North State Journal Vol. 6, Issue 40

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 40 | WWW.NSJONLINE.COM | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

Cohen resigns as NCDHHS Secretary Raleigh Gov. Roy Cooper confirmed reports that that N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen will resign from her position at the health agency after five years in the job.

Cohen, who came to the state from the Obama-era Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), was the most visible member of Gov. Roy Cooper’s cabinet since the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this state at such an important moment in history,” said Cohen. “I am grateful for Gov. Cooper’s leadership, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished to improve the health and wellbeing of the state over the last five years.”

NSJ STAFF

US to require vaccines for all border crossers in January Washington, D.C. President Joe Biden will require essential, nonresident travelers crossing U.S. land borders, such as truck drivers, government and emergency response officials, to be fully vaccinated beginning on Jan. 22, 2022.

A senior administration official said the requirement brings the rules for essential travelers in line with those that took effect earlier this month for leisure travelers.

The Biden administration pushed back the requirement by more than two months from when it went into effect on Nov. 8, mostly due to the effect among truck drivers who are vital to North American trade.

Norita Taylor, spokeswoman for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, criticized the vaccination requirement, calling it an example of “how unnecessary government mandates can force experienced owner-operators and independent truckers out of business.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Space junk forces spacewalk delay, too risky for astronauts Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA called off a spacewalk Tuesday because of menacing space junk that could puncture an astronaut’s suit or damage the International Space Station.

Two U.S. astronauts were set to replace a bad antenna outside of the space station, but late Monday night Mission Control learned that a piece of orbiting debris might come dangerously close.

It’s the first time a spacewalk has been canceled because of threat from space junk.

The space station and its crew of seven have been at increased risk from space junk since Russia destroyed a satellite in a missile test two weeks ago.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Amazon workers in Alabama get a do-over in union election New York The National Labor Relations Board has ordered a new union election for Amazon workers in Bessemer, Alabama, based on objections to the first vote that took place in April.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel called the decision “disappointing.”

“Our employees have always had the choice of whether or not to join a union, and they overwhelmingly chose not to join the RWDSU earlier this year,” Nantel said. “It’s disappointing that the NLRB has now decided that those votes shouldn’t count.”

SUSAN WALSH | AP PHOTO

Pilot Mountain wildfire spreads as dry conditions continue

By Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — One of the iconic landmarks of the foothills has been burning since Saturday.

Fire crews are battling a blaze at Pilot Mountain State Park that has burned hundreds of acres since the weekend.

WXII-TV in Winston-Salem reported that officials with the Pilot Knob Fire Department said a call about the fire first came at around 5:15 p.m. on Saturday.

Meanwhile the N.C. Forest Service announced Monday a ban on

all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide until further notice.

“It is fall wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state.”

The fire that covered about 300 acres Monday grew by about 75 acres overnight, North Carolina

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In a Facebook post Sunday, Pilot Mountain Mayor Evan Cockerham said the situation is being closely monitored and the dry conditions have led to a ban on outdoor burning in Surry County and the surrounding counties.

State officials are asking people to stay away from the area and to refrain from using drones because they may interfere with firefighting aircraft.

Republican State Rep. Kyle Hall, whose legislative district covers eastern Surry County, told See PILOT MOUNTAIN, page A2

New state budget includes funds to help interpreters escape Afghanistan

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — North Carolina is now the only state to put real money behind efforts to help interpreters escape Afghanistan, as the newly enacted state budget includes an allotment aiding the rescue of Afghans and their families who worked with U.S. forces in our nation’s longest war.

A $250,000 grant in non-recurring funds will go to a non-profit group called Interpreting Freedom Foundation, which was founded in 2018 and is based in Charlotte. The money’s purpose aligns with the foundation’s mission of supporting former military interpreters and their families while they transition to life in the United States.

According to the Interpreting Freedom website, there are 5 Core Programs, and the “goal is to support that interpreter and their family over a period of 90 days and may include giving the family housing help, clothes, skills training, and even a low-cost vehicle to support their independence and help them get around.”

Interpreting Freedom’s CEO is Ziaulhaq Ghafoori. He is a co-founder of the foundation and was an Afghan Special Immigrant Visa recipient who received his U.S. Citizenship in 2020. Ghafoori, who goes by the

callsign “Booyah,” served with U.S. Special Forces between 2002 and 2014 as a combat interpreter and cultural adviser.

Interpreting Freedom’s other co-founder, Bahroz Mohmand, who uses the callsign “Blade,” earned his U.S. Citizenship in 2018. According to Mohmand’s bio, he began helping U.S. Forces at the age of 15, starting in 2004, and continued through 2012.

Another effort to evacuate individuals from Afghanistan comes from the Save Our Allies (SOA) coalition, founded

by Chad Robichaux of Mighty Oaks Foundation; Sarah Verardo of The Independence Fund; Nick Palmisciano, the CEO of Diesel Jack Media; and Tim Kennedy, a former Special Forces master sergeant and sniper who is also a former professional mixed martial arts fighter.

In September, SOA announced Phase 1 in its evacuation efforts had “successfully evacuated over 12,000 individuals, including Afghans, interpreters, widows, orphans, Christians, and Americans.”

Since the disastrous withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, both President Joe Biden and the State Department have denied claims the U.S. government was blocking private evacuation flights. But in early See AFGHANISTAN, page A2

AP PHOTO

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Forestry Service spokeswoman Christie Adams said on Sunday.

“The fire is not contained, but it’s well within the containment lines,” Adams said. No structures are threatened, she added.

Subsequent reports say at least 500 acres have burned, and the Forest Service confirmed that fire was “human caused” at the park.

The North Carolina State Parks and Recreation Department has said the park likely will be closed all week. The park northwest of Winston-Salem is known for its iconic knob that rises about 1,500 feet above the surrounding terrain.

In this Aug. 29, 2021, file photo families evacuated from Kabul, Afghanistan, walk past a U.S Air Force plane that they arrived on at Kosovo’s capital Pristina International Airport.

Attorney General Merrick Garland is sworn in to testify before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

AP PHOTO

Whistleblower docs show use of FBI counterterrorism tactics on parents Documents prompt House GOP to question AG Garland, FBI Director Wray, and Education Sec. Cardona

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — Documents provided by an employee at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) appear to show the agency using counterterrorism tactics on parents, according to a letter sent by U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, a Republican and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.

Jordan sent two letters, one to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and one to the director of the FBI, Christopher Wray.

In his letter to the FBI, Jordan describes the whistleblower documents and outlines the FBI’s apparent use of “threat tags” being used by the FBI to compile reports and which potentially could target and categorize parents as threats.

“On October 20, 2021, the Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division sent an email to an ‘FBI_ SACS’ listserv ‘on behalf of’ the FBI’s Assistant Director for the Counterterrorism Division, Timothy Langan and the Assistant Director for the Criminal Division, Calvin Shivers,” Jordan wrote in the letter to Wray. “The email, which is enclosed, referenced the Attorney General’s October 4 directive to the FBI to address school board threats and notified FBI personnel about a new ‘threat tag’ created by the Counterterrorism and Criminal Divisions.”

The threat tag described by

Jordan and the whistleblower document is “EDUOFFICIALS.” “The email directed FBI personnel to apply this new threat tag to all ‘investigations and asSee WHISTLEBLOWER, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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THE WORD: MARY DID YOU KNOW? YES.

Luke 1: 28-33

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

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“Liberty’s story” Visit us online nsjonline.com

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Cory Lavalette Managing/Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Emily Roberson Business/Features Editor David Larson Associate Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Wednesday

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WHISTLEBLOWER from page A1 sessments of threats specifically directed against school board administrators, board members, teachers, and staff,’” wrote Jordan. “The email articulated the purpose as ‘scop[ing] this threat on a national level and provid[ing] an opportunity for comprehensive analysis of the threat picture for effective engagement with law enforcement partners at all levels.’”

Jordan’s letter to Wray goes on to demand the number of parents tagged with “EDUOFFICIALS,” all documents and communications related to that tag, as well as the communications of specific individuals involved in the investigation of school board threats.

The FBI’s actions stem from an Oct. 4 memorandum issued

by Garland directing the FBI to investigate protests at local school boards around the country. Neither the memorandum nor the Department of Justice’s press release announcing the document gave any specific examples of threats.

Garland indicated in hearings before Congress that he had based his memorandum on a letter sent to President Biden by the National School Boards Association (NSBA).

The use of such tactics by the FBI revealed in the whistleblower documents appear to contradict the testimony of U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland given during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Oct. 21.

During that testimony, Garland said he couldn’t “imagine any circumstance in which the Patriot Act would be used in the circumstances of parents complaining about their children, nor . . . a circumstance where they would be labeled as domestic terrorists.”

Jordan’s Nov. 16 letter to Garland reminds Garland that “appeared surprised to learn about the National Security Division’s involvement in the task force,” and that Garland “avoided a direct answer to the question and offered no clarification or explanation for the National Security Division’s role in the task force.”

AFGHANISTAN from page A1 September, a leaked State Department email showed the Biden administration had refused to grant permission needed for private evacuation flights from Afghanistan to land in other countries.

It remains unclear what current efforts are being made by the Biden administration to rescue allies and U.S. citizen still trapped in Afghanistan, but some

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Annunciation” (circa 1472) by Leonardo da Vinci is thought to be da Vinci’s earliest complete work. The painting is in the collection of the Uffizi gallery in Florence, Italy.

The term “advent” is derived from the Latin “adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival.” Based on that etymology, Advent has a dual meaning of celebrating the arrival of Jesus at his birth and preparing for his Second Coming. As we keep our calendars, light our wreaths and erect our Christmas trees, remember that Advent is not just about when Jesus came but also when he is coming again.

The beginning of the Christmas story starts with the arrival of the angel Gabriel who announced the miraculous conception of Jesus to the Virgin Mary. The familiar passage showed the profound nature of Gabriel’s news and the deep faith of Mary, who declared herself a “handmaid of the Lord.” A popular modern song, “Mary, Did You Know?” by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, asks whether Mary knew that her baby boy would one day walk on water or cure the sick. It also asks whether she knew that her child is the Lord of all creation and the future ruler of all nations.

Luke 1 reveals clearly that yes, Mary did know this. The Angel Gabriel reveled to Mary that Jesus would reign forever and that he was the son of the Highest. Mary did not know until that moment — when God’s plan was revealed — what her faith would require and what her impact on the course of human history would be. Her faith also prepared her for her role.

Also on Nov. 16, Jordan and U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (RNC), the ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, sent a letter to Biden Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. Jordan and Foxx’s letter requests all documents and communications between the Department of Education, its staff and that of the NSBA. “Publicly available information shows that the Education Department interacted with the NSBA before the group urged President Biden to target concerned parents in local school board meetings,” wrote Jordan and Foxx. “The NSBA’s September 29 letter, signed by the group’s President Viola M. Garcia and Interim Executive Director and CEO Chip Slaven, noted that the group had been in discussions with the Biden White House and the Education Department.”

Following the backlash to Garland’s memorandum, the NSBA retracted its Sept. 29 letter and issued an apology to its members.

The damage was done, however, with dozens of state chapters dropping their affiliation with the group, including North Carolina. It was also learned that the NSBA’s Garcia and its CEO Chip Slaven had sent the letter to the White House without the knowledge or approval of its members.

The letter to Cardona goes on to say that “NSBA President Garcia wrote that the NSBA had ‘been engaged with the White House and Department of Education . . . for several weeks now’ and that “On October 13, shortly after the NSBA’s letter and the Attorney General’s memorandum, you appointed Dr. Garcia to the National Assessment Governing Board.”

The position referred to by Jordan and Foxx is the board which oversees the Nation’s Report Card, commonly referred to by the acronym NAEP. Cardona announced the appointment on Oct. 13, just two weeks after the NSBA sent its letter to Biden.

Jordan and Foxx also requested “All documents and communications for the period January 20, 2021, to the present” pertaining to Garcia’s appointment.

may end up in Qatar.

On Nov. 12, Biden’s Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the agreement with Qatari officials that establishes Qatar as an official go-between for official communication between the U.S. and Afghanistan.

According to media reports, in a secondary agreement with the U.S., Qatar has agreed to continue hosting around 8,000 Afghans who fled the country during the U.S. withdrawal.

Judge won’t block new NC maps 4 governors filed brief in support of NC redistricting lawsuit

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — There will be no do-over on state congressional and legislative maps approved by the General Assembly, according to a judge’s recent ruling in a redistricting lawsuit case.

The suit, N.C. NAACP vs Berger, was brought before congressional and legislative maps had even been finalized and approved. That fact had an impact when, on Nov. 30, Superior Court Judge Graham Shirley let the maps stand and stated the plaintiffs were “essentially asking this court to undo what has already been done.”

“This case was frivolous from the start and was rightly dismissed,” House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) said in a statement.

“The hearing today was strictly about process and we stand by our process — the most transparent and thorough in North Carolina history,” said Moore. “Furthermore, we stand by the maps that were a final product of this process and we look forward to candidate filing Monday without delay.”

Moore added, “As the judge noted in today’s hearing, the maps are presumed valid. I am thankful this judge also recognizes separation of powers.”

Prior to the ruling, a coalition of four former governors had filed an amicus curiae brief related to N.C. NAACP v. Berger, which was brought by the Southern Coalition for Social Justice on behalf of the N.C. NAACP, Common Cause and various individuals.

The amicus curiae brief was

“Democracy demands free and fair elections for the people. Political gerrymandering requires a manipulated and rigged system against the people. ... the only way to protect the people’s rights is for the courts to get rid of this manipulated and rigged system.”

Gov. Mike Easley (D-North Carolina) filed on behalf of the former governors by Gov. Roy Cooper’s former general counsel, William McKinney.

Former Govs. Mike Easley (D-North Carolina), Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-California), Christine Todd Whitman (R-New Jersey), and William Weld (R-Massachusetts) are behind the brief, which was filed with the Wake County Superior Court on Nov. 29.

A statement issued by a 501(c)3 non-profit called the “States United Democracy Center” quoted all four governors.

“Democracy and political gerrymandering are totally at odds.

Democracy demands free and fair elections for the people. Political gerrymandering requires a manipulated and rigged system against the people” said Easley in the statement. “And the only way to protect the people’s rights is for the courts to get rid of this manipulated and rigged system.”

Whitman is the co-chair of States United Democracy Center (SUDC), which was founded in

2020 as the Voter Protection Program but changed names in 2021.

The left-leaning Washington, D.C.based organization touts itself as engaging in election integrity, voting protection and election law advocacy. SUDC also has a 501(c)4 dark money arm called States United Action.

“I have pledged to do everything I can, to fight in every state, to terminate partisan gerrymandering,” Schwarzenegger said in the statement. “These latest maps in North Carolina are yet another example of politicians placing their interests above the people.”

Schwarzenegger’s involvement in the brief follows his involvement in state election board activities during the 2020 election.

Often referred to as “Zuck Bucks,” in reference to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, the money that the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) sent into states was substantial. CTLC moved an estimated $350 million in Zuck Bucks into states during the 2020 election.

Over $4.3 million in Zuckerberg-backed grants of widely varying sizes ended up in North Carolina counties. Two counties received six-figure grants, Wake County with $1 million and Durham County with $1,446,840. Additionally, the N.C. State Board of Elections also received $1 million in grants from CTCL. Like Zuckerberg, the Schwarzenegger Institute dropped hundreds of thousands in grants into 33 county election boards nationwide.

Schwarzenegger dropped close to $190,000 in grants across 10 counties in North Carolina during 2020. Two counties, Jackson and Surry, rejected Schwarzenegger’s offer. The funds offered to those two counties totaled $72,390.

PILOT MOUNTAIN from page A1 NSJ that officials predict the fire could continue for one and a half weeks.

The National Weather Service said in its forecast that very dry conditions will continue across much of the state, combined with gusty southwest winds and relative humidity values falling to as low as 30% during this same time.

“These factors combined with the very dry fuels from lack of any recent significant rainfall will result in a continued enhanced fire danger and increased spread of wildfires,” the NWS said in the forecast.

Hall, who has shared a donation link, said local fire stations

“Pilot Mountain is not only one of the state’s most beloved natural landmarks, but it is a beloved icon of the community in the North Carolina foothills. As I have watched the wildfire spread across Pilot Mountain, I am reminded that such a national and local treasure is beloved by so many, even outside of the district I represent.”

State Rep. Kyle Hall are asking that those who wish to donate make a financial donation instead of sending bottled water.

Flames reportedly reached as tall as three feet over the weekend, as high winds put firefighters in the position to take defen-

sive operations.

No homes have been damaged as of Tuesday, but officials estimate that the fire has consumed at least 1,000 acres and will continue to burn before it is brought under control.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

‘Health Equity’ top priority in NCDHHS annual report $40 million in CDC funding behind top priority

Betsy Cuervo Tilson, NC state health director, briefs media in this undated file photo.

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — In late October, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) rolled out its Annual Report to the North Carolina Medical Society and Commission for Public Health.

The report’s top priority is “health equity,” and the term “equity” appears 97 times in 65 pages. The annual report includes references and links to the Healthy NC Plan 2030 and the NCDHHS 2021-2023 Strategic Plan.

The term “equity” also appears 44 times in the 26-page NCDHHS Strategic Plan. The plan’s top priority is to “Advance health equity by reducing disparities in opportunity and outcomes for historically marginalized populations (HMP) within NCDHHS and across the state.”

The NCDHHS report was presented to the Commission on Public Health by Dr. Elizabeth Tilson, NCDHHS’ state health director and the chief medical officer at their October meeting.

NCDHHS received $40 million in “health equity funding” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The purpose of the funding is to “support advancing health equity and decreasing disparities.”

Tilson noted that NCDHHS has hired its first ever chief equity officer, Victor Armstrong; and former Democratic state legislator, Angela Bryant, was placed in the newly created role of deputy equity officer.

“Today’s announcement marks another step forward in our commitment to embed equity into every aspect of our work and to promote an inclusive, equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve, where everyone feels a sense of belonging, and our diverse backgrounds and experiences are valued and recognized as strengths,” said DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen in the Sept. 20 press release on the new hires.

“We are fortunate to bring on two leaders with tremendous talent, experience, and dedication to public service,” Cohen said.

According to the release, Armstrong’s duties will include “developing, implementing, facilitating, and embedding health equity

PHOTO VIA N.C. DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY

strategic initiatives into every aspect of DHHS’ programs, services, actions, outcomes and internal employee culture,” and he will oversee the Office of Health Equity, Office of Rural Health, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

In an Oct. 26 press release, NCDHHS touted signing onto a “Health Equity Pledge.” The action taken by Armstrong and NCDHHS is the first government agency to sign the pledge and is among “40 cross-sector healthcare organizations.”

“Health equity only exists when all people have the opportunity to attain their full health potential, and no one is disadvantaged because of their social position or other socially determined circumstance,” NCDHHS chief health equity officer Victor Armstrong said in the release. “Transparent review of demographic data shines a light on where gaps still exist and will help focus efforts so we achieve our collective goal of equitable access to health care.”

The purpose of the pledge is to demonstrate a commitment to collecting data about “race, ethnicity, language and gender and then share what they learn to develop best practices across the industry.”

On the national front, the American Medical Association has released a document titled “Advancing Health Equity: A Guide to Language, Narrative and Concepts.”

“It is critical to address all areas of marginalization and inequity due to sexism, class oppression, homophobia, xenophobia and ableism,” the guide’s preface reads. “Yet conversations about race and racism tend to be

some of the most difficult for people in this country to participate in for numerous reasons, including a lack of knowledge or shared analysis of its historical and current underpinnings, as well as outright resistance and denial that racism exists.”

The preface section goes on to say, “Given the deep divides that exist between groups in the United States, understanding and empathy can be extremely challenging for many because of an inability to really ‘walk a mile in another’s shoes’ in a racialized sense. Collectively, we have an opportunity and obligation to overcome these fissures and create spaces for understanding and healing.”

The guide’s glossary includes social justice terms such as “cultural appropriation” and includes gender identity terminology.

The guide also specifically has a section on “anti-racism” that includes quotes by Critical Race Theory activist, Ibram X. Kendi.

The guide’s conclusion states, “We believe that naming and disrupting dominant narratives that obscure the fundamental causes of health inequities is a vital act.”

The conclusion goes on to say that the work must not stop there and that doctors and health care workers “need to ensure behavior and practice change,” and collaborate with and advocate for historically marginalized communities “to address societal systems of oppression.”

Researchers are also singled out and called on to “re-examine taken-for-granted conventions in grant writing and scholarly publishing—identifying and challenging dominant narratives that are deeply rooted in those powerful systems.”

Brunswick Co. Commission unanimously passes resolution opposing Biden employer vaccine mandate

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — At its Nov. 15 meeting, the Brunswick County Commission unanimously voted to oppose the Biden administration’s attempt to require businesses with 100 or more employees to have their employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4 or face weekly testing for the virus.

Commissioner Patricia Sykes introduced the resolution, which reads in part that “We firmly oppose President Biden’ s overreach of the vaccine mandate.”

“The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners upholds the United States Constitution and fully supports the individual freedom to choose whether to be vaccinated or unvaccinated. We recognize the historical efficacy of proven vaccines in public health, but rejects policies of mandatory vaccination, regardless of FDA approval and rejects proposals for statewide, nationwide, or global ‘vaccine passports,’ ‘health passes’ or similar policies,” the resolution says.

“We thank and support North Carolina legislators, local government officials and other elected officials for their continued efforts to ensure that the individual freedom to be vaccinated or unvaccinated without penalty or discrimination is fully protected,” reads the resolution.

The text cites two bills at the General Assembly barring vaccine mandates; House Bill 572,”No

Vaccine Mandate by EU, Rule, or Agency;” and House Bill 686, “An Act Prohibiting State and Local Government Retribution Regarding Refusal of Vaccines.”

House Bill 572 has already been passed by the house and now is in a Senate committee. House Bill 686 is currently in the House Committee on Health. House Bill 686 has been renamed “No Gov’t Retribution for Refusal of CV19 Vax.” The resolution was sent to Gov. Roy Cooper as well as various lawmakers and elected officials in the state. Sykes said she hopes “they put pressure on the federal government that they don’t support it.”

Several of North Carolina’s congressional members have pushed back on the mandate, including Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy (NC-03), who is a medical doctor.

“As a physician, I have been a strong proponent of the COVID vaccine since the beginning,” Murphy said. “I have administered the vaccine myself, and I believe in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

That said, I am completely opposed to a federal mandate requiring COVID vaccination.”

The Biden administration directed the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to implement the new requirement.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the requirement on Nov. 6. A three-judge panel for that same court maintained the ruling just a week later, stating that the Biden order “grossly exceeds” the administration’s authority.

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Biden vaccine rule for health workers blocked in 10 states

By David A. Lieb The Associated Press JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A federal judge on Monday blocked President Joe Biden’s administration from enforcing a coronavirus vaccine mandate on thousands of health care workers in 10 states that had brought the first legal challenge against the requirement.

The court order said that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid had no clear authority from Congress to enact the vaccine mandate for providers participating in the two government health care programs for the elderly, disabled and poor.

The preliminary injunction by St. Louis-based U.S. District Judge Matthew Schelp applies to a coalition of suing states that includes Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. All those states have either a Republican attorney general or governor. Similar lawsuits also are pending in other states.

The federal rule requires COVID-19 vaccinations for more than 17 million workers nationwide in about 76,000 health care facilities and home health care providers that get funding from the government health programs.

Workers are to receive their first dose by Dec. 6 and their second shot by Jan. 4.

The court order against the health care vaccine mandate comes after Biden’s administration suffered a similar setback for a broader policy. A federal court previously placed a hold on a separate rule requiring businesses with more than 100 employees to ensure their workers get vaccinated or else wear masks and get tested weekly for the coronavirus.

Biden’s administration contends federal rules supersede state policies prohibiting vaccine mandates and are essential to slowing the pandemic, which has killed more than 775,000 people in the U.S. About three-fifths of the U.S. population already is fully vaccinated.

But the judge in the health care provider case wrote that federal officials likely overstepped their legal powers.

“CMS seeks to overtake an area of traditional state authority by imposing an unprecedented demand to federally dictate the private medical decisions of millions of Americans. Such action challenges traditional notions of federalism,” Schelp wrote in his order.

“CMS seeks to overtake an area of traditional state authority by imposing an unprecedented demand to federally dictate the private medical decisions of millions of Americans.”

U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Schelp

Even under an exceedingly broad interpretation of federal powers, Congress did not clearly authorize CMS to enact “this politically and economically vast, federalism-altering, and boundary-pushing mandate,” wrote Schelp, who was appointed to the bench by former President Donald Trump.

While a vaccine requirement might make sense for long-term care facilities, Schelp wrote, CMS lacks evidence for imposing it on other health care providers and ignored evidence that the mandate could jeopardize understaffed facilities. The judge also said CMS improperly bypassed public notice and comment requirements when issuing the emergency rule, which “feeds into the very vaccine hesitancy CMS acknowledges is so daunting.”

A CMS spokesperson said the agency was reviewing the court order.

“Staff in any health care setting who remain unvaccinated pose both direct and indirect threats to patient safety and population health,” CMS said in a statement Monday. “That is why it is critical for health care providers to ensure their staff are vaccinated against COVID-19.”

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who spearheaded the lawsuit, said the ruling “pushes back on the overreach of power” by those who are “using the coronavirus as a tool” for control over people.

Officials in several states also praised the court ruling. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said “nursing homes were at risk of closure” if the mandate remained.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said the vaccine is the best defense against COVID-19, but medical providers “deserve the freedom and ability to make their own informed health care decisions.”

NCDOT TO HOLD VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING US-1 CAPITAL BOULEVARD UPGRADE BETWEEN I-540 AND HARRIS ROAD/PURNELL ROAD IN WAKE COUNTY

STIP Projects: U-5307 RALEIGH - The public is invited to a virtual public meeting with the N.C. Department of Transportation this month to discuss the proposed project to make improvements to U.S. 1 (Capital Boulevard) in Wake County.

The proposed improvements include conversion of U.S. 1 (Capital Boulevard) to a controlled access highway from I-540 in Raleigh to Purnell Road/Harris Road in Wake Forest. Controlled access means access is provided only via ramps at interchanges.

Some cross-streets will be grade-separated, and no driveway connections will be allowed.

Project details, including maps and a video can be found on the NCDOT project web page: (ncdot.publicinput.com/capital-boulevard-upgrade ).

A project presentation will begin at 6 pm on Dec 9, 2021. Interested persons are encouraged to register by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/ register/3944497283958451981. To listen to the presentation by phone, call (415) 930-5321 and enter audio pin 268-435-629.

People may also submit comments by phone 984-205-6615 project code 3243, email (capital-boulevard-upgrade@publicinput.com) or mail at the address shown below

by Jan 7, 2022.

By Mail:

Terry Farr, PE NCDOT Project Management Unit 1582 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1582

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled people who wish to participate in this virtual hearing. Anyone requiring special services should contact Diane Wilson, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center in Raleigh; 919-707-6073; or pdwilson1@ncdot.gov as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.

Those who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior by calling 1-800-481-6494.

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

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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Murphy to Manteo

White House not alone in choosing NC’s ‘High Country’ for Christmas tree

By David Larson North State Journal RALEIGH — On Nov. 17, a ceremony was held at Peak Farms in Ashe County, North Carolina, to cut down the official White House Christmas Tree, which will be displayed in the Blue Room during the holiday season. But President Joe Biden and family are not the only one’s relying on North Carolina’s “High Country” in the mountainous northwest of the state for their annual Christmas tree, as the area has become a nationally recognized Christmas tree hotspot.

The farmers honored this year by having their tree selected to be the official White House Christmas Tree were father-and-son team Rusty and Beau Estes. The 18-anda-half foot Fraser fir was hand selected by the White House gardener from the Estes’ Jefferson farm.

Their farm was chosen to be the source of the tree after they were named grand champions of the National Christmas Tree Association contest.

This is the third time the Estes have provided the official White House Christmas Tree, having also done so in 2008 under President George W. Bush and in 2012 under

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

President Barack Obama. This also makes 14 times that a North Carolina grower was selected, with eight of those trees coming from Ashe County alone, according to the N.C. Christmas Tree Association.

Commissioner of the N.C. Department of Agriculture Steve Troxler was present for the ceremony, as was state Rep. Ray Pickett (R-Watauga), who represents the area in the N.C. House.

“Both of us were in the field as they cut it,” Picket told NSJ on Nov. 30, describing his and Troxler’s presence at the ceremony.

Asked about how the Estes family seemed to feel in that moment, he said, “They were just proud to be able to present a Christmas tree to the White House again.”

But Pickett said part of the excitement of having a local tree chosen was that “It just brings more attention to what [the region’s Christmas tree farmers] do,” adding, “They are already one of the top producers, but it just brings more light to the northern mountains.”

Every year, Pickett said there is a steady stream of vehicle traffic to the area before Christmas as people make a holiday tradition of spending the weekend in the Boone area to find a tree.

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Choose and cut farm counties from the N.C. Christmas Tree Association 2021 guide

NC state controller wants education spending order halted

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RALEIGH — The chief bookkeeper for North Carolina state government’s finances has asked an appeals court to block a trial judge’s recent decision that ordered her and other officials to allocate $1.75 billion to address education inequities.

An attorney for State Controller Linda Combs wrote to the state Court of Appeals that complying with Superior Court Judge David Lee’s order would force her to violate the state Constitution and other laws that leave it only to the General Assembly to appropriate state funds.

Lee’s Nov. 10 order told Combs’ office and other state finance officials to send taxpayer funds to two education agencies and the health department, overruling the General Assembly.

But Combs or her staff could be subject to misdemeanor charges if they withdraw state funds for any purpose that’s not authorized by a law the General Assembly has passed, Combs attorney Bob Hunter wrote last week. The state controller keeps the state’s books,

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“Oh, it’s huge. It’s become a tourist destination to come cut your Christmas tree,” Pickett said. “They make an entire weekend of it.”

The hotels and restaurants fill up with those visiting, which he says is a “huge economic impact to the High Country.” And when they leave, it’s clear to see who came for the trees — as they have their pick tied to the roof rack of their car.

“The number of cars I passed today that are coming down with trees on top — I mean, it’s Monday, but I still see a lot of cars with trees

on top.”

Pickett says in his home, he has a live tree that was grown in the area as well. But he didn’t have to drive as far with it on his roof rack to get it home.

Gov. Roy Cooper also celebrated the selection of the Estes’ tree, posting a statement on social media, saying, “The 2021 White House Christmas tree was home grown in North Carolina! We’re proud of Peak Farms in Ashe County for being chosen to provide this 18.5 foot tall Fraser fir.”

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Fire marshal: 1 dead in house fire

Police: Man charged in killing of college football player

Burke County Officials say a 54-year-old woman has died in a house fire in Burke County. A call came in before 3 a.m. Thursday for a structure fire on Farris Loop in Morganton. There was a report that someone was still inside.

Firefighters arrived, and the single-story home was fully ablaze. One of the home’s occupants said someone was still inside and unable to escape. Crews worked to put the fire out and began search and rescue efforts. The victim was identified as 54-year-old Mary Louise Mode. Willis said the fire originated from a heating source in the home.

Caldwell County Police say the suspect in the killing of a Lenoir-Rhyne University football player has been arrested. Police in Hickory said that suspect Quavius Shamond Izard was found hiding on a property in Collettsville.

Izard was taken into custody Wednesday and charged with first degree murder.

Izard is suspected of killing 19-year-old Omari Alexander of Concord. He died early Saturday morning in the parking of some apartments in Hickory. He was a sophomore at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory. He also played tight end on the school’s football team.

Gaston County A man is jailed without bond after his neighbor was found shot to death, police said. Gaston County Police said in a news release that its officers responded at around 1:30 p.m. Thursday to a report of a shooting.

When officers reached the scene, they found Kathy Smith, 56, had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. A suspect, who was identified as a neighbor, was located and detained at the scene, according to police. After consulting with the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, police arrested and charged Daniel James Moxley, 48, with first-degree murder.

Cleveland County Jane Billedeaux and Harris Putnam got married Nov. 13 outside a Walmart near Myrtle Beach, where Billedeaux has worked as a host for 15 years. It was a long time coming. Billedeaux and Putnam, both 82, attended elementary school together in Shelby, in the 1940s. The two went their separate ways and married other people.

Billedeaux had been married three times, each ending in the death of her husband.

A widow for 23 years, she had all but given up on getting married again. The couple is moving back to North Carolina.

First lady Jill Biden removes a branch from the official 2021 White House Christmas Tree before giving it to Beau Biden, son of Hunter Biden, at the White House, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

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Johnston County A stranger stole the Bagley family’s golf cart parked in their driveway, which they used to help their 2-year-old daughter Sara Beth move around the neighborhood. Sara Beth was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of four months. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office was alerted, and people started a GoFundMe toward a new golf cart. Friday, a woman living in Benson, notified police she had seen the golf cart. The next morning, Rachel’s husband Adam drove to Benson to bring the golf cart back home.

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By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

Missing hunter found in Green Swamp

Strangers help toddler cancer patient get back golf cart

Officials: Unsafe levels of chemical found in town’s water

Man arrested after bomb evacuates trailer park

Teenager accused of shooting into apartment

Columbus County A hunter who disappeared in Green Swamp has reunited with his family after searchers found him “cold, hungry, and dehydrated.”

Michael Edward Abernethy, 56, was found one day after he went hunting in the Juniper Creek Game Land section of the swamp.

Abernethy, who lives in Morganton, was on vacation with his family in Myrtle Beach.

He lost his way and couldn’t find his way out. Family members found his car. A heavy coat, gloves and a lunch box were still inside. Multiple agencies sent search teams.

Abernethy heard them and moved toward them until they found him.

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Yancey County The Comet Road trailer park was evacuated after the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a possible explosive device. The State Bureau of Investigation, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives all responded and assisted in the removal of the device.

Kenneth Jack McIntosh was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction.

Polk County The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was able to locate three missing juvenile girls believed to have run away. The girls, 15-year-old Amber Lynn Krack, 11-year-old Trixie Pena and 13-year-old Alison Henderson, left the home where they were staying in the Green Creek area in a 2006 Toyota Highlander.

The girls were found safe and the vehicle recovered.

Rockingham County A teenager has been jailed following a shooting into an apartment, which investigators say was targeted. The Mayodan Police Department said officers responded to an apartment complex Tuesday after getting a report of multiple shots being fired into a home. According to police, the shooting was targeted and the intended victim was a juvenile. No one was hurt. Police arrested Shawn Michael Hand, 18, of Madison and charged him with attempted first-degree murder and shooting into an occupied dwelling.

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Chatham County Tests conducted on Pittsboro’s water supply found more than double the amount of a potentially cancer-causing chemical that’s considered safe. Since Nov. 8, Pittsboro has been performing almost-daily tests for 1,4-Dioxane after the City of Greensboro warned communities downstream of contamination in the Haw River. The Environmental Protection Agency advises that drinking water contain no more than 35 micrograms per liter of 1,4-Dioxane.

On Nov. 17, a raw grab from the Haw River at Pittsboro showed it was present at 80.7 micrograms per liter. Even after water was treated at the town’s plant, it showed a level of 37.6.

Sheriff: Man charged with fatally shooting 3 Robeson County A Lumberton man has been arrested after police say he fatally shot three people. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office said Dekota Ray Locklear, 23, of Lumberton faces three counts of first-degree murder. He faces several other charges that include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sheriff’s office identified the men who were killed as Ryan F. Locklear, 24, of Pembroke; Treyvon Mitchell, 20, of Lumberton; and Da’Vern Inman 20, of Orrum. It’s unclear what relationship, if any, Locklear had with the men.

monitors cash flow and manages state payroll.

“This double bind stems from orders which were never served on them, and on which they were never given an opportunity to be heard, issuing from a proceeding in which they never were parties,” Hunter wrote Wednesday as he asked the state’s intermediate-level appeals court to vacate Lee’s order or prevent Lee from compelling Combs to act, or both.

Republican legislators have said Lee lacks authority to act and that the litigation has devolved into an endaround to carry out Cooper’s preferred levels of education spending.

State Treasurer Dale Folwell, a Republican, announced on Monday that he would seek an outside lawyer to represent him in the case, saying Attorney General Josh Stein had a legal “conflict.”

A lawyer from Stein’s office, representing the state in the Leandro case, told Lee this month that it appeared the judge had authority to order the monetary shift without additional legislative action.

North Carolina trails receive over $29 million in budget deal

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Three runaway girls found by police

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School sweethearts who lost touch for decades marry at 82

Man charged after neighbor shot, killed

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Blast blows man from home destroyed by fire Carteret County A man said an explosion blew him from his home before it was destroyed by fire. Benny Weeks, 59, said he was the only person home and had just finished his Thanksgiving dinner when the blast occurred. The laundry room smoke detector went off and when Weeks went to wave a towel at it, he said there was a big explosion. Officials with Carteret County and Morehead City are investigating the cause of the explosion.

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s recently approved state budget includes $29.25 million for fiscal year 2021-22 for the Complete the Trails Fund to be managed by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation’s N.C. Trails program.

“The pandemic made clear how much trails can mean to public health and quality of life in North Carolina.

Thanks to the General Assembly and the Governor for recognizing the need and making this first ever major investment in our 12 official State Trails,” executive director for Friends of the Mountainsto-Sea Trail Kate Dixon told North State Journal in an emailed statement.

“This funding can be transformational, particularly if the State continues this kind of investment for a number of years,” Dixon said.

The fund will allow for grants to be made for state trail projects and support the state’s 12 official trails. It will also aid in building capacity for nonprofit partner organizations. Additionally, the state budget creates a new permanent trail coordinator position.

In a press release, The Great Trails State Coalition said the organization

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“acknowledges and greatly appreciates the leadership of Representative Dean Arp, R-69 (Union), Senior Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and Representatives Hugh Blackwell, R-86 (Burke), Mike Clampitt, R-119 (Swain) and Erin Pare, R-37 (Wake) who have taken the lead on this funding effort with help from many other members of the House, Sen. Brent Jackson and Gov. Roy Cooper.”

