North State Journal Vol. 11 Issue 4

Imperfect storm

A person looks at the departure board with multiple ight cancellations at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Monday as a swath of storms caused travel chaos and canceled schools across the state. The system triggered tornado watch alerts in the Piedmont, but the storm was limited mostly to strong winds and rain.

Crockett con rms security team member killed by Dallas police

Dallas

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas con rmed that a man killed during a police stando in Dallas was a longtime member of her security team. Dallas police said Monday that Diamon Mazairre Robinson used the fake name “Mike King” for years. Police say he ran security businesses and hired o -duty o cers. Investigators say his real identity surfaced after Irving police agged a vehicle with stolen government plates. Police say Robinson ed a tra c stop on March 11 and later faced an hourslong stando in a hospital parking garage. O cers say they shot him after he stepped out and drew a handgun. Crockett says her team did not know about the alias.

Top counterterrorism o cial resigns over Iran war

Washington, D.C.

Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation Tuesday, citing concerns about the justi cation for military strikes in Iran and saying he “cannot in good conscience” back the Trump administration’s war. Kent, a former Green Beret and political candidate with connections to right-wing extremists, was con rmed last July on a 52-44 vote.

As head of the National Counterterrorism Center, he was in charge of an agency tasked with analyzing and detecting terrorist threats.

The leadership change at one of the nation’s top counterterrorism o ces comes at a time of heightened concern about terrorism following recent attacks at a Michigan synagogue and a Virginia university.

Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Schools had $15 million in o -the-books spending, according to an audit

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A new state audit report following up on nancial and budgetary issues in the Winston-Salem/

Forsyth County Schools district shows approximately $15 million in expenditures in scal year 2025 that were kept o the books until September 2025 and backdated to June 30, 2025.

The North Carolina O ce of the State Auditor (OSA) released the follow-up report on March 5, detailing Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools’ (WS/FCS) improper recording

The 12-page proposal appears to be a targeted minibudget

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein released a proposed $1.4 billion “critical needs budget” he says is needed to address urgent shortfalls in state operations amid the General Assembly’s budget stalemate. Released last Monday, the 12-page plan appears to be a mini-budget targeting speci c areas. The plan document shows $1.37 billion in speci c adjustments: $1.17 billion recurring and $200 million nonrecurring, primarily from the General Fund.

Stein said his plan prioritizes preventing service disruptions in health care, education, public safety and essential state functions, citing driving factors like persistent in ation, population growth of 326,000 residents

Education Department continues

The agency entered partnerships with the State and Health and Human Services departments

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The U.S. Department of Education recently announced two new partnerships with other federal agencies to help reduce the federal role in education and make programs run more smoothly. The agreements involve the State and Health and Human Services (HHS) departments, adding to several sim-

ilar deals made last November. The goal is to cut red tape, improve e ciency and move toward returning more control over education to states, as promised by President Donald Trump.

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the steps as practical ways to boost e ciency, coordination, school safety and accountability, putting students and families rst.

“As we continue to break up the federal education bureaucracy and return education to the states, our new partnerships with the State Department and HHS represent a practical step toward

“These e orts strengthen accountability and security in our education system.”

Linda McMahon, U.S. Education secretary

since 2023, rising costs and shifts in federal funding.

“North Carolina has gone nearly two and a half years without passing a new state budget — the only state in the country to nish 2025 without one,” Stein said in a press release. “While lawmakers work toward a full, scally responsible budget this spring, there are urgent needs facing our state right now like fully funding Medicaid and giving law enforcement, teachers, and other public servants a long-deserved pay raise. This budget invests in critical public safety, education and health care services for the people of North Carolina that cannot wait.”

Key elements of Stein’s plan include:

• $397 million (recurring) for teacher and instructional support raises; a 13% increase in starting pay to at least $49,518 including supplements • $319 million (recurring)

ERIK

the word | Does God really care?

It would be a bitter sorrow for the world if God did not care. Into countless homes and hearts it would bring the darkness of despair. The secret of hope in believing souls everywhere, is that God does care. This is one of the great truths God has been teaching through all the generations. The Bible presents it on every page. But does God really care? Does He care for us as individuals? Does He give personal thought to any of us — to you, to me — according to our condition? Does pain or trouble in us cause pity in His heart? Does God see the individual in the crowd? When you are passing through some great trouble, enduring pain or adversity — does God know it, and does He care?

We know how it is with our human friends. Love is individual. Its interest in us varies with our condition and our need. When we are happy and well, our friends love us and feel no anxiety concerning us. But let sickness come, or pain, or bitter disappointment — and their hearts are torn with sympathy. That is what it means to care. Is God less compassionate than men are?

A daughter had a bitter sorrow, a sore disappointment. The mother knew just what her daughter was passing through. Her love for her child entered into and shared all the child’s experience. The mother cared. Is there ever anything like this in the heart of God — as He looks upon His children and knows that they are su ering?

The Psalmist said, “I am poor and needy — yet the Lord thinks upon me!” There was wonderful comfort in that assurance. For one man, poor and needy, surrounded by dangers and with no human helper near, to be able to say, “Yet the Lord thinks upon me!” was to nd marvelous strength. Did God really care for him? And does God care for us, and think upon us, when we are poor and needy?

When we turn to the Bible, we nd on every page the revelation that God does care. The Old Testament is full of

“The

illustrations of this truth. Hagar was cast out into the wilderness, and God cared. “The Lord has heard your a iction,” was the message sent to comfort her. The Psalms likewise are lled with assurances of God’s personal interest in His people. Christ teaches the same truth. He assured His disciples that amid all the vast concerns of the universe, not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father, and that “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” God personally cares for the minutest a airs of our lives. His love is not merely a vague kindness toward the human race as a whole. It is

personal and individual, as the love of a mother for each one of her children.

The Shepherd calls His sheep by name. Paul took the love of Christ to himself as if he were the only one Christ loved: “He loved me — and gave Himself for me!” God’s love is personal. He cares for us — for me! He enters into all our individual experiences.

In a remarkable Old Testament passage, speaking of God’s love for His people, the prophet says: “In all their a iction He was a icted.” Isaiah 63:9. How could the care of God for His children be expressed more plainly? In their su erings, He was not indi erent. Their sorrows were not unnoticed. When they su ered, He was near in mercy and love. Whatever your need, your trial, your perplexity, your struggle may be — you may be sure that God knows and cares, and that when you come to Him with it, He will take time amid all His in nite a airs, to help you — as if He had nothing else in all the world to do. God cares. His love for each one of His children is so deep, so personal, so tender — that He has compassion on our every pain, every distress, every struggle. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:13. God is our Father, and His care is gentler than a human father’s, as His love exceeds human love. Much human care has no power to help. But when God cares — He helps omnipotently. When human friendship can give no relief, God will come. When no one in all the world cares, God cares. We may bring every burden to Him, for the apostle gives us this gracious word: “Cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares about you!” 1 Peter 5:7.

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. This is an edited version of his original essay.

Audit reveals nancial, administrative issues in Speed

The report found the Edgecombe County town mismanaged nances and fell victim to a foreign scam

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina O ce of the State Auditor released an investigative report on the town of Speed, highlighting several areas of noncompliance with state laws and nancial management practices.

The investigative audit was prompted by complaints alleging failures in maintaining accurate nancial records, oversight of funds, and adherence to open meetings and audit requirements. The investigation covered the period from Jan. 1, 2024, to Sept. 10, 2025.

Speed, located in Edgecombe County, has a population of 63 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The audit noted the town is included on the Local Government Commission’s (LGC) list of municipalities to monitor.

“The severity of the ndings included in this report cannot be ignored, but neither can the struggle of small North Caroli-

greater e ciency, stronger coordination, and meaningful improvement,” McMahon said in a press release.

“Foreign gift data reported by universities should be readily accessible to our top national security experts, allowing for proactive and decisive action to protect America’s critical interests, as this partnership with State enables. By leveraging HHS’s extensive emergency preparedness capabilities, we are creating a stronger foundation for supporting students and strengthening the safety of the school building.

“Together, these e orts strengthen accountability and security in our education system, ensuring it serves students and families above all else.”

O cials from State and HHS

na towns to rebuild from natural disasters,” State Auditor Dave Boliek wrote. “Ultimately this investigative report is a cautionary tale.

“While larger cities have more sta and resources, places like Speed have no such luxury. Nevertheless, large and small communities alike have to pay attention to nancial realities, trends, and everyday accounting.”

The audit’s main nding was the town failed to reconcile its nancial records in a timely and consistent manner. The lack of bookkeeping practices contributed to fraudulent activity that went undetected for several months.

A total of $3,507.15 in unauthorized charges was withdrawn from the town’s accounts. The expenditures involved taxpayer funds used for items such as gift cards, groceries and electronics.

Speci c examples included activity in 2024, when the town’s bank statements were sent twice to an address in Texas that was una liated with the town without the knowledge of the town clerk. The audit noted that this issue has “since been remedied.”

Additionally, between May 2024 and February 2025, $110.32 was fraudulently with-

echoed the focus on transparency in foreign funding and protecting children in schools.

“President Trump has been clear: Americans deserve transparency regarding foreign funding in American higher education,” said Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers. “This partnership gives the State Department additional tools and resources to make good on that promise while safeguarding the integrity of our academic institutions.”

“Nothing matters more than the safety of our children,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “HHS brings decades of frontline experience responding to crises and disasters, and we are putting that expertise directly into our schools. We will equip communities with the tools they need to protect stu-

“Ultimately this investigative report is a cautionary tale.” Dave Boliek, state auditor

drawn from the town’s checking account. During the same period, 41 unauthorized purchases totaling $3,396.83 were made from the town’s money market account. Many of the transactions involved food purchases, with one instance including the purchase of two American Express gift cards amounting to $413.76, including fees.

The O ce of the State Auditor (OSA) referred these transactions to the United States Attorney’s O ce for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Following the referral, the OSA concluded “the Town had fallen victim to a common foreign scam.” The report emphasized that the town’s inconsistent oversight allowed the activities to persist unnoticed.

Another nding addressed the town’s failure to maintain full and accurate minutes of its o cial business and meetings, as required by state law.

During the investigation,

dents, support teachers, and keep families safe.”

Under the partnership with the State Department, the agency will handle the system for tracking and reporting foreign gifts and funding to U.S. colleges and universities, as required under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, to make the process more accurate, transparent and secure.

The partnership with HHS focuses on family involvement and school support programs, such as those for school safety, emergency responses to violence, community schools and family engagement centers. HHS will help manage these, provide technical support and tie them into its experience with disaster response and preparedness, all while the Education Department keeps oversight.

auditors attempted to review meeting records for the specied period, but the records provided by the town were “unveri able.” The OSA noted the noncompliance undermined local government transparency and hindered the public’s ability to understand the town’s decisions and nancial transactions.

The report also determined that the town violated a state law that mandates that each unit of local government have its accounts audited annually.

The OSA’s audit found no evidence of completed annual audits for the relevant period.

Furthermore, the town failed to fully comply with a resolution adopted by the LGC requiring it to hire a public accountant to assist the nance o cer with their duties. The resolution was intended to address ongoing nancial management challenges.

The report also noted that during the investigation, auditors uncovered additional information not directly related to the original complaints but relevant for inclusion for public transparency.

In addition to the primary allegations, the investigation uncovered information about recommendations for the town’s future.

The LGC and the North Carolina League of Municipalities advised the town to voluntarily dissolve, and last October, Speed adopted a Resolution of Intent to Administratively Dissolve the town’s charter. According to the audit, the resolution gives the town until June 30 to complete the disbandment process. The report included several recommendations to address the identi ed issues.

First, the town should maintain accurate nancial records while exercising proper and consistent oversight of those records. Second, the town should reconcile its nancial records monthly to prevent further fraudulent activity.

It was also recommended that the town clerk receive remedial training on nancial management and operations, and until such training is completed, the town should employ a quali ed nance o cer to maintain its nancial records.

Finally, the audit suggested Speed should continue following the recommendations and guidance issued by the North Carolina League of Municipalities to disband by the June deadline, as well as following the steps to voluntarily disband in the town’s adopted resolution for dissolution.

WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PUBLIC DOMAIN

Good Shepherd” by Bernhard Plockhorst.

New group wants to propel NC as leader in blockchain, AI

NCB+AI was founded by

former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A new initiative is aimed at positioning North Carolina as a leader in the rapidly evolving worlds of blockchain and arti cial intelligence.

The NC Blockchain + AI Initiative (NCB+AI), founded by former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, is the state’s rst dedicated advocacy and educational organization for the cutting-edge industries.

Per its launch release, NCB+AI seeks to make North Carolina the top state in the nation for blockchain and AI through targeted policy advocacy, industry alignment and a uni ed voice in the General Assembly. The group will operate as a 501(c)6 organization.

Blockchain Association Executive Vice President Dan Spuller will be the chairman of the board. The Blockchain Association is currently the largest blockchain advocacy organization in the country.

Blockchain is a tamper-resistant, shared digital ledger that eliminates with a structure that makes it extremely hard to cheat, fake entries or change history with no single person/ company being fully in control of it. The board also includes General Counsel and Technolo -

gist Lyle Gravatt, ntech investor Eric Porper, national security and nancial crimes expert John Bridge, and media and technology entrepreneur Alej Navia. Additionally, Patrick Riley will serve as director of operations. NCB+AI’s e ort builds on the 2019 NC Blockchain Initiative (NCBI) launched by Forest, which was one of the country’s rst state-level task forces focused on blockchain technology, virtual assets, smart contracts and digital tokens.

That pioneering work helped position North Carolina as an early leader, including the 2016 passage of House Bill 289, which expanded the state’s Money Transmitters Act to cover bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies while exempting miners and certain software providers.

Forest, now a partner and senior government relations consultant at N.C. Capitol Strategies, calls NCB+AI “the next chapter.”

In an interview with North State Journal, Forest said the idea for the new initiative came from wanting to expand on

NCBI by bringing together “two emerging technologies that are kind of taking the world by storm right now.”

Forest said NCB+AI wants to address issues in the AI, crypto and blockchain space, which he said has been “really fragmented.”

“What we’re trying to do is be the uni ed voice where everybody can come and kind of have their voice heard,” said Forest. “And we can take note of that and do targeted advocacy for the things that everyone agrees on.”

Forest said their membership would be drawn from the relevant private sector industries. He said advocacy will focus on the General Assembly but also the county level “because counties are dealing with a lot of this energy usage conversation right now” around AI data centers and related technology energy consumption.

“And then we’re going to also be an education organization for all those and the general public as well,” Forest said, adding NCB+AI wants to get around the “fear factor” surrounding these topics and start “having con-

versations about the innovation that’s going to be generated from this and kind of move.”

Riley added that NCB+AI’s education activities will include roundtables around the state as well as advocacy days of action.

Underscoring the potential uses for blockchain, Forest used the example of permitting processes at di erent agencies, such as getting a license from the Division of Motor Vehicles.

“This is a great place for the blockchain ledger to work and standardize it, make it instantaneous where, if you’ve checked all the boxes on your form, then you should instantaneously get that permit for that thing rather than sitting on a bureaucrat’s desk for ages,” said Forest.

Among priorities for NCB+AI is support for the federal Genius Act for stablecoins, establishing a state ntech sandbox, reforming data center permitting and developing a comprehensive blockchain-AI legislative blueprint. The Genius Act creates a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, requiring one-for-one backing by liquid assets and oversight to ensure consumer protection and nancial stability.

Spuller, who served as co-chair of the original NCBI, afrmed a focus on stablecoin.

“We’re going to focus very strongly on stablecoin legislation, which is a very important topic right now,” Spuller said. “It needs to be addressed, and it needs to be fairly treated.”

Spuller also said prediction markets and event contracts would be key issues.

“That’s a very, very important topic right now that we’re seeing nationally,” he said. “Anything related to improving e ciencies and helping state government improve their e orts through

Rocky Mount on ‘brink of nancial collapse’

A state audit found the city’s cash and investment balances plunged 78% amid a spending surge while revenues fell 2%

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A new performance audit report says the city of Rocky Mount is on the “brink of nancial collapse.”

The audit, released by the Ofce of the State Auditor (OSA) on March 9, says that poor personnel decisions and signi cant unchecked overspending by the former city manager drove the city to severe nancial distress between scal years 2023 and 2025.

“OSA’s audit of Rocky Mount has uncovered serious nancial failures, which culminate with an astonishing 78% decline in the city’s cash and investment balances in just two years,” State Auditor Dave Boliek said in a press release. “From the lack of due diligence in hiring the former City Manager, to cycling through ve Finance Department directors, it’s clear that Rocky Mount has not been

of the $15 million, among other issues.

The follow-up Rapid Response Special Report builds on an initial August 2025 audit that uncovered a $46 million budget de cit stemming from mismanagement of $75 million in COVID-era federal funds, unreconciled budgets and inadequate internal controls.

“Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools remains far from having healthy budgeting practices in place,” State Auditor Dave Boliek said in a press release. ”Approximately $15 million in expenditures were not properly recorded for months, and the school system yet again failed to complete monthly reconciliations.

“Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is one of the largest school districts in North Carolina. The additional ndings of nancial misconduct the team uncovered in our follow-up show a failure to keep their

serious about resolving itsnancial issues.”

In addition to the performance report, the OSA issued an investigative special report titled “City of Rocky Mount Comprehensive Plan.”

According to the audit and press release, the city’s cash and investment balances plummeted 78%, from approximately $100 million in August 2023 to $21.8 million in August 2025. That drop occurred amid surging expenditures, including a 27% rise in employee compensation and a 153% increase in capital purchases in scal year 2024 while revenues declined by 2%.

Key examples of overspending included $17.2 million spent

books straight. Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Schools owes parents, teachers, and students accountability.” In the transmittal letter included in the follow-up report, Boliek called the $15 million kept o the books “most concerning.”

Overall, the OSA’s latest report concludes that WS/FCS has not made signi cant progress in addressing nancial issues, with persistent failures in basic accounting duties.

“Our updated engagement discovered that in addition to our initial ndings, WS/FCS overspent State Public School Fund allotments (and) understated expenditures,” the report states, also noting it “once again did not perform accurate and reliable monthly budget-to-actual reconciliations.”

The report highlighted three other key ndings, underscoring weaknesses in budgeting, accounting and oversight.

First, WS/FCS incurred significant overdrafts in State Public

on land for a proposed casino and entertainment complex that never materialized, $11.2 million on Fire Station No. 2 redevelopment that was cited as nearly triple the original estimate, $6.8 million on a vehicle eet lease, and $6.6 million on equipment such as re trucks and heavy machinery.

“The citizens of Rocky Mount were right to worry about their city and the nancial condition of the City of Rocky Mount,” Boliek said during a press event last Monday.

The audit highlighted the hiring of the former city manager as a “stretch candidate” despite red ags from his prior role in Dumfries, Virginia, where

School Fund (SPSF) allotments from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

In September 2024, the Finance O ce transferred $16.99 million from the Non-Instructional Support Program (PRC- 003) to the Restart Schools Program, exceeding PRC-003’s available balance of $13.92 million and creating an immediate overdraft.

The overdraft grew to $11.34 million by April 2025, and the transfer was not recorded in the accounting system until January 2025, which the report says allowed continued overspending based on inaccurate fund availability. The WS/FCS Board of Education retroactively approved the transfer on March 25, 2025, without verifying balances, in e ect ratifying the overdraft that had persisted for six months.

DPI agged the issue, but its system lacked automated checks, permitting the negative balance to compound until late in the scal year.

this technology is a priority for us, like it was during the task force era.”

Spuller explained that when President Donald Trump signed the Genius Act into law, it “legalized and provided regulations for stablecoins” and provided both federal and state routes for stablecoin issues.

“So it’s now up to every state to create stablecoin frameworks for their state, and these states are o to the races,” said Spuller, citing Florida as having passed legislation last week, as well as Wyoming. “We want North Carolina to be a leader in this based on our strong history of nancial services.

“I think the big angle, from my perspective, is this group wants to be the uni ed voice for the blockchain and AI industry in North Carolina from an industry business standpoint and then from a policy standpoint.”

The timing of the launch follows Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, establishing its U.S. dollar-backed USAT stablecoin operations in Charlotte, with former Trump crypto adviser Bo Hines at the helm.

NCB+AI’s launch comes amid broader state and federal shifts toward crypto-friendly policies.

State Treasurer Brad Briner, who has expressed interest in digital currencies, would likely be a part of the conversation, with Spuller noting Briner’s ofce “is very forward thinking.” North Carolina was already ahead of the curve with SL 2024-48 (House Bill 690), banning state agencies from accepting central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in line with Trump’s 2025 executive order. The law was enacted after overriding former Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto, which called the move “premature.”

balances for two years. And the fact is there were none in Rocky Mount.

“This mess is unfortunately costing local residents, who have experienced an uptick in their utility bills. My o ce has heard the overwhelming public concern and interest in this investigation, and I want to thank all those who have provided us with tips and information on this audit.”

Additional issues included high turnover with ve Finance Department directors during the period and an unauthorized $795,500 consulting contract, of which $385,610 was paid before termination.

he oversaw a $1 million budget overspend, along with failures by the city council to provide adequate scrutiny, such as approving budgets without detailed data, missing audit deadlines and allowing attempts to bypass approvals.

“What we found was a former city manager in charge of everything from carrying out policies and ordinances to managing day-to-day operations who went unchecked and was held unaccountable for years,” said Boliek. “He was hired without due diligence. While he was employed, the city council failed to e ectively monitor the signicant overspending taking place, and this is a story of checks and

Recommendations by the OSA on the overdraft nding include implementing automated fund availability checks, adopting policies against decit-creating transfers and coordinating with DPI for accurate records.

Second, WS/FCS failed to perform monthly reconciliations of budgeted versus actual revenues and expenditures, repeating a de ciency found in the August 2025 audit. The current report says this failure inhibited timely variance detection and corrective actions, and the OSA recommended preparing monthly reconciliations by revenue source to make sure they are current, as well as implementing documented reviews with traceable schedules.

Third, the board authorized a zero-interest internal loan of up to $6 million from the federally funded Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) on June 11, 2025, to cover cash shortfalls. Only $2 million was borrowed; an addendum added interest and a June 30,

In response, the city has paused projects, eliminated 86 full-time positions, cut part-time sta ng, and increased property taxes and utility rates, raising typical household monthly bills by about $20 for natural gas and $8 for electricity.

During the press event, Boliek also said the OSA is still engaged with the city and is looking at purchase card transactions, which will be in a subsequent report, and utilities in Rocky Mount as part of an information systems audit.

“I’d like to be able to say that the city of Rocky Mount is on the right path, but I’m not in a position to say that today,” Boliek said.

2026, repayment schedule. The OSA’s report says the agreement lacked terms for interest, repayment or penalties, raising compliance risks under federal and state guidelines, and it recommended amending the agreement to con rm the principal, include interest and schedules and secure the board’s approval. In its response, WS/FCS acknowledged all ndings and outlined corrective actions, including launching the Tyler ERP system in July 2025 for fund checks, reinstating monthly reconciliations since August 2025, developing standard operating procedures by July 2026 and hiring key nance roles. The district emphasized transparency through a corrective action tracking document and an established community portal, noting a balanced FY 2026 budget and reductions in force to improve cash ow. Additionally, the response referred to WS/FCS’s “observations and recommendations” report from Dec. 31, 2025.

COURTESY ROCKY MOUNT

A state audit of Rocky Mount found several nancial issues in city government.

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Something’s happening here …

STEPHEN STILLS wrote “For What It Is Worth” in 1967 for his band, “Bu alo Spring eld.” Hardly anyone can remember the title of the song, but they sure can remember the opening line.

“There’s something happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear.”

and the children we hope to have one day.”

closing throughout history. The problem is no one in the past ever knew for sure if they or their ideas and forms of government or religious beliefs would pass through the history door and succeed on the other side.

Is America going through one of those “hinges” in history right now?

I was talking recently with a young man far more liberal than me when he sprung this surprise on me: “Guess what, Mr. Hill, I am joining naval intelligence!”

After years of hearing young Democrats talk about how bad America is and how much they hated Donald Trump, I could have been knocked over by a feather after hearing this news, especially in the wake of the American/Israeli attacks on Iran.

He said his father came to the United States after ghting the communist takeover in South Vietnam and met his mother, whose father also fought with the Americans for South Vietnamese freedom. They were granted naturalized citizenship status due to legislation passed by Congress. They knew rsthand what the communist regime would bring to South Vietnam and taught their children how unique and important American freedom was and would be to their lives.

“My parents taught me to be a patriot,” he went on to say. “I see this time as one in which I can bring my computer and technical experience and education to bear on something that is very important not only to my state and nation but to my wife

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

There’s always a time when the placid utopian dreams of youth get challenged by the realities of life. It seems like that time is now for millions of millennials and Gen Zers as they face the challenges of raising a family, buying a home, starting a business or keeping their job, and deciding what type of nation in which they want to live to be able to do all they want to do in this life to the fullest of their ability.

At a time when so many young people are so vocal about their hatred of America and basic American values such as the rule of law, his comments brought up a well of gratitude and emotion in me that was unexpected and warmly welcomed and received. It also reminded me of the dozens of young men we know who are now serving in the military somewhere around the world, sons of people we know well, each of whom voluntarily joined the military out of a sense of personal patriotism and sense of duty for the future of this country.

So all is not lost, despite what we may see on the daily news and on social media. These young people who are serving in the military today are true heroes and will be viewed as such by future generations who will thank them for their honorable service.

Thomas Cahill wrote a series of books he called “The Hinges of History” in which he examined the impact of various cultures on human development and progress. “Hinges” connotes the sense of doors opening and

The DHS funding stando in light of recent terror attacks

Democrats need to decide where they stand: with criminal illegal immigrants or giving DHS the funding it needs. They taught their children how unique and important American freedom was and would be to their lives.

AS OF THIS WRITING, there have been four terrorist attacks in the United States over the last two weeks, and they’ve all shared some commonalities.

On March 1, there was a suspected terrorist attack at an Austin, Texas, bar, carried out by a man named Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized American citizen from Senegal, who killed three people and injured 15 more before being shot and killed by police. He was said to be wearing a sweatshirt that read “Property of Allah” and a T-shirt underneath with an Iranian ag design on it. He also reportedly had a Quran inside his vehicle.

On March 7, there was an attempted terrorist attack outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. The mansion is the o cial mayoral residence, and there was a “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” protest being held outside against the city’s anti-Israel mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who was sworn in on the Islamic Quran and describes himself as a Shia Muslim.

Two adult teenagers crossed the border from Pennsylvania into New York and attended a counterprotest where they allegedly proceeded to throw explosive devices into the crowd of anti-Mamdani protesters. Their names are Emir Balat (Turkish-American) and Ibrahim Kayumi (Afghan-American), and the DOJ alleges “they were acting in support of ISIS, a

designated foreign terrorist organization.” They allegedly wanted to kill more people than the Boston Marathon bombers did. Three people were killed and hundreds injured in that 2013 terrorist attack. One of the bombers “told federal agents that he and his brother were motivated by extremist Islamic beliefs,” The New York Times reported.

Last Thursday, there were two attacks on the same day. There was one at Old Dominion University in Virginia, where Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, an ISIS-sympathizing naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone, yelled “Allahu Akbar” before opening re on an ROTC classroom, killing the professor and injuring two students before being taken down by unarmed students who “rendered him no longer alive,” the FBI noted.

In Michigan, there was a terrorist attack involving a ri e-wielding madman who crashed his car into a synagogue in a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community,” according to the FBI.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a Lebanese national, eventually took his own life in the attack after his vehicle caught re and security o cers engaged him. Thankfully, the 140 children at the synagogue’s day care center, and clergy and sta ers, were unharmed.

Not only is this a question for the younger generations of Americans, but it is a challenge for every older American to answer as well. Is the America we inherited from our forefathers and parents the America we are going to be able to pass on to our children and grandchildren?

Not all of us can join the military as my young friend is doing. However, each of us can determine the shape of the government that will mold the future by how we vote in the coming election and by which candidate and party we support with our money and participation. Representative democracy is not a passive endeavor like watching owers grow in a meadow. It requires a lot of guts and courage, and a willingness to engage and educate those who have been force-fed the lie that America is the worst civilization the world has ever known.

Just ask anyone who has lived under or fought communist regimes or experienced the oppression of the radical Islamist clerics now removed from Iran — they will tell a much di erent story. Perhaps they will be the leaders who will help shape America’s future once we pass through this hinge in history.

Ghazali had family members who were killed in a recent Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, as reported by NBC News. At least one of the family members was a commander for the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorists, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

As all of this has been playing out, Congressional Democrats have refused to back down on the partial government shutdown, which has primarily impacted the Department of Homeland Security — the agency charged with protecting the homeland against threats foreign and domestic.

The reason they’re holding up funding is that they have “concerns” about federal immigration enforcement operations, which is code for Democrats wanting to protect criminal illegal immigrants from being deported.

Because of this stando , DHS is only partially funded, which leaves the United States more vulnerable to the exact type of Islamist-inspired attacks we’ve seen play out in recent weeks on our soil.

Democrats need to decide where they stand: with criminal illegal immigrants or giving DHS the funding it needs to help protect American citizens from increasing instances of terroristic threats and attacks. That they continue to hold out even in the face of such incidents tells us a lot about them, with none of it being good.

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

Roy Cooper betrayed North Carolina’s women athletes

We need leaders who ght for the thousands of girls who pour their sweat, blood and bones into hard-earned opportunities.

AS WE CELEBRATE Women’s History Month, it’s more important than ever that North Carolina’s next U.S. senator stands with women and girl athletes. I know rsthand what’s at stake when our leaders allow biological males to compete in female athletics. Four years ago, in Cherokee County, I was knocked unconscious during my high school volleyball game when a spike from a biological male competing on a girls’ team hit me in the head. I su ered a concussion, ongoing vision problems, partial paralysis on my right side, headaches, anxiety and depression that I still live with today. That injury forever changed my life.

We need leaders who ght for the thousands of girls who pour their sweat, blood and bones into hard-earned opportunities. This is about safety, fairness and preserving the integrity of women’s sports.

But Roy Cooper betrayed North Carolina’s women athletes. As governor, Cooper vetoed House Bill 574, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. I testi ed before the General Assembly telling my story and advocating for this commonsense legislation that would have simply ensured that girls compete against girls. Instead, Cooper dismissed the concerns of female athletes and our families, calling the bill a “solution in search of a problem,” despite the very real physical harm experienced by women like me. Don’t forget, Cooper also championed policies allowing biological males into women’s locker rooms and bathrooms. Now, Cooper is asking North Carolinians to give him a promotion to the United States Senate, and we must retire him permanently.

Thankfully, not every leader is willing to ignore women and girls. Last year, President Donald Trump honored me during his joint address to Congress, sharing my story with the nation and shining a light on what female athletes are facing across the country. That moment proved that our voices are nally being heard. President Trump has been clear and unapologetic: women’s sports deserve protection, and fairness should never be sacri ced for a political agenda.

Then-Gov. Cooper bent his knee to far-left activists who don’t represent North Carolina’s values. He rejected the safety and dignity of women who have dedicated themselves to their sports and he would do so again if elected to the U.S. Senate.

Career politicians like Cooper would rather make excuses than face reality. They would rather protect ideology than defend women’s rights. And in doing so, they abandon the very athletes they claim to support.

This isn’t about hate. It’s about ensuring North Carolina’s women athletes should never have to stand where I stand, permanently sidelined by an injury that could have been prevented with clear, commonsense protections. Female athletes across North Carolina — and every young woman who dares to pursue her sporting dreams — deserve leaders who ght for them.

If my experience can help prevent another girl from su ering like I did, then it’s a story worth telling. And it’s a ght worth ghting.

Payton McNabb is a Women’s Forum ambassador.

COLUMN | SCOTT POWELL AND ANN MCLEAN

If Virginia is for lovers, there is no place for tyrants

Spanberger’s antiAmerican radicalism was revealed by an executive order to prevent law enforcement from cooperating with (ICE).

VIRGINIA, THE CRADLE of American liberty, easily recognized by its place and role in American history, also has more historic sites (130 in all) than any other state. This historic prominence is why this “founding” state is targeted for total transformation. This appears to be the mission of the newly elected Virginia governor, Abigail Spanberger, who campaigned as a moderate but revealed within 24 hours of being inaugurated that she is a radical wolf in sheep’s clothing. In the 5,500-odd years of recorded human history, there was never true freedom in any nation-state until the United States was founded. The great Virginian Patrick Henry, known for his proclamation, “Give me liberty or give me death,” was extraordinarily sanguine about what it takes to maintain a free nation. In 1788, after the Constitution was drafted but not yet rati ed by the 13 states, Henry said, “Guard with jealous attention the public liberty (and) suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up force, you are inevitably ruined.” There is a tendency for free things to be taken for granted. Liberty — an unalienable right from God rst realized politically by Americans — is too easily assumed to be an entitlement and subsequently taken for granted and lost. And so it may be that God wanted to reveal His presence and blessing on the rst country in human history founded on His ideals by way of miracles associated with the sacred idea of freedom and the Constitution designed to codify and protect freedom that came from the Founders who made it all happen.

The rst U.S. president, George Washington, was extraordinarily prescient when he warned in his farewell address that factionalism would divide the nation, provoke riots, and invite foreign in uence, and even destroy the republic by fostering a “spirit of revenge,” enabling “cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men” to seize power. All of which is an apt description of the current political dysfunction on display in our government because of hyperpartisanship.

Spanberger’s anti-American radicalism has been clearly revealed in her de facto actions to make Virginia a sanctuary state by signing an executive order on her rst day in o ce to prevent law enforcement from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Now, when liberal judges turn loose criminals who are also illegal aliens in Virginia, they will be released onto the streets instead of being returned to their home countries through the Department of Homeland Security.

Since her inauguration, Spanberger has

shown derision for the customs, culture and ideas cherished by Virginians. She supports transgenders in female sports and made hyperpartisan attacks on Virginia’s educational institutions, notably the storied 187-year-old Virginia Military Institute (VMI) — considered the West Point of the South — with an attempt to eliminate the autonomy of VMI by putting it under the control of Virginia State University — a move that would demoralize students and undermine the integrity of VMI.

With assurance of Spanberger’s support, Virginia Democrats have rolled out a dizzying array of some 50 bills that penalize Virginia residents for everyday activities in the form of sales taxes and levies on Amazon deliveries, Uber Eats, storage facilities, gas-powered leaf blowers, concert tickets and hotels, fairs, sports events, festivals, home improvements, house painting, gun ownership and gymnasium memberships. Spanberger has proposed taxes on dog walking and grooming, dry cleaning, barber shops, package deliveries and electric landscaping equipment. She even proposed a per-mile driving tax.

In conclusion, despite the strong leadership of the Trump presidency, it’s the observation of many that a sweeping, red-green color revolution continues apace in many states and cities. What stands in the way of the completion of this domestic revolution are the Biblical truths and Judeo-Christian values that still reside in our culture, as well as the written word of documents conceived by Virginians: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

America’s enemies know they cannot win on the battle eld of ideas because truth triumphs over falsehood. The subversives’ method of operation is to use deception and elite capture to take power in select cities and states, and then transform America piecemeal, through a largely dumbed-down culture, using Marxist tools of demoralization and division.

Historic Virginia needs to be protected and preserved lest it become the kingpin of the strike that can take down other states and the country.

“Virginia is for Lovers” has been an iconic and endearing tourism slogan for the last 50 years, but it is time for Virginians to rediscover their original state motto, conceived in 1776, “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” a Latin phrase meaning “Thus Always to Tyrants.”

Scott S. Powell is a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute and author of “Rediscovering America.” Ann H. McLean, a UVA Ph.D., serves on the Je erson Council, the Virginia Council and the Republic of Virginia preservation groups.

When ‘Islamophobia’ becomes a license to lie

IT WAS RECENTLY reported that the wife of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Rama Duwaji, had liked Instagram posts celebrating the mass murder of more than 1,200 innocent Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, 2023, and other similarly themed posts, including one calling the rape of women on that day a “hoax.”

Duwaji liked her posts before Israel had retaliated against Hamas. Not a single Israeli soldier was on Gazan soil when the future New York mayor’s wife was celebrating the “collective liberation” of “Palestine” and liking posts calling for the Jews to be displaced from the “river to the sea.”

Mamdani contends his wife is a “private” person, and her bloodlust doesn’t re ect his own positions. A trove of evidence strongly suggests otherwise, I’m afraid.

Even so, the mayor is the rising star in media and Democratic Party political circles. His wife was the focus of scores of glowing pu pieces during and after his campaign. One recent New York Times feature, headlined “The Complicated Politics of Rama Duwaji’s Style,” celebrated the New York rst lady’s ascent into the “spotlight.” If you pose for magazine photos, give interviews and o er political opinions on social media, your positions are fair game for the public to scrutinize. You are not a “private person.”

Nor are Duwaji’s politics “complicated,” a well-worn left-wing media euphemism for extremist views that are allegedly too nuanced for the proles to understand without layers of “context” from journalists.

When the mayor stood up for his wife, The New York Times reported that “Mamdani Defends Wife Amid Criticism of Her Support for the Palestinian Cause.” This is either a lie by omission or the editors believe that “Palestinian cause” entails hunting down terri ed, unarmed young women and then murdering them. Considering its coverage over the years, it might well be both.

The Duwaji story isn’t Watergate, but it’s a good example of establishment media doing everything in their power not to appear “Islamophobic,” including smothering the truth.

The late Christopher Hitchens once argued that the “stupid neologism” of “Islamophobia” was aimed “to promote criticism of Islam to the gallery of special o enses associated with racism.” And for years, merely pointing out factual, inconvenient truths about some Muslims or Islamic governments and leaders has been cynically cast as “Islamophobia.”

Journalism’s core mission is to report and synthesize events to tell people the truth in clear language. Does anyone believe this New York Times headline reporting on two alleged Islamic State group-inspired terrorists throwing homemade bombs at peaceful protests accomplishes that job? “Smoking Jars of Metal and Fuses Thrown at Protest Near Mayor’s House.”

The subhead, no less vague, informs readers that “six people were arrested after anti-Islamic protesters led by the right-wing activist Jake Lang clashed with counter protesters near Gracie Mansion.”

Those “smoking jars of metal and fuses,” more familiarly known as improvised explosive devices or “bombs,” were constructed and allegedly thrown by two budding Islamic terrorists.

The New York Times is hardly alone in obfuscating the event. An unsuspecting left-wing CNN reader could easily have walked away with the impression that wide-eyed innocent children had merely stumbled upon the scene of the anti-Muslim protest, provoking them to assemble nail bombs and throw them.

“Two Pennsylvania teenagers crossed into New York City Saturday morning for what could’ve been a normal day enjoying the city during abnormally warm weather,” CNN’s since-rewritten story began. This isn’t merely bias. It’s anti-journalism — reporting that literally leads the reader away from the truth.

It’s also unsurprising. Recall that many outlets could barely get themselves to o er the unvarnished truth about the head Islamic State group warlord, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

After the death of Hezbollah terrorist leader Hassan Nasrallah, The New York Times heralded him as a “revolutionary religious leader” and “powerful orator, beloved by Shi’ite Muslims” who helped “provide social services for Lebanon.”

Perhaps the pinnacle of this demented genre appeared in The Economist this week in the guise of an obituary of the late supreme leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei. The magazine chose to tell us that Khamenei believed that he had “divine right on his side” and had “countless reasons to hate the West,” especially the United States, the tip of a “phalanx of morally corrupt countries.”

This is a stylistic choice no editor would ever make to the obituary of a fascist — or even a Republican.

BE IN TOUCH

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

Islamists are often given a special dispensation from Western moral standards by the media. People, of course, should be judged as individuals. But “Islamophobia” attempts to transform criticism of a political philosophy into an act of racism. It has long been meant to chill speech. These days, it has been internalized so deeply by the left that it is used to destroy truth as well.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner, a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Murphy to Manteo

Here comes the pollen

North Carolina is currently entering the early stages of its spring pollen season, with tree pollen emerging as the dominant allergen across much of the state. Recent monitoring data from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality shows moderate tree pollen levels in central areas such as Raleigh, while grass and weed pollen remain low or absent. The rise in pollen has been driven largely by unseasonably warm weather in early March, which has caused trees to bud and release pollen earlier than usual. These warmer conditions have accelerated the start of allergy season across the state. Currently, the main pollen sources include juniper, cedar, birch, maple, elm, and ash trees, particularly in the Piedmont region. Local forecasts report medium-to-high pollen index values, meaning people sensitive to seasonal allergies may already be experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and throat irritation. Although pollen levels are noticeable now, the season is still in its early phase. Tree pollen typically peaks in late March and early April, and the visible yellow pine pollen common in North Carolina usually appears later in the spring. Grass pollen and other allergens generally increase by mid-April, extending allergy season further into the summer.

Approximate NC pollen map pattern right now

Mountains (Asheville/Boone)

Piedmont (Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh) Moderate – High spikes Tree pollen

Coastal plain (Wilmington/Outer Banks) Low – Moderate Mixed early tree pollen

PIEDMONT

Teen run over by school bus, su ers broken legs

Guilford County

8 has turned himself in, according to police. The Asheville Police Department reported in a Monday news release that Calobe Leo Workman, 19, turned himself in after he was accused of shooting and injuring nine people in downtown Asheville. All the injuries were minor, according to police, and all nine people were treated and released. Workman was charged with felony discharge of a rearm from an enclosure to incite fears in the North Lexington Avenue incident and was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under no bond. According to police, o cers responded to the reports of gunshots in the 100 block of North Lexington Avenue overnight on March 8. Police said o cers located multiple injured people among a large crowd eeing the scene and began to render aid until the arrival of emergency medical personnel.

WLOS

A 16-year-old was injured after being hit by a school bus in Greensboro last week. Guilford EMS responded to a call of a crash involving a pedestrian in the area of Edgemont Road and Spring Mill Road, which is o Liberty Road in Greensboro. Just after 9 a.m., a student missed his bus and ran after it but slipped, fell and was run over by the bus, troopers said. His injuries are not lifethreatening, but his legs were broken. As of the weekend, the teen was alert and recovering.

WGHP

Stein orders ags lowered to honor fallen o cer

Forsyth County

All U.S. and North Carolina ags at state facilities were lowered to half-sta Monday from sunrise to sunset to honor Forsyth County Deputy Sheri Kaleb Mitchell, who died in a crash while on duty March 7. Mitchell, 24, served with the Forsyth County Sheri ’s O ce as well as the King Police Department. He is survived by his wife, his 2-year-old son and a daughter on the way.

NSJ

Fire ghters walk out due to board’s termination of chief Yadkin County Several volunteer re ghters walked o the job after disagreements with their board of directors last week during the Boonville Volunteer Fire Department’s meeting. According to reports, some re ghters said the action was in response to a termination letter former Chief Randy Renegar was given by the board of directors. It reads in part: “Over a period of time, the board has attempted to address concerns with you regarding leadership direction, management practices, and responsiveness to the guidance and expectations of the board. … It no longer has con dence in your ability to lead the department moving forward.” The re ghters stated in defense of Renegar, “It’s kind of hard, since he was doing, honestly, the best job at management of the personnel at the time.” Another issue former re ghters brought up was the quality and age of equipment, noting that much of the issued safety equipment was more than 10 years past the manufacturer date.

WXII

EAST

Onslow hospital to o er free wellness event, children’s activities

Onslow County Onslow Memorial Hospital is inviting the community to a free family wellness event later this month featuring health screenings, an Easter egg hunt and activities for all ages. The hospital will host its third annual “Hop Into Health” event Sunday, March 22 from 1-4 p.m. Organizers say the event is designed to provide health screenings, educational resources and opportunities for families to connect with local organizations in a welcoming environment.

WCTI

Camp Lejeune Marine charged with multiple child sex crimes

No foul play suspected in inmate death

Wayne County The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction says it does not suspect foul play after an inmate died at a Goldsboro prison. O cials say Malik Hood, 28, died unexpectedly at Neuse Correctional Institution in Goldsboro on Sunday after being found unresponsive in his bunk overnight. Hood was convicted in September 2024 in Mecklenburg County on rearms charges and speeding to elude arrest. His projected release date was Sept. 9, according to o cials.

Wilson County A Camp Lejeune Marine has been arrested on multiple felony child sex crime charges in Wilson County, according to online court records. Leonel Mataio Calva, 20, of Camp Lejeune, was charged in several warrants issued March 12 by the Wilson Police Department. Records list Calva’s address in Camp Lejeune and identify him as a Marine in the conditions of release order led in the case. Several warrants list multiple counts of seconddegree sexual exploitation of a minor, alleging the unlawful receipt of images depicting a minor engaged in sexual activity. Other warrants accuse Calva of engaging in sexual acts with a person under the age of 16 and committing indecent acts with a child. The alleged o enses are listed in court documents as occurring Dec. 18, 2025. Court records show Calva was released after posting a $35,000 secured bond and is due to appear in Wilson County District Court later in the month.

WXII

and prosperity for all through policy advocacy, strategic litigation, research, coalitionbuilding and support for grassroots action.” According to tax lings, the N.C. Justice Center is a 501(c) 3 nonpro t, and it’s 2024 ling shows revenue of more than $9.15 million. It is the parent organization of Blueprint NC (BPNC), a 501(c)3 nonpro t that has become an umbrella group for partnerships of over 120 left-leaning and progressive organizations in the state. In 2013, BPNC drew backlash over a leaked internal memo directing its partners to

Sen. Graig Meyer (D-Orange) COURTESY

Graig Meyer

NATION & WORLD

Trump’s chief of sta diagnosed with breast cancer

Susie Wiles plans to continue working through treatment

By Collin Binkley

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

White House chief of sta Susie Wiles has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer but plans to continue working through her treatment, retaining her place as one of President Donald Trump’s closest aides during a period of political turbulence.

Wiles, 68, announced on Monday that she had been diagnosed over the previous week. She gave no indication she would pull back from her work as she undergoes treatment.

“Nearly one in eight women in the United States will face this diagnosis,” said Wiles, who is the rst woman to hold her position. “Every day, these women continue to raise their families, go to work, and serve their communities with strength and determination. I now join their ranks.”

In a social media post, Trump described Wiles as “one of the strongest people I know” and said her prognosis is “excellent.”

“During the treatment period, she will be spending virtually full time at the White House, which makes me, as President, very happy!” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. “She will soon be better than ever!”

Within 20 minutes of Trump’s post, Wiles was sitting alongside the president at a meeting of the Kennedy Center board of trustees. In opening remarks, Trump said Wiles had already begun treatment and described her diagnosis as a “minor di culty” that she would overcome.

It comes as the Republican

BUDGET from page A1

to fully fund Medicaid rebase

• $241 million (recurring) for 2.5% raises for other state employees to o set in ation and vacancies

• $99 million (recurring) for 10% raises for certi ed public safety and law enforcement o cers like state troopers and correctional o cers, plus 6.5% pay increases for probation/parole o cers and juvenile counselors to combat shortages and turnover

• $28 million (recurring) for 10% raises for nurses and health care personnel in state facilities to assist in the state’s nursing shortage

• $99 million (nonrecurring) for a one-time 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for state retirees, who have not received an increase since 2023.

The plan also includes additional investments in child care subsidies ($20 million recurring), Department of Adult Correction operating needs ($80 million nonrecurring), UNC System enrollment growth ($46 million recurring), and other operational xes like utilities, State Bureau of Investigation needs, veteran scholarships, winter storm costs and DMV shortfalls.

Demi Dowdy, a spokeswoman for Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls), issued a statement on Stein’s proposal, saying it “raises serious concerns.”

“His healthcare plan refuses to include basic cost controls and guardrails to protect taxpayer dollars. Instead, he proposes directing funds toward high-cost initiatives, like GLP-1 drugs, and programs with a history of fraud and abuse,” Dowdy said. “The House has committed to making necessary investments in healthcare, but it must be done in a way that ensures transparency and responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.”

Dowdy’s reference to fraud and abuse in her statement links to a March 3 ABC News

“Nearly one in eight women in the United States will face this diagnosis. Every day, these women continue to raise their families, go to work, and serve their communities with strength and determination. I now join their ranks.”

Susie

Wiles

president confronts mounting challenges on global and national fronts, from the war in Iran and soaring oil prices to this fall’s midterm elections and Americans’ concerns over a ordability. Wiles is a longtime Trump

ally who rose from his campaign co-chair to his closest adviser and counsel. She spent decades as a lobbyist and political operative in Florida and led his 2016 e ort in the state.

She mostly shuns the spotlight but drew attention in De-

cember with an unusually candid Vanity Fair interview in which she made critical remarks about Trump administration leaders including Vice President JD Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Trump underscored his trust in Wiles in the aftermath, calling the interview a “hit piece” and describing Wiles as “fantastic.”

More than 300,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Treatment varies depending on how early the cancer is caught but usually involves either removing the tumor, fol-

lowed by radiation, or removing the breast, what’s called a mastectomy. The cancer’s stage, subtype and genetic makeup can help determine if additional treatment of the original tumor is needed, or certain therapy to help prevent recurrence.

In his Monday post, Trump reiterated that Wiles is “tough and deeply committed to serving the American People.”

“Melania and I are with her in every way, and we look forward to working with Susie on the many big and wonderful things that are happening for the bene t of our Country,” Trump said, referring to rst lady Melania Trump.

report about the owner of a Minnesota autism center pleading guilty to a fraud scheme involving $6 million dollars. Just days later, sentencing in a $12.7 million Medicaid fraud case in North Carolina was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s O ce for the Eastern District.

The Eastern District’s press release said four North Carolina individuals were involved in a “Minnesota-Somali-style fraud.” The defendants in the case were sentenced for involvement in a scheme that “paid more than $1 Million in kickbacks to drug addict patients.” The press release also said two of the defendants “deceived the North Carolina Medicaid in multiple audits.”

On March 10, the N.C. Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services heard a report from Au-

“This budget invests in critical public safety, education and health care services for the people of North Carolina that cannot wait.”

Gov. Josh Stein

ditor Dave Boliek on the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). His report included NCDHHS failing to follow recommendations from a 2021 audit, which Boliek said leaves the state’s Medicaid system “vulnerable to fraudulent and potentially dangerous behavior.” Boliek was asked about Minnesota-style fraud in that agency and said his o ce had not seen anything of that magnitude but was keeping an eye out for it.

Dowdy also said Stein’s raises for teachers and law enforce -

ment “are less than those already passed by the House,” adding, “These critical investments cannot wait, and we urge the Senate to join us in passing these raises for all our state employees.”

Dowdy also cited that the House had passed an average 8.7% pay raise for teachers, compared to Stein’s proposed 6%; an average 13% raise for law enforcement o cers plus additional bonuses versus Stein’s proposal of 10%; and a 2.5% raise for state employees, which matches Stein’s proposal.

“According to Gov. Stein’s own administration, the General Assembly has funded the state’s Medicaid rebase through at least April,” said Dowdy, referring to an Oct. 9, 2025, letter from NCDHHS con rming rebase funding was valid through April 2026. “Speaker Hall has publicly committed to ensuring that additional Medicaid funding is provided if necessary to maintain access to care for North Carolinians.”

Last fall, lawmakers rejected Stein’s call for a special extra session to address Medicaid rebase funding, and members of the House Health Committee refuted Stein’s Medicaid actions like slashing provider rates as a “manufactured” crisis.

Dowdy said the House will continue its work when the short session convenes.

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

President Donald Trump, left, speaks next to White House Chief of Sta Susie Wiles — who announced she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer — on Monday in Washington, D.C.

Gov. Josh Stein proposed a $1.4 billion “critical needs budget” last week as the General Assembly’s budget stalemate remains unresolved.

features

Triangle experimentalist brings 3 projects to boundary-breaking festival

Durham percussionist

Joe Westerlund nds his dream stage at Big Ears

By Dan Reeves North State Journal

FOR MUSICIANS who live somewhere between genres — folk and jazz, rock and improvisation, structure and chaos — the annual Big Ears Festival has long felt like a kind of musical promised land.

Durham percussionist Joe Westerlund knows the feeling well.

For years, he watched from afar as the Knoxville, Tennessee, gathering assembled a lineup that seemed to bend the entire idea of what a festival could be. One year it might feature avant-garde jazz titans, the next an indie rock cult hero, a classical ensemble and a folk singer all sharing the same bill.

Artists didn’t t neatly into categories. That was the point.

“Playing Big Ears has been a huge dream of mine,” Westerlund said. “Even going to it was a huge dream for a long time. I remember seeing it from the beginning and thinking, ‘Wow — this looks incredible. A festival made for me just to go and listen.’”

Later this month, he’ll nally be part of it.

The Knoxville festival — now one of the most respected music gatherings in the country — returns with a lineup that spans generations and continents. Legendary icons like Robert Plant and David Byrne headline the 2026 event alongside visionary artists such as Laurie Anderson, John Zorn and Flying Lotus.

For Westerlund, the company alone is humbling.

“It’s wild to even be in the company of people like that,” he said. “Those artists are in my DNA the same way they are for a lot of people.”

North Carolina music fans may remember Westerlund from the acclaimed indie-folk trio Megafaun, which emerged from the Triangle’s fertile music scene during the rst decade of the 2000s. But his career since has taken a more exploratory turn — moving deeper into improvisation, collaboration and experimental composition. Big Ears, it turns out, is exactly the kind of place where

‘Reminders of Him’ dulls with loose

ends, insigni cant details

The lm is an adaptation of a 2022 novel

by Colleen Hoover

By Bob Garver The Sun

AUTHOR Colleen Hoover

is apparently dominant in the genre of tearjerkers. She’s best known for “It Ends With Us,” about the upsetting subject of domestic violence. Now comes “Reminders of Him,” which features both a death and a torn-apart family. It wants to inspire tears of sadness and sympathy, but the best it can manage is to bore me to tears.

The story follows Kenna (Maika Monroe), fresh out of prison after serving a seven-year sentence for vehicular manslaughter. She returns to her small Wyoming hometown, where the rst thing she does is rip out the cross along the side of the road that memorializes her former lover Scotty (Rudy Pankow), the passenger she killed in a car crash while intoxicated. It’s not malicious; she does it to honor Scotty, as “he hated memorials,” though she doesn’t seem to consider that memorials aren’t “for” the deceased; they’re for people in mourning. Then again, she’s not one to always use great judgment.

Kenna’s life is a mess. She can’t get a job because of her criminal record, she can only stay in a lousy apartment by agreeing to take in one of the

building owner’s cats, and she has no legal right to see Diem (Zoe Kosovic), the 6-year-old daughter she had with Scotty, probably conceived minutes before the fatal crash. She had to give birth in prison and never even got to hold her baby before she was whisked away to live with Scotty’s parents (Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford). She’s looking for a way to become part of Diem’s life, but all her ideas involve acting like a crazy stalker, which isn’t going to endear her to the child’s grandparents, who already hate her for what she did to their son.

Kenna’s search for a job leads her to a bar owned by failed football player Ledger (Tyriq Withers). The two irt, and he instantly develops feelings for her. Things get complicated when it is revealed that he was Scotty’s best friend growing up and is now heavily involved in raising Diem. They get even more complicated when he learns that she is Scotty’s lover/ killer and Diem’s stalker/mother. He demands she leave town, or at least not insert herself into Diem’s life, but she has no intention of obeying. Besides, he doesn’t really mean that he wants her to leave town; he’s too smitten with her.

Kenna and Ledger form an uneasy business relationship

three di erent projects,” he said. “Two of them are ones I consider my own — one is a solo set — and I’m also playing with Setting. It feels like a lot of boxes are getting checked.”

Westerlund’s solo performance will feature familiar collaborators: Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, DJ and producer Nick Sanborn, a fellow Megafaun member, and Chris Rosenau of Volcano Choir and Collections of Colonies of Bees. The appearances are part of a shared tour where the musicians frequently join one another’s sets — a stamp of Big Ears’ uid atmosphere.

For much of his early career, Westerlund was known primarily as a drummer supporting other artists. But the pandemic years opened space for a new direction.

“I’ve always been hired as a percussionist for song-based music,” he said. “But after the pandemic, another thread really emerged where I’ve put more emphasis on writing my own music and creating through improvisation.”

That creative shift now revolves around three primary outlets: his solo work, the band Setting and a duo with trumpeter Trevor Hagen. He and Hagen released “Grotto” in 2024 to high acclaim, praised for its electroacoustic textures which are equal parts cadenced as they are melodic — another nod to the Mount Rushmore (Brian Eno, John Cage, John Cale, Robert Fripp) of the genre.

“Those three things are really the focal point of my music right now,” Westerlund said.

that evolution makes sense.

This year, Westerlund will perform at the festival with three di erent projects.

Two fall under his own musical umbrella, including a solo set built around percussion, extemporization and sonic texture. The third is Setting, an ensemble rooted in collective avant-garde experimentation, taking a page respectfully from the gifts of Brian Eno as well as minimalist composers Steve Reich and John Cage. Their forthcoming self-titled album debut is out April 24.

“I’m playing the festival with

Even as those projects carry him across the country — particularly to the Midwest, where several collaborators live — Westerlund has chosen to plant deeper roots in North Carolina. Speci cally in Durham.

“Durham is both an incubator and a launching pad,” he said. “It just feels like the right place for me to dig my heels in right now.”

He recently purchased a home there, rea rming his commitment to a Triangle music scene that continues attracting artists from across the country.

“You can have all these experiences that feel really di erent. But there’s a connective thread between everything they program at Big Ears.”

Joe Westerlund

“There’s just a lot of good energy here,” he said. “The number of listening rooms, the number of people coming through — it’s really become a hub for a national and international network of musicians.”

Westerlund’s personal connection to Big Ears also runs deeper than this year’s performance. His rst visit to the festival came in 2018, when his mentor, the legendary percussionist Milford Graves, appeared on the bill. Westerlund spent time with Graves backstage before the performance, reconnecting with a musician who had profoundly shaped his thinking about rhythm and sound.

“That show was probably the best I’d ever heard his music sonically,” he said. Moments like that — chance encounters between artists, audiences and ideas — are what make Big Ears unique.

Unlike most festivals, it isn’t built around genre silos or stylistic lanes. Instead, it encourages collisions between musical worlds.

“It’s not compartmentalized,” Westerlund said. “It bridges gaps between worlds.”

For a musician whose career increasingly lives in those spaces between categories, that philosophy feels especially tting.

“You can have all these experiences that feel really di erent,” he said. “But there’s a connective thread between everything they program there.”

In other words, a festival that re ects Westerlund’s own musical outlook.

“It really embodies this idea,” he said, “that it’s all one thing.”

that turns into a friendship that threatens to turn romantic. Can he learn to love the woman who took his best friend away from him? And how will this a ect the close-as-family relationship he has with Diem and her grandparents? No doubt it will involve lying and eventually exposure, but will forgiveness be around the corner?

The lm feels inexplicably stu ed with dragged-out scenes and unnecessary details. Kenna’s rst job as a grocery bagger doesn’t really go anywhere, nor does Ledger not making much progress on a house he’s build-

ing far outside of town. And we don’t need a lengthy ashback to the night of the accident; everything has been su ciently described in other parts of the movie. My theory is that a tight, early draft of the script came in at only 60 minutes, and the studio insisted that it be stretched out to 90, but then someone overcorrected until it was this nearly two-hour snoozefest. Either that or the Hoover novel itself is over-bloated, in which case the movie should have done more to tighten things up.

I’m not mad at “Reminders of Him” for being incompetent,

just nonplussed that it’s so unexciting. Other than being too long and dull, it’s not even bad in an interesting way. By the end of the year, I’ll probably forget the very title of “that weepy mother-that-can’t-see-her-daughter movie.” And then I’ll need a reminder of “Reminders of Him.”

Grade: C-

“Reminders of Him” is rated PG-13 for sexual content, strong language, drug content, some violent content and brief partial nudity. Its running time is 114 minutes.

Grade: C-

PHOTO BY GRAHAM TOLBERT

From left, Joe Westerlund, Jaime Fennelly and Nathan Bowles of the band Setting, one of Westerlund’s projects, will perform at the Big Ears Festival on March 28 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Maika Monroe arrives at the premiere of “Reminders of Him” on March 9 at Hollywood Legion Theater in Los Angeles.

CUMBERLAND

NOTICE

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #26E000379-250

Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Charles W. Young, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of June, 2026, (which date is 90 days after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 12th day of March, 2026.

Jodie Bailey, Executor 3524 Kelburn Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Of the Estate of Charles W. Young, Deceased NOTICE

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File#26E000264-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Joe Acosta, 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 May 29, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 17th day of February, 2026. Leila Acosta-Scarbrough, Administrator of the Estate of Joe Acosta.

CG&T Attn: Leila Acosta-Scarbrough P.O. Box 64729 Fayetteville, NC 28306

Executor’s Notice IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 25E001950-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of Jurita Gayle Barber aka Jurita G. Barber, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 316 Glenburney Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28303, on or before May 27, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 26th day of February, 2026. Carlos Antonio Burgos Executor of the Estate of Jurita Gayle Barber aka Jurita G. Barber, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305

02/26/2026, 03/05/2026, 03/12/2026 and 03/19/2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Alice Cope Black, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before June 5, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

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

This 5 day of March, 2026. Laura C. McIntosh Administrator of the Estate of Alice Cope Black PO Box 65105 Fayetteville, NC 28306

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF MANOJ CHANDNANI CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 25E001597-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Manoj Chandnani, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to the Administrator, Davis W. Puryear, 4317 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311 on or before the 6th day of June, 2026 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above.

This the 25th day of February, 2026. Davis W. Puryear Administrator of the Estate of Manoj Chandnani Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26, 2026

NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NUMBER: 25E001727-250 NORTH CAROLINA

CUMBERLAND COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of: CHARLOTTE H. COLE Deceased. EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Charlotte H. Cole, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before June 12, 2026 (which is three (3) months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. THIS the 3rd day of March, 2026. Johnny E. Cole, Executor of the Estate Charlotte H. Cole, Deceased c/o J. Thomas Neville Yarborough, Winters & Neville, P.A. P.O. Box 705 Fayetteville, NC 28302-0705

Publish:

03/12/2026, 03/19/202, 03/26/2026 and 04/02/2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF LILIANA DELORENZO

CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 26E000269-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Liliana DeLorenzo, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to the Executor, Patricia Ann Morris, 7502 Southgate Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28314 on or before the 13th day of June, 2026 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 4th day of March, 2026.

Patricia Ann Morris

Executor of the Estate of Liliana DeLorenzo Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm

Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: March 12, March 19, March 26, and April 2, 2026

NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

ESTATE FILE #25E001163-250

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Jennifer Selby Doyle, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 1717 Blu side Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28312, on or before June 19, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 19th day March, 2026.

Matthew S. Doyle, Administrator of the Estate of Jennifer Selby Doyle 1717 Blu side Drive Fayetteville, NC, 28312 (910) 364-7860

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Bayly Ringold Ebner Jr., deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before May 26, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This the 26th day of February, 2026.

Charlene Morgan, Administrator Estate of Bayly Ringold Ebner Jr. 3731 Laguna Vista Dr. #4 Fayetteville, NC 28311

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF JAMES THURSTON FARRELL

CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 25E001967-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against James Thurston Farrell deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to the Executor, Olga Spivak, 615 Pearl Knoll Circle, Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 27th day of May, 2026 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above.

This the 17th day of February, 2026.

Olga Spivak Executor of the Estate of James Thurston Farrell Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: February 26, March 5, March 12 and March 19, 2026

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In the General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 26E000196-250

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Damian Gilberto Gil, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 26th day of May, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 15th day of February, 2026

Leticia B Sellers 3416 S. River School Rd Wade, NC 28395 Of the Estate of Damian Gilberto Gil, deceased

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH

CAROLINA CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26E000307-250 Having quali ed as Execu Tor of the Estate of Keith Vernell Gilliam, deceased, late Of Cumberland, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Keith Vernell Gilliam to pre- sent them to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of June, 2026 or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 9th day of March, 2026

Porshia Cunningham 9000 Sheridan St, Suite 109

Pembroke Pines, FL 33024

Administrator of the Estate of Keith Vernell Gilliam

Publication Weeks 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 and 4/2

CUMBERLAND

NOTICE

In The General Court Of Justice

Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #26E000062-250

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNT

ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Joan H. Jackson 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 12th day of June, 2026 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 12 day of March, 2026.

Jennifer J. Arno

Administrator/Executor 10403 Colliers Chapel Church Road Linden, NC 28356 Of the Estate of Joan H. Jackson, Deceased

NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice

Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #26E000319-250 STATE OF NORTH

CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY

ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Gwendolyn Jean Johnson, Gwendolyn Jean Hudson, Gwendolyn Hudson Johnson, 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 5th day of June, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 5th day of March, 2026.

Administrator of the Estate of Gwendolyn Jean Johnson, Gwendolyn Jean Hudson, Gwendolyn Hudson Johnson Leroy Nixon Jr 430 Dunmore Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28303

Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Judy Brinkley Knowles, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of June, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 24th day of February, 2026. Nicolee Knowles_________________ Administrator/Executor 260 Greenville Ave._______________ Address Wilmington, NC, 28403____________ City, State, Zip Of the Estate of Judy Brinkley Knowles, Deceased

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr. Cumberland County Estate File No. 26E000259-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr., Deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Sylvia Benner McDu e, Executor of the Estate of Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr., at 200 Thorncli Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303, on or before the 5th day of June, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

Debtors of Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr. are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 5th day of March, 2026. Sylvia Benner McDu e, Executor of the Estate of Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr. Williford McCauley - Attorney for the Estate of Thomas Landy McDu e, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e a/k/a Thomas L. McDu e, Jr.

Mailing address: P. O. Box 53606 Fayetteville, NC 28305 Physical address: 235 Green Street Fayetteville, NC 28301

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF GENEVA MCNEIL CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 24E002935-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Geneva McNeil, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to the Public Administrator, Davis W. Puryear, 4317 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311 on or before the 20th day of June, 2026 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 12th day of March, 2026. Davis W. Puryear Public Administrator of the Estate of Geneva McNeil Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311

Run dates: March 19, March 26, April 2, and April 9, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

ESTATE FILE NO. 26E000338-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Barbara McPherson, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before June 19, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 19th day of March, 2026. Michael McPherson, Executor of the Estate of Barbara McPherson NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR EXECUTOR

ESTATE FILE 26E000236-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of Jean Zimmerman, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms or corporations having claims against

27203 Telephone: 336-629-2600 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of GLORIA MARILYN MILLER AUMAN aka GLORIA M. AUMAN aka GLORIA MARILYN MILLER HARVELL, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before June 13, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 12th day of March 2026.

BONNIE H. LOVELL aka

BONNIE DENISE HARVELL LOVELL Executor of the Estate of GLORIA MARILYN MILLER AUMAN aka GLORIA M. AUMAN aka GLORIA MARILYN MILLER HARVELL Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney

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

PUBL/DATES: 03/12/26 03/19/26 03/26/26 04/02/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of JOYCE ANITA SMITH, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before June 5, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 5th day of March 2026.

CHERYL HARDEE aka CHERYL S. HARDEE Executor of the Estate of JOYCE ANITA SMITH S. SCOTT EGGLESTON, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 03/05/26 03/12/26 03/19/26 03/26/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Je rey J. Barnes, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at P.O. Box 5994, Greensboro, North Carolina 27435, on or before the 26th day of May 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 26th day of February 2026. Tyler D. Barnes Administrator of the Estate of Je rey J. Barnes Jonathan M. Parisi Attorney at Law Spangler Estate Planning P.O. Box 5994

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA RANDOLPH COUNTY

In the General Court Of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk

25E000504-750 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HENRY GUNNAR CARLSON, JR. Cynthia Jeanne Carlson, Petitioner, v. Steve Franklin, Respondent. TO STEVE FRANKLIN: TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Order for Implied Renunciation to Qualify for Letters Testamentary. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than 40 days from the date of the rst published notice, such rst publication date being March 19, 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 19th day of March, 2026. Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney for Petitioner NCSB# 39160 Ivey & Eggleston 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 For Publication: _03/19/26, _03/26/26, _04/02/26

sudoku

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Co-Executors of the Estate of Charles G. Dixon aka Charles George Dixon, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before June 22, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 19th day of March, 2026

Nathan Charles Dixon and Samantha Dixon

Co-Executors of the Estate of Charles G. Dixon aka Charles George Dixon Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES: 03/19/26 03/26/26 04/02/26 04/09/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Vernon

Daniel Harker, IV, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before June 5, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 2nd day of March, 2026

Candace Danielle Bongiovanni aka Candace D. Bongiovanni Executor of the Estate of Vernon Daniel Harker, IV Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES:

03/05/26 03/12/26 03/19/26 03/26/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Traci Lunsford Turner a/k/a Traci Lane Turner, of Randolph County, NC, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Executor at the Law O ce of Andrew J. Weiner, 113 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 on or before May 28th 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of heir recovery.

MCQUAID, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 03/19/26 03/26/26 04/02/26 04/19/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Douglas Eugene Wright, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before June 15, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 12th day of March, 2026

Melissa Jane Nelson Wright Administrator of the Estate of Douglas Eugene Wright Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 03/12/26 03/19/26 03/26/26 04/02/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Margaret Poteat Griehsbach of Randolph County, NC, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Executor at the Law O ce of Richard L. Cox, 113 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 on or before June 22nd 2026, 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 19th day of March 2026. Barbara Jean McLeod Margaret Poteat Griehsbach Estate Richard L. Cox, Attorney Gavin & Cox 113 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 Telephone: 336-629-2600

A look at Women’s March Madness, B3

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

NWSL

Sanchez’s heroics lead Courage to win

Cary Ashley Sanchez scored her rst NWSL regular-season brace to lead the N.C. Courage to a 2-1 win over Racing Louisville in the NWSL opener. The Courage took the early lead when Payton Linnehan found Sanchez, who buried it. Sanchez delivered again in the 86th to seal the win at home. Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan made four saves in her rst game for the Courage.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Coakley, Ellis named to South Carolina hall Greenville, S.C.

Two members of this year’s South Carolina Football Hall of Fame class have North Carolina roots. Dexter Coakley was a three-time All-American and Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year at Appalachian State. Greensboro native Todd Ellis was a record-setting Gamecocks quarterback before becoming the team’s radio voice for more than two decades. Jerry Butler, A.J. Green and Bob Jeter round out the class, which will be inducted in April.

PARALYMPICS

Beasley, U.S. rout Canada in Para ice hockey nal

Milan Three weeks after the United States beat Canada in the men’s and women’s Olympic hockey nals, the Americans overcame their neighbors again to win Paralympic gold and complete the three-peat at Milan Cortina. The U.S. beat Canada 6-2 in Sunday’s Para ice hockey nal and become the rst nation to sweep the hockey tournaments at the Olympics and Paralympics. The gold medal team featured Coats native Kayden Beasley.

Duke survives, advances to win ACC Tournament

There were close calls as the Blue Devils won for the third time in four years

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

AFTER DOMINATING the ACC regular season, Duke entered the postseason with a taste of “survive and advance” on its way to a hard-fought ACC Tournament championship.

The Blue Devils didn’t have big man Patrick Ngongba, who they hope to get back for the NCAAs, or guard Caleb Foster, slated for a Final Four return if Duke is still playing. They also didn’t have the 20-point leads that seemed to be routine in the nal month of the ACC schedule.

Duke led by 20 just twice in the three games, for a total of one minute, 41 seconds against Clemson. The

Blue Devils trailed at halftime against Florida State and in the second half against FSU and Virginia, never leading ei-

ther game by double gures.

“It was a di erent game for us,” coach Jon Scheyer said after the one-point comeback

Duke, UNC both heading to S.C. for March Madness’ opening week

The Blue Devils are the top seed in the East, while the Tar Heels are No. 6 in the South

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

FOR THE FIRST TIME since 2022, UNC and Duke will share NCAA real estate in March.

The ACC champion Blue Devils and arch-rival Tar Heels will both open NCAA play in Greenville, South Carolina, with the two teams entering March Madness with very different mindsets. Duke battled to an ACC Tournament title in Charlotte despite missing two starters due to injury. The Blue Devils came out of the three games in three days with their third conference tournament crown in Jon Scheyer’s four years as coach. They hope to get center Patrick Ngongba back for

the NCAA Tournament’s rst weekend. UNC, meanwhile, looked out of sorts and fell behind early against Clemson in its ACC tourney quarter nal game. The Tar Heels battled back to lose by one, leading to a so -

cial media debate over coach Hubert Davis. Carolina is also down a starter, but Caleb Wilson has been ruled out for the season with a broken thumb. Now, for just the ninth time in March Madness history, the Heels and Devils will play

win over FSU to open the weekend. “We had di erent lineups. We were in some positions we haven’t been in all year, down eight second half. I think the character that our guys showed in that moment was big time. And then that led to some great defense.”

Duke battled back with an 18-2 second half run to win. After tasting its own blood in the opener, the Blue Devils then beat Clemson by 12 in the semis. Duke had another battle in the championship game with No. 2 seed Virginia.

National player of the year candidate Cameron Boozer saw Uva’s Ugonna Onyenso block his shot four times. Boozer was blocked a fth time by Sam Lewis. He had a season high in missed shots and season lows in shooting percentage and points. “It can be dejecting,” Scheyer said of Boozer’s struggles. “It can be really discouraging when that happens. … I’ve seen him in di erent moments where he hasn’t been at his best. But we’re spoiled. I’m spoiled because he’s 13 (points) 8 (rebounds) 8 (assists). It’s

See DUKE, page B3

in front of each other in the NCAA Tournament.

Most recently, the two blue bloods played against each other, in an epic Final Four showdown in New Orleans four years ago. They also both made the Final Four in 1991, with Duke winning its rst national title.

The other six times, the two schools have shared a venue but not a region, meaning that, like this weekend in Greenville, there’s no chance of the schools meeting.

This is the rst time Carolina and Duke have been together since the 2017 tourney, also held in Greenville. The other ve times were all in North Carolina cities — Charlotte (2005 and 2011), Greensboro (2009 and 2012) and Raleigh (1979).

The arrangement could bode well for at least one of the teams. The eight previous tournaments have resulted in four national titles. In addition to Duke in 1991, UNC went on to cut down the nets in 2005, 2009 and 2017.

Overall, UNC is 11-3 when sharing the spotlight with Duke. The Blue Devils are 9-4.

COURTESY ACC

UNC coach Hubert Davis looks troubled during the Tar Heels’ ACC Tournament loss to Clemson.

COURTESY ACC

Isaiah Evans starts to celebrate as the confetti ies following Duke’s win over Virginia to wrap up the second straight ACC championship for the Blue Devils.

COURTESY ACC

Cameron Boozer, rright, is congratulated by his father,

former Duke great Carlos Boozer, after winning ACC Tournament MVP honors. Carlos was MVP of the 2002 tournament.

THURSDAY

3.19.26

TRENDING

Akshay Bhatia:

The Wake Forest native lived up to Arnold Palmer’s quote “you must play boldly to win.”

The 24-year-old rallied from ve shots behind with four straight birdies and an eagle at Bay Hill. He shot 69 to force a playo with Daniel Berger and won with a par on the rst extra hole. Bhatia now has three PGA Tour titles — all in playo s.

Kelvin Sampson:

The Laurinburg native deferred induction into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame until next year due to a scheduling con ict. The Houston coach was part of the 2026 class getting inducted May 1 in Greensboro. But the hall said Sampson had previously committed to attend Dick Vitale’s annual gala to raise money for pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation, set for the same night in Florida.

