas, triggering landslides, toppling trees, pushing buildings off their foundations and choking waterways. At IPEX, an earthen berm was the only thing separating tall stacks of pipes from the French Broad River. Company officials said they expect-
ed a so-called 100-year flood — meaning it has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year — and moved pipes out of that flood zone. But the flooding from Helene was 10 times worse. “We secured the site as best we could and we sent people home a day before the flooding was expected,” said Johnny Drummond, vice president of manufacturing. He said the company did not anticipate a 1,000-year flood, which has a 1-in-1,000 chance of occurring. The company closed the factory for a couple of months afterward, with losses “well over $100 million,” Pritchett said. It since has invested over $100 million to repair and strengthen the buildings, and now is studying ways to contain the pipes in future floods — something MountainTrue had publicly urged for months. Though there’s much more than IPEX debris still in the waterways, the pipes are so ubiquitous that “there are places where you go that it makes up almost everything that we remove,” said Stamper, who formerly worked for a whitewater river outfitter and now oversees 10 cleanup crews totaling about 100 people — many of them former river or fishing guides who lost their livelihoods after the hurricane.
Removing the pipe is especially vexing because it binds with other debris and has embedded in the river bottom, where fish and other creatures have taken up residence inside. Stamper said he also worries about long-term environmental and health effects from the pipe, which can degrade and become brittle, leaving microplastics in the river. “We want to avoid that stuff sitting there forever and just slowly deteriorating and breaking into smaller and smaller pieces,” said Stamper. “Some of the pipe that’s been sitting out since Hurricane Helene that has been exposed to the sun all the time is getting to the point where you could crack it when you grab it.” Removing pipes tedious, sometimes dangerous Some of the pipes — both straight, rigid plastic and flexible coils that have unraveled — are under huge piles of tangled logs topped by other debris, often in mounds 20 feet (6 meters) high. Cleanup crews “just sort of picture it as a jungle gym” that they must climb and balance on as they clear the pile, said Jemima Filiss-Cook, who leads the cleanup in Madison County, where most of the pipe is concentrated.
She said many crew members were already cleaning up the river before MountainTrue hired them, as a way of “trauma bonding” over what had happened. They include avid outdoorspeople, including rock climbers, because the cleanup is “quite a tedious and technical process” that requires a comfort with the rigors of the job, said Anna Alsobrook, MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper. Crews saw longer pipes into smaller chunks, load them on a boat, then take it downstream to a landing spot where it’s loaded onto a truck. Almost all of the pipe goes to a landfill, though some in good condition are given to community members, because there are no good recycling options, MountainTrue said. “I truly don’t think anybody else could do this work except for our debris team members,” said Alsobrook, noting they must be able to navigate whitewater rapids with a boat full of pipes and saws. The first priority was removing pipes that could pose an immediate danger or entrapment hazard to tubers or kayakers, and much of the remaining debris stranded in flood plains and on banks, especially around riverbends and corners and vulnerable to being washed away in another flood, Stamper said. But it becomes apparent that many pipes are still in the river whenever the water levels change, he said. MountainTrue is applying for other grants to help extend its program after state and IPEX funding run out, Stamper said, because it could take years to remove all the debris. “We’re going to do our best as long as the funding allows,” he said. “But there’s going to be pipe out there that we can’t get ever.”