The Great Trails State Coalition describes itself as a “broad-based group of more than 30 diverse organizations, agencies and supporters advocating for increased state investment in all types of trails statewide – hiking, paddle, mountain bike, equestrian, and shareduse paths.” For more information on the coalition visit: www.greattrailsnc.org Earlier this year, Cooper signed House Bill 554 into law, which designates 2023 as the “Year of the Trail.” The year 2023 was chosen to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1973 North Carolina Trails System Act. The state’s longest hiking trail system, the Mountain to Sea Trail, turned 44 this year. The trail system spans 1,175 miles across the state from the Smoky Mountains all the way to the Outer Banks.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

north STATEment Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Cut spending first

The first rule socialist progressive Democrats need to learn to obey is when you find yourself in a $22 trillion debt chasm, stop digging.

NEARBY, STEPHEN MOORE remembers Milton Friedman, who frequently said, “Cut government spending. As much as possible.”

Friedman was a brilliant economist who believed in maximum freedom for individuals. He wrote “Free to Choose,” which is mandatory reading for anyone who believes that excessive government spending results in the confiscation of people’s personal money and freedom, causes unnecessary debt, leads to exorbitant inflation and creates bureaucratic ineptitude, which leads to negligible results that are unable to solve the problem at hand.

Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan used to echo Friedman’s freedom-from-government-spending sentiments in his numerous testimonies on Capitol Hill. When a liberal Democrat would suggest raising taxes to reduce the then-burgeoning annual federal budget deficits that averaged “only” $213 billion — which have averaged “only” $1 trillion since 2008 — Greenspan would respond that while raising taxes might help reduce deficits some, higher taxes harm economic growth. The only 100% sure way, he emphasized, to eliminate deficits was to reduce federal spending.

Republicans in Congress from 1985 to 1997 did just that. America experienced four straight years of budget surpluses from 1998 to 2001 and paid down over $600 billion of debt. Debt held by the public in 2001 was a measly $3.3 trillion. Today it is over $22 trillion. Go figure.

Balancing the federal budget had not happened since 1969. From the looks of it, it may never happen again, unless America elects a supermajority of mature adults to serve in Washington.

There are legitimate government functions from which we all benefit that we cannot ignore or neglect, such as national defense, the interstate highway system and the federal judicial system. There may be $200 billion, generously speaking, in the first infrastructure bill passed into law on Nov. 15 that could possibly help our economy become more efficient and more prosperous. The Erie Canal, when completed in 1825, helped triple the national GDP of the young American republic over the next decade or so.

There is another $1 trillion in the first infrastructure bill, however, that will not contribute to rapid economic growth in all probability. It is a Democratic wish list of programs worthy of submission to Santa Claus.

President Biden’s second bill now under consideration by the Senate, his “Build Back Better” (BBB) plan, is even worse. It is scored

to “only” cost $1.7 trillion because it includes a ton of reduced budget time horizons, gimmicks and legerdemain. Everyone who has ever worked in Washington knows it will cost at least $5 trillion over the next 10 years and will not solve any of the problems it purports to solve. It is chock full of transfer welfare-type payments, which are not true “investments” in what will make America more competitive and generate more jobs.

The first rule socialist progressive Democrats need to learn to obey is when you find yourself in a $22 trillion debt chasm, stop digging. When Republicans take over control again, they will need to obey the same rule as well.

Democrats must be trying to book as much new spending as possible in 2021 because they see the tide turning against them in recent elections in Virginia, New Jersey and a lost mayoral race in Columbia, South Carolina. Despite already having unleashed “The Inflation Hounds from Hell” with their policies in less than seven months in power, they are doubling down on all of their socialist rhetoric. They don’t understand that the American people didn’t elect them to redo The New Deal and The Great Society in one year — close to half the people who voted for Joe Biden did so simply because they hated President Donald Trump so much on a personal level, not his policies.

Joe Biden might be leading his party into one of the worst mid-term election debacles in history.

President Obama lost 63 Democratic seats in the U.S. House in his first mid-term election in 2010 after their massive over-reach with Obamacare. If President Biden and the Democrats keep heading down this road to fiscal perdition, the 2022 elections might rival the Republican rout of Democrats in Congress in 1894 during Grover Cleveland’s second non-consecutive term in the White House, when they picked up 130 seats in the aftermath of the Panic of 1893.

Getting rid of progressive socialist Democrat control of Washington would be the best way to cut federal spending right now.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

The media needs to stop changing the definitions for terms they don’t like

As it turns out, for some in the media, referring to such things as “looting” is not only the wrong terminology to use, but is also offensive.

California has been hit hard over the last couple of weeks by a rash of flash-mob crimes where scores of people will pull up in front of a department store; block off the street; run in and grab what they can; and then run out the door, disappearing well before the police arrive.

Some have dubbed the incidents “smash and grabs” while others have referred to them as “organized robberies” or “flash-mob lootings.”

But as it turns out, for some in the media, referring to such things as “looting” is not only the wrong terminology to use, but is also offensive.

After several incidents hit the Bay Area, ABC7 news outlet reported that “policing and journalism experts” cautioned against using the term “looting” to describe what happened.

For starters, the report said, technically what took place at Nordstrom’s locations, a Louis Vuitton store, and The Burberry at a local mall was not considered “looting” under California law.

“The penal code defines looting as ‘theft or burglary…during a state of emergency’, ‘local emergency’, or ‘evacuation order’ resulting from an earthquake, fire, flood, riot or other natural or manmade disaster,’” the station reported.

Beyond that, there was allegedly a stigma attached to the word “looting,” which for one

expert seemed the biggest reason of all not to use it.

“Looting is a term that we typically use when people of color or urban dwellers are doing something. We tend not to use that term for other people when they do the exact same thing,” Lorenzo Boyd, a retired police officer and University of New Haven professor of criminal justice and community policing, told race and social-justice reporter Julian Glover.

Literally in the very next sentence, ABC7 acknowledged that they “don’t know the identities or races of the majority of the thieves involved in this crime wave.” Further, they also pointed out that while no states of emergency had been declared in the area, “the crimes did follow the contentious verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial Friday.”

I’ve covered the media for over two decades, and I know for a fact that I’ve seen reports where whites were referred to as “looters,” as we saw after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and after hurricanes and the like have hit North Carolina. Maybe once upon a time “looting” was used exclusively for one race, but that has not been the case for several decades.

Similarly, in the aftermath of the Antifa/ Black Lives Matter-led protests last year, many of which devolved into violent riots that included looting and arson, the Associated Press urged reporters to stop referring to the

riots as “riots.”

“Use care in deciding which term best applies: A riot is a wild or violent disturbance of the peace involving a group of people. The term riot suggests uncontrolled chaos and pandemonium,” they tweeted in September 2020.

“Focusing on rioting and property destruction rather than underlying grievance has been used in the past to stigmatize broad swaths of people protesting against lynching, police brutality or for racial justice, going back to the urban uprisings of the 1960s.”

Again, there’s that word “stigmatize,” and again, it’s not true. The word “riot” has commonly been used to describe white rioters as well, such as the ones we see take to the streets after their favorite sports team wins the championship, or when rioting has erupted during past presidential inaugurations.

Trust in the media is at an all-time low, and hot takes from the Word Police urging us not to call something what it is are a huge part of it. One of these days the media will finally understand that people are sick of having their intelligence insulted. But clearly, today is not that day.

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

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021 COLUMN DIETRICH BONHOEFFER

COLUMN | ELLIOT WANG

Taiwan is needed to prevent cybersecurity blind spots If anyone thought the chip shortage caused by the global pandemic was damaging, a targeted attack by a non-state actor would be ruinous.

RANSOMWARE AND PHISHING scams have become bolder in the past few years and have created crises that have financially impacted corporations and undermined national security.

The most prominent of these attacks was on the Colonial Pipeline, where hackers paralyzed the computer software that supplies gasoline and jet fuel to the southeastern United States. Only after a multi-million dollar payment was the pipeline allowed to continue its functions.

As the world digitizes at an increasing rate, cybersecurity is becoming a globe-spanning issue that affects every modern society on Earth. Cybercrime is expected to cause nearly $6 trillion in damages in 2021 alone. The difficulty in enacting punitive measures against cybercriminals lies in the fact that many are committing these crimes from outside the country. It is imperative that nations worldwide can enact fair cooperative partnerships to help combat this modern dilemma.

The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) supports national efforts to combat cybercrime and considers it a global focus area alongside terrorism and organized crime. INTERPOL has done fantastic work in stopping criminal activities, like cybercrime, that could have created much bigger issues if left unchecked. However, until every country is included in this organization, there will always be potential blind spots that INTERPOL cannot account for.

Taiwan can help ensure a safer world for the countries it partners with. Taiwan has a willing and earnest desire to be able to offer its contributions to ensure that innocent people are

not hurt by those who would cause harm. Taiwan’s police force is one of the best in the world, and outside collaboration would only serve to improve their quality. In 2016, Taiwan’s police busted hackers who had committed fraud in excess of $80 million, with many other such cases being typical of the police department’s prowess.

Taiwan has been excluded from international organizations due to outside political interference

by China for decades. As global cyberterrorism expands, Taiwan will surely be needed in future partnerships. The island nation plays a key role in international manufacturing and produces the computer chips used in daily life, such as in your cars, appliances, and phones. A cyberterrorist attack on Taiwan’s supply chain would have global impacts and could cripple international trade.

If anyone thought the chip shortage caused by the global pandemic was damaging, a targeted attack by a non-state actor would be ruinous.

Ultimately, it is up to the international community to enact concrete proposals for Taiwan’s participation in INTERPOL. The organization is supposed to serve as a means to keep the innocent people of the world protected, but the political co-option of INTERPOL can leave gaps that can be exploited. With Taiwan, the world can plug these holes and create a seamless international security network that will work for good.

Spread the word to your lawmakers to support Taiwan’s inclusion in INTERPOL and push for a safer future with us.

Elliot Wang is director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

We need a little more Milton Friedman right about now Cut government spending.

As much as possible.

Not long ago, President Joe Biden made an offhanded comment that “Milton Friedman isn’t running the show anymore.”

This president has seldom spoken more valid words. And that’s where the trouble has begun.

If you were to rate the three most influential economic minds of all time, you’d be hardpressed to come up with a better trio than Adam Smith, John Maynard Keynes and Friedman.

I’m a little too young to have known Keynes or Smith, but I am old enough to have gotten to know Friedman, and I’m proud to have called him a friend.

I used to have dinner with Friedman and his wife, Rose, a great economist in her own right, and a few other of his close confidantes once or twice a year up in San Francisco during the last years of his life.

Few academics have done more to advance human freedom than Friedman. He was the leading apostle for the free enterprise system.

He had a profound impact on major policy decisions, including the case for parental choice in education, expansion of free trade and even abolition of the military draft.

He was forever suspicious of government power — and for a good reason.

His two masterpieces were “Free to Choose” and “Capitalism and Freedom.” If you haven’t read them, why not? Biden should. They were economic masterpieces written for the common man — and hence read by millions.

I remember that when Friedman would travel to places such as China, Mexico and India, he often got a cold reception from the political leaders, but he was treated like a rock star by the masses. They loved him. It reminded me of the line from the old rock song, “People everywhere just want to be free.”

So what does this remembrance of Uncle Milton, as he was sometimes called, have to do with the myriad problems that beset our

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current economy? Runaway spending and debt.

A welfare state that is bankrupting our country.

The ever-worsening rise in consumer prices.

I know with relative certainty what he would advise to get America back on track. I asked him near the end of his life what is the one thing he would recommend to grow the economy faster.

He replied, “Cut government spending.” Then he emphasized the point by adding, “As much as possible.”

Friedman was also famous for saying that inflation is too many dollars chasing too few goods. He warned that when nations devalued their currencies, this could lead a nation down the road to ruin.

Now we have policies that are an exact reversal of what Friedman taught us. They are also a reversal of basic street smarts and common sense. So, raise your hand if you really believe passing a new $3 trillion spend, tax and borrow bill will reduce inflation, even though the spending blitz under Biden has already tripled the inflation rate.

Even more absurd is the idea that raising tax rates to the highest in the world will increase output and the economy’s health. On the contrary, this will make America less productive and reduce the production of goods and services, which will then raise prices at the cash register.

Just look at what has happened to the gas price due to Biden’s anti-fossil fuels policies.

Bill McGurn of the editorial board of the Wall Street Journal recently wrote a must-read piece noting that “Milton Friedman may get the last laugh” due to Biden’s reckless policies. Friedman will be again vindicated.

But a lot of us are not laughing at the damage to our country and our finances. We are crying.

Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at FreedomWorks and a co-founder of The Committee to Unleash Prosperity.

On stupidity STUPIDITY IS A more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. One may protest against evil; it can be exposed and, if need be, prevented by use of force.

Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease.

Against stupidity we are defenseless.

Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one’s prejudgment simply need not be believed — in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical — and when facts are irrefutable, they are just pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental.

In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self-satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack.

For that reason, greater caution is called for than with a malicious one. Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous.

If we want to know how to get the better of stupidity, we must seek to understand its nature. This much is certain, that it is in essence not an intellectual defect but a human one. There are human beings who are of remarkably agile intellect yet stupid, and others who are intellectually quite dull yet anything but stupid.

We discover this to our surprise in particular situations. The impression one gains is not so much that stupidity is a congenital defect, but that, under certain circumstances, people are made stupid or that they allow this to happen to them.

We note further that people who have isolated themselves from others or who live in solitude manifest this defect less frequently than individuals or groups of people inclined or condemned to sociability. And so it would seem that stupidity is perhaps less a psychological than a sociological problem.

It is a particular form of the impact of historical circumstances on human beings, a psychological concomitant of certain external conditions. Upon closer observation, it becomes apparent that every strong upsurge of power in the public sphere, be it of a political or of a religious nature, infects a large part of humankind with stupidity.

It would even seem that this is virtually a sociological-psychological law. The power of the one needs the stupidity of the other.

The process at work here is not that particular human capacities, for instance, the intellect, suddenly atrophy or fail. Instead, it seems that under the overwhelming impact of rising power, humans are deprived of their inner independence, and, more or less consciously, give up establishing an autonomous position toward the emerging circumstances.

The fact that the stupid person is often stubborn must not blind us to the fact that he is not independent.

In conversation with him, one virtually feels that one is dealing not at all with a person, but with slogans, catchwords and the like that have taken possession of him. He is under a spell, blinded, misused, and abused in his very being. Having thus become a mindless tool, the stupid person will also be capable of any evil and at the same time incapable of seeing that it is evil. This is where the danger of diabolical misuse lurks, for it is this that can once and for all destroy human beings.

Yet at this very point it becomes quite clear that only an act of liberation, not instruction, can overcome stupidity.

Here we must come to terms with the fact that in most cases a genuine internal liberation becomes possible only when external liberation has preceded it.

Until then we must abandon all attempts to convince the stupid person.

This state of affairs explains why in such circumstances our attempts to know what ‘the people’ really think are in vain and why, under these circumstances, this question is so irrelevant for the person who is thinking and acting responsibly. The word of the Bible that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom declares that the internal liberation of human beings to live the responsible life before God is the only genuine way to overcome stupidity.

But these thoughts about stupidity also offer consolation in that they utterly forbid us to consider the majority of people to be stupid in every circumstance.

It really will depend on whether those in power expect more from people’s stupidity than from their inner independence and wisdom.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, from “After Ten Years” in “Letters and Papers from Prison.” Bonhoeffer was a leader in the Confessional Church in Germany and was hanged to death on April 9, 1945 by Hitler’s Nazis just days before the Buchenwald concentration camp was liberated.

COLUMN | BOBBY HURST

How a few textile producers keep clothes prices high for American families This protectionist policy has created jobs in China while making apparel products more expensive for American families.

AS WE APPROACH the Christmas season, Americans are once again looking at their budgets to see what presents they can afford. With rising inflation, many will struggle to make ends meet while covering the additional costs associated with the holidays.

What most Americans don’t know is that a protectionist policy included in many of our trade agreements with other countries keeps the cost of clothes and shoes high, making these products more expensive for families. This time of year, American families could use a break. If Congress wants to help decrease the cost of everyday goods, they should fix this failed policy known as the “yarn forward rules of origin.”

The Washington Post explained it well, “America doesn’t make much clothing anymore. But the government doesn’t act like it: We throw up trade barriers on imported goods from baseball caps to socks, making them 10 to 30 percent more expensive.”

Despite the relatively small volume of apparel production in the United States, the textile and apparel industry remains one of the most protected

sectors. This is because a few textile producers in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina have lobbied their elected officials extensively to ensure they maintain their monopolistic control over the textile industry.

Using their influence, these producers were able to include a “yarn forward rule of origin” requirement in agreements such as the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), which was established to increase trade between the U.S. and Central America. This rule ensures that, in order to qualify for duty-free trade, apparel products have to use yarn produced wholly by a member country.

Senators in the textile-making South would not have supported the trade agreement without this protectionist policy. The irony of including this policy in a free trade agreement is this policy is inherently anti-free trade. These restrictions often make the textiles too expensive for companies, who also have to navigate the complex set of rules and regulations included in the agreement — all to protect the big U.S. players in the textile industry. Given this landscape, importers typically find it easier and cheaper to import the textile products from China

and pay the duty costs.

The statistics show this policy has failed to increase apparel imports into the U.S. from members of the agreement and has not moved apparel production to the Western Hemisphere, as it was originally designed to do. U.S. apparel imports from CAFTA-DR member countries have decreased $1.6 billion since 2005, when the agreement went into effect. China is still the No. 1 supplier of clothes to the United States.

If lawmakers updated the “yarn forward rule of origin” in CAFTA-DR to allow apparel producers to use diverse materials from textile suppliers, countries in the agreement would be able to produce a wider variety of apparel products at a lower cost. This would mean cheaper prices for American consumers for items like clothes and shoes.

Unfortunately, the Biden administration recently reiterated their support for this failed policy, saying the rule of origin requirement “promotes economic opportunity for both U.S. workers and those in the region.” In reality, this protectionist policy has created jobs in China while making apparel products more expensive for American families. Free trade has proven to be the most effective strategy to decrease the cost of everyday goods. In this holiday season, I hope our elected officials will ignore the powerful lobby of the textile industry and put the needs of everyday North Carolinians first.

Bobby Hurst is a former Fayetteville City Council member, serving from 2007-2017.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

NATION & WORLD Japan, Vietnam express serious concern about South China Sea

JACKSON FORDERER | AP PHOTO

Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk speaks to the audience at the “Exposing Critical Racism Theory” tour held at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event on Oct. 5, 2021, in Mankato, Minn.

US lawmakers visit Taiwan; China conducts military patrols The Associated Press TAIPEI, Taiwan — Five U.S. lawmakers met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday in a surprise one-day visit intended to reaffirm America’s “rock-solid” support for the self-governing island that is claimed by China.

The visit came as tensions between Taiwan and China have risen to their highest level in decades.

Taiwan has been self-ruled since the two sides split during a civil war in 1949, but China considers the island part of its own territory.

China was quick to condemn the trip and later announced that its military conducted air and naval readiness patrols on Friday in the direction of the Taiwan Strait, the 100-mile-wide body of water that separates China and Taiwan.

“When news of our trip broke yesterday, my office received a blunt message from the Chinese Embassy, telling me to call off the trip,” Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat in the delegation,

wrote on Twitter.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian called the visit a violation of the “one-China principle” under which Taiwan is part of China.

“That individual U.S. politicians wantonly challenge the one-China principle and embolden the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces has aroused the strong indignation of 1.4 billion Chinese people,” Zhao said. He added that the unification of Taiwan and China is an “unstoppable historical trend.”

The four Democrats and one Republican from the House of Representatives arrived in Taiwan on Thursday night to meet senior leaders, said the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto U.S. embassy. The U.S. does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

“We are here in Taiwan this week to remind our partners and allies, after two trying years that we’ve endured, that our commitment and shared responsibility

for a free and secure Indo-Pacific region remain stronger than ever,” said Rep. Mark Takano, a California Democrat.

Sara Jacobs, another Democrat from California; Colin Allred, a Texas Democrat; and Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, were also part of the delegation.

Takano said the U.S. relationship with Taiwan is “rock solid and has remained steadfast as the ties between us have deepened.”

Tsai, who welcomed the lawmakers at the Presidential Office in Taipei, noted the two sides’ cooperation in veterans’ affairs, economic issues and trade while reiterating the island’s close alignment with the U.S. “Taiwan will continue to step up cooperation with the United States in order to uphold our shared values of freedom and democracy and to ensure peace and stability in the region,” she said.

A statement from the Eastern Command of China’s People’s Lib-

eration Army did not mention the U.S. congressional visit but said the readiness patrols were “necessary measures for the current situation in the Taiwan Strait.” It vowed to “take all necessary measures to counter any external interference and separatist attempts for ‘Taiwan independence.’”

The visit is the third by U.S. lawmakers to Taiwan this year and comes just a few weeks after a group of six Republican members of Congress visited the island.

That delegation met with President Tsai, National Security Secretary General Wellington Koo and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, among others.

In June, three members of Congress flew to Taiwan to donate badly needed vaccines at a time when the island was struggling to get enough.

The Biden administration has also invited Taiwan to a Summit for Democracy next month, a move that drew a sharp rebuke from China.

In the Solomon Islands last week, anti-government rioters held protests and looted parts of the capital city in part over complaints about a 2019 decision to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. China has been on a campaign to poach Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies.

Barbados bids farewell to British monarchy, becomes republic The Associated Press SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Barbados stopped pledging allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday as it shed another vestige of its colonial past and became a republic for the first time in history.

Several leaders, dignitaries and artists, including Prince Charles and Rihanna, attended the ceremony that began late Monday in a popular square where the statue of a well-known British lord was removed last year amid a worldwide push to erase symbols of oppression.

Fireworks peppered the sky at midnight as Barbados officially became a republic, with screens set up across the island so people could watch the event that featured an orchestra with more than 100 steel pan players and numerous singers, poets and dancers. It was also broadcast online, prompting a flurry of excited messages from Bajans living in the U.S., Canada and beyond.

“Happy Independence Day and freedom to all,” wrote one viewer.

The drive to become a republic began more than two decades ago and culminated with the island’s Parliament electing its first ever president last month in a twothirds majority vote. Barbados Governor General Sandra Mason was sworn in before dawn on Tuesday as the island marked its

55th anniversary of independence from Britain.

“As cautioned by our first prime minister ... we ought no longer to be found loitering on colonial premises,” she said. “We must seek to redefine our definition of self, of state, and the Barbados brand, in a more complex, fractured and turbulent world. ... Our country and people must dream big dreams and fight to realize them.”

Mason, 72, is an attorney and judge who also has served as ambassador to Venezuela, Colombia, Chile and Brazil. She will help Prime Minister Mia Mottley lead the wealthy Caribbean island of more than 300,000 people that is dependent on tourism, manufacturing and finance.

Barbados didn’t need permission from the U.K. to become a republic, although the island will remain a member of the Commonwealth Realm. It’s an event that the Caribbean hasn’t experienced since the 1970s, when Guyana, Dominica, and Trinidad and Tobago became republics.

Barbados became independent from the United Kingdom in November 1966, more than three centuries after English settlers arrived and turned the island into a wealthy sugar colony based on the work of hundreds of thousands of African slaves.

In recent decades, the island has begun distancing itself from

AP PHOTO

Britain’s Prince Charles, centre, stands with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, right, and former cricketer Garfield Sobers, left, as they attend the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony for Dame Sandra Mason, at Heroes Square, in Bridgetown, Barbados, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. its colonial past. In 2005, Barbados dropped the London-based Privy Council and chose the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice as its final court of appeal.

Then in 2008, it proposed a referendum on the issue of becoming a republic, but it was pushed back indefinitely. Last year, Barbados announced plans to stop being a constitutional monarchy and removed a statue of British Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson from National Heroes Square, the location of the event to celebrate becoming a republic.

“From the darkest days of our past and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude,” said Prince Charles, who thanked Barbadian officials for inviting him and said he has greatly admired what

they’ve achieved. “Freedom, justice, and self-determination have been your guides.”

During the ceremony, the prime minister awarded pop star Rihanna the honor of National Hero of Barbados, telling her, “May you continue to shine like a diamond,” as they both laughed.

Barbados’ flag, coat of arms and national anthem will remain the same, but certain references will change, according to Suleiman Bulbulia, a columnist for the Barbados Today newspaper. He wrote that the terms “royal” and “crown” will no longer be used, so the Royal Barbados Police Force will become the Barbados Police Service and “crown lands” will become “state lands.”

“It is the beginning of a new era,” he wrote. “Any Barbadian can aspire now to be our Head of State.”

Tokyo The leaders of Japan and Vietnam expressed serious concern about the situation in the South China Sea and any unilateral actions aimed at altering the status quo, and agreed to work together to sustain free and open sea lanes as tensions escalate in the region amid China’s rise.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was the first foreign leader to visit Japan for talks with new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who took office in October.

The two leaders “expressed serious concerns about the situation in the South China Sea and any unilateral attempts to change the status quo and increase tensions,” they said in a joint statement.

China, which claims most of the South China Sea as well as Japanese-held islands in the East China Sea, says it has the right to defend its sovereignty, security and development interests.

Japanese officials say Chinese vessels routinely violate Japanese territorial waters near the East China Sea islands, sometimes threatening fishing boats.

The two countries also confirmed a range of partnerships in areas such as COVID-19, infrastructure and climate change. Japan will also support a strengthening of Vietnam’s maritime law enforcement capabilities by accelerating aid for construction of patrol vessels.

Vietnam is the 11th nation with which Japan has signed a defense equipment and technology transfer deal as Tokyo seeks to support its own struggling defense industry.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

GOP field in Pennsylvania’s Senate race heads for reshuffle Harrisburg, Pa. The Republican field of candidates aiming to capture Pennsylvania’s open U.S. Senate seat in next year’s election is churning anew, with the candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump out and intriguing new candidates possibly in.

Out is Sean Parnell — a favorite of Donald Trump Jr. — who ended his campaign after losing a custody battle in court in which the judge said he believed allegations of abuse made by Parnell’s estranged wife.

“With the leading candidate getting out, that’s certainly going to create a reshuffling of the race here,” said Sam DeMarco, the Allegheny County Republican Party chairman.

The high-stakes campaign to replace retiring Republican Sen. Pat Toomey in the battleground state could determine control of the Senate in next year’s election.

First, there’s Mehmet Oz, the cardiac surgeon, author and host of TV’s “Dr. Oz Show.” The longtime resident of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, now says that he has lived in Pennsylvania since last year, even though he films the show and practices medicine in Manhattan.

The other is David McCormick, a Connecticut resident who runs one of the world’s largest hedge funds, Bridgewater Associates, but grew up in Pennsylvania.

Both have said little publicly, if anything, but are active behind the scenes.

The top Republicans already running are conservative commentator Kathy Barnette, real estate investor Jeff Bartos and Carla Sands, Trump’s ambassador to Denmark.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Duke football coaching candidates, B4

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Quarterback Sam Hartman has led an explosive offense that will look to carry Wake Forest to a conference title when the Demon Deacons face Pittsburgh in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday in Charlotte.

Wake, Pitt expect explosive ACC championship game

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

The Demon Deacons and Panthers will both bring plenty of offense to Bank of America Stadium

Duke climbs to No. 1 in AP basketball poll Indianapolis Duke jumped four spots to No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll released Monday, taking the spot from Gonzaga just a few days after the Blue Devils beat the Bulldogs on the court. It is the 127th week at No. 1 for coach Mike Krzyzewski — in his final season at Duke — and the 145th for the Blue Devils, ahead of the late John Wooden (121) and UCLA (134). The Blue Devils (7‑0) are No. 1 for the first time since spending two weeks there in November 2019, and it comes after a tumultuous season amid the pandemic that saw the program fail to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1995.

Duke was set to play at Ohio State on Tuesday in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Wake Forest signs Clawson to long-term extension Winston-Salem Wake Forest signed football coach Dave Clawson to what it calls a long-term contract extension. The school announced the deal last Friday, a day before Wake Forest defeated Boston College to clinch the ACC’s Atlantic Division title and a trip to the league championship game.

Specific terms or the length of the deal length were not released. Clawson, 54, is in his eighth year with the Demon Deacons (10-2, 7-1 ACC). Wake Forest will play Pittsburgh in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday at 8 p.m. Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

CHRIS SEWARD | AP PHOTO

With his 14-year-run at Duke coming to an end, coach David Cutcliffe will be remembered for both rejuvenating the football program and becoming part of the fabric of the school.

Duke losing more than a coach The Blue Devils and longtime football coach David Cutcliffe have parted ways after 14 years

“No, but they will.”

Cutcliffe introduced himself to the clinic staff, and, while shaking hands, he noticed the orange T on Bobby’s Tennessee wristwatch.

“We talked about Tennessee a little bit,” Bobby said. “Every once

By Shawn Krest in a while, he’d stop by for five or North State Journal 10 minutes to talk football. He had JUST BEFORE Christmas plenty of people on campus to talk 2007, David Cutcliffe walked into about Duke, but I was his Tennesthe Duke Sports Medicine building see guy.”

Cutcliffe, a man who texted the and began shaking hands.

It was his first week on the Manning brothers during the week job, and back then, Duke football leading up to their Super Bowl apshared a building with sports med- pearances, continued to visit his new friend at the Duke icine — the press box and Clinic’s reception desk coaches’ booths were on regularly. That August, one floor, the patients as Cutcliffe prepared for getting treatment, on anhis first game as Duke other. coach, Bobby stopped by “He was going around campus, introducing Wins at Duke the football office.

“I was going to pick up himself to everyone,” for coach some more pocket schedsaid Bobby Saunders, who worked at the Sports David Cutcliffe, ules,” he said. “We like to the third most have them to give to paMedicine clinic, greeting and checking in patients. in Blue Devils tients.”

Coach Cut stepped out “He wasn’t the first coach history behind of his office as Bobby arto do that, but it was defiWallace Wade rived, and the two friends nitely rare.”

(110) and Bill chatted for the first time On the day of his job on Cutcliffe’s turf instead interview, Cutcliffe — Murray (93). of his. As Bobby left to whose 14-year run at head back to work on the Duke is ending — arrived other side of the stadium, on campus early, in the predawn hours and chatted with Coach Cut extended an invitation.

“He told me, ‘I’m having a press the housekeeping staff at the football building. It was then that he conference at lunchtime. Come on called his wife and informed her, by,’” Bobby recalled.

It was the media lunch that Cut“You know, I think I’m going to take this job.”

“Have the offered it?” she asked. See DUKE, page B3

77

championship game,” Clawson said. “Our goal was to be in this game and then to win this game.

We accomplished the first part of it. Now our goal this week is to accomplish the second half of that.”

To do that, the Deacons will

By Brett Friedlander have to beat a Pittsburgh team North State Journal that’s almost as big a surprise as WAKE FOREST was picked to they are.

The 16th-ranked Panthers finish fifth in the ACC’s Atlantic Division in a preseason poll tak- (10-2, 7-1) were picked to finish en at the league’s Football Kickoff fourth in the Coastal Division, media event in Charlotte, without receiving only one of the 147 firstplace votes that were cast. a single first place vote.

It seemed that low expectation But coach Dave Clawson knew something the media members might be warranted after Pitt was beaten at home by Western casting ballots didn’t.

“I’ve coached for 33 years and Michigan on Sept. 18.

But with quarterback KenI’ve been a head coach for 22 years, and I have a feeling when ny Pickett putting up Heisman Trophy-worthy passing I have a good team,” he numbers and receiver said.

Jordan Addison earning “I just really felt recognition as a Biletafter going through nikoff Award finalist, COVID last year, some coach Pat Narduzzi’s of the leadership I saw team has won nine of emerge, some of the progress the younger National rank its last 10 — including an impressive 27-17 conplayers made, the way in points per quest of Clemson. we executed during While the Panthers spring practice, how game for Wake run a pro-style offense much the players were Forest (42.9) engaged in the sum- and Pittsburgh that relies heavily on Pickett’s strong arm and mer, how much extra (42.8), behind ability to move around time they were up in only Ohio in the pocket, the Deathe offices … I just realcons do the majority of ly felt this year we had State (45.5) their damage with dea chance to not just be and Western ceptive run-pass options good, but to be really Kentucky designed to keep opposgood.”

(43.3) among ing defenses guessing.

Clawson’s feeling Their styles are vastly proved spot on. the 130 FBS different, their results Led by quarterback teams. are not. Because Pitt Sam Hartman and a ranks second in the ACC record-setting offense and fourth nationally that ranks third nationally at 42.9 points per game, in scoring offense at an almost the 17th-ranked Deacons rose to identical 42.8 points per game, the top of the Atlantic standings Saturday’s championship matchand the national polls by reeling up promises to be a high-scoring off eight straight wins to start the affair.

“A lot of points are going to season.

They took control of the divi- be scored in games nowadays sion by outlasting NC State on with all the RPOs when you’re Senior Day. Then after failing to facing a great quarterback like close things out at Clemson the Hartman with all the amazing following week, they took care talent he has around him at the of business on Saturday with an wide receiver position,” Narduzzi emphatic 41-10 win at Boston said. “We’re going to practice on defense, we’re going to practice College.

The victory earned Wake (10- on offense, we’re going to prac2, 7-1 ACC) its second Atlantic ti- tice on special teams to try and tle and a date against Pittsburgh eliminate the scoring and try to in this week’s ACC Championship score at least one more point than Game. Kickoff at Bank of Ameri- Wake Forest does.”

Clawson is taking a similar ca Stadium is 8 p.m. with television coverage on ABC. “We’re happy to be in the See WAKE, page B4

3rd, 4th

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

WEDNESDAY

12.1.21

TRENDING

Lincoln Riley: The Oklahoma coach and former East Carolina offensive coordinator is heading west, accepting the head job at Southern California after five seasons with the Sooners. Riley went 55-10 at Oklahoma, winning four Big 12 titles and making the College Football Playoff three times. USC fired Clayton Helton after the second game of the season and is 4-7 overall. Bob Stoops, who retired from Oklahoma after the 2016 season and was replaced by Riley, will coach the Sooners in their bowl game.

Zion Williamson: The Pelicans forward has been cleared to participate in full team activities, the club announced Friday, but there remains no specific timetable on when the 2019 top overall draft choice out of Duke will play. The upgrade in Williamson’s status came after he underwent imaging Wednesday on his right foot, which he fractured during an offseason workout. The Pelicans lost 17 of their first 23 games without Williamson, an All-Star last season who led New Orleans with 27 points per game.

Frank Williams: The founder Formula One’s Williams Racing has died. He was 79.

Williams oversaw 114 victories, a combined 16 drivers’ and constructors’ world championships, while becoming the longest‑serving team boss in the sport’s history. He remained in his role until the team was sold to an American investment group in August.

Williams was knighted

by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

NFL

Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey will miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury suffered in Sunday’s loss to Miami. An MRI on Monday revealed the injury was severe enough to put him on injured reserve — the second straight year his season has ended early. Since becoming the NFL’s highest-paid running back with a four-year, $64 million contract after the 2019 season, McCaffrey will have missed 23 of 33 games in the last two seasons due to injuries.

DOUG MURRAY | AP PHOTO

“There’s no need to panic.”

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton after he was 5 of 21 with two interceptions in Carolina’s 33-10 loss in Miami, dropping the Panthers to 5-7.

BRIAN WESTERHOLT | AP PHOTO

NHL

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST | AP PHOTO

“I didn’t want this to be the last week for these guys.”

Charlotte coach Will Healy after the 49ers lost their third straight game, 56-34 at Old Dominion, to miss being bowl eligible.

PRIME NUMBER

PAUL CHIASSON | THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

The Canadiens have overhauled their front office, firing GM Marc Bergevin and parting ways with two assistant GMs just months after Montreal reached the Stanley Cup Final. Former Rangers GM Jeff Gorton has been hired as executive vice president of hockey operations and will lead the search for Bergevin’s replacement.

ROGELIO V. SOLIS | AP PHOTO

Louisiana Tech and coach Skip Holtz are parting ways after nine seasons that included seven straight bowl appearances for the Bulldogs. The school announced the move a day before the team lost to Rice to finish the season 3-9. The former ECU coach and son of Lou Holtz also coached three seasons at South Florida.

NBA

$35K Fine for Magic forward Wendell Carter Jr. by the NBA for “forcefully throwing” his protective glasses at an official in Orlando’s loss in Cleveland on Saturday.

The former Duke player was ejected with just over two minutes remaining.

CHRIS YOUNG | THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

Celtics center Enes Kanter has changed his name to “Enes Kanter Freedom” to celebrate becoming a United States citizen. Kanter, 29, had his citizenship oath ceremony on Monday and had his legal name changed at the same time. Kanter, 29, is a native of Turkey who has been critical of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and has said his passport was revoked by his homeland in 2017.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

B3

App State looks to reclaim Sun Belt crown The Mountaineers face the Ragin’ Cajuns with a chance to avenge one of its two losses this season

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal THE SUN BELT Conference football championship won’t be the only thing on the line when Appalachian State returns to Louisiana on Saturday.

Coach Shawn Clark and his team will also have a shot at redemption.

A lot has changed in the seven weeks since the Mountaineers suffered a 41-13 beatdown at the hands of the Ragin’ Cajuns on Oct. 12 in by far their worst performance of the season. That’s evident in the point spread for the rematch.

App State is a three-point favorite.

“The key here is that we understand nothing that happened in that (earlier) game is going to affect this one,” Louisiana coach Billy Napier said.

Recent developments, however, could have a major impact as the teams prepare for their third conference championship showdown in the past four years.

While the Mountaineers are playing their best football of the season, having won six straight and holding their past three opponents to a combined 17 points, 20th-ranked Louisiana is dealing with the distraction of a lame-duck coaching staff.