Mark Freidinger:

The longtime Wake Forest radio announcer died at age 76. Freidinger served as color analyst on Demon Deacons’ men’s basketball radio broadcasts from 1990 until his retirement following last season. He spent more than three decades partnered with Stan Cotten, the team’s play-by-play voice. Freidinger was a Wake assistant from 1981 to 1985.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“The afterlife is not what people make it up to be.”

Lamar Odom, right, on what Kobe Bryant, left, told him. Odom said Bryant appeared to him in a dream.

“I hate that this is a thing. There’s no beef.”

Team USA catcher Cal Raleigh, right, after the Cullowhee native refused to shake hands with Team Mexico’s Randy Arozarena, left. The two are teammates with the Mariners.

PRIME NUMBER

Price in cents for popcorn and cans of soda at the Miami Heat’s rst home game following Bam Adebayo’s 83-point scoring outburst. Jerseys were also on sale for $83 and the team o ered an $8.30 food special.

NASCAR

Denny Hamlin won at Las Vegas to put a tough o season behind him. Hamlin raced to his 61st NASCAR Cup Series victory, ghting back from an early speeding penalty to a dominant win. The victory ends a long hangover. After losing the championship at Phoenix, he won a federal lawsuit against NASCAR, then lost his father in a house re.

Quarterback Daniel Jones agreed on a two-year contract worth up to $100 million to stay with the Colts. The Duke product will receive $88 million over two seasons with $50 million guaranteed. He can make an additional $12 million through incentives. Jones is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon su ered last year.

The Miami Heat are receiving a second-round pick in this year’s draft from the Charlotte Hornets as additional compensation related to the trade of Terry Rozier, who was arrested by federal o cials in October as part of a federal gambling investigation.

Tom Dundon sold a portion of the Carolina Hurricanes to three new minority owners: Brett Je erson, Marc Grandisson and former NHL player Bobby Farnham (pictured). Financial terms weren’t disclosed. Sportico reported Dundon had agreed to sell 12.5% at a valuation of $2.66 billion for approximately $332.5 million. Dundon last summer led a group that bought the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers.

GUS RUELAS / AP PHOTO

LINDSEY WASSON / AP PHOTO

STEVE MARCUS / AP PHOTO

CHRIS CARLSON / AP PHOTO

Wolfpack earn NCAA Tournament bid despite late-season collapse

NC State will open up the tournament with a rematch against Texas in the First Four

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

IF THE NC STATE Wolfpack men’s basketball team wants to prove anything this season after an overall disappointing year, it’s going to have to start Tuesday night in Dayton.

NC State got the news on Sunday that — while they were one of the nal selections to the NCAA Tournament, seeding in the West region — they will have to play in the First Four against Texas, a team that has already beaten them once before, if they want to make it to the tournament proper.

The Wolfpack barely squeaked into the NCAA Tournament, and their ACC Tournament win over Pitt probably was the only reason they got in.

NC State nished the season losing seven of its last eight games, and several of its marquee wins lost their luster as the season went. Several of the Wolfpack’s those Quad 1 opponents piled on losses, and their big win over UNC was clouded by the fact the Tar Heels were missing their

two best players at the time.

Add in losses to Georgia Tech and Notre Dame, two teams who didn’t even make the ACC Tournament, and the resume started to accumulate quite a few holes.

NC State coach Will Wade said back in February, after a last-minute collapse against Miami, that the team would be lucky to even make it to Dayton, but he admitted Sunday that he was still surprised by the draw.

“I’m shocked to be going to Dayton, but we did it to ourselves,” Wade said. “We have a

Quad 4 loss to Georgia Tech, and we didn’t handle business down the stretch. We’re fortunate to be in, happy to be in. I did think our metrics and some of our stu was a little bit better, but we’re not complaining about being in. We have a chance, and now it’s on us.”

It won’t be an easy rst matchup for the Wolfpack though, as they lost to the Longhorns 102-97 at the Maui Invitational back in November.

“I was surprised,” Wade said. “I think they try to avoid rematches in the rst round, so

Path to Phoenix: Local women’s teams take on tournament eld

Duke and UNC will host the rst and second rounds

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

ONCE AGAIN, the path to a national championship in the women’s NCAA Tournament will run through North Carolina.

Duke and UNC will host the rst and second rounds, while the state’s other bids, NC State and High Point, will look to pull o upsets on the road this weekend.

The path for each local team will bring ashbacks, big-time matchups and opportunities for surprises. Here’s a rundown of each team’s path to the Final Four in Phoenix.

Duke

Duke earned the three seed in the Sacramento 2 bracket, joining a region with No. 1 UCLA and No. 2 LSU.

The Blue Devils will be eyeing a revenge tour as the region includes three of the teams they su ered defeats against.

Should Duke handle No. 14 Charleston at home Friday at 11:30 a.m. , it can get its rst taste of vengeance in the second round against No. 6 Baylor. The Bears beat Duke 58-52 at a neutral site in the season opener as Baylor’s Taliah Scott dropped 24 points and the Blue Devils shot 29% from the oor.

In the Sweet 16, Duke could get another shot at LSU, which used a 31-point second quarter

from page B1

like, that’s an o -night for him. It just is. He’s really spoiled us with his consistency.”

Short-handed and with its MVP struggling, Duke had to rely on its depth to win a second straight ACC Tournament and its third in Scheyer’s four years as coach. Cayden Boozer had 14 of his career-high 16 points in the rst half, picking up for his brother.

“In the beginning of the game, they just weren’t guarding me, so I kept scoring,” he said. “And then once I get condent, I feel like no one can really stop me, so I just kept attacking.

to ip the ACC/SEC Challenge matchup in Durham. If the Blue Devils reach the Elite Eight, they could possibly have a rematch with UCLA, which handed Duke arguably one of its worst losses of the season (89-59). Without star center Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez and Charlisse Leger-Walker combined for 43 points to dominate Duke.

In the event the Blue Devils complete their payback run, a very challenging group of teams (No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Louisville or No. 4 West Virginia) could emerge out of the Fort Worth 3 bracket and meet Duke in the Final Four.

UNC

UNC will surprisingly host the rst two rounds as a four seed in the Fort Worth 1 bracket.

The Tar Heels will face No. 13 Western Illinois in the rst round Friday at 5:30 p.m, and the winner will take on the victor of No. 5 Maryland and No. 12

Murray State on Sunday.

But looking ahead, next weekend’s Sweet 16 could be UNC’s toughest test all season.

Should both teams capitalize on home-court advantage, the Tar Heels and UConn, the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, will compete for a spot in the Elite Eight.

Led by North Carolina’s own Sarah Strong (18.5 points per game) and star guard Azzi Fudd (17.7 points per game), the unbeaten Huskies have been on a tear, winning their last six games by at least 30 points. UConn has

I felt that was pretty much it.” Cayden, Duke’s only true point guard with Foster on the shelf, had battled foul trouble in the FSU game. Fellow freshman Nik Khamenia stepped up and ran the team while Boozer went to the bench.

“Part of the strength of the team we’ve built is collective ball handling and decision making,” Scheyer said. “Nik has a background of being a point guard. Cam basically is a point guard as well, even though he doesn’t look like one. It’s going to be by committee. We have multiple guys that can bring it up.”

“I mean, it’s just a strong face,”

“I’m shocked to be going to Dayton, but we did it to ourselves.”

Will Wade

I’m not sure what all went down there.”

As has been a problem all season for the Wolfpack, Texas took advantage of NC State’s defensive shortcomings in their last meeting, scoring 48 of their points from beyond the arc at a 50% shooting e ciency.

However, the Longhorns also struggled to end the year, losing ve of their nal six games, so if NC State can tighten up defensively, it will have a good shot at advancing.

Despite how the season has gone and where the Wolfpack nd themselves, the roster does have a lot of tournament experience on it.

Terrance Arceneaux made it to the national championship game with Houston, both Darrion Williams (Texas Tech) and Tre Holloman (Michigan State) have been to the Elite Eight, and beyond them, there’s tournament experience with Ven-Allen Lubin (UNC), Quadir Copeland (McNeese) and Alyn Breed (Providence).

The Wolfpack will be hoping

that that experience can deliver.

“That was part of the idea in putting a roster together and putting a team together was to get some tournament experience and make sure we were experienced in these situations,” Wade said. “So we have that, and we’re going to lean on those guys and we need those guys to step up and come through for us.”

Should they win in Dayton, the Wolfpack will have to catch a ight to Portland, Oregon to play BYU just two days later on Thursday, so the path forward is certainly not an easy one.

But regardless of whether the Wolfpack advance or not, it feels almost certain that Wade will remain with the program moving forward.

The disappointing year had led to quite a few rumors surrounding the Wolfpack head coach and his future at NC State, mostly linking him to a potential return to LSU, where Wade coached for ve years.

However, Wade made quite a strong statement in regard to those rumors in the days before the tournament.

“I was hired at NC State to do a job, and this wasn’t gonna take one year,” Wade said. “I’ve already met with our administration about next year and some of the changes that we need to make and the things we need to do to put this program where it deserves long term. We’re gonna win, and we’re gonna win big at NC State. That’s what we’re going to do moving forward. We have the resources, we have what we need, and it’s up to me and my sta to get the job done.”

won its last three ranked games (Tennessee, Iowa and USC) by more than 20 points, and it boasts the largest point di erential (average points scored and allowed) in the nation (38.3).

If UNC were to get past UConn, it could meet a few dangerous teams in the Elite Eight, including No. 2 Vanderbilt, No. 3 Ohio State and No. 6 Notre Dame, which defeated the Tar Heels this season and nearly knocked o Duke in the ACC tournament earlier this month.

Awaiting in the Final Four could be No. 1 South Carolina from the Sacramento 4 bracket — which edged UNC in a 91-82 exhibition match in the preseason — or No. 2 Iowa or No. 3 TCU.

NC State

The path for NC State, the seven seed in the Fort Worth 3 bracket, is a familiar one.

The Wolfpack will begin their tournament run against No. 10 Tennessee in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Friday at 8 p.m. NC State won its season opener over the Volunteers 80-77 thanks to a go-ahead bucket by Khamil Pierre and clutch free throws by Zamareya Jones in the nal minute. Tennessee could be a desperate opponent as it has lost seven straight games entering the tournament.

NC State could then see No. 2 Michigan, the hosting team, in the second round.

Should the Wolfpack survive to the Sweet 16, they could face an ACC foe in No. 3 Louisville. NC State fell to the Cardinals in

“I think you get a chance when you’re down in a moment like that, missing those two guys … you’ve got a chance to show true character, what it’s all about when you’re down.”

Jon Scheyer

said Isaiah Evans. “Cayden goes to the bench, the next guy comes in, someone (has) got to bring the ball up. It doesn’t really matter who does it as long as we just

overtime 88-80 on Jan. 18. The Wolfpack jumped out to a 23-14 lead in the rst quarter, but they couldn’t slow down Louisville’s Imari Berry, who dropped 33 points. If NC State could correct the wrongs of that rst meeting with Louisville, it could face the likes of No. 1 Texas, No. 4. West Virginia or No. 5 Kentucky in the Elite Eight.

Beyond that point, the winner of the Sacramento 2 bracket, which could be UCLA, LSU or a familiar foe in Duke, will stand in the way of a remarkable run to the national title game.

High Point

High Point, the 15 seed in the Fort Worth 1 bracket, has arguably the toughest path out of North Carolina’s tournament teams.

The Panthers, making their second straight NCAA Tourna-

do it e ectively and e ciently.” Evans did his part, scoring a career-high 32 against FSU, pulling down a career-best 10 rebounds against Clemson, and capping the weekend with a 20-point night against UVA. It wasn’t, however, enough to pry the Tournament MVP honors from Cameron Boozer. Despite his long night against Virginia, Boozer had 60 points, 32 boards and 17 assists in the three games. Now Duke gets nearly a week to heal up before the true survive-and-advance season begins. The close calls in Charlotte could pay dividends in a March that still has a long way to go.

Chances for the Blue Devils to avenge losses in their region

ment appearance, will face o against No. 2 Vanderbilt, the host, in the rst round Saturday at 7 p.m.

Should they pull o their rst upset of the postseason, they’ll have to do it again against either No. 7 Illinois or No. 10 Colorado. Notre Dame or Ohio State would await High Point in the Sweet 16. High Point’s remaining path could be UConn or UNC in the Elite Eight and the best of a Sacramento 4 bracket headed by South Carolina in the Final Four. The Panthers’ chances at deep run are a long shot, but it’s March.

“I think there’s a lot I can learn from this game,” Cameron Boozer said after UVA. “But I just want to keep attacking, keep attacking, gure it out, nd other ways to win. Obviously, my shot wasn’t falling. I wasn’t getting in a rhythm. But just had to nd a way.”

“I told our team, you can show great character when you’re winning,” Scheyer said. “Not going to say it’s easy because it’s not. But I think you get a chance when you’re down in a moment like that, missing those two guys … you’ve got a chance to show true character, what it’s all about when you’re down. I thought we did that.”

NELL REDMOND / AP PHOTO

NC State head coach Will Wade, left, reacts to an o cial during the second half of the Wolfpack’s ACC Tournament loss to Virginia.

COLIN HUBBARD / AP PHOTO

Duke guard Taina Mair, right, takes a hit on the way to the basket during the ACC Tournament championship game.

DUKE

Panthers make big splash in free agency

Carolina manages to address most of its most-pressing needs on day one

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

JUST LIKE THE Carolina Panthers: The NFL Draft is the marquee event of the o season, and the team has gone and ruined it.

After a frenzy of activity in the opening hours of NFL free agency, the Panthers addressed most of their pressing o season needs and ruined all the excitement about next month’s selections.

Chances are, the team won’t opt to deal away all their picks and stand pat, but it’s tough to imagine a better start to the oseason than the week GM Dan Morgan put together.

Heading into the start of the new NFL year, Morgan needed to improve the team’s defensive front. The return of Derek Brown from injury last season helped the Panthers take a big step forward, but Carolina still needed help at edge rusher and linebacker.

On the other side of the ball, the Panthers needed some help at o ensive line. Left tackle Ickey Ekwonu will miss most, if not all, of next season with a ruptured tendon in his knee. The Panthers also lost Cade Mays to Detroit and Yosh Nijman to surprise retirement.

The team could also use help at safety, running back — where Rico Dowdle made it clear he was one and done with the team, later signing with the Steelers — and backup quarterback.

The Panthers opened with a big move, as Morgan signed linebacker/edge rusher Jaelan Phillips for an eye-popping $120 million over four years, with $80 million of it guaranteed. Phillips was ninth in the NFL in quarterback pressures last year.

A rst-round pick by the Dolphins in 2021, his 8.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss as a rook-

ie were career highs, at least so far, but he’s had a knack for big plays, including a fumble recovery in the red zone in one of his rst games after getting traded to the Eagles last season.

Phillips will serve as a veteran leader to developing edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, both drafted last year, and his presence should help improve the production of the entire unit.

Also on day one, Morgan signed do-it-all linebacker Devin Lloyd. A rst-round pick of the Jaguars in 2022, Lloyd has had three 100-plus tack-

High Point, Queens lead NC’s mid-majors into NCAA tourney

Four other teams will continue their postseason elsewhere

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — Two of North Carolina’s 15 mid-major men’s basketball programs, and one women’s mid-major program, are going dancing in the 2026 NCAA Tournament this week.

The High Point Panthers men’s team (30-4) is heading back to March Madness after locking up a spot in the NCAA Tournament by winning the Big South Tournament with a victory over Winthrop.

High Point was given a No. 12 seed and will play the No. 5 seeded Wisconsin Badgers (24-10) in the West Region’s rst round on Thursday in Portland, Oregon, at 1:50 p.m.

This is High Point’s second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, and the Panthers’ No. 12 seed is the highest in program history. Last season, the program made its rst NCAA Tournament appearance as a No. 13 seed and fell to No. 4 Purdue in the opening round.

Entering this year’s matchup, High Point carries a 14-game winning streak, the longest ac-

MARCH from page B1

Duke

The Blue Devils nished the regular season as the No. 1 ranked team in the nation and added a conference tournament title to their resume. As a result, Duke is the tournament’s overall No. 1 seed. Duke is in the East Region and will advance to Washington, D.C., if it survives the weekend in South Carolina.

The general consensus online was that the selection committee didn’t do Duke any favors, giving it a tough road to the Final Four. Certainly, the Blue Devils drew some of the biggest names in the tourney eld, including No. 2 seed UConn, No. 3 Michigan State and No. 4 Kansas. All blue bloods and former NCAA champs, they are joined by former champions Louisville (No. 6) and UCLA (No. 7). Big East champion St. John’s is at No. 5 and Ohio State is at No. 8.

tive streak in the country, as the Panthers recently became the rst Big South program to reach 30 wins in a season.

“This is going to be the rst game all year where we are not the favorite,” High Point coach Flynn Clayman stated. “I don’t know any other team in the country that’s had that, so I think it’s going to be nice to have us be the underdog for once.

“The 12 matchup does upset people a lot, and we know that happens historically in the tournament. It’s going to be nice to shoot our shot and not be the top dog in the game. We’ve had 34 games straight of being the favorite, and now I think our group’s ready to go out and shoot our shot.”

The other North Carolina mid-major men’s team in March Madness is Queens.

As Atlantic Sun Tournament champions, the Royals (21-13) are heading to the NCAA Tournament for the rst time in program history, notching their conference title four years after moving up from Division II in their rst eligible season for the NCAA Tournament. The Royals defeated Central Arkansas in the ASUN championship game to secure the automatic bid.

As a No. 15 seed in the West Region, Queens is set to face

“This is going to be the rst game all year where we are not the favorite.”

Flynn Clayman, High Point coach

the No. 2-seeded Purdue Boilermakers (27-8), the Big Ten Tournament champions, on Friday at 7:35 p.m. in St. Louis.

“It was all sorts of emotions,” Queens coach Grant Leonard said of learning of Queens’ seeding. “It was just a dream come true. As a little kid, you dream of being a part of March Madness, and here you are. It’s awesome.”

In the women’s NCAA Tournament bracket, the High Point Panthers (27-5), like their men’s counterparts, also earned their bid after capturing the Big South Tournament championship for the second consecutive year. Last season, the Panthers faced and lost to No. 16 William & Mary in the First Four play-in game.

As a No. 15 seed, High Point will play the No. 2 Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee. The game is a rst-round match-

le seasons, recorded 13 tackles for loss in the last two years and had ve interceptions last season, earning a Pro Bowl selection. He’ll replace free agent Christian Rozeboom and upgrade the middle of coordinator Ejiro Evero’s defense.

For the second time on day one, Morgan wasn’t afraid to spend big to land the best available player, inking Lloyd for $45 million over three years, guaranteeing $25 million.

With his defense looking better and his pockets signi cantly lighter, Morgan looked to do a little bargain shopping as free agency’s rst week went on. He added a trio of o ensive linemen, addressing the holes with three one-year contracts.

Former Green Bay Packer Rasheed Walker, who has started 48 games over the last four years, will replace Ekwonu at left tackle. Replacing Nijman as the backup tackle will be Stone Forsythe, who has played 70 games and started 27 for the Seahawks and Raiders at both left and right tackle.

Center Luke Fortner, who replaces Mays, is the highest drafted of the three new linemen — a third-rounder in 2022. He has played 68 games, starting 44, for the Jaguars and Saints.

The fact that all three were brought in on one-year deals may be a sign that Morgan plans to address the long-term future of tackle and center in

the upcoming draft, bringing in someone to develop behind the veterans.

The last two signings likely won’t have as big an on- eld impact, but they’ll provide valuable depth and peace of mind for quarterback Bryce Young. Andy Dalton has been the backup, and even took the starting job brie y, for all of Young’s career, but the veteran is now 38 years old. The Panthers brought in Kenny Pickett, 11 years younger, a journeyman with four teams under his belt and proud owner of a Super Bowl ring. As Young grows into his role as the face of the franchise, he’s less in need of a guiding veteran, so the team went younger with his backup.

In another nod to Young, the Panthers signed John Metchie III, a 1,100-yard receiver at Alabama during Young’s Heisman season of 2021. Metchie has produced just 686 yards with three teams in four NFL seasons and may have a bigger on- eld impact with the Panthers as a kick returner. Still, he’s a familiar face from the past and provides receiver depth. The Panthers still have some tinkering to do. As stated above, the team will likely look to draft a tackle and center. They also need to either sign or draft depth at running back, safety and corner.

A week into free agency, however, the team’s to-do list has far more check marks than holes.

up in the Fort Worth-based Regional 1.

“My initial thought was I’m happy we weren’t a 16-seed,” High Point coach Chelsea Banbury said. “I think we put together a good nonconference showing this year. Our goal every year is to move up in the NCAA Tournament and put ourselves in a good position to win a game. The fact we’re a 15-seed, I’m excited. We’re not going too far to play Vanderbilt in Nashville. Obviously, they’re a good team, but we’ll have a game plan and we’ll be ready.”

While they didn’t receive an NCAA Tournament bid, the postseason will still continue for a group of local teams through the National Invitation Tournament and Women’s National Invitation Tournament. Three North Carolina-based teams

While Duke’s region certainly has blue-blood name recognition, the numbers don’t exactly back up the argument that this is the

tourney’s toughest region. Duke has the weakest 2-seed according to KenPom analytics, which has UConn ranked 11th in the nation,

and the weakest 4-seed (Kansas is No. 21 in KenPom), the two teams Duke is most likely to play in a second weekend.

Duke opens this weekend against Metro Atlantic champion Siena. If the Blue Devils win that game against the No. 16 seed, they’ll face the winner of the 8-9 game, between Ohio State and TCU.

UNC

The Tar Heels drew a No. 6

seed, which, according to the analytics, may have been a gift. UNC was ranked No. 29 in KenPom. The other three six seeds are 16 (Tennessee), 19 (Louisville) and 23 (BYU), respectively. Carolina ranks below three of the No. 7 seeds, as well as an 8 and a 9.

The Heels have dropped back-to-back games — to Duke in the regular season nale and Clemson in the ACC Tournament — and are 5-4 in their last

will compete in the 2026 NIT Tournament, while one local program will participate in the 2026 Women’s NIT.

The UNC Wilmington Seahawks, the Colonial Athletic Association regular-season champions, entered the postseason with a 26-6 record and played at No. 3 seed Yale (24-6) on Tuesday in rst-round action.

The Davidson Wildcats (20-13) also earned a spot in the NIT and played at No. 2 seed Oklahoma State (19-14) on Tuesday.

Wake Forest received a No. 1 seed in its NIT region, with the Demon Deacons (17-16) hosting Navy on Wednesday in Winston-Salem.

On the women’s side, Wake Forest (14-17) will continue its season in the Women’s NIT, facing Maryland Eastern Shore (19-14) on Thursday.

nine games. They’re assigned to the South Region, which would send them to Houston if they win out this weekend.

Carolina opens with No. 11 VCU, which won the A-10, have a six-game winning streak and have lost once in the last 17 games.

The winner of that game faces either No. 3 Illinois or No. 14 Penn. The Illini lost in the Big Ten Tournament opener, their third defeat in the last ve games. Penn won the Ivy League and has won nine of 10 games, including the last ve.

It’s worth noting that, despite the winning records and championships in their shared history, when UNC and Duke get together in the postseason, it’s usually dramatic for at least one of the teams. Both teams have survived the weekend just three times in their previous eight times sharing a venue, and not since 2011. So, expect some madness this weekend in the Palmetto State.

JOHN RAOUX / AP PHOTO

New Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd (0), then with Jacksonville, took this interception against the Chiefs 99 yards for a touchdown last October.

COURTESY ACC

Duke coach Jon Scheyer cuts down the nets after the Blue Devils won the ACC Tournament last weekend.

MICHAEL WOODS / AP PHOTO Queens forward Avantae Parker shoots a free throw against Arkansas during a game on Dec. 16, 2025, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Notice to Creditors

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

25CV022829-910

DANIEL FINCH, Permanent Receiver of the Estate of EHSAN ALAM, Plainti , VS. ALVIN T. CHAVIS, JR.; DEWAYNE HAYNES; GERALD LOCKLEAR; AMBER ALAM; ASCENSUS, LLC d/b/a FUTURE PLAN BY ASCENSUS; DOUGLAS NOREEN, Guardian Ad Litem for Ehsan Alam; EHSAN ALAM; MUHAMMED YASEEN ALAM; MUHAMMED SHAHEER ALAM; NOOR ALAM; HIBBAH ALAM; STEVE SMALL; JAMES ELLIS; and JAMES PETERSON,

CABARRUS

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

24SP001611-120

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Frances D. Spears (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Frances D. Spears and Bobby Smith and Betty Johnson and Jerry Smith and Ronnie Smith and Althea Brown) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated September 5, 2008, and recorded in Book No. 08479, at Page 0001 in Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cabarrus County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the

23-117593

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY

24SP000028-120

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SHONA THOMAS AND LAVON THOMAS DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2017 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 12756 AT PAGE 1 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

24SP000479-120

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, CABARRUS COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Duane Danielson and Liam Johns to Heather Lovier, Trustee(s), which was dated December 14, 2021 and recorded on December 14, 2021 in Book 15722 at Page 0015, Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 31, 2026 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit:

Defendants. NOTICE TO FARIDA ALAM A/KIA AMBER ALAM AND ALL INTERESTED PERSONS OR ENTITIES PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 28C OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES

To: Farida Alam A/K/A Amber Alam; Ehsan Alam; Alvin T. Chavis, Jr.; Dewayne Haynes; Gerald Locklear; Steve Small; James Ellis; James Peterson, Farida Alam, a.k.a. Amber Alam, Individually, and as Trustee of the Ehsan Alam Trust; Ascensus, LLC d/b/a Future Plan By Ascensus;

courthouse door in Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 23, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Concord in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

All that real property situated in the County of Cabarrus, State of North Carolina:

Being the same property conveyed to the grantor by deed recorded 01/04/2005 in Book 05737, Page 267 Cabarrus County Registry, to which deed reference is hereby made for a more particular description of this property. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 51 Sunderland Road Southwest, Concord, North Carolina.

Property Address: 51 Sunderland Rd

Parcel ID: 56205226300000

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.

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 12:00PM on April 1, 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 Shona Thomas and Lavon Thomas, dated November 6, 2017 to secure the original principal amount of $109,872.00, and recorded in Book 12756 at Page 1 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 986 Stones Throw Dr, Concord, NC 28025 Tax Parcel ID: 55264292550000

Travis Morton; douglas Noreen, Guardian Ad Litem for Ehsan Alam; Jonathan Anderson, Guardian Ad Litem for Farida Alam A/K/A Amber Alam; and All persons who would have an interest in the Estate of Farida Alam A/K/A Amber Alam if she were dead; and to all whom it may concern You are hereby given Notice pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28C-4 that Linda Johnson has been appointed as the Temporary Receiver of the assets of Farida Alam A/K/ AAmber Alam pursuant to Chapter 28C of the North Carolina General Statutes. The Order appointing Linda Johnson as Temporary Receiver was entered herein on August 1, 2025. You are receiving this notice because you may have an interest in the outcome of this case. You are encouraged

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

to review Chapter 28C of the North Carolina General Statutes and consult with an attorney to determine how this case may a ect your interests. The Court will conduct a hearing on a Motion to Appoint a Permanent Receiver during the April 13, 2026 Session of Wake County Superior Court, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on April 13, 2026 in courtroom 10A of

County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. If you wish to be heard on this motion, you must le a response

more than seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing. Your response should include a written statement of the nature and extent of the interest claimed in the property of Farida Alam A/K/A Amber Alam and to show cause why a permanent receiver of Farida Alam A/K/A Amber Alam property should not be appointed to hold and dispose of the property under the provisions of Chapter 28C of the North Carolina General Statutes.

A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation 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.

of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser 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

Lying and Being in the City of Kannapolis, Number Four (4) Township of Cabarrus County, North Carolina on the East side of Klondale Avenue, and Being all of Lot Number FOUR (4) and a part of Lot Number THREE (3) in Block “D” of the N. T. Wilkinson Property, as surveyed and platted, a copy of which plat is led in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County in Map Book 4, Page 27, and being more fully described as follows:

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

Said property is commonly known as 807 Klondale Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

BEGINNING at an iron stake on the East side of Klondale Avenue, front corner of Lot Numbers 4 and 5 (Robin D. Wilson, Deed Book 561, Page 436) and runs thence with the East side of Klondale Avenue North 0200-00 West 50.00 feet to an iron stake in the front line of Lot Number 3, corner of George J. Wyatt, Jr. (Deed Book 469, Page 434) (said stake being South 02- 0000 East 275.0 feet to an iron stake in the Southeastern corner of the intersection of Klondale Avenue and Bethpage Road); thence a line through Lot Number 3, and with the line of Wyatt North 81-58-51 East 150.70 feet to an iron stake, rear corner of Wyatt, W. H. Hall and Josie Benton (Deed Book 24, Page 328); thence with the line of Benton South 01-2-39 East 49.69 feet to an iron stake in the line of Benton, rear corner of Lot Numbers 4 and 5 (Wilson); thence with the dividing line of said Lot Numbers 4 and 5, and with the line of Wilson South 81-49-32 West 149.91 feet to the point of BEGINNING, as surveyed and platted by J. Lawrence Blackley, R.L.S., August 20, 1990; Subject to the Right of Way for Klondale Avenue.

property situated in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 912 OF DOMINION GROVE AT HIGHLAND CREEK, PHASE 4, MAP 7, AS SHOWN ON A MAP THEREOF RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 50 AT PAGE 80 (A REVISION OF MAP BOOK 50 AT PAGE 37) IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, TO WHICH MAP REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 9764 Brandybuck Dr, Charlotte, NC 28269.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Lance Robert Kurtz and wife, Christy McKenzie Kurtz. 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,

of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Duane Danielson and spouse, Liam Johns.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination.

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders

after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

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

25-122676

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DURHAM COUNTY 25SP001036-310

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY GWYNNETH STANBACK DATED NOVEMBER 15, 2022 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 9822 AT PAGE 770 IN THE DURHAM COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25SP001205-310 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF DURHAM IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HEATHER D. SCHWARTZ DATED DECEMBER 13, 2021 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 9563, AT PAGE 391 IN THE DURHAM COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

ID:

and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Durham County courthouse at 11:00AM on April 1, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Gwynneth Stanback, dated November 15, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $247,500.00, and recorded in Book 9822 at Page 770 of the Durham County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3615 Moriah Road, Rougemont, NC 27572 Tax Parcel ID: 191994 Present Record Owners:

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 and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Durham County courthouse at 10:00 AM on April 1, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Heather D. Schwartz, dated December 13, 2021 to secure the original principal amount of $263,200.00, and recorded in Book No. 9563, at Page 391 of the Durham County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

26SP000023-310

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, DURHAM COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Shardae D Brown and Shaheid Hasan to Kyle Shannon, Trustee(s), which was dated June 9, 2016 and recorded on June 10, 2016 in Book 7950 at Page 88, Durham County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on April 2, 2026 at 11:30 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following

18-100454 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DURHAM COUNTY 24SP001454-310 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ROBERT N. MITCHELL AND JACQUELYN Y. MITCHELL DATED JUNE 25, 1999 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2673 AT PAGE 396 IN THE DURHAM COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and

and

in the above-referenced

of

Address of property: 5100 Starcross Ln, Durham, NC 27713

described property situated in Durham County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 6, Sherron Road Tract, Phase 3, aka Sherron Farms Subdivision as shown on that map recorded in Plat Book 195, Page 209, Durham County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 623 Hiddenbrook Drive, Durham, NC 27703.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale,

perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Durham County courthouse at 11:00AM on March 26, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Robert N. Mitchell and Jacquelyn Y. Mitchell, dated June 25, 1999 to secure the original principal amount of $59,500.00, and recorded in Book 2673 at Page 396 of the Durham County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3028 Wedgedale Drive, Durham, NC 27703 Tax Parcel ID: 131789

of

of the

and failure

sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all

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

Tax Parcel ID: 145398

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Heather D. Schwartz. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS.

Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances

transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Shardae D. Brown and spouse, Shaheid Hasan and NCSDS, LLC.

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

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

and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. 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

1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)].

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination.

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

The

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the 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.

associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason,

If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting

The subject property is the same as that property described in Deed Book 2544, Page 3623, Forsyth County Registry and is

in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce 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 o er 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 March 25, 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: Situated on the east side of Mulberry Street, fronting on the same and measuring in front 50 feet and of that same width extending eastwardly 97.70 feet, being bounded on the West by Mulberry Street, on the North by C. L. Montgomery, formerly I. N. Ayers, on the South by Jack Barton, formerly E. Moore, and on the East by a part of Lot No. 305. The herein-described piece of ground being the southwestern corner of Lot No. 305 as designated on the Plat of Salem and being a part of the same lot conveyed by Thomas W. Siddall and wife, to Ivory N. Ayers by deed dated June 15, 1905, and registered in the Register of Deeds 76, Page 137; also by deed from I. N. Ayers and wife, to C. J. Hanes, recorded in Deed Book 214, page 73, reference to which is hereby made. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 621 Mulberry Street, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

further designated as Tax Parcel Identi er Number 6835-12-2504 on the Forsyth County Tax Maps.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi

25-123652 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION NEW HANOVER COUNTY 26SP000048-640 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WESLEY LYNN LINTON AND MARCIA ANN PRESTON-LINTON DATED APRIL 13, 2022 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6557 AT PAGE 1140 IN THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the New Hanover County courthouse at 11:00AM on March 31, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in New Hanover County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Wesley Lynn Linton and Marcia Ann Preston-Linton, dated April 13, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $163,118.00, and recorded in Book 6557 at Page 1140 of the New Hanover County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 1111 Boone Lane, Wilmington, NC 28411

BEGINNING AT AN IRON PIPE IN THE EASTERN RIGHT OF WAY OF N.C. SECONDARY ROAD NO. 2930, CEDAR GROVE DRIVE (FORMERLY NAMED PINECROFT ROAD), THE SAME BEING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT NO. 156 OF CEDAR GROVE PARK SUBDIVISION, A PLAT OF WHICH IS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 7, PAGE 49, IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY REGISTRY; THENCE NORTH 11 DEGREES 13 MINUTES 13 SECONDS EAST 87.70 FEET ALONG THE EASTERN RIGHT OF WAY OF CEDAR GROVE DRIVE TO AN IRON ROD IN SAID RIGHT OF WAY; THENCE SOUTH 86 DEGREES 17 MINUTES EAST 216.29 FEET TO AN IRON ROD; THENCE SOUTH 07 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 29 SECONDS WEST 87.72 FEET TO AN AXLE, THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT NO. 156; THENCE NORTH 86 DEGREES 07 MINUTES

59 SECONDS WEST 221.94 FEET TO THE BEGINNING, BEING LOTS NOS. 153, 154, 155 AND THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF LOT NO. 152 OF THE SAID CEDAR GROVE PARK SUBDIVISION, PLAT BOOK 7, PAGE 49, IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY REGISTRY. THIS DESCRIPTION IS IN ACCORD WITH A SURVEY ENTITLED “SURVEY FOR MARK STEVEN BRADY’, DATED SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 AND PREPARED BY SURVEYING SERVICES, ASHEBORO, NC.

NOTE: The Company is prohibited from insuring the area or quantity of the land. The Company does not represent that

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 March 25, 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. 3, CONTAINING 18,572 SQUARE FEET, MORE OR LESS, AS SHOWN ON PLAT ENTITLED “JOHN LAWRENCE DUNLAP”, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 114, PAGE 89, RANDOLPH COUNTY REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 619 B Worthville Street, Randleman, NC 27317. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR

Tax Parcel ID: R04416-003-044-000 Present Record Owners: Wesley Lynn Linton and Marcia Ann Preston Linton The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Wesley Lynn Linton and Marcia Ann Preston Linton. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and

any acreage or footage calculations are correct. References to quantity are for identi cation purposes only. Commonly known as: 1575 Cedar Grove Dr, Asheboro, NC 27205-1198 THE PROPERTY ADDRESS AND TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER LISTED ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 1575 Cedar Grove Dr, Asheboro, NC 27205. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property

DEED. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Mackenzie Nicole Tuttle and Caelob Trey Teal. 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

encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open

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 Corey Edward Miller and Roger Miller. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the

sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25SP002411-910

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Selyna D. Deshazo (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Selyna Deshazo) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated April 23, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 012510, at Page 01961 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modi ed by the following: A Loan Modi cation recorded on August 29, 2014, in Book No. 015767, at Page 01158 , default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

25SP002461-910

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Michael B. Graham and Amanda Graham (PRESENT RECORD

OWNER(S): Michael B. Graham and Amanda Graham) to Coastal Federal Financial Group, LLC, Trustee(s), dated May 31, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 019049, at Page 00545 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 O ce of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the

25SP002462-910

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 Julius Edwards and Erika Edwards to First American Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated October 28, 2005 and recorded on October 31, 2005 in Book 011660 at Page 02622, Wake County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale

having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on March 30, 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 2, Phase I, Sussex Place Subdivision, as same is shown on map thereof recorded in Book of Maps 1985, Page 219, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1913 Grove Point Court, Raleigh, 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

Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on March 23, 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 34, Sauls Ridge Subdivision, as recorded in Book of Maps 2000, Page 1609-1611, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1012 Rockwell Court, Raleigh, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance

on April 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 63, Park Grove Subdivision, Ph. 1A & 1B, as shown on the map recorded in Book of Maps 2004 Page 2136 Wake Co. Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 242 Larktree Lane, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE

March 19, 2026

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 o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments,

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

IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Julius D. Edwards, Jr. and wife, Erika Edwards. 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

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA WAKE COUNTY In the Superior Court LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC v. BRIAN DYLAN JOHNSON; ANY KNOWN SPOUSE OF BRIAN DYLAN JOHNSON; JILLIAN FAITH PARISI; ANY KNOWN SPOUSE OF JILLIAN FAITH PARISI; CHESAPEAKE LANDING CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC.; GODDARD & PETERSON, PLLC; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; 25CV043412-910 Party to be served: BRIAN DYLAN JOHNSON; ANY KNOWN SPOUSE OF BRIAN DYLAN JOHNSON; JILLIAN FAITH PARISI; ANY KNOWN SPOUSE OF JILLIAN FAITH PARISI

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 25SP002564-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Deed of Trust executed by LYNN E. STANLEY dated September 22, 2006 in the amount of $132,588.00 and recorded in Book 012186, Page 00294 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 O cial Records of Wake County, North Carolina, in Book 20058, Page 871, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on April 3, 2026 at 1:00 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): 1738320281 ADDRESS: 8885 THORNTON TOWN PLACE RALEIGH, NC 27616 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): LYNN E. STANLEY THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF WAKE, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 012186, PAGE 00294, AS FOLLOWS: ALL OF LOT 37 THORNTON PLACE TOWNHOMES, PHASE ONE AS SHOWN IN THAT MAP RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 2007, PAGE 488, 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 o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY 25 SP002387-910

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Amy J. Moss, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $1,036,000.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as bene ciary, as nominee for Change Lending, LLC, Mortgagee, dated March 24th, 2023 and recorded on March 24th, 2023 in Book 019292, Page 01513, Wake County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of 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

trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is

remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to

sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)].

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the 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

to such pleading not later than Tuesday, April 7, 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 5th day of March, 2026, Gregory P. Cowan, NC Bar 39608

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

Attorney for Petitioner Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 13010 Morris Road, Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004

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

Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Wake County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on March 26th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 1, Trinity Forest Subdivision as shown on plat recorded in Book of Maps 2021, Pages 1847 and 1848, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 8621 Bishop Pine Lane, Wake Forest, NC 27587 Tax ID: 0489438 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Amy J. Moss. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §4521.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation 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: January N. Taylor, NCSB #33512 David Neill, NCSB #23396 Olivia S. Sings, NCSB# 54991 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) jtaylor@mtglaw.com dneill@mtglaw.com osings@mtglaw.com 25-001792-01

Topping up

Siler City re ghter Nolan White, top, lls the foam tank on Engine 914 with an assist from re ghter Matthew White, middle, and Capt. Aaron Dorsett supervising from the ground last Wednesday. Soap-like foam is mixed with water to improve the cooling performance of water spray by dramatically increasing its surface area and thus heat absorption.

the BRIEF this week

Cuba’s latest blackout underscores deepening economic crisis; Rubio calls for new leadership

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is calling for “new people in charge” of Cuba as the Caribbean nation experienced its third islandwide blackout in four months. U.S. President Donald, who has called Cuba a “very weakened nation,” said on Monday he believes he’ll have the “honor of taking Cuba.” On Tuesday, Rubio — who is of Cuban heritage — said the current government is incapable of addressing the problems.

The island’s government blames its woes on a U.S. energy blockade after Trump in January warned of tari s on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba.

The country’s aging grid has drastically eroded in recent years, leading to daily outages.

Trump postpones China trip to focus on Iran

President Donald Trump is delaying a diplomatic trip to China that was planned for months but began to unravel as he pressured Beijing and other world powers to form a military coalition to protect the vital Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Tuesday while meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval O ce that he would be going to China in ve or six weeks’ time instead of at the end of the month.

Trump’s visit to China is seen as an opportunity to build on a fragile trade truce between the two superpowers, but it became tangled in his e ort to nd an endgame to his war in Iran.

$2.00

Seaforth sophomore wins SAR oratory contest in Chapel Hill

The Pittsboro student advanced to the state competition

By Dan Reeves Chatham News & Record

Giuliana Greto won the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest on March 14 at Governors Club in Chapel Hill with a speech titled “Americans: Resilient Through and Through.”

The annual competition is sponsored by the Sons of the

CHAPEL HILL — A Seaforth High School sophomore from Pittsboro took top honors this month at a regional oratory contest focused on the history and ideals of the American Revolution.

American Revolution and challenges high school students to deliver original, memorized speeches examining events, gures or themes connected to the Revolutionary era.

Greto’s winning oration connected the spirit of the nation’s founding to modern civic life, drawing parallels between the challenges faced in 1776 and debates shaping the country today. Her speech also aligned with the upcoming America 250 commemoration marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Revolutionary War sign coming to George Moses Horton Middle

The marker designates the route used by commanding o cers

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The Chatham County Schools Board of

Education met March 9 for its regular business meeting.

The board approved a memorandum of agreement with the Chatham County Historical Association for the placement of a sign on school property (George Moses Horton Middle School), to document the historical signi cance of the site.

CORA’s Empty Bowls fundraiser sets record with $98K raised

“We had such a great evening of fellowship with our community of supporters.”

Rebecca Hankins

The event sold out for the second consecutive year

By Melinda Burris Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The Chatham Outreach Alliance Food Pantry’s annual Empty Bowls event raised more than $98,000 this year, marking its most successful fundraiser yet.

The 14th annual event, held Feb. 28, sold out for the second consecutive year. Attendees sampled soups from local restaurants, enjoyed homemade desserts and breads,

“The Chatham County Historical Association is leading a project to document the route of Gens. George Cornwallis and Nathanael Greene through Chatham County during the American Revolution,” said Interim Assistant Superintendent Chris Poston. “As part of this e ort, the association is

browsed handcrafted pottery and listened to live music from the Popcorn Blue Band.

“From the delicious soups and the homemade desserts and breads to the gorgeous pottery and the lively music from Popcorn Blue Band, we had such a great evening of fellowship with our community of supporters,” said Rebecca Hankins, CORA’s development and communications director, in an interview.

A highlight of the evening was the “Fund a Need” segment, which targeted the

The contest, hosted by the General Francis Nash Chapter, featured four student speakers from schools across the Triangle region. About 45 attendees

creating a trail with state-approved historical road markers. One of the identi ed sites is located on the property of George Moses Horton Middle School.” Greene and Cornwallis were opposing American and British commanding o cers in the American Revolutionary War, and generals met multiple times throughout the war, including in one of the largest battles of the war at Guilford Courthouse in North Carolina. The marker will be placed

THURSDAY

3.19.26

CORA from page A1

$68,000 cost of a walk-in refrigeration unit at CORA’s Siler City pantry. Organizers had set a goal of raising $25,000 toward the project but were overwhelmed by the response — attendees gave enough to cover the full cost. The upgrade will allow the pantry to store and distribute more fresh food. Empty Bowls is CORA’s signature annual fundraiser, generally held each spring. Guests sample soups from area restaurants and take home

“From the delicious soups and the homemade desserts and breads to the gorgeous pottery and the lively music from Popcorn Blue Band, we had such a great evening of fellowship with our community of supporters.”

Rebecca Hankins,

CORA development and communications director

bowls crafted by local potters, symbolizing solidarity with people facing food insecurity.

CORA operates food pantries in

residents

Lawyers for LaSota seek competency review while rejecting ‘Zizian,’ ‘cult’ labels ahead

A group of computer scientists linked to six deaths faces legal charges

By Brian Witte and Holly Ramer The Associated Press

BALTIMORE — A lawyer representing the leader of the cultlike Zizians group that has been linked to six deaths told a judge Thursday that there is reason to believe his client is mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Jack LaSota, a transgender woman who goes by “Ziz,” was supposed to be in federal court for a two-day hearing on whether to suppress evidence collected as a result of her arrest in Frostburg, Maryland, last year. Instead, U.S. District Court

March 9

• Nacoreyus Chavez Hough, 31, was arrested for assault in icting serious bodily injury, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and assault on a pregnat woman.

• Delio Said Garcia Banegas, 28, was arrested for intoxicated and disruptive.

• Rebecca Cheryl Poe, 32, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance on prison or jail premises, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony larceny, obtaining property by false pretenses, felony possession of cocaine and poss cs prison-jail premises.

• Bobby James Dawes, 44, was arrested for felony larceny, inj prop nonferr metal, fst deg trespinfrastr, misdemeanor larceny, alter remove nmv serial no f, conspiracy to commit felony larceny, conspire to commit felony larceny and alter remove nmv serial no.

Judge James Bredar heard arguments on a motion led late Wednesday seeking a competency evaluation.

“Counsel believes there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant is presently su ering from a mental disease or defect rendering her mentally incompetent to the extent that she is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings,” attorney Gary Proctor wrote.

As the hearing got underway, Proctor said LaSota has demonstrated an inability to follow proceedings, equating being a fugitive with being transgender and accusing a judge of being part of an organized crime ring. LaSota told the judge she wants to represent herself.

Authorities have described

• Luis Enrique Villeda, 30, was arrested for driving while impaired, driving without an operator’s license, reckless driving with wanton disregard and speeding.

• Micah McCrae Morgan, 37, was arrested for embezzlement.

• Joshua Phillip Garrett, 47, was arrested for misdemeanor child abuse.

• Marshall Sidney Gowings Jr., 49, was arrested for second-degree trespass.

• Rebecca Cheryl Poe, 32, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance on prison or jail premises, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony possession of cocaine, felony larceny and obtaining property under false pretenses.

March 10

• Marshall Sidney Gowings, 49, was arrested for second-degree trespass.

• Candace Irene Monroe, 37, was arrested for simple assault and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Beauden John Hoover, 22, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

LaSota as the apparent leader of what outsiders call the “Zizians,” a group of young, highly intelligent computer scientists who appear to share radical beliefs about veganism, animal rights, gender identity and arti cial intelligence. Since 2022, members have been tied to the death of one of their own during an attack on a California landlord, the landlord’s subsequent killing, the shooting deaths of one of the member’s parents in Pennsylvania, and a highway shootout in Vermont that left a border agent and another Zizian dead.

LaSota, Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank were arrested last February after a landowner found them living in box trucks at the end of a snow-covered dirt road. Though they are not charged with causing any of the

• Melissa Leann Perry, 42, was arrested for interfere emerg communications.

March 11

• Cesar Figueroa, 42, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Blaine Ivey Rhodes, 30, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny.

• Taylor Marie Heaton, 33, was arrested for child abuse and resisting a public o cer.

• Cesar Augusto Figueroa Ramirez, 42, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

March 12

• Lacey Nicole Wright, 30, was arrested for lar remove dest deact compo and shoplifting by concealment of goods.

March 13

• Melissa Ann Smith, 38, was arrested for simple possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and delegated authority.

CHATHAM happening

March 21

36th

Volunteers gather at sites throughout the Haw River watershed to remove litter and debris from creeks, streams and trails. Since 1991, more than 6,867 volunteers have hauled out 11,720 bags of trash and 1,992 tires.

Bynum Area / Haw River Watershed Sites

NC History Book Club: “Proud Shoes” 9:30 a.m.

The

Historic Chatham County Courthouse

9 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro

March 25

Siler City Growers & Makers Market

4 p.m.

of trial

six deaths, police quickly connected them to the homicide investigations in California, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

Maryland state Trooper Brandon Je ries wrote after their Feb. 16, 2025, arrests that all the “suspects involved are to be questioned regarding other crimes that have occurred across the country and have ties with the Zizians Cult.”

All three face state charges of trespassing and illegal gun and drug possession, while LaSota faces a federal charge of illegal gun possession by a fugitive. LaSota also is charged with obstructing the investigation into the deaths of Zajko’s parents. Authorities have called Zajko a person of interest in that case and said they are investigating Blank.

The Siler City Growers & Makers Market opens its 2026 season at a new downtown location, featuring local farmers, artisans and food vendors. The market runs every Wednesday 4-7 p.m. through the end of the year.

117 E 2nd St. Siler City

March 28

6th Annual Chatham County Spring Ag Fest 10 a.m.

A free celebration of Chatham County’s agriculture, forestry and natural resources featuring livestock arena events, pony rides, demonstrations, food trucks and indoor and outdoor exhibitors. Free shuttle service is available from remote parking at Central Carolina Community College and the Chatham County Justice Center.

Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center 1192 U.S. Highway 64 W Business Pittsboro

March 14

• Byron Ellis Horton, 65, was arrested for selling or delivering cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine, felony possession of cocaine, selling or delivering a controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance, tra cking in cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Aleaha Renne Marr, 32, was arrested for driving while impaired.

• Nathan Lynn Swann, 40, was arrested for violation of a domestic violence protective order.

March 15

• Claude Richard Cashwell, 61, was arrested for driving while impaired, open container after consuming alcohol, reckless driving to endanger persons or property, cancl revok susp certif tag, no liability insurance, driving on a revoked license, driving left of center and simple possess sch iii.

handmade

Pittsboro and Siler City, serving

across Chatham County.

PHOTOS COURTESY BOBBY IZQUIERDO

Top left, Executive Director Melissa Driver Beard, left, Development and Communications Director Rebecca Hankins, center, and Pittsboro Pantry Manager Matt Thiele pose at the 2026 CORA Empty Bowls fundraiser. Top right, Matt Markies celebrates after winning the 50/50 Ra e. Bottom, The Popcorn Blue band performs at the event.

Sinema admits romance with security guard as she ghts ex-wife’s lawsuit

The lawsuit invokes North Carolina’s rare “alienation of a ection” law

By Gary D. Robertson

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema acknowledges having a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail that began while she was a lawmaker, according to legal documents. But she also contends she shouldn’t be subject to a lawsuit by the man’s ex-wife who blames Sinema for the marriage breakup.

The North Carolina federal court litigation seeks nancial damages from Sinema, who represented Arizona in the U.S. House and later the Senate for one term that ended early last year.

Heather Ammel contends in a lawsuit that she and husband Matthew had “a good and loving marriage” and “genuine love and a ection” existed between them before Sinema interfered, pursuing him despite knowing he was married.

In a signed March 7 declara-

tion attached to a lawsuit motion led this week, Sinema said her relationship with Matthew Ammel “became romantic and intimate” at the end of May 2024 and “physically intimate” over the next several months in California, New York, Colorado, Arizona and Washington, D.C.

The Ammels separated in November 2024, the lawsuit said.

North Carolina is one of a handful of states that allow jilted spouses to sue for “alienation of a ection” to seek damages from a third party responsible for the breakup of their marriage.

Sinema’s declaration rejects allegations by Heather Ammel that Sinema made phone calls and sent internet communications to her husband with the knowledge that he was physically present in North Carolina and at times with his wife and the couple’s children. Sinema did send Matthew Hamel a message while he was in North Carolina after he had already found a new place to live and “when the marriage was already over,” Sinema attorney Steven Epstein wrote in asking the lawsuit be dismissed.

Sinema’s “conduct relat-

ed to her romantic relationship with Mr. Ammel does not connect her to North Carolina in a meaningful way,” Epstein wrote last Thursday, adding that no jury would believe that the one message “had any bearing on the destruction of marital love and a ection.”

Sinema’s head of security hired Ammel after he retired from the Army in 2022, according to the lawsuit, and in early 2024, Heather Ammel discovered messages between Sinema and her husband on the Signal messaging app that were of “romantic and lascivious natures.”

That summer, Matthew Ammel stopped wearing his wedding ring and Sinema gave him a job on her Senate sta while he continued to work as her bodyguard, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit was initially led in September in North Carolina state court, but it was moved to federal court in January.

Sinema declined to seek Senate reelection in 2024 following a term in which she left the Democratic Party to become an independent. She now works for a Washington-based legal and lobbying rm.

Feds move to dismiss charges against veteran who burned American ag

The North Carolina man’s case highlights First Amendment protections for ag burning

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has moved to dismiss charges against a North Carolina Army veteran who set re to an American ag near the White House last year to protest President Donald Trump’s executive order on ag burning.

Jay Carey, 55, of Arden in Buncombe County, who has said he served in the Army from 1989 to 2012 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, was arrested on Aug. 25 after he set re to a ag in Lafayette Park, which the National Park Service oversees. Earlier that day, Trump signed an executive order requiring the Justice Department to in-

vestigate and prosecute people for burning the American ag.

Carey was charged with two misdemeanors that aren’t focused on the act of burning a ag: igniting a re in an undesignated area and lighting a re causing damage to property or park resources. He pleaded not guilty in September. Friday’s ling did not explain the decision to move to dismiss and the U.S Attorney’s o ce for the District of Columbia did not immediately respond on Saturday to an email seeking comment.

The Supreme Court has ruled that ag burning is a legitimate political expression protected by the Constitution. Trump’s order asserted that burning a ag can be prosecuted if it “is likely to incite imminent lawless action” or amounts to “ ghting words.”

“I set out to demonstrate that the First Amendment is sacred and that no adminis-

tration has the right to supersede our constitutional rights,” Carey said in a statement from the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund. “I was targeted for federal prosecution because of that. I am glad to stand with all those who are ghting for our fundamental rights and hope that this victory can help the next person who takes a stand.”

It shows people that “the Constitution still matters,” Carey said when reached by telephone on Saturday.

Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, one of Carey’s lawyers and fund co-founder, said the prosecution shouldn’t have been brought.

“The government’s attempt to criminally punish a protestor based on expressive conduct targeted for prosecution by presidential order posed a grave threat to First Amendment freedoms,” Verheyden-Hilliard said in a statement.

Central Electric sponsoring two youth to attend basketball camp this summer

Central Electric awards two Cooperative All-Stars Sports Camp Scholarships annually to local students in Chatham, Harnett, Lee, or Moore counties. A young man will be selected to attend the Carolina Basketball School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a young woman will be selected to attend the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp at N.C. State University in Raleigh.

To be eligible to apply, the student must be in the sixth or seventh grade during the upcoming school year, have permission from a parent or guardian to attend the overnight camp and must provide their own transportation if selected to attend.

Scan the QR code or visit CEMCPower.com for more information or to apply. e deadline for applications to both camps is March 31.

Church News

OAKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

As Oakley Baptist Church (2300 Siler CityGlendon Road, Siler City) seeks to begin its next chapter, we are enjoying hearing a word from the Lord from various old and new friends. Our service begins at 10:30 a.m., but we also have Sunday School classes for every member of the family at 9:30 a.m. We would be blessed if you joined us for any and all of these speakers in the coming weeks.

March 22 – John Hill

March 29 – John Strider

We look forward to meeting you at any of these services and in the future, and invite you to pray with us as we seek a new pastor. To learn more, go to oakleybaptist.org or email us at oakleybaptistchurch@gmail.com.

SIGN from page A1 along the roadside on Highway 15-501 on the school property and will be fully funded and installed by the association.

“There is no maintenance located with this sign,” said Superintendent Anthony Jackson. “It’s just a sign to be placed in the easement there, and we made sure that there’s no long-term maintenance issues associated with this.”

The board also renewed its contract with Anderson, Smith & Wike for auditing services for the 2025-26 school year. The contract is for an amount not to exceed $46,100, which is the same cost as the prior year.

“They are a full service accounting rm serving many school districts throughout North Carolina,” said Interim Finance Director Finance Ofcer Brittany Smith. The district has contract-

“The Chatham County Historical Association is leading a project to document the route of Cornwallis and Greene through Chatham County during the American Revolution.”

Chris Poston, interim assistant superintendent

ed with the rm since 2015. Finally, the board also accepted a $15,000 donation for the Jordan-Matthews High School robotics team, the Neon Krakens. The donation, which is from Kar Korner and the Southport Truck Group, will be used to assist with hotel and travel expenses for competitions.

The Chatham County Schools Board of Education will next meet April 13.

High School Alumni Association 2026 Scholarship Application Applications are being accepted for Horton High School Alumni Association 2026-2027 Scholarship

Descendent of Horton High School alumnus or attendee of Horton High School may apply.

• Apply on website: www.hortonhighalumni.com

• CLICK: “Scholarship”

Deadline for application: June 1, 2026

THE CONVERSATION

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

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

Real art

The last I checked, we are not disembodied intelligences oating in the ether.

ENOUGH. I’VE HAD IT. I’ve seen too many quizzes on the internet, including from reputable news sources, challenging readers to select the human-written passage instead of the AI-generated one. I don’t care if I can sni out the robot like my dog sni s the re hydrant. And at least the dog’s scent comes from a living, breathing animal with working kidneys.

I have no interest in a large language model that spends its seconds scouring the writings of non-large-language models. I don’t understand what that last sentence means, but that’s how my buddy explained it.

The last I checked, we are not disembodied intelligences oating in the ether. We have bodies, which means we have feelings. Paul Cézanne, the French painter, said, “A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.” Therefore, arti cial intelligence makes no art, no matter how pretty the painting or sonnet.

I want to read prose and poetry from living, breathing humans. I want to spend my time, which is limited, exploring the thoughts and opinions of my fellow creatures, who are as constrained by time and as limited in their understanding as I am. We live, and someday we will all die. What we do with our lives might scandalize, intrigue,

terrify or delight me, but I want to read the work of people who wrestle in some way with the inarguable fact of mortality.

At church, we are putting together a poetry booklet. We’ve asked people to submit poems based on the prompt “Dear Chaotic World.” We have a dozen submissions, and I’m fascinated by each one. Some deal with a world crisis, while others consider chaos in terms of a personal problem. Poets have varying degrees of experience, but every poem is uniquely, authentically real. Real humans re ect on real struggle with real emotion and insight. Each person took the time and e ort to craft a piece of writing that they felt would speak to others in this fraught yet beautiful world we nd ourselves in — that gives me real hope.

It is a wonder whenever a fellow human dedicates creative attention to even a handful of words and tries to make them sing. I want to celebrate the e ort itself as well as enjoy the result. Robots need not apply.

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

Seasons of life change often like those on the calendar

It dawns on me my season really is early winter, and it’s been a long time since I was even fall. I hope you get the picture.

LATELY, IT SEEMS, I’m paying more attention to the passage of time. That’s probably because of the realization that, while I hope I’ve still got some left in the savings account, I realize I’ve already spent right much of it and there’s only so much in total. Candles on the birthday cake and my aching knees remind me of that.

As that happens, I’m becoming my father, who’s been gone 34 years, at least in terms of paying attention to the weather. He kept up with it daily and wrote down the details in little notebooks, some of which I have as priceless possessions. I don’t write it down, but I do watch the folks on 2, 5 and 11, and I look up Greg Fishel on the computer. And I realize all over again just how important of a topic it is and what Will Rogers told us years ago — “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it” — is still true.

If you remember, not so long ago we had snow on two weekends. Then the heat came on into the 80s and was followed by a cold front. And earlier this week, we were all paying attention to the threats of severe weather. I say all this to say that, obviously, weather plays a part in the seasons of the year and it can get confusing when it throws us a curve.

The other day, as I was wasting time on my computer, I ran across an o ering that said in North Carolina, we don’t have just four seasons. Instead, we have 12 or 13 or so because of the weather. And the one that caught my eye was called “Fake Spring,” when the temps a few days ago were living where they normally do in May.

And, friends, as I mulled over that, there popped into my head the realization that there are also seasons in a person’s life and, like the weather, they can be roller coasters and a bit confusing at times.

For instance, when my mind tells me to pick up that piece of furniture I have moved countless times in the past, I believe I’m summer. Then my body says, “Whoa, Nellie. Not so fast.” Then it dawns on me my season really is early winter, and it’s been a long time since I was even fall. I hope you get the picture. There could be countless other examples.

So, it seems to me the key to working with the calendar seasons and those of life is the same — to be aware of where we are on both and adjust accordingly. It wasn’t that long ago, for instance, when I could chase cows and calves across the pastures, ear-tagging babies and feeding hay in the snow. This year, I found a new life season, one I’ve had for some time, and watched my son do all that in the cold as I sat in front of the new gas logs we recently had installed.

At this season of my life, I’m pretty content to interact with family and friends, enjoy my church family and learn new things from my grandchildren. A bit of good advice I got some time ago from a dear friend who’s a fellow traveler at my age said this: There are still some things I can do as well as I ever did. And there are some things I can do but it takes me a little bit longer. And there are some things I just don’t want to do anymore.

If you’re at a certain point in your life seasons, I think you’ll get that. And if you’re not, just wait. It’ll come to you in time — on both calendars.

Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and

emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.

COLUMN | BOB WACHS

DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Choices: T. rex or fill-in-the-blank

Our gray matter still struggles, even today, to distinguish between the imagined magnitude of being stalked by a T.Rex and written, or verbal, threats to our beliefs.

TYRANNOSAURUS REX! Get me out of here! A contemporary scenario? Nope. We’re millions of years removed from those sharp -toothed predators roaming the earth. (Unless, of course, you read tabloids which specialize in sharp-toothed predators.) My point, however, is that 2026’s human brains are still prepped for a Tyrannosaurus rex encounter any ol’ day. Hard to believe, but true. You thought our brains were fully under our control? Think again. Even though evolved, our eons-old brains have an itty-bitty ongoing challenge. Our gray matter still struggles, even today, to distinguish between the imagined magnitude of being stalked by a T. rex and written, or verbal, threats to our beliefs. Yep, it’s true. Our brains still react, anytime of day or night, as if the threat of T. rex still lives among us, stimulated by something you just heard on TV or radio.

I think of myself as mild mannered, but when this human encounters di erences (how could anyone possibly deviate from the charms of lovable ol’ me?) my brain reacts with the same force as if a Tyrannosaurus rex is bearing down on me. Ai yai yai. Oh, wow, your behavior is the opposite of mine; how could you? I just cannot believe I’m hearing what you’re saying! That beat just goes merrily on.

As an example, this ordinary human can morph into an armed combatant, ready to tear into perceived o enders who, heaven forbid, are di erent than I am. I use words with the same intensity and sharpness with which my ancestors fought o a Tyrannosaurus rex. Denigrating words. Sharp words. Lots of them.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Whoa, whoa! What about positive experiences in our lives? Come on, we certainly can’t forget that.

Ironically, positive events weren’t pivotal in keeping us alive at our human beginnings. To survive sharp-toothed threats required quick, o ensive, and wounding, reactions. Eating a pro ered chocolate cake (even though exquisitely inviting), when charged by a T. rex, was probably not going to guarantee that I lived much longer. Only the raising of my weapon would.

We evolved humans still bite back, big time, when we feel triggered. It’s what we’ve done for millions of years, and it seems to have worked (at the probable cost of much bloodletting.)

Except for now. Our longtime re exive reactions — “I’m going to get/slam/wound you with words” — are less conditioned because we know better how our brains work. I can (mostly) choose to dial back my brain’s highly reactive attack mode.

No way am I going to roll over and give up (god, forbid!). However, wanting to spill someone’s blood and guts, as a reaction to a newspaper editorial, does seem rather prehistoric, doesn’t it? And damn, my sharp words are infectious and spread just like the u! (No, no, I don’t want to be a super spreader! Please.)

As often is the case, I fall back on J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” for some closing wisdom:

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

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

The 3 big lies about the Iran war

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality.

IF YOU’VE BEEN following coverage of the Trump administration’s military action against Iran, you’ve probably noticed something: A lot of people are determined to convince you that the United States is losing.

They’re wrong. Even worse, many of them know they’re wrong. Critics across the political spectrum — from Democrats to elements of the so - called horseshoe right — are pushing narratives that paint the con ict as a disaster in the making. The goal is simple: Undermine public con dence and turn what is shaping up as a strategic success into a perceived failure.

Three particular claims are circulating widely. All three deserve to be addressed.

Lie No. 1: The war is a quagmire. The rst claim is that the United States has stumbled into another interminable Middle East war — one destined to drag on for years and possibly escalate to catastrophic levels. This is absurd.

At the time of this writing, the con ict is less than two weeks old. Twelve days. That’s not 12 years, as in Vietnam, or even 12 months, as in the Spanish-American War. Wars unfold over time, and no one should pretend to know exactly how long any con ict will last. But the notion that the United States is already trapped in a generational quagmire — after less than two weeks of ghting — is less analysis than panic.

Lie No. 2: Iran is somehow winning. A second claim insists that Iran is holding strong — that the regime is weathering the assault and even gaining the upper hand.

Again, reality tells a di erent story.

Iran’s military capabilities have been battered. Its missile and drone infrastructure has been heavily targeted. Its naval assets have reportedly su ered severe losses. Leadership turmoil inside the regime only compounds the problem.

Reports suggest that the death of longtime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has triggered a chaotic succession struggle. Even his presumed heir, Mojtaba Khamenei, appears to lack both political support and personal legitimacy within the system.

In other words, the Iranian regime is not projecting strength. It is scrambling to maintain control.

BE IN TOUCH

Lie No. 3: The oil shock will break the United States.

The nal warning is economic: Iran, critics say, will simply shut down the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices skyrocketing and bringing the American economy to its knees.

For a brief moment earlier this week, markets reacted to that fear. Oil prices jumped sharply amid speculation that the strait could be disrupted.

But the panic faded almost as quickly as it began. Within days, crude prices had fallen back below $90 a barrel.

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality. And the reality is that Iran faces enormous consequences if it attempts to choke o one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

President Donald Trump has made that point unmistakably clear. In a statement posted online, he warned that any Iranian attempt to block the ow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz would trigger an overwhelming American response.

The message was aimed not only at Tehran but also at Beijing and other major energy consumers: The United States intends to keep global energy owing — and anyone who interferes will pay a heavy price.

There are legitimate questions to ask about any military action. Democracies require scrutiny, debate and skepticism.

But skepticism should not be confused with hysteria.

Right now, critics are spinning worstcase scenarios while ignoring the basic facts on the ground: Iran’s military is under severe pressure, its leadership structure is unstable, and the economic fallout that many predicted has yet to materialize.

None of this guarantees the con ict will end quickly or cleanly. War rarely works that way.

But it does suggest that the narrative of inevitable American failure — so loudly promoted by the administration’s opponents — is far removed from the reality unfolding in the Middle East.

And that reality matters far more than the talking points.

Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Obama’s race-hustling eulogy at a race hustler’s funeral

FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA long ago surpassed the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton as America’s most in uential race hustler.

The country got a reminder when Obama spoke at Jackson’s funeral even though Jackson’s son urged the speakers “not to bring their politics” to the service.

Obama said: “Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible. Each day, we’re told by those in high o ce to fear each other and to turn on each other. And that some Americans count more than others.” Same old Obama.

In his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech, he famously declared, “There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.”

It was the line that launched him and made millions across party lines believe he could bridge divides.

(Obama) repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

Obama won the presidency with just over 52% of the popular vote, but he entered the Oval O ce in January 2009 with a nearly 70% approval rating. Polls in late 2008 and early 2009 showed both black and white Americans believed race relations would improve under his leadership. By the time he left o ce in 2017, polls showed majorities or pluralities of both blacks and whites thought race relations had gotten worse.

In Obama’s eight years as president, he repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

In 2009, at the beginning of his presidency, he declared that the Cambridge police “acted stupidly” in arresting Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. Obama turned a copjust- doing-his-job encounter with the belligerent Gates into a national “teachable moment” about alleged racial pro ling by cops against blacks. In 2012, about a young black man shot and killed by a self-described neighborhood Florida watchman, Obama said, “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.” A jury found the man who shot Trayvon Martin not guilty, and jurors who spoke publicly said race had nothing to do with the encounter.

In a 2014 speech before the United Nations, Obama invoked the case of Ferguson, Missouri, to enlighten the world about America’s supposed deep-seated problems with race relations.

Later, the “hands up, don’t shoot” narrative about Michael Brown’s death turned out to be a complete lie, and the o cer was exonerated.

Obama embraced Black Lives Matter’s policeare-out-to-get-blacks rhetoric despite evidence that, if anything, cops are more hesitant to pull the trigger on a black suspect than a white one.

In 2015, he proclaimed racism is in America’s “DNA.” Although the media for the most part fawned over Obama, rst lady Michelle Obama insisted her husband su ered from unfair media coverage because of racism.

Obama invited fellow race hustler Sharpton to the White House more than 70 times, more than any other “civil rights” gure. And, for good measure, Obama even argued that “a theoretical case” could be made for slavery reparations to be paid by nonslave owners and to nonslaves.

From the beginning of his presidency until its end, Obama stoked resentment, divided Americans by skin color and kept the race grievance industry alive and well oiled. The man Americans hired to unite us became the victicrat-in-chief, a title his Jackson eulogy shows he retains.

Trump-hating media still gives Obama a pass no Republican could ever dream of receiving. Imagine a Republican president doing even half of what Obama did: routinely injecting race into controversies, cozying up to a white Sharpton-like gure and rapping his arms around a toxic “movement” called White Lives Matter. The outrage would be endless, the headlines relentless — and rightfully so.

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

Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com

Obama’s real legacy on race? Blacks are eternal victims — distressed, oppressed and suppressed by “The Man” — and trapped in a system rigged against them from birth to death. His own extraordinary rise, of course, contradicts this counterproductive message. Yet he persists in selling it to willing buyers.

Obama is still relatively young. So, he has decades ahead to remain a loud voice in the public square — and he possesses a warehouse full of race cards ready to be played. What a waste.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

obituaries

Carol Wilkie Sloan

April 3, 1944 –March 11, 2026

Carol Wilkie Sloan, 81, of Goldston, went to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026, at Sanford Health & Rehabilitation surrounded by family.

Carol was born April 3rd, 1944, in Chatham County, to the late Jim and Clara Hancock Wilkie. She is preceded in death by her parents; her late husband, Bobby Ray Sloan, Sr.; and her brothers, Jack Wilkie, Raymond Wilkie, and Harry Dean Wilkie.

Carol was always putting her family rst. She loved being at home in her rocking chair on the front porch. She enjoyed reading, watching the news, and

neighborhood phone calls. She loved her animals, especially her faithful companion, Mo. When she wasn’t at home taking care of her family, she was working as a poultry farmer alongside her late husband, Bobby.

Carol is survived by her sons, Bobby Sloan, Jr. (Christy) and Brian Sloan (Kristy), her grandchildren, Angela Sloan, Tamra Mae Sloan, and Riley Maynor.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 17th, 2026, at 1 pm, at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, 3835 Bonlee-Carbonton Rd. Goldston, NC 27252. Services will be o ciated by Pastor Mike Wilkie. The family will receive friends after the service and other times at the home of Brian Sloan.

The family would like to send a special thank you to everyone at Sanford Health & Rehabilitation for the love and compassionate care they provided to Carol. Memorials can be made to Liberty Hospice, 1005 Carthage St. Sanford, NC 27330. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Sloan family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

DOREEN EDNA WOFFORD

MARCH 11, 2026

Doreen Edna Wo ord, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital.

She was born in England to the late Albert Beasley and Rose Annie Prudence Beasley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Ralph Oliver Wo ord and daughter Susan Leigh O’Beirne. Doreen worked many years at Coty, Inc. in accounts payable. She was a woman whose life was centered on the people she loved most— her family. She cared deeply for them and was always more concerned about their well-being than her own. Doreen loved traveling and exploring new places, always returning home with stories and memories to share. Quiet afternoons with a good book and tending to her owers were among her favorite pastimes.

She is survived by children Pamela Wo ord Jones and husband Tom of Winterville and Ralph Wo ord and wife Kelli of Vass; son-in-law Darrin O’Beirne of Greenville; sister Margaret Warwicker of Colchester, England; grandchildren Jeremiah, Luke, Jourdan, Olivia, Madeline and Anna and greatgrandchildren Lucy, Jack, Addie, Emma, Atlas and Caleb.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 2:00 PM until 2:45 PM at Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 3:00 PM with Rev. Jim Stone o ciating. Burial will follow at Lemon Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Chatham News & Record at obits@chathamnewsrecord.com

We offer an on-site crematory with many options of Celebration of Life services, Traditional, and Green Burials. Call us to set an appointment to come by and learn more.

Shigeaki Mori, Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor and historian, dead at 88

For decades, he researched American POWs killed in the atomic bombing

By Mari Yamaguchi

The Associated Press

TOKYO — Shigeaki Mori, a Japanese atomic bomb survivor in Hiroshima and a historian best known for a big hug he was given by then U.S. President Barack Obama during his historic visit to the city a decade ago, has died. He was 88. Born in 1937, Mori was 8 years old when he survived the Aug. 6, 1945 U.S. attack only 1½ miles away from the blast. About 30 years later, he learned a little known fact — that American prisoners of war held in Japan were among those killed by the atomic bomb dropped by their country.

Working as a full-time company employee, Mori researched U.S. and Japanese ofcial documents and tracked down 12 American POWs. He wrote letters to their bereaved families in the U.S. who didn’t know how their loved ones had died.

The U.S. atomic attack on Hiroshima instantly destroyed the city and killed tens of thousands. The death toll by the end of that year was 140,000. A second bomb dropped on Nagasaki killed another 70,000.

Mori authored a book, “The Secret of the American POWs Killed by the Atomic Bomb,”

“The research I spent more than 40 years was not about people from the enemy country. It was about human beings.” Shigeaki Mori

published in Japanese in 2008.

The book won him a prestigious Kikuchi Kan Prize, and was later translated into English. Editors of the English translation of his book said on their website that Mori died on Sunday at a Hiroshima hospital.

Len Deighton,

His research eventually led to U.S. con rmation of the deaths of the 12 captured American service members in the bombing.

“The research I spent more than 40 years was not about people from the enemy country. It was about human beings,” Mori later said.

Obama, who became the rst U.S. leader to visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park in 2016, mentioned in his speech “a dozen Americans held prisoner” as being among the victims. He recognized Mori for seeking out the Americans’ families, believing their loss was equal to his own, and later gave him a hug.

British author of bestselling spy thrillers, dead at 97

Creator of “The IPCRESS File,” he de ned the gritty genre

By Jill Lawless The Associated Press

LONDON — Len Deighton,

a proli c writer whose tough, stylish spy thrillers featured on bestseller lists for decades, has died. He was 97.