Napier will be leaving the program after Saturday’s game to take the job at Florida.

How much the upheaval will influence the Ragin’ Cajuns, either positively or negatively, is yet to be seen. But with a title on the line and an opportunity to send their coach

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

Wide receiver Corey Sutton and the Moutaineers will look to avenge one of their two losses this season when they travel to Lafayette to play Louisiana on Saturday in the Sun Belt Championship Game. out in a blaze of glory, Louisiana should be expected to give App State its best shot.

“The one sign of a great program is that they’re not trying to reinvent the wheel every single week. Their core is not going to change,” Clark said. “They’re executing at a high level; they have all year long.”

Western Division champion Louisiana (11-1) hasn’t lost since an opening week setback at Texas.

The Mountaineers, meanwhile, bounced back from their disappointment in Lafayette to knock off then-No. 14 Coastal Carolina a week later.

The win not only put App State

(10-2) in control of the Sun Belt East, but it also helped create a momentum that has continued to build.

While quarterback Chase Brice, 1,000-yard rusher Nate Noel and their balanced offense have been operating in high gear since committing four turnovers and going 0 for 11 on third down in their first meeting with Louisiana — averaging 42 points per game in wins against Louisiana-Monroe, Arkansas State South Alabama, Troy and Georgia Southern — the defense has been the biggest reason for the Mountaineers’ resurgence.

Linebacker D’Marco Jackson

ranks second in the conference with 103 tackles, and cornerback Steven Jones has returned three of his league-leading five interceptions for touchdowns to lead a unit that is tops in the Sun Belt at just 319 yards allowed per game.

“After the Louisiana game, we came back and regrouped,” Clark said. “We didn’t coach well that game, we didn’t play well that game. We went back to keeping things a little more simple.

“Probably the biggest thing we’ve done is we’re rallying to the football and we’re playing fast right now. If you turn the tape on from the last 4-5 games, our team speed has

really shown, and it’s given us a chance to be successful.”

That speed and simplicity will be tested on Saturday against a Louisiana offense that has already run roughshod over the Mountaineers once this season.

Quarterback Levi Lewis threw for 209 yards, while Montrell Johnson led a rushing attack that rolled up 245 yards and five touchdowns on that Tuesday night as the Ragin’ Cajuns jumped out to a 20-3 lead after one quarter and were never seriously threatened.

As bad as that game was for the Mountaineers, Clark said he doesn’t plan to use it as motivation for his team heading into the rematch.

“Our players know we didn’t play well, our coaches know we didn’t coach well,” he said. “We’re treating this like any other game. It might be a championship game, but it’s about being 1-0.”

Napier doesn’t expect any surprises from App State, either.

“I think there’s some minor adjustments,” he said. “The one thing about Appalachian State is they know who they are. They’ve been very consistent in their performance, not only this year but as a whole. They’ve got a blueprint that works. It’s more about execution to them than making wholesale changes.”

The Mountaineers’ consistency has been especially impressive because of the wholesale changes that have been made.

Clark is the team’s third coach since 2018. Despite that turnover, App State has won or shared the Sun Belt title in four of the past five seasons. Last year’s championship game between Coastal Carolina and Louisiana was canceled because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

“For us, we’re not going to change what we do,” Clark said. “We have a couple of run plays, a couple of pass concepts and we try to execute at a high level. I think they’re going to do the same thing at Louisiana.”

DUKE from page B1

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

Forward Armando Bacot is leading the Tar Heels in scoring (15.7), rebounding (8.7) and blocks (1.8) during UNC’s 4-2 start to the season.

Tar Heels looking to find old spark A tough weekend puts a blemish on Hubert Davis’ debut season

By Shawn Krest North State Journal ACCORDING to the wedding website The Knot, the average honeymoon lasts seven to 12 days.

That’s almost exactly what new UNC coach Hubert Davis got in Chapel Hill.

The Tar Heels won three games in the first seven days of Davis’ debut season. Then, on Day 13, they traveled to Uncasville, Connecticut, for a weekend tournament.

And the honeymoon, as the old saying goes, was over.

UNC did the basketball equivalent of leaving dirty socks on the floor and forgetting to lift the lid, getting blown out in back-to-back games by Purdue and Tennessee.

It wasn’t so much the results of the games as the way the Tar Heels lost — particularly the second day against the Volunteers when Carolina was never in the game and appeared disinterested.

National media ripped the team for lacking toughness, not playing together and, as one NBA scout told Rob Dauster of NBC Sports, “a bunch of selfish dudes.”

Davis didn’t waste any time

addressing the issues on his first team.

“You asked what needs to change,” he said after the game.

“Everything needs to change.”

Most frustrating for Davis was the lack of a fiery response after the first loss of the weekend.

“I never want to coach effort,” he said. “It means something to play at this place. It means something to be a part of this program.

And there’s a fire inside of you that should never burn out given that opportunity to be out there on the floor.

“I was really excited about today’s game,” he added. “I was excited about seeing the response out of our team after playing yesterday and the competitive spirit on both ends of the floor … I’m very disappointed, but I’m not discouraged.”

The team didn’t pass that first test under Davis, but a few days later, the Tar Heels seemed to set things right again, blowing out UNC Asheville by 20 points at home. It was the type of game where, in the past, players would have talked about learning a valuable lesson, about how opponents won’t just back down when they see “North Carolina” on their chest, and how they’ll be better for the experience they went through.

Brady Manek didn’t follow the script, however, ripping the team after the game.

“We’ve got to play better, plain and simple,” he said. “I don’t know what it is. Come together more, just play basketball. We’ve got to play better. We should have beat them by a lot more than we did.”

Manek pulled no punches, saying that the team got “lit up this weekend.”

“We’ve got to play together.

We’ve got to play as a team. We’ve got to enjoy other people’s success. Be a team. That’s basically it. There’s nothing else in basketball than being a team. We got stomped by two teams this weekend. We were not a team.”

Davis took on the role of good cop after the Asheville win, praising the team’s defensive effort.

But he was happy that one of his veterans stepped up to address the issues.

“I always say this to the guys, that if you’re emotional and you show emotions, that’s good,” Davis said. “If you’re emotional, and you have emotions out there on the floor, on the bench, in the huddle, I’m 100% for that. That means you care.

“So you saying that Brady came into the interview room hot, that puts a smile on my face. That means he cares. And he’s right.

This team can be really good. And he understands that. We’re very fortunate to have Brady Manek on this team and a part of this program.”

The Tar Heels have had an extended break since the Asheville game to regroup and prepare for their next contest, against a ranked Michigan team in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Wednesday night.

The Wolverines have a senior guard in Eli Brooks who will test UNC sophomore Caleb Love on both ends of the floor. Sophomore 7-footer Hunter Dickinson will do the same to Armando Bacot in the paint. Michigan also has a strong freshman class, including shooter Caleb Houstan and forward Moussa Diabate.

The Tar Heels will have to make the most of their practice time to be ready for the test from the Big Ten power.

“We’re going to celebrate Thanksgiving. We’re going to spend time together as a team away from the court,” Davis said before the time off. “But we’re also going to practice a lot and we’re going to get better. I don’t care what anybody says. I’m convinced that this is a team that has a chance to win a national championship. I just believe that. … I’m excited about this week to get better as a team and to spend time together as a team.”

After another eight days together, maybe the honeymoon isn’t quite over after all. ‘

cliffe held every week that Duke had a game, at least until a global pandemic rendered that impossible.

Bobby attended the new coach’s game-week press conference, sitting in the back of the room, behind the small crowd of local reporters in attendance.

“I didn’t say anything or talk to anyone,” Bobby said. “I didn’t even think Coach knew that I was there.”

He didn’t eat the meal that was provided to reporters. As he said, “Coach invited me to come listen to him speak. He didn’t invite me to eat.”

Bobby wasn’t entirely sure whether he had a standing invitation, but he went back on the following Tuesday.

“I went for the first five weeks,” Bobby said. “I never quite knew what he thought or if he even knew.”

A smile crossed Bobby’s face as he explains how he found out.

“My wife and I spend a week at the beach every October,” he said.

“I came back to work the next Monday and everyone came up to me, all excited,” Bobby said. “They said, ‘Coach Cut was here looking for you!’ He came into the clinic first thing Wednesday morning to check on me and see why I wasn’t there.”

“That’s the kind of man he is,” he concluded.

For the next seven years, until he retired from Duke, Bobby attended the media luncheon every week, missing only the one each year that conflicted with his October vacation. He would bring a brown bag lunch from home containing a ham sandwich and Diet Coke.

While Cutcliffe could never get him to take the free lunch, Bobby pointed out that every year, someone from the Duke football training staff would bring him a new Duke polo shirt, similar to the ones the coaches wear on the sideline. “I don’t know that they’re from Coach,” he said. “The trainers will never admit that they’re from Coach Cut, but ...”

Cutcliffe will leave Duke better than he found it, just as he does everywhere he goes and everyone he meets.

It was supposed to be impossible to win there, but all it took was finding an honorable Southern man with a brilliant football mind, a man who learned under Bear Bryant and taught Peyton and Eli. It took a man who believed he could do the impossible and can convince others to come with him.

It took a man that was raised to work hard and ask for nothing.

It took a man who pays meticulous attention to detail, right down to a familiar face missing from the back of the room and thinking it’s important to find out why.

B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Deacs on top: Wake Forest football sits atop end-of-season power rankings Five of the state’s seven teams are bowl eligible

5. UNC (6-6, 3-5 ACC): Coach Mack Brown tried to tell us that his Tar Heels weren’t worthy of its top-10 preseason ranking, but even he has to be surprised by how thoroughly they underachieved. It started with an opening week loss at Virginia Tech and never improved — especially on the road, where UNC failed to win a game.

There were some individual superlatives. Quarterback Sam Howell did what he could by throwing for 23 touchdowns and becoming a viable threat in the running game, Josh Downs set a single-season school record with 98 catches and Tennessee transfer Ty Chandler ran for 1,063 yards.

But UNC couldn’t block people consistently and ranked 11th in the ACC in scoring defense.

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal THE 2021 SEASON has been perceived as a “down year” for ACC football, but it has been a successful one for two of the state’s four conference teams.

Wake Forest is playing for a championship and NC State still has a shot at winning 10 games, something that has been done only one time in school history.

It’s been just as successful a season for two other state teams, with Appalachian State back in its familiar spot atop the Sun Belt Conference’s East Division and East Carolina returning to a bowl for the first time since the 2014 season.

In all, five of North Carolina’s seven FBS programs are headed to postseason play. Here’s a look at how all the teams stack up now that the regular season is done.

1. Wake Forest (10-2, 7-1 ACC): The Deacons ended Clemson’s six-year run as Atlantic Division champions and will play for the ACC title on Saturday against Pittsburgh in Charlotte.

Coach Dave Clawson’s team got the job done on the strength of a balanced, high-powered offense fueled by quarterback San Hartman (255-423, 3,711, 35 TDs, 10 INT), a trio of capable running backs, and big-play receivers A.T. Perry (56 catches, 1,112 yards, 13 TD) and Jaquarii Roberson (62, 1,024, 8), along with a defense that rose to the occasion in big games against NC State and Boston College.

2. NC State (9-3, 6-2 ACC): The Wolfpack fell short of its first

game on Saturday. Regardless of the outcome, it will also have an opportunity at extending its alltime undefeated bowl record to 7-0.

6. Charlotte (5-7, 3-5 C-USA): The 49ers got off to a splashy start by coming from behind to beat Duke in their season opener and was within one win of bowl eligibility with three games remaining. But coach Will Healy’s team stumbled down the stretch by losing to Louisiana Tech, Marshall and Old Dominion, averaging 49 points allowed in each, to miss out on the postseason for the second straight year.

4. ECU (7-5, 5-3 American Athletic Conference): Coach Mike Houston’s Pirates are proof that teams must first learn how to win before they can start to win.

Their light bulb moment came on Sept. 18 at Marshall when they rallied from a 17-point fourth quarter deficit for a 42-38 win.

ECU lost its next two, on the final play against Central Florida and in overtime against Houston, but won the next four to clinch its first winning record in seven

7. Duke (3-9, 0-8 ACC): An early three-game nonconference winning streak in late September was fool’s gold for the Blue Devils, who lost their final eight games to finish with their third straight losing record.

Duke didn’t just go winless in the ACC, its conference losses came by a lopsided margin of 31.8 points per game. It was a lack of competitiveness that ultimately cost coach David Cutcliffe his job after 14 seasons with the program.

CHRIS CARLSON | AP PHOTO

Quarterback Devin Leary and the Wolfpack can reach double-digit wins in a season for just the second time in NC State history if they can claim victory in their bowl game. division crown and a chance to play for its first league championship since 1979, but by ending its eight-game losing streak to Clemson and coming from nine points down in the final two minutes to stun rival North Carolina last Saturday, coach Dave Doeren’s team still fashioned a memorable and successful season.

Not only has State reached the nine-win mark for the third time in five seasons, but it can also join the 2002 team as the only ones in school history to reach double digits with a win in its upcoming bowl game. Individually, tackle Ikem Ekwonu won the ACC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the top offensive lineman in the league

while linebacker Drake Thomas has a legitimate shot at Defensive Player of the Year honors.

3. Appalachian State (10-2, 7-1 Sun Belt): The Mountaineers are back in their customary spot atop the Sun Belt East standings after finishing second to Coastal Carolina a year ago. It was also a bounce-back year for transfer quarterback Chase Brice, who rebounded from a down season at Duke in 2010 to complete 64% of his passes for 2,901 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Coach Shawn Clark’s team has a chance to avenge one of its two losses when it takes on Louisiana in the Sun Belt Championship

Top candidates to replace Cutcliffe at Duke There is a long list of intriguing coaches available to the Blue Devils

By Shawn Krest North State Journal DAVID CUTCLIFFE has shown that it is, in fact, possible to win at Duke, which means that the job he is leaving is much more desirable than the one he inherited.

As Duke begins its national search to replace the man who rebuilt the program, it does so in the shadow of Wake Forest — another small private school that is competing for an ACC title. Potential candidates for the job will be looking to replicate the success that Dave Clawson is enjoying at Wake and the heights that Cutcliffe reached before Duke’s recent tailspin.

So, as some of the biggest names in coaching are on the move in what promises to be a postseason coaching carousel for the ages, new Duke athletic director Nina King will need to find the right person to take over Duke football.

Here’s a look at some of the candidates that should merit strong consideration.

Coaches with Duke connections Bill O’Brien, offensive coordinator, Alabama: The former Penn State and Houston Texans head coach was offensive coordinator at Duke from 2005 to 2006.

In addition to his Duke experience, he’s coached at the highest levels in college and the pros, and he’s currently a coordinator with the Tide, a job that seems to be a landing spot for future head coaches. He has a reputation for working with quarterbacks, which may allow him to retain several of the talented young passers on Duke’s roster who came to work with Cutcliffe. That includes starter Gunnar Holmberg, who has al-

WAKE from page B1 outlook, saying he’s “kind of hoping we can get a few stops” while acknowledging “it will be hard.”

The winner of Saturday’s game will earn the ACC’s automatic bid to the New Year’s Six, which this

years. As potent as the Pirates are on offense thanks to the passing of Holton Ahlers and the running of 1,000-yard rusher Keaton Mitchell, their biggest improvement has been on defense — where Ja’Quan McMillian’s five interceptions are tied for most in the nation.

Force, and Ken Niumatalolo, 10475 at Navy, are also likely on the list.

Mike Houston, ECU: He’s been speculated as a candidate by many outlets. He found success at Lenoir-Rhyne, showing that he can win at a private school, although clearly at a far different level. East Carolina is reportedly busy working on an extension and raise for Houston and his staff to try to head off any interest from the outside.

Jamey Chadwell, Coastal Carolina: Like Healy, Chadwell is a rising star and could be looking to make a bigger jump than Duke.

Still, the success he’s had with the Chants should make him worthy of a feeler from the Blue Devils.

Current college assistants

Will Healy, Charlotte: Programs generally hire someone that’s the opposite of the coach that just left, and the 36-year-old Healy would provide that after the departure of the longest-tenured coach in the ACC. Even after Cutcliffe rebuilt the program, Duke still struggled to attract student and community members to follow the team and attend games. Healy will provide an infusion of energy into the program and has the best

chance of any of the candidates to fill the house at Wallace Wade.

He’s an up-and-coming coach and could be looking for a different steppingstone than Duke, but from the school’s perspective, his hire is all upside.

Jeff Monken, Army: With Duke’s admission requirements making recruiting difficult, as many of the top prospects are immediately taken off the board, service academy coaches are always at the top of the candidates list for the Blue Devils. Monken has won consistently at Army and coached running backs and special teams at Georgia Tech. So he has ACC experience. The last time a Duke team hired an Army coach, in 1980, things didn’t turn out too badly. Troy Calhoun, 110-75 at Air

Warren Ruggiero, offensive coordinator, Wake Forest: He hasn’t appeared on many lists, but with the Demon Deacons locking down head coach Dave Clawson to a new contract extension, the man in charge of one of football’s most explosive offenses could be worth a look. He might be a tough get, but it would be a coup for King to land an ACC rival’s key assistant.

Marcus Freeman, defensive coordinator, Notre Dame: With Brian Kelly leaving for LSU, Freeman may be ready to jump to a head coaching job. He was a finalist for the Broyles Award — given to the top college assistant — last year, and he obviously has experience recruiting at an elite private school. And, at 36, he would bring energy and youth to a program that needs it.

Mike Elko, defensive coordinator, Texas A&M: Like Ruggiero, he’s covered with the Dave Clawson fairy dust, having served as Wake’s defensive coordinator for three years. He’s also been coordinator at Notre Dame.

Dan Lanning, defensive coordinator, Georgia: Another young, up-and-comer, Lanning is 35 and a strong recruiter. Like Freeman, Healy and Chadwell, he’ll have plenty of suitors, but Duke should at least try to get into the mix.

and 2006.

“When we went into the season, I said this to the staff: We’ve been really good. We’ve been consistent. We’ve been to five consecutive bowls. But we didn’t ever have that one breakout season,” Clawson said. “I don’t want

to put pressure on us. But I really believe that if we’re going to have that breakout year, this year’s our best opportunity.”

While the progression from good to great takes talent, experience and a solid game plan — all elements Wake possesses — it

also takes a few lucky bounces.

And Clawson is the first to admit that Wake has had its share of those this season, a trend he hopes will continue Saturday.

“To have a year like this you have to be good,” he said. “You also have to be a little fortunate.”

KARL B. DEBLAKER | AP PHOTO

East Carolina coach Mike Houston is one of several candidates Duke could consider to replace David Cutcliffe. ready entered the transfer portal.

Scottie Montgomery, running backs coach, Indianapolis Colts: A former Duke standout who went on to play in the NFL, Montgomery had two stints as a Cutcliffe assistant at Duke. His first foray into head coaching, at ECU, didn’t go well, but his familiarity with the program would allow the Blue Devils to keep some continuity for the players on the roster while still taking a new direction.

Jim Knowles, defensive coordinator, Oklahoma State: A former Duke defensive coordinator, Knowles has head coaching experience at Cornell. His departure from the Blue Devils in 2017 coincided with the program’s recent struggles.

Matt Luke, offensive line coach, Georgia: Coach Cut’s first line coach at Duke, Luke left for Ole Miss, where he eventually took over as head coach. He’s been at Georgia the last two years.

year means a trip to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl.

After Wake’s five straight postseason appearances, though, the bowl destination is secondary to the bigger prize that’s available to the Deacons — whose only other conference titles came in 1970

Current college head coaches

The 3 big questions nob

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It message is with most details pronounced in thetheir de- so want to continue this family busi-on this concerts, family factories, ports along and freight BUDAPEST,That Hungary — From that To date, I’ve gone with what the state has asked and then that give statem For more than Feminism anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to veloping ofall central II’ve don’talso see had muchquestions future in it.” yards couldthat be forced tobut close tem- theness, appliance stores the United mandated God’s example andeconomies comfort those inand need arou at we can keep as our freeincitizens we do, along way about We shouldall continue to do wh gatherings, 40toyears MCNC Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was Eastern Europe, with the highThe recent pickup in inflation porarily, putting more strain on States to food markets in Hungathis difficult time.

Through faith and by helping o fe. But we should also still continue the data.

State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, and our communities s livingininPoland, a freeris- global commerce and sending has church has connected and by Affilia, a ry and gas stations accepted for publication est will annual rates out recorded in pandemic Lithcaught services business leaders and we confident emerge of this str cause while reasonable stay-at-home Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is to ask questions about the data, b feminist journal for social workers. The protected communities around by uania (8.2%), Estonia (6.8%) and and many more the world this ing consumer prices fueled by high prices even higher. As news of the economists society were same spirit, I continue to be inspired the by y shouldpaper also have an expiration a disturbing tendency some people to treatInthose measures consisted in part of adate. rewritten energy costs and supply chain dis- sometimes Hungary (6.6%). are In understandable, Poland, one surprise. latest variant spread last week, in- among with high-speed after our own supposed neighbors helping neighbors. d it is not normal.

Not in any way,Two other ruptions are putting passage from Mein Kampf. simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back This is all new to Americans, an In spring 2020, the coronavi- of Europe’s fastest-growing econa pinch on vestors also reflected that caution, Internet, networking In Concord, a shape, high school senior named remainhoax vigilant and stay safe, at includinghouseholds and papers were published, inflation in 6.4%weTanner rus temporary crushed the or global economy: tobusinesses do, last I world- tosending theasU.S. stockthey market normal though areinto conspiracy theorists are people who omies, or came form.

Soatwhile shoul technologies, and “Rape and Queer Performativity money to buy a 3-D printer andwe plastic to make fa mfortable withCulture this so-called “new in October, the highest rate in two governments ordered sacrifices are sick.lockdowns, a 1,000 point spiral thethemselves wide. otherwise don’t careonifFriday, they get or others the same time shouldn’t get co checked. at Urban Dog Parks.”

This paper’s subjectRising inflation cybersecurity services businesses or slashed hours recorded is leading to most health caredecades. workers out of his own home.

Sincesignificant when did drop questioning government atclosed all levels become a bad normal.” over. was dog-on-dog rape. But the dog rapeprice increases for food, gas and this year. central banks move too and families home. throughout North That is what free citizens living in a freestayed society wereCompasupposed Still, ifNot one little bit. paper eventually forced Boghossian, other products and pushing many thing? aggressively too soon to control innies braced for the worst, cancel“A new round of infections could Carolina.

Now in its to do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurelypeople out to choose between digging further aggravate supply chains, ing orders and putting off invest- flation, it could short-circuit the under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah next decade, the 12 My first concern we gopresalong in all this, of course, is my family. I’m Stacey Matthews also written themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer economic recovery, said has Carmen ments. even more as upward deeper into their pockets or tight- putting dState and Legal Insurrection. had figured out what they were doing. ening their belts. In developing worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After Days of Broadband will and is a regular contributor to Re Reinhart, chief economist at the In an attempt to stave off ecosure on inflation,’’ said Rubeela FaSome papers accepted for publication nomic wealthy coun- World Bank. rooqi, chief U.S.the economist at High economies, it’s especially dire. suffering from H1N1 virus (swine flu)catastrophe, during the 2009 pandemic, continue to showcase in academic journals advocated training“We’ve noticed that we’re con- I’ve tries — because most notably Frequency Economics. been trying to take extra precautions, all of the thisUnited brings up She worries about higher food howlike investments men dogs and punishing white male prices that primarily hurt the poor States — introduced trillions economic reverberations suming less,” Gabor Pardi, a shop- wayThe too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to of repeat. in infrastructure, college students for historical slavery by dollars worth of government aid, in developing countries, where a hitting central and Eastern per at an open-air food market in are But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has asking them toand sit in silence on the floor in bandwidth, Hungary’s capital, Budapest, said Europe especially hard, where an economic mobilization on a disproportionate share of family chains during can classhelp and to be expectedafter to buying a sack of fresh vege- countries have some of the high- scale unseen since World War II. budgets goes toward keeping food technology learn from the discomfort. Other papers tables recently. “We try to shop for est inflation rates in the 27-nation Central banks also slashed inter- on the table. ensure digital access celebrated morbid obesity as a healthythe life cheapest and most economi- European Union and people are est rates in a bid to revive econom“Food prices are a barometer for for alland citizens as well choice advocated treating privately social unrest,’’ Reinhart said, notcal things, even if they don’t look struggling to buy food or fill their ic activity. as drive economic and conducted masturbation as a form of as good.”

But those efforts to jump-start ing that the Arab Spring uprisings fuel tanks. sexual A butcher at the Budapest food economies have had unintended that began in 2010 were caused socialviolence growthagainst in the women. Typically,Nearly two years into the academic journal editors send submitted COVID-19 pandemic, the econom- market, Ildiko Vardos Serfo- consequences: as consumers felt partly by higher food prices. state. papers out to referees for review. In ic impact of the crisis is still being zo, said she’s seen a drop in busi- more emboldened to spend the Anna Andrzejczak, 41, was still “High-speed Internetfor publication, recommending acceptance felt even after countries raced out ness as customers head to multi- money they had received through a child when Communism ended is absolutely essential many reviewers gave these to papers glowing of debilitating lockdowns and con- national grocery chains that can government assistance or low-in- in Poland in 1989 and has only a praise. the daily lives of North sumer demand rebounded. Now, offer discounts by buying in large terest borrowing, and vaccine roll- vague memory of the hyperinflaPolitical scientist Zach Goldberg ran outs encouraged people to return tion and other economic “tumult” another surge of infections and a wholesale quantities.

Carolina citizens,” certain grievance studies concepts through to restaurants, bars and shops, the that came with the transition to a “Buyers are price sensitive and new coronavirus variant, omicron, said MCNC President the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often are leading countries to tighten therefore often leave us behind, surge in demand tested the capaci- market economy.

Doaks. andappeared CEO Tracy they in our press over the years. their borders and impose other re- even if our products are high qual- ty of suppliers to keep pace.

He found huge in the usagesstrictions, threatening the global ity. Money talks,” she said. “We no“The 12 Daysincreases of Ports and freight yards were See INFLATION, page B6 of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” Broadband is all about “critical race theory” and “whiteness.” sharing All of thisstories is being from taught to college within our communities students, many of whom become primary and secondary teachers who then to show howschool broadband indoctrinate our young has made a positivepeople.

I doubt whether the coronavirusimpactfinancial in the lives ofwill thegive college caused crunch people we serve.

We and university administrators, who areThe a Associated Press bet, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella and crossbreed a parrot and jellyfish, hope youbetween enjoy it.”

IBM’s Arvind Krishna. theMCNC’s guts and backbone He joined San Francisco-based NEWLY NAMED Twitter CEO networkto restore academic respectability. Far too often, they get much Twitter in 2011, when it had just Parag Agrawal has emerged from today spans more than of their political support from campusbehind the scenes to take over one 1,000 employees, and has been its 4,400 miles ofwho fibergrievance people are members of the chief technical officer since 2017. of Silicon Valley’s highest-profile optic infrastructure faculty and diversity and multiculturaland politically volatile jobs.

At the end of last year, the company administrative offices. had a workforce of 5,500. in every county in the But his prior lack of name recogThe best hope lies with boards of nition coupled with a solid techniAgrawal previously worked at state.

This network trustees, though many serve as yes-men Microsoft, Yahoo and AT&T in recal background appears to be what provides critical InternetI think that a for the university president. search roles. At Twitter, he’s worked some big company backers were connections and other good start would be to find 1950s or 1960s on machine learning, revenue and looking for to lead Twitter out of its catalogs.

Look at the course offerings at important networking consumer engineering and helping current morass. atechnologies time when college with audience growth. He studied andgraduates knew howA 37-year-old immigrant from to read, write and compute, and makeIndia, Agrawal comes from outside at Stanford and the Indian Instiservices forcurricula. over 1,000 them today’s Another helpful tute of Technology, Bombay. the ranks of celebrity CEOs, which community anchor tool would be to give careful consideration While Twitter has high-profile include the man he’s replacing, Jack to eliminatingsuch all classes/majors/minors institutions as users like politicians and celebrities Dorsey, Facebook’s Mark Zuckercontaining word “studies,” such as berg, and Elon Musk of SpaceX and and is a favorite of journalists, its research the labs, libraries, AP PHOTO women, Asian, black or queer studies. Tesla. Those brand-name compauser base lags far behind old rivals health care sites, I’d bet that by restoring the traditionalny founders and leaders have often In this image provided by Twitter, Parag Agrawal poses for a picture. like Facebook and YouTube and museums, public safety they would academic mission to colleges, newer ones like TikTok. It has just been in the news — and on Twitter put a serious dent the COVID-19 — for exploits beyond the day-tofacilities, and allinto of K-20 over 200 million daily active users, budget shortfall. should be looked upon as favor- pivotal moment for the company.” a common industry metric. day running of their companies. education in North As CEO, Agrawal have to step Having served as Twitter’s chief ably by investors,” wrote CFRA Re- Taylor is president and chief operatCarolina.

Walter E. Williams is a professor of technology officer for the last four search analyst Angelo Zino, who ing officer of the business software beyond the technical details and Social media users economics at George Mason University. deal with the social and political isyears, Agrawal’s appointment was noted that Twitter shareholder El- company Salesforce. can follow the series Agrawal, whose name is pro- sues Twitter and social media are seen by Wall Street as a choice of liott Management Corp. had presnounced (PUH-rag AH-gur- struggling with. Those include missomeone who will focus on usher- sured Dorsey to step down. using #MCNC12days.

business & economy

Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

FACTS

A6

Approved Logos

north STA

VISUAL VOICES

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

Food, gas prices pinch families as inflation surges globally

New Twitter CEO steps from behind the scenes to high profile

ing Twitter into what’s widely seen as the internet’s next era — the metaverse.

Agrawal is a “’safe’ pick who

Elliott released a statement Monday saying Agrawal and new board chairman Bret Taylor were the “right leaders for Twitter at this

wahl), joins a growing cadre of Indian-American CEOs of large tech companies, including Sundar Pichai of Google parent Alpha-

information, abuse and effects on mental health.

See TWITTER, page B6

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

B6

For the week ending 11/23

Total Cash & Bond Proceeds

$2,678,377,580 Add Receipts

$61,135,698 Less Disbursements

$117,698,007 Reserved Cash

$644,032,881 Unreserved Cash Balance Total

$5,731,010,007 Loan Balance:

$440.3M

INFLATION from page B5 But she feels the prices going up “every time I fill my tank,” with fuel costs having risen some 35% in the last year.

“We’ve had a period of stability in past years, so this inflation now is a big shock,” Andrzejczak said.

“We don’t have the price increases that we had then, but I think this will cause big stress.”

TWITTER from page B5 Agrawal got a fast introduction to life as CEO of a high-profile company that’s one of the central platforms for political speech online.

Conservatives quickly unearthed a tweet he sent in 2010 that read “If they are not gonna make a distinction between muslims and extremists, then why should I distinguish between white people and racists.”

As some Twitter users pointed out, the 11-year-old tweet was quoting a segment on “The Daily Show,” which was referencing the firing of Juan Williams, who made a comment about being nervous about Muslims on an airplane.

Twitter did not immediately respond to a message for comment on the tweet.

SUSAN WALSH | AP PHOTO

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks during an event in the South Court Auditorium on the White House complex in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 22, 2021.

Powell: COVID-19 variant clouds inflation, economic outlook The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says that the appearance of a new COVID-19 variant could slow the economy and hiring, while also raising uncertainty about inflation.

The recent increase in delta cases and the emergence of the omicron variant “pose downside risks to employment and economic activity and increased uncertainty for inflation,” Powell said in prepared remarks delivered to the Senate Banking Committee Tuesday. The new variant could also worsen supply chain disruptions, he said.

Powell’s comments come after other Fed officials in recent weeks have said the central bank should consider winding down its ultra-low interest rate policies more quickly than it currently plans. They cited concerns about inflation, which has jumped to three-decade highs.

Yet Powell’s remarks suggest that the additional uncertainty raised by the omicron variant

may complicate the Fed’s next steps.

“Greater concerns about the virus could reduce people’s willingness to work in person, which would slow progress in the labor market and intensify supply-chain disruptions,” Powell said.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will also testify before the Senate Banking panel and in prepared remarks she urged Congress to raise the nation’s borrowing limit. Yellen has previously warned that without a hike in the debt ceiling, the U.S. government could default on its debt obligations for the first time soon after Dec. 15.

“I cannot overstate how critical it is that Congress address this issue,” Yellen said. “America must pay its bills on time and in full. If we do not, we will eviscerate our current recovery.”

Congress is expected to address the borrowing limit and also faces a Friday deadline to provide enough funding to keep the federal government open.

Yellen also said that for now,

the economic recovery “remains strong” but urged that Americans get vaccinated or receive booster shots to guard against the omicron variant.

While little is known definitively about the health effects of the omicron variant. If it were to cause Americans to pull back on spending and slow the economy, that could ease inflation pressures in the coming months.

Yet if the new variant causes another wave of factory shutdowns in China, Vietnam or other Asian countries, that could worsen supply chain snarls, particularly if Americans keep buying more furniture, appliances and other goods. That, in turn, could push prices even higher in the coming months.

Powell acknowledged that inflation “imposes significant burdens, especially on those less able to meet the higher costs of essentials like food, housing, and transportation.”

He said most economists expect inflation to subside over time, as supply constraints ease, but added that, “factors pushing

inflation upward will linger well into next year.” At a news conference last month, Powell said high inflation could persist into late summer.

At their last meeting November 2-3, Fed policymakers agreed to start reducing the central bank’s $120 billion in monthly bond purchases by $15 billion a month. That would bring the purchases to an end in June.

Those bond buys, an emergency measure that began last year, are intended to hold down longer-term interest rates to encourage more borrowing and spending. The Fed has pegged its short-term interest rate, which influences other borrowing costs such as for mortgages and credit cards, at nearly zero since last March, when COVID-19 first erupted.

Last week, the Fed released minutes from the November meeting that showed some of the 17 Fed policymakers supported reducing the bond purchases more quickly, particularly if inflation worsens. That would give the Fed the opportunity to hike its benchmark rate as early as the first half of next year.

At that time, investors expected three rate hikes next year, but the odds of that many hikes have fallen sharply since the appearance of the new coronavirus variant.

Lockdown-free Florida top vacation spot for holidays The Associated Press MIAMI BEACH — Cooped-up tourists eager for a taste of Florida’s sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and warmer climates are visiting the Sunshine State in droves, topping pre-pandemic levels in recent months.

Miami is one of the top search destinations on travel websites and statewide, Florida had 32.5 million travelers from July to September of this year, exceeding the number of visitors during that period in pre-pandemic 2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis said recently.

The state was boosted by the Republican governor’s pro-business, anti-lockdown and anti-mask restrictions all year, allowing one of Florida’s main economic engines to flourish, even as tourism dipped in other parts of the country.

Now, as snowbirds have returned and others are making holidays travel plans, hotels and tourism experts report a noticeable bump. Miami — and Florida — have grown even more popular since borders were opened earlier this month to international travels, though plans and logistics could be upset by the emergence of the new COVID-19 omicron variant.

“The moment the borders and the flights were reopened in November, we started to see bookings from Europe and South America,” said Milton Sgarbi, a vice president at 1 Hotel South Beach, one of Miami’s most luxe oceanfront resorts.

“We had bachelorette parties, we had reunions, we had weddings, not as big as we used to have in the past, but small weddings almost every weekend. Last weekend, we had three weddings.”

LYNN SLADKY | AP PHOTO

Beach chairs and umbrellas line the beach, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Miami Beach, Fla. Despite the pandemic, the highend hotel flourished in 2021 with leisure travelers. Normally, they see an even mix of business and leisure, but he expects the business market will pick up in 2022, along with the international tourists Karen Aguilar came to Miami in November — just weeks after the borders reopened — to enjoy the sun from Bucaramanga, Colombia.

“You have to come and enjoy the views, the beaches, the people.

It’s very friendly and yeah, I’ll be back,” she said.

Miami and Florida typically have an even mix of domestic and international tourism, but with the borders closed because of COVID-19 in 2021, cities launched massive marketing campaigns courting U.S. tourists who were tired of being cooped up.

“Domestic tourism came back like gangbusters,” said Rolando Aedo, of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We expanded our market share of domestic visitors driven partially by the fact that Florida and Miami were open when others weren’t and there was a lot of pent-up de-

mand.”

While much of the country was shut down, several new hotels opened up in Miami; airlines including Southwest and JetBlue added Miami routes for the first time; and Aedo said the nation’s cruise capital of Miami broke ground on new port terminals to meet demand as several cruise lines, including Virgin, recently came onboard here.

Miami is also expanding as a destination: In addition to perenially popular South Beach, the burgeoning art district known as Wynwood has become a top

draw. Wynwood officials estimate nearly 6 million visitors will have checked out the trendy area in 2021, up from roughly 5 million in 2020.

Chic new restaurants and boutique shops opened all year long in Wynwood, where most of the buildings and sidewalks are covered in grand technicolor murals.

TripAdvisor even named Wynwood one of the coolest hipster destinations in the U.S. Andrew Cronin, a resident of Orlando, Florida, has visited South Beach several times, but now says, “I do like coming a little bit more to Wynwood and Brickell because you really get to feel the real experience of Miami, like the heart of Miami.”

The theme-park home of Orlando is always popular during tourist season, and now has big draws such as Disney’s 50th anniversary celebration; new attractions including Peppa Pig Theme Park, which opens in February; and several new hotels.

“The holiday season is going to be strong for our destination,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.

Advance bookings for Christmas and New Years in Orlando are at roughly 95% what they were during the holidays in 2019.

“As we look ahead, bookings for January and February are triple the volume we saw at this time last year,” Matej said.

Across Florida, vacation rentals through the end of the year are trending over 42% higher than 2019, and seat capacity on domestic flights is nearly 4% higher, according to VISIT FLORIDA. And 50 new hotels are slated to open throughout the Sunshine State by March.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

B7

2022 Hyundai Kona N

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HYUNDAI

A hot crossover is the car I never knew I needed An angry sheep in SUV clothing

than mere cosmetic changes. The Elantra N and Kona N both saw significant upgrades to the engine, brakes, suspension, exhaust, seats, and of course, some nice cosmetic tweaks. What’s the point of having a jumped-up version of a regular car if no one knows about it?

Driving the Elantra N on the track was basically what I expected. It was fast, handled well and was wildly fun and exciting. If you want a car that you can drive to work every day and then take to the track on weekends—and don’t

want to spend the money on a BMW or Porsche—the Elantra N is a great choice. And here’s a secret: it’s just as fun as those faster European monsters.

It’s always more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

And even a novice racing driver will have a ball taking the Elantra N to the limit. However, the Elantra is a sedan, and, as we know, Americans don’t like sedans. That’s why Hyundai is happy to sell you a Kona N crossover instead.

It has many of the same com-

ponents as its sedan sibling but is wrapped in a practical crossover exterior. And yes, before you ask, the handling is significantly compromised compared to the Elantra N. Still, it doesn’t matter because the Kona N is so surprising and hysterical that any concerns you have are instantly washed away in a cloud of tire smoke and exhaust noise. And what a noise it is.

Hyundai worked hard to make the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine sound fantastic, and it worked gloriously. The exhaust is full of pops, bangs, and crackles and might be the best sounding four-cylinder engine you can buy today.

I can’t decide if the most surprising thing about the Kona is its performance or simply the fact that it exists. I reviewed the Kona previously and found it to be an excellent small crossover. But I never imagined that Hyundai would put a turbocharged engine making 276 horsepower and 289 torque under the hood. The result is fantastic.

I thought long and hard about how to explain what driving the Kona and on a race track is like.

This is the best analogy I can come up with: it’s like riding an angry sheep. It can’t quite put its power down at full throttle, and under heavy braking, to call it squirrely would be kind. But boy, is it an exciting ride.

The Kona N is inherently compromised by the platform it rides on. It has a higher ride height than the Elantra, and to their credit, Hyundai decided to keep it at the same height as the regular Kona.

That means that even with the sporting upgrades, it can still drive down a leaf-strewn lane or through some snow if that’s what you need it to do.

The essence of any hot hatch is to remain eminently practical

of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on December 13, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Stedman in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: ALL of Lot 22, Rosewood Park, Section I, as shown recorded in Book of Plats 34, Page 64, Cumberland County Registry.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 516 Hillsboro Street, Stedman, North Carolina.

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the

purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed

By Jordan Golson North State Journal SONOMA, Calif. — I love a good hot hatch.

I drove a Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch a couple of weeks ago and liked it. However, Americans aren’t particularly interested in hatchbacks anymore.

Sure, there are a handful that are popular like the Mazda3 or…

OK, that’s the only one I can think of. Even the venerable Volkswagen Golf only exists in GTI or R spec now; the standard Golf isn’t even sold in America anymore.

And the hot hatch is going extinct too. The excellent Ford Focus RS is no more, and the Mazdaspeed 3 is gone too. All that’s left is the GTI and the Hyundai Veloster N. And that Veloster N sells in meager numbers.

We Americans don’t want hatchbacks, no matter how much the car journalist in me might want them to. Instead, it’s all SUVs and crossovers. And it makes sense, right?

Crossovers have a higher seating position and a taller roof, and, theoretically, they can haul more stuff. Whether that’s true or not is up for debate, But they remain extremely popular. And so, what is a hot hatch enthusiast supposed to buy now? Well, they could buy one of the remaining hot hatches… But Hyundai has a surprise for them.

It’s the Kona N, And it’s maybe the most surprising car of the year. Hyundai invited me to wine country to test drive the new Kona N and its sibling, the Elantra N, at Sonoma raceway. N is the Hyundai equivalent of Mercedes AMG or BMWs M division.

And N cars are much more

while being potent, sporty, and fun and the Kona N is the perfect embodiment of this. On the inside, it’s a standard Kona crossover, albeit with some lovely sporty seats.

That’s my favorite part about it.

It’s not particularly loud or shouty unless you put it in sport mode and turn the exhaust noise up. You could easily drive it every day and then take it out on the weekends to your favorite curvy back road or even an actual race track and have a fantastic time. All the while, you can take the kids to school or make a grocery run with ease.

Just about the only thing I can knock it for—and this is unavoidable—is the incredibly stiff suspension. The Elantra N has a firm, track-ready suspension, but it can be adjusted to be something close to comfortable. The Kona N’s softest option is still significantly firmer than the Elantra’s firmest, and then it gets worse from there. But it’s a sports car wrapped in a crossover suit. What do you expect?

As long as you don’t expect Rolls-Royce levels of comfort or much comfort at all on particularly rough roads, you’ll love the Kona N. And trust me, the joys of driving an angry sheep far outweigh the downside.

All of Hyundai‘s N cars are real sports cars. They take the N badge very seriously, and for that reason, the Kona N should probably not exist. Who takes an average crossover and turns it into a sports car?

I don’t even know what other vehicles this competes with.

But I hope it is successful. I would love for Hyundai to sell a ton of them and for other brands to create sporty versions of their crossovers too. Is a Honda CRV R or a Ford Escape RS too much to hope for? Probably. But we do have the Kona N, and that’s something we can all be thankful for.

on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 314

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Dennis D. Hammond and Judy Mae Hammond (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Dennis D. Hammond and Judy Mae Hammond, Heirs of Dennis D. Hammond a/k/a Dennis Dale Hammond: Shiela Renee Brown, Kasey Holmes) to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), dated September 30, 2004, and recorded in Book No. 6675, at Page 628 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on December 18, 2017, in Book No. 10221, at Page 567, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 1682

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kenneth Johnson (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Kenneth R. Johnson and Angela Parker Jones, Heirs of Kenneth R. Johnson a/k/a Kenneth Johnson: Angela Parker Jones a/k/a Angela P. Jones) to Law Offices of Miranda McCoy, Trustee(s), dated September 25, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 10380, at Page 0682 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the

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.

courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on December 13, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 40, in a subdivision known as “EVERGREEN SOUTH” according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Plat Book 37, Page 44, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4114 Dellwood Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.Property Address: 4114 Dellwood Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304PIN: 0416-62-1276 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by

c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2393 - 5426

providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1288732 - 10371

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

B8 TAKE NOTICE

JOHNSTON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 237

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Algernon Parker (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Algernon Parker) to CTC Real Estate Services, Trustee(s), dated September 20, 2000, and recorded in Book No. 1972, at Page 647 and re-recorded in Book No. 3878, at Page 404 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for

ONSLOW NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 332

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Donald Allen and Beatriz Allen (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Donald Allen and Beatriz Allen) to WFG National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated September 24, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 4522, at Page 57 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed

WAKE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 16 SP 2726

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Eric Bryant and Danielle Bryant (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Danielle A. Bryant and Eric J. Bryant) to Bagwell, Holt, Smith, Jones & Crowson PA, Trustee(s), dated April 14, 2011, and recorded in Book No. 14327, at Page 513 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 17 SP 2526

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Stanesha R. Harris (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Stanesha R. Harris) to CB Services Corp., Trustee(s), dated September 7, 2004, and recorded in Book No. 11008, at Page 2543 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on November 1, 2016, in Book No. 16589, at Page 1270 , default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 1230

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Julie A. Orr and Scott W. Orr (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Julie A. Orr and Scott W. Orr) to Coastal Federal Financial Group, LLC, Trustee(s), dated November 17, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 016980, at Page 02088 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location

CABARRUS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 21SP151 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY RYAN SMITHSON AND STACIE SMITHSON DATED DECEMBER 20, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7975 AT PAGE 95 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

CUMBERLAND 20 SP 176 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Wilbert Lee Jones, Jr. to Donald W. Courtney, Trustee(s), which was dated August 26, 2011 and recorded on August 29, 2011 in Book 08710 at Page 0354, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note

21 SP 586 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jerel B Foster and Angelia Foster to Michael J. Broker, Trustee(s), which was dated October 21, 2004 and recorded on October 27, 2004 in Book 6694 at Page 696 and rerecorded/modified/ corrected on March 28, 2005 in Book 6828, Page 592, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 618

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Michael Davis and Donna Davis (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Walton Organization LLC) to Hutchens, Senter & Britton, P.A., Trustee(s), dated April 2, 2009, and recorded in Book No. 8116, at Page 68 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or

sale at the courthouse door in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on December 14, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Clayton in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the northern right of way line of Hickory Drive, said point being a common corner between Lot #106 and Lot #107, said beginning point is located 588.87 feet from a point where the northern right of way line of Hickory Drive intersects the western right of way line of N.C.S.R. #1501; thence from the above-described beginning point, the line runs as the northern right of way line of Hickory Drive, North 28 degrees 50’ 46” West 120 feet to a point, a common corner between Lot #106 and Lot #105; thence the line runs as the line between Lot #105 and Lot #106, North 66 degrees 43’ East 200 feet; thence the line runs as the line between Lot #106 and Lot #96, South 25 degrees 29’ East 119.9 feet; thence the line runs as the line between Lot #106 and Lot #107, South 63 degrees 51’ 30” West 192.83 feet to the BEGINNING, and being all of Lot #106 of the Whitley Heights subdivision (not recorded); according to a survey of the property of Algernon Parker

by Vernon Wayne Johnson dated September 15, 2000,

that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on December 16, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Richlands in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the Richlands Township, Onslow County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 36, Rolling Meadows Subdivision, Section 2, as shown on map entitled, final plat Rolling Meadows Subdivision, Section 2, dated June 25, 2007 and recorded in Map Book 53, Page 189, Slide 63, of the Onslow County Register of Deeds. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 204 High Meadow Court, Richlands, North Carolina.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third

that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 13, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Knightdale in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 94, Brookfield Station Subdivision, per plat and survey thereof recorded in Book of Maps 2007, Pages 2248-2250, inclusive, Wake County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 113 Cinder Street, Knightdale, North Carolina. Less and Excepting from this conveyance any and all subsurface resources as defined and described in that Mineral Deed from D.R. Horton, Inc., to DRH Energy, Inc., recorded in Book 13997, Page 2389, Wake County Registry.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale

Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 13, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wendell in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Located in the Marks Creek Township, Wake County, North Carolina and being described as Lot 19, Woodtrace Subdivision, as shown on that plat recorded in Book of Maps 1997, Page 1240, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6824 Woodtrace Drive, Wendell, North Carolina.

Street address: 6824 Woodtrace Dr., Wendell, NC 27591 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).

designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 15, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Holly Springs in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 58, Holly Glen East, Phase 2, as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 2005, Pages 19981999 (1998), Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 101 Rivendell Drive, Holly Springs, North Carolina.

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security

and containing 0.52 acre, more or less. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 120 Hickory Drive, Clayton, North Carolina.

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

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

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

encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00),

whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice

of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property

pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by

providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1223755 - 10213

agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

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

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 11:00AM on December 13, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Ryan Smithson and Stacie Smithson, dated December 20, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $127,500.00, and recorded in Book 7975 at Page 95 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 8 Paddington Drive SW, Concord, NC 28025 Tax Parcel ID: 55395873080000 Present Record Owners: R Smithson and Stacie L. Smithson

evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 15, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 18 as shown on plat entitled “SUBDIVISION AND RECOMBINATION MAP FOR SUNTREE FARMS” accordingtoplatofsamebeingdulyrecordedinBookofPlats 90, Page 10, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

2

to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3417 - 8821

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2963 - 7161

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1192930 - 12376

cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 4757 - 17824

conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

It is the intention of this deed of trust to convey with the above described property that certain manufactured home located on said property which home has been converted to real estate and is more particularly described as one 1996 Clayton Limited Edition Skyline with vehicle identification number 8L141087I.

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

Said property is commonly known as 10500 Colliers Chapel Church Rd, Linden, NC 28356.

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds

of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All lawful heirs of Wilbert L. Jones, Jr. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-01362-FC01

Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 15, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: Lot 155, Saddleridge Subdivision, Section Three, in Plat Book 110, Page 4 of the Cumberland County Records.

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

Said property is commonly known as 3135 Totley Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306.

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset

bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Jerel B. Foster and Agelia D. Foster.

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

against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

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

to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 21-06010-FC01

the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on December 13, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 16 in the subdivision known as Brookwood Court as shown on plat of same by Sol C. Rose, dated October, 1951, and recorded in Book of Plats 13, Page 71, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1338 Taylor Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Parcel ID Number: 0438-63-7448 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for

any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by

providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3175 - 7860

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And Being more commonly known as: 82 Paddington Drive SW, Concord, NC 28025 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Ryan Smithson and Stacie L. Smithson.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety

The date of this Notice is October 28, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109332

Parkway,

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

B9

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20sp204 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JERRY W. KING DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2018 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 10407 AT PAGE 475 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19sp1049 NOTICE OF SALE IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MARY W. HANSBRO DATED DECEMBER 18, 1997 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4777 AT PAGE 845 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of

19 SP 176 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Lavedia M. Edwards and Nathan K. Edwards to H. Terry Hutchens, Trustee(s), which was dated August 15, 2013 and recorded on August 19, 2013 in Book 09272 at Page 0353, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 8, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North

20 SP 95 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Krina Kenyon to Philp Mahoney, Trustee(s), which was dated December 27, 2012 and recorded on December 28, 2012 in Book 09076 at Page 0627, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 8, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19SP181 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ARNOLD BOGERTY AND LINH BOGERTY DATED MARCH 1, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7166 AT PAGE 144 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED AUGUST 8, 2013 IN BOOK 9264 PAGE 396 AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JULY 21, 2017 IN BOOK 10134 AT PAGE 230 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the

JOHNSTON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 19SP673 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY RANDY J. JEFFCOAT AND EVELYN I. JEFFCOAT DATED MARCH 18, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK3678ATPAGE207ANDMODIFIEDBYAGREEMENT RECORDED AUGUST 26, 2014 IN BOOK 4491 AT PAGE 1 AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED AUGUST 1, 2017 IN BOOK 5001 AT PAGE 879 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 133

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Ray Lawrence (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Ray Lawrence) to H. Terry Hutchens, Esq., Trustee(s), dated April 25, 2019, and recorded in Book No. 5338, at Page 100 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on December 7, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Clayton in the County of Johnston, North

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 290

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Robert R. Crossgrove and Diana F. Crossgrove (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Robert R. Crossgrove and Diana F. Crossgrove, Heirs of Robert R. Crossgrove: Margaret Crossgrove a/k/a Maggie Crossgrove, Kathryn Crossgrove a/k/a Kathy Crossgrove, James Crossgrove a/k/a Jim Crossgrove) to James D. Johnson, Jr., Trustee(s), dated October 26, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 3229, at Page 189 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the

and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on December 6, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Jerry W. King, dated November 16, 2018 to secure the original principal amount of $164,000.00, and recorded in Book 10407 at Page 475 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: Windflower Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28314 Tax Parcel ID: 6970Present Record Owners:

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2

4

9 47 7- 51Jerry W. King

And Being more commonly known as: 6024 Windflower

said county at 10:30AM on December 6, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Mary W. Hansbro, dated December 18, 1997 to secure the original principal amount of $61,800.00, and recorded in Book 4777 at Page 845 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28301 Tax Parcel ID: 1283Present Record Owners: Mary W. Hansbro

2518 Vestal 0428-89The Estate of

And Being more commonly known as: 2518 Vestal Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28301 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the

Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 204 in a subdivision known as Sheffield Farms North, Section Three and being duly recorded in Book of Plats 122, Page 94, Cumberland County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 4605 Scenic Pines Drive, Hope Mills, NC 28348.

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty

Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 8 IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS WYNNHAVEN, PLAT OF THE SAME BEING RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 129, PAGE 195, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 3729 Badin Lake Lane, Fayetteville, NC 28314.

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS

secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 11:00AM on December 6, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Arnold Bogerty and Linh Bogerty, dated March 1, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $152,101.00, and recorded in Book 7166 at Page 144 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28314 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Jerry W. King.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory

records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Mary W. Hansbro.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner

relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Nathan K. Edwards and Lavedia M. 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 sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is

WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Krina S. Kenyon.

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)

The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Arnold E. Bogerty and Linh T. Bogerty.

And Being more commonly known as: 2400 Gray Goose Loop, Fayetteville, NC 28306

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND

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 the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on December 14, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Randy J. Jeffcoat and Evelyn I. Jeffcoat, dated March 18, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of $144,900.00, and recorded in Book 3678 at Page 207 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 3244 Medlin Rd, Clayton, NC 27527 Tax Parcel ID: 16J02044B Present Record Owners: Randy J. Jeffcoat and Evelyn I. Jeffcoat And Being more commonly known as: 3244 Medlin Rd, Clayton, NC 27527 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Randy J. Jeffcoat and Evelyn I. Jeffcoat.

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

Address of property: Goose Loop, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Tax Parcel ID: 2152Present Record Owners: Bogerty and Linh T. Bogerty

2400

Gray

0415-85Arnold

E.

Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The Land referred to herein below is situated in the County of JOHNSTON, State of NC, and is described as follows: Being all of Lot 122, Phase Two, Bristol at Cobblestone Subdivision, as shown on map recorded in Plat Book 84, Pages 378 through 380, Johnston County Registry.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 58 Onyx Court, Clayton, North Carolina.

Being the same property as conveyed from Royal Oaks Building Group, LLC to Ray Lawrence, unmarried, as set forth in Deed Book 5092 Page 55 dated 12/21/2017, recorded 01/25/2018, JOHNSTON County, NORTH CAROLINA. Tax ID: 05H03044K 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

undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on December 7, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Selma in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 32 of the Edgebrook Estates, Phase II, Subdivision, as shown on plat by Ragsdale Engineering, P.A., dated March 1980, and recorded in Plat Book 22, Page 5, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 414 Bennett Drive, Selma, North Carolina.

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to

($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for

upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109450

Parkway,

Suite

400

Parkway,

Suite

400

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is November 16, 2021.

will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-106462

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is November 16, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee

liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

File No.: 19-00479-FC01

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587

(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

File No.: 20-00612-FC01

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587

OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 16-087483

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is October 22, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter

Parkway,

Suite

400

all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate

any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is October 20, 2021.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-108251

in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2813 - 6734

effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2818 - 6757

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

B10 TAKE NOTICE

JOHNSTON 20 SP 142 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by George E. Cooley and Jacqueline T. Cooley to Getter Law Offices PA, Trustee(s), which was dated July 27, 2009 and recorded on August 6, 2009 in Book 3742 at Page 650, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for

ONSLOW AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 17 SP 791

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kiersten Harner and Ethan Allen (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Kiersten Harner and Ethan Allen) to Pamela S. Cox, Trustee(s), dated September 26, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 4516, at Page 118 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 300

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Roland Rene Escalante (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Roland Rene Escalante) to Donna Bradford, Trustee(s), dated March 13, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 4588, at Page 576 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 343

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Dakota L. Webb and Kaleigh A. Richards (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Dakota L. Webb and Kaleigh A. Richards) to Donna Bradford, Trustee(s), dated August 11, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 4658, at Page 721 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or

RANDOLPH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 78

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Claude W. Pruitt (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Claude W. Pruitt and Imogene B. Pruitt) to Shapiro & Kreisman, Trustee(s), dated October 4, 2002, and recorded in Book No. 1785, at Page 0348 in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 254

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Larry G. Cox and Peggy C. Cox (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Larry G. Cox and Peggy C. Cox) to Richard M. Pearman, Jr., P.A., Trustee(s), dated December 7, 2006, and recorded in Book No. RE2002, at Page 1686 in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 14, 2021 and will sell to the

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 21SP149 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CHRISTOPHER EUGENE JARRETT AND GLENDA SIMMONS JARRETT DATED NOVEMBER 27, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2158 AT PAGE 1406 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to

21 SP 161 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Sandra Gaile Small to Investors Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated January 10, 2005 and recorded on January 14, 2005 in Book RE 1903 at Page 2578, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 14, 2021 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 21SP124 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WANDA SPIVEY DATED MARCH 4, 2002 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1754 AT PAGE 2248 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained

conducting the sale on December 7, 2021 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to wit: PREMISES IN CLAYTON TOWNSHIP, JOHNSTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING IN CLAYTON TOWNSHIP JOHNSTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, AND BEING BOUNDED NOW OR FORMERLY ASFOLLOWS:ONTHEEAST BYW.G. MASSEY AND AN EASEMENT ON THE SOUTH BY R. GLENN POWELLANDONTHENORTHANDBYN.C.S.R.1560,AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED BY FEE SIMPLE DEED FROM W.G. MASSEY AND WIFE, CHRISTINE B. MASSEY TO GEORGE E. COOLEY AND JACQUELINE T. COOLEY, DATED 11/29/1978 RECORDED ON 11/30/1976 IN BOOK 845, PAGE 889 IN JOHNSTON COUNTY RECORDS, STATE OF NC. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 209 Ranch Rd, Clayton, NC 27520.

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due

and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are George E. Cooley.

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the

sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-19042-FC02

costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00),

whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed

on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by

providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for

the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on December 9, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 22 Block D, as shown on that certain plat entitled “The Crossing At Country Club Section I,” prepared

by Parker and Associates, Inc., on November 1, 1993, and recorded in Map Book 30, Page 94, Slide C-282, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 304 Huff Drive, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Subject to restrictive covenants recorded in Book 1174, Page 861, Onslow County Registry.

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

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in

the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed

on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3014 - 7296

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

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

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

State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property

pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE

BEGINNING AT A POINT IN THE SOUTHEASTERN RIGHTOF-WAY OF N.C.S.R. 1560, SAID BEGINNING POINT BEING NORTH 32 DEGREES 00 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST 486.75 FEET FROM THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE PROPERTY OF GLENN POWELL, A COMMON CORNER WITH WILLIAM A. HILL, AND THE LINE RUNS THENCE NORTH 32 DEGREES 00 SECONDS EAST 337.90 FEET AND ALONG THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SAID ROAD TO A STAKE A NEW CORNER WITH W.G. MASSEY, THENCE WITH MASSEY’S LINE SOUTH 51 DEGREES 46 MINUTES 05 SECONDS EAST 37.51 FEET TO A STAKE, A NEW CORNER WITH W.G. MASSEY; THENCE SOUTH

of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on December 9, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 480, Sterling Farms, Phase 2 as shown on a map of same duly recorded in Map Book 58 at Pages 7, 7A and 7B of the Onslow County Registry, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 102 Turquoise Drive, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court

foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on December 9, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Richlands in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of that 1.18 acre, more or less, tract of land known as Lot 11, as shown on that survey entitled, “Duffy Field Place, Section II for Walnut Hills of N.C., Inc.”, dated April 12, 2001

by John Wesley Parker, PLS and recorded in Map Book 41, Page 72, Slide K-1019, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 121 Indian Cave Drive, Richlands, North Carolina.

that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on December 7, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Trinity in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING ALL OF LOT NO. 29, containing 3.643 acres, more or less, of Brookgreen Subdivision Map One, Section Two, as shown on plat recorded in Plat Book 55, Page 98, Randolph County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2416 Wildwood Road, Trinity, North Carolina.

This Conveyance is made SUBJECT TO the septic drain field easements and sewer line easements for Lots Nos. 26, 28, and 30 as shown on plat recorded in Plat Book 58, Page 71, Randolph County Registry.

This conveyance is subject to all easements and rights of way of record and to restrictions recorded in Book 1590, Page 1725, Randolph County Registry.

highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Asheboro in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Grant Township, Randolph County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows:BEING ALL of Lot No. 21, of Indian Wells Subdivision, as shown on plat recorded in Plat Book 25, Page 19, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Randolph County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 849 Sonora Drive, Asheboro, North Carolina.

This property is subject to the following restrictions:(1) The above described lot shall be used for residential purposes only.(2) No junked automobiles or other unsightly materials or conditions shall be allowed or maintained on said property.(3) The above described property is subject to all restrictions covenants and easements of record.(4) No single wide mobile homes allowed on the above described lot.

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.

perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 1:00PM on December 8, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Christopher Eugene Jarrett and Glenda Simmons Jarrett, dated November 27, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of $39,806.24, and recorded in Book 2158 at Page 1406 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: Walker Ave, Randleman, NC 27317

121

Russell

described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: Level Cross Township, Randolph County, North Carolina: BEGINNING at an existing iron pipe, said iron pipe being in the northern line of T.T. Adams Estate and also being in the westernmost edge of a road; thence North 86 degrees 55 minutes 25 seconds West 322.69 feet along the northern edge of T.T. Adams Estate to a point in the eastern edge of a road; thence along the eastern edge of a road North 21 degrees 42 minutes 18 seconds East 688.21 feet to a point in the intersection of a fork road; thence South 16 degrees 23 minutes 50 seconds East 86.99 feet along the western edge of a road to a point; thence along the western edge of a road South 04 degrees 55 minutes 58 seconds East 523.01 feet to a point; thence leaving the westernmost edge of a road, only slightly, traveling South 01 degree 59 minutes 47 seconds West 52.25 feet to the point and place of Beginning, and containing 2.573 acres, more or less, as described and depicted on an unrecorded plat entitled “Survey for R.C. Adams and C.B. Adams” dated August 13, 1991 as prepared by Surveying Services.

and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on December 8, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Wanda Spivey, dated March 4, 2002 to secure the original principal amount of $59,250.00, and recorded in Book 1754 at Page 2248 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 220 South, Seagrove, NC 27341 Tax Parcel ID:

9519 US Hwy 7664827295

08 DEGREES 13 MINUTES 43 SECONDS WEST 283.89 FEET TO A STAKE, CORNERING THENCE NORTH 83 DEGREES 59 MINUTES 40 SECONDS WEST 168.71 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 0.694 ACRES MORE OF LESS AND BEING THE TWO NORTHERNMOST LOTS SHOWN ON A PLAT BY DENNIS R. BLACKMON, R.L.S., DATED NOVEMBER 30, 1978, DRAWING NO. 78-28, BEING STYLED PROPERTY OF GEORGE E. COOLEY AND WIFE, JACQUELINE T. COOLEY.

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the

Tax Parcel ID: Present Record Owners: Eugene Jarrett

7764871368 Christopher

And Being more commonly known as: 121 Russell Walker Ave, Randleman, NC 27317 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Christopher Eugene Jarrett.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities

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

Said property is commonly known as 4448 Old Walker Mill Rd, Randleman, NC 27317.

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes,

(PIN); 0013272 (REID) Present Record Owners: Wanda R. Spivey

The Heirs of

And Being more commonly known as: 9519 US Hwy 220 South, Seagrove, NC 27341 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Wanda R. Spivey.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities

purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed

arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are

special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Sandra Gaile Small.

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

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

arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1219565 - 10209

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3013 - 7293

c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1092 - 1696

on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1278076 - 20350

a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is September 16, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 21-111625

Parkway,

Suite

400

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 21-04785-FC01

a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is November 18, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 03-43285

Parkway,

Suite

400

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

B11

TAKE NOTICE

RANDOLPH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 204

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kimberly S. Canter (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Kimberly S. Canter) to Jim Jones, Trustee(s), dated February 15, 2007, and recorded in Book No. RE2012, at Page 2355 in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on December 14, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Asheboro in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

UNION 19 SP 444 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, UNION COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jennifer Ghera to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), which was dated January 16, 2015 and recorded on January 16, 2015 in Book 06368 at Page 0315, Union County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 201

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Wanda M. Phillips and David A. Phillips (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): NC-SDS, LLC) to Constance R. Stienstra, Trustee(s), dated November 1, 2004, and recorded in Book No. 3624, at Page 310 in Union County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on December 2, 2015, in Book No. 6577, at Page 72, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location

WAKE AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 15 SP 570

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Nicholas J. Santopietro and Dawn C. Santopietro (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Nicholas J. Santopietro and Dawn C. Santopietro) to CTC Foreclosure Services Corporation, Trustee(s), dated June 2, 1997, and recorded in Book No. 7493, at Page 0793 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on May 20, 2013, in Book No. 15277, at Page 212, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 125

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Lisa Depka and Ciara Conary (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Lisa Depka and Ciara Conary) to Roper & Taylor, P.A., Trustee(s), dated October 29, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 017279, at Page 00274 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 2426

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Dwayne M. Williams (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Dwayne M. Williams) to Matheson Law Firm, P.A., Trustee(s), dated June 6, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 017151, at Page 01300 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 20sp138 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JOSEPH COLOMBO AND JENNIFER COLOMBO DATED SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 15448 AT PAGE 1871 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 18SP2419 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ELIZABETH E. DABNEY AND JAMAINE A. DABNEY DATED AUGUST 2, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 11509 AT PAGE 331 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the

19 SP 126 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by James Russell Brim and Jackie Lynn Brim to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), which was dated October 9, 2013 and recorded on October 15, 2013 in Book 015473 at Page 01270, 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

All of that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Asheboro Township, Randolph County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an existing iron pipe in the northern right of way of NC Secondary Road No. 1424, also known as the Old Farmer Road, said iron pipe being M. A. Moodys southwest corner and said iron pipe being located South 75 deg. 22 min. 53 sec. West 111.92 feet from an existing iron pipe; thence from the point and place of beginning and along the northern right of way line of NC Secondary Road No. 1424, South 65 deg. 26 min. 29 sec.

West 64.50 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence continuing along the northern right of way of NC Secondary Road No. 1424, South 64 deg. 45 min. 27 sec. West 20.24 feet to an existing iron pipe, Homer Hammonds southeast corner; thence leaving the right of way of NC Secondary Raod No. 1424 and along Hammonds line the following courses and distances: North 4 deg. 40 min. 51 sec. East 107.69 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 83 deg. 22 min. 49 sec. West 23.75 feet to a new iron rod; thence North 05 deg. 19 min. 43 sec. East 22.63 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 82 deg. 59 min. 12 sec. West 101.52 feet to an existing iron pipe, the southeast corner of Lot No. 103 of Rushwood Park No. 2 as shown in Plat Book 1, Page 233 Randolph County Registry; thence leaving Hammonds line and along the eastern line of Lot No. 103, North 08 deg. 09’ 03” East 232.86 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence leaving the eastern line of Lot No. 103 South 83 deg. 14 min. 53 sec. East 94.19 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence South 06 deg. 35 min. 29 sec. West 50.06 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence South 82 deg. 48 min. 13 sec. East 97.76 feet

to an existing iorn pipe, M.A. Moodys northwestern corner; thence along Moodys western line, South 05 deg. 51 min.

00 sec. West a total 268.41 feet crossing a new iron rod at 182. 32 feet to an existing iron pipe located in the northern right of way of NC Secondary Road No. 1424, the point and place of beginning and containing 1.133 acres, more or less, to an unrecorded plat entitled survey for Kimberly Robbins Brown, prepared by Surveying Services, Roland D. Ward, R.L.S., and dated June 10, 1992, as revised July 21 1992. The above description consists of Lots 104-111 of Rushwood Park No. 2, as shown in Plat Book 1, Page 233, Randolph County Registry, and a portion of Lots 1 and 2 of The Parrish-Ross Subdivision as shown on a plat in Plat Book 2, Page 47, Randolph County Registry, together with a portion of land lying between said subdivisions. Being the same property conveyed by Kimberly Robbins Brown (a Fee Trader) to Jeffrey G. Canter and Kimberly S. Canter

by Deed dated 05/09/1994 and recorded on 05/10/1994 in Book 1392 Page 1190 by fee simple Deed the said Jeffrey G. Canter having conveyed its interest to the said Kimberly S. Canter, dated 09/08/2004 recorded on 09/13/2004 in Book RE 1886, Page 436 in Randolph County Records, State of NC. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1628 Old Farmer Road, Asheboro, North Carolina.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars

($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may

request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3814 - 12669

evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 14, 2021 at 12:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Union County, North Carolina, to wit: Being know and designated as all of Lot 101 of that subdivision known as Wesley Woods, Phase II, as shown on a plat thereof recorded in the Union County Public Registry in Plat Cabinet C, File 466; Reference to which is hereby made for a more particularly description. Being the same property conveyed to the Borrower(s) herein by Deed recorded contemporaneously herewith. Parcel #: 07096259 Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 908 Woodhurst Drive, Monroe, NC 28110.

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Jennifer Ghera.

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

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

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

to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-10858-FC01

designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on December 9, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Indian Trail in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land with improvements thereon, situated in the County of Union, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:BEING all of Lot 33 in Block of BRAXTON AT BRANDON OAKS Map 3 as the same is shown on a map thereof recorded in Plat Cabinet D, File #634, Union County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 117 Aylesbury Lane, Indian Trail, North Carolina.This is the same property conveyed to Wanda M. Chong (unmarried) and David A. Phillips (unmarried) by deed of Pulte Home Corporation, dated August 31, 1995 and recorded September 5, 1995 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Union County in Book 808, Page 448.Parcel Number: 07-117-115 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1221564 - 12379

of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 6, 2021 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 163, Village Grove, Section 3 as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 1982, Page 1140, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2505 Village Grove Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00),

whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice

of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1153617 - 14190

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice

of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

1:30 PM on December 13, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fuquay Varina in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the Middle Creek Township, Wake County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 45, Sunset Forest Subdivision, Phase 1, as recorded in Map Book 1996, page 1694 of the Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1401 East Stonemason Drive, Fuquay Varina, North Carolina.

Property Address: 1401 E Stonemason Drive, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 Tax ID: 0230401 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by

providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1284862 - 9779

secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 11:00AM on December 10, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Joseph Colombo and Jennifer Colombo, dated September 20, 2013 to secure the original principal amount of $166,351.00, and recorded in Book 15448 at Page 1871 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Colombo and Jennifer Colombo

all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 6, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Cary in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 5 in Briarcliff, Section 1 as shown on plat recorded in Book of Maps 1967, Vol. 1 Page 6, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1205 Pond Street, Cary, North Carolina.

Address of property: 7 3 8 Sycamore Springs Drive, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 0356317 Tax Parcel ID: J o s e p h Present Record Owners:

secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 11:00AM on December 17, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Elizabeth E. Dabney and Jamaine A. Dabney, dated August 2, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $125,000.00, and recorded in Book 11509 at Page 331 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

And Being more commonly known as: 738 Sycamore Springs Drive, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Joseph Colombo and Jennifer Colombo.

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

Dabney and Jamaine A. Dabney And Being more commonly known as: 803 Roanoke Dr, Cary, NC 27513 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Elizabeth E. Dabney and Jamaine A. Dabney.

0094532 Elizabeth E.

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

will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 8, 2021 at 12:00 PM, 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 6, Pine Summit Subdivision, as recorded in Book of Maps 2002, Pages 1818-1819, Wake County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 7428 Pine Summit Drive, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526.

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset

bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are James Russell Brim and Jackie Lynn Brim.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued

Address of property: Dr, Cary, NC 27513 Tax Parcel ID: Present Record Owners:

803 Roanoke

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the

all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the

pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1277934 - 10312

The date of this Notice is October 22, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-108641

Parkway,

Suite

400

purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is November 3, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 14-057783

Parkway,

Suite

400

of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 18-24058-FC01

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From November 24, 2021

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 40 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021 | RANDOLPHRECORD.COM

THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randolph record

PHOTOS VIA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS AND NCLEG.GOV

Counterclockwise from top: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson gavels in the opening of the 2021 legislative session in January, 2021; House Speaker Tim Moore speaks to reporters on Nov. 18, 2021 after the House approved the state budget; Rep. Allen McNeill; Rep. Pay Hurley; Sen. Dave Craven.

COUNTY NEWS

General Assembly wraps up long session

By North State Journal staff

Asheboro Christmas Parade set for Friday night Asheboro The Asheboro Christmas Parade will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday in downtown Asheboro.

This is a drive-through parade designed to provide an alternative activity for those who would rather stay in their vehicles. Multiple trips will be permitted as time and traffic permits.

Parade goers are welcome to visit downtown businesses and view Christmas displays and parade entries while walking on sidewalks.

Visitors walking downtown will be assisted by Asheboro Police Department officers to cross Sunset Avenue at the intersections of Church Street and at the railroad tracks during the parade.

All affected streets will be closed at 5 p.m. and will reopen as quickly as possible after the parade ends at 9 p.m.

Drive-through participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles, with an award for the best lighted vehicle to promote Light Up Asheboro.

Asheboro The Randolph County Young Life Winter Sprinter 5K will be held Saturday morning in downtown Asheboro.

Runners, walkers, and dog jog participants are welcomed.

Awards will immediately follow to three winners in each age/ sex category.

The race begins and ends at Bicentennial Park.

20177 52016 $1.00

County museum proposal would convert historic courthouse

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

Randolph Co. group to put on 5K race

5

RALEIGH — The North Carolina General Assembly wrapped up late Monday nearly all of its work for the calendar year, although vetoes, redistricting rulings or other items could bring lawmakers back to Raleigh for more activity within weeks.

The session, which began the session in January, ended with votes on more than a dozen measures before members of the House and Senate left Raleigh.

One bill heading for Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk — that sources say he is likely to veto — would prohibit election boards and officials in counties from accepting private money to run elections, which happened in 2020. It was approved on a party-line vote with Democrats opposing the bill. Another measure receiving final approval — spurred on by a stinging state audit last year of Rocky Mount’s

8

finances — places new conflict-of-interest rules upon local government officials across the state, subjecting them to possible felonies when personal financial gain is the result.

The approval of a 35-page measure making mostly technical changes to the new state budget sets aside another $107 million for Piedmont Triad International Airport improvements should an airplane manufacturer choose to expand in Guilford County. The company isn’t identified in the bill text, but one legislator referred to it as “Project Thunderbird.”

Another finalized bill likely to get scrutiny from Cooper in part would prohibit local governments from barring a type of energy service based on the fuel type — such as natural gas, for example.