Deighton’s literary agent, Tim Bates, said he died Sunday. No cause of death was given.

Deighton’s rst novel, “The IPCRESS File,” helped set the tone of cool and gritty 1960s thrillers and was made into a lm starring Michael Caine that helped launch both author and actor to long and stellar careers.

“Len was a Titan,” Bates said Tuesday. “He was not only one of the greatest spy and thriller writers of the 20th century but also one of our greatest writers in any genre.”

Born to a working-class family in a wealthy part of London in 1929 — his father was a chauffeur and his mother a part-time cook — Deighton grew up with a keen eye for the intricacies and absurdities of Britain’s class system.

He served in the Royal Air Force as part of Britain’s then-mandatory national service, studied art and worked as a waiter, pastry chef and ight attendant before having success as a book and magazine illustrator. His designs included the rst U.K. edition of Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” in 1958.

He wrote “The IPCRESS File” to amuse himself during a vacation. The story of a secret agent confronted with duplicity and bureaucracy from his own side while investigating a Soviet kidnap ring, it was published

PA / AP PHOTO

British author Len Deighton, pictured in 1973, died at the age of 97. His spy novels helped propel the genre.

in 1962 and went on to sell millions of copies. The novel was adapted into a 1965 lm, with Caine in a star-making performance as Deighton’s protagonist, a sardonic working-class sophisticate with a love of gourmet food. The character is unnamed in the book, though Caine’s character was given the name Harry Palmer. Deighton’s depiction of espionage as a grubby, error-strewn business was a contrast to the glamour of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels.

“I had never read a James Bond book,” Deighton said in a 1997 BBC interview, but by chance “The IPCRESS File” was published the month the rst 007 movie, “Dr. No,” was released.

His book’s gritty mood, like the murky spy world of John le Carré’s ction, chimed with the times, and Deighton said he bene ted from a backlash against Bond’s huge success. He recalled a friend telling

him that “You’re a blunt instrument that the critics have used to smash Ian Fleming over the head.”

Subsequent thrillers “Horse Under Water,” “Funeral in Berlin,” “Billion-Dollar Brain” and “An Expensive Place to Die” all featured the same hero. “Funeral in Berlin” and “Billion-Dollar Brain” were both also lmed with Caine in the starring role. “Berlin Game,” published in 1983, was the rst of 10 novels featuring the smart, cynical MI6 o cer Bernard Samson. Along with “Mexico Set” and “London Match” it was adapted into the 1988 TV series “Game, Set and Match.”

Deighton set several novels around World War II, including “Bomber” (1970), which depicted the con ict in the air war from both British and German viewpoints, and “SS-GB” (1978), an alternative-history novel set in a Nazi-occupied Britain. It was made into a TV series in 2017.

Deighton wrote more than two dozen novels in all. The last book in his nal trilogy, “Faith,” “Hope” and “Charity,” was published in 1996.

He also wrote historical nonction, including a book about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and “Fighter: The True Story of the Battle of Britain.”

Another passion was food. Deighton was food correspondent for The Observer newspaper in the 1960s and wrote several cookbooks aimed at men — a then-novel idea — including “Len Deighton’s Action Cook Book” (1965), with recipes illustrated like comic strips. Deighton’s rst marriage, to illustrator Shirley Thompson, ended in divorce. He later married Ysabele de Ranitz. They had two sons.

SHUJI KAJIYAMA / AP PHOTO

U.S. President Barack Obama, second from left, shakes hands with Shigeaki Mori, an atomic bomb survivor and a creator of the memorial for American WWII POWs killed in Hiroshima, during a ceremony at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan, May 27, 2016.

State lawmakers rush to set rounding rules for when there are no pennies

As pennies vanish, states are split on how to handle rounding

By Hannah Fingerhut

The Associated Press

MONTHS AFTER the last of the United States’ 1-cent coins were pressed, some states are beginning to o er their own 2 cents on the penny problem by setting rounding guidance for cash purchases.

President Donald Trump announced early last year an end to penny production, saying it was wasteful. It cost 3.7 cents to make each 1-cent coin in 2024, according to the U.S. Mint. The move led to a shortage of pennies in cash registers last summer, forcing consumers and businesses to confront a penniless future in which making exact change would be di cult.

The Treasury Department has said it will continue circulating the roughly 114 billion pennies that exist for “as long as possible.” Pennies must still be accepted as payment.

One solution to the penny problem is rounding to the nearest nickel, using a practice called symmetrical rounding. If the nal price, after taxes, ends in one, two, six or seven cents, payment in cash rounds down. For example, $1.91 or $1.92 becomes $1.90. If the price ends in three, four, eight or nine, cash payment rounds up. For $1.98 or $1.99, the consumer pays $2. A bill introduced last year in Congress and passed out of the House nancial services committee would apply symmetrical rounding across the country. U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) said in an email the federal law is important to prevent a “confusing patchwork of state policies.”

The bill hasn’t been voted on in the House and would still need to move through the U.S. Senate before reaching Trump’s desk.

Some states are looking to what’s next

In the meantime, bills to deal with penniless cash trans-

actions have passed both chambers and await the governor’s signature in Arizona, Florida, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington. Some states are proposing to allow businesses to round cash purchases, while others consider requiring it.

In Indiana, a bill signed into law this month by Republican Gov. Mike Braun tells businesses they must round cash purchases for all transactions that do not end in a zero or ve. Lawmakers revised that provision in a second bill that makes rounding optional, which would take effect Sunday if Braun signs it into law.

In both bills, Indiana businesses can choose to always round cash purchases up to the nearest nickel, always round down or round up or down depending on the amount.

In Republican-led Tennessee, legislation makes symmetrical rounding exempt from legal claims under a state consumer protection law but does not require rounding.

“It is to provide safe harbor for private businesses,” said Republican Rep. Charlie Baum, the bill sponsor in Tennessee, during oor debate.

Rounding bills have been introduced in about two dozen states since late last year, according to an Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking service Plural.

Outside of lawmaking bodies, some state agencies have published guidelines to advise that rounding should happen after tax, and that businesses must make sure the full taxed

amount still goes to the state.

Will consumers pay more with rounding?

Cash isn’t used as ubiquitously since the rise in electronic payment methods. Still, about 8 in 10 U.S. adults said they recently used cash in a 2024 survey conducted by the Federal Reserve. Cash was more often used by older adults and those in lower-income households.

The Treasury wrote online that prices would be “rounded down just as often as they will be rounded up, so there should be no overall e ect on consumer prices.”

But researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond used a 2023 survey to show prices that didn’t end in zero or ve were especially likely to end in eight or nine. Payment amounts could be di erent when multiple items are purchased or depending on the tax rate, but overall, prices more often being rounded up would lead to millions of dollars gained by businesses and lost by consumers collectively, amounting to a few pennies lost per person.

Do people think it’s fair?

As businesses have introduced rounding, some Americans have taken to social media to say they feel scammed, even if it is a penny or two at a time. Nikki Capozzo-Hennessy, 50, said she tends to pay in cash because it makes her more conscious of her spending. The Trumbull, Connecticut, resi-

CONTEST from page A1 gathered for the event, with judges evaluating participants on historical accuracy, delivery and originality.

Second place went to Audrey Palmer, a senior at Durham’s Trinity School, for a speech examining Revolutionary-era writer Mercy Otis Warren and her in uence on the ght for independence.

Seaforth High School senior Aria Browndyke placed third with an oration exploring the complex relationship between John Adams and Thomas Je erson, focusing on the more than 150 letters exchanged between the two founding gures.

Another Seaforth student, junior Jack Simpson, rounded out the competition with a presentation recounting the pivotal Battle of Trenton.

Cash prizes totaling $400 were awarded, including $250 for rst place.

Lowell Ho man, chairman of the North Carolina SAR oratory program, served as master of ceremonies and helped coordinate the event.

“I see this contest as giving the gift of con dence in public speaking,” Ho man said while acting as the event’s organizer, showrunner and historian.

“By participating — writing, researching, memorizing and delivering an oration — each student makes progress developing skills and con dence in expressing ideas and in uencing others.”

Winners from chapter-level contests will now advance to the state championship during the North Carolina SAR annual meeting March 28 in Greensboro.

The state champion will move on to the national competition, which culminates

dent posted her grocery store receipt online when she noticed the rounding adjustment on a purchase of $8.73, with tax. The store chose to round down and she gained three cents.

Capozzo-Hennessy said it might feel taxing if she had to hand over extra pennies every time, but she also thinks it’s practical to stick with one rule. She runs a food truck business and said they’d likely use symmetrical rounding to be consistent.

“At the end of the day it’s three cents, but I can imagine with all the purchases that you make, it can add up,” Capozzo-Hennessy said. Washington state Rep. April Berg, who introduced a rounding bill there, said she understands people who feel frustrated losing a penny but that the elimination of the hard currency leaves little option.

“We did make sure that everyone is allowed to pay exactly what they owe,” Berg said of her legislation.

What about the nickel?

The Treasury says ceasing penny production will save $56 million annually, but rounding could increase demand for nickels. The 5-cent coins also are costly to make, reaching nearly 14 cents each in 2024, according to the Mint.

The proposed federal legislation currently includes a potential cost-saving solution, allowing the Treasury to adjust the coin’s composition to use cheaper zinc and nickel instead of copper and nickel.

“By participating — writing, researching, memorizing and delivering an oration — each student makes progress developing skills and con dence in expressing ideas and in uencing others.”

Lowell Ho man, Rumbaugh Oratory chairman, North Carolina SAR

during the organization’s annual congress in July. This year’s national event will also be held in Greensboro as part of the country’s semiquincentennial celebration.

North Carolina students have performed well nationally in recent years. Organizers noted that four of the last seven state winners have placed among the top three in the national competition. Last year’s state champion, Jonathan Paul, went on to win the national title and an $8,000 award.

The event also recognized Seaforth speech and debate teacher Riley Shaner, a former Rumbaugh state champion who nished second nationally as a student at Northwood High School. Now an educator, Shaner coaches Seaforth students who compete in the program.

With her regional victory, Greto will now represent the local chapter at the state contest later this month, continuing a strong run of participation from North Carolina students in the national oratory program.

Seaforth High School sophomore Giuliana Greto won the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest held March 14 at Governors Club in Chapel Hill with her speech, “Americans: Resilient Through and Through.”

PHOTO COURTESY DENNY COLVIN

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NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS COUNTY OF CHATHAM

THE UNDERSIGNED, having quali ed on the 17th day of February 2026, as Ancillary Co-Executors of the ESTATE OF HERMON O. LEE, Deceased, hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 6th day of June, 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 5th day of March 2026. Diana Lee & Marzell Lee Ancillary Co-Executors Estate of Hermon O. Lee c/o Shirley M. Diefenbach, Attorney Walker Lambe, PLLC Post O ce Box 51549 Durham, North Carolina 27717

NOTE: For publication in The Chatham News on the following dates: March 5th, March 12th, March 19th, and March 26th. Please send the Statement and Proof of Publication to Walker Lambe, PLLC, Post O ce Box 51549, Durham, North Carolina 277171549. 4914-7900-5072, v. 2

CREDITOR’S NOTICE

Having quali ed on the 26th day of September 2025, as Administrator CTA DBN of the Estate of Henry Roderick Alston, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 19th day of June, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment. This is the 10th day of March 2026. Woods Doster, Administrator CTA DBN of the Estate of Henry Roderick Alston 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Attorneys: Law O ces of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Publish On: March 19th, 26th April 2nd and 9th 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of MARY BETTY SOLOMON BASS, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ces of Munson Law Firm PLLC, P.O. Box 1811 Pittsboro, NC 27312, on or before the 10th day of June, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 12th day of March, 2026. DIANNE BASS HINSON, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF MARY BETTY SOLOMON BASS

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed on the 26th day of February, 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Don Eugene Tucker aka Don E. Tucker, deceased, of Chatham County does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before June 10th, 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 5th day of March, 2026. Janet E. Tucker Executor of the Estate of Don Eugene Tucker aka Don E. Tucker c/o J Alan Campbell Law PO Box 850 Hillsborough, NC 27278 919-451-5441

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against MARIELLE SHINE aka MARIELLE EMILIA SHINE, deceased, of Chatham County, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before, the 19th day of June, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment. This 19th day of March, 2026. BRENDA SHINE, Executrix ESTATE OF MARIELLE SHINE aka MARIELLE EMILIA SHINE c/o Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130 Chapel Hill, NC 27514

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that on February 20th, 2026, William J. Vick was appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of Beverly A Vasko, deceased, by the Clerk of Superior Court, Chatham County, North Carolina. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims to the aforenamed Personal Representative, at 2212 Briland Ct. Fuquay Varina, NC 27526, or le them with the Clerk of the Court, 40 E Chatham St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, within 3 months from the date of the rst publication of this notice, or said claims will be forever barred.

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of MARGARET KAY HIRSCHMAN HICKS, late of Chatham County, North Carolina (26E000085-180), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 29th day of May, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 26th day of February 2026. Charles Hirschman Administrator of the Estate of Margaret Kay Hirschman Hicks c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 02/26, 03/05, 03/12, 03/19/2026)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

26E000079-180 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, James Yuschik, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Elaine Marie Gregg, deceased, late of Chatham County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the day of May 27, 2026 or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 26th day of February 2026. James Yuschik Administrator

Marie H. Hopper

Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post O ce Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations holding claims against Dorothy H King aka Dorothy King Harris aka Dorothy Herring King, deceased, of Chatham County, NC are noti ed to exhibit same to the undersigned on or before May 29, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 26th day of February 2026. Sandra King McGraw, Exec., c/o Clarity Legal Group, PO Box 2207, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.

NOTICE

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DISTRICT COURT DIVISION CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO: 25CV000653-180

This is an action for Absolute Divorce To the attention of Nanette A.Newton Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: ABSOLUTE DIVORCE

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than Forty (40) days after the date of the rst publication of this notice and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This, the 5th day of, March 2026. Johnathan Newton 898 Bish Rd Staley, NC 27355

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 26E000075-180

ALL persons having claims against Carol A. Moore, a/k/a Carol P. Moore, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Jun 19 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 19th day of March, 2026. Leslie A. Argenta C/O Christopher S. Morden, Limited Personal Representative C/O Monroe, Wallace, Morden & Sherrill, PLLC 3225 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 117 Raleigh, NC 27612 M19, 26, 2 and 9

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000121-180 The undersigned COURTNEY H. KNOLL, having quali ed on the 9TH Day of MARCH 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of BARBARA DUNNAVANT HEDGEPETH deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 12TH Day OF JUNE 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 12TH DAY OF MARCH 2026. COURTNEY H. KNOLL, EXECUTOR 153 EDGEWOOD DRIVE DURHAM, NC 27713 Run dates: M12,19,26,A2p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000097-180 The undersigned RICKY HALL, having quali ed on the 19TH Day of FEBRUARY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of MICHAEL ALLEN HALL, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 26TH Day OF MAY 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 26TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026. RICKY HALL, ADMINISTRATOR 881 BIG PEAK CREEK ROAD LAUREL SPRINGS, NC 28644 Run dates: F26,M5,12,19p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000095-180 The undersigned NATALIE HARRIS, having quali ed on the 19TH Day of FEBRUARY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of SUZANN MARIE MARCLE, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 5TH Day OF JUNE 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 5TH DAY OF MARCH 2026. NATALIE HARRIS, EXECUTOR 4671 PEACE FOREST LANE CLIMAX, NC 27233 Run dates: M5,12,19,26p

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS

CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator of the Estate of Patricia Ann Campbell a/k/a Ann Lindley Campbell a/k/a Anne Lindley Campbell late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of June, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 11th day of March, 2026.

Casey Anne Campbell Administrator Of the Estate of Patricia Ann Campbell a/k/a Ann Lindley Campbell a/k/a Anne Lindley Campbell 255 Bob Clark Road Snow Camp, North Carolina 27349 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

Notice to Creditors

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Patricia C. Dutcher, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before June 1, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 26th day of February, 2026.

Paul C. Dutcher, Administrator c/o W. Thomas McCuiston 200 Towne Village Drive Cary, NC 27513

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000040-180

The undersigned SARAH ELIZABETH WILSON, having quali ed on the 16TH Day of JANUARY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of CALVIN MARTIN WILSON deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 19TH Day OF JUNE 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 19TH DAY OF MARCH 2026. SARAH ELIZABETH WILSON, ADMINISTRATOR 1764 GLOVERS CHURCH ROAD

BENNETT, NC 27208 Run dates: M19,26,A2,9p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000120-180

The undersigned JANET DUNN FRANTZ, having quali ed on the 3RD Day of MARCH 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JOSEPH GLENN DUNN, SR., deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 12TH Day OF JUNE 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 12TH DAY OF MARCH 2026.

JANET DUNN FRANTZ, EXECUTOR 1525 RED LANE EXTENSION SALEM, VA 24153 Run dates: M12,19,26,A2p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000119-180

The undersigned MAX WILEY BUTLER, having quali ed on the 2ND Day of MARCH 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of SYLVIA HOLT BUTLER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 5TH Day OF JUNE 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 5TH DAY OF MARCH 2026.

MAX WILEY BUTLER, EXECUTOR 616 PALMERA DR. E PONTE VERDE BEACH, FL 32082 MAIL AFFIDAVIT TO: BELLE B. BROOKS C/O SYLVIA BUTLER 475 HENRY WEBSTER RD. PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: M5,12,19,26p NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator of the Estate of Peggy Alice Cockman late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of June, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 10th day of March, 2026. Kimberly Rose Cockman, Administrator Of the Estate of Peggy Alice Cockman 1034 Stage Coach Road Siler City, North Carolina 27344 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA Chatham COUNTY 26E000098-180 All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Frankye Carlene Spiller, deceased, late of Chatham County, NC, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of June, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 5th day of March, 2026. Patricia Diane Bonvissuto, Executor c/o Hemphill Gelder, PC PO Box 97035 Raleigh, NC 27624-7035 Pub dates: 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, and 3/26/2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#17E000351-180 The undersigned DOBORAH LOFTON AND MAURICE NUNN, having quali ed on the 12TH Day of JANUARY 2026 as CO-EXECUTORS of the Estate of ELSIE ROSETTA HARRIS NUNN deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 12TH Day OF JUNE 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 12TH DAY OF MARCH 2026. DEBORAH LOFTON, CO-EXECUTOR 50 NEW HOPE CHURCH RD. APEX, NC 27523 MAURICE NUNN, CO-EXECUTOR 93 NEW HOPE CHURCH RD. APEX, NC 27523 Run dates: M12,19,26,A2p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000087-180 The undersigned MARY BETH COOKE, having quali ed on the 17TH Day of FEBRUARY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR, CTA of the Estate of JAMES FRANKLIN WARFFORD, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 26TH Day OF MAY 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 26TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026. MARY BETH COOKE, ADMINISTRATOR CTA 1176 ASHEFORD GREEN AVENUE NW CHARLOTTE, NC 28207 Run dates: F26,M5,12,19p

Notice to Creditors State of North Carolina Chatham County The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division 25E000584-180 Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Frieda Lobe, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them, duly veri ed, to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of June 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned. This the 12th day of March 2026. Ingrid Maria Rubenacker, Executor 75004 Miller Chapel Hill, NC 27517 Address where claims can be sent: Fidelity Law Group ATTN: John Riordan 8936 Northpointe Executive Park Drive STE 260 Huntersville, NC 28078 File #25E000584-180. Published Mar 12, 19, 26 and Apr 2, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000141-180 The undersigned JAMES TUCKER COWARD, having quali ed on the 12TH Day of MARCH 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of JAMES THOMAS COWARD deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 19TH Day OF JUNE 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 19TH DAY OF MARCH 2026.

JAMES TUCKER COWARD, ADMINISTRATOR 6448 BUFFALO FORD ROAD RAMSEUR, NC 27316 Run dates: M19,26,A2,9p

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

The United Way of Chatham County will hold its annual meeting Thursday, March 26, at 11 a.m. at the Central Carolina Community College Health Sciences Center, 75 Ballentrae Ct., Pittsboro, NC 27312. The meeting will be held in room 120. The public is invited to attend.

Drivers consider whether to go electric as war spikes gas prices

Regulated electricity prices o er EV drivers protection from oil price shocks

By Alexa St. John and Tammy Webber

The Associated Press

WHEN KEVIN KETELS

bought an electric 2026 Chevrolet Blazer last year, he wasn’t thinking about the cost of gas. He just thought EVs were better and “wanted to be part of the future.” Now that the Iran war is spiking prices at the pump, the Detroit man is happy he is no longer lling up his 11-year-old gas-powered SUV.

“Electricity can go up, but it won’t go up nearly as much as gas will, and it won’t go up nearly as fast either,” said Ketels, 55, an assistant professor of global supply chain management at Wayne State University.

Experts say prolonged high gas prices may drive some EV interest and sales, especially if drivers assume their electricity prices won’t be a ected by the crises.

But many factors in uence consumer EV purchases — and electricity rates.

Are EV owners truly insulated from price hikes?

Drivers of gas-powered vehicles are much more vulnerable to uctuating prices that result from global con ict than those who charge their cars. The national average for a gallon of regular gas this week was $3.57, up from $2.94 a month ago, according to AAA.

Meanwhile, “residential electricity prices are regulated and are much less volatile than gasoline prices,” said University of California, Davis economics

An electric vehicle charges at a station last week in Lincolnwood, Illinois.

professor Erich Muehlegger. “As a result, EV owners are largely una ected by oil price shocks.”

But experts say electricity prices have been increasing nationally for a variety of reasons, including surging power demand from new data centers.

“This is an in ationary event,” Holt Edwards, principal in Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group, said of the war. “Is this the driver in electricity prices? I think probably not. But it’s certainly a contributing factor.”

To what extent oil and gas con icts could translate to the electricity sector is yet to be seen.

What about how di erent grids are powered?

When it comes to the electricity an EV owner is tapping, much of the cost depends on which sources of electricity are in a local grid’s power mix, experts say.

Because regulators set residential electricity prices annually, most households are sheltered from month-to -month changes in natural gas costs. Though experts say higher

“Electricity can go up, but it won’t go up nearly as much as gas will, and it won’t go up nearly as fast either.”

Kevin Ketels, Wayne State University

natural gas prices can increase the cost of generating electricity, natural gas prices haven’t risen as quickly or as much as oil prices have recently.

Those are just two of many energy sources — including coal, nuclear and renewables — that power the electric grid.

“The energy component varies depending on the energy you’re using and the price of the energy that you’re using to generate electricity,” said Pierpaolo Cazzola, an energy expert at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy. “What happens is that in the U.S., the variation of the price of the energy component is smaller than it is elsewhere.”

The experts said persistent war could a ect electricity bills in the future. And that is all the more reason for countries to transition to clean power, they said.

“Clean power and electri cation combined is what provides the most security,” said Euan Graham, an analyst at energy think tank Ember.

Michael B. Klein, a 56-year-old software developer in Evanston, Illinois, has driven EVs for the past eight years to save on fuel costs and because of environmental concerns.

Every time electrical grid efciency improves — especially as renewables are added — “I get that bene t no matter what,” said Klein, who drives a Chevy Bolt. “They can improve the efciency of gas engines, but you have to get a new car in order to reap the bene t of that.”

So will EV demand rise?

Several experts say high gasoline prices are a strong driver of EV sales, particularly if high prices persist. Drivers also consider more gasoline-e cient hybrid vehicles during these times.

Car-shopping resource Edmunds analyzed consumer shopping data for the week starting March 2, after the Iran war had begun. They found that interest in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery EVs accounted for 22.4% of all vehicle research activity on their site that week, up from 20.7% the previous week. Analysts also looked back at the last major nationwide fuel price surges in 2022, and they saw that consideration of electri ed vehicles consideration rose sharply then, too.

But whether this means more EV purchases depends on whether buyers expect to save not just now but in the future, experts say.

Adding to the complexity: A sudden increase in EV demand could drive up prices, Graham said.

“I think the real step change would be in whether this causes governments to shift tax, tari policies around EVs,” Graham said. Doing so would help reduce fossil fuel dependence, he said.

Does driving electric really save money?

Pretty much. People who buy EVs have a “really substantial” gas savings over the life of their vehicles even without government tax credits, said Peter Zalzal, an attorney with Environmental Defense Fund.

“We’re talking about thousands and thousands of dollars” in savings, Zalzal said. “And as gas prices increase, those savings are only greater. Fuel costs are a big piece of overall vehicle costs, and increases in fuel prices have signi cant impacts on people.”

However, the upfront cost of a new EV is still more than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle; new EVs sold for an average of $55,300 last month, while new vehicles overall sold for an average $49,353, according to auto-buying resource Kelley Blue Book. Some experts also expressed national security concerns with EVs because China dominates signi cant parts of the EV supply chain. Ketels, the EV owner and professor, said he believes EVs and renewable energy should be a strategic priority for individuals and the U.S. because they could be produced domestically “and we don’t have those uctuations and those worries.”

But because the federal government has withdrawn many incentives for both, “it puts us at a disadvantage globally,” Ketels said. “I think it’s been a terrible mistake to withdraw these incentives and to attack the sustainable energy industry,” and the war “is just making it that much more obvious.”

Smaller portions become big restaurant trend as customers watch budgets, waistlines

Diners foucused on money and health are driving demand for less

By Dee-Ann Durbin

The Associated Press

THE BIGGEST NEW restaurant trend is small.

Special menus with petite, less expensive portions are popping up all over, from large chains like Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory to trendy urban eateries and farm-to-fork dining rooms.

Restaurants hope that o ering smaller servings beyond the children’s menu will meet many di erent diners’ needs. Some people want to spend less when they go out. Others are looking for healthier options or trying to lose weight. Younger consumers tend to snack more throughout the day and eat smaller meals, said Maeve Webster, the president of culinary consulting rm Menu Matters.

“These are really driven by, I think, changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not,” Webster said.

Looking for value

Beth Tipton, the co-owner of Daniel Girls Farmhouse Restaurant in Connersville, Indiana, introduced an eight-item Mini Meals menu last fall after several customers requested smaller portions. The menu, which includes daily specials like a half piece of meatloaf with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy for $8, now accounts for about 20% of the restaurant’s orders, she said.

Older adults make up about half of the restaurant’s clientele, Tipston said, and some customers told her the regular menu was a stretch for their budgets. As someone who under-

went weight-loss surgery, she also knew from experience that many restaurants won’t allow adults to order from their children’s menus.

“We wanted it to be available to all without the word ‘kids meals’ attached,” Tipton said. “With the rising costs all around us we wanted to help in any way we can, and this is a great option.”

Eating out and GLP-1s

Some restaurants are adding menus to court users of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro. Last fall, restaurateur Barry Gutin ran into two di erent friends who told him they were taking GLP-1s and struggling to nd restaurant meals that met their dietary needs and smaller appetites. GLP-1 users tend to eat less, so they need nutritionally dense foods that are low in fat and high in protein and ber.

Gutin, the co-owner of Cuba

Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida, reached out to a doctor who specializes in weight loss and to Cuba Libre’s culinary director, Angel Roque. Over the next month, they developed the chain’s GLP-Wonderful menu, which is available during dinner.

The menu has ve classic Cuban options. Roque said the pollo asado on Cuba Libre’s regular menu has nearly 1,000 calories; on the GLP-1 menu, that’s slimmed down to 400 calories, but heavy on protein andber. He said it was also important to keep the GLP-1 meals avorful and colorful, to stimulate appetites.

“Many times when people are on those kind of regimes, they feel that they can’t do the same as everybody else. So we wanted to show them, yes, at Cuba Libre, you can,” Roque said.

Gutin said the menu has increased business. He estimated that 10 to 20 groups at each lo -

cation every week have at least one person who requests the GLP-Wonderful menu.

“People say, ‘Thank you for serving us’,” Gutin said.

Big chains go small

Olive Garden, whose seven-item “Lighter Portions” menu rolled out nationwide in January, said GLP-1 users were one consideration. The Italian-style restaurant chain also wanted to appeal to patrons pursuing healthier diets or more a ordable meals, said Rick Cardenas, the president and CEO of Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants.

“There is a consumer group out there that believes in abundance, but abundance is di erent for everybody,” Cardenas said in September during a conference call with investors. “So consumers can choose. We’re not changing our entire menu to make it a smaller portion.”

The Asian fusion chain P.F. Chang’s began o ering medium-sized portions last fall.

The Cheesecake Factory added smaller, lower-priced Bites and Bowls to its menu last summer, while TGI Fridays recently began testing an “Eat Like A Kid” menu with smaller portions.

A long-term change

Smaller portions aren’t a new concept. Twenty years ago, small-plate tapas restaurants were all the rage, for instance.

But to Webster, the menu consultant, the scaled-down dishes appearing now feel like a longer-term shift. For one thing, the trend is not tied to any particular cuisine. Webster also thinks consumers are thinking more about food waste than they used to, and smaller portions can alleviate some of their concerns.

“I think it is a core need that consumers have, and a demand that has been lingering under

“These are really driven by changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not.”

Maeve Webster, Menu Matters president

the surface for a long time because restaurant meals, particularly at chains, have become so large,” she said. “Sure, it sounds great to take leftovers home, but they never taste as good.”

During a recent visit to Shelburne, Vermont, from his home in North Carolina, Jack Pless was delighted to see the Teeny Tuesday menu at Barkeaters Restaurant, which specializes in locally sourced food. Pless, who’s in his 60s and used to own a restaurant, said he can’t eat as much as he used to at meals.

“So many times you go out to restaurants, especially me or my wife, and we’ll take home a box and it’ll sit in the refrigerator for two, three days and start to grow a beard,” he said.

Julie Finestone, the co-owner of Barkeaters, said she introduced the Teeny Tuesday menu last month to bring in more weekday business during the winter. She was concerned about the cost of o ering lower-priced food options, like $12 reuben sliders, but said the decision has brought in more business than she expected.

Finestone said she’s pretty con dent Teeny Tuesday will become a year-round xture.

“Some people, it’s dietary. Some have smaller appetites. Some people don’t like to overindulge in the middle of the week,” Finestone said. “I think that it just spoke to people.”

ERIN HOOLEY / AP PHOTO

MINGSON LAU / AP PHOTO

A ropa vieja dish from Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar’s standard menu is prepared for serving at Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia on March 6.

CHATHAM SPORTS

Northwood softball o to best start since 2017

The Chargers swept Eastern Randolph to remain undefeated

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

RAMSEUR — Northwood

freshman Logan Thompson pitched a one-hitter while the Chargers logged 17 hits to complete the sweep over Four Rivers 3A/4A conference foe Eastern Randolph 12-0 Friday. With the win, the Chargers

moved to 6-0 for the rst time since 2017. Thompson pitched a complete game (six innings), striking out eight batters and walking one. She gave up Eastern Randolph’s only hit of the game in the bottom of the rst inning.

“My catcher was really good behind the plate today,” Thompson said in praise of freshman Ruby Parks. “She had really good framing.”

At the plate, Thompson went 3 for 5 with two RBIs and a run.

Northwood led 1-0 with bases loaded in the top of the rst

inning when junior Madalyn Holton smashed a homer over the left eld fence.

“It looked like my pitch,” Holton said. “I just saw it and knew it. Yes, yes, yes, go. I swung and hoped for the best. All you’ve got to really do is think base hits, and if it just happens to be a home run, then that’s really something to celebrate.”

Freshmen Cici Delgado and Tessa Cobler followed the home run with back-to-back singles as Cobler’s hit helped Delgado score the Chargers’ fth andnal run of the inning.

“We have fun doing it but take it serious.”

Northwood was held scoreless for the next two innings. In the top of the fourth, six Chargers reached base ( ve hits), leading to three more runs.

After a one-run fth inning, Northwood clinched the early win with three more scores in the sixth. A walk and four straight hits to start the inning scored Delgado and Cobler, putting the lead at 11-0. Holton went 2 for 4 and recorded a team-high three RBIs.

Seniors Allison Bryant and Kelis Watson both landed two hits with two RBIs each, and Delgado went 2 for 3. Cobler nished

the night 3 for 4 with one RBI. Northwood is amid a remarkable turnaround despite holding a roster with three seniors and multiple freshmen playing important roles. Last year, the Chargers went 4-16 and missed the playo s for the second straight time. They haven’t won more than 10 games in a season since 2019.

“They take it serious,” Northwood coach Jesse Mann said. “We have fun doing it but take it serious. We practice hard every day. The majority of them leave there and go do their own work.”

As of Sunday, the Chargers have allowed eight runs all season, achieving two shutouts. They’ve also scored at least 12 runs in four games.

Northwood won the rst

Seawell hired as Yardbirds coach Locals make

Construction on the Siler City ballpark will start this month

By Asheebo Rojas

Chatham News & Record

CHATHAM COUNTY’S Old North State League baseball team has found its coach.

The Chatham County Yardbirds selected Joe Seawell, coach of the Chatham HomeSchool Thunder baseball team, to lead the team in its inaugural season.

“I’ve loved coaching since I had to step across the lines from player to mentor after college,” Seawell said in a release. “From 4-year-old boys to grown men, a baseball eld is a special place. As a coach and lover of this game, being able to bring a little more baseball to the area and create more opportunities for local athletes during the summer is an incredible role to play.”

Seawell, a Chatham County native, grew up playing baseball in West Chatham. He went to Lee Christian School in Sanford and continued his baseball career at Wilkes Community College and Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. As a pitcher at Southeastern University, Seawell won back-to-back National Christian College Athletic Association Division II national championships and was awarded the Hank Burbridge Outstanding Leadership Award in 2006.

Before becoming the Yard-

birds’ rst leader, Seawell has coached locally around Chatham County since 2011. He gained experience starting something new when he was part of founding the Chatham Thunder baseball program, which is in its fourth season.

The program built its own eld behind Haw River Christian Academy on Silk Hope Gum Springs Road. This will be Seawell’s rst time coaching college-level players.

“Building something new is never easy,” Seawell said.

“It’s always nice to be hand-

“Success for me looks like a team that evolves from strangers to brothers over the summer, and that want to come do it again in 2027.”

Joe Seawell

ed a ready-made team or program, but everything has a beginning. Success for me looks like a team that evolves from strangers to brothers over the summer and that want to come do it again in 2027.”

Seawell hopes the Yardbirds inspire and help young Chatham County baseball players develop a love for the game.

“These college players, local or from abroad, represent the dream for so many young baseball players in the local community,” Seawell said.

Outside of the coaching news, the Yardbirds provided an update on their future ballpark being built at the Paul Braxton sports elds in downtown Siler City.

ONSL CIO Reggie Allred told the Chatham News & Record that construction will begin this week.

“With all the bad weather that we’ve had, we’re a little bit behind,” Allred said.

The plan is to begin work on the playing surface this week if

Katie Leonard and Cam Fowler earned rst-team honors

By Asheebo Rojas

Chatham News & Record

THE NORTH CAROLINA

Basketball Coaches Association released its All-District teams on March 10.

Three local basketball players were selected to the District 4 teams, featuring athletes from Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Richmond, Scotland, Harnett, Lee, Chatham and Moore counties.

Chatham County earned its fewest selections since Jarin Stevenson was the county’s sole representative in 2021.

Here are the county’s 202526 All-District honorees and a recap of their seasons.

Katie Leonard (Seaforth, District 4 girls)

Leonard received All-District honors for the second time in her career, making the rst team for the rst time. She joined Terry Sanford’s Jaidiah Blake (district Player of the Year), Overhills’ Naijha Allen, Terry Sanford’s Ameya Brown and Overhills’ Paris Autry on the rst team. As a senior, Leonard recorded career-highs of 21.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists 3.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. She scored at least 20 points in 16 games,

for Northwood’s Chad Graves

including three 30-point performances. Leonard knocked down a career-high 80 3s (with a career-high 3-point attempts), hitting ve or more in eight contests. On top of that, she logged ve double-doubles and a 17-point, 11-assist and 10-steal triple-double against Orange on Feb. 12. Against Webb on Feb. 6, Leonard went o for a career-high 36 points on a 60% shooting clip. She will continue her basketball career at Cornell, becoming the second straight Seaforth girls’ basketball player to join a Division I program after graduating.

Cam Fowler (Northwood, District 4 boys)

Fowler, the Four Rivers 3A/4A conference Player of the Year, was selected for All-District for the third time in his career, making the rst team for the second straight season. He joined Douglas Byrd’s Marcus McDu e Jr. (district Player of the Year), E.E. Smith’s Nick Smith, Union Pines’ Kingsley

PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Northwood’s Madalyn Holton records a hit against Eastern Randolph on March 13.

COURTESY JOE SEAWELL

Joe Seawell will lead the Chatham County Yardbirds in their rst season.

Jesse Mann

Emma Grace Hill

Seaforth, softball

Seaforth softball’s junior pitcher Emma Grace Hill earns athlete of the week honors for the week of March 9.

In the Hawks’ 12-0 ve-inning win over Carrboro on March 10, Hill struck out 14 batters, taking responsibility for nearly all of Seaforth’s outs. During that game, Hill recorded her 300th career strikeout. She also went 2 for 3 from the plate with an RBI. Hill has been o to a solid start this season both as a batter and a pitcher. In Seaforth’s season-opener, she notched a walk-o RBI to beat Middle Creek 3-2, which has been the closest game of the Hawks’ undefeated season so far.

SOFTBALL from page B1

meeting with Eastern Randolph 6-1 on March 10. That evening, Thompson struck out 16 batters. Holton and senior Kelis Watson both went 2 for 3 with two RBIs.

Eastern Randolph is still

looking for its rst win of the season after moving to 0-6 following the loss to Northwood. Last season, Eastern Randolph went 2-18, starting the campaign with a ninegame losing streak. It has returned in 2026 with a young roster led by two seniors.

SPRING SPORTS ROUNDUP

Jordan-Matthews baseball wins rst game since 2024

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record Baseball

Jordan-Matthews defeated North Moore 5-0 on March 10 to win its rst game since the 2024 season. Senior Landon Moser struck out 13 batters and allowed one hit, while freshman Will Murchison went 2 for 2 with two RBIs to snap the Jets’ 24-game losing streak.

Seaforth dominated Carrboro last week, defeating the Jaguars 15-0 on March 10 and 11-0 Friday. The Hawks fell to Wake Forest for the second time this season 15-5 on March 11.

Chatham Charter extended its win streak to three with a 7-2 win over Jordan-Matthews and an 11-0 win over River Mill last week. Garrison Clark pitched a one-hitter and struck out six batters against River Mill.

Chatham Central snapped its three-game skid with two straight blowout wins over South Davidson. The Bears outscored South Davidson 30-4 in the series.

Northwood split its series with Eastern Randolph, winning 1-0 on March 10 and losing 10-6 on March 11.

Power rankings (week of March 9): 1. Seaforth; 2. Chatham Charter; 3. Northwood; 4. Chatham Central; 5. Jordan-Matthews Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference)

Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Chatham Charter (3-1, 1-0); 2. River Mill (1-3, 0-1); T3. Central Carolina (0-1, 0-0); T3. Clover Garden (2-2, 0-0); T3. Southern Wake (0-2, 0-0)

Greater Triad 1A/2A: 1. South Stokes (4-2, 3-0); T2. Chatham Central (2-3, 2-2); T2. Bishop McGuinness (3-4, 1-1); 4. North Stokes (1-5, 1-2); 5. South Davidson (2-4, 0-2)

Four Rivers 3A/4A: T1. Northwood (3-3, 1-1); T1. Eastern Randolph (3-4, 1-1); T1. North Moore (3-2, 1-1); T1. Jordan-Matthews (1-5, 1-1); T5. Uwharrie Charter (5-1, 0-0); T5. Southwestern Randolph (2-2, 0-0)

Big Seven 4A/5A: T1. South Granville (5-1, 2-0); T1. Cedar Ridge (4-1, 2-0); T1. Seaforth (6-2, 1-0); T4. Carrboro (1-5, 0-1); T4. Durham School of the Arts (2-4, 0-2); T4. Orange (2-4, 0-2); 7. Webb (1-5, 0-0)

Jordan-Matthews’ Will Murchison gears up a pitch in a 2026 game.

Softball

Seaforth is o to a 4-0 start after a 12-0 win over Carrboro on March 10 and a 4-2 victory against Cedar Ridge on Friday. Pitcher Emma Grace Hill achieved a no-hitter against Carrboro and notched her 300th career strikeout (14 of the 15 outs were her strikeouts).

Jordan-Matthews remained undefeated after a 13-0 decision against South Davidson on March 10 and a 15-10 win over North Moore on Friday. Sophomore Kinley Jordan and senior Cassidy Graves both drove in three RBIs against the Mustangs.

Chatham Central won three straight games last week, beating Providence Grove 14-12, Ascend Leadership 17-1 and South Davidson 14-0. Junior pitcher Maddie Kaczmarczyk struck out nine batters and allowed one hit against South Davidson.

Chatham Charter dropped three consecutive games last week, falling to River Mill 9-8, Providence Grove 12-2 and Clover Garden 23-11.

Power rankings (week of March 9): 1. Seaforth; 2. Jordan-Matthews; 3. Northwood; 4. Chatham Central; 5. Chatham Charter Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference) Central Tar Heel 1A: T1. River Mill (2-1, 2-0); T1. Clover Garden (5-0, 2-0); 3. Chatham Charter (2-4, 2-2); T4. Ascend Leadership (0-2, 0-1); T4. Central Carolina (0-5, 0-3) Greater Triad 1A/2A: T1. Chatham Central (5-2, 1-0); T1. South Stokes (3-1, 1-0); T3. North Stokes (3-2, 0-1); T3. South Davidson (2-3, 0-1) Four Rivers 3A/4A: T1.

Northwood (6-0, 2-0); T1. Jordan-Matthews (5-0, 1-0); T3. Southwestern Randolph (3-1, 1-1); T3. Uwharrie Charter (2-4, 1-1); T5. North Moore (2-3, 0-1); T5. Eastern Randolph (0-6, 0-2) Girls’ soccer

After a 2-0 win over East Chapel Hill on March 9, Seaforth took its rst loss to Cardinal Gibbons 3-0 on March 11. Woods Charter opened its season with three straight wins over River Mill (9-0), Chatham Charter (9-0) and Eno River (5-1). Sophomore Annabel Unah notched a hat trick against River Mill.

Northwood dropped three straight games last week to Southern Alamance (2-1), Eastern Alamance (3-0) and Southeast Alamance (1-0).

Jordan-Matthews lost to Southern Lee 5-2 on March 9. Chatham Charter fell to North Moore 6-1 Friday.

Boys’ tennis

Seaforth bounced back from a 5-4 loss to Cary Academy with two 9-0 wins over Webb last week.

Chatham Charter extended its win streak to four with wins over North Moore (9-0) and Clover Garden (7-2).

Northwood fell to East Chapel Hill 9-0.

Jordan-Matthews, still looking for its rst win, lost to South Davidson (8-1) and Carrboro (9- 0).

Boys’ lacrosse

Seaforth edged Chapel Hill 11-10 in an overtime thriller on March 10. The Hawks scored the game-tying goal with one minute left in regulation, and with a minute left to play in overtime, they landed the game-winner. Northwood defeated Cleveland 12-3 and Southern Alamance 8-6 before falling to Chapel Hill 10-3 Friday. Senior Grayson Cox scored his 200th career point against Southern Alamance.

Girls’ lacrosse

Seaforth went 1-2 last week, beating Green Level 14-7 but falling to Bishop McGuinness (14-7) and Apex (24-11).

Northwood lost its season opener to Cleveland 10-3.

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

LEE MOODY FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

COURTESY CCSU DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS

Frazier made a huge leap in his junior season at Central Connecticut.

Frazier named NEC Most Improved Player

The former Northwood standout averaged 12 points per game this winter

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

FORMER NORTHWOOD

standout Max Frazier picked up some post season accolades to end his junior season at Central Connecticut. Frazier, a forward, was named the Northeast Conference Most Improved Player. He also earned third-team All-Conference honors and was selected to the conference’s All-Defensive team. These are Frazier’s rst All-Conference honors in his college career, including his freshman season at Siena. Frazier went from averaging 3.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore to 12 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this winter. Standing at 6 feet, 9 inches, Frazier started all 30 games for the Blue Devils. He shot at a 65.8% clip and scored in double-digits in 19 games. Frazier scored at least 20 points three times this season, includ-

from page B1

Donaldson and Lee County’s Nic Farrow on the rst team.

In his senior campaign, Fowler turned his scoring up a notch, reaching a career-high 22.3 points per game while also recording ve double-doubles. He made a career-high 57 3s at a 38% 3-point shooting clip.

During the Chargers’ last 15 games, Fowler scored at least 20 points in 12 contests. He exploded for a school-record 51 points and 11-made 3s against North Moore on Feb. 6. In the playo s

65.8

shooting clip by Frazier led NEC

ing a career-high 24 points in 108 -106 win over Sacred Heart on Nov. 24. Frazier led the conference in eld goal percentage. He tied with Stonehill’s Ridvan Tutic for second in the league in average rebounds against conference opponents (fourth in the conference overall). His 52 blocks (1.7 per game) ranked second in the conference regardless of opponent.

In high school, Frazier played two seasons at Woods Charter before transferring to Northwood for the 2021-22 season. Frazier helped Northwood reach the 3A state title game as a senior in 2023, leading that team in eld goal percentage (66%) and nishing second in average rebounds (6.2) and average blocks (one). In his two seasons with the Chargers, Frazier averaged 8.3 points, six rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

(three games), Fowler averaged 24.3 points and 9.6 rebounds.

Chad Graves (Northwood, District 4 boys)

Graves earned All-District honors for the rst time in his career as he was named to District 4’s third team. He joined Douglas Byrd’s Malachi McDu e, Southern Lee’s Nazir Quick, Richmond County’s Jayden Hamilton and Seventy-First’s Jayvon Foster on the third team. As a senior, Graves played in 17 games and averaged 9.5 points and a

Charlotte res men’s basketball coach Fearne after 3 seasons

The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — The

Charlotte 49ers fired head basketball coach Aaron Fearne on Tuesday after he went 47-51 in three seasons at the helm.

Charlotte was 17-17 this season and lost 86-64 to

South Florida in the semifinals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament. The 49ers finished tied for fifth in the regular season AAC standings with a 9-9 record.

After going 19-12 in Fearne’s first season in 2023 -24, the 49ers lost several players through the transfer portal and were 11-22 the following season.

Charlotte director of athletics Kevin White said “while difficult, making a head coaching change is necessary to allow for greater success.” White said a search for Fearne’s replacement will begin immediately.

YARDBIRDS from page B1

weather permits. If not, construction will start next week. The eld is still scheduled to be ready by the Yardbirds’ rst home game on May 27.

“Once it gets going, it’ll actually move pretty fast,” Allred said.

The facility will feature a concrete grandstand, a beer garden, dedicated space for

career-high 6.8 rebounds. The rim protector recorded six double-doubles, and he notched two or more blocks in eight contests.

From Jan. 9-22 ( ve games), Graves scored in double digits every night and logged four double-doubles. In addition to his All-District selection, Graves was selected to play in the Carolinas Classic All-Star Game at Dorman High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina Saturday. He’ll represent North Carolina alongside the likes of Reidsville’s Dionte Neal in a battle against South Carolina’s top seniors.

food trucks, new dugouts, a modern press box, an upgraded in eld and playing surface, and more fan amenities. It will serve as more than a home for the Yardbirds as the ONSL hopes to host movie nights, concerts and other entertainment events to serve Siler City’s downtown area.

In July, North Carolina selected Siler City into its Main Street Program as a Down-

town Associate Community. The DAC program helps revitalize downtowns through economic development strategies. Siler City will receive two years of downtown technical assistance services valued at $30,000.

“I believe in this project and the positive impact it will have on our downtown area,” Assistant Town Manager Kimberly Pickard said in a statement.

Seaforth’s

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Katie Leonard is Chatham County’s lone 2025-26 All-District girls’ basketball player.

MATT KELLEY / AP PHOTO

Then-Charlotte head coach Aaron Fearne reacts during a game. The school has moved on after three seasons with Fearne.

Hamlin storms back to win at Las Vegas after early penalty

The win ends a tumultuous o season

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Denny Hamlin returned to Victory Lane at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for his rst win since he lost the Cup Series championship four months ago, and rst since the death of his father in a December house re.

“I knew it took a few weeks to feel like driving,” Hamlin said after his 61st career victory. “Over the last couple weeks, I de nitely regained my love of it, got refocused. These are great opportunities for us.”

Hamlin’s 60th career victory was at Las Vegas last October, a win he dedicated to his father as it locked Hamlin into the Cuper Series’ championship-deciding nale. His father was in poor health and Hamlin went into the race knowing it was probably his nal chance to win a championship while Dennis Hamlin was still alive.

Then Hamlin dominated last year’s title-decider at Phoenix Raceway, but the wrong call on the nal pit stop cost him the Cup championship that has eluded the three-time Daytona 500 winner.

What followed was an emotional rollercoaster: Hamlin, as co-owner of 23XI Racing, was part of the winning team in a federal lawsuit against NASCAR last December. Weeks later, his father was killed in a re that destroyed the home Hamlin purchased to thank his parents for getting him into NASCAR.

He returned for the start of his 21st season and went to Victory Lane as an owner with Tyler Reddick when the 23XI Racing driver won the Daytona 500 and then set a Cup Series record by winning the rst three races of the year.

Most of the attention went to 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan as Reddick won Daytona, Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas.

Hamlin did his part at Las Vegas to put himself back in the spotlight.

“It is just so satisfying, so gratifying. You just never know what can happen year over year if you still have it or not,” said Hamlin. “I wasn’t totally locked in for the rst few weeks. We’ve just been hitting our stride now. This is our bread and butter, these are the tracks that we know we can go win, and we executed. This is a team win. The team did it.”

The 45-year-old Virginia driver overcome an early speeding penalty and drove from 31st through the eld in a fairly dominating win for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. He led a racehigh 134 laps.

Hamlin was joined by hisancee and their three children as he collected the checkered ag, and he was sure his father was smiling somewhere.

“This is a family sport. My family obviously had so much sacri ce to help me get here,” said Hamlin. “Now that I’ve grown, generations of Hamlins following me, it’s great Mom gets to see this. I know Dad’s still saying, ‘That’s my boy.’ Hell of a day.”

Team owner Joe Gibbs’ praised Hamlin’s resilience.

“He’s been through a lot. Denny seems to have the ability to continue to work through things,” said Gibbs. “Has a way of just really still being very competitive. I appreciate him so much. We’re riding Denny for about 20 years. It’s been an awful good trip for us.”

Toyota has won four of the rst ve races.

Hendrick Motorsports teammates Chase Elliott and William Byron nished second and third in Chevrolets; JGR drivers Christopher Bell and Ty Gibbs were fourth and fth to give JGR three cars in the top- ve.

“It makes my job really easy when I can drive Toyotas that fast,” Hamlin said.

Gibbs on a roll

It was the third consecutive top- ve nish for Gibbs, who is a central gure in a federal lawsuit led by JGR against former competition director Chris Gabehart. The two sides are back in court in North Caroli-

“I knew it took a few weeks to feel like driving. Over the last couple weeks, I de nitely regained my love of it, got refocused.”

Denny Hamlin

na on Monday as JGR seeks a restraining order to stop Gabehart for working for rival Spire Motorsports.

“Just don’t want to be in court,” said team owner Gibbs. “But we’re going to be there. I think it’s important for us to follow through with this.”

Gabehart has said his time at JGR became untenable in part because of preferential treatment toward Gibbs, who is the grandson of the team owner.

JGR alleges Gabehart stole proprietary information before he left the team, and had a noncompete clause that prevents him from joining another team. Gabehart claims JGR stopped paying him in November and the role he now has with Spire is completely di erent from what he did for Gibbs.

Gabehart was at the track Sunday with Spire, which at Las Vegas had its trucks parked next to the JGR trucks.

Jones remains focused on being ready to start

Week 1 after completing new

The former Duke passer is recovering from a torn Achilles

By Michael Marot The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Daniel Jones spent his entire o season rehabbing, letting his agents deal with the business side of football.

Last Thursday, almost exactly four months after su ering a torn right Achilles tendon in a loss at Jacksonville, Jones returned to the Indianapolis Colts team complex with a new two-year contract worth up to $100 million and a promising timetable for his return to play — the 2026 regular-season opener.

“I’m very con dent in being back to 100% and ready to go,” he said. “I’m in a good spot, I’m on schedule. I think from everything the doctors are telling me — trainers, rehab, physical therapists — I think I’m in a good spot. I’ve hit my marks and just have to continue to do that.”

The prognosis couldn’t be any brighter for Indy.

Jones outplayed the one-year, prove-it deal Indy gave him last March when the Minnesota Vikings let him test free agency after adding the 2019 rst-round pick when the New York Giants released him during the 2024 season.

He didn’t disappoint with the Colts. Over the rst 10 weeks,

“I’m very con dent in being back to 100% and ready to go.”

Daniel Jones

Jones resuscitated his career by delivering on the potential the Giants saw in him when they drafted him No. 6 overall, leading the Colts to an 8-2 mark.

But Jones struggled to play through a hairline fracture in his left leg and then su ered the season-ending Achilles injury in early December. The result: Indy lost its nal seven games and missed the playo s for a fth straight season as uncertainty hung over yet another round of free agency for the former Duke star. And yet as questions loomed over how much the injury could de ate Jones’ payday and negotiations continued with the Colts, Indy’s decision-makers never wavered in their belief they wanted to pair Jones and free agent receiver Alec Pierce for a second consecutive season in 2026.

The rst part of the equation came last Monday when Pierce agreed to a four-year, $116 million deal, admittedly taking less than was o ered elsewhere so he could keep working with Jones. The second part was completed a day later when Jones also agreed to return, eliminating the need for Indy putting the

deal with Colts

transition tag on Jones last week.

“I just think the way he prepares, how he’s built, I think in the long run Daniel is going to be perfectly ne,” general manager Chris Ballard said during the NFL scouting combine in Indy. “Daniel and Alec are such big pieces. Everybody’s got a budget. We’ve got a cap we have to deal with, so I don’t know if it’s a run-it-back situation, but we’re going to make the team the best we can.”

Those two moves allowed Ballard to continue lling other holes, primarily on a defense

that he has indicated must get younger, faster and stouter. That work began Saturday when Ballard traded Pro Bowl linebacker Zaire Franklin to Green Bay for defensive tackle Colby Wooden and continued in the lead up to the o cial start of free agency. Indy signed former Tennessee Titans defensive end Arden Key to a two-year contract with the hope Key can help improve the pass rush opposite third-year defensive end Laiatu Latu. Indy also signed former New York Jets defensive tackle Mi-

cheal Clemons to a two-year deal. Wooden and Key were also introduced publicly last Thursday, and Key described the challenge Indy’s o ense posed when he played it twice a year with the Titans.

Now, with Jones and Pierce back, the Colts think their offense may only get better.

“We’re con dent because I think we’ve seen what we could be,” Jones said. “But there’s a high sense of urgency to get back to doing that and doing that consistently, week after week throughout the season.”

PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones walks o the eld after su ering an injury in December.

STEVE MARCUS / AP PHOTO

Denny Hamlin performs a burnout after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

SIDELINE REPORT

FORMULA 1

Formula 1 calls o April races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia due to Iran war

Shanghai Formula 1 and its governing body, the FIA, say the Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not be held in April on safety grounds related to the Iran war. Both countries have been struck during Iran’s response to United States and Israeli attacks. F1 was due to race in Bahrain on April 12 and in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on April 19. F1 did not say the races were canceled or postponed, just that they won’t happen in April and replacement events have not been scheduled.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Cincinnati ring men’s basketball coach Miller

Cincinnati Wes Miller will not be back as the University of Cincinnati’s men’s basketball coach. Cincinnati and Miller are reportedly negotiating an equitable buyout. Miller has three years remaining on his contract, but he’s owed $9.9 million if the ring happens before March 31. It drops to $4.69 million if the termination happens after April 1. Miller went 100-74 in ve seasons, including 18-15 this year and did not reach the NCAA Tournament. Miller won an NCAA title as a UNC player and coached UNC Greensboro before leaving for Cincinnati.

NHL

Maple Leafs star Matthews out for season with torn MCL after knee from Gudas

Toronto Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee and will miss the rest of the season. Matthews was ruled out a little under 24 hours after being knocked out of last Thursday’s game against Anaheim on a knee - on-knee hit from Anaheim defenseman Radko Gudas. The Leafs said Matthews has a Grade 3 MCL tear and a bruised quadriceps muscle and would be evaluated again in two weeks. Gudas was suspended for ve games.

NBA

Gilgeous-Alexander breaks Chamberlain’s record with 20 points in 127th straight game

Oklahoma City Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive games with 20 points or more, extending his streak to 127. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard drilled a jumper over Baylor Scheierman from beyond the free-throw line last Thursday with 7:04 left in the period to push his total to 21. Chamberlain’s record had stood since 1963. Gilgeous-Alexander nished with 35 points and nine assists as the Thunder beat the Celtics 104-102.

NCAA warning schools about travel issues ahead of March Madness

A combination of government issues are making travel di cult and expensive

By Will Graves The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Atlantic 10

commissioner Bernadette McGlade skimmed through the 12-page memo the NCAA sent out last month that highlighted potential travel issues ahead of the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments and couldn’t help but feel a bit of deja vu.

McGlade spent time on both the men’s and women’s selection committees earlier in her career, including a stint as the tournament director for women’s March Madness. What she read in that memo was nothing new.

“We had the same conversations, ‘Oh, these charters are hired (away). We might not be able to travel all the teams the way we want to travel,’” McGlade said. “It is a very real reality.”

One that, through the years, has avoided any sort of real nightmare scenario. The NCAA is hoping to do the same this time around, even if the headwinds working against them might be a little stronger than they’ve been in the past.

The ongoing partial government shutdown that is forcing some federal airport employees to work without getting paid — leading to massive lines at security checkpoints in some places — the conict in the Middle East that is spiking energy prices and the typical uptick in demand when the weather gets warmer are a potential tinderbox that could make the Madness in March Madness bleed into new territory.

“We certainly understand that there are pressures on the system, but we hope they’re not going to be too disruptive and really impact people’s experiences. We’ll do everything we can to mitigate that,” men’s committee chair Keith Gill said. “One of the things that I’ve heard is ICE is taking up a lot of charter planes. I think the charter market is just demonstrably di erent than it has been.”

The number of deportation ights carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have hit record

Tournament. Now,

“I think that the NCAA was proactive on getting that travel set up. So, hopefully, everything will go really, really smoothly.”

Wright State A.D. Joylynn Brown

highs during President Donald Trump’s second administration, and while it wasn’t an issue last March, it might be now.

With host sites for the opening weekend stretching from Bu alo, New York, to San Diego in the men’s bracket, the math could still get a little complicated.

The NCAA has speci c parameters on how teams get to their venues. Any team that has to travel at least 400 miles during the opening weekend is eligible to take a ight chartered by the NCAA. That drops to 350 miles for the regionalnals and the Final Four.

Schools that are closer than

those parameters can receive up to $1,500 per day for ground transportation.

Teams from one-bid leagues that gure to be lower seeds may have to bear more of a travel burden than higher seeds, who can sometimes — but not always — play much closer to home.

Wright State athletic director Joylynn Brown said the travel logistics are “something to think about” but added that it isn’t top of mind. The Raiders, who won the Horizon League title this week, play a few miles from downtown Dayton, Ohio, where the men’s tournament got underway Tuesday night.

“If you drive, it is a little bit easier,” Brown said. “It is exciting to y. I don’t really care where we’re going, I’m just excited that we’re going and I’m thankful, I hope that and I think that the NCAA was proactive on getting that travel set up. So, hopefully, everything will go really, really smoothly.”

The visibility that the tournaments provide, particularly for lesser-known schools, is so great that they’d probably walk

to get where they need to go if it came down to it. If they hop on a plane, even if they have to wait? Great. If they sit on a bus for a while? Great.

“I think without hesitation, that every institution wants to see their name go up on the board on Selection Sunday,” McGlade said, later adding, “the value long-term for programs and institutions in terms of enrollment, fundraising, etc., of being selected into March Madness is so signi cant right now that I know there’s not anyone in the A-10 concerned about that.”

That might change once the dream of reaching the tournament becomes reality, which can lead to a frantic 24-72 hours for schools as they scatter across the country in hopes of an extended stay in the dance. Any delays that may pop up are basically college basketball’s version of a rstworld problem.

“It’s di erent all of a sudden now when the teams get in you (might) start to hear some people complaining,” McGlade said. “But I don’t think there’s a hesitation (to be a part of it.).”

For baseball’s tallest hitters, robo-umps should bring consistency to tricky strike zone

Larger players often see their strike zones expanded by umps

By Jay Cohen The Associated Press

PHOENIX — San Francisco

Giants rookie Bryce Eldridge was logged at 6-foot-7 “and some change,” he said. That was the measurement for the slugger for the major leagues’ Automated Ball-Strike System. That is one expansive strike zone — but a more de ned one, at least.

“I think they told me I’m the tallest guy they’ve measured, position player-wise,” Eldridge said during spring training.

“So I got that going for me, at least. So I’ve got the biggest zone, the biggest ABS.”

After years of testing in the minors, the robot-umpire system for reviewing ball/strike calls is going to be used in regular-season games in the majors this year. The abbreviation for the setup is ABS, but the most important letters when it comes to the change just might be S-I-Z-E — relating to the strike zone for some of the game’s tallest players.

“I got a lot of respect for the umpires and what they do behind the plate,” New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said.

“So I can usually pride myself

in not showing them up or putting on a show or doing anything like that because they got a tough job back there. So we’ll see. I’ll nd the right time to use it. If they’re pretty outrageous calls, I think I’ll use it.”

The 6-foot-7 Judge, who won his third AL MVP award last year, sounded more excited about the possibilities for 6-foot-5 teammate Giancarlo Stanton.

“His whole career has been kind of getting screwed over. And also now, this kind of changes everything,” Judge said. “He’s so routine oriented to where you get a bad call, you get a good call, whatever, it’s kind of about ushing to get to the next pitch. Well, now you

got 2 seconds to try to make up your mind.” Strike zones vary depending on a player’s height — starting at 53.5% of a batter’s height for the top and 27% of a batter’s height for the bottom. The top and the bottom of the zone for baseball’s biggest giants — a list that also includes 6-foot-7 center elder Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates and 6-foot- 6 left elder James Wood of the Washington Nationals — have long been two di cult areas for umpires. But the ABS system provides an opportunity for a closer look. Each team has the ability to challenge two calls per game.

A team retains its challenge if

successful, similar to the regulations for video reviews. A team out of challenges for a game tied after nine innings would get one additional challenge in each extra inning.

Only a batter, pitcher or catcher may challenge a call, signaling with the tap of a helmet or cap, and assistance from the dugout is not allowed.

“Speci cally with Aaron Judge, I think his zone is higher than most, right? Because he’s taller,” Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly said. “So you might catch one at the knees that feels like a normal strike, but it’s low on him. So I think it’s another aspect of catchers is we’re going to have to understand who’s at the plate, what the zone is like. I mean, if it’s a smaller zone, that ball that might feel like it’s a strike at the top, it’s probably a ball.”

The 21-year-old Eldridge, who got to use ABS in the minors, said he thinks it’s great for the game.

“I had a situation last year where we were in the ninth and we were down by two, I want to say, and I struck out looking,” Eldridge said. “I challenged it. It was a ball, and I hit a home run like the next pitch or something to tie it. The game can change just like that with this, so it’s pretty cool.”

ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO

San Francisco Giants’ Bryce Eldridge backs away from an inside pitch during a spring training game.

this week in history

Napoleon returns to Paris, Nazis establish Dachau, Stamp Act passes, Exxon Valdez runs aground

The Associated Press

MARCH 19

1931: Nevada Gov. Fred B. Balzar signed a measure making the state the rst to legalize gambling.

1945: During World War II, more than 800 service members were killed when a Japanese dive bomber attacked the aircraft carrier USS Franklin near Japan.

1953: The 25th Academy Awards ceremony became the rst to be televised; “The Greatest Show on Earth” won the Oscar for best picture.

MARCH 20

1815: Napoleon Bonaparte returned to Paris after escaping his exile on Elba, beginning his “Hundred Days” rule.

1852: Harriet Beecher Stowe’s in uential anti-slavery novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” was rst published in book form after being serialized in the abolitionist newspaper “The National Era.”

1976: Kidnapped newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst was convicted of armed robbery for her role in a San Francisco bank holdup carried out by the Symbionese Liberation Army.

MARCH 21

1873: The Spanish National Assembly abolished slavery in Puerto Rico, then a Spanish colony.

1933: Germany’s Nazi gov-

ernment established its rst concentration camp in the town of Dachau, ostensibly for political prisoners. More than 200,000 prisoners were held there and more than 40,000 died.

1965: Civil rights demonstrators led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. began their third march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, escorted by U.S. Army and National Guard troops assigned by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

MARCH 22

1765: The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act to raise revenue from the American colonies, which ercely resisted the tax. The act was repealed a year later.

1894: The rst Stanley Cup championship game was played as the Montreal Hockey Club defeated the Ottawa Hockey Club 3-1.

1963: The Beatles released their debut album, “Please Please Me,” in the United Kingdom on the Parlophone label.

MARCH 23

1775: Patrick Henry addressed the Virginia Provincial Convention, declaring, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

1806: Explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their return to St. Louis after completing the rst U.S. overland expedition to the Paci c coast.

1919: Benito Mussolini founded his Fascist political movement in Milan, Italy.

MARCH 24

1882: German scientist Robert Koch announced in Berlin that he had discovered the bacillus responsible for tuberculosis.

1921: The Women’s Olympiad, the rst international women’s sporting event, began in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

1989: The supertanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on a reef in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, spilling an estimated 11 million gallons of crude oil.

MARCH 25

1894: Jacob S. Coxey began a march from Massillon, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., leading hundreds of unemployed workers demanding federal relief following the Panic of 1893.

1911: A re at the Triangle Shirtwaist Co. garment factory in New York killed 146 people, mostly young immigrant women, prompting major workplace safety and labor reforms.

1931: In the Scottsboro Boys case, nine black teenagers were taken o a train in Alabama and falsely accused of raping two white women; after years of trials and imprisonment, they were eventually vindicated.

AP PHOTO

Italian Premier and dictator Benito Mussolini established his Fascist party on March 23, 1919.

AP PHOTO

Germany’s Nazi government built its rst concentration camp at Dachau, Germany on March 21, 1933. More than 40,000 prisoners died there before it was liberated in 1945.

Dudamel says Chalamet shows ignorance in

claiming ‘no one cares’ about opera, ballet

The award-winning actor’s comments have sparked backlash

By Ronald Blum The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Famed conductor Gustavo Dudamel said Timothée Chalamet showed ignorance when the Oscar-nominated actor claimed “no one cares” about opera and ballet. “Sadly, sometimes it’s a little bit of ignorance but, look, that is why we have to open more spaces for people to connect with classical music,” Dudamel said last Tuesday night at an event to announce the programming of his rst season as the New York Philharmonic’s music director.

Dudamel spoke from the stage of Lincoln Center’s David Ge en to an audience that included donors, musicians, the orchestra board, community leaders and composers in addition to journalists. Dudamel’s remarks sparked loud applause.

During a conversation with fellow actor Matthew McConaughey at a CNN and Va-

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO

New York Philharmonic music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel appears at a special screening of “El Canto de las Manos” in New York in 2025.

riety town hall at the University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication in February, the 30-yearold Chalamet was asked by

McConaughey about whether shortened audience attention spans have impacted studio decisions about the content of theatrical lms, forcing more early action.

“I admire people, and I’ve done it myself, to go on a talk show and go: Hey, we’ve got to keep movie theaters alive. We got to keep this genre alive,’” Chalamet said. “And another part of me feels like if people want to see it, like ‘Barbie,’ like ‘Oppenheimer,’ they’re going to go see it and go out of their way to be loud and proud about it. And I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera or things where it’s like where it’s like, ‘Hey! Keep this thing alive,’ even though no one cares about this anymore. All respect to the ballet and opera people out there. I just lost 14 cents in viewership.”

Chalamet received his third Academy Award nomination, for “Marty Supreme.” His comments sparked an online backlash from arts organizations.

“Everybody has the right to say, but you have to do things with knowledge, with facts. I think we have to say to the young generation, the oppo -

Penn wins best supporting actor

site,” Dudamel said. “It’s very funny. Cinema is a result of opera, of music, of all of these kinds of things.”

Matías Tarnopolsky, the New York Philharmonic CEO, was seated next to Dudamel and issued a public o er to Chalamet.

“He can sit with me anytime,” Tarnopolsky said. “I’ll give him a free ticket, and he’s invited to come and hear the New York Philharmonic.”

Dudamel, 45, is among the world’s most famous conductors. He is leaving the Los Angeles Philharmonic this summer after 17 seasons as music director to become the music director of the New York orchestra.

At one point, Dudamel feigned not knowing Chalamet, saying: “Which is the name of that?” before cutting o as the audience laughed.

“That way of thinking has to end,” he said. “Music is reborn all the time and it brings us the values of empathy through the beauty of what it is. So this is the reality of music. This is the real dimension of music, and we need that more for our young people.”

Oscar for ‘One Battle After Another’, opts not to attend

The actor has won three Academy Awards

By Jonathan Landrum Jr.

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Sean Penn has built one of the most decorated careers in contemporary acting, and he has added another Oscar to the list.

On Sunday, Penn won the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s political drama “One Battle After Another.” He delivered a commanding portrayal of a seasoned power broker navigating the shifting loyalties and ideological battles at the center of the lm.

Penn, 65, did not attend the Oscars.

“He couldn’t be here tonight, or he didn’t want to,” Kieran Culkin said after announcing Penn as the winner.

It’s not the rst time Penn has been an Oscars no-show. He’s previously skipped the show three times when he was nominated for “Dead Man Walking” in 1996, “Sweet and Lowdown” in 2000 and “I Am Sam” in 2002.

In 2022, Penn gave one

“He couldn’t be here tonight, or he didn’t want to.”

Kieran Culkin

of the Oscar statuettes to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Penn bowed out from attending the BAFTAs and Actor Awards this year. In the movie, Penn plays a calculating strategist named Col. Steven J. Lockjaw whose decades of experience in political movements give him both in uence and scars. His character carries the weight of past victories and failures, o ering sharp insights while quietly pulling strings behind the scenes. The performance blends Penn’s trademark intensity with moments of restraint, delivering a standout performance among the lm’s talented ensemble.

The win marks Penn’s third Academy Award.

The actor did attend when he previously won two Academy Awards for best actor for Clint Eastwood’s 2003 crime drama “Mystic River” and for por-

traying San Francisco politician and LGBTQ rights pioneer Harvey Milk in Gus Van Sant’s 2008 biopic “Milk.”

Penn rst gained attention in the 1980s, with lms including “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” but quickly established

himself as one of Hollywood’s most fearless dramatic actors.

Over the decades, he has delivered acclaimed performances in lms such as “Dead Man Walking,” “Carlito’s Way,” “The Thin Red Line,” and “I Am Sam.” His performance in “One

Battle After Another” adds another acclaimed role to a career de ned by intense and transformative performances. Other nominees included Delroy Lindo, Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Elordi and Stellan Skarsgård.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Kieran Culkin presents the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role during the Oscars on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

famous birthdays this week

Bruce Willis celebrates 71, Kathy Ireland turns 63, Andrew Lloyd Webber is 78, Gene Shalit hits 100

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

MARCH 19

Actor Ursula Andress is 90. Singer Ruth Pointer (The Pointer Sisters) is 80. Actor Glenn Close is 79. Retired actor Bruce Willis is 71. NFL coach Andy Reid is 68. Comedian-podcaster Theo Von is 46.

MARCH 20

Actor Hal Linden is 96. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley is 81. Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Orr is 78. Guitarist Jimmie Vaughan is 75. Film director Spike Lee is 69. Actor Holly Hunter is 68. Model-entrepreneur Kathy Ireland is 63.

MARCH 21

Football Hall of Fame coach Tom Flores is 89. Actor Timothy Dalton is 80. Actor Gary Oldman is 68. Actor Matthew Broderick is 64. Comedian-actor Rosie O’Donnell is 64. Former soccer player Ronaldinho is 46.

MARCH 22

Artist Yayoi Kusama is 97. Actor William Shatner is 95. Former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins is 85. Musician George Benson is 83. Writer James Patterson is 79. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is 78. Actor Lena Olin is 71. Singer-actor Stephanie Mills is 69. Actor Matthew Modine is 67.

MARCH 23

Singer Chaka Khan is 73. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma is 72. Fashion designer Kenneth Cole is 72. Actor Amanda Plummer is 69. Actor Hope Davis is 62. Musician Damon Albarn is 58.

MARCH 24

Chef and TV presenter Mary Berry is 91. Musician Carol Kaye is 91. Fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie is 87. Singer Nick Lowe is 77. Golf Hall of Famer Pat Bradley is 75. Fash-

MARCH 25

Film critic Gene

Activist and author Gloria

ion designer Tommy Hil ger is 75. Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning is 50.

Shalit is 100.

Steinem is 92. Musician Elton John is 79. Actor Bonnie Bedelia is 78. Actor Marcia Cross is 64. Actor Sarah Jessica Parker is 61.

RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Actor William Shatner turns 95 on Sunday.

ALBERTO PEZZALI / AP PHOTO Actor Glenn Close turns 79 on Thursday.

PHIL MCCARTEN / AP PHOTO Singer Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters turns 80 on Thursday.

the stream

are streaming on

Luke Combs drops his new album, “The Way I Am”

The Associated Press

ELISABETH MOSS, Kerry Washington and Kate Mara teaming up to star in a new psychological thriller for Apple TV called “Imperfect Women” and fresh music from both BTS and Luke Combs are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: A new “Peaky Blinders” movie called “The Immortal Man,” spring’s buzziest video game, the ambitious role-playing adventure Crimson Desert, and Bradley Cooper directs Will Arnett and Laura Dern in his third feature, “Is This Thing On?”

MOVIES TO STREAM

Get your best Birmingham accent ready because Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby is back in the new “Peaky Blinders” movie, “The Immortal Man,” which will be on Net ix as of Friday. Series creator Steven Knight wrote the script, and Tom Harper directed the lm in a cast that includes Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan. The six seasons of the show are also available on Net ix for rewatches and catching up.

Cooper directs Arnett and Dern in his third feature, “Is This Thing On?” about a man going through a divorce who turns to stand-up comedy. It’s loosely based on the story of Manchester comedian Joseph Bishop. In her review for The Associated Press, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that it is “a deeply felt lm about one teetering marriage, and a work whose power sneaks up on you slowly.” It’ll be on Hulu on Friday.

“Wicked: For Good,” the epic conclusion to Jon M. Chu’s two - lm adaptation, will nally be streaming on Peacock on Friday. Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Je Goldblum and more are all on hand for the decidedly darker second half, which was less well received than the rst but still surprised when it received zero Oscar nominations. In his review, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote “’Wicked: For Good,’ rather than conjuring Oz anew, always feels like it’s jumping from one

set piece to another. Maybe this is a silly gripe for a fantasyland. (‘I don’t have any idea where the o ces of the Lollipop Guild are!’) But I rarely found myself lifted into a movie world, but rather sat watching it — sometimes with admiration, rarely with delight — from the mezzanine. The rub of going for maximum e ect all the time is that the actors never have a chance to simply be.”