After Monday, the legislature will hold no-vote meetings until Dec. 10 — a parliamentary ma-

ASHEBORO — There’s movement toward the creation of a Randolph County museum to be housed on the first floor of the historic courthouse.

“Placing a museum on the first floor here is quite feasible and in and of itself not all that costly,” said Ross Holt, the Randolph County Library director who presented a feasibility study on the project to county commissioners.

“We are at a decision point.”

Much of the cost associated with the museum is connected to renovations to the courthouse, Holt said. He said it’s a two-pronged project.

In all, the price tag could be as high as nearly $2.84 million.

County commissioners approved $198,600 to go ahead with design work with Hobbs Architects from Pittsboro.

Holt said his group’s study determined that the courthouse’s first floor is well-suited for a museum. There are three areas that can be repurposed into about 2,000 square feet of potential exhibit space in the $300,000 cost range.

The biggest expense would be more than $1.96 million for the addition of an elevator tower on the building’s east side that would be needed to meet code requirements, and for an HVAC system for the basement and first floor.

Chevon Moore with Hobbs Architects said some demolition work is needed to repair water damage in the basement. Else-

neuver designed to limit Cooper’s time to act on legislation to no more than 10 days.

Then lawmakers could return starting Dec. 30 for limited purposes, such as veto overrides, votes on last-minute negotiated measures between the two chambers and to address bills that are related to redistricting. But legislative leaders said any necessary actions are unlikely to occur until early January 2022.

This year’s session, which began in earnest on Jan. 27, marks the second longest uninterrupted annual session since at least 1965, when calculated by the number of days lawmakers hold chamber floor meetings, according to legislative data.

The longest was in 2001. This year, COVID-19 precautions and aid, a later tax filing deadline and a massive revenue surplus all combined with redistricting to extend the session into the late fall.

where, there were positives.

“The building is in really good shape” on some floors, Moore said.

She said a renovation plan would include taking out an existing elevator and stairway, so that new ones would meet existing code requirements.

Holt said Hobbs Architects guided reconstruction of the Chatham County Courthouse after a 2010 fire and redeveloped that site into a local history museum.

Randolph County has precious historic artifacts, Holt said, that need to be properly preserved.

That makes storage areas a critical need for the museum.

Holt said visions of a long-desired Randolph County history museum “to tell Randolph County’s unique story” are becoming closer to reality.

Design work and the bidding process for work are expected to take about 11 months. Then the construction phase would likely be another 12 months.

Randolph County’s legislative delegation had a busy session. Rep. Pat Hurley (R-Randolph) is the senior member of the delegation. She sponsored 78 bills during the long session, serving as a primary sponsor on 29 bills and the lead sponsor on eight. Eighteen of her bills were passed by both chambers with 17 of those bills becoming law. The final bill, one regarding UNC System requests and COVID policies, is pending action by a conference committee of House and Senate members.

Rep. Allen McNeill (R-Randolph) sponsored the most bills from the Randolph delegation with 102 bills. He was a primary sponsor on 48 bills and the lead sponsor on 18. Twenty of McNeill’s bills became law.

Sen. David Craven (R-Randolph) is serving his first full term in the state Senate. He sponsored See NCGA, page 2

Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 21, 2021

2 22

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 1, 2021 Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 7, 2021

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY

7.21.21 7.7.21 12.1.21 #3

WEEKLY FORECAST

Supply chain problems hit toy drive non-profits

WEEKLY FORECAST

#1

The Associated Press

conversation” Stanly County Journal ISSN: 2575-2278 North NorthState State Journal Journal (USPS 20451) (USPS 20451) Publisher (ISSN 2471-1365) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins

Editor

Publisher Publisher Xxx

Neal NealRobbins Robbins Sports Editor Cory Lavalette Editor Editor

Matt Mercer Matt Mercer Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill Sports Editor Sports Editor

Design Editor Cory Lavalette Cory Lavalette Lauren Rose

Senior Opinion Opinion Editor Editor Senior

Published Frank Hill each Wednesday by Frank Hill North State Media LLC

Design Editor 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Design Editor

Lauren Rose Albemarle, Lauren RoseN.C. 28001 Published each Wednesday Published each Wednesday by(704) North State Media, LLC 269-8461

by North State Media, LLC 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 INFO@STANLYJOURNAL.COM 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Raleigh, N.C. 27609 STANLYJOURNAL.COM Raleigh, N.C. 27609 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 orSUBSCRIBE: online at nsjonline.com TO 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com or Annual online at nsjonline.com Subscription Price: $50.00

Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, Annual Subscription Price: $50.00N.C. and at additional mailing Periodicals Postage Paidoffices. at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing Periodicals Postage Paidoffices. at Raleigh, N.C. POSTMASTER: andStanly at additional mailing offices.

County Journal POSTMASTER: 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Send address changes POSTMASTER: Albemarle, N.C. 28001. to: North Statechanges Journal Send address 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 to: North State Journal Raleigh, N.C. 27609 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Raleigh, N.C. 27609

DEATH NOTICES

WEEKLY FORECAST ♦ Christopher Enos Burris, SPONSORED BY

40, of Oakboro,X DEATH NOTICES

♦ Georgia Bernice Siler, 89, of Siler City, died July 15, 2021, at her home. ♦ Harold Eugene “Gene” Anderson, 82, died at his home on Monday, July 12, CALL OR TEXT 2021336-629-7588 in a tragic house fire. ♦ Addie Mae Hunt McLeod, age 79, died July 11, 2021, at Autumn Care in Biscoe.

WEDNESDAY DEC 1 ♦ Jonathan Edward Ferree, 50, of Black Mountain, formerly of HIJuly 5111, 2021.

Asheboro, died

LOW 30

♦ Mildred Mae Cozart Poole, PRECIP 2% age 85, of Asheboro, died July See OBITS, page 7 9, 2021.

THURSDAY DEC 2 See OBITS, page 7

HI 58 LOW 39 PRECIP 2%

Guide

FRIDAY SATURDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SUNDAY NEW YORK — With less than FRIDAY SATURDAY MONDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY SUNDAY four weeks JULY 24 JULY JULY 27 JULY JULY 25 5 JULY 2 JULY 23 JULY 3 JULY JULY 26 6 JUNE 30 21to go until JULYChrist1JULY 22 JULY 4 mas, non-profit organizations The Randolph is a HI78° 86° 84° HI HI HI 87° GuideHI 88° giftsHIfor less HI supply HI fortu88° 86° HI HI89° 81°HI 88° HI 89° HI who 91° 88° 91° HI quick look at what’s going nate children are facing supply LO 66° LO68° 62°LO 65° LO 67° LO LO 70° 67° LO LO 69° 62° LO LO LO LO 69° LO 69° LO 70° 67° 69° problems that may put a dampPRECIP 57% PRECIP 43% PRECIP 32% 17% PRECIP 24% onPRECIP in Randolph PRECIP 15% PRECIP 20% PRECIPPRECIP 24% 24% PRECIP 24% County.

PRECIP 24% PRECIP15% 13% PRECIPPRECIP 5% er on Christmas spirit. Charities who give to kids during the holidays say they’re facing challenges finding enough gaming consoles, laptops and other electronic RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE items amid the global shortage Randleman Christmas of chips used in cars, phones and Parade other devices.

AP PHOTO “I’ve never seen something like 7pm this,” said Kristyn Begari, pur- A doll based on Walt Disney Studios film “Mulan” is displayed in chasing coordinator for Fam- the toy section of a Target department store, April 30, 2020, in The town’s annual ily Giving Tree, a California Glendale, Calif.

Christmas parade begins non-profit. “Our biggest fear is

By Bob Sutton sion, there’s enrollment of 915. before those classes start. we’re not going to get the quality at Randleman Elementary That’s off slightly from the usual said there’s ef- manufacturers this holiday the main reasons why do-an from ofRandolph gifts that Record we want, or we’re not one of Williams School. up to 1,000, “There has never been a fort to enrollment. seasonnumber because that manyranges containers of bolster new toys to The ToyHe citgoing to have enough in general.” nations Williams said. are stuck holding their products ed the RCC haveCommitment declined byGrant, ASHEBOROto — Attempting grantEnrollment thou- Foundation better opportunity to attend at U.S. ports, which have been num80% in designed dollar value sands of holiday Community wish requestsCol-nearly Traditional enrollment a program as athis funding at Randolph experiencing record volumesbut of it’s the RCC and not have to worry compared to accordhas been to challenging for toyearmechanism bers have flattened, to2019, fill the gap that’s legealways isn’t likely bounce back containers as the econ-students about how to pay for it.” to Pamela Begari.

But it’s been of high school coveredMastrota, by federalthe or exstate shipping aid number pre-pandemic levelsdownright right awaying not from the pandemic. director of the group, omy recovers miserable year official as the global in programs designed for dual ento students. despite athis school pointingecutive Asheboro Christmas is going tohas be adropped, shortwas formed a toy been indus-a bet-“There supply chain bottlenecks create in-which “There rollment that has by never out unprecedented financial Parade RCC president Dr. Robert age,” he said.

“Without a doubt.” try trade association to act as an shortages on many items, mak“We’re just not seeing the level ter opportunity to attend RCC centives for potential students.

Last month, President Joe industry-wide charitable collecing Chad it difficult to grant many holWilliams, vice president and not have to worry about how of engagement that we had seen,” Shackleford Jr. 7pm announced plans to esforpay manufacturers. iday wishes for the 34,000 chilsaid. for it,” RCC president Biden Dr. Williams for student services at RCC, said ativeto tablish around-the-clock operThe lack of trade shows due to dren and adults the organization RCC held a one-week break decline in high school students in Robert Shackleford Jr. said. “We This year’s Christmas ation at the Port of Los amid Ange-the sumpandemic also put they expects to aid in has the been Bay Area earlier this month meet students exactly where dual enrollment the big-the COVID-19 a wrench in their collection ef- les, the nation’s largest, to tamp this holiday season. parade will involve cars are and help them go as far as they mer semester, which began May gest reason for a dip.

Some wholesale vendors have forts for the second year in a row, down the inflation being caused and strollers passing 24 and concludes July 26. Late “Overall, we’re still seeing a de- can possibly go.” already informed her that pur- straining their ability to get gifts by ships waiting to dock and a by stationary floats and registration for the fall semester Beginning with the fall semescline in enrollment comparing to chases will not arrive — giving for sick, impoverished or other shortage of truck drivers to haul runs through Aug. 10, with classter, qualifying full-time students previous years prior to the panparade participants. The her the option of getting a re- vulnerable children who are in goods. Port officials have said es beginning Aug. 16. will be eligible for up to $1,000 demic,” Williams said.

“I don’t route will be a circuit along some of the bottleneck has since fund, or buying another item. need.

Still dealing with perbeen semester. if we’ll get to we’ve “It’s experts note it adjustments will a real challenge this eased, but Ifknow a child doesn’t getnumbers their preW. Academy Street, Church because the coronavirus That last makes seen in previous fallthe semesters. take a made long time beforeof things get year,”attending Mastrota RCC ferred gift, she said organi- …year, and Street, Sunset Avenue, and most enticing from a finanWe’rewill reaching to every back topandemic, normal. not all 2021 fall semes“But this year especially.” zation attemptout to grant theirstu-said.the Bicentennial Park. will be in person. cial standpoint in the dent wewish,” can in way werecan.” Mastrota’s forclasses Tots, the nation’s most Some only hope now16is yearsToyster “second orevery find another will use a hybrid model with a Williams hasdonated been atquickthe school, A fall semester at the two-yearif more well-known toy donation drive toys are placement item. of States face-to-faces he such said. donations He previously in bymixture school inworries Asheboro wouldfelt oftenly. But the United Marine sessions mightworked fur- run Similar are being virtual sessions.

Many classoffice. of Corps and have 2,600 to 3,000 students en-therRCC’s Reserve, is not expecting stressfinancial the profitaid margins across the country as COVID-resaid David Cooper, who are facing students with options “There’s never a better timeshortages, to es provide lated supply snafus — prorolled.

At chain the beginning of thismanufacturers the organization’s vice president and he pressure duced clogged U.S. ports, a highgoshipping on how to attend and participate, back tocosts college,” said. week, by that number stood at about of operations. said the orgaon increased costssummer to con- seslack of workers to move the cargo Liberty Christmas on WilliamsHe said. the current 1,900 with about a month to goto passFor nization purchased about $16.5 and skyrocketing shipping costs sumers.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG Main Street Jim Silver, CEO of Toys, Tots, million worth of toys this spring — lead to empty store shelves and higher prices on some prod- Pets & More, a toy industry re- to mitigate any impact supply 11am-7pm ♦ Williams, Denishia Lorren view website, says charities are chain issues might have on donaucts.

(B /F/30) Arrest on chrg of WEEKLY CRIME supply chain slowdown is bound to see less toy donations tions.

The town of Liberty will 1)The Pwimsd Marijuana (F), 2) LOG WEDNESDAY

“Join the “Join the “Join the conversation” conversation”

Randolph

December 2

RCC pushes more MEETfor THE STAFFstudents as numbers lag PJ Ward-Brown Matt Lauren Frank Cory Who is “Editor?”

December 3

December 4

welcome the Christmas season with their thirdAlan (M, 52), ♦ Whitehead, George 176 E. Salisbury St, Asheboro, on Arrest on charge of Resisting ♦ Boggs, Matthew Harrison (M, 39), annual street festival, Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor 07/13/2021.

Public Officer, 321 Kings Ridge Rd, Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor paradePossession and treeoflighting Schedule IV CS, Randleman, on 07/14/2021.

Larceny, at 2587 Wayne White Rd, NCGA from Garden, page 1 on 07/14/2021. he took office in 2017, and the as several ♦ Millikan, Bobby Wayne (M, 33), events.

Democrats seemed Possession of Stolen motor Pleasant Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), 3) Possess X

Arrest of Assault Hazelwood, Elizabeth 44), willing to join on thecharge GOP in over- on a first♦enacted in over three (F, years. vehicle, imporoper use of a dealer vetoed budget.

Still, ThereArrest was no such budget ap- riding any 52 bills in the upper Female, at 8300 Curtis Power Rd, on chage of Misdemeanor ♦ Bolton McKee, Jameschamber Henry Ramseur Christmas tag, failure to deliver title, failure to to use his veto in 2019 because of a Cooper continued serving as Arrest a primary sponsor Bennett, NC, on 07/14/2021.

Larceny, at Hoover Hill Rd/Slick (M, 47), on charge of on proved Parade appear on felony, at I-85 Exit 111, the governor stamp effectively, given that Re19 Possession bills and the sponsor Rodkbetween Mtn, on 07/14/2021. of lead Stolen Goods,on at stalemate on 07/13/2021. publicans lack veto-proof maand GOP legislative leaders. five.

Nine bills he sponsored are ♦ Passmore, Casey Lynn, Arrest on 5pm 6469 Clyde King Rd, Seagrove, on None of of possession his 12 vetoes The enacted budget included now law with one additional bill of marijuana ♦ Cheek, Helenia Spinks (F, 64), ♦ Lynch, Detrick Lamont (M, 40),jorities. charge 07/15/2021. this yearup have been of dollars for COVID-19 awaiting a conference commit- billions The parade willcharge begin to 1/2 oz.,overridden. at Randolph Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor Arrest on of at Assault by on some high-profile relief Possession and recovery funds. The tee vote.Robert Craven’s bill(M, allowing Courthouse, on 7/13/2021. of Schedule VI CS, Debate ♦ Pugh, Daniel 39), Leonard Park and proceed pointing a gun, Discharging a bills that idled this year — inbill also included significant incommunity colleges to deterPossessiong of Stolen Motor Arrest on charge of Simple to downtown firearm toRamseur. cause fear, Reckless those that would authomine eligibility for in-state tui- come tax cuts for individuals cluding♦ Roark, Justin Steven (M, 30), Vehicle, at I-85 Exit 111, on Assault (M), at 139 Drum St, driving to endanger, Seagrove, on gambling inofNorth tion for recent high school grad- and businesses; average 5% rais- rize sports Arrest on charge Possession Asheboro, on 07/14/2021.

07/12/2021. legalize marijuana teachers over two years Carolinaofand uates was signed

by Roy Cooper es for07/13/2021.

Meth, Possession with intent marking his first lead-sponsor- and bonuses of up to $2,800; for medical use — could resurto manufacture, sell or distribute ♦ McQueen, James Allen Jr (M, 35), ♦ Richardson, Erwin Quint Jr (M, ♦ Helms, Chad Lee (M, 37), Arrest and 5% raises and bonuses over face when lawmakers go back to ship of an enacted law.

Arrest charge of Possessionwork in heroin, 31),the Arrest onlevel, charges Felony two years on charge of Felony Sexual 2022. Simple possession of foronmost rank-and-file At state theofsession Schedule II, III, IV CS, Maintaining of Marijuana up to 1/2 oz., andby Possession Stolenstate employees.

Exploitation of a minor in the wasLarceny marked the first of comArchdale Christmas Place, Possession of Drug Possessiongained of drug leverage paraphernalia, Goods, atbudget 5471 Needhams Trail, The Associated Press contributRepublicans prehensive bill that Coosecond degree (10 counts), 727 Parade at 1029 High Point Failure to on felony, failure 07/14/2021. ed to thisParaphernalia, report. inappeal the budget talks perSeagrove, agreed toon sign into law since over Cooper McDowell Rd, Asheboro, NC, on Rd, on 7/13/2021. to appear on misdemeanor, at 3pm 07/12/2021. ♦ Seibert, Sarah Elizabeth (F, 32),

December 5

The Town of Archdale will hold it’s 50th Christmas Parade on Sunday.

DEATH NOTICES ♦ Michael Gene Surratt, 55,died on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 at Thomasville Medical Center.

♦ John David Gwyn, age 69, died on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at First Health Hospice in Pinehurst.

♦ Donna Lastowski Perry, PhD, age 67, of Asheboro died on Nov. 21, 2021 at the Randolph Hospice House.

♦ Shirley Ann Latham, age 79, died on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at First Health Moore Regional in Pinehurst.

♦ Ruth Marie Staley Luther, 80, of Asheboro, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, at Universal Healthcare in Ramseur.

WWE leaves virtual reality behind in 1st tour December since 2020 6 FRIDAY DEC 3

By Dan Gelston 49 The AssociatedHIPress

LOW 25 PHILADELPHIA Triple H PRECIP—14%

walked with his arms crossed like an X — his signature Degeneration X symbol — with his 7-foot SATURDAY DECEmbiid, 4 tag-team partner, Joel to ring a ceremonial bell last month before a Philadelphia 76ers playoff game.

HI 51 His theme music blared through the LOW arena,32and nearly 19,000 fansPRECIP hanging1% from the rafters roared when the wrestler hoisted his bad-guy weapon-ofchoiceSUNDAY sledgehammer DECand 5 struck the bell.

Sure, the setting wasn’t WrestleMania — though Triple H lost a HI 54 match in the same building when the event was held there LOW 30in 1999 — but for the superstar-turned-exPRECIP 5% ecutive, the frenzied atmosphere was a reminder of what WWE lost during the 16 months it ran MONDAY DEC 6 raucous without live events and crowds.

“It was a fun opportunity to get back into an arena HI 52packed full of fans and have them go nuts,” said LOWthese 30 days as Triple H, known PRECIP 5% WWE executive Paul Levesque.

“That adrenaline rush, there’s nothing like it.”

WWE hasn’t been the same TUESDAY without its “Yes!” DEC chants7or “This is Awe-some!” singsongs once the pandemic relegated the company HI 53arena matchto running empty es every weekLOW with31a piped-in soundtrack and virtual fans.

PRECIP 4% No more.

With most American sports leagues settled in to their old routines, WWE ditched its stopgap home in Florida and resumed touring last Friday night with “Smackdown” from Houston, a

♦ William Nelson “Billy” Rarick, age 55, died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at High Point Regional Hospital. ♦ Lou Ellen Voss Lineberry, 82, of Asheboro died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem. ♦ Deborah “Debbie” Koenig Gray Lamb, age 69 of Sophia, died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 at High Point Regional Hospital. ♦ Tina Moran Garrison, age 47 died Nov. 22, 2021.

♦ Dwight Erwin Saunders, 74, died peacefully in his sleep Nov. 22, 2021 in Clinton, NC. ♦ Jessie Mae Caudill, age 93, died on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, at Autumn Care. ♦ John Harris Rivers, 64, of Trinity, died Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 at Randolph Health in Asheboro. ♦ William “Bill” Harold Schmidt, 58, of Asheboro, died Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

♦ Charlotte Ann Davidson, 83, of Asheboro, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021 at The Laurels of Chatham in Pittsboro. ♦ Jimmy Lynn Brown, 76, of Asheboro, died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at Randolph Health in Asheboro. ♦ Carol Lee Greenwood Brown, 78, died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at Hospice of Randolph County. ♦ Bobby Lee Younts II, 32, died Nov. 21, 2021.

♦ Michelle Lynn Sims, 34, of Asheboro, NC, died on Nov. 21, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.

Christmas with The ple cheering over him, or booing Embers

over him or going into different

directions over him,” have benefit6:30pm

ed, Levesque said. “But that’s the

beauty of what we do, to go be enNorth Carolina legends tertained, however you want to perform Christmas classics be entertained.

As a performer, at Randleman Elementary sometimes that’s difficult.”

School.WWE’s Tickets are in on USA July 5 $15 “RAW” advance andhit $20 atmillion the viewers, Network 1.472 doorthe forlowest Adults $8 foryear hisin and the 28-plus the show. kids.tory Callof336-495-1100 Levesque, WWE or purchase tickets at EVP of global talent strategy and developmany local businesses in ment, said the company would Randleman. “take a hard look” at how it can

attract more fans to the product each week. WWE can only hope the combination of live crowds See OBITS, page 7 and the return of box office attractions such as Becky Lynch, Goldberg, and Cena can ignite interest and grow ratings during the build to the marquee Aug. 21 SummerWEEKLY CRIME LOG Slam at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders. ♦ Hughes, Gary Lee (M, 48), Arrrest Arrrest on charge of Assault by ♦ Pugh, Robert Daniel (M, 39), Arrrest “It never is one thing,” Levesque on charge of Assault on a Female, at Pointing a Gun, Communicating on charge of Second Degree said.

“We see thiswedding, as a moment in Do you have a birthday, 2862 Eagle Point Dr, on 11/22/21.

Threats, at 1465 Cedar Grove Rd, Arson, Failure to Appear, Probation time toorshift everything. engagement other milestone to I think on 11/21/21.

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Larceny Breaking or Entering, Rd, on 11/19/21. es that we have and the TV aspect Raw: 25th Anniversary” panel during theAfter NBCUniversal TelevisionCedaberry Critics Association Winter Press at 8711 US HWY 311, on 11/20/21. of it while still engaging the fans.

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by Pointing a Gun, at 4987 Irvin ThunderDome.”

WWE then moved to its in-house former,” Reigns said.

“As a live pay-per-view Sunday in Texas and on 11/22/21.

Police Station, at 742 McDermott Country Rd, on 11/20/21.

The first start is putting fans performance center in Florida on Dallas on Monday for the flagship St,performer, on 11/19/21. that simultaneous re♦“Raw” Millikan,TV Stephanie (F, ♦ Totten, David Lee 33), setting up what — holding their homemade signs March 13, (M, before show Jayne on USA. WWE sponse keeps you sharp. We had 37), Arrrest charge of Simple Victor and Byronadapt (M, 61),to Arrrest charge of Assault on it on dubbed The ThunderDome -- and wearing their catchphrase to adjust the timesArrrest spruced uponsets, brought back old♦ Moose, Assault, at 8300 Curtis Powers Rd, on onthat charge of Assault on of a Female, Government or Employee, for spots T-shirts — back in the seats. where Official fans registered were in front us.” stars and hit the reset button on 11/22/21.

Old Thomasville Rd, on Dr, on 11/20/21.

“When we have that live crowd, on Creekview LED digital videoboards — for With Hulk Hogan in the house,at 3826 TV programming humbled with at 5675 11/21/21.

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“People like Roman have been you don’t have that real-time, flesh in front of the live crowd, it would dium. WWE last ran a weeknight have been a situation that would televised event with a paid crowd able to emotionally bring a per- interaction, the red light becomes have made me an even better per- on March 9, 2020, in Washington. formance that, maybe with peo- the focal point for the performer.”

♦ Virginia Juanita Hodge Bowman, 86, of Siler City, died on Nov. 22, 2021 at her home.

♦ Terry Ray Dezern, 76, of Asheboro, died Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

OPINION

3

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

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Reality remains undefeated “Is there going to be an individual I divert, or I put into a treatment program, who’s going to go out and kill somebody? You bet. Guaranteed.

It’s guaranteed to happen.”

John Chisholm, the District Attorney of Milwaukee County

THIS WEEK, a 39-year-old black man in Waukesha, Wisconsin, plowed a maroon Ford Escape into a Christmas parade of children and older women. Six people were killed and another 48 were injured. The motive of the suspect is unknown; if the media have their way, it will remain that way. The media apparently only care about why suspects commit violent acts when motives can be credited to their political enemies.

There is one thing we do know: the suspect should not have been on the street. He had a rap sheet longer than the first five books of the Bible. His latest alleged crime took place on Nov. 5, when he was charged with resisting an officer, bail jumping, recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct and battery. First, he allegedly slammed the mother of his child with his fist, and then ran her over — wait for it — in a maroon Ford Escape. He was released on Friday ... on $1,000 bail.

Two days later, he ran his vehicle over innocent victims.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office has now opened an investigation into the low bail. But we already know just why the bail process allowed the suspect back out onto the street: equity demanded it. In May 2015, Jeffrey Toobin wrote in The New Yorker about “The Milwaukee Experiment.” The piece was a long, sycophantic love letter to John Chisholm, the District Attorney of Milwaukee County, who had embraced criminal justice policies geared toward rectifying “the racial imbalance in American prisons.” According to one of Chisholm’s admirers, “Chisholm stuck his neck out there and started saying that prosecutors should also be judged by their success in reducing mass incarceration and achieving racial equality.”

Not reducing crime. Reducing the number of people in jail — and more particularly, the number of black Americans in jail. Chisholm

himself admitted the costs of his policies in 2007: “Is there going to be an individual I divert, or I put into a treatment program, who’s going to go out and kill somebody? You bet. Guaranteed. It’s guaranteed to happen.”

Chisholm, of course, was right.

San Francisco proved the same point this week when large, roving gangs began looting high-end stores. On Friday night, San Francisco’s Union Square witnessed a massive group of looters smashing and grabbing at a Louis Vuitton store; meanwhile, thieves congregated to steal product in Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, Hayward and San Jose.

None of this ought to be a surprise. San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin announced that he would end “mass incarceration” and cash bail; he stopped prosecuting shoplifting cases — in 2020, just 44% of shoplifting cases were prosecuted.

The result: stores are closing down in San Francisco thanks to the automatic surcharge of people stealing their product from the shelves.

Reality with regard to criminality isn’t all that complicated: when you free criminals unjustifiably in a misguided attempt to achieve “group equity,” innocents suffer. When you take cops off the street, freeing criminals to work their will, innocents suffer. When you refuse to prosecute crime, criminals spot an opportunity.

Voters can either continue to deny reality and pay the price, or they can wake up to the simple fact that reality always wins. Until they do the latter, the criminals — and the politicians who enable them — will be the only winners.

Ben Shapiro, 37, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com.

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

Kyle Rittenhouse’s offense: insufficiently respecting rioters Many in the media have been portraying those violent rioters in multiple cities in the summer of 2020 as virtuous peaceful protesters and those who tried to prevent violent destruction of property as vicious white supremacists.

WHY THE HATRED of Kyle Rittenhouse? Why was there such widespread dishonest news coverage of the case against him that his acquittal by the Kenosha, Wisconsin, jury came as an unwelcome surprise to so many? For example, so-called comedian Stephen Colbert’s recent comment (“If he didn’t break the law, we should change the law”) shows he’s ready to jettison the ancient right of selfdefense.

Maybe it’s because so many in the media have been portraying those violent rioters in multiple cities in the summer of 2020 as virtuous peaceful protesters and those who tried to prevent violent destruction of property as vicious white supremacists.

That was apparent in the live shot of a CNN reporter in Kenosha that August, standing in front of a burning building. The chyron read, “Fiery but mostly peaceful protests after police shooting.” As reporter Omar Jimenez explained, things began to “get a little more contentious” after nightfall as “an expression of anger and frustration over what people feel like has become an all-too-familiar story.”

An all-too-familiar story often told inaccurately. Jacob Blake, the black man shot by police in Kenosha, was not killed, despite what many recent stories have said, but grievously wounded and paralyzed.

He was also not unarmed but armed with a knife, which, up close, is definitely a deadly weapon.

Nor was Blake an innocent accosted at random by trigger-happy cops. There was an outstanding warrant for his arrest for an alleged sexual assault. Nonetheless, President Joe Biden took time to talk to him on the phone and visit his relatives as he was campaigning for president in Wisconsin.

There were even more lapses, inaccuracies and lies in the coverage of Rittenhouse’s trial for shooting three protesters, two fatally, during a night of rioting in Kenosha.

Writers complained multiple times that Rittenhouse, then 17, was not part of the Kenosha community and that he crossed state lines with a gun to get there. Yes, he did cross state lines. Antioch, Illinois, where he lived, is right on the Illinois-Wisconsin border. But he didn’t take a gun across the line. It was stored in Kenosha, just 20 miles from Antioch, where his father and other relatives live.

Anyway, it’s odd to hear complaints about strangers crossing state lines, for those of us old enough to remember when Southern segregationists complained about “outside agitators” coming in to campaign for equal rights for black people.

It was odd as well to hear the lamentations and cries of dismay when the Kenosha jury voted unanimously to acquit Rittenhouse of murder and the other charges against him.

Anyone paying attention to the evidence at the videotaped trial could see the footage showing the three men Rittenhouse shot attacking him with deadly weapons. One could see the person who survived admit on the stand that he had aimed his gun at Rittenhouse before he was shot.

One could also easily learn things about the three assailants he shot. For one thing they were all white, contrary to news reports and implications that they were black. One had been imprisoned for sexual conduct with preteen boys. A second had been jailed for violating probation after strangling his brother. A third, who survived, was unemployed and a member of a group called the Peoples Revolution.

“That crowd was full of heroes,” said prosecutor Thomas Binger in his summation to the jury in Rittenhouse’s trial. One senses that many on the left yearned, with religious fervor, for anti-police demonstrators to be regarded as heroes and, by the grace of something like divine intervention, to be rendered immune from COVID-19, though gathered in dense and boisterous crowds.

Thus, the assurances by the U.S. Crisis Monitor that 95% of demonstrations from May to August were nonviolent — even though that meant that some 570 were violent riots, with multiple deaths and about $2 billion in damage. The leftist Substack writer Freddie deBoer had no difficulty finding seven explicitly pro-riot leftists.

From that perspective, Rittenhouse’s offense was interfering in a quasi-religious ritual. I suspect history will regard the massive demonstrations starting in summer 2020, despite a lack of evidence of a sudden increase in unjustified police violence against black people, as a religious frenzy akin to the Anabaptist madness in Munster, amid unprecedented restrictions imposed in response to an incompletely understood epidemic.

As usual, the American public understands this better than the chattering (twittering?) class: Pollster Scott Rasmussen reports that 43% of Americans say Rittenhouse did stupid things and only 22% say he committed murder.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Georgia Tech RB Gibbs entering transfer portal Atlanta Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who finished third in the nation in allpurpose yards, announced plans on Monday to enter the transfer portal. Gibbs made the announcement two days after Georgia Tech completed a 3-9 season with a 45-0 loss to No. 1 Georgia.

Gibbs ran for only 1 yard on two carries before suffering an undisclosed injury. He ran for 746 yards with four touchdowns in 2021, his second season. He added 470 yards receiving and 589 yards on kick returns for 1,805 all-purpose yards.

GOLF

Elder, 1st black golfer to play Masters, dies at 87 Escondido, Calif.

Lee Elder, who broke down racial barriers as the first black golfer to play in the Masters, has died at the age of 87. The PGA Tour announced Elder’s death, which was first reported Monday by Debert Cook of African American Golfers Digest. No cause was given, but the tour confirmed Elder’s death with his family. Elder made history in 1975 at Augusta National, which had held an allwhite tournament until he received an invitation after winning the Monsanto Open the previous year.

Elder missed the cut at his first Masters but forever stamped himself as a groundbreaking figure.

MLB

MLB, union stopped HGH testing due to pandemic New York Major League Baseball and the players’ association stopped blood testing for Human Growth Hormone because of the coronavirus pandemic. Blood testing for HGH began in 2012, and 412 samples with no positive results were collected in the year ending with the 2020 World Series. The decision to interrupt blood testing during the pandemic was made because drawing blood is more invasive than urine testing and requires additional collectors who would have increased the number of people coming into contact with players and decreased social distancing. MLB and the union plan to resume blood testing next season.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UConn’s Bueckers signs NIL deal to represent Gatorade Storrs, Conn.

UConn sophomore guard Paige Bueckers is the first college athlete to represent Gatorade, announcing Monday a multiyear name, image and likeness deal.

Terms of the deal with PepsiCo Inc. were not released. It is the second NIL deal announced for Bueckers, who also has a partnership with sneaker marketplace StockX. Bueckers is a former Gatorade high school player of the year. Last year’s national player of the year, Bueckers is averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 assists and five rebounds a game for No. 2 UConn (3-1).

MIKE MCCARN | AP PHOTO

The NASCAR Cup Series will begin using its Next Gen cars — like the Chevrolet Camero — next season.

NASCAR caps 2021 looking ahead to future growth The 2022 season will be the Cup Series’ first with the new Next Gen car

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press NASCAR will close its season this week with a three-day celebration in Nashville that ends with the crowning of three new national series champions in Kyle Larson, Daniel Hemric and Ben Rhodes.

NASCAR will do burnouts on Lower Broadway near popular honkytonks Doc Holliday’s Saloon and Bootleggers Inn. Its 2022 cars will be on display at Riverfront Park, and drivers will participate in Q&A sessions before the finale Thursday night at the Music City Center.

Then attention turns to the pivotal upcoming season.

Among the issues facing NASCAR is its Next Gen car, set to debut in February following a yearlong delay during the pandemic. The Cup Series also wants

to continue tweaking its sprawling, 38-week schedule, which now includes more short tracks, more road courses and a dirt race but puts the season finale at Phoenix Raceway for a third consecutive year next season despite calls to rotate the championship event.

NASCAR understands it must improve its at-track experience for fans and recognizes the urgent need to showcase its competitors and create interest in its current driver crop, which has generally lacked pizzazz since Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth and Danica Patrick retired.

NASCAR needs its fans to care about its drivers, and it needs its superstars to be accessible to those who invest — both emotionally and monetarily — in the sport. Although NASCAR was one of the first sports to resume competition during the pandemic and the first sport to complete its entire 2020 season, its events have been anything but normal.

To get to the finish line a year

“We need to make sure the event experience is better than it’s ever been. Are we satisfied with where that is?

We’re not.”

Steve Phelps, NASCAR president ago, NASCAR scrapped all qualifying and practice sessions, and three-day weekend events became one-day shows in front of fewer fans. Drivers mostly went directly from their motorhomes to the race car with little engagement with their own race teams, let alone any spectators.

Policies fluctuated based on virus positivity numbers — and NASCAR President Steve Phelps admitted the vaccination rate in the garage is “not high enough... to me, there’s a responsibility that individuals have to each other” — but some normalcy had returned by the final two races of the sea-

son. Martinsville had one of its largest crowds in years, and Phoenix saw the return of practice, qualifying and spectators freely roaming the Arizona garage area earlier this month.

Phelps wants the same Phoenix energy level at all of NASCAR’s races, and the series hopes to ensure fans get the most bang for their buck.

“We need to make sure that the marketing and promotion is as strong as it can be. We need to make sure we are driving storylines,” Phelps said. “We need to make sure the event experience is better than it’s ever been. Are we satisfied with where that is? We’re not.”

Restrictions will still be in place this week in Nashville, the second year NASCAR chose The Music City for its awards show.

The weeklong event in 2019 was wildly popular, and drivers could be spotted up and down Lower Broadway at many of the popular downtown bars.

The awards ceremony was canceled last year. Its return to Nashville promises plenty of opportunities to see the Next Gen car but few organized chances to get close to the drivers. Public tickets were not sold to Thursday night’s coronation of Larson as Cup Series champion, Hemric as Xfinity champion and Rhodes as the trucks winner.

Holcomb still chasing dream of becoming NFL head coach The Panthers defensive assistant has been coaching in the NFL for the past 12 seasons

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — As an African American growing up in Queens, New York, Al Holcomb spent his fall Sundays watching Tom Landry and the Dallas Cowboys on television and dreaming of one day becoming an NFL head coach.

The 51-year-old Holcomb has spent more than a quarter-century chasing that dream — one that eludes him to this day.

He has plenty of experience, working 26 years as an assistant coach, including the last 12 at the NFL level. He’s been to two Super Bowls, winning one with the New York Giants, and has coached the likes of Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Patrick Peterson and Chandler Jones. Yet Holcomb is still seeking his first interview for one of the NFL’s coveted 32 head coaching jobs, which currently are held by only five minorities, three of whom are black.

“I wake up every day with a mission that I have to be the best that I can be and have to dispel

any myths or stereotypes that may be out there. And prove that I’m a smart football coach who can lead men, put together game plans, engage with the media and do all those kinds of things,” Holcomb said, who currently serves as the defensive run game coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.

Holcomb’s immediate goal is to return to being a defensive coordinator, which often serves as a springboard to becoming a head coach.

He was at that precipice once, landing as Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator in 2018. But head coach Steve Wilks, who is also black, and the entire staff were fired after one season when the Cardinals failed to find an offensive identity and finished 3-13. Holcomb’s defense finished fourth in the league against the pass and fifth in the league with 49 sacks, but it struggled to stop the run.

Getting fired in Arizona was a huge blow for Holcomb, who has never been able to get back to that job level. And he knows he faces an uphill battle moving forward.

Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Miami’s Brian Flores and Houston’s David Culley are the only black head coaches in the league. Currently there is a growing tendency for NFL clubs to hire young

JACOB KUPFERMAN | AP PHOTO

Panthers assistant coach Al Holcomb is hoping for another opportunity to be a defensive coordinator — and to, eventually, become one of the NFL's few black head coaches. coaches with backgrounds in offense.

Holcomb said one of the biggest challenges in his climb up the coaching ranks was breaking into the league altogether. He never felt he had the right connections or contacts with people in the NFL because at that time there wasn’t a program in place to help develop minority coaches.

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule called Holcomb one of the top assistants in the league.

“He has been a defensive coordinator and he’s one of the guys who should be a head coaching candidate,” Rhule said. “He’s excellent with players, excellent schematically, a great teacher, patient and a leader. ... I think Al is a tremendous coach and someone that people should really pay attention to.”

“He has been a defensive coordinator and he’s one of the guys who should be a head coaching candidate.”

Panthers coach Matt Rhule on Carolina assistant Al Holcomb

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Causey wins main event in Caraway season finale

By Randolph Record staff SOPHIA – Gary Causey led the entire race to win the Late Models feature Sunday in Russell Hackett’s 35th annual Thanksgiving Classic at Caraway Speedway.

Causey, a former track champion, was on the pole for the 75-lap race. He was followed at the start by former track champions Tommy Neal, Boo Boo Dalton and Donnie Apple.

Causey fended off all challengers. Neal, despite a flat tire during the race, came back to claim sec-

ond place. Dalton was third and Tony Black finished fourth. They were followed by Eric Wallace, Casey Kepley Jr., Brian Rose, D.J. Dean, Corey Rose and Kirk Sheets in the top 10.

This was the final scheduled racing date for 2021 at the speedway.

In the Street Stocks, Bobby Tumbleston was the winner of the 50-lap event. Jeff Melton was second and ex-track champion Gary Ledbetter Jr. ended up third with Cody Demarbles in fourth and Mike Pollack in fifth.

In Mini Stocks, Luke Smith captured the 50-lap race, which was dubbed the Archie Sanders Memorial. A.J. Sanders placed second in the race that was named after his grandfather.

Patrick Mullen took third, with Levi Holt and Kenny Dixon in the next two spots.

In the special 11-lap Archie Sanders Dash, the winner was Patrick Mullen, who was ahead of Brandon Crotts. This was for drivers who’ve yet to win a feature event.

In U-Cars, Daniel Hughes took the top spot ahead of Gary Dillard and Scott Haller.

The Enduro event was won by Jimmy Crigger, who was in front of runner-up Tyler Murphy thirdplace Sammy Bullins in the 24car field.

5 BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Ashton Troutman Uwharrie Charter Academy, boys’ basketball

Poole provides big freshman impact

By Randolph Record staff FORMER RANDLEMAN standout Dominick Poole has been racking up honors after his freshman season with The Citadel football team.

Poole, a defensive back, has received recognition on the Southern Conference and national levels.

Poole was named Freshman of the Year in the Southern Conference by the Southern Conference Sports Media Association.

Poole became The Citadel’s first media Freshman of the Year since 1982. That was the only other time a Bulldog has been honored with that award.

Poole came off the bench in The Citadel’s first two games before starting the final nine. He finished the season with 51 total tackles (27 solo) and had a pair of interceptions, in victories against

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITADEL ATHLETICS

Dominick Poole had a notable season for The Citadel. nationally ranked Virginia Military Institute and Chattanooga.

With a team-high nine pass breakups, Poole tied for second in the league with 11 passes defended.

One of those was described as one of the biggest plays of the sea-

son for the Bulldogs. Poole broke up a pass on a two-point conversion to clinch an overtime victory against Wofford.

In Southern Conference coaches’ awards, Poole was named to the all-freshman defensive team.

He was the lone player from The Citadel on that list.

Poole is a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, which goes to the Freshman of the Year in the Football Championship Subdivision.

There are 23 players on the ballot.

The winner of that award will be announced Dec. 13.

Poole was in his second year in The Citadel program, playing in four games during the reconfigured 2020 season that extended to the spring 2021 semester. That allowed him to preserve a year of eligibility.

The Citadel finished this season with a 4-7 record, with a 3-5 mark in Southern Conference play.

COURTESY PHOTO

Troutman poured in 26 points as the Eagles defeated Salisbury 72-65 in Friday’s game in High Point as part of a showcase event.

Troutman is a junior for UCA, which was off to a 4-1 record entering this week.

PREP BASKETBALL

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Asheboro’s Tramir Martin shoots the ball in the lane against Randleman’s Aidan Daniel last Tuesday at Randleman.

Left, Asheboro’s Sion Murrain lays the ball up against Randleman in last week’s game. Center, Randleman’s Dylan Wheatley lays the ball up against Asheboro.

Right, Randleman’s Hannah Hinshaw goes up for a shot against Asheboro in last week’s girls’ game.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

6

Santa Claus is coming to town …

By McKenna Gardener For the Randolph Record ASHEBORO — Whether we are one of the early-birds who enjoy decorating for the holidays at 12:01 a.m. on November 1 or the more subtle Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the corner type folks, one name with which we are all familiar this time of year is of that jolly round fellow — good ole’ Saint Nick. There has been some doubt surrounding the existence of this plump, rosy-cheeked elf and whether or not he can be written off as a child’s imagination or an urban legend but take it from me — Santa is real and I have seen his spirit myself. There is a story circulating the typical social media sources and I would like to share a brief and summarized version with you.

“I remember riding my bike to Grandma’s the day my big sister dropped the bomb proclaiming that “Santa wasn’t real.” I rode my bike furiously to my Grandma’s because I knew she of all people would be honest with me. With the comfort of one of her world-famous cinnamon buns I told her the news. “No Santa Claus!” she snorted. “Ridiculous! Don’t believe it.

That rumor has been going around for years and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let’s go.”

We pulled up to Kerby’s General Store and my Grandma handed me $10. “Take this money,” she said, “and buy something for someone who needs it. I’ll wait for you

STOCK PHOTO

in the car.” She turned around and left my 8 year old self in there all alone. I had never shopped all by myself before! The store was filled with people rushing around trying to finish last minute Christmas shopping. I clutched that ten dollar bill, racking my brain, trying to figure what to buy and who on Earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people at church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker.

He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair and he sat right behind me in class. Bobby Decker didn’t have a coat. I knew that because he never went out for recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all the kids knew that Bobby Decker didn’t have a cough .... he didn’t have a coat.

Excitement inside of me grew as I sifted through the aisles to pick Bobby Decker the perfect coat. I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked really

warm and I thought he would like that. “Is this a Christmas present?” the lady behind the counter asked as I laid my $10 down. “Yes,” I replied shyly, “It’s... for Bobby Decker.” The nice lady smiled at me and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons. We wrote, “To: Bobby, From: Santa Claus.” Santa always insisted on secrecy, my Grandma told me. In the process, the price tag fell off and Grandma just tucked it in her Bible.

Afterwards, my Grandma drove me to Bobby Decker’s house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa’s helpers. We parked down the street and crept to the bushes in front of the walk. She nudged me and I dashed to the front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes with Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally, it did and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven’t dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker’s bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma had said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. I still have Grandma’s Bible, with the price tag tucked inside: $19.95.”

Although I am unsure of the author and quite unsure of the origin story to this piece, I am sure of one thing - that Grandma was a highly prized elf at the North Pole and I aspire to live up to her spirit of Christmas.

With that thought in mind, Randolph County 4-H and Family and Consumer Sciences created the first annual Blanket in a Box Party to encourage all of Santa’s teammates to come together and join us in a virtual evening of Christmas cheer, all the while creating a blanket to donate back to Brenner Children’s Hospital. As always, we had high hopes for this event but the amount of interest has completely blown us away. In less than 24 hours, we reached our maximum amount of participants able to receive the materials free of charge. When I say we were excited — I mean our hearts were pounding much like those characters in the story whilst crouched behind a bush. With that being said, we still want to encourage those that would like to participate to join us on December 7 for a virtual blanket making demonstration and Christmas party. The supplies you need are: 1 yard of solid fleece fabric; 1 yard of patterned fleece fabric; Scissors; Ruler; Some yummy treats to celebrate.

All blanket drop-offs can be made to the Randolph County Cooperative Extension office at 1003 S. Fayetteville Street in Asheboro prior to December 17th. All ages are welcome to participate.

If nothing else, I hope this story has touched you and inspired you to share the Christmas spirit, much like it inspired me to host this event.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from someone on Santa Claus’ team!

McKenna Gardener is a 4-H Program Assistant at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Randolph County Center

Legal experts see case for intent in Waukesha parade crash

By Tammy Webber The Associated Press The man accused of plowing his SUV into a parade of Christmas marchers could have turned down a side street but didn’t. Once he passed it, he never touched the brakes — barreling through and leaving bodies in his wake, according to a criminal complaint.

No motive has been given for Darrell Brooks Jr., the suspect in the suburban Milwaukee crash that killed six people and injured more than 60 others, but it may not matter if he goes to trial. Legal experts say the evidence strongly supports intentional homicide charges that would mean life in prison.

Former Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher said it might be difficult to prove intent with the first person Brooks struck, “but when he kept going and knowing what he had done to the first person and didn’t stop, then it was all intentional.”

Brooks, 39, is charged with five counts of first-degree intention-

al homicide and is expected to face a sixth count after an 8-year-old boy died Tuesday. Waukesha County District Attorney Susan Opper has also said additional charges are likely.

Brooks’ attorneys, Jeremy Perri and Anna Kees, cautioned people not to judge the case before all facts are known.

“It’s essential that we not rush to judgment, and instead treat these proceedings and all those involved with dignity and respect,” they said in a statement.

“That includes Mr. Brooks, who is entitled to a vigorous defense and careful protection of his Constitutional rights. No matter how serious and emotional the charges, until the government proves its allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, our client is presumed innocent.”

Brooks is accused of refusing to stop even as an officer banged on the hood of his SUV. Another officer fired three shots into the vehicle, but it did not stop.

Five people ranging in age from 52 to 81 were pronounced dead

within hours. One of many injured children, Jackson Sparks, 8, died on Tuesday. Representatives for area hospitals said Wednesday that at least 16 people are being treated for injuries.

Brooks hasn’t spoken publicly and it’s not known what, if anything, he told investigators.

But even if Brooks was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time — and police have not said he was — that could not be used as a defense in Wisconsin, experts said.

Tom Grieve, a Brookfield defense attorney and former Waukesha County prosecutor, said one possible defense would be that Brooks was suffering from a mental disease or defect. A jury would have to decide if he was guilty of the charges and then whether he was mentally ill. Such a finding would likely land him in a mental institution rather than prison.

Opper could have charged Brooks with first-degree reckless homicide, which would have been a “slam dunk” conviction that, given Brooks’ age, would have been an

effective life sentence, Bucher said.

But extensive video and other evidence also support the more serious charge, he and other experts said.

“The fact he didn’t step on the brakes: That was intentional. The fact that his foot was on the gas: That was intentional. He could have stopped … He’s the only person who could put his foot on the brake pedal and he didn’t,” Grieve said.

A criminal complaint detailing the charges includes statements from police officers and witnesses who said the vehicle “appeared to be intentionally moving side to side,” with no attempt to slow down or stop as it struck multiple people and sent bodies and objects flying.

One officer who tried to stop the vehicle said Brooks was looking directly at him, and it appeared he had no emotion on his face, the complaint said.

Prosecutors would not be allowed to put police or bystanders on the stand to speculate on what Brooks intended to do or his state of mind, experts said.

Bucher said prosecutors also

s .

Kenny J Kidd

IRT-1948J-A

Financial Advisor 211 Worth St Asheboro, NC 27203-5557 336-328-0416

edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

would not be able to introduce social media posts made by Brooks, an aspiring rapper, or lyrics from his songs suggesting an interest in violence — which became the subject of widespread speculation on social media that Brooks’ actions were intentional.

Brooks included links on social media to his songs, several of which seemingly celebrate violence and call police “pigs.” In a biography on his SoundCloud account, he refers to growing up in the “dangerous west side neighborhood of Washington Park” in Milwaukee, his “multiple legal battles” and his desire to turn the “life he lived on the streets” into music.

Brooks, who has been charged with crimes more than a dozen times since 1999, had two outstanding cases against him at the time of the parade disaster, including one earlier in November in which he’s accused of intentionally striking a woman with his car in Milwaukee County. He had been free on $1,000 bail for that case, which prosecutors now say was inappropriately low.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

7

obituaries

Jane Jones Hunsucker 1937 - 2021

Jane Jones Hunsucker, age 84, of Asheboro passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021 at the Randolph Hospice House.

Mrs. Hunsucker was born in Coleridge on July 16, 1937 to James Albert and Adell Poole Jones. She retired from the Asheboro High School cafeteria and was a member of West Asheboro Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Hunsucker.

She is survived by her daughter, Veronica Jane Bowman and husband Gene of Asheboro; and son, Galen Richard Hunsucker and wife Lisa Rankin-Hunsucker of Wilmington.

Pat Richardson

Irene Pugh Kirkman

1950 - 2021

Patricia Davis Richardson, 71, passed away on November 25, 2021 at Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

Patricia was born in Guilford County, NC on November 19, 1950, the daughter of Austin Phillips and Alma Myrick Davis.

Mrs. Richardson worked in customer service at Walmart for 12 years. She was of the Quaker faith.

She is survived by a son Bernard C. Richardson, III (Bobbie) of Randleman, NC; sister Lucinda Dyson of Mooresville, NC; grandchildren Levi Austin Richardson and Sara Poindexter (Jacob) of Randleman, NC; great grandchild Allie Poindexter.

1929 - 2021

Irene Pugh Kirkman, age 92, of Asheboro passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Randolph Health.

Mrs. Kirkman was born in Asheboro on November 22, 1929 to James Arthur and Gladys McMasters Pugh. Irene was of the Baptist faith and an avid Tar Heel fan. In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Pugh.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Millard Kirkman; sons, Michael Kirkman (Lucy) of Randleman and Mark Kirkman (Helen) of Asheboro; grandsons, Mitchell Kirkman of Randleman and Kevin Marshall (Rebecca) of Randleman; great grandson, Barrett Marshall of Siler City; step grandchildren, Stephanie and James Walls and Tara and Dwight Kelly; step great grandchildren, Preston Henderson, Bailey Henderson, Andrew Kelly, and Addicyn Kelly; sisters, Lois Edwards of Asheboro and Treva Routh of Goldsboro; several nieces and nephews; and her fur baby, Mickie.

Robert Elvis Parnell, Jr.

1948 - 2021

1949 - 2021

Bobby Ray Sloan, Sr., 72, of Goldston passed away on November 26, 2021 at his home.

Mr. Sloan was born in Lee County, NC on December 29, 1948, the son of the late James and Geraldine Womack Sloan.

Bobby loved his family dearly, and cherished his time with them. Bobby spent his working years as a poultry farmer. He enjoyed watching races and spending hours by a pond catching fish. Bobby was known for selling his produce all around town.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Wilkie Sloan; sons, Bobby Sloan, Jr. and wife Christy, and Brian Sloan and wife Kristy; and grandchildren, Angela Sloan, Tamra Mae Sloan and Riley Maynor.

Robert Elvis Parnell, Jr., 72, of Ramseur passed away on November 25, 2021 at Parkview Health and Rehab in Chapel Hill.

Robert was born in Lamar, SC on January 13, 1949, the son of Robert Elvis and Doris Huggins Parnell.

Mr. Parnell was a retired Air Force Veteran. He was a cowboy at heart, and loved motorcycles.

He cherished his time with his family, especially all of his grandchildren. And he loved all of the boys at the YMCA pool room. In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his grandson, Timothy Austin Parnell.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sandra Gentry Parnell; daughter, Melissa Parnell Adams (David) of Valdosta, GA; sons, Robert Chad Parnell (Tina Wood) of Hillsborough, and Timothy Jason Parnell of Asheboro; sisters, Mary Roden (Don) of Upland, CA, and Linda Bellamy (Calvin) of Sumter, SC; grandchildren, Seth Chandler Parnell, Dylan Luke Parnell, Kaeleigh Adams, Annabelle Adams, Dannie Parnell, and Julie Parnell; great grandchildren, Dawson Parnell and Jaxtyn Parnell.

Pat Auman

Julio Aragon

March 31, 1940 November 26, 2021

1928 - 2021

Julio, age 93, passed away on November 23, 2021 at the Randolph Hospice House. He was born in San Francisco, CA. on July 24, 1928. Julio retired from the U.S. Army, after serving the WWII, Korean, and Vietnam Wars. He is preceded in death by his parents, Justino and Theresa Aragon, wife, Blanche Julian Aragon, sister, Jessie A. Mathis, Hope Pollock, and Augie Aragon.

Julio is survived by his daughters: Pamela Aragon of Sophia and Janet Davis of Randleman; son, John Aragon (Lynn) of Inman, SC; 5 grandchildren: Shannon Hamby (Greg), Jamie Davis (Tiffany), Amber Hyler (James) all of Randleman, Bryce Rudasill (Crystal) and Lauren Bowyer both of SC. Julio had 11 great grandchildren, David Ellis lll, Kaylee Hamby Daniel (Reece), Hunter Hamby ( Fiancé, Allison Brown), Morgan Hamby, Kash Davis, Piper Davis, Owen Hyler, Bryce Rudasill Jr., Abigail Rudasill Carson and Cameron Bowyer and 2 great-great grandchildren, Hudson Daniel and Charlie Bowyer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Randolph Hospice House, 416 Vision Dr., Asheboro, NC 27203, & The Randolph County Disabled Veterans Services to 725 McDowell rd., Asheboro, NC 27205 attention to Randolph County Veterans Services.

Bobby Ray Sloan, Sr.

Dr. Erma Toomes Scarlette 1922 – 2021

Dr. Erma Toomes Scarlette, age 99, died November 21, 2021, at Graybrier Nursing Center in Trinity, NC. Erma was born February 13, 1922, in Randolph County to Robert Vernon and Mary Alvetta Hodgin Toomes.

Dr. Scarlette worked as a Supervisor with Rowan County Schools for many years. Until the last 5 years, she had been active with her many friends in the Alpha Delta Kappa teacher’s sorority, Rowan Retired School Personnel, the Tuesday Morning book club, and her Bridge club. She was an active member in the First United Methodist Church of Salisbury.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roy Robert Scarlette and her stepchildren: Kathleen Scarlette Eddinger, Lib Scarlette Summey, Roy Jr. Scarlette, and Margaret Scarlette Hartley.

She is survived by her daughter: Alvetta S. Callis and husband Marshall of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren: Dr. April Callis and husband Steve McGuire of Oxford, OH; Erin Callis Campo and husband B.C. of Clayton, NC; and WEDNESDAY great-grandchild: Henry Campo; step grandchildren: Joyce, Terry, WEDNESDAY Wayne, Kathy, Connie, David, Carol Ann, and Donnie.

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7.21.21 7.7.21 #3

Patricia Lee Stout Auman, 81, of Seagrove, died Friday, November 26, 2021, at Clapp’s Nursing Home in Asheboro.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Suggs Creek Primitive Baptist Church, Star, with Elder John Wingfield officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Born in Randolph County, NC on March 31, 1940, Pat was the daughter of the late Glenn Monroe Stout and Kathleen McNeill Stout. She was retired from Randolph Hospital and a member of Suggs Creek Primitive Baptist Church. She enjoyed reading her Bible and painting.

For the 16 years she painted the picture for her Christmas cards. She loved to travel both in the United States and other countries. She also loved spending time with her family and playing with Cathy’s dog, Brandy.

In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Ann Phillips, Jane Hutchins; and brothers, Earl Stout, Donald Stout and J.T. Stout.

Surviving are her husband, Pearson Franklin Auman of the home; daughter, Catherine “Cathy” Moffitt (Randy) of Asheboro; grandson, Chief Warrant Officer Dustin Moffitt (Gizem) and great grandson, Andrew Moffitt of Texas; sisters, Judy McNeill (Donnie) of Asheboro, and Frances Patterson of Asheboro.

Joel Bart Amick November 18, 1959 November 25, 2021

Joel Bart Amick, 62, of Asheboro, died Thursday, November 25, 2021 at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

A memorial service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 3, 2021, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro 1935 – 2021 with Preacher Craig Asbill officiating.

Jettie Claris Hartis, age Joel was born on November 86, passed away on Saturday, 18, 1959 in Greensboro to Fred November 27, 2021, at Novant and Margaret C. Amick. Joel Presbyterian Hospital. had worked for Guilford Mills She was born in Montgomery and following their closing he County on August 28, 1935, was a truck driver for over 20 to Paul Jones and Verlie Hall years, currently working at Epes Mabe. She was a retired Hospital Transport Systems in Greensboro. Administrative Assistant, and she He loved watching sports and loved her nieces and nephews. playing golf. Joel loved his In addition to her parents, grandkids and spending time she is preceded by her husband, with his family.

Bobby Ray Auman and husband Joel was preceded in death by Mack Hartis; and brothers, Reece his parents and a brother, Greg Mabe, Floyd Mabe, and DJ Mabe.

Amick.

She is survived by her sister Survivors include daughter, Carlene Idol of Indian Trail.

April Jones (Robert); son, Tyler Jackson (Danielle); grandchildren, Carrie Sanders, Cody Sanders, Caleb Sanders, Colton Sanders, Jolene Jackson and Willa Jackson; uncle, Larry Cockman; nephew, Alex Amick; and Randolph Record for Wednesday, July lifelong best friend, Arden Thoburn.

Memorials may be made to Record Hospice ofRandolph Randolph, 416 Vision for Wednesday, July 7, 2021 Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Claris Hartis

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

STATE & NATION

Police chief: 3 shot in fight at North Carolina mall

By Tom Foreman Jr. The Associated Press DURHAM — Three people were shot and wounded Friday during an apparent fight between two groups at a North Carolina mall crowded with shoppers on the day after Thanksgiving, the police chief said.

Authorities said in the late afternoon that one person was detained and there was no further threat to the public. A bystander described “mass hysteria” on one of the busiest shopping days of

the year as shoppers ducked into stores for cover or ran for the exits.

Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews told reporters the shooting happened around 3:20 p.m. inside The Streets at Southpoint mall during a fight between two groups who knew each other.

She said one of the victims was a 10-year-old child hit when a bullet ricocheted. Police said the child’s wound did not appear life-threatening. Police did not immediately release further information on the conditions of the other two who were shot.

Andrews said another three people were injured as shoppers rushed for exits following the shooting. In a news release, police said their injuries were not life-threatening.

She said those involved in the fight that led to the shooting fled, but she vowed more arrests. She said there was no further threat to the public.

“This is not a situation where someone came into the mall and indiscriminately began firing,” Andrews said.

WRAL-TV showed traffic

snarled around the mall for more than an hour after the shooting, with lines of cars trying to exit the parking lot, and numerous police cars with lights flashing outside a department store.

Shoppers described a chaotic scene after the shots echoed through the mall, with some people taking cover in stores and others rushing for the exits.

Angela Lloyd had gone to Southpoint with family members to start her Christmas shopping.

She said she was walking out of a store when the chaos erupted.

“I just hear shots firing, and as soon as that happened, everybody just kind of turned around and started running and screaming,” she said in a phone interview.

“Some people were running into stores, some people were almost crawling into stores. Just like mass hysteria.”

She took cover in a store herself, and she and others were directed to the dressing rooms in the back.

One customer played a police scanner on his cellphone and kept people updated on what he heard, she said.

Her husband, Craig Lloyd, had just left the mall and was heading home to the town of Efland about 20 miles away when his wife called him from the dressing room.

“She said ‘There’s gunshots.

They’ve got us locked in the store,’” Craig Lloyd said in a phone interview. “I turned around and went back to the mall.”

When he got back to the shopping center, Craig Lloyd said he observed a chaotic scene with some exiting the mall with their hands up and others like him trying to find loved ones. His wife was allowed to leave the mall more than an hour later.

PHOTO VIA AP

Emergency vehicles congregate around the entrance to Belk at Southpoint Mall in Durham, N.C. after three people, including a 10-year-old, were wounded in an afternoon shooting on Black Friday, Nov. 26, 2021.

Supreme Court set to take up all-or-nothing abortion fight

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Both sides are telling the Supreme Court there’s no middle ground in Wednesday’s showdown over abortion. The justices can either reaffirm the constitutional right to an abortion or wipe it away altogether.

Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that declared a nationwide right to abortion, is facing its most serious challenge in 30 years in front of a court with a 6-3 conservative majority that has been remade by three appointees of President Donald Trump.

“There are no half measures here,” said Sherif Girgis, a Notre Dame law professor who once served as a law clerk for Justice Samuel Alito.

A ruling that overturned Roe and the 1992 case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey would lead to outright bans or restrictions on abortion in 26 states, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion laws.

The case being argued Wednesday comes from Mississippi, where a 2018 law would ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The Supreme Court hot previously allowed states to ban abortion during what some consider to be fetal viability.

“This is the most worried I’ve ever been,” said Shannon Brewer, who runs the only abortion clinic in Mississippi, the Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Lower courts blocked the Mississippi law, as they have other abortion bans that employ traditional enforcement methods by state and local officials.

The Supreme Court had never before even agreed to hear a case over a pre-viability abortion ban. But after Justice Ruth Bader

AP PHOTO

In this April 23, 2021, file photo, members of the Supreme Court pose for a group photo at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. Ginsburg’s death last year and her replacement by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the third of Trump’s appointees, the court said it would take up the case.

Trump had pledged to appoint “pro-life justices” and predicted they would lead the way in overturning the abortion rulings. Only one justice, Clarence Thomas, has publicly called for Roe to be overruled.

The court could uphold the Mississippi law without explicitly overruling Roe and Casey, an outcome that would satisfy neither side.

Abortion-rights advocates say that result would amount to the

same thing as an outright ruling overturning the earlier cases because it would erase the rationale undergirding nearly a half-century of Supreme Court law.

“A decision upholding this ban is tantamount to overruling Roe. The ban prohibits abortion around two months before viability,” said Julie Rikelman, who will argue the case for the clinic.

On the other side, pro-life advocates argue that the court essentially invented abortion law in Roe and Casey, and shouldn’t repeat that mistake in this case.

If the justices uphold Mississippi’s law, they’ll have to explain why, said Thomas Jipping, a Heri-

tage Foundation legal fellow. They can either overrule the two big cases, Jipping said, “or they’re going to have to come up with another made-up rule.”

Conservative commentator Ed Whelan said such an outcome would be a “massive defeat” on par with the Casey decision in 1992, in which a court with eight justices appointed by Republican presidents unexpectedly reaffirmed Roe. This court appears far more conservative than the one that decided Casey, and legal historian Mary Ziegler at Florida State University’s law school, said the court probably would “overrule Roe or

set us on a path to doing so.”

Chief Justice John Roberts might find the more incremental approach appealing if he can persuade a majority of the court to go along. Since Roberts became chief justice in 2005, the court has moved in smaller steps on some issues, even when it appeared there was only a binary choice.

It took two cases for the court to rip out the heart of the federal Voting Rights Act that curbed potentially discriminatory voting laws in states with a history of discrimination.

In the area of organized labor, the court moved through a series of cases that chipped away at public sector unions’ power.

The high court also heard two rounds of arguments over restrictions on independent spending in the political arena before removing limits on how much money corporations and unions can pour into election advocacy.

Mississippi is one of 12 states ready to act almost immediately if Roe is overturned. Those states have enacted so-called abortion trigger laws that would take effect and ban all or nearly all abortions.

Women in those states wanting abortions could face drives of hundreds of miles to reach the nearest clinic or they might obtain abortion pills by mail. Medication abortions now account for 40% of abortions.

Some legal briefs in the case make clear that the end of Roe is not the ultimate goal.

The court should recognize that “unborn children are persons” under the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, a conclusion that would compel an end to almost all legal abortions, Princeton professor Robert George and scholar John Finnis wrote. Finnis was Justice Neil Gorsuch’s adviser on his Oxford dissertation, an argument against assisted suicide.

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Stanly County Journal

ANDREW HARNIK | AP PHOTO

Harris and Buttigieg to visit region This Thursday, December 2, Vice President Harris and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg will arrive in Charlotte to highlight what the Biden administration feels is a signature accomplishment, the $1 trillion infrastructure bill.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Oakboro Police’s K9 Joker raises over $5k for Toys for Tots

State investigates missing evidence

Donations come after K9 Joker’s strong finish in national competition

Stanly County Stanly County Sheriff Jeff Crisco has requested an investigation into his office by the state bureau of investigation after evidence that had been collected was unaccounted for. The district attorney also requested an investigation into the missing evidence by the SBI. The bureau has not released any information on who is involved in the investigation, the nature of what is missing or what initiated the requests.

WSOC

Suspect, victim in SC shooting shot each other at NC mall Mecklenburg County The man charged with killing someone in South Carolina this week had wounded the same victim in a shootout at a North Carolina mall earlier this year. A 911 caller reported finding a man on the ground early Tuesday on a street in Rock Hill, police said. Kevion Harris, 32, died at the scene.

Jamie Gavantay Williams, 25, is charged with murder.

Harris and Williams shot and wounded each other on May 1 inside the Carolina Place Mall in Pineville. The mall had to be evacuated. Investigators didn’t give a motive for the Tuesday shooting.

AP

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By David Larson Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — K9 Joker of the Oakboro Police Department has raised $5,400 and counting for Toys for Tots, a charity run by the U.S. Marine Corps that provides Christmas gifts for low-income children. The flurry of donations came after a close head-to-head national K9 photo contest. A dog from an Ohio department ended up narrowly edging out K9 Joker in the contest, which ended on Thanksgiving Day, but the Oakboro Police Department skillfully leveraged that attention for a good cause.

“I’ll be honest; so much [money] is coming in that I don’t know what to tell you,” Oakboro Police

Chief T.J. Smith told SCJ on Nov. 29. “It appears to be approximately $5,400 for Toys for Tots.”

Smith said K9 Joker’s handler entered the dog into the contest, which was organized by Blue Line Unlimited, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping law enforcement and their families. Then support from the local community launched K9 Joker to the head of the pack, where he stayed, locked in a tight race with K9 Recon from Brimfield, Ohio.

During the battle, officers from Oakboro and Brimfield developed a camaraderie and praised each other’s dedication and community spirit. The lead passed back and forth between the two, but ultimately, Brimfield PD won with 18,102 votes to Oakboro’s 16,624.

The third place finisher happened to be a dog from another local law enforcement agency, the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office.

Blue Line Unlimited announced

the winner, saying, “Congratulations! For those of you who followed the contest, you know that the Brimfield Police Department (Ohio) and Oakboro Police Department (North Carolina) became friendly rivals over the past week or so - creating fierce competition for their opponent! We loved the effort, enthusiasm, and energy that was put into the competition, so we have decided to create a second place prize bracket of $250.00 that will be donated to K9 Joker of the Oakboro Police Department!”

Chief Smith commented on the last-minute rule change, telling SCJ, “The race was so close, that they went ahead and gave him $250, and of course he put it towards the Toys for Tots.”

And after they donated K9 Joker’s winnings to Toys for Tots, Smith says other locals started reaching out and wanting to donate money in honor of K9 Joker.

Recent donations announced in-

NC Emergency Training Center at Stanly County Airport to receive $28 million

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — With the help of recently passed funding signed into law, a state-of-the-art Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) flight-crash simulation program will be built next to the Stanly County Airport.

On Nov. 18, Gov. Roy Cooper signed a bipartisan state budget bill that will provide $28 million to the Department of Transportation to secure capital improvements for the N.C. Emergency Training Center at the Stanly County Airport, funding a brandnew Boeing 747 flight-simulation system that is designed for specialized advanced-rescue training for plane crashes.

“The impact this will have for the county and airport is fantastic,” Rep. Wayne Sasser, a Republican who represents Stanly County along with parts of Cabarrus

and Rowan counties in the state House, told SCJ on Nov. 30. “With all the people that will be coming, there is probably no training in five states around us that can do that.

People will be coming all the way from California here to train — it’s a really, really big deal.”

The background of the N.C. Emergency Training Center dates back to December 2017, when North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey and North Carolina Air National Guard Col. Michael Gerock announced a partnership between the Guard and the Office of State Fire Marshal to establish a state emergency training center — at the time just the second facility of its kind in the nation — at the Stanly County Airport.

The airport’s Air National Guard facility was selected as the site due to its location and amenities. Centrally located near lakes, the Rocky River, Morrow Moun-

tain State Park and the Uwharrie National Forest — various types of terrain essential for training — the center was equipped with facilities that will now be updated.

The current estimated timeline on the improvements has not been yet released, with pending environmental assessments and land purchases still hanging in the balance.

Stanly County Airport Director Ken Swaringen told SCJ on Nov. 29 that he views the upcoming improvements at the N.C. Emergency Training Center as a positive expansion on a program that has already found success within the county.

“The Air Guard has done that type of training for military members and some civilian organizations for a number of years here.

This will expand that as we’ll see people from across the state and military members from bases across the country come here,”

clude Simply Chic Floral Boutique giving $200, Sanchez Painting giving $150, $100 in memory of Chester Allen and Family, Divine Real Estate Boutique giving $200, Education Solution Services giving $100, Deeter Real Estate giving $100 and Normac Kitchens giving $250, among many others, which can be viewed on OPD’s Facebook page.

“I’ve said it for years: people love to help people, especially when it’s near home, and I’m very proud of that. I think the people of Stanly County should be as well,” Smith said. “And it’s very humbling, and I’m excited to see where it ends up.”

K9 Joker is one of two OPD K9 officers, both of which are named for Batman villains. The other, Bane, is not active in the field at the moment as his future handler completes K9 training.

“That was just Joker’s contribution towards the Toys for Tots effort,” Smith said of the $5,400 and counting collected, adding they have also been raising money for the cause with an annual event.

“We do a thing called Cop on Top, where I and the sheriff get on top of Napa [Auto Parts], and we raised nearly $6,000, plus toys and 50some bikes.”

Swaringen said. “It’s something that’s long been needed for the state to consolidate the training.”

The airport director mentioned that he was initially concerned that the wording within the state budget bill implied that the $28 million in funding — designated fully for the training center — would be going to the airport itself.

Following some revisions in the bill, he is not concerned that the center’s funding would have any future repercussions on any possible funding for the airport’s infrastructure. In the meantime, Swaringen said that the increased name recognition of the airport and center will go hand-in-hand, benefiting each other as time goes on.

“The airport will see an impact too because it’s right next door to us,” he added. “We’re not expecting a lot of increased air traffic, but for the local economy, this will be huge.”

The two-year budget was passed as a compromise between the Senate and House — allocating $25.9 billion for 2021-22 and $27.0 billion for 2022-23 — and includes $115 million for Stanly County and the surrounding region.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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NEW YORK — CNN anchor Chris Cuomo had a bigger role than previously known in helping defend his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, from sexual harassment allegations that forced him out of office, newly released transcripts and text messages show.

The TV journalist offered to reach out to “sources,” including other reporters, to find out whether more women were going to come forward and relayed what he was hearing to his brother’s advisers, according to the materials made public Monday.

He also sparred with the former governor’s aides over strategy, urging an apologetic tone and critiquing an early statement that he saw as downplaying the allegations. He accused a top aide of hiding information from his brother.

At the same time, Chris Cuomo told investigators he spoke regularly with his brother, coaching him on his response and admonishing him for “bad judgment.”

Chris Cuomo previously acknowledged it was a “mistake” to act as his brother’s unofficial adviser, but the full extent of his involvement — including using journalistic contacts to scope out accusers — only became clear with Monday’s release of his July interview with investigators and 169 pages of text messages, emails and other communications.

“I was worried that this wasn’t being handled the right way, and it’s not my job to handle it, okay?”

Chris Cuomo told investigators, according to the transcript. “I don’t work for the governor.”

Andrew Cuomo resigned in August to avoid a likely impeachment trial, after an investigation led by state Attorney General Letitia James found he sexually harassed at least 11 women.

Chris Cuomo, the host of CNN’s “Cuomo Prime Time,” did his show Monday night without

♦ Sarah Anne Drye Ridenhour, 83, of New London, died Nov. 19.

♦ Bordeaux, Benjamin Terell (B /M/41) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs (F), 2) Pwimsd Cocaine (F), 3) Maintain Veh/ dwell/place Cs (f) (F), and 4) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 126 South Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 11/29/2021

♦ Rodney Huneycutt, 66, of Albemarle, died Nov. 22. ♦ Elmer Franklin Stamper Sr., 95, of Oakboro, died Nov. 22. ♦ Doris Ramelle Edwards , 82, of Oakboro, died Nov. 22. ♦ Christine Burr Bonneville, 72, of Norwood, died Nov. 23. ♦ Robert Jessie Deese, 59, of Albemarle, died Nov. 23. ♦ Douglas Arthur Poplin, 70, of Albemarle passed away Nov. 24 ♦ Donald Phillip Davis, 86, of Richfield, died Nov. 25. ♦ Nola Maedene Pate Barbee, 85, of Albemarle, died Nov. 26. ♦ Nancy Almond Barbee, 79, of Locust, died Nov. 26. ♦ Kenneth Raymond Boyer, Jr., 57, of Albemarle, died Nov. 27. ♦ Willie Crowell Turner, 84, of Oakboro, died Nov. 27. ♦ Thomas Adam Huneycutt, 66, of Albemarle, died Novemeber 28.

HI LO PRECIP

70° 46° 7%

SATURDAY

DEC 4

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69° 40° 6%

SUNDAY

MONDAY

DEC 5

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55° 38° 8%

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The Associated Press

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ Wayne Clinton Almond. 83, of Albemarle, died Nov. 21.