MUSIC TO STREAM

Call it the most anticipated K-pop album of the year, or the biggest comeback: The mighty BTS return on Friday with “ARIRANG,” their rst full-length project since all seven members — RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope — completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. Excitement couldn’t be higher for its loyal audience, called ARMY.

Combs has big shoes to ll — his own. The country singer has become a full- on pop phenomenon, due in no small part to his ubiquitous cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” The question now is what comes next?

It’s a simple answer: a new album, “The Way I Am,” out Friday. Singles “Be By You” and “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” have made for fast country radio hits; it’s only a matter of time before the album becomes one of the genre’s biggest releases of the year.

SERIES TO STREAM

Moss, Washington and Mara star in a new psychological thriller for Apple TV called “ Imperfect Women.” The trio play longtime friends whose bond is fractured after a crime occurs. Moss and Washington are executive producers on the series which is based on a novel by Araminta Hall. The ensemble also includes Joel Kinnaman, Corey Stoll, Leslie Odom Jr., Sheryl Lee Ralph and Ana Ortiz. The rst two episodes of

the eight-episode series are out now.

“The Lady “ is a new Britbox limited series ctionalizing the true story of Jane Andrews, a dresser for the former Duchess of York who ended up in prison for murdering her lover. The four-part series stars Mia McKenna-Bruce as Andrews and Natalie Dormer as Sarah Ferguson.

After the cringey, ingenious comedy “Jury Duty” debuted in 2023, many wondered how they could ever pull o anoth-

“Is This Thing On” is a deeply felt lm about one teetering marriage, and a work whose power sneaks up on you slowly.” Jocelyn Noveck, AP Film Writer

er season. It followed Ronald, a man serving jury duty on what he believed was a real trial. Oh, and the trial was also being covered by a documentary crew. Thing is, everyone was an actor except Ronald. The unsuspecting protagonist of season two is Anthony, a new, temporary hire at a family-owned hot sauce business. The employees attend a company retreat and Anthony has no idea that his new colleagues are actors and all situations are preplanned. “Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat” is now streaming on Prime Video.

The popular long-running Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart” gets a prequel called “Hope Valley: 1874” for the streaming platform Hallmark+. Bethany Joy Lenz stars as Rebecca Clarke, a Chicago mother who takes her daughter to settle in the Canadian west and build a new life. When their wagon breaks down, she must accept help from a local rancher who is single. Jill Hennessy also stars. It premieres Saturday on Hallmark+.

Lisa Kudrow returns to HBO as B-list actor Valerie Cherish for a third and nal season of “ The Comeback. “ All three seasons of the show have been spaced a decade-ish apart and follow a woman navigating aging and staying relevant in showbiz and its ever-changing landscape. In the new episodes, Cherish lands a new TV series that is written by AI. The dark comedy streams Sunday on HBO Max.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Baseball fans got an early treat this year with the World Baseball Classic, so it’s only appropriate that Team USA captain Aaron Judge is on the cover of MLB The Show 26. New features include “Bear Down Pitching” and “Big Zone Hitting” for high-stress moments — and you can now challenge balls and strikes! Play now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and Switch.

ROBERT VIGLASKY / NETFLIX VIA AP

Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby in “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.” The lm and all six seasons of the hit series

Net ix.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Will Arnett, left, and Laura Dern, right, star with Bradley Cooper in the lm “Is This Thing On?” streaming Friday on Hulu.

SEVEN RIDGES / SONY VIA AP

Country star and Huntersville native Luke Combs’ new album

“The Way I Am” drops this week.

Duplin Journal

Wallace Fire operations restored

Wallace

The Wallace Fire Department is fully operational and responding to emergency calls, according to Wallace Town Councilman Glenn Price. While the town’s contract with Teachey Fire Department remains in e ect through March 23, Wallace re ghters and trucks are now responding to all calls within town limits. Price noted that former members of the department who chose to reapply have responded positively. The reorganization comes after the retirement of Chief Sammy Marshburn and the departure of several long-serving volunteers, which left the department in disarray. According to Price, the council determined that restructuring was necessary to restore operational order and ensure town oversight of the department, which had historically operated autonomously. Price emphasized that public safety remains the top priority and that all actions were taken in consultation with the State Fire Marshal’s o ce.

Free preventive dental care for children

Kenansville

The N.C. Oral Health Section, in partnership with the Duplin County Health Department, will o er a nocost preventive dental clinic for children ages 6 to 14 from April 6-10. Services include dental sealants, uoride varnish and oral health education. The clinic will be held at the Duplin County Health Department at 340 Seminary St. in Kenansville. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 910-296-2130, and walk-ins are welcome.

Panel discussion

Magnolia

A panel discussion on mental health and the prison system will take place on Saturday, April 4 from noon to 2 p.m. at St. James AME Zion Church at 448 Carroll St. in Magnolia. The discussion will explore the experiences of prisoners with mental illness, strategies for supporting reentry, challenges faced by correctional o cers, and approaches to rehabilitation and education. Guest speakers include Sheri - elect Eric Sutherland, Parole O cer Jason Szybka and Judicial District Manager Ashley Dail among others.

Main Street comes alive for Faison Farmers Parade

Hundreds of people lined Main Street in Faison on Saturday for the annual Farmers Parade and Festival. Turn to A6 for more.

Mount Olive board strips mayor of key powers

The closed session may have violated the state’s Open Meetings Law

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

MOUNT OLIVE — In what was a contentious meeting that had citizens in the audience challenging the board at times, the Mount Olive Board of Commis-

$2.00

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

THE WALLACE TOWN Council approved the rezoning of a 149-acre tract behind Walmart for a mixed-use planned unit de-

sioners held a special meeting on March 12. Immediately after the opening procedures, Mayor Pro Tem Delreese Simmons asked Mayor Jerome Newton to recuse himself from the meeting, which Newton refused to do.

The board voted unanimously to have Newton recused, which resulted in Newton asking town attorney Carroll Turner if the action was legal. After Turner advised Newton that it was, New-

ton stormed out of the meeting. In what became a meeting requiring Turner to frequently tell the board how to proceed, the commissioners voted for Simmons to lead the meeting. Simmons then called for a closed session, which resulted in several comments from the audience asking for the reason for a closed session.

River Road, where the development will be located, was already challenging.

velopment during a March 12 public hearing despite concerns from residents about increased tra c on River Road.

Wallace Planning Director Rod Fritz explained the proposed development would consist of single-family homes, apartments, townhomes, recreational areas, a greenway and a dog park. He added those were all part of a master plan for the community.

Fritz responded that he had spoken with division engineers from the N.C. Department of Transportation and a consultant hired by the developer. He said the developer is required to produce a transportation impact analysis (TIA) which is underway and is examining 16 intersections in the area.

During the public hearing, one resident expressed concern over the tra c the new development could bring to the area. He added that tra c coming o of

Services, community concerns spark debate in Warsaw

Grace periods, confusion and fees drove the billing policy discussion

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

THE WARSAW BOARD of Commissioners tackled multiple community issues at its March meeting, including the renewal of the town’s garbage contract, the recycling program and utility billing policies, and the discussions were marked by heated debate. The board discussed the renewal of the town’s garbage collection contract with Tons of Trash, which expires June 30. The company proposed a standard annual cost-of-living adjustment of roughly 5% tied to the Consumer Price Index, and

town manager Lea Turner said the town must notify the company by the end of the month if it intends to rebid the contract.

Recycling was a major topic. Turner noted many recyclables are contaminated with food, wet paper or plastic lids, making them nonrecyclable.

“In my personal opinion, I don’t feel we have enough citizens that are taking advantage of the service,” said Turner.

Tensions escalated as residents voiced concerns about missed recycling pickups and the cost of the service. At one point, law enforcement had to intervene and the board called for a break.

The board considered whether to remove recycling from the contract or invest in enhanced

“I

Lea

Turner, Warsaw town manager

After the public hearing, the council voted to approve the rezoning request. In a request for budget

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

The seat normally occupied by Mount Olive Mayor Jerome Newton is empty after the town board voted to recuse him from a specially called meeting on March 12.

O ce Manager

CONTACT US

O ce Phone: 910 463-1240

To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042

THURSDAY

Share with your community!

Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@ duplinjournal.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.

Terri c Kids recognized at Harrells Christian Academy

Harrells Christian Academy celebrated its third nine-week period “Terri c Kids” on March 12. Teachers nominated 13 students in grades K-5 who consistently demonstrated responsibility, respect and caring behavior. The students honroed are, from left to right: (bottom row) Callie Jane Cottle, Palmer Campbell, Henry Jordan, Emma Weeks, Henry Hobbs and Charlotte Rouse; (top row) Brea Spencer, London Rivenbark, Evie Simmons, Emily Hall, Kyle Talley and Cate White, and Ella Barefoot (not pictured).

WARSAW from page A1

citizen education. One commissioner cautioned that eliminating recycling could con ict with state and federal land ll reduction mandates.

Utility billing sparked strong debate. The current policy allows residents to carry an unpaid balance for up to two months before service disconnection. Turner said the exibility often causes confusion, with residents paying one bill thinking they are fully caught up only to nd another bill already issued. She suggested a return to a one-month cycle to simplify billing.

“I just think if we go back to a one-month policy, it would be a lot less confusion and a lot easier for everyone,” said Turner. “You’re making it more difcult for citizens to pay instead of working with them because now they have two bills outstanding plus a $75 nonpayment fee, so I really don’t know that we have done our citizens a service by giving them two outstanding months at one time and another charge.”

Commissioner Ebony Willis-Wells opposed shortening the timeline, noting the grace period helps households, especially those on xed incomes, avoid undue nancial burden.

Another issue raised during the debate involved the number of monthly service disconnections, which the manager

estimated typically ranged between 30 and 50 households. Board members asked how those numbers compared to previous years and whether the policy change had improved or worsened the situation.

Mayor Wesley Boykin stressed that the board should rely on historical data and factual analysis before making a major policy change. To gather more input, he recommended sta review the policy further, consult the School of Government and seek feedback from a small resident focus group. Members agreed utility cuto s should not fall on federal holidays, a change that could be implemented regardless of other adjustments.

The board voted unanimously to table the utility policy discussion until a later meeting, likely in April, so sta can bring back more detailed recommendations. Members emphasized that they wanted a solution that was both fair to residents and manageable for town sta . The mayor encouraged the public to send comments to the sta if the public wanted to provide input about needs that they would like the board to address during the budget workshop.

Later in the meeting during board member comments, several commissioners re ected on the broader tone of the meeting and the challenges facing the board. Some members expressed frustration about crit-

Feds move to dismiss charges against Army veteran who burned American

The Army veteran’s case highlights First Amendment protections for ag burning

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has moved to dismiss charges against a North Carolina Army veteran who set re to an American ag near the White House last year to protest

ag near White House

President Donald Trump’s executive order on ag burning. Jay Carey, 55, of Arden in Buncombe County, who has said he served in the Army from 1989 to 2012 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, was arrested on Aug. 25 after he set re to a ag in Lafayette Park, which the National Park Service oversees. Earlier that day, Trump signed an executive order requiring the Justice Department to investigate and

prosecute people for burning the American ag. Carey was charged with two misdemeanors that aren’t focused on the act of burning a ag: igniting a re in an undesignated area and lighting a re causing damage to property or park resources. He pleaded not guilty in September. Friday’s ling did not explain the decision to move to dismiss and the U.S Attorney’s o ce for the District of Columbia did not immedi-

icism and speculation circulating in the community and on social media.

Multiple commissioners acknowledged that communication within the board itself needs improvement. One member openly admitted feeling embarrassed by how disagreements have sometimes been handled publicly, emphasizing that while the board members may have strong personalities and passionate views, they all share the same goal of improving the town.

Willis-Wells shared feedback she received from residents who have been trying to sell their home, noting that potential buyers expressed concerns about the community’s reputation, citing actions they’ve observed from the board — issues the board is actively working to address.

“As we continue to grow, we want people to want to come to Warsaw because Warsaw is a beautiful community,” said Willis-Wells.

The mayor’s closing remarks focused heavily on rebuilding trust and improving relationships among o cials. He also emphasized the need for adherence to policies, and collaboration among board members and sta .

After nal remarks, the board voted to enter a closed session to discuss personnel and legal matters under North Carolina law.

ately respond on Saturday to an email seeking comment.

The Supreme Court has ruled that ag burning is a legitimate political expression protected by the Constitution. Trump’s order asserted that burning a ag can be prosecuted if it “is likely to incite imminent lawless action” or amounts to “ ghting words.”

“I set out to demonstrate that the First Amendment is sacred and that no administration has the right to supersede our constitutional rights,” Carey said in a statement from the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund. “I was targeted for federal prosecution because of that. I am glad to stand with all those who are ghting for our fundamental rights and hope that this victory can help the next person who takes a stand.”

DUPLIN happening

March 20

Dinner theater brings gospel, comedy

7 p.m.

Cista Lueeeze’s Brunch House Theatre Inc. will present the VIP Dinner Theater production of “When God Is in the Building" at The Sampson County Expo Center. Written by local playwright Jacqueline Gathers, the gospel dramedy follows Pastor Lutha and his stepdaughter as their choices lead to unexpected consequences and redemption. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner begins at 6 p.m., and a live preshow starts at 6:15 p.m.

414 Warsaw Road, Clinton

March

Gardenpalooza

21

The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina hosts Gardenpalooza. The Alice in Wonderland-themed celebration will feature garden tours, games, food, drinks and family-friendly activities to welcome spring. Costumes are encouraged.

985 Johnson Nursery Road, Willard

April 4

Easter Egg Hunt

1 to 3 p.m.

Ana’s Angels will host its second community Easter egg hunt at the Greenevers Community Building. The event will include games, prizes, food, an egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny.

494 Clinic Circle Drive, Rose Hill

It shows people that “the Constitution still matters,” Carey said when reached by telephone on Saturday.

Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, one of Carey’s lawyers and fund co-founder, said the prosecution shouldn’t have been brought.

“The government’s attempt to criminally punish a protestor based on expressive conduct targeted for prosecution by presidential order posed a grave threat to First Amendment freedoms,” Verheyden-Hilliard said in a statement. “The government’s about-face is a critical vindication of those rights. This case also lays the groundwork for defending those across the country who are targeted for vindictive prosecution by the Trump Administration in an effort to silence and punish viewpoints it doesn’t like.”

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Dilapidated home sparks plea for assistance

Public health, safety and planning took center stage at the

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

THE MAGNOLIA BOARD of Commissioners held its regular March meeting last week, addressing community concerns, municipal operations and ongoing planning e orts for the town.

During the public comment period, Tracy Carmel addressed the board seeking urgent assistance for her father, a lifelong Magnolia resident with schizophrenia, who is living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

“His house is dilapidated. … It is infested with mold,” Carmel told the board. “I’ve exhausted all of my personal resources and nances.”

Despite her repeated e orts to intervene — including contacting FEMA and health care providers — her father refuses to leave the home.

“It’s a ected his health. He can barely walk now,” she ex-

plained. “I beg and plead with him, he will not leave the house. I have left Magnolia many times in tears because I live in a four-bedroom house and there is more than enough room for him to come there, but he will not leave.”

Carmel described her father’s living conditions and highlighted the severity of the neglect, noting that the toilet has caved in. Despite these conditions, her father resists intervention.

“If you saw it in person, you wouldn’t even want to go inside,” said Carmel. “I paid someone to take all the trash out, and there were at least 50 bags of garbage. … I hate to see him live like that. In his mind, he thinks it’s OK.”

Carmel concluded by noting the delicate balance of respecting her father’s wishes while ensuring his safety, describing the situation as being “between a rock and a hard place,” and urging o cials to help not only for her father’s health but also for community safety due to mold hazards. She pleaded for assistance from the board to nd resources to secure a safe and habitable home.

Rose Hill board considers water, sewer rate increase

The proposed 6% hike would help cover operational costs

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

ROSE HILL — The Rose Hill Board of Commissioners voted to consider an increase in the town’s water and sewer rates during its March 10 meeting. The increase would be less than $5 for the town’s average residential customers. The last water and sewer rate increase in Rose Hill was in March 2022. The new rates will be voted on during the board’s June 9 meeting when the board also considers the new scal year budget.

Town Administrator Angela Smith updated the board on several nancial matters, highlighting the need for the water and sewer rate increase to cover the costs of operating the town’s system. Smith initially recommended a 7% increase, followed by annual increases until a total 20% increase was reached. After a lengthy discussion about the potential impact on residents, the board approved a 6% increase for the rst year, with incremental increases planned annually. Despite the adjustment, Rose Hill’s water and sewer rates would remain below the

major subdivision nal plat ling fee of $150 and a fee to be determined for required public hearings and legal advertisements.

The budget also recommends a 25-cent-per-page fee for faxes from Town Hall, which had previously been provided at no charge.

The public utilities department is requesting funds to purchase two Bobcat zero-turn mowers for $23,263 to replace two mowers that are experiencing mechanical issues. The department is also requesting to purchase a Kubota tractor at $50,611 to replace one purchased in 2001.

The recreation board requested a budget allocation of $40,000 to build and install a new double-sided batting cage at Jimmy Jerome Park.

The board set a public hearing for May 12 to allow public input on the proposed budget. Adoption of the budget, with any changes, will be considered at the June 9 board meeting.

In other town business, work could begin at any time on a new subdivision on Church Street after the board approved the nal plat submission from the developer Chasten Wallace. The subdivision will feature six lots on the 1.86-acre property.

The Rose Hill board approved a contract with the CPA rm Thompson, Price, Scott

Mayor Dawn Ward expressed empathy, relating her own experience caring for a family member who recently died and acknowledging the di culty of addressing such cases. Ward requested Carmel’s contact information for follow-up.

In other business

Ward issued a proclamation recognizing March as Women’s History Month, highlighting contributions of women in leadership, community development and public service.

In related action, the board unanimously approved a motion to amend the o cial name of the town’s conference room from “Mayor Gwen Van” to “Mayor Gwendolyn B. Van Conference Room,” re ecting the formal name used during her tenure.

Following a recent break-in at the old town hall building, town o cials said steps are being taken to improve security and prevent further unauthorized access. According to Police Chief Jerry Wood, the incident involved entry through a bathroom, though nothing was reported stolen. In response,

the town manager indicated the building would be “secured up,” with e orts focused on reinforcing access points and limiting entry. A request was made by the board to resume more detailed monthly reporting on code enforcement activities.

Town Manager Charles Banks provided a nancial update, reporting $126,676 in operating funds and just over $503,000 in the town’s investment account. He stated that the town’s nancial position remains stable, with revenues meeting expenses and modest reserves continuing to grow.

Banks also provided updates on ongoing public works activities, including maintenance efforts and the town’s waterline replacement project.

“The guys that are doing the construction part are doing a great job on the cleanup and trying to be very respectful on letting us know ahead of time when the water’s going to be shut o ,” he said. “Please be patient, give us a little grace and give them a little grace. I think at the end of the job we’re gonna have a really good outcome once this whole proj-

ect is done, replacing all these lines.”

Ward encouraged residents to sign up for CodeRED, the town’s noti cation system, which provides alerts via phone, email, or text. Residents can register by texting AlertsMagnoliaNC to 24639.

“We use that for emergency updates. We don’t spam you, but use it if there are things that we feel like the residents need to know, announcements, that kind of stu ,” said Ward.

The mayor provided an update on the town’s strategic planning e orts, including a recently completed workshop focused on developing a veyear plan. Materials from the workshop, including a presentation outlining key focus areas and initiatives, will be made available to the public via the town’s website and social media platforms. Commissioners reported the community center is expected to be completed later this spring, and the board reviewed the timeline for the upcoming scal year budget, with additional workshops scheduled and a public hearing set for May 26 at 6 p.m.

Olive

the Board of Commissioners

MAYOR from page A1

Duplin Journal asked Simmons if he would clarify the legal reason for the closed session. Simmons replied, “No.” When citizens in the audience continued to challenge Simmons about the reason for the closed session, he said, “We’re going into closed session because of an item you guys don’t know about.”

Commissioner C.J. Weaver eventually cited the state’s Open Meetings Law and said they were going into closed session to discuss a “personnel matter.”

After a lengthy closed session, the board returned to open session where, again, Turner had to advise them that a vote was required to go back into open session.

The board then voted to pass a resolution that stripped Newton of several duties and privileges within town government before Town Clerk Sherry Davis read the measure aloud.

Under the resolution, Newton is no longer authorized to sign checks, contracts, deeds, leases or grant documents, ne-

gotiate agreements, appoint members to committees, set the board’s agenda or direct town employees. He was also removed from town bank signatory cards. The resolution further restricts Newton’s access to the Town Hall Annex to Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon unless authorized by the board.

A source who asked to remain anonymous told Duplin Journal the issue stemmed from the mayor signing deed agreements with nonpro ts using the former Carver High School building, now owned by the town. Newton is president of one of those nonpro ts, the Carver High School Alumni and Friends Association. Newton signing agreements with the organization on behalf of the town raises potential con ict-of-interest questions, and the documents had apparently not been approved by the town board. In an interview with Duplin Journal the day after the meeting, Rebecca Fisher-Gabbard, assistant professor of public law and government at the

UNC School of Government, said the closed session to discuss issues regarding the mayor appeared to violate the state’s open meetings law. She said the board does have the right to a closed session to discuss town personnel issues, but the mayor would not fall under that category in the subsection dealing with personnel.

“However, that subsection explicitly says that a public body may not consider those same things, the quali cations, competence, performance, character, tness, appointment or removal of a member of the public body,” Fisher-Gabbard said.

Adding more confusion to the events on March 12 was that more than one special meeting notice was sent to the media and the public that day, announcing specially called meetings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. When the audience challenged the board on the notices, board members said the 2 p.m. notice was not valid.

As daytime highs begin to rise for spring, the political temperature in Mount Olive appears to be rising as well.

Magnolia board meeting

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Mount

Mayor Pro Tem Delreese Simmons presides over the specially called meeting of

on March 12.

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | PHILIP GLADDEN

The social Gospel

“If one is truly devoted to the religion of Jesus, he will seek to rid the Earth of social ills.”

IN DECEMBER 1955, members of the Montgomery (Alabama) Improvement Association met with city o cials and bus company representatives to negotiate an end to the bus boycott. Mayor Tacky Gayle called on a white pastor to speak, who lectured Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that ministers should refrain from participating in political acts. King responded, “I can see no con ict between our devotion to Jesus Christ and our present action. In fact I see a necessary relationship. If one is truly devoted to the religion of Jesus, he will seek to rid the Earth of social ills. The Gospel is social as well as personal.”

When the General Assembly debated the North Carolina State Lottery Act in 2005, I expressed my opposition in our church newsletter. I cited biblical, theological and stewardship reasons, and historic positions of my denomination opposing lotteries as poor public policy. A church member told me that I and the church had no business getting involved

in such public issues once they reached the General Assembly. I asked, “Do you mean any issue is o limits for comment by the church once it is in the realm of legislative actions?” When he said, “I don’t know about that,” I told him I didn’t understand his logic. He admitted he didn’t either, but he still didn’t think the church should get involved in public issues.

Ministers are feeling very stressed in our current political climate. Colleagues have lamented, “If I say anything from the pulpit, I get accused of being partisan and mixing religion and politics. If I don’t say anything, I feel as if I am not being faithful to the Gospel message.” One friend posted on her Facebook page in January, “As followers of Christ, we are citizens of two kingdoms ... the Kingdom of God in Christ and the earthly kingdom in which we presently live. The problem is, we get our kingdoms mixed up. Our allegiance to Christ must supersede all other allegiances — political or otherwise

— and it must direct and inform everything that we do and say. The only way to know what Christ desires of us is to read what he has told us in the gospels and to submit ourselves daily to the direction of God’s Holy Spirit in prayer.”

The apostle Paul wrote (Romans 12:2), “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect.” We often take that to mean our religious and public/political lives must be kept separate. However, I think Paul means our lives are to be shaped by God’s ways, not the ways of the world, precisely so we can seek to rid the Earth of social ills. Yes, the Gospel is personal, but the Gospel is social in its demand that we bring our faith to bear on the issues in our communities that threaten to deny others their freedoms and opportunities.

Philip Gladden is a retired minister who lives in Wallace.

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

Obama’s race-hustling eulogy at a race hustler’s funeral

(Obama) repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

FORMER PRESIDENT Barack Obama

long ago surpassed the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton as America’s most in uential race hustler. The country got a reminder when Obama spoke at Jackson’s funeral even though Jackson’s son urged the speakers “not to bring their politics” to the service.

Obama said: “Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible. Each day, we’re told by those in high o ce to fear each other and to turn on each other. And that some Americans count more than others.” Same old Obama.

In his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech, he famously declared, “There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.” It was the line that launched him and made millions across party lines believe he could bridge divides.

Obama won the presidency with just over 52% of the popular vote, but he entered the Oval O ce in January 2009 with a nearly 70% approval rating. Polls in late 2008 and early 2009 showed both black and white Americans believed race relations would improve under his leadership. By the time he left o ce in 2017, polls showed majorities or pluralities of both blacks and whites thought race relations had gotten worse.

In Obama’s eight years as president, he repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small while maintaining the image of

a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

In 2009, at the beginning of his presidency, he declared that the Cambridge police “acted stupidly” in arresting Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. Obama turned a copjust-doing-his-job encounter with the belligerent Gates into a national “teachable moment” about alleged racial pro ling by cops against blacks.

In 2012, about a young black man shot and killed by a self-described neighborhood Florida watchman, Obama said, “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.” A jury found the man who shot Trayvon Martin not guilty, and jurors who spoke publicly said race had nothing to do with the encounter.

In a 2014 speech before the United Nations, Obama invoked the case of Ferguson, Missouri, to enlighten the world about America’s supposed deepseated problems with race relations. Later, the “hands up, don’t shoot” narrative about Michael Brown’s death turned out to be a complete lie, and the o cer was exonerated.

Obama embraced Black Lives Matter’s police-are-out-to-get-blacks rhetoric despite evidence that, if anything, cops are more hesitant to pull the trigger on a black suspect than a white one.

In 2015, he proclaimed racism is in America’s “DNA.” Although the media for the most part fawned over Obama, rst lady Michelle Obama insisted her husband

su ered from unfair media coverage because of racism.

Obama invited fellow race hustler Sharpton to the White House more than 70 times, more than any other “civil rights” gure. And, for good measure, Obama even argued that “a theoretical case” could be made for slavery reparations to be paid by nonslave owners and to nonslaves.

From the beginning of his presidency until its end, Obama stoked resentment, divided Americans by skin color and kept the race grievance industry alive and well oiled. The man Americans hired to unite us became the victicrat-in-chief, a title his Jackson eulogy shows he retains.

Trump-hating media still gives Obama a pass no Republican could ever dream of receiving. Imagine a Republican president doing even half of what Obama did: routinely injecting race into controversies, cozying up to a white Sharpton-like gure and rapping his arms around a toxic “movement” called White Lives Matter. The outrage would be endless, the headlines relentless — and rightfully so.

Obama’s real legacy on race? Blacks are eternal victims — distressed, oppressed and suppressed by “The Man” — and trapped in a system rigged against them from birth to death. His own extraordinary rise, of course, contradicts this counterproductive message. Yet he persists in selling it to willing buyers.

Obama is still relatively young. So, he has decades ahead to remain a loud voice in the public square — and he possesses a warehouse full of race cards ready to be played. What a waste.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Teachey board OKs water, sewer rate hikes

Rates will rise 10% over the next year as the town works to meet state recommendations

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

THE TEACHEY BOARD

of Commissioners voted to raise the town’s water and sewer rates 2% beginning in July during its March 9 meeting. The rates will then increase 3% the following month and another 5% in June of next year.

The rate increases were actually approved during the previous scal year’s budget for the town but had not been implemented due to the new rates being instituted at the same time the town’s software was being updated. In order to meet the recommended rates from the state, the town needs to increase its rates a total of 10% to cover operational costs.

In other business, the board voted to schedule a public hearing at its April 13 meeting to hear input on a proposed townhome overlay ordinance. The proposed addition to one area designated as R-10 zoning in town is in response to developer Bert Properties’ request to adopt an ordinance that would allow the construction of townhomes for sale in their proposed development near the intersection of N.C. Highway 117 and Hunter Street.

Chad Lambert and Robert Stevens of Bert Properties appeared at the January board meeting to request a townhome ordinance be created in town since one did not exist. The proposed subdivision would include single-family homes and townhomes for sale. Lambert and Stevens returned to the February meeting expressing concern in the delay in their request, reporting they were losing money while they waited on the board’s action.

Town Attorney Joseph Ezzell told the board the simplest solution would be to create a townhome overlay district within the current R-10 designation at the development location. Ezzell said this action would solve two issues.

“First, you don’t have an ordinance pertaining to townhomes, so you’re amending the current development ordinances that you have,” Ezzell said. “The second thing is I understand you are wanting to include townhomes in only this area. So my suggestion would be not rezoning it, but you can do an overlay district for this area.”

Ezzell added that other towns had used the same system to allow an exception for manufactured homes within a limited area in town.

During the board meeting, the commissioners also approved the expenditure of $9,400 for paving repairs, including potholes, in town.

of N.C. Highway 117 and Hunter Street.

The board also discussed water bills and equipment

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

GREENEVERS — Concerns about increased taxes and high water bills at 150 Clinic Circle Drive led constituents to address the board during the Greenevers town board meeting March 9. Town Clerk Emma Brinson said a second water line had been installed at the address by the previous owner, and the town was not aware of it. Town o cials told the current resident the matter would be taken before the planning board and it would follow up within a few weeks.

A public hearing was held for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act. The board approved an application of approximately $2 million in CDBG Infrastructure funds to design, construct and administer improvements to the town’s wastewater system, consisting of replacement of approximately 2,070 linear feet of gravity sewer infrastructure along Browns Terrace Circle and Browns Terrace Lane, and rehabilitation of the existing in uent pump station and appurtenant equipment at 201 Browns Terrace

Circle. More information is expected at the April meeting, as the application is due at the end of April.

The Greenevers Volunteer Fire Department asked to borrow the town’s lawn mower, saying it did not have funds to purchase its own. The board approved allowing the re department to use their equipment as long as it helps maintain it. The board also said it would look into purchasing an additional mower as a backup.

New fencing around the community building was also discussed to help protect the building following recent break-ins. The board approved having Brinson research fencing options for possible approval at a later meeting.

Upcoming events were discussed. Ana’s Angels will host its second community Easter egg hunt at the Greenevers Community Building on April 4 from 1-3 p.m. The event will include games, prizes, food, an egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. Also, the Greenevers Volunteer Fire Department will celebrate its annual Firemen’s Day on April 25. The day will kick o with a parade at 10 a.m., followed by activities, ra es and plate sales. Plates will feature grilled chicken and barbecue for $10.

amendments, Town Manager Rob Taylor asked for a $146,500 appropriation to cover expenditures that were over budget. Taylor said the expenditures were mostly overtime for Wallace Police o cers who have been covering shifts due to the department being short-sta ed. Taylor said the budgeting issues were due to running behind on audit requirements and having challenges caused by turnover of town nance ocers. Mayor Jason Wells pointed out that Taylor was having to do the job of both town manager and nance o cer, which was challenging.

In response to the recent downtown parking forum held

a

cover

Feb. 18, the council voted to rescind the ordinances restricting parking times in downtown Wallace. Taylor said the town will soon be removing the signs downtown that limit parking to either one hour or two hours, depending on the location. The council also held a discussion regarding the placement of banners, signs and ags at local businesses. There are rules limiting their use, but Wells and Fritz said it may be time to clarify those rules for enforcement. The council agreed it would be a good idea to speak with business owners and citizens in town prior to taking any action, meaning there could be another forum, similar to the parking forum, in the future.

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURANL

Members of the Teachey Town Board of Commissioners and Town Attorney Joseph Ezzell discuss the creation of a townhome overlay district within an area zoned R-10 to allow the construction of townhomes for sale at a proposed development near the intersection

WALLACE from page A1

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL Wallace Town Manager Rob Taylor explains to the Wallace Town Council his request for

$146,500 budget amendment to cover expenses that were over budget. Taylor said a large portion of the amount would

overtime pay for the Wallace Police Department.

Faison celebrates annual Farmers Parade and Festival

Hundreds attended the parade honoring the town’s agricultural roots

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

FAISON — Approximately

700 people lined Main Street in Faison on Saturday for the annual Farmers Parade and Festival, organized by the Faison Improvement Group (FIG). The event honors Faison’s agricultural heritage.

“Agriculture is key to a lot of people’s livelihoods and formative experiences,” said Andrew Taylor, FIG president.

“We believe that this is a special culture we should cele -

brate, and that is why we started this event and continue to try and improve upon it every year.”

The event featured 32 vendors, including food trucks, crafters, service providers and local clubs such as the Lions Club, which has been part of the community since 1939.

The Duplin County Sheri ’s Department led the parade, which included local businesses, car clubs, churches, marching bands and ve area re departments. Festival highlights included performances by The Arts Company of Faison and the Duplin Sparklers, face painting, karaoke, a foam party and appearances by the Easter Bunny.

A boy drives a John Deere 435 tractor and waves as he passes the crowd at last Saturday’s Farmer’s Parade and Festival.

Above, The Arts Company of Faison took to the streets for a lively post-parade performance, entertaining festival-goers. Top left, The Sudan Shriners Thunderbolts thrilled the audience with laps along the parade route. Bottom left, Mayor Billy Ward made a memorable entrance, riding down Main Street on a Harley during the parade.

PHOTOS BY REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL Top, Children cooled o and laughed as they splashed in water and foam at the festival’s foam dance party. Below, The Sudan Shriners brought laughter to the crowd with antics from the Dunn Clowns, keeping smiles on faces of all ages.

DUPLIN SPORTS

Rebels have enough repower to remain among contenders

Lilly Fulghum, Ady Spence, Marissa Bernal and newcomers Gracie Higginbotham and Wyllow Holmes keep ND on the winning track

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — Five sizzling bats, three tested pitchers, an experienced catcher and a winning tradition is the background music played when the North Duplin softball team runs to its positions on the game day.

The Rebels, who have gone 186-78 since 2008, stand as one of the best small softball schools in the state.

And despite losing an all-state player Addy Higginbotham to Wingate University, ND will be as dicult to upend on any given day based on its repower.

Yet even the best teams don’t always start in high gear after hearing “Play ball!”

ND (2-1) lost 14-2 last Friday to East Columbus in the rst game for both schools in the new Carolina 1A/2A Conference.

Yet it is nothing new. The Rebels lost to Wayne Christian early in the 2023 season but came back for revenge later in the campaign. They eventually lost to Northside-Pinetown in the fourth round of the 1A playo s to go 17-2.

They were 14-4 last spring, losing to Bear Grass Charter in the third round of the playo s.

Pitching a strength for Rebels

ND has three pitchers who are capable of leading the way — seniors Ady Spence and Lilly Fulghum and freshman Gracie Higginbotham.

Spence went 9-1 last season with a 0.41 ERA, and Fulghum was 5-2 with a 0.98 ERA.

Newcomer Higginbotham, a left-hander, has been playing travel softball for a number of seasons and is ready for prime time, according to her coach — and mother.

“Gracie plays the highest level of travel ball, so nothing phases her,” said Jaime Kylis Higginbotham, who

has guided ND to a 67-17 record in the past four seasons. “There’s nothing she hasn’t seen. She bends the ball and is very aggressive. Plus, she gives o a much di erent look than both Lilly or Ady.” Spence and Fulghum are both right-handed hurlers.

WRH looks “playo -capable,’ while HCA and Richlands build for the future

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — The battery is in place. The in eld is experienced. The out eld has speed.

The challenge for the Wallace-Rose Hill softball team is simple: keep focused and nish o games.

And head coach Cory Lovelace says he’s holding out for heroes to step into the limelight.

“If we only played four innings, we’d be OK,” Lovelace said following

the Bulldogs 6-4 loss to East Duplin after trailing 4-3 headed into the seventh inning.

“We’ve struggled with leadership. Many of them work hard and lead by example. But in bad games we’re in trouble until someone steps up. The last two or three innings we fell apart against East Duplin.”

And the 4A Panthers have a program that is competitive with WRH’s three biggest rivals in the Swine Valley Conference — Midway, Princeton and Rosewood.

Lovelace is looking for a sustained e ort from a team led by junior hurler Payton Tynall, catcher Mattie Gavin, shortstop Jansley Page and third baseman Sophie Sloan, all seniors.

“I’ve said for a couple of years that Ady is our silent weapon,” said the ND coach. “And Lilly is just a competitor who won’t beat you with her pitches but with her will to win. She comes right at you.”

Tyndall improved last season, though she will have to post better numbers after WRH’s departure from the East Central Conference. She was 8-10 with a 4.57 ERA, whiing 101 and allowing 66 walks. She hit .312 and had 12 RBIs.

“She’s more consistent hitting her spots,” Lovelace said. “Her changeup is better as well, and I’m hopeful the walks will be minimized.”

Tyndall is WRH’s ride-or-die pitcher, but if a change is needed, look for Lovelace to go to Baker, a freshman who starts at second base.

Gavin is a defensive wiz behind the plate and should be able to contribute more to the o ense after

The JK head coach believes his team can make the state playo s for the rst time since 2017

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Hammering the ball over the fence is one way to win baseball games.

Another winning method involves pitching and defense.

That’s the ticket to reserving a spot in the state playo s for James Kenan, though how the Tigers do against Swine Valley teams Spring Creek, Goldsboro and Wallace-Rose Hill will also go a long way in determining the Tigers’ postseason fate.

The league’s three “baseball schools” — Midway, Rosewood and Princeton — are everyone’s favorites to contend for the regular season title. Princeton proved it belonged by topping the Raiders last week.

“The top three in our conference are very good and steeped in tradition,” said JK third-year coach Lee Sutton. “They can and will likely have deep runs (in the playo s). Still, there’s a good path for us to make the playo s.”

JK, which went 4-11 in the ECC last season, is 2-2 after four games, having whipped the Gators (7-2) and losing to the Eagles (14-3) and splitting two nonconference a airs.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL ND’s Marissa Bernal is a .400 hitter who ND will depend on for production this spring.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

The pitching of Payton Tyndall will go a long way in determining how WRH fares in the Swine Valley Conference standings.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Leado hitter Eli Avent looks like a track sprinter to opposing pitchers.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

Shylah Sloan

James Kenan, softball

Shylah Sloan has her groove back and is better than ever.

The James Kenan senior pitcher/shortstop is 7 of 13 (.533) with 11 RBIs in a season that mirrors her sophomore campaign more than last season, when she was limited to 39 at-bats and hit .323.

The Tigers’ tri-captain with Ava Jones and Jourdan Joe knocked in ve runs against Clinton, three against Rosewood, two vs. Spring Creek and one against Lakewood.

JK won all four games, and two of the outings were circle wins for Sloan, who has 19 strikeouts, four walks and a 1.75 ERA.

Sloan is a four-year starter who busted onto the scene as a sophomore when her 32 hits fashioned a .539 average and led to 12 RBIs.

JK is o to its best start in years but is about to enter a tough part of its schedule as games against Midway, Princeton and East Duplin are on tap.

Yet Sloan is one reason the Tigers could sport their best record in more than 17 years.

Puzzle work: Area coaches piecing together soccer lineups

East Duplin, James Kenan, Wallace-Rose Hill and North Duplin are searching for the right player combinations to align on the sod this spring

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — A wave of optimism is surrounded by temporary instability as four soccer coaches in Duplin County put together their lineups for play in three conferences.

And it’s the time of the season when winning aiming for league title is a reachable goal for one and all.

Here’s the sod shakedown for East Duplin (ECC 3A/4A), James Kenan and Wallace-Rose Hill (Swine Valley 2A/3A) and North Duplin (Carolina 1A/2A).

Panthers looking for answers, scoring

Longtime East Duplin head coach Joey Jones has the joy of nding a workable lineup from a list of 46 players, by far the largest in the county.

The Panthers (1-4) have taken it on the chin in nonconference action, though facing extremely solid programs (Richlands, Swansboro, Cape Fear) and, ready or not, ECC action starts this week with two matches against longtime rival Southwest Onslow.

Back-to-back matches was set up for baseball and hardly seems appropriate for soccer, according to Jones and other coaches.

Anamarie Rodriguez, ED’s MVP from 2023, has returned after knee surgery as Jones looks for scoring and to replace scorers Miranda Roblero (12 goals) and Katelyn Jones (11), who were key in a late run that took the Panthers to the fourth round of the 2A playo s.

Jones is hoping South Lenoir transfer Melanie Reyes and Liberty Christian transfer Jocelyn Mata-Aguilar become scoring threats as forwards.

The mid eld has more question marks than answers, though Rodriguez (12 goals in a shortened 2025 season) is playing there for now. Sophomore Sosa Hernandez-Espino and freshmen Marleny Segundo and junior Kayleigh Chase have been running mates, though Jones said he wanted to move players from the defense to mid eld.

That unit is led by returnees Anastan and Tabor Holley, Zoe Cavanaugh and Emily Reyes, the older sister of Melanie Reyes.

Kimberlynn Guzman, a sophomore, is the Panthers’ goalie.

“We’re hoping to have less question marks in the next couple weeks,” said Jones, whose defense must replace Bella Gaby and keeper Isla Miller.

Tigers also seek goal-scorers

There is no replacing Katherine Chirinos’ 33 goals, but James Kenan is seeking its third consecutive winning season. The Tigers won nine games the past two seasons after going 19-23 in from 2019 -23.

Candidates for the position include sophomores Yandiei Cruz and Josselyn Gomez, who started as wingers last season.

But the Tigers are expecting seniors Arely Patino and Aleyah Wilson, who can play any position from goalie to striker, to have banner seasons.

“That speaks volumes for their ability, but also to the predicament coaches have to sort out players (into positions),” Smith said.

Junior Noilin Rodriguez, sophomore Anareli Avila, and freshmen Angie Irula and Jessica Santibanez are likewise vying for playing time up front.

JK will rely on juniors Keyla Diaz, Alison Duenas and Lizeth Marcia, sophomore Ashley Guitierrez and senior Abigail Cantereros on defense.

“I think we have the potential answers on the roster,” Smith said. “We have better quality depth, but we’ll see how the promising young players develop and mature. Our goal is to see if we can go from being a solid team to being a solid program, where you lose good players and still load up and be solid year in and year out.”

Ly wants to see youth club soccer at WRH

First-year coach Dennis Ly is a longtime soccer coach from the Hickory area who took Maiden High from two wins in his rst season to ve wins a year later and then a playo spot in his third season.

Ly said the answer to soccer is developing players earlier.

“My goal is to start a club team for the younger generation to start playing soccer before the middle school age,” he said. “We have raw talent, and I need to get them unafraid of contact and toughened up. By midseason, we’ll be OK.” Strikers Gabi Debman and Bayleen Flores were WRH’s top scoring players the past two seasons, and they have scored eight of 10 goals this season for the Bulldogs.

“Gabi is fast, athletic and in great shape, and she and Bayleen talk and communicate well together,” Ly said. “Bayleen has great footwork and speed, and we want her to be even faster so we can see

the great touch she puts on the ball.”

Senior Brianna Maradiaga is also a threat to put one in the back of the net.

Ly said defender tri-captain Bella Sabillon is a warrior.

“She’s a hustler with a super positive attitude and one of our leaders on the eld,” he said. “She leads on and o the eld. We’ve had o -the- eld activities; that’s one thing I feel is important.”

Ly said junior mid elder Natalie Paredes is ready for action and “may be my best all-around player,” while senior middie Yaslin Melendez has “God-given talent and needs to be taught the game.”

Freshman Gissele Licona is the Bulldogs’ goalie.

WRH (2-3) is looking for a playo invitation after nishing 9-9 in 2025 and 10-8 the previous season.

“We’re also here to teach the girls the game of life because I still believe all that can be done with soccer, and I’m excited about where we are now,” said Ly, who was an assistant under boys’ coach Aaron Murray last season when the Bulldogs won their fourth state title. “We have ve seniors and are loaded with freshmen, sophomores and juniors. I love our potential and how we can grow.”

Stemmler, Strickland, Arguijo leading Rebels

North Duplin started 5-1 last season but won just three of its nal nine matches to nish 8-7. Yet even that is a positive for the program, which has gone 11-46-2 since the canceled 2020 COVID-19 season.

The Rebels (3-0) are once again o to a hot start with wins over Rosewood (5-2), Spring Creek (7-2) and new Carolina Conference member East Columbus (10-1).

Freshman goalie Natalie Carreon earned the shutout by playing 65 minutes against the Eagles. Classmate Destiny Pilkington kept the gate of the fort closed for the nal 10 minutes.

Carrly Strickland and Sasha Arguijo each had a hat trick against East Columbus. Tristen Stemmler had two scores, and Camden Cox and Gabi Zamudio each found the back of the net in Seven Springs. Arguijo and Strikland each had two-goal outputs against Spring Creek. Stemmler, who led ND in scoring last spring with 13 goals, pumped in a pair.

While the Rebels irted with the possibility of winning the CC last spring, capturing it with East Columbus, West Columbus and East Bladen on board would be a bonus.

In a league that doesn’t seem to have a dominant program, it’s anyone’s ball.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ED’s Joselin Mata-Aguilar, left, tries to work a shot through WRH’s Salma Sabillion and goalie Giselle Licon.

ED’s o ensive outbursts provide cushion for its pitching sta

The Panthers win four of ve ahead of ECC play, while HCA’s hurlers kept the Crusaders unbeaten through four games

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — East Duplin manager Brandon Thipgen said a strength of his team is pitching.

And while that may hold true through ve games, the o ense also needs to be credited for the Panthers’ 4-1 start, which includes a heartbreaking 7-6 eight-inning loss to 6A Jacksonville last week.

The pitching sta of Gavin Holmes, JP Murphy and newcomers Brayden Jones, a freshman, and Silas Jarman, a sophomore, each have a win and have a combined ERA of 1.65, with 35 strikeouts and 19 walks.

But the Panthers have put their o ense on display as ve players are hitting at least .375 and the team average is .312. It’s early, but last year’s 13-8 club hit .268.

To no one’s surprise, all-stater Gavin Holmes (.536 with ve RBIs) is leading the pack.

Jack Tuck and Sawyer Marshburn are at .444 via eight hits in 18 at-bats. Luke Hall is at .375 in his comeback season and incoming freshman Hayes Lanier (.400) has four hits and four RBIs in 14 plate appearances.

ED senior catcher Sawyer Marshburn is hitting .444.

Tuck and Marshburn combined to go 9 of 12 during a 20-5 stomping of Wallace-Rose Hill last Friday as the Panthers swept the season series. Colton Holmes had two hits, two walks, three RBIs and scored three times. Jarman got the win by allowing two hits in ve innings.

SOFTBALL from page B1

whacking at a .264 rate with 15 RBIs last spring.

“She gives you all she has,” said Lovelace of his senior who was an all-state volleyball player. “But she got hurt in a scrimmage, so we’re moving forward slowly with her at this point.”

WRH is solid on the right side of the in eld with four -year starters Page and Sloan.

Page is a rst-team all-Duplin player who hit .407 and had seven extra-base hits and 11 RBIs. She too is an all-state spiker, as is reserve Angelina Cavallaro, who will mainly run the bases and also run for the track team.

Sloan hit .346 and knocking in 12 a season ago.

Sophomore Azee Monk will play rst base.

The out eld has juniors Isabell Parker and Maggie Boone returning in center and right, respectively, with newcomer Keyonna Thomas, a fresh-

BASEBALL from page B1

This week, the Tigers play the Raiders (2-2, 1-1) and Cougars (1-5, 2-2).

Sutton plans to use four pitchers this season with sophomore Tripp Phillips entering as the ace of the sta .

“He probably has the best stu and throws the hardest,” Sutton said. “He’s got a little poise and is smart up there.”

Junior Hansley McGee isn’t far o the pace.

“He started two games and closed two others when I started Tripp,” said Sutton, who is getting help this season from assistant coach Ken Avent III, both of whom played baseball at JK. “Our pitchers must throw strikes. We struggled with that last season.”

Senior Cal Avent will also get his turns on the hill as a starter.

And catcher Paxton Smith will take o his gear a handful of times to pitch.

“It’s about our pitchers letting our defense make plays and outs,” Sutton said. Phillips will play rst base when he’s not on the hill. Twins Cal and Eli Avent will in the ineld — Cal at second base and Eli at shortstop and second when his sibling is pitching.

catcher Marshburn each had a pair of hits.

ED was slated to play Southwest Onslow twice this week as the ECC has went to two-game series played home and away in the same week.

Gators outlast Rebels in 14-13 slugfest

North Duplin and East Columbus combined for 27 runs on 27 hits, with the visitors scoring twice in the eighth to earn a 14-13 Carolina Conference win in Calypso.

The Rebels trailed 10-6 before scoring six times in the sixth inning. EC countered with a pair of runs in the seventh and eighth frames.

Garris Warren had four hits in ve trips to the plate.

Ben Kelly and Noah Price each drove in three runs, and Noa Quintanilla and Garrett Stevens combined for four walks, three RBIs and two sacri ces.

ND (1-2, 0-1) squares o against league foes East Bladen (1-4, 0-0), Union (0-8, 0-1) and Hobbton (3-1, 1-0) this week, the latter of which is March 20.

Bulldogs squeeze out two wins between losses to ED

Brooks, Luke Jackson, Gray James and Jerman Ayllon each drove in a pair of runs during a 16-14 triumph over Goldsboro in the rst Swine Valley Conference matchup of the spring for both schools.

The Bulldogs followed it up with a 6-5 revenge win over Pender, which had beaten WRH 15-5 on March 3.

Hayden Lovette and Jackson each laced a pair of hits, and Brooks and Zachary Fisher had key RBIs.

Two days later, WRH was taken down 20-5 by the Panthers, and the rebound o of that is a road trip to Princeton. They then stay away from Teachey and take on Midway on March 19.

Lovette (.538), Buckner (.471), Ayllon (.400) and Jackson (.333) are o to great starts for manager Logan Kissner.

Crusaders hurlers making all the right pitches

Harrells Christian Academy has given up two runs in ve games, so it makes complete sense that the Crusaders are 4-0.

Drake Smith and Reid Strickland combined to no-hit Parrott Academy 2-0 as the duo combined for 15 strikeouts and three walks. Senior Payton Gomez had three of the Crusaders’ ve hits and scored a run. So did freshman Avery Hall, who was 1 of 4 with a walk.

ED let a 6-1 lead slip away against the Cardinals. Tick knocked in a pair of runs and Lanier, Marshburn and the Holmes each had an RBI. Jacksonville scored four times in the sixth to send it to extra innings. In ED’s 5-0 triumph over Richlands, Jones and Jarman held the Wildcats to one hit while striking out nine and walking four.

man, in left. Thomas is also the backup catcher. Sophomore Chloe Turner is looking for playing time at rst base and in the circle, while speedy freshman QouRyiona Vines is developing as an out elder.

“My big concern is that we go out and compete and get after it, win or lose,” Lovelace said. “Just play hard.”

WRH is 2-5 overall and 1-0 in Swine Valley play entering this week’s action, which includes road trips to Princeton and Midway.

Rumbold, Peed, Jackson are Crusader spark plugs

Rose Hill’s Makenzie Jackson and Amory Merritt are a part of a young Harrells Christian Academy softball team under the direction of rst-year head coach Dustin Jackson, whose daughter is a budding star.

The younger Jackson, a freshman, is the Crusaders’ start-

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

JK’s Cal Avent hit .500 last season and returns to the diamond looking for more production.

Hunter Whitman is at the hot corner and the lone in elder who will remain in his position during pitching changes.

JK will have freshmen in the out eld corners with Brantley Pike in left eld and JJ Boyette in right eld. Senior Shane Braswell overlaps into the gaps as the Tigers’ center elder.

“It’s probably the best outeld I’ve had here,” Sutton said. “They make every routine play and have speed to cover

Third baseman Hall and

ing shortstop and leado hitter, while Merritt is an eighth-grade second baseman.

Young is everywhere as HCA has just one senior, catcher Mary Willow Rumbold.

She will receive the o erings of ace Breelyn Peed, a freshman, seventh grader Emory Landen Patram and possibly Jackson in a relief capacity.

Patram and Peed will hold down rst base too.

Another frosh, Landry Singletary, is starting at the hot corner.

The out eld is over owing with youth as freshman Molly Sasser and Anna Williams are in left and right, with eight grader Savannah Stevens in center.

“It’s a developmental year, for sure,” said the Crusaders’ coach.

“The goal is to be at least .500, and I think that’s obtainable.”

HCA is 4-1 to start the week, though getting ready to face better competition with conference foes such as Rocky Mount Academy and Faith Christian.

a lot of ground and good arms.”

JK’s last playo appearance was in 2023. The Tigers’ last playo win was in 2017 when JK was in the Carolina 1A Conference. It was the sophomore season for Sutton and senior campaign for Avent III. They beat Tarboro and fell to Rosewood to wind up 13-10.

JK lost to fellow ECC foe North Lenoir three years ago to nish 10-10.

Winning records are hard to find in the past quarter century.

Eli Avent, a rst-team all-Duplin center elder in 2025, returns as the leado hitter after a .500 campaign his junior year.

“He’s our best hitter by a wide margin,” Sutton said. “He’s close to .600 right now and has four or ve extra-base hits. He’s got more power than in the past and is nding the gaps and using his speed.”

Smith showed promise last season as a backstop and in the batter’s box. Cal Avent was JK’s second-best hitter. They will hit in the second and third slot in the order. Both had a pair of hits against Rosewood.

McGee follows and brings three years of experience with him.

The good news about Wallace-Rose Hill (4-3, 1-0) this season is that the Bulldogs have twice responded to a loss with a pair of wins. The latest came after a stinging 12-0 setback to East Duplin.

Reese Buckner went 3 for 5 and scored twice, and Will

“We’re super young with a very promising future,” Jackson said. “We have only two seniors, no juniors or sophomores, and ve freshmen and six players that are seventh or eighth graders. Not much is expected from us right now, and that lets this group play uninhibited of expectations that junior and seniors put on themselves.

Wildcats regroup without ace Goin

Richlands is nding out the hard way that replacing an ace is sometimes a di cult to impossible task.

Cameron Cubas, the lone returnee from last season’s 20-6 club, belted two hits and scored three times last Friday at the Wildcats beat Swansboro 5-3 for its rst in in seven games.

Yet the biggest miss is hurler Makenzie Goin, who was 4317 in four seasons, which included a ’25 campaign in which she was fourth in the state in strike-

HCA’s o ense has hardly been second rate when compared to its pitching. The Crusaders have scored 44 times and are hitting .315 as a team. They’ve also averaged 6.8 walks and just 4.2 whi s per game, with their 35 hits helping to drive in 35 runs. The Crusaders have a twin bill early this week against the Green eld School in Wilson and stay on the road for a clash with Pope John II Catholic on March 19.

HCA has played on its home eld only once.

outs (282) and walked just 25. She paved the way for Richlands to go 74-25 the past four seasons.

Another big loss to graduation was in elder LaNayah Jackson (.412).

Cubas (.526), a senior, leads the Wildcats in hits (10), runs (seven) and on-base percentage (.609).

Freshmen Lily Richmond and Kenly Harris are both at .368 with seven hits apiece. They have combined for six RBIs.

Head coach Matt Lovely is rebuilding in a tough Coastal 5A/6A Conference in which Richlands had to beat West Carteret 2-1 in a one-game tilt to capture the regular season title.

While the schedule won’t get easier, the young and inexperienced Wildcats are sure to improve. They have already shown progress. Richlands was outscored 46-6 in its rst four games, all at home. The margin was 19-13 in its last three outings.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Cave lands on NC Basketball Coach’s District 2 rst team

thers to their third consecutive 20 -win campaign.

North Duplin’s Abby Rose was a second-team player.

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — The basketball season didn’t play out quite the way Kinsey Cave would have liked, but it ended with the East Duplin guard as a rst-team member of the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association’s District 2 team.

Cave missed several games because of an ankle injury but returned to lead the Panthers past previously unbeaten Clinton and then into the third round of the 4A playo s. Yet at that level her team’s weaknesses stuck out like a sore thumb during a 59-21 loss to T.W. Andrews in a game in which the junior did not score a point. But the bigger picture is that Cave averaged 14.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.9 steals in pushing the Pan-

SIDELINE REPORT

FORMULA 1

Formula 1 calls o April races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia due to Iran war Shanghai Formula 1 and its governing body, the FIA, say the Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not be held in April on safety grounds related to the Iran war. Both countries have been struck during Iran’s response to United States and Israeli attacks. F1 was due to race in Bahrain on April 12 and in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on April 19. F1 did not say the races were canceled or postponed, just that they won’t happen in April and replacement events have not been scheduled.

DUPLIN COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of

in that

Deed of Trust executed by MICHELE MARIE HORNE, A Single Woman to Eugene Davis, Trustee(s), which was dated May 27, 2020 and recorded on May 27, 2020 in Book 1922 at Page 823, Duplin County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 31, 2026 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Duplin County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lots 21 and 22 of the Herbert E. Miller, Jr. Subdivision as surveyed in January, 1958, by Charles V. Brooks, III, and as appears in Map Book 216, Page 37, of the Duplin County Registry, reference to which is hereby made. And being the same lots described in deeds recorded in Book 649, Page 508, and Book 1236, Page 602, of the Duplin County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 616

Rose averaged 16.6 points, 6.4 boards, 2.4 assists and was arguably the best shooter in Duplin County. Her Rebels nished 18-8 after losing two four-year starters who each scored more than 1,000-career points.

The Rebels’ Jae’lyn Ingram was a third-team selection for the boys in District 2.

The sophomore averaged 20.1 points and 7.6 rebounds for the 15-11 Rebels.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Cincinnati ring men’s basketball coach Miller

Cincinnati Wes Miller will not be back as the University of Cincinnati’s men’s basketball coach. Cincinnati and Miller are reportedly negotiating an equitable buyout. Miller has three years remaining on his contract, but he’s owed $9.9 million if the ring happens before March 31. It drops to $4.69 million if the termination happens after April 1. Miller went 100-74 in ve seasons, including 18-15 this year and did not reach the NCAA Tournament. Miller won an NCAA title as a UNC player and coached UNC Greensboro before leaving for Cincinnati.

Stevens St, Wallace, NC 28466.

A certi ed check only (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Michele Marie Horne.

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

the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan

Top seven hitters in lineup have pop

ND’s o ense will miss Addy Higginbotham (.560, seven doubles, eight triples, a home run, 32 runs) but should have enough re with the sticks of Fulghum, Spence, Higginbotham, Marissa Bernal and Abigeal Norris. Fulghum, a 1A all-state player from a year ago who will play at Charlotte next season, could be the best hitter in the East. She’s at .636 through three games after going hitting .632 with eight doubles, three triples, seven home runs, 30 runs and 18 RBIs in 2025. Bernal was also a rst-team 1A NC Coach’s pick last spring after hitting .447 with four doubles, two triples and a ’round-tripper. She will play center eld and hit in the leado spot.

Spence (.396 with ve doubles, a triple and 12 RBIs) is at rst base when not in the circle.

Freshman Wyllow Holmes started the season with ve hits in 10 at-bats from the No. 2 spot in the lineup.

ND is also expecting o ense out of junior second baseman Hannah Gonzalez, classmate and third baseman Bernal Gizelle and junior right elder Raegan Herring.

Junior catcher Norris improved her average to .378 while also becoming a better defensive catcher. Her arm is a threat to any base-stealer. Gracie Higginbotham has started with a .364 average and will only improve. Yet ND will need help from the bottom of its order to compete against the best teams.

NOTICES

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NC - WAKE COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE, SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Superior Court File No. 25CV043993-910 NC Licensing Board for General Contractors, Plainti , v. Boyd Franklin “Frank” Harrelson t/a Harrelson & Son, Defendant.

To: BOYD FRANKLIN “BOYD” HARRELSON An Alias & Pluries Civil Summons in 25CV043993-910 was issued by the abovereferenced Court on February 19, 2026, with endorsement of March 9, 2026. A Complaint and Motion Application for Preliminary and Permanent Injunction was led with the Court on December 8, 2025, by the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (the “Board”). The nature of the action is to determine whether Defendant violated N.C.G.S. 8713 by engaging in the practice of general contracting without being properly licensed by the Board. A hearing is scheduled

forty (40) days after March 19, 2026. Evidence will be presented in support of the complaint that you have violated the laws set forth above and a request will be made for the Court to enter an order for a preliminary injunction against you. By: Creighton Knight, Attorney, Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo, LLP, 2710 Wycli Rd., Ste 220 Raleigh, NC 27607.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#26E000086-300 The undersigned, BARBARA SMITH ASHLEY AND BELINDA SMITH MAY having quali ed on the 24TH DAY of FEBRUARY 2026, as CO-ADMINISTRATORS of the Estate of BOBBY GLENN SMITH, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5TH Day of JUNE 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 5TH Day of MARCH 2026.

BARBARA SMITH ASHLEY, CO-ADMINISTRATOR 7228 LEDFORD GROVE LANE WAKE FOREST, NC 27587

BELINDA SMITH MAY, CO-ADMINISTRATOR 1909 AMETHYST RIDGE DRIVE RALEIGH, NC 27604

Run dates:M5,12,19,26p

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#26E000068-300

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, MICHELE M. THOMPSON, having quali ed on the 24TH DAY of FEBRUARY 2026, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of WILLIAM DWIGHT THOMPSON, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5TH Day of JUNE 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 5TH Day of MARCH 2026.

MICHELE M. THOMPSON, ADMINISTRATOR

4660 E. NC HWY 24 BEULAVILLE, NC 28518

Run dates:M5,12,19,26p

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

All-state in elder Lilly Fulghum, left, will bat cleanup for ND before heading to play at Charlotte next season.

ND’s Abby Rose earned second-team honors, while the Rebels’ Jae’lyn Ingram made the boys’ third team

Kinsey Cave

Abby Rose

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL Jae’Lyn Ingram

Annie Ruth Crumpler

April 14, 1943 – March 2, 2026

Annie Ruth Crumpler, 82, of Raleigh, NC, passed away on March 2, 2026, at her residence.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Newkirk Chapel in Willard, NC. Public viewing will be from 1-2 p.m. (one hour prior to the service). Interment following the service at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey, NC.

Charles Edward “Eddie” Ridenhour Sr.

Nov. 8, 1940 – March 11, 2026

Charles Edward “Eddie” Ridenhour Sr., 85, a Christian man of honor and integrity, passed from his earthly life on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. He was born on November 8, 1940, in Salisbury. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bessie Ridenhour Chason, and stepfather Bill Chason; his brother, Donnie Ridenhour, and his wife, Sherrill; his sister, Carol Brown; his grandmother, Bessie Willmotte; and his brother-in-law, Charles Sessoms.

Eddie is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carolyn Russ Ridenhour; daughter Jacqueline R. Collier (Haywood); son, Charles “Charlie” Edward Ridenhour, Jr.; granddaughter, Jessica Collier Sutherland (Joseph); great granddaughter, Jacee Sutherland; sisters, Becky Hinson (Richard) and Martha Sessoms; brothers, Buddy Chason (Carolyn), George Chason (Jill), brother-in-law, Bobby Russ; and also blessed with many nieces and nephews.

Eddie was a proud veteran, having served our country in the US Army and the Army National Guard of North Carolina as a Sergeant. He retired from Federal Paper Company after working for 38 years. For 17 years, Eddie served on the Board of Directors of Star Telephone Membership Corporation. Eddie was a faithful and loyal member of Centerville Baptist Church. For fun and relaxation, Eddie loved a good game of golf. In his spare time, Eddie loved tinkering with his tractor as well as disking up land for a garden. Most important in his life was his dear and much loved family.

The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Centerville Baptist with a funeral service at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The Rev. Allen Murray and The Rev. Teddy Lawson will conduct the service. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories with military honors accorded by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. In lieu of owers, a memorial contribution may be given to Centerville Baptist Church Parsonage Fund, PO Box 27, Kelly, NC 28448.

Andrea “Angie” Starling Murzyn

July 22, 1959 – March 7, 2026

Andrea “Angie” Starling Murzyn passed away on March 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

Born on July 22, 1959, to Patty Sue Jones, Angie was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Mary Jones. She grew up in Wilmington, NC, later moving with her grandmother to Rose Hill. She attended Wallace-Rose Hill High School before settling in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she spent most of her adult life. She was preceded in death by her mother and by her daughter, Kimberly Jennelle Murzyn.

Angie leaves behind her beloved grandson, Dashawn Hunter Murzyn, and her ancé, Lee Hanchey. She also leaves behind Diane Johnson Wilson, Rick Johnson, Donald Johnson, and Patty Johnson Holloway— family who, while not siblings by birth, shared a deep lifelong bond with her. Their closeness formed naturally from the connection between their mothers, who were sisters, and from the love that surrounded Angie after her mother passed away when she was just nine months old. She is also survived by many extended family members who cherished her deeply.

She worked many years for Publix Foods in Florida before returning to North Carolina in June 2022 to care for her ailing aunt, Nancy Johnson—an act of devotion that re ected her generous and nurturing spirit. Angie was vibrant and adventurous, always ready with a smile or laugh that brightened every room. She carried a quiet wisdom and a resilient spirit, living with joy and sincerity. She adored her family—especially her grandson—who held a special place in her heart. Nature was her refuge; she found comfort in her garden, surrounded by the birds, hummingbirds, and butter ies she loved. Angie also cherished traveling and spending time at the beach.

Angie’s presence was a gift, and her memory will continue to brighten the lives of all who loved her.

Services for Andrea will be held on Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m. at Padgette Funeral Home in Wallace, NC. Family and friends are invited to a gathering that will follow at 3:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Rose Hill Baptist Church in Rose Hill, NC.

Sabernia Sparrow Stevenson

Oct. 16, 1961 – March 9, 2026

Sabernia Sparrow Stevenson, a ectionately known as “Sabrina”, passed away on March 9, 2026, in Shallotte, NC. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Little Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Supply, NC. Public viewing will be from noon to 1 p.m. (one hour prior to the service). Interment following the service at Galloway Cemetery.

Evelyn McCormick

March 4, 1950 –March 4, 2026

Ms. Evelyn Delila Kenan McCormick, age 76, of Warsaw, NC, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at her home.

A visitation of family and friends will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 5-6 p.m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. at New Kenansville First Baptist Church in Kenansville, NC. Left to cherish her precious memories are her sons: Raymond and Michael McCormick, both of Wallace, NC; one daughter, Thelma McCormick-McDu e of Warsaw, NC; ve grandchildren: Christina Smith (Tyre) of Huntersville, NC, Marcus Faison of Warsaw, NC, Dwayne Faison (Tiara) of Grifton, NC, Tatyana Ogburne (Ben) of Pikeville, NC and Christian McCormick of Goldsboro; ten greatgrandchildren; one uncle, Johnny Howard Southerland; one aunt, Beatrice Kenan Martin; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends that will miss her dearly.

Edith Wells Merritt

Dec. 10, 1943 – March 9, 2026

Edith Wells Merritt of Wallace passed from her earthly life on the early morning of Monday, March 9, 2026, while at the home of her son in Wallace. Born on December 10, 1943, she is the daughter of the late Henry Z. Wells, Sr., and Annie Mae Knowles Wells. She is also preceded in death by siblings— Henry Z. “HZ” Wells, Jr., James “Jay” Wells, Frank Wells, Betty Wells Brown, Louise Wells Murray, and Annie Ruth Wells Evans.

Left to cherish her memory are her son—Joseph Reaves Merritt II and wife Rhonda Ranae of Wallace; grandchildren—Katherine Evans Tucker and husband Chris of Front Royal (VA), Samantha Nicole Smith and husband Christian of Willard, Kayla Ranae Sumner and husband Matthew of Pink Hill, and Bruce Christopher Penny and wife Bertha of California; eight great grandchildren; special friends— David Mike McCall of Pikeville and Robert “Chuck” Alred of Nakina (NC); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Edith enjoyed getting away on trips with family and friends as often as she could. She took several bus trips and enjoyed her time away. She also loved gathering the family together and visiting over a good meal. Family was very important to her. She was close to everyone in her Sunday School class as well and loved attending her church when she was able. She is known in the community for her time spent at the White House Café, Circle R Pizza, Go-Gas, and Honeycutt Pawn.

A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Edith is set for 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home, with visitation prior to the service at 1 p.m. Interment will follow the service in Riverview Memorial Park in Watha. O ciating will be Pastor Rodney Humphrey. In lieu of owers, please consider a donation in memory of Mrs. Merritt to the Wallace Fire Association.

Dorothy Lee Smith

March 2, 1951 – March 7, 2026

Dorothy Lee Smith, age 75, died Saturday, March 7, 2026, at home. She is survived by her husband, Larry Jennings Smith of Pink Hill; daughters, Krystal Smith of Chapel Hill, Wendy Holmes of TN; sons, Jenning Smith of TX, John Smith of Wake Forest, Steve Smith of Durham; sister, Betty Lee of Pink Hill; brothers Ken Lee of Pink Hill; Brent Lee of Pink Hill; ten grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Edilberto Espinoza Sierra

May 18, 2004 –March 8, 2026

Mr. Edilberto Espinoza Sierra, age 21, of Wallace, NC, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Wilmington, NC.

A visitation of family and friends will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 6-9:30 p.m. at Iglesia Principe de Pas, 804 N. Norwood Street in Wallace, NC (across from Hardee’s). The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Iglesia Nuevo Renacer Sinai, 648 Cornwallis Road in Teachey, NC. Burial will follow at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey, NC, at 1:30 p.m.

Harold Dean Lane

Feb. 9, 1951 – March 12, 2026

Harold Dean Lane, 75, of Warsaw, passed away after a short illness on March 12, 2026. He was born to the late James T. Lane and Betty Inez Lane on February 9, 1951. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NC 28398. In lieu of owers, memorials may be sent to Calvary Baptist Church, 709 Memorial Drive, Warsaw, NC 28398, or Warsaw Fire Department, 714 N. Pine Street, Warsaw, NC 28398. Dean is survived by brother Bobby Lane and wife, Julie of Warsaw, nieces, Sarah Lanier and husband, Curtis of Beulaville, NC, and Amy Bauer and husband, Justin of South Dakota, nephews John Lane and wife, Brittany of Washington, NC, and Justin Lane. In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by his brother, James Ray Lane.

Sherwood Arminius Johnson

Jan. 1, 1938 – March 8, 2026

Sherwood Arminius Johnson, age 88, of Magnolia, N.C., passed away on March 8, 2026, in Burgaw, N.C. Born on January 1, 1938, to Arminius and Edna Stanton Johnson, Sherwood was a man of enduring faith, productive work, love for his country, and energetic participation in hymn singing. Sherwood is survived by his dedicated companion, Faye Rivenbark, his son Robert Wayne Johnson (Pam) and grandson, Ronald Wayne Johnson; his sister Joy Johnson Guenther (Chris), nephew Mark (Diane) and niece Stacey (Dana). Also survived by former wife Loretta Dennis Johnson and former wife Linda Daughtry. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Edna and Arminius Johnson. Sherwood graduated from Franklin High School and attended NC State University and East Carolina University. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, later returning to his home in Sampson County, where he lived and worked as a farmer, professional truck driver, and active member of his church. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Evergreen Baptist Church.

Forrest Stanley Roberts Sr.

April 28, 1939 –March 11, 2026

Forrest Stanley Roberts, Sr., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at his home.

A memorial service will be Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. with visitation starting at 1 p.m.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Roberts of Beulaville, NC; son Forrest Stanley Roberts Jr. (Marjorie), of Pennsylvania; daughter Karen Woroschinski (Gary) of Florida; brothers Harold Eugene Roberts Jr. (Carol) of Pennsylvania and Edmund Roberts (Margaret) of Tennessee; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Pamela Smith Ennis

May 10, 1956 –March 11, 2026

Pamela Smith Ennis, 69, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at her home.

A memorial service will be Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Smith Presbyterian Church in Pink Hill, NC. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley Ennis of Pink Hill, NC; mother Hilda Grace Smith of Pink Hill, NC; sons David Grady Jr. and Christopher A. Grady, both of Pink Hill, NC; sister Kimberly Rose Hill (Tony) of Deep Run, NC; brother Dearld Smith (Nessie), of Pink Hill, NC; grandchildren Silar Wil Grady, Cheyenne Singleton and Christopher Singleton; and nephews Logan and Chase Smith of Pink Hill.

Rebecca Hall Davidson

June 6, 1935 – March 9, 2026

Rebecca Hall Davidson, born

Susie Mae Rebecca Hall, entered this world on June 6, 1935, in Rose Hill, North Carolina (Duplin County). She was the beloved daughter of Joe Tim Hall, Sr., and Julia Ann Lee (Hall), and was later lovingly raised with the guidance of her stepfather, Mr. Louis Lee. From an early age, Rebecca demonstrated a deep compassion for others and a sincere desire to help young people succeed.

Rebecca received her early education through Duplin County Public Schools before pursuing higher education at Stillman College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science in 1957. She later continued her studies at East Carolina University, focusing on Social Work and Correctional Science.

On July 10, 1958, Rebecca married the love of her life, Rudolph Thomas Davidson. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Lucille and Sheila, and their family remained the center of Rebecca’s life.

Rebecca devoted her professional career to helping young people nd direction and opportunity.

Her career in youth services began as a teacher with Buncombe County Schools in Asheville, North Carolina. In 1965, she joined the North Carolina Department of Human Resources, Division of Youth Services, beginning a career that would span three decades of dedicated public service.

Her work began as a Cottage Parent at the Juvenile Evaluation Center in Asheville. In 1969, she transferred to Dobbs School in Kinston, North Carolina, where she served as Cottage Parent, Unit Administrator, and Program Manager before being appointed

Director of Dobbs School in August 1992.

During her leadership, Rebecca worked tirelessly to strengthen programs for the youth served by the institution. One of the proudest accomplishments of her tenure was guiding Dobbs School through the rigorous accreditation process with the American Correctional Association, achieving national accreditation and helping ensure the highest standards of care and accountability.

After 30 years of distinguished service, Rebecca retired on June 30, 1995.

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the State of North Carolina, she was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by the Governor of North Carolina.

Rebecca’s dedication to service extended beyond her career. She served on the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for the City of Kinston, later becoming Vice Chairperson, helping advocate for housing opportunities for families and seniors.

Faith played a central role in Rebecca’s life. She was a member of New Bethel A.M.E. Church in Magnolia, North Carolina, and later became a devoted member of St. Augustus AME Zion Church, where she faithfully served as Head of Mission Outreach.

Rebecca also became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in April 2000, and in 2025, she was honored as a 25-Year Member of the sorority.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rudolph Thomas Davidson; her youngest daughter, Sheila D. Pressley; her parents, Joe Tim Hall, Sr., and Julia Ann Lee (Hall); her stepfather, Mr. Louis Lee; her brothers Lenon Allen Hall, Joe Tim Hall, and Lewis Hall; and her nephew Lenon Allen Hall, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory her oldest daughter, R. Lucille Samuel (Bernard) of El Paso, Texas; her grandchildren Terrence D. Samuel, Kametra Marzette, Chase Pressley, and Parks Pressley; her nieces and nephews Colleen Graham and Jesse Hall; along with a host of additional nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and dear friends.