DEC 3

56° 31° 16%

TUESDAY

DEC 7

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Chris Cuomo’s off-air role: Brother Andrew’s strategist

DEATH NOTICES

♦ Bobby Deane Clodfelter, 79, of Albemarle, died Nov. 20.

FRIDAY

♦ Simmons, Meredith Kristen (W /F/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess Heroin (F), 2) Felony Possession Of Cocaine (F), 3) Possess Methamphetamine (F), 4) Simple Possess Sch Iv Cs (m) (M), and 5) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at Richfield Car Wash, Richfield, NC, on 11/29/2021 ♦ Shaw, Debbie Lynn (W /F/49) Arrest on chrg of First Deg Tresp Enter/remain (M), at 144 West Red Cross Rd, Oakboro, NC, on 11/29/2021 ♦ Mcdonald, Steven Milton (W /M/38) Arrest on chrg of Fugitive From Justice (F), at Albermarle Correctional Institution, Albermarle, NC, on 11/28/2021 ♦ Weston, Tyler Alan (W M, 19) Arrest on chrg of Shoplifting Concealment Goods, M(M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 11/22/2021 ♦ Bordeaux, Benjamin Terell (B /M/41) Arrest on chrg of 1) Death By Distribution/agg (F), 2) Second Deg Murder Dist Drug (F), and 3) Felony Conspiracy (F), at 528 E Main St, Albemarle, NC, on 11/27/2021

♦ Doris Alene Hatley Huneycutt, 92, of Locust, died Nov. 28.

♦ Braley, Justin Lee (W /M/25) Arrest on chrg of 1) Death By Distribution (F) and 2) Felony Conspiracy (F), at 16048 Old Aquadale Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 11/27/2021

♦ Patsy Sue Duncan Hunter, 87 of Locust, died Nov. 29.

♦ Furr, Tonya Ann (W /F/39) Arrest on chrg of Felony Conspiracy (F),

AP PHOTO

New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo appears during a news conference about COVID-19 at the State Capitol in Albany, N.Y., on Dec. 3, 2020, left, and CNN anchor Chris Cuomo attends the 12th annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute at the American Museum of Natural History in New York on Dec. 9, 2018. mentioning the topic.

CNN issued a statement saying the transcripts and exhibits “deserve a thorough review and consideration.”

“We will be having conversations and seeking additional clarity about their significance as they relate to CNN over the next several days,” it said.

Jane Kirtley, director of the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota, said journalists must understand they’re working for the public, not politicians.

Kirtley said the extent of Chris Cuomo’s involvement in advising his brother is inappropriate, and since they’re brothers, “Maybe it’s time for him to find another line of work.”

She urged CNN to address the matter promptly, saying: “You can’t act like this is not happening. You’re a news organization.”

Monday’s releases show Chris Cuomo growing frustrated with his brother’s advisers as they scrambled to respond as more women came forward with harassment allegations.

The anchor pressed for greater

at 528 E Main St, Albemarle, NC, on 11/27/2021 ♦ Pickler, Eric Shane (W /M/21) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault With Deadly Weapon (m) (M), 2) Communicate Threats (M), 3) Injury To Personal Property (M), and 4) Fta - Criminal Summons Or Citation (M), at 100 Us 52 S, Albemarle, NC, on 11/26/2021 ♦ Woody, Jonathan Lawson (W /M/34) Arrest on chrg of 1) Fta - Release Order (F), 2) Fta - Release Order (M), 3) Fta Release Order (M), and 4) Fta - Criminal Summons Or Citation (M), at 9600 Party Ln/jungle Rd, Stanfield, NC, on 11/26/2021 ♦ Cole, Christopher Allen (W /M/30) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at Woodland Acres Moble Home Park, on 11/26/2021 ♦ Hall, Jackie Lee (B /M/55) Cited on Charge of Driving While Impaired (202100916), at 12389 Cottonville Rd/chapel Rd, Norwood, NC, on 11/26/2021. ♦ Davis, Cody Lane (W /M/26) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possession Of Stolen Firearm (F) and 2) Trafficking In Methamphetamine (F), at N Main St, Norwood, on 11/25/2021 ♦ Crumpton, Thomas Rutherford (W /M/49) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M) and 2) Interfere Emerg Communication (M), at 108 S Oak Ave, New London, NC, on 11/25/2021 ♦ Weston, Tyler Alan (W /M/19) Arrest on chrg of 1) Misdemeanor Probation Viol (M) and 2) Felony Probation Violation (F), at Hwy 200, Stanfield, NC, on 11/24/2021 ♦ Burleson, Sidney Lynn (W /M/30) Arrest on chrg of Felony

involvement in crafting his brother’s message and offered up his journalistic sleuthing to find out what other allegations might be looming.

On March 4, Chris Cuomo texted the governor’s top aide, Melissa DeRosa, saying “I have a lead on the wedding girl,” referring to a woman who accused his brother of unwanted touching at a wedding reception.

On March 7, as rumors swirled that more women were about to come forward, DeRosa texted Chris Cuomo: “Can u check your sources.” He replied, “On it.”

“When asked, I would reach out to sources, other journalists, to see if they had heard of anybody else coming out,” Chris Cuomo said in the July deposition.

In one instance, Chris Cuomo said he called a journalist who regularly worked with reporter Ronan Farrow to get information about Farrow’s upcoming article, and didn’t tell anyone at CNN what he was doing. He let DeRosa know the article wasn’t ready for publication yet.

In a March 10 text message, Chris Cuomo lashed out at DeRo-

Possession Sch Ii Cs (F), at Norwood, Norwood, NC, on 11/24/2021 ♦ Mcrae, Thomas Henry (W /M/49) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possession Of Stolen Firearm (F) and 2) Trafficking In Methamphetamine (F), at N Main St, Norwood, on 11/24/2021 ♦ Mangiardi-eason, Giovanni Christian (W /M/27) Arrest on chrg of Trafficking In Methamphetamine (F), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 11/24/2021 ♦ Strother, Hal Davis (W /M/21) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M) and 2) Surrender By Surety (F), at 25150 Millingport Rd, Locust, NC, on 11/24/2021 ♦ Deese, Alan Lane (W /M/31) Arrest on chrg of Nonsupport Child (M), at 201 South Second Street, Albemarle, NC, on 11/23/2021 ♦ Taylor, Mark Anthony (W /M/42) Arrest on chrg of Felony Larceny (F), at 432 Watts Street, Albemarle, NC, on 11/23/2021 ♦ Thompson, Jennifer Leah (W F, 45) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny, M (M),at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 11/22/202 ♦ Huntley, Jessie Lee (B /M/59) Arrest on chrg of 1) Fail Reprt New Address-sex Off (F) and 2) Sex Offender Residence Viol (F), at 1404 North Sixth Street, Albemarle, NC, on 11/23/2021 ♦ Hatley, Tyler Matthew (W /M/24) Arrest on chrg of 1) Alter/dest/ etc Stolen Mv/part (F), 2) Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F), 3) Unauthorized Use Of Motor Vehicle (M), and 4) Injury To Personal Property (M), at 126 South Third St, Albemarle, NC, on

sa, accusing her of keeping information from his brother after the Albany Times-Union published an interview with an accuser.

“Stop hiding s--- ,” Chris Cuomo wrote. “We are making mistakes we can’t afford.”

Asked in his deposition about that text, Chris Cuomo explained he was telling her: “Don’t not tell Andrew things.”

“There were conversations that he wasn’t a part of that I thought it was important for him to stay very locked in on these,” Chris Cuomo testified.

Among this latest batch of investigative materials released by James’ office is a video of Andrew Cuomo’s deposition from July — a transcript was made public about three weeks ago — and transcripts or videos of interviews with several Cuomo aides and advisers.

James’ office said it didn’t initially release these because local prosecutors were reviewing them for potential criminal conduct.

After a criminal complaint was filed against Cuomo last month, giving him access to the materials through discovery, James’ office said it would make them public “in an effort to provide full transparency.”

The releases were being done on a rolling basis — first with transcripts of the former governor and accusers on Nov. 10 and Monday with his brother, aides and other figures — to allow time for redactions to protect individual privacy, James’ office said.

DeRosa, in her interview released Monday, recalled confronting Andrew Cuomo during a car ride about the allegations. She told investigators that after one accuser came forward, they decided Cuomo would no longer be left alone with junior staff.

Asked about her exchanges with Chris Cuomo, DeRosa testified: “I talked to Chris pretty regularly. He was on some calls that we did, and he advised us on how to respond.”

11/22/2021 ♦ Harris, Justin Antonio (B /M/30) Arrest on chrg of Nonsupport Child (M), at 126 South Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 11/22/2021 ♦ Verbos, Johnathan David (W /M/27) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwisd Marijuana (F), 2) Possess Marij Paraphernalia (M), and 3) Domestic Criminal Trespass (M), at Dry Road, New London, NC, on 11/22/2021 ♦ Ramos-ojeda, Harbey Fanio (W M, 36) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired, M(M), at 1920 E Main St, Albemarle, on 11/21/2021 ♦ Nickolaisen, Cynthia Grace (W F, 23) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired, M(M), at 911 W Main St/concord Rd, Albemarle, on 11/21/2021 ♦ Hartsell, Debra Jean (W F, 29) Arrest on chrg of Felony Possession Sch I Cs (F), at625 S Second St, Albemarle, on 11/21/2021 ♦ Hartsell, Debra Jean (W F, 29) Arrest on chrg of Felony Probation Violation (F), at625 S Second St, Albemarle, on 11/21/2021. ♦ Ascencio-guevara, Luis Nmn (W M, 28) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired, M(M), at 814 Nc 24-27 Bypass E, Albemarle, on 11/21/2021 ♦ Mauldin, Samantha Elizabeth (W F, 31) Arrest on chrg of Shoplifting ConcealmentGoods, M (M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 11/22/2021 ♦ Johnson, Brandon Lee (W M, 25) Arrest on chrg of Assault By Strangulation (F), at435 Davis St, Albemarle, on 11/22/2021

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

OPINION

3

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

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Reality remains undefeated “Is there going to be an individual I divert, or I put into a treatment program, who’s going to go out and kill somebody? You bet. Guaranteed.

It’s guaranteed to happen.”

John Chisholm, the District Attorney of Milwaukee County

THIS WEEK, a 39-year-old black man in Waukesha, Wisconsin, plowed a maroon Ford Escape into a Christmas parade of children and older women. Six people were killed and another 48 were injured. The motive of the suspect is unknown; if the media have their way, it will remain that way. The media apparently only care about why suspects commit violent acts when motives can be credited to their political enemies.

There is one thing we do know: the suspect should not have been on the street. He had a rap sheet longer than the first five books of the Bible. His latest alleged crime took place on Nov. 5, when he was charged with resisting an officer, bail jumping, recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct and battery. First, he allegedly slammed the mother of his child with his fist, and then ran her over — wait for it — in a maroon Ford Escape. He was released on Friday ... on $1,000 bail.

Two days later, he ran his vehicle over innocent victims.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office has now opened an investigation into the low bail. But we already know just why the bail process allowed the suspect back out onto the street: equity demanded it. In May 2015, Jeffrey Toobin wrote in The New Yorker about “The Milwaukee Experiment.” The piece was a long, sycophantic love letter to John Chisholm, the District Attorney of Milwaukee County, who had embraced criminal justice policies geared toward rectifying “the racial imbalance in American prisons.” According to one of Chisholm’s admirers, “Chisholm stuck his neck out there and started saying that prosecutors should also be judged by their success in reducing mass incarceration and achieving racial equality.”

Not reducing crime. Reducing the number of people in jail — and more particularly, the number of black Americans in jail. Chisholm

himself admitted the costs of his policies in 2007: “Is there going to be an individual I divert, or I put into a treatment program, who’s going to go out and kill somebody? You bet. Guaranteed. It’s guaranteed to happen.”

Chisholm, of course, was right.

San Francisco proved the same point this week when large, roving gangs began looting high-end stores. On Friday night, San Francisco’s Union Square witnessed a massive group of looters smashing and grabbing at a Louis Vuitton store; meanwhile, thieves congregated to steal product in Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, Hayward and San Jose.

None of this ought to be a surprise. San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin announced that he would end “mass incarceration” and cash bail; he stopped prosecuting shoplifting cases — in 2020, just 44% of shoplifting cases were prosecuted.

The result: stores are closing down in San Francisco thanks to the automatic surcharge of people stealing their product from the shelves.

Reality with regard to criminality isn’t all that complicated: when you free criminals unjustifiably in a misguided attempt to achieve “group equity,” innocents suffer. When you take cops off the street, freeing criminals to work their will, innocents suffer. When you refuse to prosecute crime, criminals spot an opportunity.

Voters can either continue to deny reality and pay the price, or they can wake up to the simple fact that reality always wins. Until they do the latter, the criminals — and the politicians who enable them — will be the only winners.

Ben Shapiro, 37, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com.

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

Kyle Rittenhouse’s offense: insufficiently respecting rioters Many in the media have been portraying those violent rioters in multiple cities in the summer of 2020 as virtuous peaceful protesters and those who tried to prevent violent destruction of property as vicious white supremacists.

WHY THE HATRED of Kyle Rittenhouse? Why was there such widespread dishonest news coverage of the case against him that his acquittal by the Kenosha, Wisconsin, jury came as an unwelcome surprise to so many? For example, so-called comedian Stephen Colbert’s recent comment (“If he didn’t break the law, we should change the law”) shows he’s ready to jettison the ancient right of selfdefense.

Maybe it’s because so many in the media have been portraying those violent rioters in multiple cities in the summer of 2020 as virtuous peaceful protesters and those who tried to prevent violent destruction of property as vicious white supremacists.

That was apparent in the live shot of a CNN reporter in Kenosha that August, standing in front of a burning building. The chyron read, “Fiery but mostly peaceful protests after police shooting.” As reporter Omar Jimenez explained, things began to “get a little more contentious” after nightfall as “an expression of anger and frustration over what people feel like has become an all-too-familiar story.”

An all-too-familiar story often told inaccurately. Jacob Blake, the black man shot by police in Kenosha, was not killed, despite what many recent stories have said, but grievously wounded and paralyzed.

He was also not unarmed but armed with a knife, which, up close, is definitely a deadly weapon.

Nor was Blake an innocent accosted at random by trigger-happy cops. There was an outstanding warrant for his arrest for an alleged sexual assault. Nonetheless, President Joe Biden took time to talk to him on the phone and visit his relatives as he was campaigning for president in Wisconsin.

There were even more lapses, inaccuracies and lies in the coverage of Rittenhouse’s trial for shooting three protesters, two fatally, during a night of rioting in Kenosha.

Writers complained multiple times that Rittenhouse, then 17, was not part of the Kenosha community and that he crossed state lines with a gun to get there. Yes, he did cross state lines. Antioch, Illinois, where he lived, is right on the Illinois-Wisconsin border. But he didn’t take a gun across the line. It was stored in Kenosha, just 20 miles from Antioch, where his father and other relatives live.

Anyway, it’s odd to hear complaints about strangers crossing state lines, for those of us old enough to remember when Southern segregationists complained about “outside agitators” coming in to campaign for equal rights for black people.

It was odd as well to hear the lamentations and cries of dismay when the Kenosha jury voted unanimously to acquit Rittenhouse of murder and the other charges against him.

Anyone paying attention to the evidence at the videotaped trial could see the footage showing the three men Rittenhouse shot attacking him with deadly weapons. One could see the person who survived admit on the stand that he had aimed his gun at Rittenhouse before he was shot.

One could also easily learn things about the three assailants he shot. For one thing they were all white, contrary to news reports and implications that they were black. One had been imprisoned for sexual conduct with preteen boys. A second had been jailed for violating probation after strangling his brother. A third, who survived, was unemployed and a member of a group called the Peoples Revolution.

“That crowd was full of heroes,” said prosecutor Thomas Binger in his summation to the jury in Rittenhouse’s trial. One senses that many on the left yearned, with religious fervor, for anti-police demonstrators to be regarded as heroes and, by the grace of something like divine intervention, to be rendered immune from COVID-19, though gathered in dense and boisterous crowds.

Thus, the assurances by the U.S. Crisis Monitor that 95% of demonstrations from May to August were nonviolent — even though that meant that some 570 were violent riots, with multiple deaths and about $2 billion in damage. The leftist Substack writer Freddie deBoer had no difficulty finding seven explicitly pro-riot leftists.

From that perspective, Rittenhouse’s offense was interfering in a quasi-religious ritual. I suspect history will regard the massive demonstrations starting in summer 2020, despite a lack of evidence of a sudden increase in unjustified police violence against black people, as a religious frenzy akin to the Anabaptist madness in Munster, amid unprecedented restrictions imposed in response to an incompletely understood epidemic.

As usual, the American public understands this better than the chattering (twittering?) class: Pollster Scott Rasmussen reports that 43% of Americans say Rittenhouse did stupid things and only 22% say he committed murder.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Georgia Tech RB Gibbs entering transfer portal Atlanta Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who finished third in the nation in allpurpose yards, announced plans on Monday to enter the transfer portal. Gibbs made the announcement two days after Georgia Tech completed a 3-9 season with a 45-0 loss to No. 1 Georgia.

Gibbs ran for only 1 yard on two carries before suffering an undisclosed injury. He ran for 746 yards with four touchdowns in 2021, his second season. He added 470 yards receiving and 589 yards on kick returns for 1,805 all-purpose yards.

GOLF

Elder, 1st black golfer to play Masters, dies at 87 Escondido, Calif.

Lee Elder, who broke down racial barriers as the first black golfer to play in the Masters, has died at the age of 87. The PGA Tour announced Elder’s death, which was first reported Monday by Debert Cook of African American Golfers Digest. No cause was given, but the tour confirmed Elder’s death with his family. Elder made history in 1975 at Augusta National, which had held an allwhite tournament until he received an invitation after winning the Monsanto Open the previous year.

Elder missed the cut at his first Masters but forever stamped himself as a groundbreaking figure.

MLB

MLB, union stopped HGH testing due to pandemic New York Major League Baseball and the players’ association stopped blood testing for Human Growth Hormone because of the coronavirus pandemic. Blood testing for HGH began in 2012, and 412 samples with no positive results were collected in the year ending with the 2020 World Series. The decision to interrupt blood testing during the pandemic was made because drawing blood is more invasive than urine testing and requires additional collectors who would have increased the number of people coming into contact with players and decreased social distancing. MLB and the union plan to resume blood testing next season.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UConn’s Bueckers signs NIL deal to represent Gatorade Storrs, Conn.

UConn sophomore guard Paige Bueckers is the first college athlete to represent Gatorade, announcing Monday a multiyear name, image and likeness deal.

Terms of the deal with PepsiCo Inc. were not released. It is the second NIL deal announced for Bueckers, who also has a partnership with sneaker marketplace StockX. Bueckers is a former Gatorade high school player of the year. Last year’s national player of the year, Bueckers is averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 assists and five rebounds a game for No. 2 UConn (3-1).

MIKE MCCARN | AP PHOTO

The NASCAR Cup Series will begin using its Next Gen cars — like the Chevrolet Camero — next season.

NASCAR caps 2021 looking ahead to future growth The 2022 season will be the Cup Series’ first with the new Next Gen car

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press NASCAR will close its season this week with a three-day celebration in Nashville that ends with the crowning of three new national series champions in Kyle Larson, Daniel Hemric and Ben Rhodes.

NASCAR will do burnouts on Lower Broadway near popular honkytonks Doc Holliday’s Saloon and Bootleggers Inn. Its 2022 cars will be on display at Riverfront Park, and drivers will participate in Q&A sessions before the finale Thursday night at the Music City Center.

Then attention turns to the pivotal upcoming season.

Among the issues facing NASCAR is its Next Gen car, set to debut in February following a yearlong delay during the pandemic. The Cup Series also wants

to continue tweaking its sprawling, 38-week schedule, which now includes more short tracks, more road courses and a dirt race but puts the season finale at Phoenix Raceway for a third consecutive year next season despite calls to rotate the championship event.

NASCAR understands it must improve its at-track experience for fans and recognizes the urgent need to showcase its competitors and create interest in its current driver crop, which has generally lacked pizzazz since Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth and Danica Patrick retired.

NASCAR needs its fans to care about its drivers, and it needs its superstars to be accessible to those who invest — both emotionally and monetarily — in the sport. Although NASCAR was one of the first sports to resume competition during the pandemic and the first sport to complete its entire 2020 season, its events have been anything but normal.

To get to the finish line a year

“We need to make sure the event experience is better than it’s ever been. Are we satisfied with where that is?

We’re not.”

Steve Phelps, NASCAR president ago, NASCAR scrapped all qualifying and practice sessions, and three-day weekend events became one-day shows in front of fewer fans. Drivers mostly went directly from their motorhomes to the race car with little engagement with their own race teams, let alone any spectators.

Policies fluctuated based on virus positivity numbers — and NASCAR President Steve Phelps admitted the vaccination rate in the garage is “not high enough... to me, there’s a responsibility that individuals have to each other” — but some normalcy had returned by the final two races of the sea-

son. Martinsville had one of its largest crowds in years, and Phoenix saw the return of practice, qualifying and spectators freely roaming the Arizona garage area earlier this month.

Phelps wants the same Phoenix energy level at all of NASCAR’s races, and the series hopes to ensure fans get the most bang for their buck.

“We need to make sure that the marketing and promotion is as strong as it can be. We need to make sure we are driving storylines,” Phelps said. “We need to make sure the event experience is better than it’s ever been. Are we satisfied with where that is? We’re not.”

Restrictions will still be in place this week in Nashville, the second year NASCAR chose The Music City for its awards show.

The weeklong event in 2019 was wildly popular, and drivers could be spotted up and down Lower Broadway at many of the popular downtown bars.

The awards ceremony was canceled last year. Its return to Nashville promises plenty of opportunities to see the Next Gen car but few organized chances to get close to the drivers. Public tickets were not sold to Thursday night’s coronation of Larson as Cup Series champion, Hemric as Xfinity champion and Rhodes as the trucks winner.

Holcomb still chasing dream of becoming NFL head coach The Panthers defensive assistant has been coaching in the NFL for the past 12 seasons

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — As an African American growing up in Queens, New York, Al Holcomb spent his fall Sundays watching Tom Landry and the Dallas Cowboys on television and dreaming of one day becoming an NFL head coach.

The 51-year-old Holcomb has spent more than a quarter-century chasing that dream — one that eludes him to this day.

He has plenty of experience, working 26 years as an assistant coach, including the last 12 at the NFL level. He’s been to two Super Bowls, winning one with the New York Giants, and has coached the likes of Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Patrick Peterson and Chandler Jones. Yet Holcomb is still seeking his first interview for one of the NFL’s coveted 32 head coaching jobs, which currently are held by only five minorities, three of whom are black.

“I wake up every day with a mission that I have to be the best that I can be and have to dispel

any myths or stereotypes that may be out there. And prove that I’m a smart football coach who can lead men, put together game plans, engage with the media and do all those kinds of things,” Holcomb said, who currently serves as the defensive run game coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.

Holcomb’s immediate goal is to return to being a defensive coordinator, which often serves as a springboard to becoming a head coach.

He was at that precipice once, landing as Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator in 2018. But head coach Steve Wilks, who is also black, and the entire staff were fired after one season when the Cardinals failed to find an offensive identity and finished 3-13. Holcomb’s defense finished fourth in the league against the pass and fifth in the league with 49 sacks, but it struggled to stop the run.

Getting fired in Arizona was a huge blow for Holcomb, who has never been able to get back to that job level. And he knows he faces an uphill battle moving forward.

Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Miami’s Brian Flores and Houston’s David Culley are the only black head coaches in the league. Currently there is a growing tendency for NFL clubs to hire young

JACOB KUPFERMAN | AP PHOTO

Panthers assistant coach Al Holcomb is hoping for another opportunity to be a defensive coordinator — and to, eventually, become one of the NFL's few black head coaches. coaches with backgrounds in offense.

Holcomb said one of the biggest challenges in his climb up the coaching ranks was breaking into the league altogether. He never felt he had the right connections or contacts with people in the NFL because at that time there wasn’t a program in place to help develop minority coaches.

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule called Holcomb one of the top assistants in the league.

“He has been a defensive coordinator and he’s one of the guys who should be a head coaching candidate,” Rhule said. “He’s excellent with players, excellent schematically, a great teacher, patient and a leader. ... I think Al is a tremendous coach and someone that people should really pay attention to.”

“He has been a defensive coordinator and he’s one of the guys who should be a head coaching candidate.”

Panthers coach Matt Rhule on Carolina assistant Al Holcomb

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

5

Bulldogs start season at 0-3 following home loss to Cavaliers

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ELLEN SCHMIDT | AP PHOTO

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s revamped roster — led by freshman phenom Paolo Banchero — has the Blue Devils back on top of the college basketball world.

NCAA champ Baylor, Duke thriving with retooled rosters The Bears and Blue Devils were both unbeaten through seven games

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas — Baylor coach Scott Drew knew his sixth-ranked Bears might need time to blend a changed roster after they lost four starters from a national championship run.

Instead, the Bears rolled through the Battle 4 Atlantis. They were among a group of teams — including Maui Invitational champion Wisconsin and No. 5 Duke in its takedown of No. 1 Gonzaga — that thrived over Thanksgiving week after retooling in the offseason.

It’s quite a starting point if each continues an upward trajectory, too.

“It’s kind of like dating,” Drew said of two-time transfer James Akinjo as his new point guard.

“You just start dating somebody, you’ve got to figure things out.

When you’re married a couple of years, you know what your wife likes and doesn’t like. We’ll contin-

ue to go through that process.”

The Bears’ departed starters include a first-team Associated Press All-American in Jared Butler, a third-team All-American and No. 9 overall NBA Draft pick in Davion Mitchell and their second-leading scorer in MaCio Teague.

Drew turned to Akinjo, who had prior stops at Georgetown and Arizona. Talented freshman forwards Kendall Brown and Jeremy Sochan arrived. Returnees like L.J. Cryer and Matthew Mayer stepped into bigger roles. And Baylor (7-0) keeps winning big, the last against Michigan State in the Atlantis title game last Friday with Akinjo as MVP. Baylor has won 13 straight dating to last year’s title run in the Indianapolis bubble.

“Nobody cared who scored, they all played pretty hard defensively,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo said. “It was nice to watch. Unfortunately, I had to watch them from a negative side.”

The Blue Devils (7-0), who beat Gonzaga in Las Vegas on Friday in a late-March-caliber game, have also thrived with a plethora of new faces. Duke missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since

13 Straight wins for Baylor dating back to their run to last season’s NCAA title

1995 last season but reloaded with a top-flight recruiting class, a veteran boost from Marquette transfer Theo John and a surge from veteran co-captain Wendell Moore Jr. The win over Gonzaga boosted the Blue Devils back to a familiar place: No. 1 in Monday’s AP Top 25 in Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski’s final season.

“Since the offseason, every day we’ve been trying to come in and be consistent and practice well,” star freshman Paolo Banchero said. “One thing is no bad practices. ... So when you just stack days like that, coming in every day and be consistent, in big games like this you’re going to be able to pull out wins and battle it out.”

ALBEMARLE — Facing a four-point halftime deficit to the visiting North Rowan Cavaliers, the Albemarle Bulldogs boys’ basketball team looked to be on the right track to make Monday’s nonconference game competitive the rest of the way.

The Bulldogs (0-3, 0-0 Yadkin Valley) had fought back after surrendering 11 unanswered points to start the game and outscored the Cavaliers in the second quarter. North Rowan, however, outscored Albemarle by five in the third quarter and 13 in the fourth en route to a 8866 victory.

“When we got to the third quarter, we didn’t close it out,” first-year Albemarle coach Chauncey Bruton said. “All season, we’ve been going through the struggles of taking bad shots and turning over the ball at the wrong time. Coming out of that first half we were flat, and it became a snowball effect. My guys aren’t used to being in that position of pulling themselves out, and we’re learning right now how to dig ourselves out of those holes.”

Eleven different Cavaliers scored in the game and five players reached double-digit point totals, led by sophomore Amir Alexander’s teamhigh 17 points.

While seven Bulldogs reached the scoring column in the matchup, three players accounted for 46 of their 66 points.

The Bulldogs were led by their 6-foot-7 senior center Omare Price, who scored a game-high 20. Junior Ty Rankin added 14 points for Albemarle, while senior Jabari Brooks had 12 points.

Albemarle saw several contested shots in the paint fall short in a slash-and-drive offensive strategy that the team employed throughout the night.

“I don’t really have a lot of shooters and that’s been one of our biggest struggles, but we’re working on that,” Bruton said. “Our game is predicated off of getting to the basket and finishing at the rim. When we don’t get the putbacks, we struggle down the stretch.”

Despite the loss, Bruton said he was encouraged to see how his roster fought back into the game — even briefly leading the Cavaliers — after starting the game down 11-0.

“It shows me the potential of the team, where our heart is and what kind of fight we have.”

Albemarle will host the West Stanly Colts (20, 0-0 Rocky River) on Friday night in hopes of getting its first win of the year. It will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. On Nov. 23, the Colts came away with a 7971 home win over the Bulldogs in what was both schools’ 2021-22 schedule-opener.

“All season, we’ve been going through the struggles of taking bad shots and turning over the ball at the wrong time.

Coming out of that first half we were flat, and it became a snowball effect.”

Chauncey Bruton, coach

John Isner and the U.S. were eliminated from the Davis Cup Finals by Colombia.

ANTONIO CALANNI | AP PHOTO

US eliminated from Davis Cup Finals after loss to Colombia Greensboro’s John Isner lost in a singles match to Daniel Elahi Galan

By Andrew Dampf The Associated Press U.S. CAPTAIN Mardy Fish hinted at a lack of passion within his team after the record 32-time champion Americans were eliminated from the Davis Cup Finals by following up a lopsided loss to host Italy with a humbling defeat to Colombia on Sunday.

The Americans left Turin 0-2 when Reilly Opelka and Jack Sock retired from the decisive doubles match while trailing 3-0 in the opening set against the accomplished Colombian pair of Juan-Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah.

Daniel Elahi Galan, ranked No. 111, had leveled the series at 1-1 by beating John Isner 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (5).

“You can see the passion for Davis Cup, playing for their country,” Fish said of Colombia. “It’s infectious for them ... These guys are giving fist pumps every other point.

It’s impressive, and it’s something that I hope, as a captain, to strive for and get our players to do.”

Meanwhile, Russia with second-ranked Daniil Medvedev beat Spain 2-1 in a result that eliminated the defending champion and allowed Serbia with top-ranked Novak Djokovic to advance as the second-best runner-up.

Russia, which is being called RTF (Russian Tennis Federation) for the event amid an ongoing doping suspension in international sport, will face Sweden, the best

runner-up, in the quarterfinals.

The other quarterfinals are: Italy vs. Croatia; Britain vs. Germany; “It’s not an individual and Serbia vs. Kazakhstan. tournament. This isn’t just Played in three cities, each matchup on indoor hard courts is about how you’re playing on a best-of-three series featuring two one specific day.” singles and one doubles match. The six group winners plus the two second-place teams with the best re- Mardy Fish, U.S. captain cords based on sets and games advanced to the quarterfinals.

The semifinals and final will be Opelka, and Tiafoe responded by rallying past Nicolas Mejia 4-6, played in Madrid.

After Opelka and Isner were 6-3, 7-6 (7) to give the Americans swept aside by rising Italians Lo- an early lead.

Tiafoe saved two match points renzo Sonego and Jannik Sinner on Friday, the U.S. needed an al- in the decisive tiebreaker before most perfect performance against finally closing it out on his fifth Colombia to have any hope of ad- match point with an ace.

The 38th-ranked Tiafoe was a vancing.

Fish moved Frances Tiafoe into late pick for the team, replacing the second singles spot ahead of Taylor Fritz, and this marked his

first Davis Cup victory.

Things went sour for the Americans from there and the U.S. retired from the doubles match due to an upper right leg injury for Sock.

Italy won the group, Colombia placed second and the U.S. finished last.

“I thought Frances did an amazing job of (playing with passion) today,” Fish said. “It’s not an individual tournament. This isn’t just about how you’re playing on one specific day. It’s about just trying to get through and competing for your teammates and the support staff that’s here.

“There is a lot of people that sacrificed a lot of things to be here this week, including the players,” Fish added. “So we hope to get that right.”

ment. area.”

EMPHIS, Tenn. — Faced For Nutbush resident He also cited a widespread fear the threat of overburdened of being unnecessarily exposed to fear of contracting the itals, states across the country matched with the worry th the virus. onverting convention centers, Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021 “All around, people are scared,” could lose stores that are ts facilities and performance the neighborhood. Offici he said. es into backup treatment sites Their fears are not unfounded. ven’t said if stores would oronavirus patients.

In this majority-black city along the Gateway facility was What some Memphis, Tenthe Mississippi River, lawmakers If they did, shopping wo e, residents don’t get is why in and community leaders have been come more difficult for re r city, a shopping center in the sounding the alarm over what they especially for those who ar dle of a predominantly black, the cases on public nuisance By Geoff Mulvihill Locationstrend ofsuing have no means of transpo see as a disturbing the viincome residential neighborgrounds makes sense because the The Associated Press for CVS, to stores located farther aw rus killing African Americans at a d has been chosen. pharmacies were uniquely posiWalmart and “For people who higher rate. ty and state officials are contioned to watch the addiction cri- don’t Walgreens CLEVELAND — A jury’s findNutbushare resident Har- car, what do they do?” ask ed that ing an that influx of patients sis develop. shown Patricia in three major pharmacy “These areris, the who folks that areto on The Ass thisaloud undated chainsasare responsible for contribspoke ris wondered if city officials m Memphis, well as nearby the front shewhile said. “They’re combination to the scourge of opioid adPress lugging a bott were “trying to contaminate” the lines,” sissippi, uting Arkansas and rural seeing the same peopleacoming in of bott image. diction in two Ohio counties may tergent, package neighborhood.

Tennessee, will strain hospiand they’re seeing the same docbe just the beginning of a proter and other items from t Activist Earle Fisher, an Their fears arelegal echoed torsAfriwriting prescriptions.” tracted battleacross that ultimateADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO A Lot to her can American Memphis pastor, country:ly could Governors, mayors But she also noted thatcar. pub-She note leave the communities no grocery store recently clos understands the anxiety.

“This health better experts in numerous This Friday, April 3, 2020 photo, shows Gateway Shopping Center lic nuisance statutes and case law off. vary by state and that factors such The reason for the complicaher house and she already is an honest and reasonable cones are also researching and in Memphis, Tenn. as said. a compelling be to Gat is the case’s central argutravellawyer farthercan to get cern and skepticism,” Fisher tructingtions makeshift medical enough to swing a verdict. That ment — that pharmacies created “When we do things “I think it’s par for the course for ities. a “public nuisance” by dispensmakes it uncertain whether a congot to around consider the people black people to be righteously a Chinese restaurant and other Lee has disclosed a few: the Mun New York City, they’re turnsensus will develop the leing an overwhelming quantity of skeptical of governmentalgalintersic City Center in Nashville, the businesses. o the Javits Center painkillers convention theory. neighborhood,” she said. “W prescription into each of the to public make nuithe neighb county.the McCormick Chattanooga Convention Center, withtestsneed Locating a treatment center for vention that did not consultMore in Chicago, on thethan horizon.

Thousands of and state in and local worse it already is.” the Knoxville Expo Center — all coronavirus patients there pos- people on the ground first.”sance laws are e Convention Center; federal judge in West have Amersued drugmakU.S. Rep.Virginia Steve Cohen, Doug McGowen, the city’sAchief sites away from residential neigh- es two problems, residents say: dy, Utah,governments the Mountain heard a case against drug distribuers, distributors and pharmacies phis Democrat, said the d operating officer, said the GateIt could potentially expose them borhoods.

Expo Center. tors earlier this year but has not yet over a crisis that has contributed AP PHOTO doesn’t make sense. way site was being considered beto the virus amid concerns that The Gateway Shopping Cenhe U.S. to Army Corps of Engiruled. Trials are ongoing against more than 500,000 overdose sure there accom- in “I’m s has been scouting locations Washington stateare othe deaths in the U.S. over the ter pastin the Nutbush neighborhood blacks are contracting COVID-19 cause it could potentially distributors and manufacturers in New York. son for optimism. tobacco companies in the 1990s, ing illegal and that public nuisance two decades.

The lawsuits generalTennessee, and officials here of Memphis is different. The cen- at higher rates; and it could force modate hundreds of beds. He said that would work, and they Unlike companies in other seg-rather t judge ruled but those led stores to settlements rath-on to An ifOklahoma laws simply don’tAapply prescrib- some ly center claims the companies have used those it were converted to in a treatment of the they rely ter features a Save Lottogrocery compiled a listonof 35 possiments of the drug industry, no neighbo 2019 site, that drugmaker Johnson & er than trials. ing and distributing prescription close. created public nuisances by interit would hold only mildly ill into a residential backup sites. They haven’t re- store, a Rent-A-Center, a FamiLawyers representing the coun- Johnson created a nuisance and pharmacy has entered into a nafering with the rights of the pub- painkillers.

Cohen said. coronavirus patients be settlement Nutbush and commuly Dollar, shop, ed the whole list, the butway Gov. Bill tionwide deal over the ordered the company to pay who the could and otherresident local governments “Asawebeauty have saidsupply throughout this ties lic through they marketed,

6

Public nuisance laws in opioid cases give hope to both sides

shipped and sold the drugs — feed- process, we never manufactured ing the addictions of some patients or marketed opioids nor did we and providing pills later diverted distribute them to the ‘pill mills’ and internet pharmacies that futo the black market.

Similar arguments were used eled this crisis,” Walgreens spokesin two other cases — in California person Fraser Engerman said in a and Oklahoma — that went in fa- statement. “The plaintiffs’ attempt vor of the industry in the weeks be- to resolve the opioid crisis with an fore the Ohio jury’s decision. Given unprecedented expansion of public those decisions, there is no guar- nuisance law is misguided and unantee that the verdict in the case sustainable.”