Rebecca Hall Davidson lived a life de ned by faith, service, leadership, and love for others. Her legacy of compassion and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Roy James Kelly

Sept. 15, 1941 –March 10, 2026

Roy James Kelly, age 84, of Magnolia, left this earthly life for his eternal home in Heaven on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

He was born on September 15, 1941, in Duplin County, the son of the late Major James and Mary Lou Bishop Kelly. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Wilbert Earl Kelly, and his sisters, Adelia Bryan and Nellie Hamilton.

Roy proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He was employed at J.P. Stevens for 38 years until his retirement.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of 38 years Linda Newkirk Kelly of the home; sons Jamie Kelly and wife Crystal of Wallace and Jason Kelly and wife Jane of Magnolia; daughter Carrie Burch and husband Charles of Rose Hill; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; one greatgreat grandson; Arnold Kelly and wife Elizabeth of Magnolia; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Roy dearly. Roy was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather and brother. He was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life, such as spending time with family, cutting wood, farming, and growing watermelons and peanuts. With a green thumb, Roy could grow just about anything. Roy was a witty, happy-go-lucky man who never met a stranger. He loved people and was loved in return. His favorite breakfast, snack or ‘go too’ was a Sundrop and Lance crackers. Most of all, Roy was a godly man who loved his Lord, his family and his country. He will surely be missed but treasured memories of him will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved Roy.

Funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday evening, March 12, 2026, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Devotional Gardens in Warsaw, NC.

Mary Catherine Burgett Brown

Gregory

Aug. 11, 1931 – March 4, 2026

Mary Catherine Burgett Brown Gregory, 94, formerly of Warsaw, NC, passed peacefully to her Heavenly home on March 4, 2026, in Mesa, AZ. She was born near Roseboro, NC, to the late Stephen Love and Ella Branch Burgett. “Cathy” was predeceased by her parents; seven brothers and two sisters; husband, Joel C. Brown, Sr., and Alvin L. Gregory; sons Joel Jr. and Ronald.

She married Joel C. Brown, Sr., on May 11, 1947, and they had ve children. Cathy was a farm girl who lived during the Great Depression and World War II. She attended Concord, McDaniels and Mingo schools.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 7-9 p.m. at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw and at other times at Faye Carter’s home in Warsaw. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Warsaw Community Funeral Home in Warsaw. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Cemetery. Her grandson, Dr. Mike Woods of Raleigh, will o ciate. Basketball was her favorite sport, and she was a good player. Cathy developed her “fashion sense” from her friend Edna Baggett. She was an excellent cook and seamstress, loved oldtime gospel music, and enjoyed entertaining at her home. As a young lady, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was active in her church.

In 1964, she and her children moved to Moore, OK, where she met and later married Alvin Gregory in June 1969. In 2009, after retirement, they moved to Warsaw, NC, where they became dedicated members of Warsaw United Methodist Church.

Cathy moved to Norman, OK, to live with her daughter, Vickie, and later to Mesa, AZ, where she lived with her daughter, Denise, until her death. Both of her daughters gave her exceptional love and care. She will be missed and remembered by all who loved and knew her.

Left to cherish her memory are: daughters, Linda Overby, Coats, NC, Vickie Kelly and husband, Skip, Norman, OK, Denise Whitehouse and husband, Brad, Mesa, AZ; sister, Faye Carter, Warsaw, NC; 12 grandchildren, 36 greatgrandchildren, and two greatgreat-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for the loving care provided by Hospice, doctors, nurses, and caregivers in AZ. A special thank you to her granddaughter, Vickie Dawn Morris, for her love and care for her grandmother. The family would also like to thank the Southwest Airlines family for their support.

Stanly NewS Journal

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Cuba’s latest blackout underscores deepening economic crisis; Rubio calls for new leadership

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is calling for “new people in charge” of Cuba as the Caribbean nation experienced its third islandwide blackout in four months. U.S. President Donald, who has called Cuba a “very weakened nation,” said on Monday he believes he’ll have the “honor of taking Cuba.” On Tuesday, Rubio — who is of Cuban heritage — said the current government is incapable of addressing the problems. The island’s government blames its woes on a U.S. energy blockade after Trump in January warned of tari s on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. The country’s aging grid has drastically eroded in recent years, leading to daily outages.

Trump postpones China trip to focus on Iran

President Donald Trump is delaying a diplomatic trip to China that was planned for months but began to unravel as he pressured Beijing and other world powers to form a military coalition to protect the vital Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Tuesday while meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval O ce that he would be going to China in ve or six weeks’ time instead of at the end of the month. Trump’s visit to China is seen as an opportunity to build on a fragile trade truce between the two superpowers, but it became tangled in his e ort to nd an endgame to his war in Iran.

Israel says it killed 2 top Iranian o cials in wartime blow to country’s leadership

Israel says it has killed two senior Iranian security o cials in overnight strikes in a major wartime blow to the country’s leadership. Iran, which did not con rm the killings, red salvos of missiles and drones at its Gulf Arab neighbors and Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz con rmed the deaths of Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force. With Iran maintaining a tight grip on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said he’s been rejected by NATO and most allies to join a mission to secure the waterway vital to the global oil market.

Locust police name West Stanly Fire Department 2025 Citizens of the Year

The annual award was started by the police department in 2021

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

LOCUST — The Locust Police Department traditionally presents its annual Citizen of the Year award to a single individual.

However, during the March 12 meeting of the Locust City Council, Locust Police Chief Je Shew recognized the entire West Stanly Fire Department as the department’s 2025 Citizens of the Year.

“The Locust Police Department thanks the West Stanly Fire Department for their tremendous service and their partnership as the West Stanly public safety family. Congratulations on a very well-earned honor!” the police department said in a statement. Since 2021, the Citizen of the Year award has been presented to recognize a Locust resident or someone associated with the city who has performed exemplary deeds or services for the community while demonstrating a strong sense of sel essness, caring and responsibility. Locust Elementary School

Celebration of the Arts returns to Stanly County Agri-Civic Center

The free event is scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Arts Council will host a free event this weekend at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center where the public can explore and experience the local arts community. The annual Celebration of the Arts will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature live perfor-

mances, information tables, art displays and demonstrations, author sessions and an exhibition of student art from schools throughout the county.

Multiple food trucks will also be available in the venue’s parking lot.

“Since 2017, this free event showcases the best of the arts in Stanly County,” Kelly Dombrowski, chair of the Stanly County Arts Council, wrote in a statement. “Attendees can view over 200 pieces of student art with each school in the county sharing the best

student Autumn Huneycutt received the inaugural award in 2021 after selling many of her own toys at a yard sale to help raise money for a police charity event.

The honor has been awarded to a single recipient each year since then. Walmart loss-prevention associate Travis McKinney and LPD Chaplain Mario Miller were selected in 2022 and 2023, respectively, while the 2024 award went to former Walmart general manager Mitchell Cagle.

In announcing the 2025 honorees, the police department

The show is part of Stanly County’s America 250 celebrations

Stanly News Journal sta

The 82nd Airborne Division All American Band and Chorus will perform a free concert Sunday at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center as part of the county’s America 250 celebrations.

The show, titled “This We’ll Defend: The All American Story,” begins at 4 p.m. The program is billed as a musical tribute to military service past and present, combining music and storytelling from the division’s band and chorus.

The program’s title takes its name from the Army’s motto, which dates to the Revolutionary War. “This We’ll Defend” was also the theme of the Army’s 250th birthday celebration in June 2025, when the service marked its found-

ing with a week of events in Washington, D.C.

The band and chorus, founded in 1942, is made up of active-duty paratroopers stationed at Fort Bragg. The unit serves as the 82nd Airborne Division’s o cial musical ensemble, performing at ceremonies, community events and recruiting initiatives. Its ensembles include a concert band, chorus, jazz and rock groups and a brass quintet.

The group performed a similar America 250 concert in Fayetteville in February.

The concert is sponsored

by the Stanly County Concert Association, Uwharrie Bank and Stanly County America 250. The concert association, founded in 1947, has presented live performances in Stanly County for nearly eight decades. The Agri-Civic Center has been its home venue since 1989.

The association’s regular season wraps up April 12 with a 4 p.m. matinee performance by the Salisbury Symphony Brass, a quintet featuring musicians from the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets for Sunday’s concert are free but required for admission. They are available at the Agri-Civic Center, Starnes-Bramlett Jewelers and at the door the day of the concert. Veterans will be honored during the event, and local ofcials are expected to attend, according to organizers.

For more information, visit stanlyconcert.com.

March 21

Crook Drive Albemarle

March 22

8th Annual Bridal Show 1-4 p.m. A free, open-to-the-public bridal showcase featuring wedding professionals in photography, catering, venues and more; no registration required.

Tuscan Ridge Wedding and Event Center 21480 E. 8th St. Oakboro

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

The 3 big lies about the Iran war

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com) COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

IF YOU’VE BEEN following coverage of the Trump administration’s military action against Iran, you’ve probably noticed something: A lot of people are determined to convince you that the United States is losing.

They’re wrong.

Even worse, many of them know they’re wrong. Critics across the political spectrum — from Democrats to elements of the so - called horseshoe right — are pushing narratives that paint the con ict as a disaster in the making. The goal is simple: Undermine public con dence and turn what is shaping up as a strategic success into a perceived failure.

Three particular claims are circulating widely. All three deserve to be addressed.

Lie No. 1: The war is a quagmire.

The rst claim is that the United States has stumbled into another interminable Middle East war — one destined to drag on for years and possibly escalate to catastrophic levels.

This is absurd.

At the time of this writing, the con ict is less than two weeks old. Twelve days. That’s not 12 years, as in Vietnam, or even 12 months, as in the Spanish-American War.

Wars unfold over time, and no one should pretend to know exactly how long any con ict will last. But the notion that the United States is already trapped in a generational quagmire — after less than two weeks of ghting — is less analysis than panic.

Lie No. 2: Iran is somehow winning.

A second claim insists that Iran is holding strong — that the regime is weathering

the assault and even gaining the upper hand.

Again, reality tells a di erent story.

Iran’s military capabilities have been battered. Its missile and drone infrastructure has been heavily targeted. Its naval assets have reportedly su ered severe losses. Leadership turmoil inside the regime only compounds the problem.

Reports suggest that the death of longtime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has triggered a chaotic succession struggle. Even his presumed heir, Mojtaba Khamenei, appears to lack both political support and personal legitimacy within the system.

In other words, the Iranian regime is not projecting strength. It is scrambling to maintain control.

Lie No. 3: The oil shock will break the United States.

The nal warning is economic: Iran, critics say, will simply shut down the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices skyrocketing and bringing the American economy to its knees.

For a brief moment earlier this week, markets reacted to that fear. Oil prices jumped sharply amid speculation that the strait could be disrupted.

But the panic faded almost as quickly as it began. Within days, crude prices had fallen back below $90 a barrel.

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality. And the reality is that Iran faces enormous consequences if it attempts to choke o one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

President Donald Trump has made that

Obama’s race-hustling eulogy at a race hustler’s

(Obama) repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

point unmistakably clear. In a statement posted online, he warned that any Iranian attempt to block the ow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz would trigger an overwhelming American response.

The message was aimed not only at Tehran but also at Beijing and other major energy consumers: The United States intends to keep global energy owing — and anyone who interferes will pay a heavy price.

There are legitimate questions to ask about any military action. Democracies require scrutiny, debate and skepticism.

But skepticism should not be confused with hysteria.

Right now, critics are spinning worst-case scenarios while ignoring the basic facts on the ground: Iran’s military is under severe pressure, its leadership structure is unstable, and the economic fallout that many predicted has yet to materialize.

None of this guarantees the con ict will end quickly or cleanly. War rarely works that way.

But it does suggest that the narrative of inevitable American failure — so loudly promoted by the administration’s opponents — is far removed from the reality unfolding in the Middle East. And that reality matters far more than the talking points.

Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author.

funeral

FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA long ago surpassed the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton as America’s most in uential race hustler. The country got a reminder when Obama spoke at Jackson’s funeral even though Jackson’s son urged the speakers “not to bring their politics” to the service.

Obama said: “Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible. Each day, we’re told by those in high o ce to fear each other and to turn on each other. And that some Americans count more than others.” Same old Obama.

In his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech, he famously declared, “There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.” It was the line that launched him and made millions across party lines believe he could bridge divides.

Obama won the presidency with just over 52% of the popular vote, but he entered the Oval O ce in January 2009 with a nearly 70% approval rating. Polls in late 2008 and early 2009 showed both black and white Americans believed race relations would improve under his leadership. By the time he left o ce in 2017, polls showed majorities or pluralities of both blacks and whites thought race relations had gotten worse.

In Obama’s eight years as president, he repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small

while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

In 2009, at the beginning of his presidency, he declared that the Cambridge police “acted stupidly” in arresting Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. Obama turned a cop-just- doing-his-job encounter with the belligerent Gates into a national “teachable moment” about alleged racial pro ling by cops against blacks.

In 2012, about a young black man shot and killed by a self-described neighborhood Florida watchman, Obama said, “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.” A jury found the man who shot Trayvon Martin not guilty, and jurors who spoke publicly said race had nothing to do with the encounter.

In a 2014 speech before the United Nations, Obama invoked the case of Ferguson, Missouri, to enlighten the world about America’s supposed deep-seated problems with race relations. Later, the “hands up, don’t shoot” narrative about Michael Brown’s death turned out to be a complete lie, and the o cer was exonerated.

Obama embraced Black Lives Matter’s police-are-out-to-get-blacks rhetoric despite evidence that, if anything, cops are more hesitant to pull the trigger on a black suspect than a white one.

In 2015, he proclaimed racism is in America’s “DNA.” Although the media for the most part fawned over Obama, rst lady Michelle Obama insisted her husband

su ered from unfair media coverage because of racism.

Obama invited fellow race hustler Sharpton to the White House more than 70 times, more than any other “civil rights” gure. And, for good measure, Obama even argued that “a theoretical case” could be made for slavery reparations to be paid by nonslave owners and to nonslaves.

From the beginning of his presidency until its end, Obama stoked resentment, divided Americans by skin color and kept the race grievance industry alive and well oiled. The man Americans hired to unite us became the victicrat-in-chief, a title his Jackson eulogy shows he retains.

Trump-hating media still gives Obama a pass no Republican could ever dream of receiving. Imagine a Republican president doing even half of what Obama did: routinely injecting race into controversies, cozying up to a white Sharpton-like gure and rapping his arms around a toxic “movement” called White Lives Matter. The outrage would be endless, the headlines relentless — and rightfully so.

Obama’s real legacy on race? Blacks are eternal victims — distressed, oppressed and suppressed by “The Man” — and trapped in a system rigged against them from birth to death. His own extraordinary rise, of course, contradicts this counterproductive message. Yet he persists in selling it to willing buyers.

Obama is still relatively young. So, he has decades ahead to remain a loud voice in the public square — and he possesses a warehouse full of race cards ready to be played. What a waste.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

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Celebration of the ARTS returns to Stanly with performances, local authors

The eighth annual event features music, art and awards

Stanly News Journal sta

THE STANLY County Arts Council will host the eighth annual Celebration of the ARTS on Saturday at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center at 26032 Newt Road in Albemarle.

The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features live performances, art demonstrations, information booths from local arts organizations and businesses, a countywide student art exhibition and an opportunity to purchase artwork from local artists.

More than 200 pieces of student art from Stanly County public schools, Carolina Christian School, Gray Stone Day School, Heritage Classical Academy and Stanly Community College will be on display throughout the auditorium and lobby.

Kelly Dombrowski, chairman of the Stanly County Arts Council, said in a press release that she looks forward to the student art show each year.

“As a principal, I especially enjoy seeing a urry of excitement as students and their families look for their chosen artwork displayed throughout the Civic Center and the pride in our students and their families as they celebrate their art or their performances throughout the day,” Dombrowski said.

Live performances will take place throughout the day in both the auditorium and lobby. Melissa Kathleen’s School of Dance and the West Stanly High School Winter Guard

“I especially enjoy seeing a urry of excitement as students and their families look for their chosen artwork displayed throughout the Civic Center.”

Kelly Dombrowski

open the event at 9 a.m. in the auditorium. The Stanly County Chorale will perform a sampling of songs from their upcoming concert at 11 a.m., and the Stanly County Concert Band closes out the performance schedule at 1 p.m. Lobby performances include the West Stanly Players, Music on Main’s Bunch of Mis ts Band, Oakboro School of Music and Music on Main’s Songbirds. For the third year, the event will feature a local author showcase. With the assistance of Mary Stokes of Whatsit Books, nine local authors will have table displays and o er readings on the quarter-hour from 9:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Pamela Rutherford, Rickey Smith and Jake Thomas.

Artists exhibiting and demonstrating their work in the lobby include Mary Ann Gantt of Thistle Pottery, woodworker David Arey of A&A Artisans, Vicki Galloway, Rebekah Crisco Pottery and Painting Studio and members of the Stanly Arts Guild. New exhibitors this year include The Art Place, an art studio and event space in downtown Albemarle, and Clefnote Music Group, a recording studio in Albemarle. Three Rivers Quilt Guild will also join the event for the rst time.

The Creation Station, sponsored by Atrium Health and T.R. Lawing Realty, returns with supplies and assistance for children to create their own art to take home.

An awards ceremony begins at 1:45 p.m. in the auditorium. The Arts Council will recognize Janet Borchardt, recipient of the Region 12 Artist Support Grant for 2026, and music teacher Jordan Owen, recipient of a N.C. Arts Council grant. Winners of the state-sponsored America 250 NC Fourth Grade County Flag Contest and the America 250 NC Stanly County Banner Contest will also be announced. The ceremony concludes with the Fine Arts Educator of the Year and Arts Person of the Year awards.

The Stanly County Arts Council will host the eight Saturday, March 21st, from 9 am – 2 pm at the Stanly County Albemarle The Celebration of the ARTS! is a free event of the Arts in Stanly County with live performances, information and art-based businesses, art demonstrations, an exhibition schools, elementary through high school and Stanly Community opportunity to purchase art from local artists. Creation their own art to take home.

Participating authors include Bridgette “BPoetic” Alston, Ashley Armstrong, Dion Brooks, O’Dena Ford, Ruth Moose, Avarisse Peterson,

Three food trucks — WAB #13, TacoLand and Make Mia Cake — will be available throughout the day. Ra e tickets will be available to win concert tickets, artwork, gift certi cates and other prizes, with proceeds bene ting the Arts Council.

The Stanly News Journal is a sponsor of the Celebration of the ARTS.

Feds move to dismiss charges against Army veteran who burned American ag near White House

The Army veteran’s case highlights First Amendment protections for ag burning

ARTS from page A1

of their student art. All the arts organizations and artsbased businesses have information booths sharing their upcoming performances plus information on how to become involved.”

Highlighting the musical, dance and theater portions of the event, performers will include the Stanly County Concert Band, Stanly County Chorale, Stanly

County Indoor Percussion, Endy Voices, West Stanly Players, Oakboro School of Music, Melissa Kathleen’s School of Dance and multiple groups representing Music on Main. The event will also feature talks and readings from several authors, including Ricky Smith, Ashley N. Armstrong, Ruth Moose, Avarisse Peterson, Dion Brooks, Pamela Rutherford, Bridgette Alston and O’Dena Ford. Many of the authors will

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has moved to dismiss charges against a North Carolina Army veteran who set re to an American ag near the White House last year to protest President Donald Trump’s executive order on ag burning.

Jay Carey, 55, of Arden in Buncombe County, who has said he served in the Army from 1989 to 2012 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, was arrested on Aug. 25 after he set re to a ag in Lafayette Park, which the National Park Service oversees. Earlier that day, Trump signed an executive order requiring the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute people for burning the American ag. Carey was charged with two misdemeanors that aren’t focused on the act of burning a ag: igniting a re in an un-

be available for meet and greets throughout the day. A variety of artisans will demonstrate their crafts through woodcarving, face painting, woodturning, quilting and thistle pottery. Attendees will also be able to participate in a creation station where they can create their own artwork to take home. Activities will include color exploration, watercolor techniques, patriotic ornaments and jingle bell crafts.

Kelly Dombrowski, chairman of the Stanly County to invite the community and area businesses out to the such an exciting event for everyone who attends and enjoys artist community. As a principal, I especially enjoy seeing families look for their chosen artwork displayed throughout students and their families as they celebrate their art or “The Constitution still matters.” Jay Carey, Army Veteran

designated area and lighting a re causing damage to property or park resources. He pleaded not guilty in September. Friday’s ling did not explain the decision to move to dismiss and the U.S Attorney’s o ce for the District of Columbia did not immediately respond on Saturday to an email seeking comment.

The Supreme Court has ruled that ag burning is a legitimate political expression protected by the Constitution. Trump’s order asserted that burning a ag can be prosecuted if it “is likely to incite imminent lawless action” or amounts to “ ghting words.”

“I set out to demonstrate that the First Amendment is sacred and that no administration has the right to supersede our constitutional rights,” Carey said in a statement from the Partnership for Civil Jus-

An awards ceremony is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. to recognize individuals who have excelled in the arts and made an impact on the local community.

The 2026 North Carolina Arts Council Grant and Artist Support Grant recipients, Jordan Owens and Janet Borchardt, will be recognized prior to the announcement of the 2026 Arts Person of the Year and Fine Arts Teacher of the Year winners. This year’s ceremony will also

tice Fund. “I was targeted for federal prosecution because of that. I am glad to stand with all those who are ghting for our fundamental rights and hope that this victory can help the next person who takes a stand.”

It shows people that “the Constitution still matters,” Carey said when reached by telephone on Saturday.

Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, one of Carey’s lawyers and fund co-founder, said the prosecution shouldn’t have been brought.

“The government’s attempt to criminally punish a protestor based on expressive conduct targeted for prosecution by presidential order posed a grave threat to First Amendment freedoms,” Verheyden-Hilliard said in a statement. “The government’s about-face is a critical vindication of those rights. This case also lays the groundwork for defending those across the country who are targeted for vindictive prosecution by the Trump Administration in an e ort to silence and punish viewpoints it doesn’t like.”

feature the recognition of winners from the America 250 NC fourth grade county ag and banner contest. Founded in 1974, the Stanly County Arts Council supports all art forms in the community with a mission of promoting cultural and educational activities in the arts. The council is supported by private donations, the North Carolina Arts Council and funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Smaller portions become big restaurant trend as customers watch budgets, waistlines

Diners

foucused on money

and

health are driving demand for less

By Dee-Ann Durbin

The Associated Press

THE BIGGEST NEW restaurant trend is small.

Special menus with petite, less expensive portions are popping up all over, from large chains like Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory to trendy urban eateries and farm-to-fork dining rooms.

Restaurants hope that o ering smaller servings beyond the children’s menu will meet many di erent diners’ needs. Some people want to spend less when they go out. Others are looking for healthier options or trying to lose weight. Younger consumers tend to snack more throughout the day and eat smaller meals, said Maeve Webster, the president of culinary consulting rm Menu Matters.

“These are really driven by, I think, changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not,” Webster said.

Looking for value

Beth Tipton, the co-owner of Daniel Girls Farmhouse Restaurant in Connersville, Indiana, introduced an eightitem Mini Meals menu last fall after several customers requested smaller portions. The menu, which includes daily specials like a half piece of meatloaf with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy for $8, now accounts for about 20% of the restaurant’s orders, she said.

Older adults make up about half of the restaurant’s clientele, Tipston said, and some customers told her the regular menu was a stretch for their budgets. As someone who underwent weight-loss surgery, she also knew from experience that many restaurants won’t allow

adults to order from their children’s menus.

“We wanted it to be available to all without the word ‘kids meals’ attached,” Tipton said. “With the rising costs all around us we wanted to help in any way we can, and this is a great option.”

Eating out and GLP-1s

Some restaurants are adding menus to court users of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Last fall, restaurateur Barry Gutin ran into two di erent friends who told him they were taking GLP-1s and struggling to nd restaurant meals that met their dietary needs and smaller appetites. GLP-1 users tend to eat less, so they need nutritionally dense foods that are low in fat and high in protein and ber. Gutin, the co-owner of Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida, reached

out to a doctor who specializes in weight loss and to Cuba Libre’s culinary director, Angel Roque. Over the next month, they developed the chain’s GLP-Wonderful menu, which is available during dinner.

The menu has ve classic Cuban options. Roque said the pollo asado on Cuba Libre’s regular menu has nearly 1,000 calories; on the GLP-1 menu, that’s slimmed down to 400 calories, but heavy on protein andber. He said it was also important to keep the GLP-1 meals avorful and colorful, to stimulate appetites.

“Many times when people are on those kind of regimes, they feel that they can’t do the same as everybody else. So we wanted to show them, yes, at Cuba Libre, you can,” Roque said.

Gutin said the menu has increased business. He estimated that 10 to 20 groups at each location every week have at least one person who requests the GLP-Wonderful menu.

“People say, ‘Thank you for serving us’,” Gutin said.

Big chains go small

Olive Garden, whose seven-item “Lighter Portions” menu rolled out nationwide in January, said GLP-1 users were one consideration. The Italian-style restaurant chain also wanted to appeal to patrons pursuing healthier diets or more a ordable meals, said Rick Cardenas, the president and CEO of Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants.

“There is a consumer group out there that believes in abundance, but abundance is di erent for everybody,” Cardenas said in September during a conference call with investors. “So consumers can choose. We’re not changing our entire menu to make it a smaller portion.”

The Asian fusion chain P.F. Chang’s began o ering medium-sized portions last fall.

The Cheesecake Factory added smaller, lower-priced Bites and Bowls to its menu last summer, while TGI Fridays recently began testing an “Eat Like A Kid” menu with smaller portions.

AWARD from page A1

highlighted the re department’s longstanding service to the city and the broader western Stanly County area.

“The West Stanly Fire Department has served Locust and the entire western Stanly County area with tremendous e ciency and skill since 2008 after the merging of the Locust and Rocky River Volunteer Fire Departments,” the statement said.

While re ghters respond to calls related to res and re alarm activations, the department also assists with a wide variety of other emergencies, including tra c crashes, missing persons cases, motorist assists and medical calls.

The police department add-

A long-term change

Smaller portions aren’t a new concept. Twenty years ago, small-plate tapas restaurants were all the rage, for instance.

But to Webster, the menu consultant, the scaled-down dishes appearing now feel like a longer-term shift. For one thing, the trend is not tied to any particular cuisine. Webster also thinks consumers are thinking more about food waste than they used to, and smaller portions can alleviate some of their concerns.

“I think it is a core need that consumers have, and a demand that has been lingering under the surface for a long time because restaurant meals, particularly at chains, have become so large,” she said. “Sure, it sounds great to take leftovers home, but they never taste as good.”

During a recent visit to Shelburne, Vermont, from his home in North Carolina, Jack Pless was delighted to see the Teeny Tuesday menu at Barkeaters Restaurant, which specializes in locally sourced food. Pless, who’s in his 60s and used to own a restaurant, said he can’t eat as much as he used to at meals.

“So many times you go out to restaurants, especially me or my wife, and we’ll take home a box and it’ll sit in the refrigerator for two, three days and start to grow a beard,” he said.

Julie Finestone, the co-owner of Barkeaters, said she introduced the Teeny Tuesday menu last month to bring in more weekday business during the winter. She was concerned about the cost of o ering lower-priced food options, like $12 reuben sliders, but said the decision has brought in more business than she expected.

Finestone said she’s pretty con dent Teeny Tuesday will become a year-round xture.

“Some people, it’s dietary. Some have smaller appetites. Some people don’t like to overindulge in the middle of the week,” Finestone said. “I think that it just spoke to people.”

ed that the re department plays a vital role in supporting local law enforcement in protecting the safety of the community.

As an example of the department’s work, the statement referenced a Nov. 8, 2025, incident in the 200 block of Kerri Dawn Lane in Locust, where re ghters were rst on scene to a residential structure re in a crowded subdivision.

Because of the department’s rapid response, a blaze that could have threatened numerous homes was subdued within six minutes of the initial dispatch and fully controlled 18 minutes later.

The Locust Police Department plans to announce its 2026 Citizen of the Year award next spring.

MINGSON LAU / AP PHOTO

Diners eat at Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia, on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Reba Starnes Bowers

May 29, 1938 –March 12, 2026

Reba Starnes Bowers, 87, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Trinity Place.

Her funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Union Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Jeremy Blake and Rev David Howard o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until 2:45 PM at the church prior to the service.

Mrs. Bowers was born May 29, 1938, in Stanly County, North Carolina, and was the daughter of the late Glenn Frederick Starnes and Sula Helms Starnes. She served the community as a Nursing Assistant at Stanly Memorial Hospital and later retired after many years of service working in Occupational Health with Wiscassett Mills. She was a faithful member of Union Grove Baptist Church.

Reba will be remembered by her family as a strong-willed, giving, and deeply loving woman who cherished her family above all else. She was a devoted

OBITUARIES

grandmother who found great joy in the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed tending to her garden, reading, and completing word search puzzles. She also loved shopping and listening to the old hymns “Beulah Land” and “Just As I Am.” One of her favorite scriptures was Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” a verse that re ected the faith that guided her life.

Reba also had a special place in her heart for animals, especially cats, and rarely turned away a stray that needed a home.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Edward Bowers, Sr.; sisters Nancy Privette and Frances Hudson; and brother Joel Starnes.

She is survived by her son, Paul Edward Bowers, Jr. of Albemarle; daughter, Amanda Bowers Thompson and husband Todd of Albemarle; siblings Ellen Smith of Concord, James Starnes of Albemarle, and Doris Huneycutt of Albemarle; ve grandchildren Hilary Almond (Jeremy), Heather Amaral (Jim), Peyton Bowers (Aylissa), Alex Thompson, Erin DeMarco (Ben); and seven great-grandchildren, Austyn, Collyns, Sellah, Letty, Aubrey, Evelyn, and Roselie. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

Memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care at https://www. tillerycompassionatecare.org or to Union Grove Baptist Church, 20514 NC 138 Hwy, Albemarle, NC 28001.

RAY EDWARD MESIMER

DEC. 13, 1953 – MARCH 14, 2006

Ray Edward Mesimer, 72, of Norwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Tucker Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County.

No formal services will be held at this time.

Ray was born on December 13, 1953, in Newport News, Virginia, to the late Bobby and Loretha Mesimer. He is survived by his siblings, Wanda Mesimer of Albemarle, Bobbie Hatley of Albemarle, and Michael Mesimer of Norwood.

He is also survived by his nieces, Carrie Hatley, Taylor Burleson (Sean), and Leeann Mesimer; and his great-nieces and nephew, Naylen Hetland, June Lee Burleson, and Indy Mae Burleson, all of whom will cherish his memory.

Ray was an independent man who lived a simple life and found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the sta of Tucker Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County for the compassionate care and support shown to Ray during his declining health.

EVELYN JEANETTE DRYE

MARCH 31, 1942 – MARCH 15, 2026

Evelyn Jeanette Drye, 83, of New London, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Salem Methodist Church, o ciated by Pastor Neill Shaw. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.

Evelyn was born March 31, 1942, in Stanly County to the late Frank and Lucille Ussery.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Otha Floyd “Jackie” Drye. She also leaves behind her children, Rocky Drye (Andrea) and David Drye (Elaine); grandchildren, Heather Strickland (Terry), Jamie Clark (Michelle), Bradley Clark, and David Drye (Nicole); and great-grandchildren, Riley Clark, Jasper Drye, Andrew Drye, Kendall Clark, and River Clark. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Chandler, and her brother, Lonnie Ussery (Diane).

In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her daughter, Connie Drye, and her brother, Brant Ussery. She was the oldest of four siblings.

Evelyn loved the Lord and was deeply devoted to her family. She found joy in serving others and had a kind and generous spirit. She enjoyed gardening, housekeeping, traveling, and the simple pleasures of everyday life. Evelyn was a talented beautician who owned and operated her own business, Kut & Kurl, and later served her community by driving a school bus for 14 years and working as a substitute teacher. Above all, she cherished her role as a homemaker and caring for her family. She truly had a servant’s heart and lived her life striving to follow the example of her Savior.

Evelyn was loved by many and will be dearly missed until the day her family meets her again.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to their many family members and friends, as well as the sta of Cabarrus County Hospice, for the compassionate care and support shown to Evelyn during her declining health.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Salem Methodist Church Food Pantry, 20987 NC 73 Highway, Albemarle, NC 28001.

LEONARD EUGENE SWARINGEN

MARCH 8, 1949 – MARCH 10, 2026

Leonard Eugene Swaringen, age 77, of Norwood, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at home.

Born on March 8, 1949, in Norwood, North Carolina, Leonard was the beloved son of Thomas Swaringen Sr. and Elizabeth (Gibson) Swaringen.

Leonard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose greatest joy in life was the time he spent with his family. He shared a loving marriage of 35 years with his wife Cathy and together they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and strong values. A true southern gentleman, Leonard was known for his warm heart, steady character, and wonderful sense of humor. He had a natural ability to make those around him smile and always found joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Leonard loved the outdoors and found great happiness spending time hunting, shing, gardening, traveling to “the beach.” Whether enjoying nature, telling stories, or sharing a laugh, he cherished every moment with the people he loved.

He retired from Stanly Fixtures of Aquadale, North Carolina after 25+ years. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team at Tillery Compassionate Care (Hospice) of Stanly County for their compassion, professionalism, and support during Leonard’s nal days.

He is survived by his loving wife Cathy; his children, Erica Frick (Billy), Marty Swaringen (Jessica); Michael Gabbard, Joey Ridenhour (Jamie), and Cheryl Kimrey; his grandchildren, Taylor Eudy (Garrett), Chase Frick (Zoe), Shaye Win eld, Harrison Swaringen, Jessica Palmer (Chris), Kristen Bennett, Hailee Gabbard, Michael Gabbard, Kaleb Ridenhour (Brittany), Krista Corriher (Alex), Tyler Kimrey; and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Robert (Bob) Swaringen (Helen Carnelle) and William (Bill) Swaringen.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Elizabeth (Phronie) Swaringen, brothers Thomas Jr. and Cli ord, and sisters Annie (Biles) and Helen (Wagner). Several nieces and nephews.

Leonard Swaringen will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“We are not step, we are not half, we are just family.”

BETTY PETERSON DAVENPORT

MARCH 31, 1950 – MARCH 12, 2026

Betty Peterson Davenport, 75, of Albemarle, peacefully passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel, o ciated by Pastor Ron Lo in. There will be no formal visitation.

Betty was born on March 31, 1950, in Mecklenburg County to the late John and Pauline Peterson.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Sabrina Pearson (Carl), and her son, Jason Davenport; grandchildren, Chance Morgan (Hannah), Sophia Stoehrer (Rob), Ariel Stoehrer, Jacob Pearson, and Camilla Stitt; and her great-grandchild, Arya.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, William Peterson, Jerry Peterson, Trudy Peterson and Michael Peterson.

Betty was a devoted mother and grandmother who adored her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved trips to the beach, enjoyed spending time socializing with friends, and had a special love for oldies music. One of her favorite things was singing along to the classic song “My Girl,” which always brought a smile to her face.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Sandra and all the volunteers at Care Café for the compassion, care, and support shown to Betty during her declining health.

Memorials may be made to Care Café, P.O. Box 1022, Albemarle, NC 28001, in Betty’s honor.

LINDA RAYFIELD HOOVEN

SEPT. 20, 1945 – MARCH 13, 2026

Linda Ray eld Hooven, 80, of Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, went home to be with her Lord on March 13, 2026. She was born September 20, 1945, to Bradley Jerone Ray eld and Nell Holland Ray eld in WinstonSalem, NC.

Linda’s funeral service will be held on March 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Parkview Primitive Baptist Church, 3209 Ridgewood Road, Winston-Salem, NC. Burial will follow at Saints Delight Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, located on Saints Delight Church Road, Kernersville, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30-2 p.m. at the church.

Linda lived a life marked by faith and devotion to her Lord and her family.

Linda worked as a legal secretary at R.J. Reynolds but retired early to support her husband in his ministry as a Primitive Baptist Elder and to invest her time and love in their growing family, especially her nine grandchildren.

For 63 years, Linda was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Elder E.W. Hooven, Jr. As a pastor’s wife, she faithfully served the Lord alongside him. They were blessed to travel to many churches to ll preaching appointments. She opened her home to visiting pastors, church members, and family. Everyone always felt welcomed in her home and never left hungry; she was an amazing cook.

Linda found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. She was an avid sherwoman, a servant to others in need, and happiest when her family was gathered together, especially during the cherished tradition of Thanksgiving at the beach. She loved to clog and delighted in doing the family “Bu La Ha” march with her three children, moments that became treasured family memories.

Linda is survived by her husband of 63 years, Elder E.W. Hooven Jr.; her three blessed children, Elder Dwayne Hooven (Laura), Gina Bennett (Paul), and Elder Branan Hooven (Tammy); nine grandchildren: Katie Clark (Philip), Marcie Sussi (Lauren), Taylor Hooven (Elizabeth), John Hooven (Taylor Lin), Peyton Hooven, Joshua Hooven (Riley Grace), James Hooven (Whitney), Rebecca Semadeni (Jonathan), and Levi Hooven; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her three siblings: Jenell Hart, Don Ray eld, and Tommy Ray eld.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Tillery Compassionate Care for the wonderful care they provided during Linda’s nal months. They would also like to give special thanks to Angell Culp, Linda’s primary caregiver, whose friendship, companionship, and kindness made a remarkable di erence in Linda’s quality of life during her nal year. Her family will be forever grateful.

In lieu of owers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to: Tillery Compassionate Care (960 N. 1st St., Albemarle, NC 28001) or Parkview Primitive Baptist Church (3209 Ridgewood Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107).

LONDA (KAY) CHANCE ALDRIDGE

NOV. 29, 1943 – MARCH 14, 2026

Londa (Kay) Chance Aldridge, 82, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Stanly Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Christian Swing o ciating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, prior to the service, from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.

Londa was born on November 29, 1943, in Stanly County to the late Henry and Hazel Chance. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Andrews (Lenny) of Asheboro and Cathy Lanier (Wayne) of Albemarle; grandchildren, Katie Lanier (Timothy Carter), Jonathan Lanier, and Emily Lanier; her sister, Jeanette Pickler; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, C. Richard Aldridge, in 2004, and her siblings, Nancy, Louise, Kent, and Eddie.

Londa was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed simple pleasures in life, such as visiting the library with her sister, watching her favorite sitcoms, and sharing a good cup of co ee. She had a special love for animals and adored her canine companion, Peanut. To her daughters, she was their hero; sel ess, caring, and always putting the needs of others before her own. Family gatherings, especially during the holidays, were among the moments she treasured most.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Betty Dennis and the sta of Tillery Compassionate Care for the compassionate care and support shown to Londa during her declining health.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@stanlynewsjournal.com

STANLY SPORTS

West Stanly baseball crushes

South Stanly 16-1 to stay unbeaten

The Colts are 5-0 to begin the season

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

NORWOOD — The West Stanly baseball team notched its fth win of the 2026 season in commanding fashion Saturday, delivering a 16-1 victory over South Stanly in Norwood.

The Colts (5-0), the 2025 2A Western Regional runners-up, are o to a strong start as they chase their fourth consecutive Rocky River Conference title. They’ve outscored their ve opponents by a margin of 52-8 so far.

Last season, West Stanly nished with a 23-8 record after posting a perfect 10-0 league mark.

With the 15-run loss on their home eld, the Rowdy Rebel Bulls fell to 2-5 as they dropped their fourth matchup in a row. They nished third in the Yadkin Valley Conference (6-4) in 2025, putting together a 21-7 overall record.

The West Stanly Colts are 5-0 through their rst stretch of the 2026 season.

As conference play begins across Stanly County, West Stanly hosted Anson on Tuesday and will host East Rowan on Wednesday before challenging Anson in a road rematch Friday.

South Stanly played at Gray Stone on Tuesday and will host the Charlotte Stampede on

Wednesday before heading to Misenheimer to square o with the Knights again Friday.

West Rowan 7, North Stanly 3

After back-to-back victories, the North Stanly Comets (3-2) fell 7-3 to the West Row-

an Falcons (7-1) in New London on Friday. The Comets led the game 2-0 entering the fth inning before the Falcons tied the game and then added ve more runs in the sixth.

As the reigning YVC champs coming o a 26-2 (10-0 conference) season, the Comets have already tied their loss total

Pfei er softball approaches conference play aiming to defend USA South title

The Falcons are 13-7 through 20 games

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — With conference play set to begin this weekend, Pfei er’s softball team is looking to continue its hold on the USA South Athletic Conference as the Falcons pursue a fourth consecutive league title. The squad entered last weekend riding a nine-game winning streak but ran into tough competition at the Eagles Elite Invitational in Atlan-

ta, Georgia, where the Falcons dropped three of four games. Pfei er (13-7) lost twice to the No. 13 Emory Eagles (10 - 8) and split a pair of matchups with the Lewis & Clark River Otters (7-7).

In Friday’s opening game, Pfei er was shut out 2-0 by Emory as the Eagles scored runs in the rst and fth innings. The Falcons struggled to generate o ense throughout the contest, never advancing a runner beyond rst base. Later Friday afternoon, Pfei er again came up short in a tight game, falling 2-1 to Lewis & Clark after surrendering two runs in the seventh

9

Nonconference winning streak by Pfei er before losing last weekend

inning. Junior center elder Landry Stewart led the Falcons at the plate with two hits and two stolen bases.

The Falcons responded Saturday morning with a comeback victory in a rematch with Lewis & Clark. Trailing 3-0 entering the sixth inning and

3-1 heading into the seventh, Pfei er erupted for four runs on four hits to secure a 5-3 win.

Sophomore second baseman Natalie Auman sparked the rally with a run-scoring triple to cut the de cit. Sophomore catcher Kirstyn Herman followed with a two-RBI single that gave Pfei er the lead, and freshman pinch hitter Kylah Shi ett added a sacri ce y to cap the four-run frame and secure the comeback.

In the series nale on Saturday afternoon, Pfei er again faced Emory but fell 9-5 in a high-scoring contest.

The Falcons opened the game with a four-run rst in-

from 2025. North Stanly hosted Union Academy on Tuesday and will travel to face the Cardinals again on Friday.

Gray Stone 8, South Davidson 0

The Gray Stone Knights (2-1), who are hoping to improve on last season’s 7-13 (2-8 YVC) campaign, took a step in the right direction March 6 when they won 8-0 at South Davidson (2-4). It marked Gray Stone’s rst shutout win since 2022. Following an 11-day break, the Knights hosted South Stanly on Tuesday before hitting the road to Monroe to challenge CATA on Thursday. The Knights and Bulls will meet again on Friday.

Forest Hills 17, Albemarle 3

In a 17-3 home loss to the Forest Hills Yellow Jackets (2-3), the Albemarle Bulldogs (0-2) were blown out in their second game of the 2026 season. The Bulldogs were 1-15 last year and are still in search of their rst conference win since the 2019 campaign.

Albemarle played at North Rowan on Tuesday and will host the Cavaliers on Friday, with YVC play awaiting on March 27 with a doubleheader at North Stanly.

ning, highlighted by junior left elder Brooke Piper’s three -run home run. Emory quickly answered in the bottom half of the inning, erupting for seven runs in its rst at-bat and maintaining control for the remainder of the game.

Despite the challenging weekend, Pfei er enters conference play with momentum from its strong start to the season.

The Falcons will open USA South action Saturday with a road doubleheader against N.C. Wesleyan in Rocky Mount before traveling to Greensboro on Tuesday for a doubleheader against Guilford.

Last season, Pfei er nished 37-9 overall and posted a perfect 18-0 record in conference play. After winning another USA South tournament title, the Falcons advanced to the regional championship round of the 62-team NCAA Division III Softball Tournament.

COURTESY WEST STANLY ATHLETICS

Pfei er’s Landry Stewart winds back and prepares to make a throw to rst base.

Formula 1 calls o April races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia due to Iran war

Shanghai Formula 1 and its governing body, the FIA, say the Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not be held in April on safety grounds related to the Iran war. Both countries have been struck during Iran’s response to United States and Israeli attacks. F1 was due to race in Bahrain on April 12 and in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on April 19. F1 did not say the races were canceled or postponed, just that they won’t happen in April and replacement events have not been scheduled.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Cincinnati ring men’s

basketball coach Miller

Cincinnati

Wes Miller will not be back as the University of Cincinnati’s men’s basketball coach. Cincinnati and Miller are reportedly negotiating an equitable buyout. Miller has three years remaining on his contract, but he’s owed $9.9 million if the ring happens before March 31. It drops to $4.69 million if the termination happens after April 1. Miller went 100-74 in ve seasons, including 18-15 this year and did not reach the NCAA Tournament. Miller won an NCAA title as a UNC player and coached UNC Greensboro before leaving for Cincinnati.

NHL

Maple Leafs star Matthews out for season with torn MCL after knee from Gudas

Toronto Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee and will miss the rest of the season. Matthews was ruled out a little under 24 hours after being knocked out of last Thursday’s game against Anaheim on a knee- on-knee hit from Anaheim defenseman Radko Gudas. The Leafs said Matthews has a Grade 3 MCL tear and a bruised quadriceps muscle and would be evaluated again in two weeks. Gudas was suspended for ve games.

NBA Gilgeous-Alexander breaks Chamberlain’s record with 20 points in 127th straight game

Oklahoma City Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive games with 20 points or more, extending his streak to 127. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard drilled a jumper over Baylor Scheierman from beyond the free-throw line last Thursday with 7:04 left in the period to push his total to 21. Chamberlain’s record had stood since 1963. Gilgeous-Alexander nished with 35 points and nine assists as the Thunder beat the Celtics 104-102.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Big 12 ditched slippery glass oor for hardwood for rest of conference tournament

Kansas City, Mo.

The Big 12 Conference tournament ditched its slippery new glass oor for a hardwood court for the nal two days. “After consultation with the coaches of our four semi nal teams, I have decided that in order to provide our student-athletes with the greatest level of comfort on a huge stage this weekend, we will transition to a hardwood court for the remainder of the tournament,” Commissioner Brett Yormark said. The ASB GlassFloor surface was used at the NBA All-Star Game. Numerous players have slipped when trying to plant, including Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson, who strained a muscle.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlynewsjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

The win ends a tumultuous o season

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Denny Hamlin returned to Victory Lane at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for his rst win since he lost the Cup Series championship four months ago, and rst since the death of his father in a December house re.

“I knew it took a few weeks to feel like driving,” Hamlin said after his 61st career victory. “Over the last couple weeks, I de nitely regained my love of it, got refocused. These are great opportunities for us.”

Hamlin’s 60th career victory was at Las Vegas last October, a win he dedicated to his father as it locked Hamlin into the Cuper Series’ championship-deciding nale. His father was in poor health and Hamlin went into the race knowing it was probably hisnal chance to win a championship while Dennis Hamlin was still alive.

Then Hamlin dominated last year’s title-decider at Phoenix Raceway, but the wrong call on the nal pit stop cost him the Cup championship that has eluded the three -time Daytona 500 winner.

What followed was an emotional rollercoaster: Hamlin, as co-owner of 23XI Racing, was part of the winning team in a federal lawsuit against NASCAR last December. Weeks later, his father was killed in a re that destroyed the home Hamlin purchased to thank his parents for getting him into NASCAR.

He returned for the start of his 21st season and went to Victory Lane as an owner with

Tyler Reddick when the 23XI Racing driver won the Daytona 500 and then set a Cup Series record by winning the rst three races of the year.

Most of the attention went to 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan as Reddick won Daytona, Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas.

Hamlin did his part at Las Vegas to put himself back in the spotlight.

“It is just so satisfying, so gratifying. You just never know what can happen year over year if you still have it or not,” said Hamlin. “I wasn’t totally locked in for the rst few weeks. We’ve just been hitting our stride now. This is our bread and butter, these are the tracks that we know we can go win, and we executed. This is a team win. The team did it.”

The 45-year-old Virginia driver overcome an early speeding penalty and drove from 31st through the eld in a fairly dominating win for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. He led a race-high 134 laps.

Hamlin was joined by hisancee and their three children as he collected the checkered ag, and he was sure his father was smiling somewhere.

“This is a family sport. My family obviously had so much sacri ce to help me get here,” said Hamlin. “Now that I’ve grown, generations of Hamlins following me, it’s great Mom gets to see this. I know Dad’s still saying, ‘That’s my boy.’ Hell of a day.”

Team owner Joe Gibbs’ praised Hamlin’s resilience.

“He’s been through a lot. Denny seems to have the ability to continue to work through things,” said Gibbs. “Has a way of just really still being very competitive. I appreciate him so much. We’re riding Denny

for about 20 years. It’s been an awful good trip for us.”

Toyota has won four of the rst ve races.

Hendrick Motorsports

teammates Chase Elliott and William Byron nished second and third in Chevrolets; JGR drivers Christopher Bell and Ty Gibbs were fourth and fth to give JGR three cars in the top - ve.

“It makes my job really easy when I can drive Toyotas that fast,” Hamlin said.

Gibbs on a roll

It was the third consecutive top- ve nish for Gibbs, who is a central gure in a federal lawsuit led by JGR against former competition director Chris Gabehart. The two sides are back in court in North Carolina on Monday as JGR seeks a restraining order to stop Gabehart for working for rival Spire Motorsports.

“Just don’t want to be in court,” said team owner Gibbs. “But we’re going to be there. I think it’s important for us to follow through with this.”

Gabehart has said his time at JGR became untenable in part because of preferential treatment toward Gibbs, who is the grandson of the team owner.

JGR alleges Gabehart stole proprietary information before he left the team, and had a noncompete clause that prevents him from joining another team. Gabehart claims JGR stopped paying him in November and the role he now has with Spire is completely di erent from what he did for Gibbs.

Gabehart was at the track Sunday with Spire, which at Las Vegas had its trucks parked next to the JGR trucks.

Stanly News Journal sta BASEBALL

SOUTH STANLY (2-5)

• Lost vs. East Davidson 11-10

• Lost at Parkwood 10-9

• Lost vs. West Stanly 16-1

This week’s schedule

• Mar. 17 at Gray Stone Day

• Mar. 18 vs. Charlotte Stampede

• Mar. 20 vs. Gray Stone Day

WEST STANLY (5-0)

• Won vs. Carson 10-0

• Won at South Stanly 16-1

This week’s schedule

• Mar. 17 vs. Anson

• Mar. 18 vs. East Rowan

• Mar. 20 at Anson

• Mar. 21 vs. West Rowan

NORTH STANLY (3-2)

• Won at Oak Grove 7-3

• Lost vs. West Rowan 7-3

Upcoming schedule

• Mar. 17 vs. Union Academy

• Mar. 20 at Union Academy

ALBEMARLE (0-2)

• Lost vs. Forest Hills 17-3

Upcoming schedule

• Mar. 17 at North Rowan

• Mar. 20 vs. North Rowan

GRAY STONE DAY (2-1)

• No games last week

Upcoming schedule

• Mar. 17 vs. South Stanly

• Mar. 19 at Central Academy

• Mar. 20 at South Stanly

SOFTBALL

SOUTH STANLY (6-0)

• Won vs. Richmond 16-0

• Won vs. Anson 17-5

This week’s schedule

• Mar. 17 at Gray Stone Day

• Mar. 18 at Richmond

• Mar. 20 vs. Gray Stone Day

WEST STANLY (5-1)

• Won vs. Anson 20-5

• Lost at North Davidson 1-0

Upcoming schedule

• Mar. 17 vs. Monroe

• Mar. 18 at South Iredell

• Mar. 20 at Anson

North Stanly (1-4)

• Lost at Oak Grove 11-5

• Won at West Davidson 4-2

Upcoming schedule

Mar. 17 vs. Union Academy Mar. 20 at Union Academy

Albemarle (0-1)

• Lost vs. Monroe 15-7

• Upcoming schedule

• Mar. 20 vs. North Rowan

Gray Stone Day (2-2)

• Won at Queen’s Grant 6-5

• Lost vs. Central Academy 5-0

Upcoming schedule

• Mar. 17 vs. South Stanly

• Mar. 20 at South Stanly

GIRLS’ SOCCER

SOUTH STANLY (1-1)

• Won vs. Anson 2-1

Upcoming schedule

• Mar. 20 vs. Parkwood

• Mar. 23 at Albemarle

WEST STANLY (4-0)

• Won at Piedmont 2-1

• Won vs. East Rowan 10-1

Upcoming schedule

• Mar. 17 at Parkwood

• Mar. 19 vs. Monroe

• Mar. 23 at South Rowan

NORTH STANLY (0-6-1)

• Lost at South Davidson 2-1

• Lost vs. Anson 7-6

Upcoming schedule

• Mar. 17 vs. Gray Stone Day

• Mar. 23 vs. Union Academy

ALBEMARLE (0-2)

• No games last week

Upcoming schedule

• Mar. 18 vs. South Davidson

• Mar. 23 vs. South Stanly

GRAY STONE DAY (1-3)

• Won vs. Montgomery 4-2

• Lost at East Davidson 1-0

Upcoming schedule

• Mar. 17 at North Stanly

• Mar. 23 vs. North Rowan

STEVE MARCUS / AP PHOTO

Denny Hamlin performs a burnout after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

sales, at 11:00 AM on March 25, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Norwood in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain parcel of land in E. Center Township, Stanley County, State of North Carolina, as more fully described in Book 642, Page 621, ID#47277, being known and designated as Lot 724, fth addition to Tillery Beach Subdivision, led in Plat Book 1, Page 219. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1050 Berry Hill Drive, Norwood, North Carolina. By fee simple Deed from Robert Lee Gallimore, Sr. and wife, Patricia W. Gallimore as set forth in Book 642, Page 621, dated 9-22-1997 and recorded 9-22-

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NOTICES

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000102-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Co-Administrator of the estate of Johnny David Gill deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Johnny David Gill to present them to the undersigned on or before June 6, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 4th day of March 2026. Maddison G. Puckett 5687 Anchor Drive Granite Falls, NC 28630 Co-Administrator Matthew D. Gill 32455 Charlie Road Albemarle, NC 28001 Co-Administrator

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NOTICES

NOTICE

The Town Council of the Town of Norwood has received an o er to purchase the following property for the sum of $130,000.

6.34 +or- acres of land, located on Pee Dee Ave; referenced by Tax ID 656401369398 Any person may submit a sealed upset bid to the Town Clerk at 212 S. Main St/ PO Box 697, Norwood by 11:00 am on Monday, March 30, 2026. The person making the bid must deposit with the town a sum equal to ve percent (5%) of his or her o er in cash, check, or certi ed check. Once a qualifying bid has been received, that bid will become the new o er. If a qualifying upset bid is received, the new o er will be advertised and the process continued until a ten (10) day period has passed without receipt of a qualifying upset bid. To qualify as an upset bid, the o er must be at least $137,450 and must be accompanied by a bid deposit equal to 5% of the increased bid. Inquiries regarding the sale may be directed to the Town of Norwood at 704474-3416. This notice is published in accordance with G.S. 160a-269.

97, Stanly County Records, State of North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation 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. § 4521.29 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 e ective 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

https://sales.hutchenslaw rm.com Firm Case No: 28369 - 145077

NOTICE STANLY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given a public hearing will be held by the Stanly County Board of Commissioners pursuant to N.C.G.S. 158-7.1 on Monday, April 6 at 6:00pm or shortly thereafter in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room, Stanly Commons located at 1000 N. First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina. The purpose of the public hearing is to invite public comment on a proposed incentive that will result in a ten (10) year, 75% economic development agreement between Stanly County and an existing manufacturer in the Town of Norwood expanding manufacturing operations in Stanly County, North Carolina. The grant will aid and encourage new taxable investment and quality job creation within Stanly County. The company will invest an estimated $30.1 million and create thirty (30) new jobs over the next ve (5) years. The incentive agreement will be funded with General Fund revenues. Stanly County will recover the cost from new tax revenue, and the public will bene t from the additional property, business and sales tax revenue, stimulation of the overall economy and expanded employment opportunities in Stanly County. All interested persons are invited to attend this hearing. Persons needing special assistance or non-English speaking persons should contact the Clerk’s o ce at (704) 9863600 at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000100-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Edna C. Earnhardt deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Edna C. Earnhardt to present them to the undersigned on or before June 6, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 4th day of March 2026. David K. Earnhardt 2401 Hobart Court Charlotte, NC 28209

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000106-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Cathey Vanhoy Wilson deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Cathey Vanhoy Wilson to present them to the undersigned on or before June 13, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 11th day of March 2026. Robert Osteen 31693 Ameron Circle Albemarle, NC 28001 Executor

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000088-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Mae Ward Brooks deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Mae Ward Brooks to present them to the undersigned on or before May 27, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 25h day of February 2026. Roy Washington Brooks, Jr. 8300 Talley Road Stan eld, North Carolina 28163 Executor

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000094-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Mary A. Nastase deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Mary A. Nastase to present them to the undersigned on or before June 13, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 11th day of March 2026. Robert T. Nastase 2310 Cabe Road Clover, SC 29710 Executor

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000036-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administratrix of the estate of Dennis Ray Aldridge deceased, of

BTS, Crimson Desert, new ‘Peaky

Blinders’

movie, ‘Imperfect Women,’ ‘Is This Thing On?’

Luke Combs drops his new album, “The Way I Am”

The Associated Press

ELISABETH MOSS, Kerry Washington and Kate Mara teaming up to star in a new psychological thriller for Apple TV called “Imperfect Women” and fresh music from both BTS and Luke Combs are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: A new “Peaky Blinders” movie called “The Immortal Man,” spring’s buzziest video game, the ambitious role-playing adventure Crimson Desert, and Bradley Cooper directs Will Arnett and Laura Dern in his third feature, “Is This Thing On?”

MOVIES TO STREAM

Get your best Birmingham accent ready because Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby is back in the new “Peaky Blinders” movie, “The Immortal Man,” which will be on Net ix as of Friday. Series creator Steven Knight wrote the script, and Tom Harper directed the lm in a cast that includes Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan. The six seasons of the show are also available on Net ix for rewatches and catching up.

Cooper directs Arnett and Dern in his third feature, “Is This Thing On?” about a man going through a divorce who turns to stand-up comedy. It’s loosely based on the story of Manchester comedian Joseph Bishop. In her review for The Associated Press, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that it is “a deeply felt lm about one teetering marriage, and a work whose power sneaks up on you slowly.” It’ll be on Hulu on Friday.

“Wicked: For Good,” the epic conclusion to Jon M. Chu’s two - lm adaptation, will nally be streaming on Peacock on Friday. Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Je Goldblum and more are all on hand for the decidedly darker second half, which was less well received than the rst but still surprised

when it received zero Oscar nominations. In his review, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote “’Wicked: For Good,’ rather than conjuring Oz anew, always feels like it’s jumping from one set piece to another. Maybe this is a silly gripe for a fantasyland. (‘I don’t have any idea where the o ces of the Lollipop Guild are!’) But I rarely found myself lifted into a movie world, but rather sat watching it — sometimes with admiration, rarely with delight — from the mezzanine. The rub of going for maximum e ect all the time is that the actors never have a chance to simply be.”

MUSIC TO STREAM

Call it the most anticipated K-pop album of the year, or the biggest comeback: The mighty BTS return on Friday with “ARIRANG,” their rst full-length project since all seven members — RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY 25 SP _______ Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Nicholas Elwood, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $148,484.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., (“MERS”) as bene ciary, as nominee for CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, Mortgagee, dated January 19th, 2024 and recorded on January 19th, 2024 in Book 1842, Page 1621, Stanly County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of 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 o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Stanly County, North Carolina, at 10:00AM on March 26th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Lying and being in Stanly County, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being a 0.346 Acre parcel of property,

being a portion of that property described in Deed Book 812, Page 258, BEING all of Lots 118 and 120 of Map No. 2 of West End as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 125 and being shown on a survey by Dennis Land Surveying, Inc. dated November 29, 2001, entitled “Physical Survey of 1607 West Main Street for Donald Tompkins” and being located in the City of Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, more particularly described as follows: Commencing at a point in the centerline of the intersection of West Main Street and Maple Avenue, thence running S 83-15-50 E 29.80 feet to a found iron pipe on the Southeast right of way line of West Main Street, the Southwest corner of subject property and the Northwest corner of Lot 122 of Plat Book 1, Page 125, the point and place of BEGINNING; Thence from said point of BEGINNING, running with the right of way line of West Main Street N 34-09-00 E 98.07 feet to a found iron pipe on the right of way by a concrete drive, the common corner of subject property and the Southwest corner of Lot 116, Plat Book 1, Page 125; Thence with the line of Lot 116, S 56-45-20 E 150.06 feet to a found iron pipe by a block building, a common corner of subject property, Lot 116, Lot 117 of Plat Book 1, Page 125 and Lot 119 of Plat Book 1, Page 125; Thence turning and running with the Northwest line of Lot 119 and Lot 121 of Plat Book 1, Page 125, S 32-57-02 W 101.61 feet to a found iron pipe by a hedge bush, a common corner of subject property, Lot 121, Lot 123 of Plat Book 1, Page 125 and Lot

“Is This Thing On” is a deeply felt lm about one teetering marriage, and a work whose power sneaks up on you slowly.”

Jocelyn Noveck, AP Film Writer

— completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. Excitement couldn’t be higher for its loyal audience, called ARMY. Combs has big shoes to ll — his own. The country singer has become a full- on pop phenomenon, due in no small part to his ubiquitous cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” The question now is what comes next? It’s a simple answer: a new album, “The Way I Am,” out Friday. Singles “Be By You” and “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” have made for fast country radio hits; it’s only a matter of

122 of Plat Book 1, Page 125; Thence with the line of Lot 122, N 55-25-00 W 152.17 feet to a found iron pipe on the right of way of West Main Street, the point and place of BEGINNING, containing 0.346 acres, and being shown on a survey entitled “Physical Survey of 1607 West Main Street for Donald Tompkins”, dated November 29, 2001 as surveyed by Terry M. Dennis, Jr., PLS, of Dennis Land Surveying, Inc. For reference, see Deed recorded in Record Book 1835, Page 1404 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Stanly County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 1607 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 Tax ID: 653804738356 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of

time before the album becomes one of the genre’s biggest releases of the year.

SERIES TO STREAM

Moss, Washington and Mara star in a new psychological thriller for Apple TV called “ Imperfect Women.” The trio play longtime friends whose bond is fractured after a crime occurs. Moss and Washington are executive producers on the series which is based on a novel by Araminta Hall. The ensemble also includes Joel Kinnaman, Corey Stoll, Leslie Odom Jr., Sheryl Lee Ralph and Ana Ortiz. The rst two episodes of the eight-episode series are out now.

“The Lady “ is a new Britbox limited series ctionalizing the true story of Jane Andrews, a dresser for the former Duchess of York who ended up in prison for murdering her lover. The four-part series stars Mia McKenna-Bruce as Andrews

certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is Nicholas Elwood. PLEASE TAKE

and Natalie Dormer as Sarah Ferguson.

After the cringey, ingenious comedy “Jury Duty” debuted in 2023, many wondered how they could ever pull o another season. It followed Ronald, a man serving jury duty on what he believed was a real trial. Oh, and the trial was also being covered by a documentary crew. Thing is, everyone was an actor except Ronald. The unsuspecting protagonist of season two is Anthony, a new, temporary hire at a family-owned hot sauce business. The employees attend a company retreat and Anthony has no idea that his new colleagues are actors and all situations are preplanned. “Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat” is now streaming on Prime Video.

The popular long-running Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart” gets a prequel called “Hope Valley: 1874” for the streaming platform Hallmark+. Bethany Joy Lenz stars as Rebecca Clarke, a Chicago mother who takes her daughter to settle in the Canadian west and build a new life. When their wagon breaks down, she must accept help from a local rancher who is single. Jill Hennessy also stars. It premieres Saturday on Hallmark+.

Lisa Kudrow returns to HBO as B-list actor Valerie Cherish for a third and nal season of “ The Comeback. “ All three seasons of the show have been spaced a decade-ish apart and follow a woman navigating aging and staying relevant in showbiz and its ever-changing landscape. In the new episodes, Cherish lands a new TV series that is written by AI. The dark comedy streams Sunday on HBO Max.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY Baseball fans got an early treat this year with the World Baseball Classic, so it’s only appropriate that Team USA captain Aaron Judge is on the cover of MLB The Show 26. New features include “Bear Down Pitching” and “Big Zone Hitting” for high-stress moments — and you can now challenge balls and strikes! Play now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and Switch.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Will Arnett, left, and Laura Dern, right, star with Bradley Cooper in the lm “Is This Thing On?” streaming Friday on Hulu.

Solution to last week’s puzzle

Solution to this week’s puzzles

Out like a …

Ominous clouds and fast-moving storms moved through the Piedmont area over Interstate 73/74 on Monday in Seagrove.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Cuba’s latest blackout underscores deepening economic crisis; Rubio calls for new leadership

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is calling for “new people in charge” of Cuba as the Caribbean nation experienced its third islandwide blackout in four months. U.S. President Donald, who has called Cuba a “very weakened nation,” said on Monday he believes he’ll have the “honor of taking Cuba.” On Tuesday, Rubio — who is of Cuban heritage — said the current government is incapable of addressing the problems. The island’s government blames its woes on a U.S. energy blockade after Trump in January warned of tari s on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. The country’s aging grid has drastically eroded in recent years, leading to daily outages.

Trump postpones China trip to focus on Iran

President Donald Trump is delaying a diplomatic trip to China that was planned for months but began to unravel as he pressured Beijing and other world powers to form a military coalition to protect the vital Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Tuesday while meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval O ce that he would be going to China in ve or six weeks’ time instead of at the end of the month. Trump’s visit to China is seen as an opportunity to build on a fragile trade truce between the two superpowers, but it became tangled in his e ort to nd an endgame to his war in Iran.

$2.00

WSFCS shrinks plan for Ashley Elementary

The design changes will not a ect any instructional spaces

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — Winston-Salem/Forsyth County

Schools is once again adjusting the design for the new Ashley Elementary school.

At the WS/FCS Board of Educations’ March 17 meeting, the board was approached by district sta about a potential reduction in square footage for the project in order to bring costs back in line with

the funds that are currently available.

“These recommendations are for a reduction of square footage for Ashley Elementary to better align ourselvesnancially with what we have,” said Chief of Construction and Planning Darrell Walker. “We are not impacting the instructional space within the building. Most of these reductions are breakout spaces or some service-type related space.”

The reductions will see the total square footage of the project go from around 134,000 square feet to 113,000 square feet, which includes a 10,000 -square-foot mezza-

“We reduced it because of some of the cost issues, mainly.”

nine for enclosed mechanical systems.

“I know we need to build Ashley and I know that nances are an issue, but I am still concerned about wraparound service access,” said board member Sabrina Coone. According to Walker, the

capacity for the school will be 600 students, which is less than the 800 student capacity structure that was originally planned.

“We reduced it because of some of the cost issues mainly, but it does t into the ADM (average daily membership) concerns as well,” Walker said.

The motion passed 7-1, with board member Susan Miller the lone vote against.

“At 355 ADM — and it will probably go down again next year, that’s the pattern if you look at it — how do we justify a building at a capacity of 600 when we know starting out it will be at 50% and may continue going down?” Miller said.

The board also approved a, $85,000 preconstruction agreement with Balfour Beatty for the Ashley Elementary School project to provide an appropriate estimate and guaranteed maximum price.

The WSFCS Board of Education will next meet March 31.

State lawmakers rush to set rounding rules for when there are no pennies

As pennies vanish, states are split on how to handle rounding

By Hannah Fingerhut The Associated Press

MONTHS AFTER the last of the United States’ 1-cent coins were pressed, some states are beginning to o er their own 2 cents on the penny problem by setting rounding guidance for cash purchases. President Donald Trump announced early last year an end to penny production, saying it was wasteful. It cost 3.7 cents to make each 1-cent coin in 2024, according to the U.S. Mint. The move led to a shortage of pennies in cash registers last summer, forcing consumers and businesses to confront a penniless future in

which making exact change would be di cult.

The Treasury Department has said it will continue circulating the roughly 114 billion pennies that exist for “as long as possible.” Pennies must still be accepted as payment.

One solution to the penny problem is rounding to the nearest nickel, using a practice called symmetrical rounding.

If the nal price, after taxes, ends in one, two, six or seven cents, payment in cash rounds down. For example, $1.91 or $1.92 becomes $1.90. If the price ends in three, four, eight or nine, cash payment rounds up. For $1.98 or $1.99, the consumer pays $2.

A bill introduced last year in Congress and passed out of the House nancial services committee would apply symmetrical rounding across the country. U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) said in an email the federal law is important to prevent a “confusing patchwork of state policies.” The bill hasn’t been voted on in the House and would still need to move through the U.S. Senate before reaching Trump’s desk.

Some states are looking to what’s next

In the meantime, bills to deal with penniless cash transactions have passed both chambers and await the governor’s signature in Arizona, Florida, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington. Some states are proposing to allow businesses to round cash purchases, while others consider requiring it. In Indiana, a bill signed into law this month by Republican Gov. Mike Braun tells businesses they must round cash purchases for all transactions that do not end in a zero or ve. Lawmakers revised that provision in a second bill that makes rounding optional, which would take e ect

See PENNIES, page A4

Darrell Walker, chief of construction and planning

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Trip Ho end, 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 PJ Ward-Brown, Photographer

David

Sinema admits romance with security guard as she ghts ex-wife’s lawsuit

The lawsuit invokes North Carolina’s rare “alienation of a ection” law

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Former U.S.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema acknowledges having a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail that began while she was a lawmaker, according to legal documents. But she also contends she shouldn’t be subject to a lawsuit by the man’s exwife who blames Sinema for the marriage breakup.

The North Carolina federal court litigation seeks nancial damages from Sinema, who represented Arizona in the U.S. House and later the Senate for one term that ended early last year.

Heather Ammel contends in a lawsuit that she and husband Matthew had “a good and loving marriage” and “genuine love and a ection” existed between them before Sinema interfered, pursuing him despite knowing he was married.

In a signed March 7 declaration attached to a lawsuit motion led this week, Sinema said her relationship with Matthew Ammel “became romantic and intimate” at the end of May 2024 and “physically intimate”

over the next several months in California, New York, Colorado, Arizona and Washington, D.C.

The Ammels separated in November 2024, the lawsuit said. North Carolina is one of a handful of states that allow jilted spouses to sue for “alienation of a ection” to seek damages from a third party responsible for the breakup of their marriage.

Sinema’s declaration rejects

allegations by Heather Ammel that Sinema made phone calls and sent internet communications to her husband with the knowledge that he was physically present in North Carolina and at times with his wife and the couple’s children. Sinema did send Matthew Hamel a message while he was in North Carolina after he had already found a new place to live and “when the marriage was al-

“Conduct related to her romantic relationship with Mr. Ammel does not connect her to North Carolina in a meaningful way.”

Steven Epstein, attorney for Kyrsten Sinema

ready over,” Sinema attorney Steven Epstein wrote in asking the lawsuit be dismissed.

Sinema’s “conduct related to her romantic relationship with Mr. Ammel does not connect her to North Carolina in a meaningful way,” Epstein wrote last Thursday, adding that no jury would believe that the one message “had any bearing on the destruction of marital love and a ection.”

Sinema’s head of security hired Ammel after he retired from the Army in 2022, according to the lawsuit, and in early 2024, Heather Ammel discovered messages between Sinema and her husband on the Signal messaging app that were of “romantic and lascivious natures.” That summer, Matthew Ammel stopped wearing his wedding ring and Sinema gave him a job on her Senate sta while he continued to work as her bodyguard, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit was initially led in September in North Carolina state court, but it was moved to federal court in January.

Sinema declined to seek Senate reelection in 2024 following a term in which she left the Democratic Party to become an independent. She now works for a Washington-based legal and lobbying rm.

Lawyers for LaSota seek competency review while rejecting ‘Zizian,’ ‘cult’

labels ahead of trial

Share

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

A group of computer scientists linked to six deaths faces legal charges

By Brian Witte and Holly Ramer The Associated Press

BALTIMORE — A lawyer representing the leader of the cultlike Zizians group that has been linked to six deaths told a judge last Thursday that there is reason to believe his client is mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Jack LaSota, a transgender woman who goes by “Ziz,” was supposed to be in federal court for a two-day hearing on whether to suppress evidence collected as a result of her arrest in Frostburg, Maryland, last year. Instead, U.S. District Court Judge James Bredar heard arguments on a motion led last Wednesday seeking a competency evaluation.

“Counsel believes there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant is presently su ering from a mental disease or defect rendering her mentally incompetent to the extent that she is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings,” attorney Gary Proctor wrote.

As the hearing got underway, Proctor said LaSota has demonstrated an inability to follow proceedings, equating being a fugitive with being transgender and accusing a judge of being part of an organized crime ring. LaSota told the judge she wants to represent herself.

Authorities have described LaSota as the apparent leader of what outsiders call the “Ziz-

a

Cumberland, Maryland, in January.

Ms. LaSota eschews the term Zizian and denies any and all allegations that she and her friends have formed a cult.” LaSota’s lawyers

ians,” a group of young, highly intelligent computer scientists who appear to share radical beliefs about veganism, animal rights, gender identity and arti cial intelligence. Since 2022, members have been tied to the death of one of their own during an attack on a California landlord, the landlord’s subsequent killing, the shooting deaths of one of the mem-

ber’s parents in Pennsylvania, and a highway shootout in Vermont that left a border agent and another Zizian dead.

LaSota, Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank were arrested last February after a landowner found them living in box trucks at the end of a snow-covered dirt road. Though they are not charged with causing any of the six deaths, police quickly connected them to the homicide investigations in California, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

Maryland state Trooper Brandon Je ries wrote after their Feb. 16, 2025, arrests that all the “suspects involved are to be questioned regarding other crimes that have occurred across the country and have ties with the Zizians Cult.”

All three face state charges of trespassing and illegal gun and drug possession, while LaSota faces a federal charge of illegal gun possession by a fugitive. LaSota also is charged with obstructing the investigation into the deaths of Zajko’s parents. Authorities have called Zajko a person of interest in that case and said they are investigating Blank.

“Ms. LaSota eschews the term Zizian and denies any and all allegations that she and her friends have formed a cult,” LaSota’s lawyers wrote in a recent court ling.

Proctor and co-counsel Jennifer Smith argue that police violated LaSota’s Fourth Amendment right to be protected from unreasonable search and seizure and that she was not trespassing because the landowner had given them until the next day to leave. They also argue that police illegally searched the box trucks without a warrant and therefore any evidence recovered should be barred from trial.

In their response, prosecutors countered that police had probable cause to arrest LaSota and her associates for trespassing, even if they had been given permission to stay another day because the permission didn’t apply retroactively.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Beim also argued that police were justi ed in conducting a protective sweep for weapons for o cer safety and to determine whether anyone was hiding in the trucks. He said ofcers reasonably suspected LaSota and the others were potentially violent, based on information from media reports about the group.

MARK SCOLFORO / AP PHOTO

Jack LaSota, also known as Ziz, is escorted into court for

pretrial hearing on trespassing, gun and drug charges in

MANUEL BALCE CENETA / AP PHOTO

Kyrsten Sinema, pictured during a Senate hearing in 2023, faces a lawsuit from a North Carolina woman who says the former Arizona senator’s a air with her husband ended the couple’s marriage. North Carolina’ “alienation of a ection” laws allow for the lawsuit.

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

The 3 big lies about the Iran war

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality.

IF YOU’VE BEEN following coverage of the Trump administration’s military action against Iran, you’ve probably noticed something: A lot of people are determined to convince you that the United States is losing.

They’re wrong.

Even worse, many of them know they’re wrong. Critics across the political spectrum — from Democrats to elements of the so - called horseshoe right — are pushing narratives that paint the con ict as a disaster in the making. The goal is simple: Undermine public con dence and turn what is shaping up as a strategic success into a perceived failure.

Three particular claims are circulating widely. All three deserve to be addressed.

Lie No. 1: The war is a quagmire.

The rst claim is that the United States has stumbled into another interminable Middle East war — one destined to drag on for years and possibly escalate to catastrophic levels.

This is absurd.

At the time of this writing, the con ict is less than two weeks old. Twelve days. That’s not 12 years, as in Vietnam, or even 12 months, as in the Spanish-American War.

Wars unfold over time, and no one should pretend to know exactly how long any con ict will last. But the notion that the United States is already trapped in a generational quagmire — after less than two weeks of ghting — is less analysis than panic.

Lie No. 2: Iran is somehow winning.

A second claim insists that Iran is holding strong — that the regime is weathering

the assault and even gaining the upper hand.

Again, reality tells a di erent story.

Iran’s military capabilities have been battered. Its missile and drone infrastructure has been heavily targeted. Its naval assets have reportedly su ered severe losses. Leadership turmoil inside the regime only compounds the problem.

Reports suggest that the death of longtime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has triggered a chaotic succession struggle. Even his presumed heir, Mojtaba Khamenei, appears to lack both political support and personal legitimacy within the system.

In other words, the Iranian regime is not projecting strength. It is scrambling to maintain control.

Lie No. 3: The oil shock will break the United States.

The nal warning is economic: Iran, critics say, will simply shut down the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices skyrocketing and bringing the American economy to its knees.

For a brief moment earlier this week, markets reacted to that fear. Oil prices jumped sharply amid speculation that the strait could be disrupted.

But the panic faded almost as quickly as it began. Within days, crude prices had fallen back below $90 a barrel.

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality. And the reality is that Iran faces enormous consequences if it attempts to choke o one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

President Donald Trump has made that

Obama’s race-hustling eulogy at a race hustler’s

(Obama) repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

point unmistakably clear. In a statement posted online, he warned that any Iranian attempt to block the ow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz would trigger an overwhelming American response.

The message was aimed not only at Tehran but also at Beijing and other major energy consumers: The United States intends to keep global energy owing — and anyone who interferes will pay a heavy price.

There are legitimate questions to ask about any military action. Democracies require scrutiny, debate and skepticism.

But skepticism should not be confused with hysteria.

Right now, critics are spinning worst-case scenarios while ignoring the basic facts on the ground: Iran’s military is under severe pressure, its leadership structure is unstable, and the economic fallout that many predicted has yet to materialize.

None of this guarantees the con ict will end quickly or cleanly. War rarely works that way.

But it does suggest that the narrative of inevitable American failure — so loudly promoted by the administration’s opponents — is far removed from the reality unfolding in the Middle East.

And that reality matters far more than the talking points.

Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

funeral

FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA long ago surpassed the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton as America’s most in uential race hustler. The country got a reminder when Obama spoke at Jackson’s funeral even though Jackson’s son urged the speakers “not to bring their politics” to the service.

Obama said: “Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible. Each day, we’re told by those in high o ce to fear each other and to turn on each other. And that some Americans count more than others.” Same old Obama.

In his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech, he famously declared, “There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.” It was the line that launched him and made millions across party lines believe he could bridge divides.

Obama won the presidency with just over 52% of the popular vote, but he entered the Oval O ce in January 2009 with a nearly 70% approval rating. Polls in late 2008 and early 2009 showed both black and white Americans believed race relations would improve under his leadership. By the time he left o ce in 2017, polls showed majorities or pluralities of both blacks and whites thought race relations had gotten worse.

In Obama’s eight years as president, he repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small

while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

In 2009, at the beginning of his presidency, he declared that the Cambridge police “acted stupidly” in arresting Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. Obama turned a cop-just- doing-his-job encounter with the belligerent Gates into a national “teachable moment” about alleged racial pro ling by cops against blacks.

In 2012, about a young black man shot and killed by a self-described neighborhood Florida watchman, Obama said, “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.” A jury found the man who shot Trayvon Martin not guilty, and jurors who spoke publicly said race had nothing to do with the encounter.

In a 2014 speech before the United Nations, Obama invoked the case of Ferguson, Missouri, to enlighten the world about America’s supposed deep-seated problems with race relations. Later, the “hands up, don’t shoot” narrative about Michael Brown’s death turned out to be a complete lie, and the o cer was exonerated.

Obama embraced Black Lives Matter’s police-are-out-to-get-blacks rhetoric despite evidence that, if anything, cops are more hesitant to pull the trigger on a black suspect than a white one.

In 2015, he proclaimed racism is in America’s “DNA.” Although the media for the most part fawned over Obama, rst lady Michelle Obama insisted her husband

su ered from unfair media coverage because of racism.

Obama invited fellow race hustler Sharpton to the White House more than 70 times, more than any other “civil rights” gure. And, for good measure, Obama even argued that “a theoretical case” could be made for slavery reparations to be paid by nonslave owners and to nonslaves.

From the beginning of his presidency until its end, Obama stoked resentment, divided Americans by skin color and kept the race grievance industry alive and well oiled. The man Americans hired to unite us became the victicrat-in-chief, a title his Jackson eulogy shows he retains.

Trump-hating media still gives Obama a pass no Republican could ever dream of receiving. Imagine a Republican president doing even half of what Obama did: routinely injecting race into controversies, cozying up to a white Sharpton-like gure and rapping his arms around a toxic “movement” called White Lives Matter. The outrage would be endless, the headlines relentless — and rightfully so.

Obama’s real legacy on race? Blacks are eternal victims — distressed, oppressed and suppressed by “The Man” — and trapped in a system rigged against them from birth to death. His own extraordinary rise, of course, contradicts this counterproductive message. Yet he persists in selling it to willing buyers.

Obama is still relatively young. So, he has decades ahead to remain a loud voice in the public square — and he possesses a warehouse full of race cards ready to be played. What a waste.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

Drivers consider whether to go electric as war spikes gas prices

Regulated electricity prices o er EV drivers protection from oil price shocks

By Alexa St. John and Tammy Webber

The Associated Press

WHEN KEVIN KETELS

bought an electric 2026 Chevrolet Blazer last year, he wasn’t thinking about the cost of gas. He just thought EVs were better and “wanted to be part of the future.” Now that the Iran war is spiking prices at the pump, the Detroit man is happy he is no longer lling up his 11-year-old gas-powered SUV.

“Electricity can go up, but it won’t go up nearly as much as gas will, and it won’t go up nearly as fast either,” said Ketels, 55, an assistant professor of global supply chain management at Wayne State University.

Experts say prolonged high gas prices may drive some EV interest and sales, especially if drivers assume their electricity prices won’t be a ected by the crises.

But many factors in uence consumer EV purchases — and electricity rates.

Are EV owners truly insulated from price hikes?

Drivers of gas-powered vehicles are much more vulnerable to uctuating prices that result from global con ict than those who charge their cars. The national average for a gallon of regular gas this week was $3.57, up from $2.94 a month ago, according to AAA.

Meanwhile, “residential electricity prices are regulated and are much less volatile than gasoline prices,” said University of California, Davis economics professor Erich Muehlegger. “As a result, EV owners are largely una ected by oil price shocks.”

But experts say electricity prices have been increasing nationally for a variety of reasons, including surging power demand from new data centers.

“This is an in ationary event,” Holt Edwards, principal in Bracewell’s Policy Resolution

Group, said of the war. “Is this the driver in electricity prices? I think probably not. But it’s certainly a contributing factor.”

To what extent oil and gas con icts could translate to the electricity sector is yet to be seen.

What about how di erent grids are powered?

When it comes to the electricity an EV owner is tapping, much of the cost depends on which sources of electricity are in a local grid’s power mix, experts say.

Because regulators set residential electricity prices annually, most households are sheltered from month-to-month changes in natural gas costs. Though experts say higher natural gas prices can increase the cost of generating electricity, natural gas prices haven’t risen as quickly or as much as oil prices have recently.

Those are just two of many energy sources — including coal, nuclear and renewables — that power the electric grid.

“The energy component var-

ies depending on the energy you’re using and the price of the energy that you’re using to generate electricity,” said Pierpaolo Cazzola, an energy expert at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy. “What happens is that in the U.S., the variation of the price of the energy component is smaller than it is elsewhere.”

The experts said persistent war could a ect electricity bills in the future. And that is all the more reason for countries to transition to clean power, they said.

“Clean power and electri cation combined is what provides the most security,” said Euan Graham, an analyst at energy think tank Ember.

Michael B. Klein, a 56-year- old software developer in Evanston, Illinois, has driven EVs for the past eight years to save on fuel costs and because of environmental concerns.

Every time electrical grid efciency improves — especially as renewables are added — “I get that bene t no matter what,” said Klein, who drives a Chevy Bolt. “They can improve

Google overhauls its Maps app, adding in more AI features to assist people in getting around

Gemini technology powers conversational search and immersive 3D navigation

By Michael Liedtke The Associated Press

GOOGLE MAPS will depend more heavily on arti cial intelligence to help people gure out where they want to go and the best way to get there as part of a major redesign unveiled on Thursday.

The overhaul driven by Google’s Gemini technology will in-

from page A1

Sunday if Braun signs it into law. In both bills, Indiana businesses can choose to always round cash purchases up to the nearest nickel, always round down or round up or down depending on the amount.

In Republican-led Tennessee, legislation makes symmetrical rounding exempt from legal claims under a state consumer protection law but does not require rounding.

“It is to provide safe harbor for private businesses,” said Republican Rep. Charlie Baum, the bill sponsor in Tennessee, during oor debate.

Rounding bills have been introduced in about two dozen states since late last year, according to an Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking service Plural.

troduce two AI features into a digital mapping service used by more than 2 billion people worldwide. One tool called Ask Maps will expand upon conversational abilities that Google brought to the service last November, giving suggestions to users looking for things such as nearby places to charge their devices, cafes with short lines or a detailed itinerary for a road trip involving several stops and excursions.

Gemini’s recommendations will draw upon a database spanning more than 300 mil-

Outside of lawmaking bodies, some state agencies have published guidelines to advise that rounding should happen after tax, and that businesses must make sure the full taxed amount still goes to the state. Will consumers pay more with rounding?

Cash isn’t used as ubiquitously since the rise in electronic payment methods. Still, about 8 in 10 U.S. adults said they recently used cash in a 2024 survey conducted by the Federal Reserve. Cash was more often used by older adults and those in lower-income households. The Treasury wrote online that prices would be “rounded down just as often as they will be rounded up, so there should be no overall e ect on consumer prices.”

lion places and reviews from more than 500 million contributors that have been accumulated since Google Maps’ debut more than 20 years ago. Google executives declined to answer a question about whether the company eventually plans to sell ads to boost businesses’ chances of being displayed in Ask Maps’ recommendations. Ask Maps initially will be available on Google Maps’ mobile app for iPhones and Android software in the U.S. and India, before expanding to personal computers and other countries.

But researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond used a 2023 survey to show prices that didn’t end in zero or ve were especially likely to end in eight or nine. Payment amounts could be di erent when multiple items are purchased or depending on the tax rate, but overall, prices more often being rounded up would lead to millions of dollars gained by businesses and lost by consumers collectively, amounting to a few pennies lost per person.

Do people think it’s fair?

As businesses have introduced rounding, some Americans have taken to social media to say they feel scammed, even if it is a penny or two at a time.

Nikki Capozzo-Hennessy, 50, said she tends to pay in cash

“Electricity can go up, but it won’t go up nearly as much as gas will, and it won’t go up nearly as fast either.”

Kevin Ketels, Wayne State University

sudden increase in EV demand could drive up prices, Graham said.

“I think the real step change would be in whether this causes governments to shift tax, tari policies around EVs,” Graham said. Doing so would help reduce fossil fuel dependence, he said.

Does driving electric really save money?

Pretty much.

People who buy EVs have a “really substantial” gas savings over the life of their vehicles even without government tax credits, said Peter Zalzal, an attorney with Environmental Defense Fund.

the e ciency of gas engines, but you have to get a new car in order to reap the bene t of that.” So will EV demand rise?

Several experts say high gasoline prices are a strong driver of EV sales, particularly if high prices persist. Drivers also consider more gasoline-e cient hybrid vehicles during these times.

Car-shopping resource Edmunds analyzed consumer shopping data for the week starting March 2, after the Iran war had begun. They found that interest in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery EVs accounted for 22.4% of all vehicle research activity on their site that week, up from 20.7% the previous week. Analysts also looked back at the last major nationwide fuel price surges in 2022, and they saw that consideration of electri ed vehicles consideration rose sharply then, too.

But whether this means more EV purchases depends on whether buyers expect to save not just now but in the future, experts say.

Adding to the complexity: A

In what Google executives are billing as the biggest change to the maps’ driving directions, Gemini has also created a new tool dubbed Immersive Navigation that will present a three-dimensional perspective designed to give users a better grasp of where they are at any moment in time. The 3D renderings created by Gemini will include landmarks such as notable buildings, medians in the roads and other aspects of the terrain that drivers are seeing around them as they drive to help them get their bearings more quickly.

Google believes its AI guardrails are now strong enough to prevent the Gemini technology underlying Immersive Navigation from fabricating bogus places to go, a malfunction known within the industry as a “hallucination.”

Immersive Navigation is also supposed to help Google Maps more clearly explain the pros

because it makes her more conscious of her spending. The Trumbull, Connecticut, resident posted her grocery store receipt online when she noticed the rounding adjustment on a purchase of $8.73, with tax. The store chose to round down and she gained three cents.

Capozzo-Hennessy said it might feel taxing if she had to hand over extra pennies every time, but she also thinks it’s practical to stick with one rule. She runs a food truck business and said they’d likely use symmetrical rounding to be consistent.

“At the end of the day it’s three cents, but I can imagine with all the purchases that you make, it can add up,” Capozzo-Hennessy said. Washington state Rep. April Berg, who introduced a rounding bill there, said she under-

“We’re talking about thousands and thousands of dollars” in savings, Zalzal said. “And as gas prices increase, those savings are only greater. Fuel costs are a big piece of overall vehicle costs, and increases in fuel prices have signi cant impacts on people.” However, the upfront cost of a new EV is still more than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle; new EVs sold for an average of $55,300 last month, while new vehicles overall sold for an average $49,353, according to auto-buying resource Kelley Blue Book. Some experts also expressed national security concerns with EVs because China dominates signi cant parts of the EV supply chain.

Ketels, the EV owner and professor, said he believes EVs and renewable energy should be a strategic priority for individuals and the U.S. because they could be produced domestically “and we don’t have those uctuations and those worries.”

But because the federal government has withdrawn many incentives for both, “it puts us at a disadvantage globally,” Ketels said. “I think it’s been a terrible mistake to withdraw these incentives and to attack the sustainable energy industry,” and the war “is just making it that much more obvious.”

and cons of di erent driving routes to the same recommendation, as well as point to the best places to park once a user arrives at a designated destination. The new AI-powered navigation will only be available in the U.S. initially, on Google Maps’ mobile app for the iPhone and Android, as well as cars equipped with options to activate CarPlay and Android Auto.

The increased reliance on AI in Google Maps follows the company’s introduction of more Gemini technology to make two of its other most popular products — Gmail and the Chrome web browser — more proactive and helpful to their billions of users. The expansion underscores Google’s con dence in the Gemini 3 model that the Mountain View, California, company released late last year as part of an intensifying battle for AI supremacy with up-andcoming rivals such as OpenAI and Anthropic.

stands people who feel frustrated losing a penny but that the elimination of the hard currency leaves little option.

“We did make sure that everyone is allowed to pay exactly what they owe,” Berg said of her legislation.

What about the nickel?

The Treasury says ceasing penny production will save $56 million annually, but rounding could increase demand for nickels. The 5-cent coins also are costly to make, reaching nearly 14 cents each in 2024, according to the Mint.

The proposed federal legislation currently includes a potential cost-saving solution, allowing the Treasury to adjust the coin’s composition to use cheaper zinc and nickel instead of copper and nickel.

ERIN HOOLEY / AP PHOTO

An electric vehicle charges at a station Wednesday, in Lincolnwood, Illinois.

PENNIES

Forsyth SPORTS

Jones remains focused on being ready to start Week 1 after completing new deal with Colts

The former Duke passer is recovering from a torn Achilles

By Michael Marot

The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Dan-

iel Jones spent his entire o season rehabbing, letting his agents deal with the business side of football.

Last Thursday, almost exactly four months after su ering a torn right Achilles tendon in a loss at Jacksonville, Jones returned to the Indianapolis Colts team complex with a new two-year contract worth up to $100 million and a promising timetable for his return to play — the 2026 regular-season opener.

“I’m very con dent in being back to 100% and ready to go,” he said. “I’m in a good spot, I’m on schedule. I think from everything the doctors are telling me — trainers, rehab, physical therapists — I think I’m in a good spot. I’ve hit my marks and just have to continue to do that.”

The prognosis couldn’t be any brighter for Indy. Jones outplayed the one-year, prove-it deal Indy gave him last March when the Minnesota Vikings let him test free agency after adding the 2019 rst-round pick when the New York Giants released him during the 2024 season.

He didn’t disappoint with the Colts. Over the rst 10 weeks, Jones resuscitated his career by delivering on the potential the Giants saw in him when they drafted him No. 6 overall, leading the Colts to an 8-2 mark.

But Jones struggled to play through a hairline fracture in his left leg and then su ered the season-ending Achilles injury in early December. The result:

Indianapolis

Indy lost its nal seven games and missed the playo s for a fth straight season as uncertainty hung over yet another round of free agency for the former Duke star.

And yet as questions loomed over how much the injury could de ate Jones’ payday and negotiations continued with the Colts, Indy’s decision-makers never wavered in their belief they wanted to pair Jones and free agent receiver Alec Pierce for a second consecutive season in 2026.

The rst part of the equation came last Monday when Pierce agreed to a four-year, $116 million deal, admittedly taking less than was o ered elsewhere so he could keep working with Jones. The second part was complet-

ed a day later when Jones also agreed to return, eliminating the need for Indy putting the transition tag on Jones last week.

“I just think the way he prepares, how he’s built, I think in the long run Daniel is going to be perfectly ne,” general manager Chris Ballard said during the NFL scouting combine in Indy.

“Daniel and Alec are such big pieces. Everybody’s got a budget. We’ve got a cap we have to deal with, so I don’t know if it’s a run-it-back situation, but we’re going to make the team the best we can.”

Those two moves allowed Ballard to continue lling other holes, primarily on a defense that he has indicated must get younger, faster and stouter.

That work began Saturday when Ballard traded Pro Bowl linebacker Zaire Franklin to Green Bay for defensive tackle Colby Wooden and continued in the lead up to the o cial start of free agency. Indy signed former Tennessee Titans defensive end Arden Key to a two-year contract with the hope Key can help improve the pass rush opposite third-year defensive end Laiatu Latu.

Indy also signed former New York Jets defensive tackle Micheal Clemons to a two-year deal. Wooden and Key were also introduced publicly last Thursday, and Key described the challenge Indy’s o ense posed when he played it twice a year with the Titans.

Now, with Jones and Pierce back, the Colts think their offense may only get better.

“We’re con dent because I think we’ve seen what we could be,” Jones said. “But there’s a high sense of urgency to get back to doing that and doing that consistently, week after week throughout the season.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Allie Cox

East Forsyth, softball

Allie Cox is a junior on the East Forsyth softball team. She also plays volleyball for the Eagles. East Forsyth is 5-2 on the season despite losing two of three last week. Cox started all three games and pitched all but one inning of play for the Eagles. She ended up getting almost as many extra base hits at the plate (2) as she allowed (3).

Cox struck out 11 against Scotland, earning the win while going 2 for 4 at bat with a double and three RBIs. Against Walkertown, she fanned 10 while going 3 for 5 with a double and two driven in. She nished the week with seven strikeouts against West Stokes.

Cox is third in the state (all classes and levels) in strikeouts pitching. She’s third in Class 7A in wins and leads the Central Piedmont conference in batting average.

Hamlin storms back to win at Las Vegas after early penalty

By Jenna Fryer

The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS —

Hamlin returned to Victory Lane at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for his rst win since he lost the Cup Series championship four months ago, and rst since the death of his father in a December house re.

“I knew it took a few weeks to feel like driving,” Hamlin said after his 61st career victory. “Over the last couple weeks, I de nitely regained my love of it, got refocused. These are great opportunities for us.”

Hamlin’s 60th career victory was at Las Vegas last October, a win he dedicated to his father as it locked Hamlin into the Cuper Series’ championship-deciding nale. His father was in poor health and Hamlin went into the race knowing it was probably his nal chance to win a championship while Dennis Hamlin was still alive.

Then Hamlin dominated last year’s title-decider at Phoenix Raceway, but the wrong call on the nal pit stop cost him the Cup championship that has eluded the three-time Daytona 500 winner. What followed was an emotional rollercoaster: Hamlin, as co-owner of 23XI Racing, was part of the winning team in a federal lawsuit against NASCAR last December. Weeks later, his father was killed in a re that destroyed the home Hamlin purchased to thank his parents for getting him into NASCAR.

He returned for the start of his 21st season and went to Vic-

tory Lane as an owner with Tyler Reddick when the 23XI Racing driver won the Daytona 500 and then set a Cup Series record by winning the rst three races of the year.

Most of the attention went to 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan as Reddick won Daytona, Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas. Hamlin did his part at Las Vegas to put himself back in the spotlight.

“It is just so satisfying, so gratifying. You just never know what can happen year over year if you still have it or not,” said Hamlin. “I wasn’t totally locked in for the rst few weeks. We’ve

just been hitting our stride now. This is our bread and butter, these are the tracks that we know we can go win, and we executed. This is a team win. The team did it.”

The 45-year-old Virginia driver overcome an early speeding penalty and drove from 31st through the eld in a fairly dominating win for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. He led a race-high 134 laps.

Hamlin was joined by hisancee and their three children as he collected the checkered ag, and he was sure his father was smiling somewhere.

“This is a family sport. My family obviously had so much

sacri ce to help me get here,” said Hamlin. “Now that I’ve grown, generations of Hamlins following me, it’s great Mom gets to see this. I know Dad’s still saying, ‘That’s my boy.’ Hell of a day.”

Team owner Joe Gibbs’ praised Hamlin’s resilience.

“He’s been through a lot. Denny seems to have the ability to continue to work through things,” said Gibbs. “Has a way of just really still being very competitive. I appreciate him so much. We’re riding Denny for about 20 years. It’s been an awful good trip for us.” Toyota has won four of the rst ve races. Hendrick Motorsports team-

“I knew it took a few weeks to feel like driving. Over the last couple weeks, I de nitely regained my love of it, got refocused.”

Denny Hamlin

mates Chase Elliott and William Byron nished second and third in Chevrolets; JGR drivers Christopher Bell and Ty Gibbs were fourth and fth to give JGR three cars in the top - ve.

“It makes my job really easy when I can drive Toyotas that fast,” Hamlin said.

Gibbs on a roll

It was the third consecutive top- ve nish for Gibbs, who is a central gure in a federal lawsuit led by JGR against former competition director Chris Gabehart. The two sides are back in court in North Carolina on Monday as JGR seeks a restraining order to stop Gabehart for working for rival Spire Motorsports.

“Just don’t want to be in court,” said team owner Gibbs. “But we’re going to be there. I think it’s important for us to follow through with this.”

Gabehart has said his time at JGR became untenable in part because of preferential treatment toward Gibbs, who is the grandson of the team owner.

JGR alleges Gabehart stole proprietary information before he left the team, and had a noncompete clause that prevents him from joining another team. Gabehart claims JGR stopped paying him in November and the role he now has with Spire is completely di erent from what he did for Gibbs.

Gabehart was at the track Sunday with Spire, which at Las Vegas had its trucks parked next to the JGR trucks.

The win ends a tumultuous o season

Denny

STEVE MARCUS / AP PHOTO

Denny Hamlin performs a burnout after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO

Colts quarterback Daniel Jones walks o the eld after su ering an injury in December.

SIDELINE REPORT

FORMULA 1

Formula 1 calls o April races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia due to Iran war

Shanghai Formula 1 and its governing body, the FIA, say the Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not be held in April on safety grounds related to the Iran war. Both countries have been struck during Iran’s response to United States and Israeli attacks. F1 was due to race in Bahrain on April 12 and in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on April 19. F1 did not say the races were canceled or postponed, just that they won’t happen in April and replacement events have not been scheduled.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Cincinnati ring men’s basketball coach Miller

Cincinnati Wes Miller will not be back as the University of Cincinnati’s men’s basketball coach. Cincinnati and Miller are reportedly negotiating an equitable buyout. Miller has three years remaining on his contract, but he’s owed $9.9 million if the ring happens before March 31. It drops to $4.69 million if the termination happens after April 1. Miller went 100-74 in ve seasons, including 18-15 this year and did not reach the NCAA Tournament. Miller won an NCAA title as a UNC player and coached UNC Greensboro before leaving for Cincinnati.

NHL

Maple Leafs star Matthews out for season with torn MCL after knee from Gudas

Toronto Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee and will miss the rest of the season. Matthews was ruled out a little under 24 hours after being knocked out of last Thursday’s game against Anaheim on a knee - on-knee hit from Anaheim defenseman Radko Gudas. The Leafs said Matthews has a Grade 3 MCL tear and a bruised quadriceps muscle and would be evaluated again in two weeks. Gudas was suspended for ve games.

NBA

Gilgeous-Alexander breaks Chamberlain’s record with 20 points in 127th straight game

Oklahoma City Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive games with 20 points or more, extending his streak to 127. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard drilled a jumper over Baylor Scheierman from beyond the free-throw line last Thursday with 7:04 left in the period to push his total to 21. Chamberlain’s record had stood since 1963. Gilgeous-Alexander nished with 35 points and nine assists as the Thunder beat the Celtics 104-102.

NCAA warning schools about travel issues ahead of March Madness

A combination of government issues are making travel di cult and expensive

By Will Graves The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Atlantic 10

commissioner Bernadette McGlade skimmed through the 12-page memo the NCAA sent out last month that highlighted potential travel issues ahead of the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments and couldn’t help but feel a bit of deja vu.

McGlade spent time on both the men’s and women’s selection committees earlier in her career, including a stint as the tournament director for women’s March Madness. What she read in that memo was nothing new.

“We had the same conversations, ‘Oh, these charters are hired (away). We might not be able to travel all the teams the way we want to travel,’” McGlade said. “It is a very real reality.”

One that, through the years, has avoided any sort of real nightmare scenario. The NCAA is hoping to do the same this time around, even if the headwinds working against them might be a little stronger than they’ve been in the past.

The ongoing partial government shutdown that is forcing some federal airport employees to work without getting paid — leading to massive lines at security checkpoints in some places — the conict in the Middle East that is spiking energy prices and the typical uptick in demand when the weather gets warmer are a potential tinderbox that could make the Madness in March Madness bleed into new territory.

“We certainly understand that there are pressures on the system, but we hope they’re not going to be too disruptive and really impact people’s experiences. We’ll do everything we can to mitigate that,” men’s committee chair Keith Gill said. “One of the things that I’ve heard is ICE is taking up a lot of charter planes. I think the charter market is just demonstrably di erent than it has been.”

The number of deportation ights carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have hit record

Tournament. Now,

“I think that the NCAA was proactive on getting that travel set up. So, hopefully, everything will go really, really smoothly.”

Wright State A.D. Joylynn Brown

highs during President Donald Trump’s second administration, and while it wasn’t an issue last March, it might be now.

With host sites for the opening weekend stretching from Bu alo, New York, to San Diego in the men’s bracket, the math could still get a little complicated.

The NCAA has speci c parameters on how teams get to their venues. Any team that has to travel at least 400 miles during the opening weekend is eligible to take a ight chartered by the NCAA. That drops to 350 miles for the regionalnals and the Final Four.

Schools that are closer than

those parameters can receive up to $1,500 per day for ground transportation.

Teams from one-bid leagues that gure to be lower seeds may have to bear more of a travel burden than higher seeds, who can sometimes — but not always — play much closer to home.

Wright State athletic director Joylynn Brown said the travel logistics are “something to think about” but added that it isn’t top of mind. The Raiders, who won the Horizon League title this week, play a few miles from downtown Dayton, Ohio, where the men’s tournament got underway Tuesday night.

“If you drive, it is a little bit easier,” Brown said. “It is exciting to y. I don’t really care where we’re going, I’m just excited that we’re going and I’m thankful, I hope that and I think that the NCAA was proactive on getting that travel set up. So, hopefully, everything will go really, really smoothly.”

The visibility that the tournaments provide, particularly for lesser-known schools, is so great that they’d probably walk

to get where they need to go if it came down to it. If they hop on a plane, even if they have to wait? Great. If they sit on a bus for a while? Great.

“I think without hesitation, that every institution wants to see their name go up on the board on Selection Sunday,” McGlade said, later adding, “the value long-term for programs and institutions in terms of enrollment, fundraising, etc., of being selected into March Madness is so signi cant right now that I know there’s not anyone in the A-10 concerned about that.”

That might change once the dream of reaching the tournament becomes reality, which can lead to a frantic 24-72 hours for schools as they scatter across the country in hopes of an extended stay in the dance. Any delays that may pop up are basically college basketball’s version of a rst-world problem.

“It’s di erent all of a sudden now when the teams get in you (might) start to hear some people complaining,” McGlade said. “But I don’t think there’s a hesitation (to be a part of it.).”

For baseball’s tallest hitters, robo-umps should bring consistency to tricky strike zone

Larger players often see their strike zones expanded by umps

By Jay Cohen The Associated Press

PHOENIX — San Francisco

Giants rookie Bryce Eldridge was logged at 6-foot-7 “and some change,” he said. That was the measurement for the slugger for the major leagues’ Automated Ball-Strike System. That is one expansive strike zone — but a more de ned one, at least.

“I think they told me I’m the tallest guy they’ve measured, position player-wise,” Eldridge said during spring training.

“So I got that going for me, at least. So I’ve got the biggest zone, the biggest ABS.”

After years of testing in the minors, the robot-umpire system for reviewing ball/strike calls is going to be used in regular-season games in the majors this year. The abbreviation for the setup is ABS, but the most important letters when it comes to the change just might be S-I-Z-E — relating to the strike zone for some of the game’s tallest players.

“I got a lot of respect for the umpires and what they do behind the plate,” New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said.

“So I can usually pride myself

in not showing them up or putting on a show or doing anything like that because they got a tough job back there. So we’ll see. I’ll nd the right time to use it. If they’re pretty outrageous calls, I think I’ll use it.”

The 6-foot-7 Judge, who won his third AL MVP award last year, sounded more excited about the possibilities for 6-foot-5 teammate Giancarlo Stanton.

“His whole career has been kind of getting screwed over. And also now, this kind of changes everything,” Judge said. “He’s so routine oriented to where you get a bad call, you get a good call, whatever, it’s kind of about ushing to get to the next pitch. Well, now you

got 2 seconds to try to make up your mind.”

Strike zones vary depending on a player’s height — starting at 53.5% of a batter’s height for the top and 27% of a batter’s height for the bottom. The top and the bottom of the zone for baseball’s biggest giants — a list that also includes 6-foot-7 center elder Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates and 6-foot- 6 left elder James Wood of the Washington Nationals — have long been two di cult areas for umpires. But the ABS system provides an opportunity for a closer look. Each team has the ability to challenge two calls per game.

A team retains its challenge if

successful, similar to the regulations for video reviews. A team out of challenges for a game tied after nine innings would get one additional challenge in each extra inning.

Only a batter, pitcher or catcher may challenge a call, signaling with the tap of a helmet or cap, and assistance from the dugout is not allowed.

“Speci cally with Aaron Judge, I think his zone is higher than most, right? Because he’s taller,” Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly said. “So you might catch one at the knees that feels like a normal strike, but it’s low on him. So I think it’s another aspect of catchers is we’re going to have to understand who’s at the plate, what the zone is like. I mean, if it’s a smaller zone, that ball that might feel like it’s a strike at the top, it’s probably a ball.”

The 21-year-old Eldridge, who got to use ABS in the minors, said he thinks it’s great for the game.

“I had a situation last year where we were in the ninth and we were down by two, I want to say, and I struck out looking,” Eldridge said. “I challenged it. It was a ball, and I hit a home run like the next pitch or something to tie it. The game can change just like that with this, so it’s pretty cool.”

ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO

San Francisco Giants’ Bryce Eldridge backs away from an inside pitch during a spring training game.

the stream

are

on

Luke Combs drops his new album, “The Way I Am”

The Associated Press

ELISABETH MOSS, Kerry Washington and Kate Mara teaming up to star in a new psychological thriller for Apple TV called “Imperfect Women” and fresh music from both BTS and Luke Combs are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: A new “Peaky Blinders” movie called “The Immortal Man,” spring’s buzziest video game, the ambitious role-playing adventure Crimson Desert, and Bradley Cooper directs Will Arnett and Laura Dern in his third feature, “Is This Thing On?”

MOVIES TO STREAM

Get your best Birmingham accent ready because Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby is back in the new “Peaky Blinders” movie, “The Immortal Man,” which will be on Net ix as of Friday. Series creator Steven Knight wrote the script, and Tom Harper directed the lm in a cast that includes Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan. The six seasons of the show are also available on Net ix for rewatches and catching up.

Cooper directs Arnett and Dern in his third feature, “Is This Thing On?” about a man going through a divorce who turns to stand-up comedy. It’s loosely based on the story of Manchester comedian Joseph Bishop. In her review for The Associated Press, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that it is “a deeply felt lm about one teetering marriage, and a work whose power sneaks up on you slowly.” It’ll be on Hulu on Friday.

“Wicked: For Good,” the epic conclusion to Jon M. Chu’s two - lm adaptation, will nally be streaming on Peacock on Friday. Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Je Goldblum and more are all on hand for the decidedly darker second half, which was less well received than the rst but still surprised when it received zero Oscar nominations. In his review, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote “’Wicked: For Good,’ rather than conjuring Oz anew, always feels like it’s jumping from one

set piece to another. Maybe this is a silly gripe for a fantasyland. (‘I don’t have any idea where the o ces of the Lollipop Guild are!’) But I rarely found myself lifted into a movie world, but rather sat watching it — sometimes with admiration, rarely with delight — from the mezzanine. The rub of going for maximum e ect all the time is that the actors never have a chance to simply be.”

MUSIC TO STREAM

Call it the most anticipated K-pop album of the year, or the biggest comeback: The mighty BTS return on Friday with “ARIRANG,” their rst full-length project since all seven members — RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope — completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. Excitement couldn’t be higher for its loyal audience, called ARMY. Combs has big shoes to ll — his own. The country singer has become a full- on pop phenomenon, due in no small part to his ubiquitous cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” The question now is what comes next?

It’s a simple answer: a new album, “The Way I Am,” out Friday. Singles “Be By You” and “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” have made for fast country radio hits; it’s only a matter of time before the album becomes one of the genre’s biggest releases of the year.

SERIES TO STREAM

Moss, Washington and Mara star in a new psychological thriller for Apple TV called “ Imperfect Women.” The trio play longtime friends whose bond is fractured after a crime occurs. Moss and Washington are executive producers on the series which is based on a novel by Araminta Hall. The ensemble also includes Joel Kinnaman, Corey Stoll, Leslie Odom Jr., Sheryl Lee Ralph and Ana Ortiz. The rst two episodes of

the eight-episode series are out now.

“The Lady “ is a new Britbox limited series ctionalizing the true story of Jane Andrews, a dresser for the former Duchess of York who ended up in prison for murdering her lover. The four-part series stars Mia McKenna-Bruce as Andrews and Natalie Dormer as Sarah Ferguson.

After the cringey, ingenious comedy “Jury Duty” debuted in 2023, many wondered how they could ever pull o anoth-

“Is This Thing On” is a deeply felt lm about one teetering marriage, and a work whose power sneaks up on you slowly.” Jocelyn Noveck, AP Film Writer

er season. It followed Ronald, a man serving jury duty on what he believed was a real trial. Oh, and the trial was also being covered by a documentary crew. Thing is, everyone was an actor except Ronald. The unsuspecting protagonist of season two is Anthony, a new, temporary hire at a family-owned hot sauce business. The employees attend a company retreat and Anthony has no idea that his new colleagues are actors and all situations are preplanned. “Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat” is now streaming on Prime Video.

The popular long-running Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart” gets a prequel called “Hope Valley: 1874” for the streaming platform Hallmark+. Bethany Joy Lenz stars as Rebecca Clarke, a Chicago mother who takes her daughter to settle in the Canadian west and build a new life. When their wagon breaks down, she must accept help from a local rancher who is single. Jill Hennessy also stars. It premieres Saturday on Hallmark+.

Lisa Kudrow returns to HBO as B-list actor Valerie Cherish for a third and nal season of “ The Comeback. “ All three seasons of the show have been spaced a decade-ish apart and follow a woman navigating aging and staying relevant in showbiz and its ever-changing landscape. In the new episodes, Cherish lands a new TV series that is written by AI. The dark comedy streams Sunday on HBO Max.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Baseball fans got an early treat this year with the World Baseball Classic, so it’s only appropriate that Team USA captain Aaron Judge is on the cover of MLB The Show 26. New features include “Bear Down Pitching” and “Big Zone Hitting” for high-stress moments — and you can now challenge balls and strikes! Play now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and Switch.

ROBERT VIGLASKY / NETFLIX VIA AP

Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby in “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.” The lm and all six seasons of the hit series

streaming

Net ix.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Will Arnett, left, and Laura Dern, right, star with Bradley Cooper in the lm “Is This Thing On?” streaming Friday on Hulu.

SEVEN RIDGES / SONY VIA AP

Country star and Huntersville native Luke Combs’ new album

“The Way I Am” drops this week.

STATE & NATION

Smaller portions become big restaurant trend as customers watch budgets, waistlines

Diners foucused on money and health are driving demand for less

By Dee-Ann Durbin

The Associated Press

THE BIGGEST NEW restaurant trend is small.

Special menus with petite, less expensive portions are popping up all over, from large chains like Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory to trendy urban eateries and farm-to-fork dining rooms.

Restaurants hope that o ering smaller servings beyond the children’s menu will meet many di erent diners’ needs. Some people want to spend less when they go out. Others are looking for healthier options or trying to lose weight. Younger consumers tend to snack more throughout the day and eat smaller meals, said Maeve Webster, the president of culinary consulting rm Menu Matters.

“These are really driven by, I think, changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not,” Webster said.

Looking for value

Beth Tipton, the co-owner of Daniel Girls Farmhouse Restaurant in Connersville, Indiana, introduced an eight-item Mini Meals menu last fall after several customers requested smaller portions. The menu, which includes daily specials like a half piece of meatloaf with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy for $8, now accounts for about 20% of the restaurant’s orders, she said.

Older adults make up about half of the restaurant’s clientele, Tipston said, and some customers told her the regular menu was a stretch for their budgets. As someone who under-

cation every week have at least one person who requests the GLP-Wonderful menu.

“People say, ‘Thank you for serving us’,” Gutin said.

Big chains go small

Olive Garden, whose seven-item “Lighter Portions” menu rolled out nationwide in January, said GLP-1 users were one consideration. The Italian-style restaurant chain also wanted to appeal to patrons pursuing healthier diets or more a ordable meals, said Rick Cardenas, the president and CEO of Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants.

“There is a consumer group out there that believes in abundance, but abundance is di erent for everybody,” Cardenas said in September during a conference call with investors. “So consumers can choose. We’re not changing our entire menu to make it a smaller portion.”

“These are really driven by changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not.”

Maeve Webster, Menu Matters president

the surface for a long time because restaurant meals, particularly at chains, have become so large,” she said. “Sure, it sounds great to take leftovers home, but they never taste as good.”

went weight-loss surgery, she also knew from experience that many restaurants won’t allow adults to order from their children’s menus.

“We wanted it to be available to all without the word ‘kids meals’ attached,” Tipton said. “With the rising costs all around us we wanted to help in any way we can, and this is a great option.”

Eating out and GLP-1s

Some restaurants are adding menus to court users of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Last fall, restaurateur Barry Gutin ran into two di erent friends who told him they were taking GLP-1s and struggling to nd restaurant meals that met their dietary needs and smaller appetites. GLP-1 users tend to eat less, so they need nutritionally dense foods that are low in fat and high in protein and ber.

Gutin, the co-owner of Cuba

Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida, reached out to a doctor who specializes in weight loss and to Cuba Libre’s culinary director, Angel Roque. Over the next month, they developed the chain’s GLP-Wonderful menu, which is available during dinner.

The menu has ve classic Cuban options. Roque said the pollo asado on Cuba Libre’s regular menu has nearly 1,000 calories; on the GLP-1 menu, that’s slimmed down to 400 calories, but heavy on protein andber. He said it was also important to keep the GLP-1 meals avorful and colorful, to stimulate appetites.

“Many times when people are on those kind of regimes, they feel that they can’t do the same as everybody else. So we wanted to show them, yes, at Cuba Libre, you can,” Roque said.

Gutin said the menu has increased business. He estimated that 10 to 20 groups at each lo -

Feds move to dismiss charges against Army veteran who burned American ag near White House

The Army veteran’s case highlights First Amendment protections for ag burning

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Justice Department has moved to dismiss charges against a North Carolina Army veteran who set re to an American ag near the White House last year to protest President Donald Trump’s ex-

“The Constitution still matters.” Jay Carey, Army Veteran

ecutive order on ag burning. Jay Carey, 55, of Arden in Buncombe County, who has said he served in the Army from 1989 to 2012 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, was arrested on Aug. 25 after he set re to a ag in La-

fayette Park, which the National Park Service oversees. Earlier that day, Trump signed an executive order requiring the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute people for burning the American ag. Carey was charged with two misdemeanors that aren’t focused on the act of burning a ag: igniting a re in an undesignated area and lighting a re causing damage to property or park resources. He pleaded not guilty in September. Friday’s ling did not explain the decision

The Asian fusion chain P.F. Chang’s began o ering medium-sized portions last fall.

The Cheesecake Factory added smaller, lower-priced Bites and Bowls to its menu last summer, while TGI Fridays recently began testing an “Eat Like A Kid” menu with smaller portions.

A long-term change

Smaller portions aren’t a new concept. Twenty years ago, small-plate tapas restaurants were all the rage, for instance.

But to Webster, the menu consultant, the scaled-down dishes appearing now feel like a longer-term shift. For one thing, the trend is not tied to any particular cuisine. Webster also thinks consumers are thinking more about food waste than they used to, and smaller portions can alleviate some of their concerns.

“I think it is a core need that consumers have, and a demand that has been lingering under

to move to dismiss and the U.S Attorney’s o ce for the District of Columbia did not immediately respond on Saturday to an email seeking comment.

The Supreme Court has ruled that ag burning is a legitimate political expression protected by the Constitution.

Trump’s order asserted that burning a ag can be prosecuted if it “is likely to incite imminent lawless action” or amounts to “ ghting words.”

“I set out to demonstrate that the First Amendment is sacred and that no administration has the right to supersede our constitutional rights,” Carey said in a statement from the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund. “I was targeted for federal prosecution because of that. I am glad to stand with all those who are ghting for our fundamental rights and hope that this victory can help the

During a recent visit to Shelburne, Vermont, from his home in North Carolina, Jack Pless was delighted to see the Teeny Tuesday menu at Barkeaters Restaurant, which specializes in locally sourced food. Pless, who’s in his 60s and used to own a restaurant, said he can’t eat as much as he used to at meals.

“So many times you go out to restaurants, especially me or my wife, and we’ll take home a box and it’ll sit in the refrigerator for two, three days and start to grow a beard,” he said.

Julie Finestone, the co-owner of Barkeaters, said she introduced the Teeny Tuesday menu last month to bring in more weekday business during the winter. She was concerned about the cost of o ering lower-priced food options, like $12 reuben sliders, but said the decision has brought in more business than she expected.

Finestone said she’s pretty con dent Teeny Tuesday will become a year-round xture.

“Some people, it’s dietary. Some have smaller appetites. Some people don’t like to overindulge in the middle of the week,” Finestone said. “I think that it just spoke to people.”

next person who takes a stand.” It shows people that “the Constitution still matters,” Carey said when reached by telephone on Saturday.

Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, one of Carey’s lawyers and fund co-founder, said the prosecution shouldn’t have been brought.

“The government’s attempt to criminally punish a protestor based on expressive conduct targeted for prosecution by presidential order posed a grave threat to First Amendment freedoms,” Verheyden-Hilliard said in a statement. “The government’s about-face is a critical vindication of those rights. This case also lays the groundwork for defending those across the country who are targeted for vindictive prosecution by the Trump Administration in an e ort to silence and punish viewpoints it doesn’t like.”

MINGSON LAU / AP PHOTO

A ropa vieja dish from Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar’s standard menu is prepared for serving at Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia on March 6.

Randolph record

Out like a …

Ominous clouds and fast-moving storms moved through the Piedmont area over Interstate 73/74 on Monday in Seagrove.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Cuba’s latest blackout underscores deepening economic crisis; Rubio calls for new leadership

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is calling for “new people in charge” of Cuba as the Caribbean nation experienced its third islandwide blackout in four months. U.S. President Donald, who has called Cuba a “very weakened nation,” said on Monday he believes he’ll have the “honor of taking Cuba.” On Tuesday, Rubio — who is of Cuban heritage — said the current government is incapable of addressing the problems. The island’s government blames its woes on a U.S. energy blockade after Trump in January warned of tari s on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba.

Trump postpones China trip to focus on Iran

President Donald Trump is delaying a diplomatic trip to China that was planned for months but began to unravel as he pressured Beijing and other world powers to form a military coalition to protect the vital Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Tuesday while meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval O ce that he would be going to China in ve or six weeks’ time instead of at the end of the month. Trump’s visit to China is seen as an opportunity to build on a fragile trade truce between the two superpowers, but it became tangled in his e ort to nd an endgame to his war in Iran.

$2.00

Uwharrie Ridge to close following conclusion of school year

The closure will help address growing budget concerns within the district

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Schools Board of Education has made the decision to close Uwharrie Ridge Six-Twelve following the end of the current school year.

The recommendation for closing the school was presented to the board last month after the district had a study done which showed decreasing enrollment and poor performance results on top of increasing costs of operation.

“I’m fully aware that the recommendation to close Uwharrie Ridge Six-Twelve is not an easy one,” said Superintendent Stephen Gainey. “But I want you and everyone listening to understand that I believe that

the closure of Uwharrie Ridge is in the best interest of all students in the Randolph County School System.”

The district already had to make signi cant budget cuts heading into the year due to federal and state budget cuts, but the school system is still anticipating having to make an additional $2 million more heading into next year, hence the decision to close Uwharrie Ridge, which will amount to a savings of around $1.3 million per year.

“At the end of the day, we will save $1.3 million,” said Board Chair Gary Cook. “Our job as the school board is to look at the big picture.”

Without the closure, the district anticipated the potential cutting of around 35- 40 jobs.

“Randolph County School System is here to create opportunities for students,” Gainey said. “The savings from the closure of Uwharrie Six-Twelve will prevent other reductions in

the school system. This recommendation is for the bene t of the 14,493 students in the Randolph County School System.”

After prolonged discussion, the board voted 4 -3 to close the school with Cook, Sharon Farlow, Fred Burgess and Shannon Whitaker voting in favor and Tracy Boyles, Phillip Lanier and Todd Cutler voting against it.

“I’ve taken this very seriously as have my fellow school board members also,” Cutler said. “There’s been countless conversations regarding this. This is a highly emotional and di cult decision.”

“Nobody wants to close the school,” Burgess said. “But I also don’t want 20 -plus people to lose their jobs.”

With the decision to close Uwharrie Ridge, the board did however approve the retaining of the class code for Uwharrie Ridge rising juniors and seniors.

By allowing rising seniors

“I believe that the closure of Uwharrie Ridge is in the best interest of all students in the Randolph County School System.”

Superintendent Stephen Gainey

and juniors to stay under the school number for Uwharrie Ridge for the remainder of their years of high school even though they’ll be attending school on the campus of Southwestern Randolph High School, it would allow those students to keep their competitive school ranks and be graduates of Uwharrie Ridge.

The board is also now considering changing Farmer

See CLOSING, page A2

Weather warnings prompt school closings

UCA has adjusted its calendar to make up for missed class time

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

STUDENTS WERE out of session again at the beginning of the week in Randolph County because of threatening weather. For at least one school, that means the school year will last a little longer.

Uwharrie Charter Academy was closed to students and sta Monday because of widespread concerns about the potential for damaging and stormy weather.

For UCA, that means the school year has been extended.

The new last day for students will be June 4 as a make-up date. Based on information from UCA, the adjustment will prevent changes to spring break and the senior graduation schedule.

Schools in the Randolph County School System were closed Monday. It marks the fourth consecutive month that the district has called o classes for a full or partial day or had delayed openings because of weather-related issues.

Asheboro City Schools also was out of session Monday. The district made it an optional teacher workday for sta .

Many school districts across the region announced decisions

Sunday to call o classes for Monday because of forecasts for severe weather. There were tornado warnings in parts of the state, though any near the Triad had expired by early afternoon.

Randolph Community College also called o Monday’s in-person classes, calling for students and employees to operate remotely.

UCA bus involved in wreck

Schools have called o classes on several occasions during the winter.

The incident happened last Wednesday morning on McDowell Road in Asheboro. Two other vehicles were involved in the incident, with law enforcement o cials saying there were no injuries.

Based on reports, Rebecca Ann Mongillo, the driver of the bus, was cited for a red light violation.

A UCA bus was involved in a morning crash last week with less than 20 students on board. Both Randolph County Emergency Services and UCA o cials reported there were no injuries and all aboard the bus declined further treatment after they were checked by medical o cials.

THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF

Trip

THURSDAY

3.19.26

Dan Reeves,

David

Asheboro hires next city attorney

The new hire has previously worked advising a city in the Triad

Randolph Record sta

ASHEBORO — Thomas Carruthers will become Asheboro’s city attorney next month.

Carruthers, a former city attorney for Greensboro, will be leaving a role as deputy general counsel for the North Carolina League of Municipalities.

Carruthers succeeds city attorney Je Sugg, who retired at the end of February after more than two decades.

Based on information from the City of Asheboro, while in the Greensboro position, Carruthers was involved in the cre-

CLOSING from page A1 and Tabernacle Elementary Schools to K- 6 schools in order to better distribute students who will be reassigned due to the closure.

Students from Uwharrie Ridge will be reassigned to either Southwestern Randolph Middle or High School, but there are concerns with the number of students those schools would be taking on. Therefore, the changes to

CRIME LOG

March 9

ation of the Greensboro -Randolph megasite near Liberty.

He became Greensboro’s city attorney in 2014 and left the position in the autumn of 2018, when he resigned e ectively immediately.

His biography includes time

K- 6 would allow those two schools, which according to Gainey are both under 70% capacity, to help alleviate that concern.

“More students would be added to elementary schools that have a lot of vacant space,” Gainey said. “This will reduce the size of Southwestern Randolph Middle School by 91 students, so the concerns about the size at that school would be addressed. Another thing is that elementary school

• Ashley Carolyn Freeman, 32, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for tra cking in fentanyl, possession of a controlled substance on prison or jail premises, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, identity theft and resisting or obstructing a public o cer.

• Joseph Nolan Gauldin, 18, of Ramseur, was arrested by RCSO for simple assault.

• Bailey Reona Singer, 27, of Greensboro, was arrested by RCSO for possession of a stolen motor vehicle, felony eeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, driving without an operator’s license, failure to yield at a stop sign or ashing red light, reckless driving to endanger persons or property, driving left of center, wrong way on dual lane highway, exceeding the posted speed limit, larceny, felony, felony possession of stolen goods and felony conspiracy.

THURSDAY MARCH 19

FRIDAY MARCH 20

SATURDAY MARCH 21

SUNDAY MARCH 22

MONDAY MARCH 23

TUESDAY MARCH 24 WEDNESDAY MARCH 25

• David Jason Slone, 52, of Randelman, was arrested by RCSO for failure to report a new address as a sex o ender.

• Carolyn Ashley Freeman, 32, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for tra cking in fentanyl, possession of a controlled substance on prison or jail premises, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, identity theft and resisting a public o cer.

March 10

• Jeremiah Barrett, 19, of Greensboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of a stolen rearm, speeding, reckless driving with wanton disregard, failure to heed a light or siren, resisting a public o cer and window tinting violation.

• Roger Dale Julian, 56, of Ramseur, was arrested by Asheboro PD for driving while impaired, fail comply restricted driving, open container alcohol violation and expired registration.

• Pedro DE Jesus Lunacid, 37, of Asheboro, was arrested by NCHP for driving while impaired and reckless driving to endanger persons or property.

• Mark Anthony Strickland, 36, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for rst-degree burglary, breaking and entering to terrorize or injure, injury to real property and communicating threats.

• Tyler Allen Boles, 33, of Archdale, was arrested by RCSO for nonsupport of a child.

• Coty Ann Burkhart, 35, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Liam Draeger Craver, 18, of Thomasville, was arrested by the NC State Bureau of Investigation for sexual exploitation of a minor.

• Victor Bruce Lunger, 68, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for assault on a female.

• Johnathan G Prevette, 35, of Reidville, was arrested by Randleman PD for driving while impaired, driving on a revoked license, hit and run, leaving the scene of property damage and failure to reduce speed.

• Donald Clark Roberts, 71, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

as associate sheri ’s attorney for Guilford County and as assistant city attorney for Greensboro. He has experience as an assistant district attorney and in private legal practice.

“The City of Asheboro conducted an exhaustive search with multiple quali ed candidates,” mayor Joey Trogdon said in a statement. “We are fortunate to nd someone with Tom’s experience and training. I feel con dent he will work well with our department heads and city manager to take the City of Asheboro to the next level.” Carruthers received an undergraduate degree in political science from Duke and a law degree from Campbell. He begins his job April 6 in Asheboro.

teachers are licensed to teach K- 6.”

According to Gainey, those employed at Uwharrie Ridge will also be presented with the opportunity to relocate within the district.

“The people at Uwharrie Ridge will get the rst dibs on jobs,” Gainey said. “We’re not going to let anybody else move until we get them placed.”

The Randolph County Schools Board of Education will next meet April 20.

• Anthony Davon Story, 36, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for uttering a forged instrument, obtaining property by false pretenses and defrauding innkeeper.

• David Lee Totten, 37, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for violation of a domestic violence protective order.

March 11

• Hector Javier Rivas Arriola, 20, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession or manufacture of fraudulent identi cation.

• Jaisiah Zy’Han Gaines-Walden, 18, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for simple possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, speeding, reckless driving with wanton disregard and driving on a revoked license.

• Ginny Spivey Gordon, 53, of Franklinville, was arrested by RCSO for felony breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and felony possession of stolen goods.

• Brandon Trevor Je erson, 54, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance, felony possession of cocaine, driving on a revoked license, possession of drug paraphernalia, expired registration and expired or no inspection.

• Ernesto Medina, 40, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for felony possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Ashley Nicole Paul, 32, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for obtaining property by false pretenses, felony possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of a controlled substance.

• Nicolas Romero-Garcia, 34, of Seagrove, was arrested by RCSO for violation of a domestic violence protective order.

• Earl Jerome Spruill, 48, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for habitual larceny, misdemeanor larceny and misdemeanor possession of stolen goods.

• Ginny Rebecka Spivey Gordon, 53, of Franklinville, was arrested by RCSO for felony breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and felony possession of stolen goods.

March 12

• Nyokie Chantea Ewing, 49, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for possession of up to half an ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony possession of cocaine and possession of a controlled substance on prison or jail premises.

• Kyndrah Raye Byrd, 34, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Junior Ned Campbell, 43, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., was arrested by High Point PD for tra cking in methamphetamine and possession of up to half an ounce of marijuana.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Randolph County.

March 20

Friday Night

Bluegrass: True Grass

7 p.m.

True Grass, a local bluegrass and gospel band, performs as part of the Sunset Theatre’s Friday Night Bluegrass series. The quintet — Tim Moon on mandolin, Gary Callicutt on bass, William Britt on guitar, Matthew Nance on banjo and Nolan Moon on ddle — plays original and traditional material. Tickets are $10; doors open at 6 p.m.

Sunset Theatre 234 Sunset Ave. Asheboro

March 21

Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention

5:30 p.m.

The annual Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention moves to a larger venue this year to accommodate growing attendance, o ering more seating, practice space and parking. Competition runs from 5:30 p.m., with contestant registration from 4:30 to 6:45 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–12 and free for children under 6; cash only.

Southwestern Randolph High School 1641 Hopewell Friends Road Asheboro

Success with Herbs Workshop

9 a.m.

Herbalist Henrietta Cummings leads a three-hour workshop on growing, harvesting and using cultivated and wild herbs for food, seasoning and well-being, including outdoor garden exploration. Lunch is included; cost is $75 after the March 7 early-bird deadline of $55. Youth under 18 attend free with a registered adult.

Deep River Folk School 282 Rising Sun Way Franklinville

The Human Race 5K 10 a.m.

The annual Human Race 5K, presented by United Way of Randolph County, bene ts local nonpro ts and The Volunteer Center. Participants can run or walk the TAC-certi ed course; well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome for the “Mutt Strutt.” Registration opens at 9 a.m.; the event runs rain or shine.

Bicentennial Park 363 S. Cox St. Asheboro

March 22

Growing Amazing Tomatoes in N.C.

1 p.m.

Horticulturist Frank Hyman leads a three-hour workshop on growing high-yield tomatoes suited to North Carolina’s climate and soil. Admission is $10.

Deep River Folk School 282 Rising Sun Way Franklinville

COURTESY

Thomas Carruthers

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

The 3 big lies about the Iran war

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality.

IF YOU’VE BEEN following coverage of the Trump administration’s military action against Iran, you’ve probably noticed something: A lot of people are determined to convince you that the United States is losing.

They’re wrong.

Even worse, many of them know they’re wrong. Critics across the political spectrum — from Democrats to elements of the so-called horseshoe right — are pushing narratives that paint the con ict as a disaster in the making. The goal is simple: Undermine public con dence and turn what is shaping up as a strategic success into a perceived failure.

Three particular claims are circulating widely. All three deserve to be addressed.

Lie No. 1: The war is a quagmire.

The rst claim is that the United States has stumbled into another interminable Middle East war — one destined to drag on for years and possibly escalate to catastrophic levels.

This is absurd.

At the time of this writing, the con ict is less than two weeks old. Twelve days. That’s not 12 years, as in Vietnam, or even 12 months, as in the Spanish-American War.

Wars unfold over time, and no one should pretend to know exactly how long any con ict will last. But the notion that the United States is already trapped in a generational quagmire — after less than two weeks of ghting — is less analysis than panic.

Lie No. 2: Iran is somehow winning.

A second claim insists that Iran is holding strong — that the regime is weathering

| LARRY ELDER

the assault and even gaining the upper hand.

Again, reality tells a di erent story.

Iran’s military capabilities have been battered. Its missile and drone infrastructure has been heavily targeted. Its naval assets have reportedly su ered severe losses. Leadership turmoil inside the regime only compounds the problem.

Reports suggest that the death of longtime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has triggered a chaotic succession struggle. Even his presumed heir, Mojtaba Khamenei, appears to lack both political support and personal legitimacy within the system.

In other words, the Iranian regime is not projecting strength. It is scrambling to maintain control.

Lie No. 3: The oil shock will break the United States.

The nal warning is economic: Iran, critics say, will simply shut down the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices skyrocketing and bringing the American economy to its knees.

For a brief moment earlier this week, markets reacted to that fear. Oil prices jumped sharply amid speculation that the strait could be disrupted.

But the panic faded almost as quickly as it began. Within days, crude prices had fallen back below $90 a barrel.

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality. And the reality is that Iran faces enormous consequences if it attempts to choke o one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

President Donald Trump has made that

Obama’s race-hustling eulogy at a race hustler’s

(Obama) repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

point unmistakably clear. In a statement posted online, he warned that any Iranian attempt to block the ow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz would trigger an overwhelming American response.

The message was aimed not only at Tehran but also at Beijing and other major energy consumers: The United States intends to keep global energy owing — and anyone who interferes will pay a heavy price.

There are legitimate questions to ask about any military action. Democracies require scrutiny, debate and skepticism. But skepticism should not be confused with hysteria.

Right now, critics are spinning worst- case scenarios while ignoring the basic facts on the ground: Iran’s military is under severe pressure, its leadership structure is unstable, and the economic fallout that many predicted has yet to materialize.

None of this guarantees the con ict will end quickly or cleanly. War rarely works that way.

But it does suggest that the narrative of inevitable American failure — so loudly promoted by the administration’s opponents — is far removed from the reality unfolding in the Middle East.

And that reality matters far more than the talking points.

Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

funeral

FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA long ago surpassed the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton as America’s most in uential race hustler. The country got a reminder when Obama spoke at Jackson’s funeral even though Jackson’s son urged the speakers “not to bring their politics” to the service.

Obama said: “Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible. Each day, we’re told by those in high o ce to fear each other and to turn on each other. And that some Americans count more than others.” Same old Obama.

In his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech, he famously declared, “There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.” It was the line that launched him and made millions across party lines believe he could bridge divides.

Obama won the presidency with just over 52% of the popular vote, but he entered the Oval O ce in January 2009 with a nearly 70% approval rating. Polls in late 2008 and early 2009 showed both black and white Americans believed race relations would improve under his leadership. By the time he left o ce in 2017, polls showed majorities or pluralities of both blacks and whites thought race relations had gotten worse.

In Obama’s eight years as president, he repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small

while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

In 2009, at the beginning of his presidency, he declared that the Cambridge police “acted stupidly” in arresting Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. Obama turned a cop -just-doing-his-job encounter with the belligerent Gates into a national “teachable moment” about alleged racial pro ling by cops against blacks.

In 2012, about a young black man shot and killed by a self- described neighborhood Florida watchman, Obama said, “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.” A jury found the man who shot Trayvon Martin not guilty, and jurors who spoke publicly said race had nothing to do with the encounter.

In a 2014 speech before the United Nations, Obama invoked the case of Ferguson, Missouri, to enlighten the world about America’s supposed deep -seated problems with race relations. Later, the “hands up, don’t shoot” narrative about Michael Brown’s death turned out to be a complete lie, and the o cer was exonerated.

Obama embraced Black Lives Matter’s police-are- out-to -get-blacks rhetoric despite evidence that, if anything, cops are more hesitant to pull the trigger on a black suspect than a white one.

In 2015, he proclaimed racism is in America’s “DNA.” Although the media for the most part fawned over Obama, rst lady Michelle Obama insisted her husband

su ered from unfair media coverage because of racism.

Obama invited fellow race hustler Sharpton to the White House more than 70 times, more than any other “civil rights” gure. And, for good measure, Obama even argued that “a theoretical case” could be made for slavery reparations to be paid by nonslave owners and to nonslaves.

From the beginning of his presidency until its end, Obama stoked resentment, divided Americans by skin color and kept the race grievance industry alive and well oiled. The man Americans hired to unite us became the victicrat-in- chief, a title his Jackson eulogy shows he retains.

Trump -hating media still gives Obama a pass no Republican could ever dream of receiving. Imagine a Republican president doing even half of what Obama did: routinely injecting race into controversies, cozying up to a white Sharpton-like gure and rapping his arms around a toxic “movement” called White Lives Matter. The outrage would be endless, the headlines relentless — and rightfully so.

Obama’s real legacy on race? Blacks are eternal victims — distressed, oppressed and suppressed by “The Man” — and trapped in a system rigged against them from birth to death. His own extraordinary rise, of course, contradicts this counterproductive message. Yet he persists in selling it to willing buyers.

Obama is still relatively young. So, he has decades ahead to remain a loud voice in the public square — and he possesses a warehouse full of race cards ready to be played. What a waste.

COLUMN

Howard Addison Frazier

Oct. 23, 1934 – March 9, 2026

Howard Addison Frazier, 91, a ectionately known as “Sea Breeze,” passed away unexpectedly on March 9, 2026.

The son of the late Joseph Kenneth Frazier and Lydia Alice Stutts. Howard was born and raised in Siler City, North Carolina. A gifted athlete in his youth, he was a standout high school football and baseball player. His talent earned him a baseball scholarship to Oak Ridge Junior College, where he played until he answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Howard returned home to Siler City and married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Paschal. A man with a tireless work ethic, he initially served as a brick mason before spending over forty years as a long distance truck driver. In his retirement, Howard focused on his passion for golf, primarily at the Siler City Country Club. An accomplished player, he recorded seven holes-in-one during his lifetime. Howard was a man of faith, serving as a lifelong member of Rehobeth Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy; their three children, Angela Brantley of Graham, Bentley Frazier of Siler City, and Kenneth Frazier (Janice) of Graham; his sister, Rosa Horne of Peachland; and his brothers, Bill Frazier (Diane) of Pitts eld, MA, Earle Frazier (Carol Ann) of Siler City, and Steve Frazier of Whitsett. He was also the proud grandfather of three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Out of respect for Howard’s wishes, a memorial service will not be held. In lieu of owers, gifts to the cemetery fund of Howard’s home church may be sent to Rehobeth United Methodist Church, 850 Kildee Church Road, Ramseur, NC 27316.

Ronald Allen Shaw Sr.

Aug. 24, 1942 –March 13, 2026

Ronald Allen Shaw Sr., 83, of Asheboro, died Friday, March 13, 2026, at Piedmont Crossing Retirement Community in Thomasville.

A funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Arnold Luther o ciating. Burial will follow at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery.

Ronald was born on August 24, 1942, in Randolph County, the son of the late Alvin Ernest Shaw and Treva Merle Callicutt Shaw. He retired from Hedgecock Builders Supply. Mr. Shaw was also a faithful member of High Pine Wesleyan Church where he was a past board member. Whether it was working on cars or driving them, Ronald found great joy with old cars. He also enjoyed going to festivals and listening to blue grass music.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest Alvin Shaw. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Shaw of the home; son, Allen Shaw of Asheboro; niece, Treva Henderson of Asheboro; and numerous cousins.

The family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m. at Ridge Funeral Home prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Rita Ann Beane

June 14, 1942 –March 15, 2026

Rita Ann Beane, 83, passed away on March 15, 2026, at the Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

Rita was born on June 14, 1942, in Chuckey, TN, to parents Tom and Addie Painter Mathes. She was a graduate of East Tennessee State University and worked for a few years as a teacher at Ramseur Elementary, later spending time at home raising her children. Later in life, she worked at Big Deal Shoes, nishing her career as a CNA at Randolph Health and Rehab in Asheboro. Mrs. Beane was a faithful member of Cool Springs Baptist Church in Franklinville where she served as the church pianist as well as the secretary and treasurer. Rita loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. In her free time,

Jesse Parks Ingold

Aug. 12, 1936 –March 10, 2026

Jesse Parks Ingold of Asheboro died March 10, 2026, holding the hands of loved ones. He was 89.

Born August 12, 1936, in Randolph County, North Carolina, Jesse was the youngest of six children to Oakwell Ingold and Eva Mae Ingold. Jesse lived a life devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, a caring father, and a proud “Number One Paw.” He retired from Energizer Battery in 1994 after serving in the Army, and he was a member of Cross Road Baptist Church.

He was a spirited sherman, a mechanic extraordinaire, and an all-time wheeler and dealer. His heart was full of compassion. There are many accounts of him stopping at car accidents, providing medical care or simply holding hands with the victims. He was always there for people in need and had a heart for ones not always noticed. Those who knew him will remember his stories and the telltale twinkle in his eyes. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda Saunders Ingold; his daughters, Holli Lanier and Sandi Brown; his brothers, Russell Ingold, Leonard Ingold, and Jimmy Ingold; and his sister, Martha Peele. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Sherri Floyd; his sons-in-law, Marty Floyd, Richard Brown, and Bruce Lanier; his grandchildren, Wesley Floyd, Stewart Floyd, Allison Cain, Tyler Brown, Andrew Brown, and Maggi Floyd; and his great-grandchildren, Josie Floyd, Holleigh Floyd, Jesse Floyd, and Amelia Floyd; and his sister, Donsy Hames. His family will celebrate his life with a graveside service at Oaklawn Cemetery in Asheboro at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. In lieu of owers, kindly consider donating to Cross Road Baptist Church. He fought the good ght, and he nished the race. Well done, good and faithful servant. We love you the mostest.

Rita enjoyed gardening, working with her owers, traveling with her family, and playing with her dogs Sadie and Ellie. In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her brother, Marvin Mathes.

Mrs. Beane is survived by her husband of 58 years, Erman Beane of the home; children, Carla Davis and husband Jason of Asheboro, Craig Beane and wife Meghann of Franklinville, and Chris Beane and wife Andrea of Archdale; Grandchildren, Reese Davis, Aubree Davis, Trevor Beane and wife Hailey, Tyler Beane, Zack Beane and wife Vanessa, Aubrie Goodman, and Jaxon Goodman; brother, Terry Mathes and wife Kathy of Bristol, TN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Cool Springs Baptist Church with Rev. John Harmon o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, March 19, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Lo in Funeral Home.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph County or to the ALS Foundation in Elizabethton, TN.

The family would like to express a special thanks to North Pointe Assisted Living in Archdale as well as the Randolph Hospice House, particularly Michelle and Tiesha, for the care that they had shown Mrs. Beane during her illness.

Jeanette Laton Russell

Dec. 4, 1933 – March 11, 2026

Helen Jeanette Laton Russell, 92, of Burlington, died Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at The Chapel at Coble Creek Healthcare, Twin Lakes Campus, Burlington, NC, with Pastor Nathan Kiser o ciating. A reception will follow the service. Jeanette was born on December 4, 1933, in Stanly County, the daughter of the late Paul Watkins Laton and Madeline Almond Laton. She retired from Liggett Myers Tobacco Company. Jeanette was a member of Mt. Sylvan United Methodist Church in Durham. She loved baking, cooking, and going to the beach. She loved spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, Graham McDonald Russell Sr., and her brother, Paul W. Laton Jr. Jeanette is survived by her sons, Graham M. Russell Jr. and wife Jennifer of Greensboro, Greg Russell and wife Cheryl of Asheboro; sister, Phyllis Forrest and husband Johnny of Norwood; grandchildren, Amber Isley and husband Chase, Grant Russell and wife Kaylie, Laton Russell and wife Morgan, Ashton Russell and wife Mallory, Preston Russell and wife Madison, Allyson Russell; step grandchild, Marsha Prevette; great grandchildren, Gray Russell, Kenzie Russell, Brody Isley, Harlow Isley, Declan Russell, Beckett Russell; step great grandchildren, Jessy Gray, and Trevor Gray. Memorials may be made to the Resident Assistance Fund at Twin Lakes Community, 3701 Wade Coble Drive, Burlington, NC 27215 or at https://tinyurl. com/3d7wydzt.

Amy Lynn Briles

Jan. 2, 1957 – March 11, 2026

Amy Lynn Briles, 69, of Asheboro, died Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Randolph Health in Asheboro. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Oaklawn Cemetery, with Rev. Robert Armstrong o ciating.

Amy was born on January 2, 1957, in Randolph County, the daughter of the late Wayne Briles and Hilda Hill Briles. She graduated from Asheboro High School, class of 1975, and retired from Technimark, Corporate O ce. Amy had an eye for style, using any and every occasion as a time to dress beautifully.

Above all, she was a “friend’s friend”, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and a social calendar that was always full. One of her greatest gifts was turning friends into family, building a wide circle of “chosen kin” who, along with her family, were the heartbeat of her life. In addition to her parents, Amy was preceded in death by her many aunts and uncles, including Joyce “Flossie” Hill McGee (James), with whom she shared a special bond.

She is survived by several cousins and a community of friends she loved.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Charles Thomas Swing

Oct. 9, 1945 – March 12, 2026

Charles Thomas Swing, age 80, of Asheboro, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the Randolph Hospice House.

Mr. Swing was born in Shawnee, OK, on October 9, 1945, to Charles Calvin Swing and Sadie Craven Swing. Charles was a graduate of Asheboro High School, graduated from Wingate College, and was a 1969 graduate of the University of Georgia, where he received his BBA-Management. Charles served his country in the Army National Guard of North Carolina for six years. He was the coowner and manager of Banner Hosiery Mills, Inc. Charles loved spending time with his family, hunting, shing, playing golf and trips to the beach.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his brother, Robert “Bobby” Swing. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy Underwood Swing; son, Thomas Swing (Jody) of Greenville; daughter, Michele Montgomery (Keith) of Burgaw; grandchildren, Sarah Swing and Charley Swing; brother, Frank Swing of Asheboro; and nephew, Ethan Swing.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Mr. Swing on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. at The Pugh Funeral Home”Mac Pugh Chapel”, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC, with Rev. David Fambrough conducting the service. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1-1:50 p.m. A private burial will follow the service. The family is asking in lieu of owers, memorials to be made in Mr. Swing’s memory to Hospice House of Asheboro, The Senior Center of Asheboro, or the Westside Volunteer Fire Department.

Violet Ainsley Overman

Jan. 19, 2026 –March 12, 2026

Violet Ainsley Overman, infant daughter of Tanner and Aaliyah Carolyne Overman, of Asheboro, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at her home.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Pleasant Grove Christian Church, with Pastor Don Edwards o ciating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandfather, Harold Boone; her great-grandfather, Harold Beck Jr.; and her greatgrandmother, Phyllis Coble.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her sister Ayla Jade; grandparents, Linda Robbins and Scott Overman, Jason and Deanna Davis; great grandparents, Carolyn and Danny Hawks, Mark and Wanda Lee; uncles and aunts, Blake and Tessa Davis, Colton Davis, Ava Davis, Jonathan Wake eld; great aunts and uncles, Natalie Santiago, Amy and Larry Self, Ralph and Tammy Overman, Chad Abernathy; second cousins, Michael and Anna Katherine Self, Madison and Logan, Haley and Joey Whitmore, and Justin Overman.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home.

Sybil Beatrice Kindley Pierce

Aug. 24, 1938 –March 15, 2026

Mrs. Sybil Beatrice Kindley Pierce, 87, of Trinity passed away Sunday night, March 15, 2026, at Randolph Health, Asheboro, after an extended illness. Beatrice was married to Roy Pierce for over 45 years until his death. They both enjoyed traveling and to the beach or anywhere they decided to go. She loved cooking and spending time with her family. She was a licensed Practical Nurse working at the Brian Center, Dr. Meisenheimer’s Gastroenterologist O ce and nally for Hospice before retiring. Beatrice is survived by two sons, Dale Russell (Cheryl) of Trinity and Steve Russell (Debbie) of Trinity, one daughter, Nannette P. Wood of Thomasville, six grandchildren, and ten greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by ve sisters, Nelia Ann Kennedy of Thomasville, Vonceal Bescher of Denton, Reba Grubb of Trinity, Wanda Teague of Thomasville and Jane Yates of Denton. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Ray Kindley and one sister, Darlene Smith. Funeral services for Beatrice Pierce will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Pierce’s Chapel Primitive Baptist Church by Elder Dale Brown and son Dale Russell. Visitation will be prior to the service from 12:45-1:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family extends a special thank you to the caregivers at Crossroads Memory Care Center and to her hospice nurses. In lieu of owers, the family is asking for donations to be made in memory of Beatrice to Pierce’s Chapel Primitive Baptist Church.

Linda Caviness Brady

July 9, 1946 – March 15, 2026

Linda Caviness Brady, 79, of Seagrove, passed away on March 15, 2026, at the Randolph Hospice House. Linda was born on July 9, 1946, in Randolph County to parents Floyd Quincy Caviness and Mary Ellen Needham Caviness. She worked for many years as a hairdresser, opening her shop, Linda’s Hair Fashions in Erect, in 1969. Linda loved her shop and it allowed people from all over the community to come share stories, laugh, get a trim, color, or perm. Her t-shirts said, “What happens at Linda’s stays at Linda’s”, but everyone knew better than that. She had an amazing talent for xing hair and could make anyone look beautiful and con dent. She loved volunteering with Look Good Feel Better, nding wigs and comfortable headwear for cancer patients. She traveled to homes, nursing facilities, and funeral homes to care for her customers until she became sick herself. She was a force of nature, always full of energy and passion.

Mrs. Brady was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend. She made the best chicken pies, sourdough bread, fruit cakes, g and strawberry preserves. She loved canning vegetables and her kitchen was always over owing with extra food to share. Some of her proudest accomplishments were researching her family and church history, which led to new additions to the church library and a common seating area where people could gather before weddings and special events. Linda had the warmest blue eyes and a heart that made you stop and listen when others were talking about their problems. She was always willing to help in any way that she could. She wasn’t perfect but always had a playful re that ignited passion in others.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Brady was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Caviness.

Linda is survived by her husband of 62 years, Lavan Brady of the home; daughter, Angie BradyDaniels and husband Ken of Manteo; grandchildren, James Brady Daniels and wife Lauren of Glen Allen, VA, Amanda Carver and husband Je of Manteo, and Courtney Daniels of Manteo; great-grandchildren, Bennett Daniels, Aubrey Daniels, and Callie Carver; brother Tony Caviness of Myrtle Beach; sister, Susan Denise Carr of Greensboro; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Caviness of Seagrove, Sarah Brady, and Claudette Brady, both of Asheboro; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Antioch Christian Church of Seagrove with Rev. Brian Faircloth and Rev. Jimmy Honeycutt o ciating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2-2:45 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

The family would like to express a special thanks to all of her special friends who called, sent owers, and visited her during her illness, especially caregivers, Vickie, Christy, Gail, Beverly, Tammy, Janet, Jeanne, and Debbie, who kept her smiling on the toughest days. A special thanks also to the nurses, doctors, and sta from Hospice of Randolph County for their attentive and kind care, including Jennifer, Christy, Sarah, Gina, Sonya, Kyle, Amanda, and Rosemary.

When hospice was brought in, Linda cried and said she would rather be the helper instead of the one needing help. In her memory, please consider reaching out to someone today with a phone call, card, gift of a meal, or your time. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262-7009 or to Antioch Christian Church, 5789 Antioch Church Road, Seagrove, NC 27341.

Michael Dean “Mickey” Kern

June 22, 1945 –March 13, 2026

Michael Dean “Mickey” Kern, 80, peacefully entered his heavenly home on March 13, 2026, at Randolph Hospice House, surrounded by his loving children.

A graveside service and burial will be held Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Beane Family Cemetery, with Rev. Craig Asbill o ciating.

Mickey was born on June 22, 1945, to the late Tim Tewey Kern and Dorothy Irene Saunders Kern. He was a proud graduate of East Montgomery High School, Class of 1963, where he was known as a talented athlete who played baseball, basketball, and football. Baseball held a special place in his heart, and his skill on the eld even drew the attention of scouts from the Minnesota Twins. After graduating, he continued his education by completing coursework at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Mickey married the love of his life, Nancy Carol Beane, in December 1965. Together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage and built a strong and loving family.

Mickey worked faithfully throughout his life to provide for his family. He served as a longtime supervisor at B.B. Walker Shoe Company in Asheboro, North Carolina. Over the years, he also held several night watchman positions and worked in the cleaning industry. Outside of work, Mickey had a deep love for sports. He rarely missed a chance to cheer on the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball and was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. He also enjoyed collecting baseball cards and trying his luck with lottery tickets.

Mickey was truly one of a kind—a natural, self-made comedian. Those who knew him will remember his quick wit, warm personality, and wonderful sense of humor. He had a special gift for making people laugh and brightening every room he entered.

Family was always at the center of Mickey’s life. He cherished his role as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was the proud father of three daughters, grandfather of nine grandchildren, and greatgrandfather of eleven greatgrandchildren. He was also joyfully anticipating the arrival of his rst great-great-grandchild. Mickey took great pride in his growing family and shared a special bond with his beloved grand-dog, Pookie.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Beane Kern of the home; his three daughters, Tammy Godwin (Terry), Lisa King, and Michelle Luther (Michael), all of Asheboro; eight grandchildren: David King, Carolyn Garner (Dustin), Allison Godwin, Patricia Pecorella (Joey), Faith King, Brandy Luther, Brittny Vaughn (Jeremy), and Adrienne Luther; eleven great-grandchildren; and his grand-dog, Pookie. He is also survived by ve sisters: Judy McCreary, Doris Welch, Jeanne Black, Nell Daves, and Terry Parsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tim Tewey Kern and Dorothy Irene Kern; his sister, Silvia Chavez; his brother, Tim Kern; and his beloved grandson, Chad King.

A private family viewing will be held on Thursday morning, March 19, 2026. Mickey will lie in repose from noon until 4 p.m. Thursday at Ridge Funeral Home.

In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 752840692.

Mickey had a way of turning ordinary moments into laughter, and that gift will live on in the stories his family will tell for generations.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23.

Raymond Walker Swaim

Nov. 3, 1937 – March 13, 2026

Raymond Walker Swaim, 88, of Randleman, passed away on March 13, 2026, at TerraBella in Asheboro.

Raymond was born on November 3, 1937, in Randolph County to parents Jesse Everette and Bertha Bullins Swaim. He was a 1956 graduate of Randleman High School and was a proud veteran of the United States Army and worked for many years as an engineer technician for Energizer. Raymond was a long-time member of Parks Crossroads Christian Church, where he served in many capacities, including deacon and Sunday School teacher of the Adult Bible Class, formerly the Willing Workers’ Class, where he enjoyed fellowshipping with his classmates. Raymond was a hard worker and enjoyed spending time outdoors; he was a cattle farmer, as well as a beekeeper. In his free time, Raymond enjoyed gol ng, playing cornhole with his family and friends, as well as traveling and listening to gospel music. In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his brothers, Everette Swaim and James Swaim. Mr. Swaim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Wilma Carmac Swaim; daughters, Felicia Kennedy and husband Toby of Bolivia and Jessica Cuthrell and husband David of Jamestown; grandchildren, Haley Williams and husband Logan of Maitland FL, Abbey Kennedy of Orlando FL, and Shelby, Gracie, and Ellie Cuthrell, all of Jamestown.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Lo in Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Kelley and Rev. Todd Nance o ciating. Burial will follow the service at Randolph Memorial Park with military honors by the Randolph County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 10-10:45 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to the Special Olympics of Randolph County in honor of Swaim’s good buddy, Chris Holmes; 241 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203. The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to TerraBella of Asheboro, as well as Amedisys Hospice Care, for the exceptional care that they showed Mr. Swaim during his illness.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Randolph Record at obits@ randolphrecord.com

STATE & NATION

Smaller portions become big restaurant trend as customers watch budgets, waistlines

Diners foucused on money and health are driving demand for less

By Dee-Ann Durbin

The Associated Press

THE BIGGEST NEW restaurant trend is small.

Special menus with petite, less expensive portions are popping up all over, from large chains like Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory to trendy urban eateries and farm-to -fork dining rooms.

Restaurants hope that o ering smaller servings beyond the children’s menu will meet many di erent diners’ needs. Some people want to spend less when they go out. Others are looking for healthier options or trying to lose weight. Younger consumers tend to snack more throughout the day and eat smaller meals, said Maeve Webster, the president of culinary consulting rm Menu Matters.

“These are really driven by, I think, changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not,” Webster said.

Looking for value

Beth Tipton, the co - owner of Daniel Girls Farmhouse Restaurant in Connersville, Indiana, introduced an eight-item Mini Meals menu last fall after several customers requested smaller portions. The menu, which includes daily specials like a half piece of meatloaf with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy for $8, now accounts for about 20% of the restaurant’s orders, she said.

Older adults make up about half of the restaurant’s clientele, Tipston said, and some customers told her the regular menu was a stretch for their budgets. As someone who under-

Feds

went weight-loss surgery, she also knew from experience that many restaurants won’t allow adults to order from their children’s menus.

“We wanted it to be available to all without the word ‘kids meals’ attached,” Tipton said. “With the rising costs all around us we wanted to help in any way we can, and this is a great option.”

Eating out and GLP-1s

Some restaurants are adding menus to court users of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Last fall, restaurateur Barry Gutin ran into two di erent friends who told him they were taking GLP-1s and struggling to nd restaurant meals that met their dietary needs and smaller appetites. GLP-1 users tend to eat less, so they need nutritionally dense foods that are low in fat and high in protein and ber.

Gutin, the co - owner of Cuba

Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida, reached out to a doctor who specializes in weight loss and to Cuba Libre’s culinary director, Angel Roque. Over the next month, they developed the chain’s GLP-Wonderful menu, which is available during dinner.

The menu has ve classic Cuban options. Roque said the pollo asado on Cuba Libre’s regular menu has nearly 1,000 calories; on the GLP-1 menu, that’s slimmed down to 400 calories, but heavy on protein andber. He said it was also important to keep the GLP-1 meals avorful and colorful, to stimulate appetites.

“Many times when people are on those kind of regimes, they feel that they can’t do the same as everybody else. So we wanted to show them, yes, at Cuba Libre, you can,” Roque said.

Gutin said the menu has increased business. He estimated that 10 to 20 groups at each lo -

move to dismiss charges against Army veteran who burned American ag near White House

The North Carolina man’s case highlights First Amendment protections for ag burning

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has moved to dismiss charges against a North Carolina Army veteran who set re to an American ag near the White House last year to protest President Donald Trump’s ex-

“The Constitution still matters.” Jay Carey, Army veteran

ecutive order on ag burning. Jay Carey, 55, of Arden in Buncombe County, who has said he served in the Army from 1989 to 2012 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, was arrested on Aug. 25 after he set re to a ag in La-

fayette Park, which the National Park Service oversees. Earlier that day, Trump signed an executive order requiring the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute people for burning the American ag. Carey was charged with two misdemeanors that aren’t focused on the act of burning a ag: igniting a re in an undesignated area and lighting a re causing damage to property or park resources. He pleaded not guilty in September. Friday’s ling did not explain the decision

cation every week have at least one person who requests the GLP-Wonderful menu.

“People say, ‘Thank you for serving us’,” Gutin said.

Big chains go small

Olive Garden, whose seven-item “Lighter Portions” menu rolled out nationwide in January, said GLP-1 users were one consideration. The Italian-style restaurant chain also wanted to appeal to patrons pursuing healthier diets or more a ordable meals, said Rick Cardenas, the president and CEO of Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants.

“There is a consumer group out there that believes in abundance, but abundance is di erent for everybody,” Cardenas said in September during a conference call with investors. “So consumers can choose. We’re not changing our entire menu to make it a smaller portion.”

The Asian fusion chain P.F. Chang’s began o ering medium-sized portions last fall.

The Cheesecake Factory added smaller, lower-priced Bites and Bowls to its menu last summer, while TGI Fridays recently began testing an “Eat Like A Kid” menu with smaller portions.

A long-term change

Smaller portions aren’t a new concept. Twenty years ago, small-plate tapas restaurants were all the rage, for instance. But to Webster, the menu consultant, the scaled- down dishes appearing now feel like a longer-term shift. For one thing, the trend is not tied to any particular cuisine. Webster also thinks consumers are thinking more about food waste than they used to, and smaller portions can alleviate some of their concerns.

“I think it is a core need that consumers have, and a demand that has been lingering under

to move to dismiss and the U.S Attorney’s o ce for the District of Columbia did not immediately respond on Saturday to an email seeking comment.

The Supreme Court has ruled that ag burning is a legitimate political expression protected by the Constitution.

Trump’s order asserted that burning a ag can be prosecuted if it “is likely to incite imminent lawless action” or amounts to “ ghting words.”

“I set out to demonstrate that the First Amendment is sacred and that no administration has the right to supersede our constitutional rights,” Carey said in a statement from the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund. “I was targeted for federal prosecution because of that. I am glad to stand with all those who are ghting for our fundamental rights and hope that this victory can help the

“These are really driven by changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not.”

Maeve Webster, Menu Matters president

the surface for a long time because restaurant meals, particularly at chains, have become so large,” she said. “Sure, it sounds great to take leftovers home, but they never taste as good.”

During a recent visit to Shelburne, Vermont, from his home in North Carolina, Jack Pless was delighted to see the Teeny Tuesday menu at Barkeaters Restaurant, which specializes in locally sourced food. Pless, who’s in his 60s and used to own a restaurant, said he can’t eat as much as he used to at meals.

“So many times you go out to restaurants, especially me or my wife, and we’ll take home a box and it’ll sit in the refrigerator for two, three days and start to grow a beard,” he said.

Julie Finestone, the co - owner of Barkeaters, said she introduced the Teeny Tuesday menu last month to bring in more weekday business during the winter. She was concerned about the cost of o ering lower-priced food options, like $12 reuben sliders, but said the decision has brought in more business than she expected.

Finestone said she’s pretty con dent Teeny Tuesday will become a year-round xture.

“Some people, it’s dietary. Some have smaller appetites. Some people don’t like to overindulge in the middle of the week,” Finestone said. “I think that it just spoke to people.”

next person who takes a stand.” It shows people that “the Constitution still matters,” Carey said when reached by telephone on Saturday.

Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, one of Carey’s lawyers and fund co -founder, said the prosecution shouldn’t have been brought.

“The government’s attempt to criminally punish a protestor based on expressive conduct targeted for prosecution by presidential order posed a grave threat to First Amendment freedoms,” Verheyden-Hilliard said in a statement. “The government’s about-face is a critical vindication of those rights. This case also lays the groundwork for defending those across the country who are targeted for vindictive prosecution by the Trump Administration in an e ort to silence and punish viewpoints it doesn’t like.”

MINGSON LAU / AP PHOTO

A ropa vieja dish from Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar’s standard menu is prepared for serving at Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia on March 6.

RandolpH SPORTS

High Point hoops on to NCAA Tournaments

Members of the High Point men’s basketball team celebrate on Selection Sunday after seeing the school listed on the NCAA Tournament bracket. The Panthers, champions of the Big South Conference, were tagged to go to Portland, Oregon, for a matchup with Wisconsin in the rst round. High Point’s women’s team, also Big South champion, goes to Nashville, Tennessee, to take on host Vanderbilt on Saturday. AREA COLLEGE NOTES

Hernandez earns spot in NCAAs

A former Asheboro basketball player received conference honors for his defensive work

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

FORMER UWHARRIE

Charter Academy wrestler

Aldo Hernandez is heading to the NCAA championships after winning a Southern Conference title.

Hernandez secured an au-

tomatic bid to this week’s NCAAs in Cleveland with an improbable run through the Southern Conference Tournament earlier this month in Asheville.

Hernandez, the No. 5 seed at 141 pounds, defeated Dyson Dunham of Virginia Military Institute 5-1, overwhelmed top-seeded Hunter Mason of Chattanooga with a technical fall and, in the title bout, posted an 8-1 victory against AJ Rallo of Bellarmine. Hernandez, a redshirt sopho-

more, takes a 19-14 record into an opening match against Princeton’s Matthew Martino, with the winner to meet top-seeded and undefeated Jesse Mendez of Ohio State.

Appalachian State won the Southern Conference Tournament team championship for the fourth year in a row.

Oakley’s season ends

Wheatmore alum Ethan Oakley didn’t make it back to the NCAA championships

Southwestern Randolph, UCA split in baseball, softball

Randleman won lopsided games in several matchups

Randolph Record sta

SEVERAL AREA baseball teams made schedule adjustments, moving up late-week games to earlier because of the potential for wet weather last week.

Southwestern Randolph and Uwharrie Charter Academy split two games in the Four Rivers Conference on back-to-back days.

Southwestern Randolph won 12-3 at home with Elijah Sykes homering and Logan Weidman pitching a complete game with 11 strikeouts.

UCA bounced back to win 4-3 at home on Jake Hunter’s six-hitter and Wilson Bowswell’s go-ahead hit. Sykes struck out 10 batters in defeat.

• Eastern Randolph fell 1-0 at Northwood in the Four Rivers Conference.

In the rematch, Eastern Randolph’s Carlos Cordero drove in two runs as the host Wildcats rallied for a 10-6 victory. Maddox Dunn was the winning pitcher in relief.

Earlier in the week, Landon Albright pitched a complete game and Eastern Randolph

was boosted by three hits and three runs scored by Miles Cox in a 9-4 victory against visiting Southeast Guilford. Dunn and Chance Holdaway both drove in three runs.

• Asheboro hammered visiting Eastern Guilford 15-0, scoring 12 rst-inning runs. Shane Immel and Justin Guerrero had big hits. The rematch in Gibsonville was postponed until this week.

Asheboro pitchers Daniel Jaimes, Sam Gore and Gavin Allen racked up a total of 13 strikeouts in a 6-0 victory at Wheatmore. Gore drove in two runs.

• Randleman swept a Piedmont Athletic Conference home doubleheader from High Point Andrews by scores of 13-0 and 19-0.

Lincoln Lawson had two triples in the rst game, and Jake Riddle had four hits in the second game. Ricky Romano and Lawson combined for the rst shutout, and Ashton Poe and Collin Culler handled the Game 2 pitching.

Riddle pitched a shutout and Randleman scored on Kyle Dillow’s two-run single in the fth inning in Friday’s 2-0 victory at Southeast Guilford.

• Providence Grove rallied past host Surry Central for a 4-3 victory after three season-opening defeats. Winning pitch-

er Colin Duvall had two hits.

• Trinity went to Western Alamance and pulled out a 4-3 victory, with Lincoln Coble the winning pitcher and Grayson Fauber recording the nal out for a save. Brody Little had two hits and scored a run.

Fauber had three hits and Peyton Williams pitched six innings when Trinity topped visiting Forbush 7-3 on Friday.

SOFTBALL

Southwestern Randolph’s Alyssa Harris threw a no-hitter when the Cougars topped visiting Uwharrie Charter Academy 3-0 in the Four Rivers Conference last week.

Kami Dunn knocked in two runs, and Nauttica Parrish scored twice.

UCA avenged the defeat the next day, rallying for a 7-6 triumph, aided by Paityn Williams’ four shutout innings in relief. Teammates Emory Johnson and Graice Smith both scored two runs. Parrish drove in two runs for the Cougars.

• Northwood won 6-1 at home vs. winless Eastern Randolph in the Four Rivers Conference.

• Wheatmore took its rst lead with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat

in his nal collegiate season. The Tar Heels wrestler nished the season with a 14-9 record.

Oakley, a 133-pounder, went 0-2 earlier this month in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. He lost 4-1 in overtime to Pittsburgh’s Evan Tallmadge in the rst round before a consolation-round setback by 8-0 to NC State’s Zach Redding.

Oakley reached the NCAA championships twice with Appalachian State and then again

last March in his rst season with UNC.

Stanback claims SWAC defensive honors

Asheboro alum Jerquarius

Stanback was named the Defensive Player of the Year in the Southwestern Athletic Conference for men’s basketball.

Stanback, a redshirt freshman forward for Alabama State, led the SWAC with nearly two blocked shots per game.

Stanback, a 6-foot-9 player, scored a team-high 16 points in the Hornets’ 77-65 loss to Alcorn State in the SWAC Tournament.

Stanback, a starter in every game, nished the season with averages of 8.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Alabama State nished with a 10-22 record.

Retired Trinity coach receives Wooden Legacy Award

Tim Kelly coached the Bulldogs for more than three decades with one state championship

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

WINSTON-SALEM — Former Trinity boys’ basketball coach Tim Kelly was honored at the state tournament last week. Kelly accepted the Wooden Legacy Award as presented by the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association during an on-court ceremony Saturday at Joel Coliseum. Kelly coached Trinity’s team for 34 years before retiring following the 2023-24 season. He was inducted into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame last year. This latest honor had him back as part of the biggest stage for high school basketball in the state. “Still hanging in there,” Kelly said. Kelly has been back assisting coach Brett Andrews, one of his former players, on an informal basis. He said that works out well because of the exibility it allows. Kelly said the Bulldogs are

COURTESY PHOTO

Former Trinity coach Tim Kelly, center, receives an award from Greg Grantham, left, executive director of the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association, and Que Tucker, commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

in a rebuilding mode, and with that comes some growing pains.

Trinity athletics director Robert Mitchell, who was Kelly’s longtime assistant coach, accompanied Kelly to Saturday’s game.

The National High School Basketball Coaches Association oversees the Wooden Legacy Award program, with one female and one male coach in each state selected annually. Kelly’s recognition came during halftime of the Class 5A title game between Gastonia Huss and Wilson Fike.

Jalaya Showers

Asheboro, girls’ track and eld

Showers is speeding around area tracks for the nal time as a high school athlete during this spring season.

Showers, a senior, won the 100 meters and 200 meters in Saturday’s Get Your Marks Invitational in Asheboro.

Showers had a time of 12.58 seconds in the 100, and later her margin was more than two seconds in the 200, which she nished in 26.07 seconds. She was part of the winning 400 relay as well.

Showers also picked up two team points for the Blue Comets with a seventh-place nish in the long jump at 10 feet, 4 inches.

Among 11 schools, host Asheboro won the team title with 151 points (compared to 91 for runner-up Wheatmore). Asheboro’s boys’ team had a similar winning margin on Wheatmore in that portion of the meet.

PREP SOCCER

Providence Grove puts up big numbers

The Patriots averaged nine goals per game in three victories last week

Randolph Record sta

RYLEE STOVER had three goals and Hayley Banks scored two goals when Providence Grove defeated visiting Southwestern Randolph 9-0 last week.

The Patriots handled visiting Southern Guilford 9-1 behind Natalie Hernandez’s four goals and Stover’s three goals and two assists.

Stover had ve more goals and Hernandez scored twice when Providence Grove beat visiting Eastern Randolph 9-0 on Friday.

• Randleman edged host Southwestern Randolph 5-4 in a girls’ soccer game Friday.

Ashlynn Harbor had all four Southwestern Randolph goals.

Randleman whipped visiting Southern Guilford 7-3 at the beginning of last week.

• Wheatmore fell 4-1 to visiting North Davidson despite Emmie Messner’s goal. The Warriors had a better result by topping host Randleman 5-0 behind three goals from Jocelyn McDowell and two goals from Kayla Rosenbaum.

• Asheboro’s 2-2 tie with visiting Ledford came with two goals from Kimrey Watts. Watts had two more goals and Jaira Arellano notched two goals when the host Blue Comets beat Richmond County 5-0.

• Trinity nipped visiting Eastern Guilford 1-0 on Madison Hill’s goal. The Bulldogs also blanked host Southwestern Randolph 3-0 on goals from Hill, Kayla Neam and Bryn Holden.

• Uwharrie Charter Academy posted a 5-0 home victory against Forest Hills.

Triad Area Athletic Conference all-conference

Randolph Record sta

HERE ARE THE Triad Area Athletic Conference major award winners plus all-conference selections from Asheboro for winter sports.

Boys’ basketball

O ensive Player of the Year: Chance Crews (Northern Guilford)

Defensive Player of the Year: Zay Mixon (Northeast Guilford)

Coach of the Year: Barry Friedman (Northern Guilford)

All-Conference

Asheboro: Jewell Barrett-Riggins, Nirey White

Girls’ basketball

O ensive Player of the Year: Leena McField (Northern Guilford)

Defensive Player of the Year: Klara Zizikova (Eastern Guilford)

Coach of the Year: Wes Luther (Asheboro)

All-Conference

Asheboro: Maliyah Brady, Adalynn Scherer

Boys’ swimming

Swimmer of the Year: Henry Cooper (Northern Guilford)

Coach of the Year: Charles Neighbors (Asheboro)

Girls’ swimming

Swimmer of the Year:

Abagail Schilling (Northern Guilford)

Coach of the Year: Veronica Farrell (Northern Guilford) Wrestling

Wrestler of the Year, lower weights: Jacob Bone (Southeast Guilford)

Wrestler of the Year, upper weights: Chris Vargas (Eastern Guilford)

Coach of the Year: Maurice Atwood (Eastern Guilford)

All-Conference

Asheboro: Oscar Zelaya, Je rey Harper, Owen Chidester, Omar Basayouny, Braiden Morales, Jose Martinez, Trent King, Quanta McRae, Jonah Lester, Noah Fenton, Estaban Santos.

Central Carolina 3-A Conference all-conference

Randolph Record sta

HERE ARE THE Central Carolina 3-A Conference major award winners plus all-conference selections from Providence Grove, Trinity and Wheatmore for winter sports.

Boys’ basketball

Player of the Year: Will

Dabbs (Providence Grove)

Coach of the Year: Shane Worth (Providence Grove)

All-Conference

Providence Grove: Will Dabbs, Andrew Thomas, Gabe McCoy, Cam Jones

Trinity: Mason Ingram

Wheatmore: Jordan Starkey, Avery Ivey

Girls’ basketball

Player of the Year: Kaelyn

Whitehart (Wheatmore)

Coach of the Year: Pete Kilcullen (Wheatmore)

All-Conference

Providence Grove: Lau-

rel Bernhardt, Bailee Mitchell, Adi Johnson

Trinity: Ava Nance, Madison Hill

Wheatmore: Kaelyn Whitehart, Madeline Mullinnix, Kinsley Davis

Wrestling

Co-Wrestlers of the Year, lower weights: Aiden Burkholder (Trinity), Ayden Sumners (Wheatmore)

Co-Wrestlers of the Year, upper weights: Dominic Hittepole (Wheatmore), Joseph Trahan (Trinity)

Coach of the Year: Brandon Coggins (Trinity)

All-Conference

Providence Grove: Jeremiah Payne, Malachi Combo

Trinity: Jeven Palmeri, Aiden Burkholder, Stephen Cross, Edgar Vasquez, Omega Edge, Trent Walker, Hezekyah Matson, Simeon Hammett, Addam Bernal, Haris Idress, Anees Khan, Grayson Carroll, Joseph Trahan

Wheatmore: Caben Gilles-

pie, Ayden Sumners, Nolan Hammonds, Spencer Moore, Landon Watkins, Brodie Bates, Dominic Hittepole, Maddox Russo

Boys’ swimming

Swimmer of the Year: Greyson Decker (West Davidson)

Coach of the Year: Randy Rouse (West Davidson)

All-Conference

Wheatmore: Alexis Vega-Torres, Jack Tobey, Jaden Kilcullen, Landon Weeks, Payton Blackmon, William York

Girls’ swimming

Swimmer of the Year: Lindsay Najera-Flores (East Davidson)

Coach of the Year: Kristi Hall (Wheatmore)

All-Conference

Wheatmore: Danielle Perry, Jillian Wolfe, Josey Pulaski, Kylyn Surratt, McKenna Lawrence, Sophie Williamson

PREP BASKETBALL

The winter sports season wrapped up in the state with title games

Randolph Record sta

RANDOLPH COUNTY

teams had connections to teams in basketball state championship games last week at Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem.

Northern Guilford won the Class 6A state championship in girls’ basketball. The Nighthawks are in the Triad Area Athletic Conference that also includes Asheboro.

Northern Guilford defeated Fayetteville Sanford 62-52 in last Thursday’s title game.

The Reidsville boys’ team, which topped Randle-

man in the East Region’s third round, made it to the Class 4A nal, falling 83-68 to Salisbury on Friday night. That ended the Rams’ two-year title reign.

Other state champions were:

Boys: Vance Charter (Class 1A), Queens Grant (2A), Kinston (3A), Gastonia Huss (5A), Northern Nash (6A), Southern Durham (7A) and West Charlotte (8A).

Girls: Wilson Prep (1A), Cherokee (2A), Goldsboro (3A), Maiden (4A), North Lincoln (5A), North Mecklenburg (7A) and Mallard Creek (8A).

Team accomplishment

The Wheatmore girls’ bas-

ketball team hadn’t won a conference championship in the program’s history until this season.

The Warriors claimed two –the Central Carolina 3-A Conference regular season and the conference tournament.

Moment to remember Randleman senior Connor Cassidy rose his arm with a st pump late in a January game at Eastern Randolph. The Tigers were clearly in control to win that night, but the situation warranted a reaction from Cassidy.

That came as his younger brother Aiden Cassidy, a sophomore, sank a free throw. It was his rst varsity point.

SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD

JANN ORTIZ / FOR RANDOLPH RECORD

Trinity’s Joseph Trahan, pictured after capturing the Class 3A state title in February, was selected as one of the top wrestlers in the Central Carolina 3-A Conference.

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

Napoleon returns to Paris, Nazis establish Dachau, Stamp Act passes, Exxon Valdez runs aground

The Associated Press

MARCH 19

1931: Nevada Gov. Fred B. Balzar signed a measure making the state the rst to legalize gambling.

1945: During World War II, more than 800 service members were killed when a Japanese dive bomber attacked the aircraft carrier USS Franklin near Japan.

1953: The 25th Academy Awards ceremony became the rst to be televised; “The Greatest Show on Earth” won the Oscar for best picture.

MARCH 20

1815: Napoleon Bonaparte returned to Paris after escaping his exile on Elba, beginning his “Hundred Days” rule.

1852: Harriet Beecher Stowe’s in uential anti-slavery novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” was rst published in book form after being serialized in the abolitionist newspaper “The National Era.”

1976: Kidnapped newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst was convicted of armed robbery for her role in a San Francisco bank holdup carried out by the Symbionese Liberation Army.

MARCH 21

1873: The Spanish National Assembly abolished slavery in Puerto Rico, then a Spanish colony.

1933: Germany’s Nazi government established its rst concentration camp in the town of Dachau, ostensibly for political prisoners. More than 200,000 prisoners were held there and more than 40,000 died.

1965: Civil rights demonstrators led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. began their third march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, escort-

ROUNDUP from page B1

Eastern Randolph 7-6. Makenna Lawrence had two triples for Wheatmore.

The Warriors lost 6-1 at Southern Alamance despite threatening at times.

• Randleman crushed visiting High Point Andrews 15-0 and 16-0 in a pair of PAC three-inning games. Lyric Chriscoe and Sophie Sawyer homered. Ella Rogers and Aiyana Hunt provided the winning pitching.

Randleman’s 15-0 confer-

ed by U.S. Army and National Guard troops assigned by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

MARCH 22

1765: The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act to raise revenue from the American colonies, which ercely resisted the tax. The act was repealed a year later.

1894: The rst Stanley Cup championship game was played as the Montreal Hockey Club defeated the Ottawa Hockey Club 3-1.

1963: The Beatles released their debut album, “Please Please Me,” in the United Kingdom on the Parlophone label.

MARCH 23

1775: Patrick Henry addressed the Virginia Provincial Convention, declaring, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

1806: Explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their return to St. Louis after completing the rst U.S. overland expedition to the Paci c coast.

1919: Benito Mussolini founded his Fascist political movement in Milan, Italy.

ence victory against host Lexington came with eight strikeouts from Ella Rogers, who also had three hits and drove in three runs.

Randleman also rocked host Northern Guilford 15-0 with Kinzie Ivey tossing a four-hitter and Addyson Dees knocking in two runs and scoring twice.

• Cailyn York drove in ve runs and Adi Johnson scored four runs in Providence Grove’s 12-2 home romp past Chatham Charter.

MARCH 24

1882: German scientist Robert Koch announced in Berlin that he had discovered the bacillus responsible for tuberculosis.

1921: The Women’s Olympiad, the rst international women’s sporting event, began in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

1989: The supertanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on a reef in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, spilling an estimated 11 million gallons of crude oil.

MARCH 25

1894: Jacob S. Coxey began a march from Massillon, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., leading hundreds of unemployed workers demanding federal relief following the Panic of 1893.

1911: A re at the Triangle Shirtwaist Co. garment factory in New York killed 146 people, mostly young immigrant women, prompting major workplace safety and labor reforms.

1931: In the Scottsboro Boys case, nine black teenagers were taken o a train in Alabama and falsely accused of raping two white women; after years of trials and imprisonment, they were eventually vindicated.

Providence Grove’s Campbell Ziemba struck out 12 in a 14-0 home rout of Southeast Guilford. Callie Lambert drove in four runs and Lara Wiseman scored three runs.

• Asheboro decked visiting Greensboro Dudley 22-7, with Madison Hicks, Kyndall Snipes and winning pitcher Cora Little all scoring three runs.

Asheboro lost 19-3 to host Southeast Guilford in a Triad Area Athletic Conference game.

AP PHOTO

Italian Premier and dictator Benito Mussolini established his Fascist party on March 23, 1919.

Dudamel says Chalamet shows ignorance in claiming ‘no one cares’ about opera, ballet

The award-winning actor’s comments have sparked backlash

By Ronald Blum

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Famed conductor Gustavo Dudamel said Timothée Chalamet showed ignorance when the Oscar-nominated actor claimed “no one cares” about opera and ballet.

“Sadly, sometimes it’s a little bit of ignorance but, look, that is why we have to open more spaces for people to connect with classical music,” Dudamel said last Tuesday night at an event to announce the programming of his rst season as the New York Philharmonic’s music director.

Dudamel spoke from the stage of Lincoln Center’s David Ge en to an audience that included donors, musicians, the orchestra board, community leaders and composers in addition to journalists. Dudamel’s remarks sparked loud applause.

During a conversation with fellow actor Matthew McConaughey at a CNN and Variety town hall at the University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication in February, the 30-year-old Chalamet was asked by McConaughey about whether shortened audience attention spans have impacted studio decisions about the content of theatrical lms, forcing more early action.

“I admire people, and I’ve done it myself, to go on a talk

show and go: Hey, we’ve got to keep movie theaters alive. We got to keep this genre alive,’” Chalamet said. “And another part of me feels like if people want to see it, like ‘Barbie,’ like ‘Oppenheimer,’ they’re going to go see it and go out of their way to be loud and proud about it. And I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera or things where it’s like where it’s like, ‘Hey! Keep this thing alive,’ even though no one cares about this anymore. All respect to the ballet and opera people out there. I just lost 14 cents in viewership.”

Chalamet received his third Academy Award nomination, for “Marty Supreme.” His comments sparked an online backlash from arts organizations. “Everybody has the right to say, but you have to do things with knowledge, with facts.

“It’s very funny. Cinema is a result of opera, of music, of all of these kinds of things.”

Gustavo Dudamel

I think we have to say to the young generation, the opposite,” Dudamel said. “It’s very funny. Cinema is a result of opera, of music, of all of these kinds of things.”

Matías Tarnopolsky, the New York Philharmonic CEO, was seated next to Dudamel and issued a public o er to Chalamet.

“He can sit with me anytime,” Tarnopolsky said. “I’ll give him a free ticket, and he’s invited to come and hear the New York Philharmonic.”

Dudamel, 45, is among the world’s most famous conductors. He is leaving the Los Angeles Philharmonic this summer after 17 seasons as music director to become the music director of the New York orchestra.

At one point, Dudamel feigned not knowing Chalamet, saying: “Which is the name of that?” before cutting o as the audience laughed.

“That way of thinking has to end,” he said. “Music is reborn all the time and it brings us the values of empathy through the beauty of what it is. So this is the reality of music. This is the real dimension of music, and we need that more for our young people.”

Oldest known whale recording could unlock ocean’s mysteries

The preserved recording captures both whale song and a quieter ocean

By Patrick Whittle

The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine — A haunting whale song discovered on decades-old audio equipment could open up a new understanding of how the huge animals communicate, according to researchers who say it’s the oldest such recording known.

The song is that of a humpback whale, a marine giant beloved by whale watchers for its docile nature and spectacular leaps from the water, and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, said researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Just as signi cant is the sound of the surrounding ocean itself, said Peter Tyack, a marine bioacoustician and emeritus research scholar at Woods Hole. The ocean of the late 1940s was much quieter than the ocean of today, providing a di erent backdrop than scientists are used to hearing for whale song, he said.

The recovered recordings “not only allow us to follow whale sounds, but they also tell us what the ocean soundscape was like in the late 1940s,” Tyack said. “That’s very dicult to reconstruct otherwise.”

A preserved recording from the 1940s can also help scientists better understand how new human-made sounds, such as increased shipping noise, a ect the way whales communicate, Tyack said. Research published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration states that whales can vary their calling behavior depending on noises in their environment.

The recording predates scientist Roger Payne’s discovery of whale song by nearly 20 years. Woods Hole scientists

on a research vessel at the time were testing sonar systems and performing acoustic experiments along with the U.S. Ofce of Naval Research when they captured the sound, said Ashley Jester, director of research data and library services at Woods Hole.

The scientists didn’t know what they were hearing, but they decided to record and save the sounds anyway, Jester said.

“And they were curious. And so they kept this recorder running, and they even made time to make recordings where they weren’t making any noise from their ships on purpose just to hear as much as they could,” said Jester. “And they kept these recordings.”

Woods Hole scientists discovered the song while digitizing old audio recordings last year. The recording was on a well-preserved disc created by a Gray Audograph, a kind of dictation machine used in the 1940s. Jester located the disc.

While the early underwater recording equipment used to capture the sound would be considered crude by today’s standards, it was cutting-edge at the time, Jester said. And the fact that the sound is recorded on a plastic disc is signi cant because most recordings of the time were on tape, which has long

SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

since deteriorated, she said.

Whales’ sound-making ability is critical to their survival and key to how they socialize and communicate. The sounds come in the form of clicks, whistles and calls, according to NOAA scientists who study them.

The sounds also allow the whales to nd food, navigate, locate each other and understand their surroundings in the vast ocean, scientists say. Several species make repetitive sounds that resemble songs. Humpback whales, which can weigh more than 55,000 pounds, are the ocean’s most renowned singers, capable of complex vocalizations that can sound ethereal or even mournful.

The discovery of long-lost whale song from a quieter ocean could be a jumping-o point to better understanding the sounds the animals make today, said Hansen Johnson, a research scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium.

“And, you know, it’s just beautiful to listen to and has really inspired a lot of people to be curious about the ocean, and care about ocean life in general,” said Johnson, who was not involved in the research. “It’s pretty special.”

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO

New York Philharmonic music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel appears at a special screening of “El Canto de las Manos” in New York in 2025.

ARAN T. MOONEY / AP PHOTO

This photo provided by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution shows a whale on Feb. 24, 2009, near Maui, Hawaii.

famous birthdays this week

Bruce Willis celebrates 71, Kathy Ireland turns 63, Andrew Lloyd Webber is 78, Gene Shalit hits 100

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

MARCH 19

Actor Ursula Andress is 90. Singer Ruth Pointer (The Pointer Sisters) is 80. Actor Glenn Close is 79. Retired actor Bruce Willis is 71. NFL coach Andy Reid is 68. Comedian-podcaster Theo Von is 46.

MARCH 20

Actor Hal Linden is 96. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley is 81. Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Orr is 78. Guitarist Jimmie Vaughan is 75. Film director Spike Lee is 69. Actor Holly Hunter is 68. Model-entrepreneur Kathy Ireland is 63.

MARCH 21

Football Hall of Fame coach

Tom Flores is 89. Actor Timothy Dalton is 80. Actor Gary Oldman is 68. Actor Matthew Broderick is 64. Comedian-actor Rosie O’Donnell is 64. Former soccer player Ronaldinho is 46.

MARCH 22

Artist Yayoi Kusama is 97.

Actor William Shatner is 95.

Former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins is 85. Musician George Benson is 83. Writer James Patterson is 79. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is 78. Actor Lena Olin is 71. Singer-actor Stephanie Mills is 69. Actor Matthew Modine is 67.

MARCH 23

Singer Chaka Khan is 73.

Basketball Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma is 72. Fashion designer Kenneth Cole is 72.

Actor Amanda Plummer is 69.

Actor Hope Davis is 62. Musician Damon Albarn is 58.

MARCH 24

MARCH

Chef and TV presenter Mary Berry is 91. Musician Carol Kaye is 91. Fashion and costume

designer Bob Mackie is 87. Singer Nick Lowe is 77. Golf Hall of Famer Pat Bradley is 75. Fashion designer Tommy Hil ger is 75. Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning is 50.

25

Film critic Gene Shalit is 100. Activist and author Gloria Steinem is 92. Musician Elton John is 79. Actor Bonnie Bedelia is 78. Actor Marcia Cross is 64. Actor Sarah Jessica Parker is 61.

RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Actor William Shatner turns 95 on Sunday.

ALBERTO PEZZALI / AP PHOTO

Actor Glenn Close turns 79 on Thursday.

PHIL MCCARTEN / AP PHOTO

Singer Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters turns 80 on Thursday.

the stream

on

Luke Combs drops his new album, “The Way I Am”

The Associated Press

ELISABETH MOSS, Kerry Washington and Kate Mara teaming up to star in a new psychological thriller for Apple TV called “Imperfect Women” and fresh music from both BTS and Luke Combs are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: A new “Peaky Blinders” movie called “The Immortal Man,” spring’s buzziest video game, the ambitious role-playing adventure Crimson Desert, and Bradley Cooper directs Will Arnett and Laura Dern in his third feature, “Is This Thing On?”

MOVIES TO STREAM

Get your best Birmingham accent ready because Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby is back in the new “Peaky Blinders” movie, “The Immortal Man,” which will be on Net ix as of Friday. Series creator Steven Knight wrote the script, and Tom Harper directed the lm in a cast that includes Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan. The six seasons of the show are also available on Net ix for rewatches and catching up.

Cooper directs Arnett and Dern in his third feature, “Is This Thing On?” about a man going through a divorce who turns to stand-up comedy. It’s loosely based on the story of Manchester comedian Joseph Bishop. In her review for The Associated Press, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that it is “a deeply felt lm about one teetering marriage, and a work whose power sneaks up on you slowly.” It’ll be on Hulu on Friday.

“Wicked: For Good,” the epic conclusion to Jon M. Chu’s two - lm adaptation, will nally be streaming on Peacock on Friday. Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Je Goldblum and more are all on hand for the decidedly darker second half, which was less well received than the rst but still surprised when it received zero Oscar nominations. In his review, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote “’Wicked: For Good,’ rather than conjuring Oz anew, always feels like it’s jumping from one

set piece to another. Maybe this is a silly gripe for a fantasyland. (‘I don’t have any idea where the o ces of the Lollipop Guild are!’) But I rarely found myself lifted into a movie world, but rather sat watching it — sometimes with admiration, rarely with delight — from the mezzanine. The rub of going for maximum e ect all the time is that the actors never have a chance to simply be.”

MUSIC TO STREAM

Call it the most anticipated K-pop album of the year, or the biggest comeback: The mighty BTS return on Friday with “ARIRANG,” their rst full-length project since all seven members — RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope — completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. Excitement couldn’t be higher for its loyal audience, called ARMY. Combs has big shoes to ll — his own. The country singer has become a full- on pop phenomenon, due in no small part to his ubiquitous cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” The question now is what comes next?

It’s a simple answer: a new album, “The Way I Am,” out Friday. Singles “Be By You” and “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” have made for fast country radio hits; it’s only a matter of time before the album becomes one of the genre’s biggest releases of the year.

SERIES TO STREAM

Moss, Washington and Mara star in a new psychological thriller for Apple TV called “ Imperfect Women.” The trio play longtime friends whose bond is fractured after a crime occurs. Moss and Washington are executive producers on the series which is based on a novel by Araminta Hall. The ensemble also includes Joel Kinnaman, Corey Stoll, Leslie Odom Jr., Sheryl Lee Ralph and Ana Ortiz. The rst two episodes of

the eight-episode series are out now.

“The Lady “ is a new Britbox limited series ctionalizing the true story of Jane Andrews, a dresser for the former Duchess of York who ended up in prison for murdering her lover. The four-part series stars Mia McKenna-Bruce as Andrews and Natalie Dormer as Sarah Ferguson.

After the cringey, ingenious comedy “Jury Duty” debuted in 2023, many wondered how they could ever pull o anoth-

“Is This Thing On” is a deeply felt lm about one teetering marriage, and a work whose power sneaks up on you slowly.” Jocelyn Noveck, AP Film Writer

er season. It followed Ronald, a man serving jury duty on what he believed was a real trial. Oh, and the trial was also being covered by a documentary crew. Thing is, everyone was an actor except Ronald. The unsuspecting protagonist of season two is Anthony, a new, temporary hire at a family-owned hot sauce business. The employees attend a company retreat and Anthony has no idea that his new colleagues are actors and all situations are preplanned. “Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat” is now streaming on Prime Video.

The popular long-running Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart” gets a prequel called “Hope Valley: 1874” for the streaming platform Hallmark+. Bethany Joy Lenz stars as Rebecca Clarke, a Chicago mother who takes her daughter to settle in the Canadian west and build a new life. When their wagon breaks down, she must accept help from a local rancher who is single. Jill Hennessy also stars. It premieres Saturday on Hallmark+.

Lisa Kudrow returns to HBO as B-list actor Valerie Cherish for a third and nal season of “ The Comeback. “ All three seasons of the show have been spaced a decade-ish apart and follow a woman navigating aging and staying relevant in showbiz and its ever-changing landscape. In the new episodes, Cherish lands a new TV series that is written by AI. The dark comedy streams Sunday on HBO Max.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Baseball fans got an early treat this year with the World Baseball Classic, so it’s only appropriate that Team USA captain Aaron Judge is on the cover of MLB The Show 26. New features include “Bear Down Pitching” and “Big Zone Hitting” for high-stress moments — and you can now challenge balls and strikes! Play now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and Switch.

ROBERT VIGLASKY / NETFLIX VIA AP

Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby in “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.” The lm and all six seasons of the hit series are streaming

Net ix.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Will Arnett, left, and Laura Dern, right, star with Bradley Cooper in the lm “Is This Thing On?” streaming Friday on Hulu.

SEVEN RIDGES / SONY VIA AP

Country star and Huntersville native Luke Combs’ new album

“The Way I Am” drops this week.

HOKE COUNTY

Lonely road

Doc Brown Road was desolate and damp Monday as a promised storm went from brutal to bust across the region.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Cuba’s latest blackout underscores deepening economic crisis; Rubio calls for new leadership

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is calling for “new people in charge” of Cuba as the Caribbean nation experienced its third islandwide blackout in four months. U.S. President Donald, who has called Cuba a “very weakened nation,” said on Monday he believes he’ll have the “honor of taking Cuba.” On Tuesday, Rubio — who is of Cuban heritage — said the current government is incapable of addressing the problems. The island’s government blames its woes on a U.S. energy blockade after Trump in January warned of tari s on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. The country’s aging grid has drastically eroded in recent years, leading to daily outages.

Trump postpones China trip to focus on Iran

President Donald Trump is delaying a diplomatic trip to China that was planned for months but began to unravel as he pressured Beijing and other world powers to form a military coalition to protect the vital Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Tuesday while meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval O ce that he would be going to China in ve or six weeks’ time instead of at the end of the month. Trump’s visit to China is seen as an opportunity to build on a fragile trade truce between the two superpowers, but it became tangled in his e ort to nd an endgame to his war in Iran.

$50M push hopes to make child care top issue in fall’s midterm elections

The campaign looks to ties caregiving costs to the a ordability crisis

By Moriah Balingit The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

An advocacy group hoping to expand support for child and elder care plans to spend $50 million to back Democrats in congressional races, tying the costs of caregiving to the nation’s a ordability debate.

The Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, created a decade ago, aims to make caregiver issues more salient in elections. The announcement comes as the cost of child care continues to rise and as waiting lists for federal child care subsidies, which support working families in poverty, continue to grow.

Sondra Goldschein, executive director of the campaign and its political action committee, said child care and elder care are important to the a ordability conversation, especially as child care costs exceed what families pay for housing. Then there is the pressure on the “sandwich generation,” composed of middle-aged people who are caring simultaneously for their own children and parents.

“When child care can cost more than your rent or a mortgage, or you have to sacri ce a paycheck in order to be able to take care of a loved one,” that can motivate how people vote, said Goldschein. “Each election cycle, we see candidates recognizing that more.”

She hopes the message will

See CHILD CARE, page A2

State lawmakers rush

to set

rounding rules for when there are no pennies

As pennies vanish, states are split on how to handle rounding

By Hannah Fingerhut The Associated Press

MONTHS AFTER the last of the United States’ 1-cent coins were pressed, some states are beginning to o er their own 2 cents on the penny problem by setting rounding guidance for cash purchases.

President Donald Trump announced early last year an end to penny production, saying it was wasteful. It cost 3.7 cents to make each 1-cent coin in 2024, according to the U.S. Mint. The move led to a shortage of pennies in cash registers last summer, forcing consumers and businesses to confront a penniless future in which

making exact change would be di cult.

The Treasury Department has said it will continue circulating the roughly 114 billion pennies that exist for “as long as possible.” Pennies must still be accepted as payment.

One solution to the penny problem is rounding to the nearest nickel, using a practice called symmetrical rounding.

If the nal price, after taxes, ends in one, two, six or seven cents, payment in cash rounds down. For example, $1.91 or $1.92 becomes $1.90. If the price ends in three, four, eight or nine, cash payment rounds up. For $1.98 or $1.99, the consumer pays $2.

A bill introduced last year in Congress and passed out of the House nancial services committee would apply symmetrical rounding across the coun-

try. U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) said in an email the federal law is important to prevent a “confusing patchwork of state policies.” The bill hasn’t been voted on in the House and would still need to move through the U.S. Senate before reaching Trump’s desk.

Some states are looking to what’s next

In the meantime, bills to deal with penniless cash transactions have passed both chambers and await the governor’s signature in Arizona, Florida, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington. Some states are proposing to allow businesses to round cash purchases, while others consider requiring it.

In Indiana, a bill signed into law this month by Republican Gov. Mike Braun tells businesses they must round cash purchases for all transactions that do not end in a zero or ve. Lawmakers revised that provision in a second bill that makes rounding optional, which would take e ect

SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN / AP PHOTO Children draw in one of the classrooms at the Children’s Promise Centers child care center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in April 2024.

HAL NUNN FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PUBLIC DOMAIN IMAGE

(USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

PENNIES from page A1

Sunday if Braun signs it into law.

In both bills, Indiana businesses can choose to always round cash purchases up to the nearest nickel, always round down or round up or down depending on the amount.

In Republican-led Tennessee, legislation makes symmetrical rounding exempt from legal claims under a state consumer protection law but does not require rounding.

“It is to provide safe harbor for private businesses,” said Republican Rep. Charlie Baum, the bill sponsor in Tennessee, during oor debate.

Rounding bills have been introduced in about two dozen states since late last year, according to an Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking service Plural.

THURSDAY MARCH 19

3%

CHILD CARE from page A1

resonate as families face a slew of rising costs, including climbing gas prices driven by a war in the Middle East that is unpopular with many voters.

The campaign plans to pour support for Democrats into Senate races in North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Maine and Ohio and into House races in Iowa and Pennsylvania. It is also slated to dispatch volunteers to talk with voters about caregiving.

The National Republican Congressional Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Republicans have begun to back child care as an issue crucial to growing the workforce, but their proposals tend to be less dramatic than those offered by Democrats. Last year, through President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, Republicans made an estimated 4 million more families eligible for a child care tax credit. The law also increased child care aid for military families and tax credits for employers who provide child care to their workers.

Before 2020, many candidates rarely spoke about child care. But the pandemic laid bare the child care industry’s precarity and necessity. Preschools and child care centers were pressed to stay open so parents in front-line jobs —

such as those in health care — could return to work.

Then-President Joe Biden successfully persuaded Congress in 2021 to pass $39 billion in aid for child care, allowing states to o er support to more families and subsidizing wages for child care workers. Later that year, Biden sought to create nationwide universal prekindergarten and to vastly expand child care subsidies for families so that none would pay more than 7% of their household income for care. But the proposal narrowly failed in Congress. Since then, the pandemic aid has dried up, and

nesses and lost by consumers collectively, amounting to a few pennies lost per person.

Do people think it’s fair?

As businesses have introduced rounding, some Americans have taken to social media to say they feel scammed, even if it is a penny or two at a time.

Nikki Capozzo-Hennessy, 50, said she tends to pay in cash because it makes her more conscious of her spending. The Trumbull, Connecticut, resident posted her grocery store receipt online when she noticed the rounding adjustment on a purchase of $8.73, with tax. The store chose to round down and she gained three cents.

“It is to provide safe harbor for private businesses.”

State Rep. Charlie Baum (R-Tenn.)

Outside of lawmaking bodies, some state agencies have published guidelines to advise that rounding should happen after tax, and that businesses must make sure the full taxed amount still goes to the state. Will consumers pay more with rounding?

Cash isn’t used as ubiquitously since the rise in electronic payment methods. Still, about 8 in 10 U.S. adults said they recently used cash in a 2024 survey conducted by the Federal Reserve. Cash was more often used by older adults and those in lower-income households.

The Treasury wrote online that prices would be “rounded down just as often as they will be rounded up, so there should be no overall e ect on consumer prices.”

But researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond used a 2023 survey to show prices that didn’t end in zero or ve were especially likely to end in eight or nine. Payment amounts could be di erent when multiple items are purchased or depending on the tax rate, but overall, prices more often being rounded up would lead to millions of dollars gained by busi-

Capozzo-Hennessy said it might feel taxing if she had to hand over extra pennies every time, but she also thinks it’s practical to stick with one rule. She runs a food truck business and said they’d likely use symmetrical rounding to be consistent.

“At the end of the day it’s three cents, but I can imagine with all the purchases that you make, it can add up,” Capozzo-Hennessy said.

Washington state Rep. April Berg, who introduced a rounding bill there, said she understands people who feel frustrated losing a penny but that the elimination of the hard currency leaves little option.

“We did make sure that everyone is allowed to pay exactly what they owe,” Berg said of her legislation.

What about the nickel?

The Treasury says ceasing penny production will save $56 million annually, but rounding could increase demand for nickels. The 5-cent coins also are costly to make, reaching nearly 14 cents each in 2024, according to the Mint.

The proposed federal legislation currently includes a potential cost-saving solution, allowing the Treasury to adjust the coin’s composition to use cheaper zinc and nickel instead of copper and nickel.

families are feeling the pinch of rising costs. Now, several candidates have centered their campaigns around child care a ordability. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who won election after pledging to make the city more a ordable for middle-class residents, ran on universal child care. Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey and Gov. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia won elections after pledging to expand child care subsidies.

Candidates this election cycle are running on universal

child care pledges. They include Democrats Janeese Lewis George, who is running for mayor in Washington, D.C., and Francesca Hong, a gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is up for reelection this year, has pledged to support Mamdani’s ambitions and eventually to expand universal child care statewide.

Neither the White House nor the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees federal child care programs, responded to requests for comment. In his 2024 campaign, during an address to the Economic Club of New York, Trump said increasing foreign tari s would “take care” of the expense of child care. That plan, thus far, has not materialized.

In Trump’s current term, the administration has largely focused on cracking down on fraud after a viral video alleged Somali-run child care centers in Minneapolis were billing the government for children they weren’t caring for.

While there have been prosecutions stemming from child care subsidy fraud, the Minneapolis video’s central claims were disproven by state inspectors. Nonetheless, the Trump administration attempted to freeze child care funding for Minnesota and ve other Democratic-led states until a court ordered the funding to be released.

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP PHOTO

A pair of toddlers look out of a classroom window during the grand opening of the Rose on Colfax, a new a ordable housing community with a co-located childcare center in Denver in 2024.

A podcast local to Hoke-Raeford, NC, with Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland.

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

The 3 big lies about the Iran war

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality.

IF YOU’VE BEEN following coverage of the Trump administration’s military action against Iran, you’ve probably noticed something: A lot of people are determined to convince you that the United States is losing.

They’re wrong.

Even worse, many of them know they’re wrong. Critics across the political spectrum — from Democrats to elements of the so - called horseshoe right — are pushing narratives that paint the con ict as a disaster in the making. The goal is simple: Undermine public con dence and turn what is shaping up as a strategic success into a perceived failure.

Three particular claims are circulating widely. All three deserve to be addressed.

Lie No. 1: The war is a quagmire.

The rst claim is that the United States has stumbled into another interminable Middle East war — one destined to drag on for years and possibly escalate to catastrophic levels.

This is absurd.

At the time of this writing, the con ict is less than two weeks old. Twelve days. That’s not 12 years, as in Vietnam, or even 12 months, as in the Spanish-American War.

Wars unfold over time, and no one should pretend to know exactly how long any con ict will last. But the notion that the United States is already trapped in a generational quagmire — after less than two weeks of ghting — is less analysis than panic.

Lie No. 2: Iran is somehow winning.

A second claim insists that Iran is holding strong — that the regime is weathering

the assault and even gaining the upper hand.

Again, reality tells a di erent story.

Iran’s military capabilities have been battered. Its missile and drone infrastructure has been heavily targeted. Its naval assets have reportedly su ered severe losses. Leadership turmoil inside the regime only compounds the problem.

Reports suggest that the death of longtime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has triggered a chaotic succession struggle. Even his presumed heir, Mojtaba Khamenei, appears to lack both political support and personal legitimacy within the system.

In other words, the Iranian regime is not projecting strength. It is scrambling to maintain control.

Lie No. 3: The oil shock will break the United States.

The nal warning is economic: Iran, critics say, will simply shut down the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices skyrocketing and bringing the American economy to its knees.

For a brief moment earlier this week, markets reacted to that fear. Oil prices jumped sharply amid speculation that the strait could be disrupted.

But the panic faded almost as quickly as it began. Within days, crude prices had fallen back below $90 a barrel.

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality. And the reality is that Iran faces enormous consequences if it attempts to choke o one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

President Donald Trump has made that

Obama’s race-hustling eulogy at a race hustler’s

(Obama) repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

point unmistakably clear. In a statement posted online, he warned that any Iranian attempt to block the ow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz would trigger an overwhelming American response.

The message was aimed not only at Tehran but also at Beijing and other major energy consumers: The United States intends to keep global energy owing — and anyone who interferes will pay a heavy price.

There are legitimate questions to ask about any military action. Democracies require scrutiny, debate and skepticism.

But skepticism should not be confused with hysteria.

Right now, critics are spinning worst-case scenarios while ignoring the basic facts on the ground: Iran’s military is under severe pressure, its leadership structure is unstable, and the economic fallout that many predicted has yet to materialize.

None of this guarantees the con ict will end quickly or cleanly. War rarely works that way.

But it does suggest that the narrative of inevitable American failure — so loudly promoted by the administration’s opponents — is far removed from the reality unfolding in the Middle East.

And that reality matters far more than the talking points.

Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

funeral

FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA long ago surpassed the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton as America’s most in uential race hustler. The country got a reminder when Obama spoke at Jackson’s funeral even though Jackson’s son urged the speakers “not to bring their politics” to the service.

Obama said: “Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible. Each day, we’re told by those in high o ce to fear each other and to turn on each other. And that some Americans count more than others.” Same old Obama.

In his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech, he famously declared, “There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.” It was the line that launched him and made millions across party lines believe he could bridge divides.

Obama won the presidency with just over 52% of the popular vote, but he entered the Oval O ce in January 2009 with a nearly 70% approval rating. Polls in late 2008 and early 2009 showed both black and white Americans believed race relations would improve under his leadership. By the time he left o ce in 2017, polls showed majorities or pluralities of both blacks and whites thought race relations had gotten worse.

In Obama’s eight years as president, he repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small

while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

In 2009, at the beginning of his presidency, he declared that the Cambridge police “acted stupidly” in arresting Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. Obama turned a cop-just- doing-his-job encounter with the belligerent Gates into a national “teachable moment” about alleged racial pro ling by cops against blacks.

In 2012, about a young black man shot and killed by a self-described neighborhood Florida watchman, Obama said, “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.” A jury found the man who shot Trayvon Martin not guilty, and jurors who spoke publicly said race had nothing to do with the encounter.

In a 2014 speech before the United Nations, Obama invoked the case of Ferguson, Missouri, to enlighten the world about America’s supposed deep-seated problems with race relations. Later, the “hands up, don’t shoot” narrative about Michael Brown’s death turned out to be a complete lie, and the o cer was exonerated.

Obama embraced Black Lives Matter’s police-are-out-to-get-blacks rhetoric despite evidence that, if anything, cops are more hesitant to pull the trigger on a black suspect than a white one.

In 2015, he proclaimed racism is in America’s “DNA.” Although the media for the most part fawned over Obama, rst lady Michelle Obama insisted her husband

su ered from unfair media coverage because of racism.

Obama invited fellow race hustler Sharpton to the White House more than 70 times, more than any other “civil rights” gure. And, for good measure, Obama even argued that “a theoretical case” could be made for slavery reparations to be paid by nonslave owners and to nonslaves.

From the beginning of his presidency until its end, Obama stoked resentment, divided Americans by skin color and kept the race grievance industry alive and well oiled. The man Americans hired to unite us became the victicrat-in-chief, a title his Jackson eulogy shows he retains.

Trump-hating media still gives Obama a pass no Republican could ever dream of receiving. Imagine a Republican president doing even half of what Obama did: routinely injecting race into controversies, cozying up to a white Sharpton-like gure and rapping his arms around a toxic “movement” called White Lives Matter. The outrage would be endless, the headlines relentless — and rightfully so.

Obama’s real legacy on race? Blacks are eternal victims — distressed, oppressed and suppressed by “The Man” — and trapped in a system rigged against them from birth to death. His own extraordinary rise, of course, contradicts this counterproductive message. Yet he persists in selling it to willing buyers.

Obama is still relatively young. So, he has decades ahead to remain a loud voice in the public square — and he possesses a warehouse full of race cards ready to be played. What a waste.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

Drivers consider whether to go electric as war spikes gas prices

Regulated electricity prices o er EV drivers protection from oil price shocks

By Alexa St. John and Tammy Webber

The Associated Press

WHEN KEVIN KETELS

bought an electric 2026 Chevrolet Blazer last year, he wasn’t thinking about the cost of gas. He just thought EVs were better and “wanted to be part of the future.” Now that the Iran war is spiking prices at the pump, the Detroit man is happy he is no longer lling up his 11-year-old gas-powered SUV.

“Electricity can go up, but it won’t go up nearly as much as gas will, and it won’t go up nearly as fast either,” said Ketels, 55, an assistant professor of global supply chain management at Wayne State University.

Experts say prolonged high gas prices may drive some EV interest and sales, especially if drivers assume their electricity prices won’t be a ected by the crises.

But many factors in uence consumer EV purchases — and electricity rates.

Are EV owners truly insulated from price hikes?

Drivers of gas-powered vehicles are much more vulnerable to uctuating prices that result from global con ict than those who charge their cars. The national average for a gallon of regular gas this week was $3.57, up from $2.94 a month ago, according to AAA.

Meanwhile, “residential electricity prices are regulated and are much less volatile than gasoline prices,” said University of California, Davis economics professor Erich Muehlegger. “As

a result, EV owners are largely una ected by oil price shocks.”

But experts say electricity prices have been increasing nationally for a variety of reasons, including surging power demand from new data centers.

“This is an in ationary event,” Holt Edwards, principal in Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group, said of the war. “Is this the driver in electricity prices? I think probably not. But it’s certainly a contributing factor.”

To what extent oil and gas con icts could translate to the electricity sector is yet to be seen.

What about how di erent grids are powered?

When it comes to the electricity an EV owner is tapping, much of the cost depends on which sources of electricity are in a local grid’s power mix, experts say.

Because regulators set residential electricity prices annually, most households are sheltered from month-to-month changes in natural gas costs.

Though experts say higher natural gas prices can increase the cost of generating electricity,

natural gas prices haven’t risen as quickly or as much as oil prices have recently.

Those are just two of many energy sources — including coal, nuclear and renewables — that power the electric grid.

“The energy component varies depending on the energy you’re using and the price of the energy that you’re using to generate electricity,” said Pierpaolo Cazzola, an energy expert at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy. “What happens is that in the U.S., the variation of the price of the energy component is smaller than it is elsewhere.”

The experts said persistent war could a ect electricity bills in the future. And that is all the more reason for countries to transition to clean power, they said.

“Clean power and electri cation combined is what provides the most security,” said Euan Graham, an analyst at energy think tank Ember.

Michael B. Klein, a 56-year- old software developer in Evanston, Illinois, has driven EVs for the past eight years to save on fuel costs and because of environmental concerns.

Google overhauls its Maps app, adding in more AI features to assist people in getting around

Gemini technology powers conversational search and immersive 3D navigation

By Michael Liedtke

Associated Press

The

GOOGLE MAPS will depend more heavily on arti cial intelligence to help people gure out where they want to go and the best way to get there as part of a major redesign unveiled on Thursday.

The overhaul driven by Google’s Gemini technology will in-

troduce two AI features into a digital mapping service used by more than 2 billion people worldwide. One tool called Ask Maps will expand upon conversational abilities that Google brought to the service last November, giving suggestions to users looking for things such as nearby places to charge their devices, cafes with short lines or a detailed itinerary for a road trip involving several stops and excursions.

Gemini’s recommendations will draw upon a database spanning more than 300 mil-

lion places and reviews from more than 500 million contributors that have been accumulated since Google Maps’ debut more than 20 years ago. Google executives declined to answer a question about whether the company eventually plans to sell ads to boost businesses’ chances of being displayed in Ask Maps’ recommendations. Ask Maps initially will be available on Google Maps’ mobile app for iPhones and Android software in the U.S. and India, before expanding to personal computers and other countries.

Every time electrical grid efciency improves — especially as renewables are added — “I get that bene t no matter what,” said Klein, who drives a Chevy Bolt. “They can improve the efciency of gas engines, but you have to get a new car in order to reap the bene t of that.”

So will EV demand rise?

Several experts say high gasoline prices are a strong driver of EV sales, particularly if high prices persist. Drivers also consider more gasoline-e cient hybrid vehicles during these times.

Car-shopping resource Edmunds analyzed consumer shopping data for the week starting March 2, after the Iran war had begun. They found that interest in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery EVs accounted for 22.4% of all vehicle research activity on their site that week, up from 20.7% the previous week. Analysts also looked back at the last major nationwide fuel price surges in 2022, and they saw that consideration of electri ed vehicles consideration rose sharply then, too. But whether this means more EV purchases depends on

In what Google executives are billing as the biggest change to the maps’ driving directions, Gemini has also created a new tool dubbed Immersive Navigation that will present a three-dimensional perspective designed to give users a better grasp of where they are at any moment in time. The 3D renderings created by Gemini will include landmarks such as notable buildings, medians in the roads and other aspects of the terrain that drivers are seeing around them as they drive to help them get their bearings more quickly.

Google believes its AI guardrails are now strong enough to prevent the Gemini technology underlying Immersive Navigation from fabricating bogus places to go, a malfunction known within the industry as a “hallucination.” Immersive Navigation is also supposed to help Google Maps more clearly explain the pros

whether buyers expect to save not just now but in the future, experts say.

Adding to the complexity: A sudden increase in EV demand could drive up prices, Graham said.

“I think the real step change would be in whether this causes governments to shift tax, tari policies around EVs,” Graham said. Doing so would help reduce fossil fuel dependence, he said. Does driving electric really save money?

Pretty much. People who buy EVs have a “really substantial” gas savings over the life of their vehicles even without government tax credits, said Peter Zalzal, an attorney with Environmental Defense Fund.

“We’re talking about thousands and thousands of dollars” in savings, Zalzal said. “And as gas prices increase, those savings are only greater. Fuel costs are a big piece of overall vehicle costs, and increases in fuel prices have signi cant impacts on people.”

However, the upfront cost of a new EV is still more than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle; new EVs sold for an average of $55,300 last month, while new vehicles overall sold for an average $49,353, according to auto-buying resource Kelley Blue Book. Some experts also expressed national security concerns with EVs because China dominates signi cant parts of the EV supply chain.

Ketels, the EV owner and professor, said he believes EVs and renewable energy should be a strategic priority for individuals and the U.S. because they could be produced domestically “and we don’t have those uctuations and those worries.”

But because the federal government has withdrawn many incentives for both, “it puts us at a disadvantage globally,” Ketels said. “I think it’s been a terrible mistake to withdraw these incentives and to attack the sustainable energy industry,” and the war “is just making it that much more obvious.”

and cons of di erent driving routes to the same recommendation, as well as point to the best places to park once a user arrives at a designated destination. The new AI-powered navigation will only be available in the U.S. initially, on Google Maps’ mobile app for the iPhone and Android, as well as cars equipped with options to activate CarPlay and Android Auto. The increased reliance on AI in Google Maps follows the company’s introduction of more Gemini technology to make two of its other most popular products — Gmail and the Chrome web browser — more proactive and helpful to their billions of users. The expansion underscores Google’s con dence in the Gemini 3 model that the Mountain View, California, company released late last year as part of an intensifying battle for AI supremacy with up-and- coming rivals such as OpenAI and Anthropic.

Integrity Open Arms Residents of the Month

Employee of the Month Resident of the Month

Shawn Palocka

Shawn Palocka is a pca worker that has been with us for over a year that does a great job he enjoys video games on his for all his hard work. Integrity Open Arms would like to thank you for a job well done.

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.

Mrs. Florence Herbert has been a resident here since May 2021. She moved to North Carolina from Pennsylvania to escape the bad weather. Florence enjoys word searches, BINGO, watching TV and spending time with her friends on the Special Care Unit at

Mrs. Betty Purcell is from Raeford, North Carolina. She moved into our assisted living this past June. Besides being the mother of two, she worked for many years at Burlington Mills. Betty enjoys church, watching youtube and doing word searches.

Noell Campbell

ERIN HOOLEY / AP PHOTO

HOKE SPORTS

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jayden Hollingsworth

Hoke County, baseball

Jayden Hollingsworth is a senior in elder on the Hoke County baseball team.

The Bucks are 2-4 on the season and won one of three games last week. Hollingsworth provided an o ensive punch for Hoke. He walked, stole a base and scored in a win over Pine Forest. Against Scotland, he went 1 for 2 with a run. Then, he nished the week by going 3 for 3 with two stolen bases against Richmond.

Jones remains focused on being ready to start Week 1 after completing new deal with Colts

The former Duke passer is recovering from a torn Achilles

By Michael Marot

The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Daniel Jones spent his entire o season rehabbing, letting his agents deal with the business side of football.

Last Thursday, almost exactly four months after su ering a torn right Achilles tendon in a loss at Jacksonville, Jones returned to the Indianapolis Colts team complex with a new two-year contract worth up to $100 million and a promising timetable for his return to play — the 2026 regular-season opener.

“I’m very con dent in being back to 100% and ready to go,” he said. “I’m in a good spot, I’m on schedule. I think from everything the doctors are telling me — trainers, rehab, physical therapists — I think I’m in a good spot. I’ve hit my marks and just have to continue to do that.”

The prognosis couldn’t be any brighter for Indy.

Jones outplayed the one-year, prove-it deal Indy gave him last March when the Minnesota Vikings let him test free agency after adding the 2019 rst-round pick when the New York Giants released him during the 2024 season.

He didn’t disappoint with the Colts. Over the rst 10 weeks, Jones resuscitated his career by delivering on the potential the Giants saw in him when they drafted him No. 6 overall, leading the Colts to an 8-2 mark.

But Jones struggled to play

tion tag on Jones last week.

“I just think the way he prepares, how he’s built, I think in the long run Daniel is going to be perfectly ne,” general manager Chris Ballard said during the NFL scouting combine in Indy. “Daniel and Alec are such big pieces. Everybody’s got a budget. We’ve got a cap we have to deal with, so I don’t know if it’s a run-it-back situation, but we’re going to make the team the best we can.”

Those two moves allowed Ballard to continue lling other holes, primarily on a defense that he has indicated must get younger, faster and stouter.

SPRING SPORTS ROUNDUP

Soccer, softball extend winning streaks

North State Journal sta Baseball

The Bucks went 1-2 last week to fall to 2- 4 on the season, 1-2 in the Mid- South 7A/8A conference.

Hoke opened the week with a 10 - 4 win. Sam Wright struck out six in ve innings to pick up the win. Dontrell Mims stole four bases and scored three times. With the win, Hoke matched last year’s win total for the entire season. With one more win this year, Hoke will have its winningest campaign since 2019. The Bucks then fell 10 -3 at Scotland and lost at home to Richmond 11-5. Carson Hewitt struck out nine in 51⁄3 innings against Richmond. He also scored a run. This week, the Bucks have nonconference road games at Pinecrest and Jack Britt, with a nonconference home game against Red Springs sandwiched in between.

Girls’ soccer

Hoke snapped a two-game losing streak with a tie and a win this week to improve to 4 -2-1 on the season. The Bucks traveled to Clin-

ton for a scoreless tie to open the week, then beat South View at home by an 8-1 margin. Jianna Gomez had ve saves to split a shutout against Clinton with fellow goalkeepers Sadenah Webb and Madalyn Taylor. Jaelyn Gimenez had ve goals against South View, while Abril Bello Dominguez added two goals and an assist. This week, Hoke travels to Red Springs and then hosts Overhills. The Bucks open next week with a trip to Pine Forest.

Softball

Hoke won two games last week, extending its winning streak to ve games and moving to 5 -1 on the year. The Bucks recorded a shutout on the road, 11- 0 over Red Springs, then returned home to beat Scotland 7- 6 in a walk- o win. Niya Jones picked up complete game wins in both games, striking out 16 in 13 innings. She also doubled and drove in two runs. Shaniya McLean had three RBIs and three runs in the two games. This week, the Bucks host Lumberton and Red Springs. They open next week with a trip to Overhills.

through a hairline fracture in his left leg and then su ered the season-ending Achilles injury in early December. The result: Indy lost its nal seven games and missed the playo s for a fth straight season as uncertainty hung over yet another round of free agency for the former Duke star.

And yet as questions loomed over how much the injury could de ate Jones’ payday and negotiations continued with the Colts, Indy’s decision-makers never wavered in their belief they wanted to pair Jones and free agent receiver Alec Pierce for a second consecutive season in 2026.

The rst part of the equation came last Monday when Pierce agreed to a four-year, $116 million deal, admittedly taking less than was o ered elsewhere so he could keep working with Jones. The second part was completed a day later when Jones also agreed to return, eliminating the need for Indy putting the transi-

That work began Saturday when Ballard traded Pro Bowl linebacker Zaire Franklin to Green Bay for defensive tackle Colby Wooden and continued in the lead up to the o cial start of free agency. Indy signed former Tennessee Titans defensive end Arden Key to a two-year contract with the hope Key can help improve the pass rush opposite third-year defensive end Laiatu Latu.

Indy also signed former New York Jets defensive tackle Micheal Clemons to a two-year deal. Wooden and Key were also introduced publicly last Thursday, and Key described the challenge Indy’s o ense posed when he played it twice a year with the Titans.

Now, with Jones and Pierce back, the Colts think their offense may only get better.

“We’re con dent because I think we’ve seen what we could be,” Jones said. “But there’s a high sense of urgency to get back to doing that and doing that consistently, week after week throughout the season.”

COURTESY MAXPREPS

PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones walks o the eld after su ering an injury in December. SPORTS BLAST / FACEBOOK

Hoke’s

SIDELINE REPORT

FORMULA 1

Formula 1 calls o April races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia due to Iran war

Shanghai Formula 1 and its governing body, the FIA, say the Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not be held in April on safety grounds related to the Iran war. Both countries have been struck during Iran’s response to United States and Israeli attacks. F1 was due to race in Bahrain on April 12 and in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on April 19. F1 did not say the races were canceled or postponed, just that they won’t happen in April and replacement events have not been scheduled.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Cincinnati ring men’s basketball coach

Miller

Cincinnati Wes Miller will not be back as the University of Cincinnati’s men’s basketball coach. Cincinnati and Miller are reportedly negotiating an equitable buyout. Miller has three years remaining on his contract, but he’s owed $9.9 million if the ring happens before March 31. It drops to $4.69 million if the termination happens after April 1. Miller went 100 -74 in ve seasons, including 18 -15 this year and did not reach the NCAA Tournament. Miller won an NCAA title as a UNC player and coached UNC Greensboro before leaving for Cincinnati.

NHL Maple Leafs star Matthews out for season with torn MCL after knee from Gudas

Toronto Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee and will miss the rest of the season. Matthews was ruled out a little under 24 hours after being knocked out of last Thursday’s game against Anaheim on a knee-on-knee hit from Anaheim defenseman Radko Gudas. The Leafs said Matthews has a Grade 3 MCL tear and a bruised quadriceps muscle and would be evaluated again in two weeks. Gudas was suspended for ve games.

NCAA warning schools about travel issues ahead of March Madness

A combination of government issues are making travel di cult and expensive

By Will Graves The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Atlantic 10 commissioner Bernadette McGlade skimmed through the 12 -page memo the NCAA sent out last month that highlighted potential travel issues ahead of the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments and couldn’t help but feel a bit of deja vu.

McGlade spent time on both the men’s and women’s selection committees earlier in her career, including a stint as the tournament director for women’s March Madness. What she read in that memo was nothing new.

“We had the same conversations, ‘Oh, these charters are hired (away). We might not be able to travel all the teams the way we want to travel,’” McGlade said. “It is a very real reality.”

One that, through the years, has avoided any sort of real nightmare scenario. The NCAA is hoping to do the same this time around, even if the headwinds working against them might be a little stronger than they’ve been in the past.

The ongoing partial government shutdown that is forcing some federal airport employees to work without getting paid — leading to massive lines at security checkpoints in some places — the conict in the Middle East that is spiking energy prices and the typical uptick in demand when the weather gets warmer are a potential tinderbox that could make the Madness in March Madness bleed into new territory.

“We certainly understand that there are pressures on the system, but we hope they’re not going to be too disruptive and really impact people’s experiences. We’ll do everything we can to mitigate that,” men’s committee chair Keith Gill said. “One of the things that I’ve heard is ICE is taking up a lot of charter planes. I think the charter market is just demonstrably di erent than it has been.”

The number of deportation ights carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have hit record highs during President Donald Trump’s second administration, and while it wasn’t an issue last March, it might be now.

With host sites for the opening weekend stretching from Bu alo, New York, to San Diego in the men’s bracket, the

It’s always tough to get a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Now, even teams that make the bracket could nd it harder to get to the arena.

“I think that the NCAA was proactive on getting that travel set up. So, hopefully, everything will go really, really smoothly.”

Joylynn Brown, Wright State athletic director

math could still get a little complicated.

The NCAA has speci c parameters on how teams get to their venues. Any team that has to travel at least 400 miles during the opening weekend is eligible to take a ight chartered by the NCAA. That drops to 350 miles for the regional nals and the Final Four.

Schools that are closer than those parameters can receive up to $1,500 per day for ground transportation.

Teams from one -bid leagues that gure to be lower

seeds may have to bear more of a travel burden than higher seeds, who can sometimes — but not always — play much closer to home.

Wright State athletic director Joylynn Brown said the travel logistics are “something to think about” but added that it isn’t top of mind. The Raiders, who won the Horizon League title this week, play a few miles from downtown Dayton, Ohio, where the men’s tournament got underway Tuesday night.

“If you drive, it is a little bit easier,” Brown said. “It is exciting to y. I don’t really care where we’re going, I’m just excited that we’re going and I’m thankful, I hope that and I think that the NCAA was proactive on getting that travel set up. So, hopefully, everything will go really, really smoothly.”

The visibility that the tournaments provide, particularly for lesser-known schools, is so great that they’d probably walk to get where they need to go if it came down to it. If they hop on a plane, even if they

have to wait? Great. If they sit on a bus for a while? Great.

“I think without hesitation, that every institution wants to see their name go up on the board on Selection Sunday,” McGlade said, later adding, “the value long-term for programs and institutions in terms of enrollment, fundraising, etc., of being selected into March Madness is so signi cant right now that I know there’s not anyone in the A-10 concerned about that.”

That might change once the dream of reaching the tournament becomes reality, which can lead to a frantic 24 -72 hours for schools as they scatter across the country in hopes of an extended stay in the dance. Any delays that may pop up are basically college basketball’s version of a rst-world problem.

“It’s di erent all of a sudden now when the teams get in you (might) start to hear some people complaining,” McGlade said. “But I don’t think there’s a hesitation (to be a part of it.).”

JOHN MERSITS / AP PHOTO

obituaries

Joe Alexander Propst

June 17, 1944 – March 6, 2026

Joe Alexander Propst of Raeford went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 6, 2026, with his loving wife by his side.

Joe was born on June 17, 1944, in Bertie County, North Carolina, to the late Andrew and Ethel Propst.

Alongside his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his two brothers and one sister.

Joe served in the United States Navy. He loved gardening, shing and his 18-wheeler.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Judy Propst, and his son, Je Propst.

The family will be receiving visitors at their home on Friday, March 13, 2026.

In lieu of owers, please make donations to Antioch First Born Church, 187 Diamond Branch School Road, Whiteville, NC 28472.

Sim McLaughlin Jr.

May 11, 1931 – March 11, 2026

Mr. Sim McLaughlin Jr., age 94, went home to rest with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at noon at JG & DJ McLaughlin Family Cemetery. Sim will be greatly missed.

Frances Byrd-Wood

April 4, 1941 – March 7, 2026

Frances Byrd-Wood, a longtime and beloved resident of Raeford, NC, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the age of 84.

Frances was born April 4, 1941, in Harnett County, NC, to Jessie Clark and Christine Clark. She was preceded in death by her father, Jessie Clark; her mother, Christine Clark; her brother Jessie Clark Jr.; her brother Leslie Clark; her husband Bill Wood, the father of her four sons, Hubert Wayne Byrd Sr., and her sons, Hubert Wayne Byrd Jr., Richard Byrd and Robin Byrd.

She is survived by her son, Tony Byrd; her grandson, Austin Byrd; her daughter-in-law, Sherryl Byrd; her daughter-inlaw, Theresa Byrd; all of Raeford, NC; her nephew, Leslie Clark Jr., of Italy; and her granddaughter, Christine Byrd of Benson, NC. A woman of remarkable spirit and grit, Frances was known for her tireless work ethic. She served both Hoke & Cumberland Counties for many years as a clerk for the State of NC at the courthouse, where her professionalism and dedication were well-known. In addition to her career with the state, she was the cornerstone of both family businesses, Byrd’s Alignment and Byrd’s-U-LockIt providing the steady hand and hard work that helped them thrive.

Frances was tough as nails, meeting life’s challenges with a legendary resilience that served as a pillar of strength for her entire family. Yet, she was the heart of the home.

A celebration of Frances’ life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026. A visitation will be held from 3-4 p.m., and a service will follow at 4 p.m. at Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford, NC.

In lieu of owers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Hospice Foundation of Hoke County in honor of the compassionate care provided to Frances and her family, Hoke County, P.O. Box 1584, Raeford, NC 28376.

Shigeaki

Gary “Herman”

Lee Holt Jr.

May 18, 1986 – March 8, 2026

Mr. Gary Lee Holt Jr., known as Herman, what everyone called him, age 39 of Maxton, North Carolina, was born on May 18, 1986, to Gary Holt Sr. and the late Glenda Holt in Robeson County, North Carolina. He departed this life on March 8, 2026, at UNC Health Southeastern, Lumberton, North Carolina.

Gary loved to make beats on his mama’s keyboard. He loved to sing. When you watched TV with him, be prepared to watch Power Rangers with him and Jimmy.

Gary leaves to cherish his memories his father: Gary Holt Sr. of Virginia, two sisters: Javon Holt and Yalonda Holt, one brother: Cavaja Holt, two nephews, one niece, and he was very excited to be a uncle, his aunt Amanda that loved him as her own child, uncles: Ray McMillian that was his birthday twin, Anthony McMillian and Terrice McMillian, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Willie Mae Artis

Aug. 5, 1952 –March 12, 2026

Ms. Willie Mae Artis, age 73, went home to rest with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at noon at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. Willie Mae will be greatly missed.

Billy Earl Tannehill

Aug. 8, 1957 – March 9, 2026

Billy Earl Tannehill of Florence, South Carolina, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 9, 2026.

He was born on August 8, 1957, in Bessemer, Alabama, to Evelyn Tannehill and the late Harold Tannehill. Billy was preceded in death by his two brothers, Jerome and Fernando Tannehill; his niece, Ashley Tannehill; and his nephew, Daniel Tannehill.

He is survived by his four children, Nicole Tannehill of Fayetteville, NC; LaTonya Tannehill of Asheville, NC; Jonathan Tannehill of Tampa, FL; and Isaiah Tannehill of Navarre, FL; and their mother, Sonya Tannehill of Lillington, NC; ve grandchildren, Aaliyah, Melissa, and Michael Jr. Thomas of Fayetteville, NC; Jayme Bassett, and Damian Mullins of Tampa, FL; his mother, Evelyn Tannehill of West Blocton, AL; his brothers, Joe Tannehill of West Blocton, AL, and Melvern Tannehill of Denver, CO. A memorial service will be held on March 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Union Baptist Church, 733 Camellia Lane. West Blocton, AL 35184.

Lendora Graham

July 15, 1956 –March 13, 2026

Ms. Lendora Graham, age 69, went home to rest with her Heavenly Father on Friday, March 13, 2026. The Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Pauline T. Buie Chapel. Lendora will be greatly missed.

Mori, Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor and historian, dead at 88

For decades, he researched American POWs killed in the atomic bombing

By Mari Yamaguchi

The Associated Press

TOKYO — Shigeaki Mori, a Japanese atomic bomb survivor in Hiroshima and a historian best known for a big hug he was given by then U.S. President Barack Obama during his historic visit to the city a decade ago, has died. He was 88. Born in 1937, Mori was 8 years old when he survived the Aug. 6, 1945 U.S. attack only 1½ miles away from the blast. About 30 years later, he learned a little known fact — that American prisoners of war held in Japan were among those killed by the atomic bomb dropped by their country.

Working as a full-time company employee, Mori researched U.S. and Japanese o cial documents and tracked down 12

American POWs. He wrote letters to their bereaved families in the U.S. who didn’t know how their loved ones had died. The U.S. atomic attack on

instantly destroyed the city and killed tens of thousands. The death toll by the end of that year was 140,000. A second bomb dropped on Na-

gasaki killed another 70,000. Mori authored a book, “The Secret of the American POWs Killed by the Atomic Bomb,” published in Japanese in 2008. The book won him a prestigious Kikuchi Kan Prize, and was later translated into English. Editors of the English translation of his book said on their website that Mori died on Sunday at a Hiroshima hospital.

His research eventually led to U.S. con rmation of the deaths of the 12 captured American service members in the bombing.

“The research I spent more than 40 years was not about people from the enemy country. It was about human beings,” Mori later said.

Obama, who became the rst U.S. leader to visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park in 2016, mentioned in his speech “a dozen Americans held prisoner” as being among the victims. He recognized Mori for seeking out the Americans’ families, believing their loss was equal to his own, and later gave him a hug.

Kameron “Legs” Jerome Daniels

Nov. 24, 2025 –March 9, 2026

Kameron Jerome Daniels, aka “Legs,” age three months of Gibson, North Carolina, was born on November 24, 2025, to Patrick Jerome Daniel Jr. and Mackenzie Alexandria Herndon in Scotland County, North Carolina. He departed his precious life on March 9, 2026, at Scotland Memorial Hospital, Laurinburg, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jennifer Megan Easterling and Wade Chavis. Great grandparents, Lucille Oxendine, Millard Locklear, Loureva Daniels, Erwin Daniels, Polly Ann Chavis, uncle, Rayshawn Daniels.

Kameron leaves to cherish his memories his father: Patrick Jerome Daniels Jr., mother: Mackenzie Alexandria Herndon, brother: Noah Lewis Jr., sister: Nashlyn Lewis, paternal grandparents: Jeanette Locklear (Joe Hunter), Patrick Daniels (Daniela Daniels), great grandmother: Jennifer Locklear, uncles: Currin Stanley, Roderick Daniels, Antoine Jones, Declan Daniels, Shakur Melvin, aunts: Destiny Gonzalez, Lucille M. Oxendine, Daphne Daniels, Kayden Easterling, Haileigh Norton, Jessica Richardson, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

SHUJI KAJIYAMA / AP PHOTO

U.S. President Barack Obama, second from left, shakes hands with Shigeaki Mori, an atomic bomb survivor and a creator of the memorial for American WWII POWs killed in Hiroshima, during a ceremony at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan, May 27, 2016.

STATE & NATION

Smaller portions become big restaurant trend as customers watch budgets, waistlines

Diners foucused on money and health are driving demand for less

By Dee-Ann Durbin

The Associated Press

THE BIGGEST NEW restaurant trend is small.

Special menus with petite, less expensive portions are popping up all over, from large chains like Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory to trendy urban eateries and farm-to -fork dining rooms.

Restaurants hope that o ering smaller servings beyond the children’s menu will meet many di erent diners’ needs. Some people want to spend less when they go out. Others are looking for healthier options or trying to lose weight. Younger consumers tend to snack more throughout the day and eat smaller meals, said Maeve Webster, the president of culinary consulting rm Menu Matters.

“These are really driven by, I think, changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not,” Webster said.

Looking for value

Beth Tipton, the co - owner of Daniel Girls Farmhouse Restaurant in Connersville, Indiana, introduced an eight-item Mini Meals menu last fall after several customers requested smaller portions. The menu, which includes daily specials like a half piece of meatloaf with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy for $8, now accounts for about 20% of the restaurant’s orders, she said.

Older adults make up about half of the restaurant’s clientele, Tipston said, and some customers told her the regular menu was a stretch for their budgets. As someone who under-

cation every week have at least one person who requests the GLP-Wonderful menu.

“People say, ‘Thank you for serving us’,” Gutin said.

Big chains go small

Olive Garden, whose seven-item “Lighter Portions” menu rolled out nationwide in January, said GLP-1 users were one consideration. The Italian-style restaurant chain also wanted to appeal to patrons pursuing healthier diets or more a ordable meals, said Rick Cardenas, the president and CEO of Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants.

“There is a consumer group out there that believes in abundance, but abundance is di erent for everybody,” Cardenas said in September during a conference call with investors. “So consumers can choose. We’re not changing our entire menu to make it a smaller portion.”

“These are really driven by changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not.”

Maeve Webster, Menu Matters president

the surface for a long time because restaurant meals, particularly at chains, have become so large,” she said. “Sure, it sounds great to take leftovers home, but they never taste as good.”

went weight-loss surgery, she also knew from experience that many restaurants won’t allow adults to order from their children’s menus.

“We wanted it to be available to all without the word ‘kids meals’ attached,” Tipton said. “With the rising costs all around us we wanted to help in any way we can, and this is a great option.”

Eating out and GLP-1s

Some restaurants are adding menus to court users of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Last fall, restaurateur Barry Gutin ran into two di erent friends who told him they were taking GLP-1s and struggling to nd restaurant meals that met their dietary needs and smaller appetites. GLP-1 users tend to eat less, so they need nutritionally dense foods that are low in fat and high in protein and ber.

Gutin, the co - owner of Cuba

Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida, reached out to a doctor who specializes in weight loss and to Cuba Libre’s culinary director, Angel Roque. Over the next month, they developed the chain’s GLP-Wonderful menu, which is available during dinner.

The menu has ve classic Cuban options. Roque said the pollo asado on Cuba Libre’s regular menu has nearly 1,000 calories; on the GLP-1 menu, that’s slimmed down to 400 calories, but heavy on protein andber. He said it was also important to keep the GLP-1 meals avorful and colorful, to stimulate appetites.

“Many times when people are on those kind of regimes, they feel that they can’t do the same as everybody else. So we wanted to show them, yes, at Cuba Libre, you can,” Roque said.

Gutin said the menu has increased business. He estimated that 10 to 20 groups at each lo -

Feds move to dismiss charges against Army veteran who burned American ag near White House

The North Carolina man’s case highlights First Amendment protections for ag burning

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has moved to dismiss charges against a North Carolina Army veteran who set re to an American ag near the White House last year to protest President Donald Trump’s ex-

“The Constitution still matters.” Jay Carey, Army veteran

ecutive order on ag burning. Jay Carey, 55, of Arden in Buncombe County, who has said he served in the Army from 1989 to 2012 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, was arrested on Aug. 25 after he set re to a ag in La-

fayette Park, which the National Park Service oversees. Earlier that day, Trump signed an executive order requiring the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute people for burning the American ag. Carey was charged with two misdemeanors that aren’t focused on the act of burning a ag: igniting a re in an undesignated area and lighting a re causing damage to property or park resources. He pleaded not guilty in September. Friday’s ling did not explain the decision

The Asian fusion chain P.F. Chang’s began o ering medium-sized portions last fall.

The Cheesecake Factory added smaller, lower-priced Bites and Bowls to its menu last summer, while TGI Fridays recently began testing an “Eat Like A Kid” menu with smaller portions.

A long-term change

Smaller portions aren’t a new concept. Twenty years ago, small-plate tapas restaurants were all the rage, for instance.

But to Webster, the menu consultant, the scaled- down dishes appearing now feel like a longer-term shift. For one thing, the trend is not tied to any particular cuisine. Webster also thinks consumers are thinking more about food waste than they used to, and smaller portions can alleviate some of their concerns.

“I think it is a core need that consumers have, and a demand that has been lingering under

to move to dismiss and the U.S Attorney’s o ce for the District of Columbia did not immediately respond on Saturday to an email seeking comment.

The Supreme Court has ruled that ag burning is a legitimate political expression protected by the Constitution. Trump’s order asserted that burning a ag can be prosecuted if it “is likely to incite imminent lawless action” or amounts to “ ghting words.”

“I set out to demonstrate that the First Amendment is sacred and that no administration has the right to supersede our constitutional rights,” Carey said in a statement from the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund. “I was targeted for federal prosecution because of that. I am glad to stand with all those who are ghting for our fundamental rights and hope that this victory can help the

During a recent visit to Shelburne, Vermont, from his home in North Carolina, Jack Pless was delighted to see the Teeny Tuesday menu at Barkeaters Restaurant, which specializes in locally sourced food. Pless, who’s in his 60s and used to own a restaurant, said he can’t eat as much as he used to at meals.

“So many times you go out to restaurants, especially me or my wife, and we’ll take home a box and it’ll sit in the refrigerator for two, three days and start to grow a beard,” he said.

Julie Finestone, the co - owner of Barkeaters, said she introduced the Teeny Tuesday menu last month to bring in more weekday business during the winter. She was concerned about the cost of o ering lower-priced food options, like $12 reuben sliders, but said the decision has brought in more business than she expected.

Finestone said she’s pretty con dent Teeny Tuesday will become a year-round xture.

“Some people, it’s dietary. Some have smaller appetites. Some people don’t like to overindulge in the middle of the week,” Finestone said. “I think that it just spoke to people.”

next person who takes a stand.” It shows people that “the Constitution still matters,” Carey said when reached by telephone on Saturday.

Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, one of Carey’s lawyers and fund co -founder, said the prosecution shouldn’t have been brought.

“The government’s attempt to criminally punish a protestor based on expressive conduct targeted for prosecution by presidential order posed a grave threat to First Amendment freedoms,” Verheyden-Hilliard said in a statement. “The government’s about-face is a critical vindication of those rights. This case also lays the groundwork for defending those across the country who are targeted for vindictive prosecution by the Trump Administration in an e ort to silence and punish viewpoints it doesn’t like.”

MINGSON LAU / AP PHOTO

A ropa vieja dish from Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar’s standard menu is prepared for serving at Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia on March 6.

MOORE

Lonely road

Doc Brown Road was desolate and damp Monday as a promised storm went from brutal to bust across the region.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Commissioners in favor of reducing early voting period

Cuba’s latest blackout underscores deepening economic crisis; Rubio calls for new leadership

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is calling for “new people in charge” of Cuba as the Caribbean nation experienced its third islandwide blackout in four months. U.S. President Donald, who has called Cuba a “very weakened nation,” said on Monday he believes he’ll have the “honor of taking Cuba.” On Tuesday, Rubio — who is of Cuban heritage — said the current government is incapable of addressing the problems. The island’s government blames its woes on a U.S. energy blockade after Trump in January warned of tari s on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. The country’s aging grid has drastically eroded in recent years, leading to daily outages.

Trump postpones China trip to focus on Iran

President Donald Trump is delaying a diplomatic trip to China that was planned for months but began to unravel as he pressured Beijing and other world powers to form a military coalition to protect the vital Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Tuesday while meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval O ce that he would be going to China in ve or six weeks’ time instead of at the end of the month. Trump’s visit to China is seen as an opportunity to build on a fragile trade truce between the two superpowers, but it became tangled in his e ort to nd an endgame to his war in Iran.

The board unanimously approved a resolution to be sent to the General Assembly

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

CARTHAGE — The Moore County Commissioners have voiced their support for a reduction in the early voting period.

At the Moore County Board of Commissioners’ March 17 meeting, the board unanimously approved a resolution in support of reducing the early voting period down to seven days.

“There’s a consensus on the board that 17 days of early voting puts a lot of stress on our folks at the board of elections,” said Chairman Nick Picerno.

“Also, it requires numerous vol-

unteers, volunteer hours, and for those that work the polls, especially at that time of the year, it happens to be very cold, very rainy and a horrible time to be out there.”

“I think across parties, everyone considers it too long,” said Commissioner Jim von Canon.

The current voting period is more than two weeks long, and the commissioners argued that that is a strain both on the volunteers and the taxpayer money.

“This will save the taxpayer money,” said Commissioner Tom Adams. “We have a large sta manning the two early voting places, and they sit there very patiently from 7:30 in the morning to 7:30 in the evening with little to do. So it makes sense to move this to a more reasonable time period.”

“If you believe that voting is important, you can certainly nd time in seven days to cast your vote.”

Picerno, board chairman

Nick

The resolution will be sent to the North Carolina General Assembly, as only they can change the voting laws.

“If you believe that voting is important, you can certainly nd time in seven days to cast your vote,” Picerno said. “To say we need 17 days is just costing you as a citizen, and it’s really putting a heavy burden on our sta .” The commissioners also passed a resolution in support

of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s recommended redesign of the Pinehurst tra c circle.

“The tra c circle is over 70 years old, and since 2013, NCDOT has come up with over 20 design concepts and have been studying it hard for a very long time,” said county attorney Misty Leland. “They have recently come up with this new plan that they would like to proceed with. They received prioritized funding over more populous areas because NCDOT and the state in general understands the importance and the need to upgrade that trafc circle.”

Finally, the board held two public hearings, with the rst being for a conditional rezoning request for around three acres of property located at 135 Jolinda Road for the use of a group care facility.

“The property is currently owned by Grace Community Center, and through a proposed partnership with Mission Teens, they would be

State lawmakers rush to set rounding rules for when there are no pennies

As pennies vanish, states are split on how to handle rounding

By Hannah Fingerhut The Associated Press

MONTHS AFTER the last of the United States’ 1-cent coins were pressed, some states are beginning to o er their own 2 cents on the penny problem by setting rounding guidance for cash purchases.

President Donald Trump announced early last year an end to penny production, saying it was wasteful. It cost 3.7 cents to make each 1-cent coin in 2024, according to the U.S. Mint. The move led to a shortage of pennies in cash registers last summer, forcing consumers and businesses to confront a penniless future in which

making exact change would be di cult.

The Treasury Department has said it will continue circulating the roughly 114 billion pennies that exist for “as long as possible.” Pennies must still be accepted as payment.

One solution to the penny problem is rounding to the nearest nickel, using a practice called symmetrical rounding.

If the nal price, after taxes, ends in one, two, six or seven cents, payment in cash rounds down. For example, $1.91 or $1.92 becomes $1.90. If the price ends in three, four, eight or nine, cash payment rounds up. For $1.98 or $1.99, the consumer pays $2.

Some states are looking to what’s next

In the meantime, bills to deal with penniless cash transactions have passed both chambers and await the governor’s signature in Arizona, Florida, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington. Some states are proposing to allow businesses to round cash purchases, while others consider requiring it.

The bill hasn’t been voted on in the House and would still need to move through the U.S. Senate before reaching Trump’s desk.

A bill introduced last year in Congress and passed out of the House nancial services committee would apply symmetrical rounding across the country. U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) said in an email the federal law is important to prevent a “confusing patchwork of state policies.”

In Indiana, a bill signed into law this month by Republican Gov. Mike Braun tells businesses they must round cash purchases for all transactions that do not end in a zero or ve. Lawmakers revised that provision in a second bill that makes rounding optional, which would take e ect

THURSDAY 3.19.26

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March 9

Devante Torre Allen, 33, of Sanford, was arrested by MCSO for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Fayeleeshia Jamell Jones, 41, of Ho man, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and injury to personal property.

Heather Lee Blue, 29, of Vass, was arrested by MCSO for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Ivan Dejesus Diaz-Coranguez, 41, of Aberdeen, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for resisting a public o cer, special ID fraud violation and driving on a revoked license.

Robert Micheal Doss, 58, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for purchase rearm violate domestic order, weapon o ense — free text and violation of a domestic violence protective order.

Mikey Ray Haga, 32, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon.

Heather Michelle Leblanc, 45, of Fayetteville, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for obtaining property by false pretenses, misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods.

March 10

Justin Delano Lee Cagle, 18, of Aberdeen, was arrested by First Carolina Company PD for breaking or entering a motor vehicle with theft.

Eric Tyler Kimball, 31, of Vass, was arrested by MCSO for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Jackoline D. Sturdivant, 60, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for second-degree trespass and resisting a public o cer.

VOTING from page A1

asking to operate a group care facility, which is a faith-based facility,” said Planning Director Ruth Pedersen. “They offer a discipleship training program that lasts about a year in total and it is a residential facility where the individuals would be coming to live at the site and stay there throughout the term of their program.”

According to Pedersen, the applicants plan to use an existing structure, which was previously a community center, that is already on the site.

The second hearing was for a conventional rezoning request for just over 18 acres of splitzone property located on Lucas Road to be uniformly zoned as Rural Agricultural Urban Service Boundary.

The Moore County Board of Commissioners will next meet April 7.

Lawyers

for

LaSota

seek competency review while rejecting ‘Zizian,’ ‘cult’ labels ahead of trial

A group of computer scientists linked to six deaths faces legal charges

By Brian Witte and Holly Ramer The Associated Press

BALTIMORE — A lawyer representing the leader of the cultlike Zizians group that has been linked to six deaths told a judge last Thursday that there is reason to believe his client is mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Jack LaSota, a transgender woman who goes by “Ziz,” was supposed to be in federal court for a two-day hearing on whether to suppress evidence collected as a result of her arrest in Frostburg, Maryland, last year. Instead, U.S. District Court Judge James Bredar heard arguments on a motion led last Wednesday seeking a competency evaluation.

“Counsel believes there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant is presently su ering from a mental disease or defect rendering her mentally incompetent to the extent that she is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings,” attorney Gary Proctor wrote.

As the hearing got underway, Proctor said LaSota has demonstrated an inability to follow proceedings, equating being a fugitive with being transgender and accusing a judge of being part of an organized crime ring. LaSota told the judge she wants to represent herself.

Authorities have described LaSota as the apparent leader of what outsiders call the “Zizians,” a group of young, highly intelligent computer scientists who appear to share

PENNIES from page A1

Sunday if Braun signs it into law. In both bills, Indiana businesses can choose to always round cash purchases up to the nearest nickel, always round down or round up or down depending on the amount.

In Republican-led Tennessee, legislation makes symmetrical rounding exempt from legal claims under a state consumer protection law but does not require rounding.

“It is to provide safe harbor for private businesses,” said Republican Rep. Charlie Baum, the bill sponsor in Tennessee, during oor debate.

Rounding bills have been introduced in about two dozen states since late last year, according to an Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking service Plural.

Outside of lawmaking bodies, some state agencies have published guidelines to advise that rounding should happen after tax, and that businesses must make sure the full taxed amount still goes to the state.

Will consumers pay more with rounding?

Cash isn’t used as ubiquitously since the rise in electronic payment methods.

Still, about 8 in 10 U.S. adults said they recently used cash in a 2024 survey conducted by the Federal Reserve. Cash

radical beliefs about veganism, animal rights, gender identity and arti cial intelligence. Since 2022, members have been tied to the death of one of their own during an attack on a California landlord, the landlord’s subsequent killing, the shooting deaths of one of the member’s parents in Pennsylvania, and a highway shootout in Vermont that left a border agent and another Zizian dead.

LaSota, Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank were arrested last February after a landowner found them living in box trucks at the end of a snow-covered dirt road. Though they are not charged with causing any of the six deaths, police quickly connected them to the homicide investigations in California, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

Maryland state Trooper Brandon Je ries wrote after their Feb. 16, 2025, arrests that all the “suspects involved

was more often used by older adults and those in lower-income households.

The Treasury wrote online that prices would be “rounded down just as often as they will be rounded up, so there should be no overall e ect on consumer prices.”

But researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond used a 2023 survey to show prices that didn’t end in zero or ve were especially likely to end in eight or nine. Payment amounts could be di erent when multiple items are purchased or depending on the tax rate, but overall, prices more often being rounded up would lead to millions of dollars gained by businesses and lost by consumers collectively, amounting to a few pennies lost per person. Do people think it’s fair?

As businesses have introduced rounding, some Americans have taken to social media to say they feel scammed, even if it is a penny or two at a time.

Nikki Capozzo-Hennessy, 50, said she tends to pay in cash because it makes her more conscious of her spending. The Trumbull, Connecticut, resident posted her grocery store receipt online when she noticed the rounding adjustment on a purchase of $8.73, with tax. The store chose to round down and she gained three cents.

are to be questioned regarding other crimes that have occurred across the country and have ties with the Zizians Cult.”

All three face state charges of trespassing and illegal gun and drug possession, while LaSota faces a federal charge of illegal gun possession by a fugitive. LaSota also is charged with obstructing the investigation into the deaths of Zajko’s parents. Authorities have called Zajko a person of interest in that case and said they are investigating Blank.

“Ms. LaSota eschews the term Zizian and denies any and all allegations that she and her friends have formed a cult,” LaSota’s lawyers wrote in a recent court ling.

Proctor and co-counsel Jennifer Smith argue that police violated LaSota’s Fourth Amendment right to be protected from unreasonable search and seizure and that she was not trespassing because the landowner had given them until the next day to leave. They also argue that police illegally searched the box trucks without a warrant and therefore any evidence recovered should be barred from trial.

In their response, prosecutors countered that police had probable cause to arrest LaSota and her associates for trespassing, even if they had been given permission to stay another day because the permission didn’t apply retroactively.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Beim also argued that police were justi ed in conducting a protective sweep for weapons for o cer safety and to determine whether anyone was hiding in the trucks. He said o cers reasonably suspected LaSota and the others were potentially violent, based on information from media reports about the group.

Capozzo-Hennessy said it might feel taxing if she had to hand over extra pennies every time, but she also thinks it’s practical to stick with one rule. She runs a food truck business and said they’d likely use symmetrical rounding to be consistent.

“At the end of the day it’s three cents, but I can imagine with all the purchases that you make, it can add up,” Capozzo-Hennessy said.

Washington state Rep. April Berg, who introduced a rounding bill there, said she understands people who feel frustrated losing a penny but that the elimination of the hard currency leaves little option.

“We did make sure that everyone is allowed to pay exactly what they owe,” Berg said of her legislation. What about the nickel?

The Treasury says ceasing penny production will save $56 million annually, but rounding could increase demand for nickels. The 5-cent coins also are costly to make, reaching nearly 14 cents each in 2024, according to the Mint.

The proposed federal legislation currently includes a potential cost-saving solution, allowing the Treasury to adjust the coin’s composition to use cheaper zinc and nickel instead of copper and nickel.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County.

March 20

Aberdeen Fire & Rescue Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

11 a.m.

Community fundraiser dinner hosted by the Aberdeen Fire & Rescue Volunteer Fire ghter Association, with proceeds bene ting the volunteer department. Dinner served through 7 p.m.; tickets $10.

Aberdeen Fire Department Station Aberdeen Electric Avenue: The ’80s MTV Video Experience

7 p.m.

A live tribute concert recreating the look and sound of 1980s MTV, featuring hits from the decade’s biggest acts. Presented by the Sunrise Theater.

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St. Southern Pines

Pinecone Pathways Fan Experience

5 p.m.

Opening-night event for Moore County’s annual glass pinecone scavenger hunt, featuring a meet-the-artists reception, live glassblowing demonstration, live entertainment and an exclusive pinecone hunt on-site. Limited to 60 ticket holders at $25 each.

Note: Starworks is in Star (Montgomery County), just across the Moore County line, but the program is Moore County-based.

Starworks Glassworks 100 Russell Drive Star

March 21

Festival D’Avion 2026 — Celebration of Freedom and Flight 10 a.m.

The seventh annual air festival features classic and military aircraft displays, yovers by the Bullseye Flight Team, the Golden Knights Precision Jump Team, the Children of Fallen Heroes jump team, a classic car show, a KidsZone, food trucks and a candy giveaway. Opening ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. include the 82nd Division All American Chorus. Gates open at 10 a.m., aircraft yout at 4 p.m.; tickets $11.60–$48.70; parking $5. Moore County Airport 7825 Aviation Drive Carthage

MARK SCOLFORO / AP PHOTO

Jack LaSota, also known as Ziz, is escorted into court for a pretrial hearing on trespassing, gun and drug charges in Cumberland, Maryland, in January.

THE CONVERSATION

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

The 3 big lies about the Iran war

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality.

IF YOU’VE BEEN following coverage of the Trump administration’s military action against Iran, you’ve probably noticed something: A lot of people are determined to convince you that the United States is losing. They’re wrong. Even worse, many of them know they’re wrong. Critics across the political spectrum — from Democrats to elements of the so - called horseshoe right — are pushing narratives that paint the con ict as a disaster in the making. The goal is simple: Undermine public con dence and turn what is shaping up as a strategic success into a perceived failure.

Three particular claims are circulating widely. All three deserve to be addressed.

Lie No. 1: The war is a quagmire.

The rst claim is that the United States has stumbled into another interminable Middle East war — one destined to drag on for years and possibly escalate to catastrophic levels.

This is absurd.

At the time of this writing, the con ict is less than two weeks old. Twelve days. That’s not 12 years, as in Vietnam, or even 12 months, as in the Spanish-American War.

Wars unfold over time, and no one should pretend to know exactly how long any con ict will last. But the notion that the United States is already trapped in a generational quagmire — after less than two weeks of ghting — is less analysis than panic.

Lie No. 2: Iran is somehow winning.

A second claim insists that Iran is holding strong — that the regime is weathering

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

the assault and even gaining the upper hand.

Again, reality tells a di erent story.

Iran’s military capabilities have been battered. Its missile and drone infrastructure has been heavily targeted. Its naval assets have reportedly su ered severe losses. Leadership turmoil inside the regime only compounds the problem.

Reports suggest that the death of longtime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has triggered a chaotic succession struggle. Even his presumed heir, Mojtaba Khamenei, appears to lack both political support and personal legitimacy within the system.

In other words, the Iranian regime is not projecting strength. It is scrambling to maintain control.

Lie No. 3: The oil shock will break the United States.

The nal warning is economic: Iran, critics say, will simply shut down the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices skyrocketing and bringing the American economy to its knees.

For a brief moment earlier this week, markets reacted to that fear. Oil prices jumped sharply amid speculation that the strait could be disrupted.

But the panic faded almost as quickly as it began. Within days, crude prices had fallen back below $90 a barrel.

Markets, unlike pundits, respond to reality.

And the reality is that Iran faces enormous consequences if it attempts to choke o one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

President Donald Trump has made that

Obama’s race-hustling eulogy at a race hustler’s

(Obama) repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

point unmistakably clear. In a statement posted online, he warned that any Iranian attempt to block the ow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz would trigger an overwhelming American response.

The message was aimed not only at Tehran but also at Beijing and other major energy consumers: The United States intends to keep global energy owing — and anyone who interferes will pay a heavy price.

There are legitimate questions to ask about any military action. Democracies require scrutiny, debate and skepticism.

But skepticism should not be confused with hysteria.

Right now, critics are spinning worst-case scenarios while ignoring the basic facts on the ground: Iran’s military is under severe pressure, its leadership structure is unstable, and the economic fallout that many predicted has yet to materialize.

None of this guarantees the con ict will end quickly or cleanly. War rarely works that way.

But it does suggest that the narrative of inevitable American failure — so loudly promoted by the administration’s opponents — is far removed from the reality unfolding in the Middle East.

And that reality matters far more than the talking points.

Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

funeral

FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

long ago surpassed the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton as America’s most in uential race hustler. The country got a reminder when Obama spoke at Jackson’s funeral even though Jackson’s son urged the speakers “not to bring their politics” to the service.

Obama said: “Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible. Each day, we’re told by those in high o ce to fear each other and to turn on each other. And that some Americans count more than others.” Same old Obama.

In his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech, he famously declared, “There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.” It was the line that launched him and made millions across party lines believe he could bridge divides.

Obama won the presidency with just over 52% of the popular vote, but he entered the Oval O ce in January 2009 with a nearly 70% approval rating. Polls in late 2008 and early 2009 showed both black and white Americans believed race relations would improve under his leadership. By the time he left o ce in 2017, polls showed majorities or pluralities of both blacks and whites thought race relations had gotten worse.

In Obama’s eight years as president, he repeatedly whipped out the race card, injecting racial division into matters large and small

while maintaining the image of a racial uni er who would heal America’s deepest wounds.

In 2009, at the beginning of his presidency, he declared that the Cambridge police “acted stupidly” in arresting Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. Obama turned a cop-just- doing-his-job encounter with the belligerent Gates into a national “teachable moment” about alleged racial pro ling by cops against blacks.

In 2012, about a young black man shot and killed by a self-described neighborhood Florida watchman, Obama said, “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.” A jury found the man who shot Trayvon Martin not guilty, and jurors who spoke publicly said race had nothing to do with the encounter.

In a 2014 speech before the United Nations, Obama invoked the case of Ferguson, Missouri, to enlighten the world about America’s supposed deep-seated problems with race relations. Later, the “hands up, don’t shoot” narrative about Michael Brown’s death turned out to be a complete lie, and the o cer was exonerated.

Obama embraced Black Lives Matter’s police-are-out-to-get-blacks rhetoric despite evidence that, if anything, cops are more hesitant to pull the trigger on a black suspect than a white one.

In 2015, he proclaimed racism is in America’s “DNA.” Although the media for the most part fawned over Obama, rst lady Michelle Obama insisted her husband

su ered from unfair media coverage because of racism.

Obama invited fellow race hustler Sharpton to the White House more than 70 times, more than any other “civil rights” gure. And, for good measure, Obama even argued that “a theoretical case” could be made for slavery reparations to be paid by nonslave owners and to nonslaves.

From the beginning of his presidency until its end, Obama stoked resentment, divided Americans by skin color and kept the race grievance industry alive and well oiled. The man Americans hired to unite us became the victicrat-in-chief, a title his Jackson eulogy shows he retains.

Trump-hating media still gives Obama a pass no Republican could ever dream of receiving. Imagine a Republican president doing even half of what Obama did: routinely injecting race into controversies, cozying up to a white Sharpton-like gure and rapping his arms around a toxic “movement” called White Lives Matter. The outrage would be endless, the headlines relentless — and rightfully so.

Obama’s real legacy on race? Blacks are eternal victims — distressed, oppressed and suppressed by “The Man” — and trapped in a system rigged against them from birth to death. His own extraordinary rise, of course, contradicts this counterproductive message. Yet he persists in selling it to willing buyers.

Obama is still relatively young. So, he has decades ahead to remain a loud voice in the public square — and he possesses a warehouse full of race cards ready to be played. What a waste.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

COLUMN

Drivers consider whether to go electric as war spikes gas prices

Regulated electricity prices o er EV drivers protection from oil price shocks

By Alexa St. John and Tammy Webber

The Associated Press

WHEN KEVIN KETELS

bought an electric 2026 Chevrolet Blazer last year, he wasn’t thinking about the cost of gas. He just thought EVs were better and “wanted to be part of the future.” Now that the Iran war is spiking prices at the pump, the Detroit man is happy he is no longer lling up his 11-year-old gas-powered SUV.

“Electricity can go up, but it won’t go up nearly as much as gas will, and it won’t go up nearly as fast either,” said Ketels, 55, an assistant professor of global supply chain management at Wayne State University.

Experts say prolonged high gas prices may drive some EV interest and sales, especially if drivers assume their electricity prices won’t be a ected by the crises.

But many factors in uence consumer EV purchases — and electricity rates.

Are EV owners truly insulated from price hikes?

Drivers of gas-powered vehicles are much more vulnerable to uctuating prices that result from global con ict than those who charge their cars. The national average for a gallon of regular gas this week was $3.57, up from $2.94 a month ago, according to AAA.

Meanwhile, “residential electricity prices are regulated and

Google

are much less volatile than gasoline prices,” said University of California, Davis economics professor Erich Muehlegger. “As a result, EV owners are largely una ected by oil price shocks.”

But experts say electricity prices have been increasing nationally for a variety of reasons, including surging power demand from new data centers.

“This is an in ationary event,” Holt Edwards, principal in Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group, said of the war. “Is this the driver in electricity prices? I think probably not. But it’s certainly a contributing factor.”

To what extent oil and gas con icts could translate to the electricity sector is yet to be seen.

What about how di erent grids are powered?

When it comes to the electricity an EV owner is tapping, much of the cost depends on which sources of electricity are in a local grid’s power mix, experts say. Because regulators set resi-

dential electricity prices annually, most households are sheltered from month-to-month changes in natural gas costs. Though experts say higher natural gas prices can increase the cost of generating electricity, natural gas prices haven’t risen as quickly or as much as oil prices have recently.

Those are just two of many energy sources — including coal, nuclear and renewables — that power the electric grid.

“The energy component varies depending on the energy you’re using and the price of the energy that you’re using to generate electricity,” said Pierpaolo Cazzola, an energy expert at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy. “What happens is that in the U.S., the variation of the price of the energy component is smaller than it is elsewhere.”

The experts said persistent war could a ect electricity bills in the future. And that is all the more reason for countries to transition to clean power, they said.

overhauls its Maps app, adding in more AI features to assist people in getting around

Gemini technology powers conversational search and immersive 3D navigation

By Michael Liedtke

The Associated Press

GOOGLE MAPS will depend more heavily on arti cial intelligence to help people gure out where they want to go and the best way to get there as part of a major redesign unveiled on Thursday.

The overhaul driven by Google’s Gemini technology will in-

troduce two AI features into a digital mapping service used by more than 2 billion people worldwide. One tool called Ask Maps will expand upon conversational abilities that Google brought to the service last November, giving suggestions to users looking for things such as nearby places to charge their devices, cafes with short lines or a detailed itinerary for a road trip involving several stops and excursions.

Gemini’s recommendations will draw upon a database spanning more than 300 mil-

“Clean power and electri cation combined is what provides the most security,” said Euan Graham, an analyst at energy think tank Ember.

Michael B. Klein, a 56-year-old software developer in Evanston, Illinois, has driven EVs for the past eight years to save on fuel costs and because of environmental concerns.

Every time electrical grid efciency improves — especially as renewables are added — “I get that bene t no matter what,” said Klein, who drives a Chevy Bolt. “They can improve the efciency of gas engines, but you have to get a new car in order to reap the bene t of that.”

So will EV demand rise?

Several experts say high gasoline prices are a strong driver of EV sales, particularly if high prices persist. Drivers also consider more gasoline-e cient hybrid vehicles during these times.

Car-shopping resource Edmunds analyzed consumer shopping data for the week starting March 2, after the Iran war had begun. They found that interest in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery EVs accounted for 22.4% of all vehicle research activity on their site that week, up from 20.7% the previous week. Analysts also looked back at the last major nationwide fuel price surges in 2022, and they saw that consideration of electried vehicles consideration rose sharply then, too. But whether this means more EV purchases depends on whether buyers expect to save not just now but in the future, experts say.

Adding to the complexity: A

sudden increase in EV demand could drive up prices, Graham said.

“I think the real step change would be in whether this causes governments to shift tax, tari policies around EVs,” Graham said. Doing so would help reduce fossil fuel dependence, he said. Does driving electric really save money?

Pretty much. People who buy EVs have a “really substantial” gas savings over the life of their vehicles even without government tax credits, said Peter Zalzal, an attorney with Environmental Defense Fund.

“We’re talking about thousands and thousands of dollars” in savings, Zalzal said. “And as gas prices increase, those savings are only greater. Fuel costs are a big piece of overall vehicle costs, and increases in fuel prices have signi cant impacts on people.”

However, the upfront cost of a new EV is still more than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle; new EVs sold for an average of $55,300 last month, while new vehicles overall sold for an average $49,353, according to auto-buying resource Kelley Blue Book. Some experts also expressed national security concerns with EVs because China dominates signi cant parts of the EV supply chain.

Ketels, the EV owner and professor, said he believes EVs and renewable energy should be a strategic priority for individuals and the U.S. because they could be produced domestically “and we don’t have those uctuations and those worries.”

But because the federal government has withdrawn many incentives for both, “it puts us at a disadvantage globally,” Ketels said. “I think it’s been a terrible mistake to withdraw these incentives and to attack the sustainable energy industry,” and the war “is just making it that much more obvious.”

lion places and reviews from more than 500 million contributors that have been accumulated since Google Maps’ debut more than 20 years ago. Google executives declined to answer a question about whether the company eventually plans to sell ads to boost businesses’ chances of being displayed in Ask Maps’ recommendations. Ask Maps initially will be available on Google Maps’ mobile app for iPhones and Android software in the U.S. and India, before expanding to personal computers and other countries.

In what Google executives are billing as the biggest change to the maps’ driving directions, Gemini has also created a new tool dubbed Immersive Navigation that will present a three-dimensional perspective designed to give users a better grasp of where they are at any moment in time. The 3D renderings created by Gemini will include landmarks such as notable buildings, medians in the roads and other aspects of the terrain that drivers are seeing around them as they drive to help them get their bearings more quickly.

Google believes its AI guardrails are now strong enough to prevent the Gemini technology underlying Immersive Navigation from fabricating bogus places to go, a malfunction known within the industry as a “hallucination.”

Immersive Navigation is also supposed to help Google Maps more clearly explain the pros

and cons of di erent driving routes to the same recommendation, as well as point to the best places to park once a user arrives at a designated destination. The new AI-powered navigation will only be available in the U.S. initially, on Google Maps’ mobile app for the iPhone and Android, as well as cars equipped with options to activate CarPlay and Android Auto.

The increased reliance on AI in Google Maps follows the company’s introduction of more Gemini technology to make two of its other most popular products — Gmail and the Chrome web browser — more proactive and helpful to their billions of users. The expansion underscores Google’s con dence in the Gemini 3 model that the Mountain View, California, company released late last year as part of an intensifying battle for AI supremacy with up-andcoming rivals such as OpenAI and Anthropic.

HOOLEY / AP PHOTO

MOORE SPORTS

Locals make NCBCA All-District teams

Kingsley Donaldson earned rst-team honors

North State Journal sta

THE NORTH CAROLINA Basketball Coaches Association released its All-District teams on March 10.

Three local basketball players were selected to the District 4 teams, featuring athletes from Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Richmond, Scotland, Harnett, Lee, Chatham and Moore counties.

Here are the county’s 2025-26 All-District honorees and a recap of their seasons.

Kingsley Donaldson (Union Pines, rst-team District 4 boys)

Donaldson received All-District honors for the rst time in his career, making the rst team for the rst time. It’s the second year in a row Union Pines has had someone make all-district. Jaylen Kyle made second team last year.

He joined Douglas Byrd’s Marcus McDu e Jr. (district Player of the Year), Northwood’s Cameron Fowler, E.E. Smith’s Nick Smith and Lee County’s Nic Farrow on the rst team.

As a senior, Donaldson recorded 24.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.6 steals. He was 11th in NCHSAA (all classes) in scoring, 13th in rebounding, 12th in double-doubles and ninth in made shots. He led the Carolina Pines 6A conference in all four categories, as well as free throws.

Kennedy Moore (Pinecrest, second-team District 4 girls)

The junior was selected for All-District for the second time in her career. She was third team last year. It’s the seventh time in eight years Pinecrest has had at least one

All-District player, and Moore is the rst to make the second team since Zanodiya McNair in 2023. Moore averaged 19.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assist and 4.5 steals last season. She was fourth in NC 8A in scoring, third in steals, fth in free throws, 10th in made shots and 13th in 3-pointers. She ranked in the top three in the Mid- South 7A/8A conference in all ve categories.

Hamlin storms back to win at Las Vegas after early penalty

his parents for getting him into NASCAR.

Makayla Phillips-Rosa (Union Pines, third-team, District 4 girls)

The senior earned her rst All-District honors. It’s the 12th straight season that Union Pines has had at least one player on the All-District girls’ team. As a senior, Phillips-Rosa averaged 9.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.1 steals. She led the team in scoring, assists and 3-point shooting.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kingsley Donaldson

Union Pines, boys’ basketball

Kingsley Donaldson is a senior on the Union Pines boys’ basketball team.

Donaldson nished his career with an outstanding season. His 24.2 points per game was 11th in NCHSAA. His 11.6 rebounds were No. 13 in the state. He also added more than an assist and a steal per game and was 12th in the state in double-doubles.

Last week, the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association released its All-District teams, and Donaldson was the only Moore County player named to the rst team. He’s also the rst Union Pines boys’ player to make the rst team.

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Denny Hamlin returned to Victory Lane at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for his rst win since he lost the Cup Series championship four months ago, and rst since the death of his father in a December house re.

“I knew it took a few weeks to feel like driving,” Hamlin said after his 61st career victory.

“Over the last couple weeks, I de nitely regained my love of it, got refocused. These are great opportunities for us.”

Hamlin’s 60th career victory was at Las Vegas last October, a win he dedicated to his father as it locked Hamlin into the Cuper Series’ championship-deciding nale. His father was in poor health and Hamlin went into the race knowing it was probably his nal chance to win a championship while Dennis Hamlin was still alive. Then Hamlin dominated last year’s title-decider at Phoenix Raceway, but the wrong call on the nal pit stop cost him the Cup championship that has eluded the three-time Daytona 500 winner. What followed was an emotional rollercoaster: Hamlin, as co-owner of 23XI Racing, was part of the winning team in a federal lawsuit against NASCAR last December. Weeks later, his father was killed in a re that destroyed the home Hamlin purchased to thank

He returned for the start of his 21st season and went to Victory Lane as an owner with Tyler Reddick when the 23XI Racing driver won the Daytona 500 and then set a Cup Series record by winning the rst three races of the year.

Most of the attention went to 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan as Reddick won Daytona, Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas.

Hamlin did his part at Las Vegas to put himself back in the spotlight.

“It is just so satisfying, so gratifying. You just never know what can happen year over year if you still have it or not,” said Hamlin. “I wasn’t totally locked in for the rst few weeks. We’ve just been hitting our stride now. This is our bread and butter, these are the tracks that we know we can go win, and we executed. This is a team win. The team did it.”

The 45-year-old Virginia driver overcome an early speeding penalty and drove from 31st through the eld in a fairly dominating win for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. He led a race-high 134 laps.

Hamlin was joined by hisancee and their three children as he collected the checkered ag, and he was sure his father was smiling somewhere.

“This is a family sport. My family obviously had so much sacri ce to help me get here,” said Hamlin. “Now that I’ve grown, generations of Hamlins following me, it’s great Mom gets to see this. I know Dad’s

still saying, ‘That’s my boy.’ Hell of a day.”

Team owner Joe Gibbs’ praised Hamlin’s resilience.

“He’s been through a lot. Denny seems to have the ability to continue to work through things,” said Gibbs. “Has a way of just really still being very competitive. I appreciate him so much. We’re riding Denny for about 20 years. It’s been an awful good trip for us.”

Toyota has won four of the rst ve races.

Hendrick Motorsports teammates Chase Elliott and William Byron nished second and third in Chevrolets; JGR drivers Christopher Bell and Ty Gibbs were fourth and fth to give JGR three cars in the top - ve.

“It makes my job really easy when I can drive Toyotas that fast,” Hamlin said.

“I knew it took a few weeks to feel like driving. Over the last couple weeks, I de nitely regained my love of it, got refocused.”

Denny Hamlin

Gibbs on a roll

It was the third consecutive top- ve nish for Gibbs, who is a central gure in a federal lawsuit led by JGR against former competition director Chris Gabehart. The two sides are back in court in North Carolina on Monday as JGR seeks a restraining order to stop Gabehart for working for rival Spire Motorsports.

“Just don’t want to be in court,” said team owner Gibbs. “But we’re going to be there. I think it’s important for us to follow through with this.” Gabehart has said his time at JGR became untenable in part because of preferential treatment toward Gibbs, who is the grandson of the team owner.

JGR alleges Gabehart stole proprietary information before he left the team, and had a noncompete clause that prevents him from joining another team. Gabehart claims JGR stopped paying him in November and the role he now has with Spire is completely di erent from what he did for Gibbs.

Gabehart was at the track Sunday with Spire, which at Las Vegas had its trucks parked next to the JGR trucks.

COURTESY

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Pinecrest’s Kennedy Moore made the 2025-26 All-District girls’ second team.

The win ends a tumultuous o season

STEVE MARCUS / AP PHOTO

Denny Hamlin performs a burnout after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Thomas “Tommie” P. Hassell

Jan. 14, 1951 –March 14, 2026

Thomas “Tommie” P. Hassell, age 75, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Saturday, March 14, 2026. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. before the service. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.

Clyde Dillon Short

Aug. 2, 1931 – March 7, 2026

Clyde Dillon Short, 94 of Aberdeen, passed away on March 7, 2026, at his home.

Born on August 2, 1931, in Moore County, NC, to the late Dewitt A. and Irene Short.

Clyde proudly served and retired from the US Navy in 1970, continuing on with the Fleet Reserves until June 26, 1980.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Patricia Short; two children, Troy Short and Dillene Shanon.

He is survived by his daughter, Belinda Flinchum; six grandchildren, Travis Flinchum, Whitney Flinchum, Stacy Fowler, Erin Widman, Ashley Wolfe and Megan Short; also survived by 12 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. A graveside service will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery at 12:15 p.m. with military honors. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Geraline Durante Morris

April 27, 1976 –March 9, 2026

Geraline Durante Morris, 49, of Jackson Springs, passed peacefully, surrounded by her family at the UNC Medical Center on Monday, March 9, 2026. Born on Bohol in the Philippines, April 27, 1976, she was the daughter of Artemio Orcullo Durante and the late Fernanda M. Cereligia Durante. Geraline emigrated to America in late 2006, where she married Keith Morris. The two married on May 20, 2007, and settled in Jackson Springs.

Geraline had worked for the Pinehurst Resorts from February 2, 2011 till she was diagnosed with cancer and wasn’t able to work. She attended Holy services, Bible study, and was a very faithful servant of God. Geraline enjoyed working in her garden, her owers, and she enjoyed her hobby farm. She had lots of chickens. She also liked any outdoor activity, namely shing, crabbing, swimming, jogging and walking. She was a very active person and healthconscious. She liked to read her Bible and play her guitar for worship music.

Geraline was the wife of Keith Morris. She was the mother of A.J. Morris of Jackson Springs. She was the sister of Samuel Durante, Baltazar Durante, Diosdado Durante, Fernando Durante, Maria Lyn Durante, Artemio Durante, May Durante, Aida Durante, Jasson Durante and Marivic Durante, who resides in Canada. She is also survived by her cousin Maridel Brown, Victoria Mallari, Maridel Chang, Narissa Mallari, Editha Duckworth, Maria Lucia Wahl and Rogelyn Campbell. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at Sacred Heart Church, 300 Dundee Road, Pinehurst. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the mass from 9– 11 a.m. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

Earl “Poppy” Franklin Simpson

Oct. 15, 1936 –March 13, 2026

Earl “Poppy” Franklin Simpson, age 89, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at The Greens of Pinehurst, surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 18, at 4 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Christian Church with Pastor Chandler Wilkes o ciating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 3-4 p.m. and at other times at Ben and Kelly’s home, 5231 Lobelia Road, Vass, NC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery Earl was born in Hoke County on October 15, 1936, to the late Eddie Martin Simpson and Sarah Marks Simpson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Ethel Coore Simpson, daughter, Elizabeth Ann Simpson Spruill, son, Paul Duwayne Simpson, sister, Frances Simpson Harrell Long, brothers, Ivan Simpson, George Allen Simpson. He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Leanne Simpson; grandchildren, Kelly Haddock (Ben), Shannon Smith (Brandon), Audrey Burns (Hunter), Chad Simpson; greatgrandchildren, Braxton, Sage, Ayden, Bristol, Charlotte; sister, Mary Edith Simpson Floyd; brother, Wayne Russen Simpson and many nieces and nephews. Poppy Earl loved to farm and be outdoors. He spent years building houses and then went on to building bridges. Once he retired, he spent his days traveling with Sue, hunting and tending to his farm. He was known for his vegetable stand in the summer and talking for hours with his customers about Jesus. He was a longtime member of Mt. Pleasant Christian Church. He left behind his love of farming to his grandchildren. He was loved very much and will be greatly missed.

Clara Singletary Zanders

April 7, 1942 – March 9, 2026

Clara Singletary Zanders, 83, of Sanford, departed this life on March 9, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Hunt Springs Baptist Church, Sanford. Interment will follow in the Stone Family Cemetery. A viewing and visitation will be held from noon until 12:30 p.m. prior to the services. Services are entrusted to Purcell Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Jeannie Loraine Donaldson

Oct. 15, 1955 –March 13, 2026

Jeannie Loraine Donaldson, 70, of West End, passed suddenly at the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital on Friday, March 13, 2026. Born October 15, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Cyrus and Annie Ellington Donaldson. A lifelong resident of Moore County, Jeannie grew up in West End and had grown up as a member of the West End Presbyterian Church and is currently a member of the West End First Baptist Church. After graduating from high school, she earned her nursing degree from Sandhills State Community College. Jeannie was a 4thgeneration nurse, working as a Registered Nurse for 50 years.

Jeannie was a humble lady. She enjoyed time spent in her kitchen, making fudge for family and friends and of course her signature recipe for delicious Fruitcake.

Jeannie was the loving mother of Samantha, husband, Christian. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Donald Donaldson, Jackie Donaldson and Rupert Donaldson.

A graveside ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the West End Cemetery, 391 Knox Lane. West End, NC. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of West End.

Gladys Oates Willer

April 11, 1930 – March 8, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gladys Oates Willer on Sunday, March 8, 2026, a beloved wife, mother, and community leader. Born on April 11, 1930, and raised in Kannapolis, NC. Gladys lived a life marked by love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. As a devoted Air Force wife, Gladys embraced the challenges of service life with grace and strength, always supporting her husband with a positive attitude and excitement as to the next base assignment. She served as president of the o cer’s wives club where her leadership and kindness fostered a sense of camaraderie and support among fellow military families. In 1972, the Phil Willer family moved to Southern Pines from Yokota Air Force base, Japan, to settle and prepare for her husband’s retirement once he returned from Vietnam. Gladys became an active member of the arts council, passionately promoting local artists and enriching the community’s cultural landscape. Her faith was central to her life, and she served as a deacon at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, committed to service and spiritual guidance.

After the passing of her beloved husband in 1977, Gladys faced the daunting task of raising their three teenage children on her own. With her positive and determined spirit, she became a successful Real Estate broker, demonstrating her remarkable ability to navigate challenges while ensuring her children received the love and support they needed.

Gladys had a remarkable gift of lighting up a room when she entered. Her infectious smile, warmth, and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She had an innate ability to connect with people, making them feel valued and cherished.

Gladys is preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. Phil Willer, and son, Phillip Willer Jr.

She is survived by her two daughters, Sarah Willer and Mary Cremins; grandchildren, Chase Cremins, Kevin Cremins, Phillip Willer, III, and Daniel Willer and his wife, Taylor Willer; greatgrandchildren, Addison Willer and Abel Willer; and her beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of owers, the family requests donations to be made to Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, re ecting Gladys’ faith and commitment to community service.

Rest in peace, Gladys Willer (Pud), your light will continue to shine in the hearts of those you loved!

Lawrence William Martin

June 7, 1943 – March 7, 2026

Lawrence William Martin, 82, of Pinehurst, NC, passed away at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital on March 7, 2026. Larry was born in South Haven, Van Buren County, MI, to William Lincoln Martin and Dariel Helene Braddon on June 7, 1943.

When Larry was 7, the family moved to northern Palm Beach County, FL, near Juno Beach. From his home on the Intracoastal Waterway, he spent his childhood and youth enjoying the beaches and various sports with his many friends. A member of the rst graduating class of Riviera Beach High School, 1961, he went on to the University of Florida in Gainesville, graduating with a BSEE in 1966. While at the U of F, he was a member of the Gator Marching Band and a brother in the Delta Chi Fraternity. He met and married Janet Marie Maxwell. During the ensuing years, Larry pursued his engineering career in tech and energy companies both in the US and abroad, until retiring in Pinehurst in 2000.

A Ham Radio operator since his teen years, most recently DGK5DG, he also enjoyed building and ying model aircraft. Music was a lifelong pleasure. He is survived by Janet, his wife of 62 years, his three beloved children, Lawrence William Martin II, MD, of Dallas and Pinehurst, Deborah Christine Martin, of Austin, TX, and Robert Alexander Martin, of Rockdale, TX. His greatest joy of recent years has been his six grandchildren: William Blake Martin, James Andrew Martin, Jonathan Maxwell Martin, Nathaniel David Roe, Spencer Alexander Roe, and Genevieve Opal Martin. He will be greatly missed. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

Marva Lee Ellison

Sept. 18, 1937 –March 8, 2026

Marva Lee Ellison, 88 of Southern Pines, passed away on March 8, 2026, at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst.

Born on September 18, 1937, in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, to the late Harold and Edith Tracy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Burt Ellison; two sons, Keith Alan Toney and Randall Ray Toney. She is survived by sons, Kenneth Lee Toney and Todd Ellison (Julie); sister, Karen Hickman; brothers, Harold Tracy and Raymond Tracy, Merlin Snider, James Snider, Clarice Snider and Howard Snider; also survived by four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at the Chapel at Pine Knoll. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Barbara Jane McAuley

Jan. 29, 1947 –March 12, 2026

Barbara Jane McAuley of Pinehurst, North Carolina, died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 12, 2026. She was 79 years old.

Barbara was born on January 29, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late Jewel Ethel O’Grady and Harry Joseph O’Grady. She was raised, along with her sister, Denise, in Grymes Hill, Staten Island, New York, and graduated from Notre Dame Academy. She was a smart, thoughtful, and beloved student at Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart in Purchase, New York.

It was while working as a retail stylist at Saks Fifth Avenue that she met the true love of her life, Joe McAuley. Their story began with an unforgettable lunch in the city. Eventually, it culminated in a proposal while driving across the Verrazano Bridge. Joe enthusiastically accepted Barbara’s proposal, and the next 59 years unfolded into a lifelong partnership of love, family, friends and adventure.

As young newlyweds, they moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they spent four glorious years with their newborn twin sons. The memories and friends collected along the beach of San Juan set in motion a lifetime of love for the ocean. After life brought them to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, they completed their family with a daughter. Barbara relished raising her children as they sailed along the coast, spent summers barefoot at the beach, went on warm family vacations, or spent countless evenings by the pool retelling favorite stories with family and friends.

Barbara, who had always loved medicine, graduated from nursing school and began a brief career as a cardiac ICU nurse in Rocky Mount. She brought warmth, experience, and knowledge to her practice, and countless patients bene ted from her care. She continued as a self-proclaimed family nurse, diagnosing every bite, broken bone, and illness that came her way.

She and Joe ultimately settled in Pinehurst, NC, where they enjoyed their last wonderful 30 years together. They sat on their back patio, drinks in hand, and delighted as their lives e ortlessly unfolded around them. Weddings, grandchildren, parties, holidays, she and Joe were always the consummate hosts.

Barbara was an artist. Her craft was more than 400 expertly crafted hand-knit sweaters. When asked whether she was interested in selling any of them, she replied that she poured her heart into each one and that selling was never a consideration. Her generous spirit graciously led her to gift these to family and friends at di erent times throughout the years. Barbara would often, with a quiet smile,

o er this simple explanation: “I had some yarn that needed a home.”

For decades, Barbara taught knitting to anyone who showed the slightest curiosity. In her Southern Pines knitting group, beginners learned not only how to knit and purl, but also how patience grows with practice. Many who rst held needles awkwardly under her guidance went on to teach others themselves, extending the pattern she started.

These many sweaters now live in closets and cedar chests across the country, each one carrying the unmistakable feel of Barbara’s careful hands.

Barbara possessed a beautiful and original sense of style. She creatively curated her clothes, collected from many wonderful places. Having fun with design, patterns, textures, and fabrics, she personalized her bold style by blending her handknit sweaters and fabulous large sunglasses, creating an envious, individualized, and unduplicated look. She strongly supported her community and proudly served on the Community Advisory Board at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at UNC Hospitals. She lent her expertise to many other community groups that aligned with her values and bene ted from her knowledge.

Barbara’s greatest pride was her six grandchildren, who fondly called her Baba. She spoiled them with her famous chocolate chip cookies, her love, support, and ever-present pride over each of their accomplishments. Her grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them. They were, of course, closely followed in her heart by her devoted canine companions, Noodles, Dumpling, Molly, and Callie, who were always faithfully by her side.

Barbara will be remembered for her infectious laughter. It spread, lling hearts with an overwhelming joy and lighthearted kindness, adding levity to any overly serious moment. Her favorite emotion was laughing until she cried. Her irreverent wit, her profound love for her husband, dedication to her family and friends, and the warmth she brought wherever she went were always paramount. She leaves behind a lifetime of unforgettable memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband Joe, she is also survived by her sons, Jody McAuley (Chloe) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Chris McAuley (Sarah) of Winston Salem, NC, daughter Meghan Davis (Paul) of Greensboro, NC, and grandchildren Stella McDaniel (Drew), Sadie, Chloe, and Clark McAuley and McAuley and Porter Davis. Her sister and brother-inlaw, Denise and Phil Driscoll of Hopewell, NJ, and nieces Sarah Kuchar (Rob) and Emily Cambo (Lucas).

In lieu of owers, donations may be made to First Health Hospice and Palliative Care of Pinehurst, 150 Applecross Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Michelle and Bertha for their compassionate care and support.

The family will host a Celebration of Life reception on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Elliott’s On Linden, 905 Linden Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374, from 2-4 p.m.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

STATE & NATION

Smaller portions become big restaurant trend as customers watch budgets, waistlines

Diners foucused on money and health are driving demand for less

By Dee-Ann Durbin

The Associated Press

THE BIGGEST NEW restaurant trend is small.

Special menus with petite, less expensive portions are popping up all over, from large chains like Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory to trendy urban eateries and farm-to-fork dining rooms.

Restaurants hope that o ering smaller servings beyond the children’s menu will meet many di erent diners’ needs. Some people want to spend less when they go out. Others are looking for healthier options or trying to lose weight. Younger consumers tend to snack more throughout the day and eat smaller meals, said Maeve Webster, the president of culinary consulting rm Menu Matters.

“These are really driven by, I think, changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not,” Webster said.

Looking for value

Beth Tipton, the co-owner of Daniel Girls Farmhouse Restaurant in Connersville, Indiana, introduced an eight-item Mini Meals menu last fall after several customers requested smaller portions. The menu, which includes daily specials like a half piece of meatloaf with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy for $8, now accounts for about 20% of the restaurant’s orders, she said.

Older adults make up about half of the restaurant’s clientele, Tipston said, and some customers told her the regular menu was a stretch for their budgets. As someone who under-

cation every week have at least one person who requests the GLP-Wonderful menu.

“People say, ‘Thank you for serving us’,” Gutin said.

Big chains go small

Olive Garden, whose seven-item “Lighter Portions” menu rolled out nationwide in January, said GLP-1 users were one consideration. The Italian-style restaurant chain also wanted to appeal to patrons pursuing healthier diets or more a ordable meals, said Rick Cardenas, the president and CEO of Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants.

“There is a consumer group out there that believes in abundance, but abundance is di erent for everybody,” Cardenas said in September during a conference call with investors. “So consumers can choose. We’re not changing our entire menu to make it a smaller portion.”

“These are really driven by changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not.”

Maeve Webster, Menu Matters president

the surface for a long time because restaurant meals, particularly at chains, have become so large,” she said. “Sure, it sounds great to take leftovers home, but they never taste as good.”

went weight-loss surgery, she also knew from experience that many restaurants won’t allow adults to order from their children’s menus.

“We wanted it to be available to all without the word ‘kids meals’ attached,” Tipton said. “With the rising costs all around us we wanted to help in any way we can, and this is a great option.”

Eating out and GLP-1s

Some restaurants are adding menus to court users of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Last fall, restaurateur Barry Gutin ran into two di erent friends who told him they were taking GLP-1s and struggling to nd restaurant meals that met their dietary needs and smaller appetites. GLP-1 users tend to eat less, so they need nutritionally dense foods that are low in fat and high in protein and ber.

Gutin, the co-owner of Cuba

Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida, reached out to a doctor who specializes in weight loss and to Cuba Libre’s culinary director, Angel Roque. Over the next month, they developed the chain’s GLP-Wonderful menu, which is available during dinner.

The menu has ve classic Cuban options. Roque said the pollo asado on Cuba Libre’s regular menu has nearly 1,000 calories; on the GLP-1 menu, that’s slimmed down to 400 calories, but heavy on protein andber. He said it was also important to keep the GLP-1 meals avorful and colorful, to stimulate appetites.

“Many times when people are on those kind of regimes, they feel that they can’t do the same as everybody else. So we wanted to show them, yes, at Cuba Libre, you can,” Roque said.

Gutin said the menu has increased business. He estimated that 10 to 20 groups at each lo -

Feds move to dismiss charges against Army veteran who burned American ag near White House

The North Carolina man’s case highlights First Amendment protections for ag burning

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Justice Department has moved to dismiss charges against a North Carolina Army veteran who set re to an American ag near the White House last year to protest President Donald Trump’s ex-

“The Constitution still matters.”

Jay Carey, Army veteran

ecutive order on ag burning. Jay Carey, 55, of Arden in Buncombe County, who has said he served in the Army from 1989 to 2012 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, was arrested on Aug. 25 after he set re to a ag in La-

fayette Park, which the National Park Service oversees. Earlier that day, Trump signed an executive order requiring the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute people for burning the American ag. Carey was charged with two misdemeanors that aren’t focused on the act of burning a ag: igniting a re in an undesignated area and lighting a re causing damage to property or park resources. He pleaded not guilty in September. Friday’s ling did not explain the decision

The Asian fusion chain P.F. Chang’s began o ering medium-sized portions last fall.

The Cheesecake Factory added smaller, lower-priced Bites and Bowls to its menu last summer, while TGI Fridays recently began testing an “Eat Like A Kid” menu with smaller portions.

A long-term change

Smaller portions aren’t a new concept. Twenty years ago, small-plate tapas restaurants were all the rage, for instance.

But to Webster, the menu consultant, the scaled-down dishes appearing now feel like a longer-term shift. For one thing, the trend is not tied to any particular cuisine. Webster also thinks consumers are thinking more about food waste than they used to, and smaller portions can alleviate some of their concerns.

“I think it is a core need that consumers have, and a demand that has been lingering under

to move to dismiss and the U.S Attorney’s o ce for the District of Columbia did not immediately respond on Saturday to an email seeking comment.

The Supreme Court has ruled that ag burning is a legitimate political expression protected by the Constitution. Trump’s order asserted that burning a ag can be prosecuted if it “is likely to incite imminent lawless action” or amounts to “ ghting words.”

“I set out to demonstrate that the First Amendment is sacred and that no administration has the right to supersede our constitutional rights,” Carey said in a statement from the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund. “I was targeted for federal prosecution because of that. I am glad to stand with all those who are ghting for our fundamental rights and hope that this victory can help the

During a recent visit to Shelburne, Vermont, from his home in North Carolina, Jack Pless was delighted to see the Teeny Tuesday menu at Barkeaters Restaurant, which specializes in locally sourced food. Pless, who’s in his 60s and used to own a restaurant, said he can’t eat as much as he used to at meals.

“So many times you go out to restaurants, especially me or my wife, and we’ll take home a box and it’ll sit in the refrigerator for two, three days and start to grow a beard,” he said.

Julie Finestone, the co-owner of Barkeaters, said she introduced the Teeny Tuesday menu last month to bring in more weekday business during the winter. She was concerned about the cost of o ering lower-priced food options, like $12 reuben sliders, but said the decision has brought in more business than she expected.

Finestone said she’s pretty con dent Teeny Tuesday will become a year-round xture.

“Some people, it’s dietary. Some have smaller appetites. Some people don’t like to overindulge in the middle of the week,” Finestone said. “I think that it just spoke to people.”

next person who takes a stand.” It shows people that “the Constitution still matters,” Carey said when reached by telephone on Saturday.

Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, one of Carey’s lawyers and fund co-founder, said the prosecution shouldn’t have been brought.

“The government’s attempt to criminally punish a protestor based on expressive conduct targeted for prosecution by presidential order posed a grave threat to First Amendment freedoms,” Verheyden-Hilliard said in a statement. “The government’s about-face is a critical vindication of those rights. This case also lays the groundwork for defending those across the country who are targeted for vindictive prosecution by the Trump Administration in an e ort to silence and punish viewpoints it doesn’t like.”

MINGSON LAU / AP PHOTO

A ropa vieja dish from Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar’s standard menu is prepared for serving at Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar in Philadelphia on March 6.