Public nuisance claims are typbrought by Lake and Trumbull counties against CVS, Walgreens ically used to address local conand Walmart will hold up on ap- cerns like blighted homes, illegal peal or lead to similar decisions drug-dealing or dangerous animals. Such were used in elsewhere. bin Salman, a sonclaims of King Salman, Associated Press lawsuits The industry argues it did nothassented to thestates deal. brought against

PEC, oil nations agree o nearly 10M barrel cut

“I go with the consent, so I UBAI, United Arab Emiragree,” the prince said, chuckling, — OPEC, Russia and other roducing nations on Sunday drawing a round of applause from ized an unprecedented pro- those on the video call.

But it had not been smiles and ion cut of nearly 10 million els, or a 10th of global supply, laughs for weeks after the soopes of boosting crashing pric- called OPEC+ group of OPEC mid the coronavirus pandemic members and other nations failed in March to reach an agreement a price war, officials said.

This could be the largest re- on production cuts, sending pricion in production from OPEC es tumbling. Saudi Arabia sharply perhaps a decade, maybe lon- criticized Russia days earlier over in a statement.

By Tammy Webber what it “That described said U.S. Energy Secretary includesasMr.comments Brooks, who The Associated Press the to kingdom, Brouillette, who credited criticalis of entitled a vigorouswhich defense finds and itself trying to appease ident Donald Trump’s careful protection of his ConThe man accusedperof plowing rights.

No matter his SUVininto a parade of ChristTrump,stitutional a longtime OPEC critic. how l involvement getting duelserious and emotional the charges, mas marchers could have turned Even U.S. senators had warned parties to the table and helpdown a side street but didn’t. Once until the government proves its to end ahe price war between Saudi Arabia to find a way to passed it, he never touched the allegations beyond a reasonable pricesour as client American shaleindi Arabiabrakes and Russia. is presumed — barreling throughboost and doubt, firms face far-higher production il pricesleaving have collapsed aswake, the accordnocent.” bodies in his Brooks is accused refusing to a the criminal complaint. costs. American troops of had beento navirus ing and COVID-19 even an officer banged Nohave motive has been for stopto theaskingdom for theon ss it causes largely halt-givendeployed the hood his Sept.

SUV. Another offiDarrell Jr., down the suspect in time first sinceofthe 11, 2001, lobal travel andBrooks slowed the suburban Milwaukee crash cer fired three shots into the vehiattackscle,over r energy-chugging sectors but it concerns did not stop.of Iranithat killed six people and injured amid regional tenas manufacturing.

It has Five people ranging in age from more than 60 others, but it an mayretaliation sions. 52 to 81 were pronounced dead stated not thematter oil ifindustry in Legal he goes to trial. within spent hours. over One ofthe many experts the evidence “They’ve lastinU.S., which nowsaypumps more strongjured children, Jackson Sparks, ly supports intentional homicide month waging war on American8, e than any other country. charges that would mean life in died on Tuesday. Representatives while we are defendut some prison. producers have been oil producers for area hospitals said Wednesday ing theirs.

This is not how friends ctant to ease supply.

The car16 people are being Former Waukesha County Dis- that at least treat friends,” said Sen. Kevin nd other nations on Sunday trict Attorney Paul Bucher said treated for injuries. hasn’t spoken publicit might be difficult to proveCramer, inaBrooks Republican from North ed to allow Mexico to cut only ly before and it’s not what, if anytent with the first person Brooks Dakota, theknown OPEC+ deal.

000 barrels a month, a stickhe told investigators. struck, “but when he kept going U.S.thing, producers have already point for an accord initially But even if Brooks was under the and knowing what he had done been reducing output. The Amerhed Friday a marathon to theafter first person and didn’t stop, influence of drugs or alcohol at the Institute o conference 23 na- ican Petroleum time — and police have notlaudsaid he then it between was all intentional.” pact, saying it a s. The nations together agreedwithedfiveSunday’s was — global that could not be used as Brooks, 39, is charged defense Wisconsin, experts said. counts ofbarrels first-degree intentional will help get in other nations’ stateut 9.7 million a day Grieve, atoBrookfield dehomicide is expected to face a owned oilTom production follow the ughout May andand June. fense attorney and former Waukesixth count after an 8-year-old boy he group reached the deal just lead of U.S. producers that are trydied Tuesday. Waukesha Coun- sha County prosecutor, said one ing to adjust plunging demand. s beforety Asian re- Opper possibletodefense would be that District markets Attorney Susan Brouillette said the U.S. dida not ned Monday and as internamenhas also said additional charges Brooks was suffering from commitments of Aits al benchmark disease or defect. juryown would are likely. Brent crude make tal decide if he wasable guilty attorneys, Jeremy production Per- have tocuts, but was toof ed at justBrooks’ over $31 a barrel the obvious charges and thenplunging whether he ri andshale Anna Kees, cautioned show peo- the — that American producers ple not to judge the case before all was mentally ill. Such a finding demand because of the pandemggle. would likely land him in a mental facts are known. ic is to rather slash than U.S.prison. oil proideo aired by Saudi-owned institution “It’sthe essential that we not rush to expected duction. Opper could have charged lite channel Al-Arabiya judgment, and instead treat these Brooks first-degree those involved Iranian Oilwith Minister Bijan reckless Zanwed the proceedings moment and thatallSaudi which would have been with dignity respect,” theyganeh said homicide, also told state television rgy Minister Princeand Abdulaziz

involved in the broader universe of opioid lawsuits said the companies have been complicit in creating local public health emergencies by opening more locations, flooding communities with pills and facilitating the flow of opioids into a secondary market.

In Trumbull County alone, roughly 80 million prescription painkillers were dispensed between 2012 and 2016 — equivalent to 400 for every resident. In Lake County, it was some 61 million pills.

The pharmacy chains have vowed to keep fighting and see rea-

state $465 million. This month, the state Supreme Court rejected the verdict, saying Oklahoma’s public nuisance law didn’t apply to the opioid maker.

Also, a California judge ruled in favor of a group of drugmakers being sued under a public nuisance statute by county and city governments.

The Ohio case also is unique because it was the first of the U.S. opioid trials to be decided by a jury rather than a court, and the first on claims against pharmacies.

Elizabeth Burch, a University of Georgia law professor, said pur-

crisis. Joe Rice, one of the lead attorneys representing local governments in the cases, said he hopes the ruling prompts pharmacy chains to start reaching those settlements.

If they don’t, it could cost them even more. The two Ohio counties, for instance, are each seeking more than $1 billion in damages in a second phase of the trial that is expected to be held next April or May. “We’re going to try a lot of cases and we’re going to lose some,” Rice said. “But we’re going to win this war.”

Legal experts see case for intent in Waukesha parade crash

SAUDI ENERGY

In this photo released by Saudi Energy Ministry, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Minist Energy of Saudi Arabia, third right, chairs a virtual summit of the Group of 20 energy minister his office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, April 10, 2020, to coordinate a response to plummet prices due to an oversupply in the market and a downturn in global demand due to the pandem AP PHOTO

Darrell Brooks, center, is escorted out of the courtroom after making his initial appearance, that Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the deal but its president, Andrés praise.

Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021 in Waukesha County Court in Waukesha, Wis. “The pure size of the cu the United Arab Emirates would Manuel López Obrador, had said cut another 2 million barrels of Friday that he had agreed with precedented, but, then ag cial media to several of corona peopleTrump and sentthat bodies objects a “slam dunk” conviction that,atop giv- the is his thesongs, impact the theand U.S. will compenoil a day between them seemingly celebrate violence said M en Brooks’ age, would have been an flying.sate what Mexico cannot which having on demand,” add to OPEC+ deal.

The three countries “pigs.”

In a biograOne officer who tried to stop the and call police effective life sentence, Bucher said. med Ghulam, an energy an the proposed cuts. did not immediately acknowledge But extensive video and other ev- vehicle said Brooks was looking di- phy on his SoundCloud account, Raymond James.

“The big Oil Deal with OPEC the cutalso themselves, rectly at him, and it appeared he he refers to growing up in the “danidence support the though more seri-ZanBut Ghulam and Plus is done.

This will hun-west side ganeh attended the video confergerous neighborhood of others had no emotion on his face, thesave ous charge, he and other experts may in not be enough. dreds of thousands of energy jobs itPark” ence.

Washington Milwaukee, complaint said. said. his “multiple legal battles” hisa tempo would States,” not be al“The fact said he didn’t on thecuts Prosecutors “This is atand least in the United Trump said Officials otherstep planned to turn lived onindustry police“Iorwould bystanders brakes:stand That was intentional.

The lowedintoaput liefthe for“life theheenergy tweet. like todesire thank would in the deal, meaning on theand standcongratulate to speculate onPresident what the streets” fact8-million-barrel-per-day that his foot was on the gas: cut the music. global economy. This i Pu- into an Brooks, who has been charged That was intentional. He could Brooks intended to do or his state is too to be to fail and tin of Russia and King Salman of from July through the end of the with crimes morebig than a let dozhave stopped … He’s the only per- of mind, experts said. liance showed responsibil Saudi Arabia.” year and a 6-million-barrel cut for Bucher said prosecutors also en times since 1999, had two outson who could put his foot on the thisagainst agreement,” said Per M The Kremlin saidso- President 16brake months in 2021. standing cases him at the be able to introduce pedalbeginning and he didn’t,” Grieve would not timecall of theNysveen, parade disaster, in- of ana cial media posts made Brooks, said. the head Vladimir Putinbyheld a joint “This will enable the rebalanccluding in Energy.

November“Even in an aspiring rapper, or lyrics fromKing Rystad tho with Trump and Saudi Sal-one earlier ingAofcriminal the oil complaint markets detailing and the exthe charges includes statements his songs suggesting an interest in which he’s accused of intentionalpected rebound of prices by $15 man to express support of the production cuts are small from police officers and witness- violence — which became the sub- ly striking a woman with his car in needed a It also speculation said Putinonspoke sep- what per barrel the short“appeared term,” said Milwaukee County.the Hemarket had been ject ofdeal. widespread es who saidin the vehicle postpone withBrooks’ Trump about free the on oil$1,000 atostatement frommoving Nigeria’s bail for the that stock case, buildi socialarately media that actions be intentionally side oil nowproblem, say was in-the wor to side,” with no attempt to slow were intentional. straints market and other issues. which prosecutors ministry. appropriately low.avoided.” included links on so- cautious down or stophad as it initially struck multiple now offered Mexico blocked BrooksAnalysts

& CREMATORY 522 North 2nd St. P.O. Box 7 Albemarle, NC 28002 Phone 704-983-1188

460 Branchview Dr. NE P.O. Box 367 Concord, NC 28026 Phone 704-786-1161

13575 Broadway Ave. P.O. Box 100 Midland, NC 28107 Phone 704-888-5571

www.hartsellfh.com

12115 University City Blvd.

P.O. Box 219 Harrisburg, NC 28075 Phone 704-247-1722

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021 Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

7

7

NC General Assembly wraps up most of its 2021 work

obituaries

The Associated Press RALEIGH — The North Carolina General Assembly wrapped up late Monday nearly all of its work for the calendar year, although vetoes, redistricting rulings or other items could bring lawmakers back to Raleigh for more activity within weeks.

The Republican-controlled legislature, which began the session in January, held House and Senate floor votes on more than a dozen measures before members left town.

“We ended up on a very good note. It took us a long time to get here,” six-term Rep. John Torbett, a Gaston County Republican, said after the adjournment gavel fell in the House. “It’s an excellent outcome afEUGENE “GENE” ter aASON long, tedious year.”

EFIRD, 94, went home to be with One bill heading for DemocratLord Tuesday, April 7, 2020, his ichis Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk that at he’s home in Stanfield. apt to veto would prohibit election Gene was born October 9, 1925, in boards and officials in counties from Cabarrus County to the late Simeon accepting private money to run Jason Efird and happened the late Sarah Ella elections, which in 2020.

Burris Efird.

In addition to his It was approved on a party-line vote parents,the he was preceded death by favoring GOP. Anotherinmeasure his wife, Jewell Little Efird; receiving final approval — sisters, spurred Fannie Almond, onMary by a Lambert, stinging state audit last year Wilma Burleson and ofMinnie Rocky Furr, Mount’s finances — places Aileen Huskey; and brothers, Homer new conflict-of-interest rules upon Efird,government Getus Efird and Wayneacross Efird, local officials Sr. the state, subjecting them to possiA private funeral service will be ble felonies when personal financial held on Saturday, April 11, 2020 gain is the result. at Love’s Grove United Methodist A 35-page measure approved Church Cemetery in Stanfield making mostly technical changes officiated by Rev. Jim White. Burial to the new state budget sets aside will follow at the Love’s Grove United another $107 million for 4360 PiedMethodist Church Cemetery, mont Triad International Airport Polk Ford Road, Stanfield. improvements should airplane Survivors include sonan Gerald manufacturer choose to expand Wayne (Gail) Efird of Albemarle; in Guilford The(Mark) company isn’t daughterCounty.

Lisa Efird Hartsell identified in the bill text, but of Stanfield; granddaughters, one legislator referred as “Project Kelly Efird Barbee to anditLauren Thunderbird.”

Hartsell (Justin) Crump; and greatAnother finalized likely and to grandsons, Ian Patrickbill Simmons get scrutiny from Cooper in part Elliot Jacob Simmons. would prohibitmay local governments Memorials be made to Love’s from barring type of energy Grove UnitedaMethodist Church,serPO vice on the fuel — such Boxbased 276, Stanfield, NC type 28163-0276. as natural gas, for example.

After Monday, the legislature will hold no-vote meetings until

J

Jason Efird

T

Tony Smith

ONY MONROE SMITH, 72, of Rockwell, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at his home surrounded by family. A private family service will be held.

Online condolences can be made at stanlyfuneralhome.com Tony was born August 11, 1947 in Stanly County to the late Pearlie Asbury Smith and Emmer Lee Smith. He was the son in law of Pat and Mick Cagle where he worked at the fish house for many years until he opened House Seafood Dec. 10 — aAnchor parliamentary maneuin Rockwell. He and his wife Becky ver designed to limit Cooper’s time owned and operated Anchor House to act on legislation to no more than for 25 years before retiring in 2009.

10 days.

Mr. Smith was a charter member Then lawmakers could return and deacon at Open Door Baptist starting Dec. 30 for limited purposChurch in Richfield. He loved the es, such veto overrides, votesTony on Lord andashis family abundantly. last-minute negotiated measures was a wonderful husband, father, and between theand twocould chambers and to grandfather fix anything address bills that are related to rehe put his hands on. districting. legislative Mr. SmithBut is survived by hisleaders wife said any necessary are unBecky Cagle Smith ofactions the home, likely to occur until January sons Walter Smith andearly Robbie 2022.

Smith; daughter Kayla Henderson At least four lawsuits have been (Brandon); grandchildren Danielle, filed challenging House or legDustin, and SteeleU.S. Smith, Keaton islative or brother both, that the and Elladistricts, Henderson; David General Assembly enacted in early Smith; sisters Kay Kriechbaum, November or the Ruby process by and which Karen Stevenson, Eudy, some boundaries were formed.

Dorothy Smith (Nick).

This session, which He isyear’s preceded in death by began inbrothers earnestJoe onSmith, Jan. 27,Wayne marksSmith, the secClaude Smith, Wade Smith, Robert Smith, and sister Mary Morris.

Memorial contributions can be made to Open Door Baptist Church at 44563 Hwy 52, Richfield, NC 28137 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County at 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

M

Merle Helms

ERLE LORRAINE AUSTIN HELMS, 72, of Marshville, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at McWhorter Hospice House in Monroe.

Lorraine was born April 28, 1947 in Monroe to the late Homer David Austin and Jewell Delphia-Jane Austin. She was also preceded in death by brothers, A.D. and Teddy Austin; and sister, Joy Austin.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Friday, April 10, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Homelongest of Albemarle.

The funeral ond uninterrupted annuservice will be at 11:00 am on al session since at least 1965, when Saturday at Pleasant Hill Baptist calculated by the number of days Church in Marshville, officiated that lawmakers hold chamber floor

by Rev. John Miller and Rev. Leon meetings, according to legislative Whitley. She will lie in state for 30 data. minutes prior to the service. She will The longest was in 2001. This be laid to rest in the church cemetery. year, SheCOVID-19 is survived byprecautions her beloved and aid, a later tax-filing deadline husband of 47 years, Paul Helms and aofmassive revenue surplus all comthe home; son, Alex (Deanna) bined redistricting to Paula extend Helmswith of Pageland; daughter, the session into the late fall.

(Cristin Brandt) Helms of Mint Hill; The 2021 session was marked grandchildren, Mason, Grant, and by the firstHelms; comprehensive budget bill Raegan brothers, Boyce, that Cooper agreedand to sign into law Royce, Tim Austin; sisters, since heMullis, took office in 2017, and the Patricia and Angel Tarleton. firstMemorials enacted may in over three years. be made to the There was sno such budget approved Alzheimer’ Association, 4600 Park in 2019 of a stalemate beRd., Suitebecause 250, Charlotte, NC 28209. tween the governor and GOP legislative leaders.

The enacted budget, which

D

Danny Luther

ANNY PAUL LUTHER, 65, of Norwood, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Atrium Health Stanly in Albemarle.

Mr. Luther was born March 27, 1955 to the late Robert Fulton and Helen Tucker Luther.

Danny was survived by his wife, Denise Burleson Luther of Norwood; sons, Jeremy (Karen) Luther and Jody Luther; step-sons, Bryan Whitley and Gregg (Anita) Whitley; Grandchildren, Daniel Luther and Hunter Zado, as well as his brother, was supposed to be in place July Bob Luther Jr (Lorena), uncle Jack for 1, included billions of dollars Luther and several other loved nieces, COVID-19 relief and recovery nephews and cousins. funds. There are also significant inDanny recently retired from dividual and corporate income tax Charlotte Pipe and Foundry after cuts; average 5% raises for teachers a dedicated 37 years and worked over two years and bonuses of up to there with his sons and several other $2,800; and 5% raises and bonuses friends and family members. over two loved yearsspending for mosttime rank-andDanny at file state employees. his lake house with his family and Republicans leverage friends as well asgained vacationing withover his Cooper in the budget talks as severfamily. Danny and Denise enjoyed al Democrats seemed to join listening to beach musicwilling and loved to the GOP overriding anycould vetoed shag dancein every chance they budget.

Still, Cooper father, continued get.

He was an amazing lovingto use his vetoand stamp grandfather great effectively, friend to given that Republicans veto-proof many.

He will never belack forgotten. majorities.

None of will hisbe12 vetoes A celebration of life this year have overridden. announced oncebeen the current While Cooper criticized COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.several Hartsell sectionsFuneral of theHome budget, of he said the good outweighed bad. The Albemarle is serving the the Luther family.

Outdoor decorating trends: natural, cozy, sustainable The Associated Press HOME, AS WE KNOW, has become more central to many of us during the pandemic, and that means outdoors as well as in. This holiday season, designers and retailers have suggestions for AULINE ELIZABETH updating window, door and yard ALMOND TUCKER, 98, passed decorations. away peacefully at Trinity Place, Trends include sustainability, Albemarle, NC April 11, 2020. naturalness andoncoziness.

Pauline was born on March 22, 1922 in Cabarrus Nature show County, NC to the late John Richard Almond and Alice Ada AnnYork Lambert Almond.

New interior designer is survived by herappreciates three JohnShe Douglas Eason Gay Michel a daughters, season where “over(Jack), the top” is Oak Island, NC; Pamela Rushing often just what’s needed.

(Foreman), Oakboro, NC; Kathyhol“But that said, I like subtle Hunt (Marc),incorporating Albemarle, NC;nature her iday design, son, Chris Tucker (Chris Lear), and keeping it tonal. I love monoWashington, DC. She will be greatly chromatic gourds with a gnarly missed by her five grandchildren, tree branch tossed in for interest Heather Rushing Chaney (Shannon), and fresh greens,” he says.

Michael Rushing, Elizabeth Michel Eason suggests luminarias to Hartzog (Craig), Jack Michel, Jr. light walkways, “and I’ve been (Jenn), and Woody Hunt as well as playing around with the idea of seven great-grandchildren. She also connecting them with thick garleaves behind cherished nieces and lands and woodland elements. nephews.

“IThe really think a more natural family expresses its sincere holiday is absolutely on gratitudedesign to the staff and caregivers point this season.” at Trinity Place for the care they When the holiday is over, he provided Pauline. notes, recyclable decor can A private graveside service will go be back to nature “and help to enheld on Monday, April 13, 2020. A sure the giftof of a safer for celebration Pauline’ s lifeearth and legacy generations to come.” will be held this summer.

Professional organizer In lieu of flowers, the family Shirarequests Gill, whose newbebook, “Minidonations made to the malista” (Ten Speed Press), offers BrightFocus Foundation at www. decluttering tips, also suggests brightfocus.org. going biodegradable. String a popcorn and cranberry garland

P

Pauline Tucker

L

Linda Hatley

INDA TUCKER HATLEY, 69, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020.

Linda was born September 18, 1950 in Concord to the late Jacob and Claris Tucker. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Terry Lee Tucker, and her twin sister, Brenda Tucker Strickland. We know Brenda and Linda are in Heaven watching over us and laughing.

Linda was a loving mother, sister, HIRLEY MAE HAIRE, 73, and “Nana.” She was a very giving of Albemarle passed away on AP PHOTO and loving person. Linda would April 11, 2020 at Atrium Health always do anything she could for Stanly.

The family will hold a privateshows a traditional front door This image provided

by Lowe’s others, especially her family.

She graveside service for Mrs. Haire. decoration. enjoyed working at FastShop #5, Shirley was born December 12, Locust. Linda will be forever loved 1946 in Washington, DC to the and greatly missed. late Charles Richard Bateman and Peel-and-stick removable defor window boxes or railings, or Survivors include her son, Elizabeth Mae Mulligan Bateman. make a front-door wreath out of cals can dress up a front door or Alan Hatley and wife, Angela, of Shirley is survived by her husband street-facing windows. Tempatree trimmings or fallen twigs.

Albemarle; brother, Ronnie Tucker of“These 30 years can Vaughn of com- per’s white Christmas Village allSmith hit the and wife, Linda, of Midland; Albemarle; sister Sandra Painter decal set gives you pine trees, post bin when the new year rolls wall granddaughter, Leslie Hatley; 1 of Gainesville, VA; half-brother deer, various buildings and an araround,” she says. niece; and 2 nephews.

Robert Bateman of Stevensville, rayThe of stars to create silhouettfamily will receivea friends MD; step-children ed scene.

Holiday lodge Heather Smith from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Thursday, of Jacksonville, FL and David Grandin Road also Funeral has a silApril 16, 2020 at Hartsell Smith of New London, NC; 4 theme, Linda withwillpowIf heading off to a cozy cab- houette Home in Albemarle. niecesthan Cyndido- der-coated metal deer and mouninstep-grandchildren; is more aspirational be laid to rest during a private Hentschel of Leesburg, VA and able, you can still achieve the cha- tains. committal service at Bethel United Cheryl Hardy of Aylett, VA; 16 grandInsteadChurch, of theMidland. usual wreath, let vibe. A few birch logs placed Methodist and nephews; and Gus the hang a setofof Terrain’s leather and innieces a galvanized steel or enamIn lieu flowers, please consider a dog. Stanly Funeral Cremation sleigh bells. to Bethel UMC, eled planter, with and pine or cedar silver memorial donation Care of Albemarle is serving the real boughs and some faux or 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC Haire family. colors moss bedding the pot, will look Traditional 28107. inviting with or without a strand Nicole Fisher, who bases her of warmly hued fairy lights.

S

Shirley Haire

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, speaks to reporters in the Legislative Building in Raleigh, on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021.

J

Jerry Fincher

ERRY FINCHER passed from this life on April 3, 2020 at 8:05 pm. He was surrounded by his family and holding the hand of the love of his life. Jerry is preceded in death by three siblings, two brothers, Billy Gilbert Fincher, and Larry Richard Fincher, and one sister, Barbra Joyce Moore.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Kate Fincher of the home, daughter, Cindy Fincher Jacobs of Wingate AP PHOTO NC., son and daughter in law, Tommy (Tiffany) Fincher of New London NC., Step Children, (Lisa)opensigning reflectedJimmy greater Lanier of Locust NC, Wanda ness by Senate leader Phil(Bob) Berger, Krimminger of Locust NC., Eric House Speaker Tim Moore and the (Sharon) Lanier of Charlotte NC., governor to negotiate this year on Grandchildren-Trey (Gera) Whitson big-ticket legislation. of Midland, Step-grandchildren, Cooper, Moore and Berger came Zach (Brittney) Washington, Aaron together on an agreement to re(Kinsey) Washington, Caleb (Nayeli) turn more Beth K-12(Robbie) students to daiWashington, Setzer, ly in-person Matthew ( April )instruction Wallace, Step during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And the great-grandchildren, Britlyn-Eve governor and senators Washington, Robert Setzer,hammered George out aSetzer, consensus which (Sara) Tracybill, (Rob) SetzerCooper signed, that sharply reduces greenBumgardener, Katie Underwood, house-gas emissions Andrew Underwood, Stepfrom great power plants. great grandchild, Waylon George Debate on some high-profile Setzer and brother Donald Lewis bills that idled this year Fincher of Albemarle, NC.— including those would authorize sports Jerrythat Fincher will be laid to rest on gambling in North Carolina and Wednesday April 8,2020 at 11:00 amlemarijuana for medical use — atgalize Canton Baptist Church.

Anyone could resurface whenplease lawmakers interested in attending, RSVPgo to work in Dr. 2022. atback 704-796-2412.

Phil McCray and Pastor Tommy Fincher will officiate.

hours each evening. There’s also a 24-inch wreath with the same features.

Why not bathe the front door itself in holiday colors?

“It might sound extreme,” says Leigh Spicher, national design director for homes developer Ashton Woods, “but you can paint your front door to coordinate with seasons, especially if your home is a neutral color. So this means you can have a red or green door for the holidays, and then repaint it a bright yellow for the spring.”

BNR Interiors firm in New York’s Hudson Valley, likes to blend the time-tested colors of Christmas with fresh twists.

“My color palette this year is going to be green and red with black and white accents,” she says.

“I love the traditional concept of black and white, but also how it’s unexpected for the holidays.

Harlequin and checkered prints in small doses, for ornaments or decorative accents, work for both Modern winter inside and out of the house.”

Gill’s aesthetic is minimalist, She likes magnolia-leaf garlands with green tops and a rich but striking. “Engage all the sensburgundy red on their fuzzy un- es,” she advises. “Project festive images on your front door – think dersides.

“They’re my favorite to use be- snowy winter wonderland, or a cause they pop against a blan- slideshow of your favorite holiday ket of snow,” Fisher says. “They’re memories.”

Like Eason, she loves the idea also very hardy and last through the entire season, always looking of lining walkways with lanterns or tall white candles for “a chic, fresh.”

If you can’t find magnolia gar- minimalist look that still feels lands locally, Food52 quick-ships festive and lovely.”

LightShow’s Projection Snowgood-looking fresh ones. And Storm sets an 8-foot-wide blizthere are Celebrate lovely faux versions the life of your loved that you can embellish with extra zard of snowflakes dancing across the front of and the house. Another pops of green, red or copper mag- obituaries ones.

Submit nolia sprigs, at Etsy, Jamali Gar- version has gently falling snowdeath published in expanse. flakes across a 30-foot den and West Elm. notices to be While winter white is great for Garlands of all kinds of greenSCJupat ery can warm theobits@stanlyjournal.com look of rail- a modern look, Eason says adding ings or frame doorways. Leave colors to the scheme can make it them au naturel, or dress them “2020s fresh.”

“Womp up your contemporary with metallic accents and small decorations for your overall design with vintage ornaments, or add gorgeous velvet ribbon theme.

A 9-foot multicolored garland in teal, purple or a scrumptious at Lowe’s is battery-operated, if chocolate brown,” he says.

Peachy-pink is another trendyou don’t have an outdoor plug nearby. Set the timer, and the ing holiday shade, in bright and lights go on and off at the same blush tones.

Simple, Affordable, Convenient Available 24 Hours a Day

Southern Piedmont Cremation Services provides a basic cremation service for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one and do not desire a traditional funeral or farewell ceremony.

When your loved one passes simply call our office and our professional team will come as quickly as possible and bring your loved one into our care.

Phone: 704-985-4851

Fax: 704-550-5508

Email: care@spcremation.com

8

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

STATE & NATION

Police chief: 3 shot in fight at North Carolina mall

By Tom Foreman Jr. The Associated Press DURHAM — Three people were shot and wounded Friday during an apparent fight between two groups at a North Carolina mall crowded with shoppers on the day after Thanksgiving, the police chief said.

Authorities said in the late afternoon that one person was detained and there was no further threat to the public. A bystander described “mass hysteria” on one of the busiest shopping days of

the year as shoppers ducked into stores for cover or ran for the exits.

Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews told reporters the shooting happened around 3:20 p.m. inside The Streets at Southpoint mall during a fight between two groups who knew each other.

She said one of the victims was a 10-year-old child hit when a bullet ricocheted. Police said the child’s wound did not appear life-threatening. Police did not immediately release further information on the conditions of the other two who were shot.

Andrews said another three people were injured as shoppers rushed for exits following the shooting. In a news release, police said their injuries were not life-threatening.

She said those involved in the fight that led to the shooting fled, but she vowed more arrests. She said there was no further threat to the public.

“This is not a situation where someone came into the mall and indiscriminately began firing,” Andrews said.

WRAL-TV showed traffic

snarled around the mall for more than an hour after the shooting, with lines of cars trying to exit the parking lot, and numerous police cars with lights flashing outside a department store.

Shoppers described a chaotic scene after the shots echoed through the mall, with some people taking cover in stores and others rushing for the exits.

Angela Lloyd had gone to Southpoint with family members to start her Christmas shopping.

She said she was walking out of a store when the chaos erupted.

“I just hear shots firing, and as soon as that happened, everybody just kind of turned around and started running and screaming,” she said in a phone interview.

“Some people were running into stores, some people were almost crawling into stores. Just like mass hysteria.”

She took cover in a store herself, and she and others were directed to the dressing rooms in the back.

One customer played a police scanner on his cellphone and kept people updated on what he heard, she said.

Her husband, Craig Lloyd, had just left the mall and was heading home to the town of Efland about 20 miles away when his wife called him from the dressing room.

“She said ‘There’s gunshots.

They’ve got us locked in the store,’” Craig Lloyd said in a phone interview. “I turned around and went back to the mall.”

When he got back to the shopping center, Craig Lloyd said he observed a chaotic scene with some exiting the mall with their hands up and others like him trying to find loved ones. His wife was allowed to leave the mall more than an hour later.

PHOTO VIA AP

Emergency vehicles congregate around the entrance to Belk at Southpoint Mall in Durham, N.C. after three people, including a 10-year-old, were wounded in an afternoon shooting on Black Friday, Nov. 26, 2021.

Supreme Court set to take up all-or-nothing abortion fight

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Both sides are telling the Supreme Court there’s no middle ground in Wednesday’s showdown over abortion. The justices can either reaffirm the constitutional right to an abortion or wipe it away altogether.

Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that declared a nationwide right to abortion, is facing its most serious challenge in 30 years in front of a court with a 6-3 conservative majority that has been remade by three appointees of President Donald Trump.

“There are no half measures here,” said Sherif Girgis, a Notre Dame law professor who once served as a law clerk for Justice Samuel Alito.

A ruling that overturned Roe and the 1992 case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey would lead to outright bans or restrictions on abortion in 26 states, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion laws.

The case being argued Wednesday comes from Mississippi, where a 2018 law would ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The Supreme Court hot previously allowed states to ban abortion during what some consider to be fetal viability.

“This is the most worried I’ve ever been,” said Shannon Brewer, who runs the only abortion clinic in Mississippi, the Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Lower courts blocked the Mississippi law, as they have other abortion bans that employ traditional enforcement methods by state and local officials.

The Supreme Court had never before even agreed to hear a case over a pre-viability abortion ban. But after Justice Ruth Bader

AP PHOTO

In this April 23, 2021, file photo, members of the Supreme Court pose for a group photo at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. Ginsburg’s death last year and her replacement by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the third of Trump’s appointees, the court said it would take up the case.

Trump had pledged to appoint “pro-life justices” and predicted they would lead the way in overturning the abortion rulings. Only one justice, Clarence Thomas, has publicly called for Roe to be overruled.

The court could uphold the Mississippi law without explicitly overruling Roe and Casey, an outcome that would satisfy neither side.

Abortion-rights advocates say that result would amount to the

same thing as an outright ruling overturning the earlier cases because it would erase the rationale undergirding nearly a half-century of Supreme Court law.

“A decision upholding this ban is tantamount to overruling Roe. The ban prohibits abortion around two months before viability,” said Julie Rikelman, who will argue the case for the clinic.

On the other side, pro-life advocates argue that the court essentially invented abortion law in Roe and Casey, and shouldn’t repeat that mistake in this case.

If the justices uphold Mississippi’s law, they’ll have to explain why, said Thomas Jipping, a Heri-

tage Foundation legal fellow. They can either overrule the two big cases, Jipping said, “or they’re going to have to come up with another made-up rule.”

Conservative commentator Ed Whelan said such an outcome would be a “massive defeat” on par with the Casey decision in 1992, in which a court with eight justices appointed by Republican presidents unexpectedly reaffirmed Roe. This court appears far more conservative than the one that decided Casey, and legal historian Mary Ziegler at Florida State University’s law school, said the court probably would “overrule Roe or

set us on a path to doing so.”

Chief Justice John Roberts might find the more incremental approach appealing if he can persuade a majority of the court to go along. Since Roberts became chief justice in 2005, the court has moved in smaller steps on some issues, even when it appeared there was only a binary choice.

It took two cases for the court to rip out the heart of the federal Voting Rights Act that curbed potentially discriminatory voting laws in states with a history of discrimination.

In the area of organized labor, the court moved through a series of cases that chipped away at public sector unions’ power.

The high court also heard two rounds of arguments over restrictions on independent spending in the political arena before removing limits on how much money corporations and unions can pour into election advocacy.

Mississippi is one of 12 states ready to act almost immediately if Roe is overturned. Those states have enacted so-called abortion trigger laws that would take effect and ban all or nearly all abortions.

Women in those states wanting abortions could face drives of hundreds of miles to reach the nearest clinic or they might obtain abortion pills by mail. Medication abortions now account for 40% of abortions.

Some legal briefs in the case make clear that the end of Roe is not the ultimate goal.

The court should recognize that “unborn children are persons” under the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, a conclusion that would compel an end to almost all legal abortions, Princeton professor Robert George and scholar John Finnis wrote. Finnis was Justice Neil Gorsuch’s adviser on his Oxford dissertation, an argument against assisted suicide.

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

Twin City Herald

MARY SCHWALM | AP PHOTO

Defeating Boston College

Wake Forest tight end Brandon Chapman (23) joins teammates as they celebrate with fans in the stands after defeating Boston College in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Boston.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Police officer kills man wielding machete Forsyth County A North Carolina police officer shot and killed a man who lunged at him with a machete and yelled at officers to kill him, authorities said.

Winston-Salem Police Chief Catrina Thompson said Sgt. R.T. Phillips shot Adam McKnight, 33, after Phillips and other officers attempted to disarm him. McKnight also asked officers, including Phillips, to shoot and kill him.

The confrontation began Sunday afternoon when officers responded to a call that a man was threatening the occupants of a home.

Thompson said Phillips repeatedly told McKnight that he didn’t want to harm him and continued pleading with the man to drop the machete and allow officers to get him help. McKnight charged toward Phillips and yelled “Kill me,” the chief said.

As he advanced, Phillips fired once and hit McKnight in his torso, Thompson said.

Officers began performing lifesaving measures. Authorities said McKnight regained consciousness and became agitated before he was subdued and taken to a local hospital, where he died.

The N.C. State Bureau Investigation has assumed the primary investigative role in the shooting and death of McKnight, Thompson said.

AP

Dangerous month ends for U.S. 52 Forsyth County Two people were killed in crashes on U.S. 52 in November. Over the last five years, November has been the month that has seen the highest number of traffic accidents on that highway. The highway carries an average of 50,000 drivers a day, and there have been a total of nearly 5,000 crashes over the last five years.

FOX 8

5

20177 52016 $0.50

8

USGS reports 7th minor earthquake in days near Winston-Salem

NC General Assembly wraps up most of its 2021 work

The Associated Press

The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM — The U.S. Geological Survey has reported another minor earthquake that took place near Winston-Salem.

Saturday’s quake was the seventh seismic event to occur in Forsyth and Surry counties in the past six days.

The National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colorado, reported that no injuries or structural damage has resulted from any of the seven earthquakes.

Saturday’s 1.9 magnitude occurred shortly before 8 a.m. about 3.1 miles southwest of Winston-Salem. GPS coordinates from the USGS pinpointed the center of the activity at an area near I-40 and Salem Creek.

USGS said that the other minor earthquakes occurred last Wednesday and last Sunday near Winston-Salem and near Mount Airy.

“Right now, these events are very minor,” said Jana Pursley, a geophysicist with the USGS. The Wednesday quake was a 2.3 magnitude earthquake that shook a portion of central North Carolina early Wednesday, au-

thorities said.

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a 2.3 magnitude earthquake occurred at 4:05 a.m.

Wednesday about 3.7 miles from Winston-Salem.

A 2.0 magnitude earthquake took place nine minutes later about 4.3 mile from the city.

On Sunday morning, a 2.4 magnitude earthquake shook Winston-Salem shortly before 9 a.m., the USGS reported. The earthquake was centered about 3 miles southwest of Winston-Salem, the agency reported.

On its website, the USGS said that since at least 1776, people living inland in North and South Carolina, and in parts of Georgia and Tennessee, have felt small earthquakes and suffered damage from infrequent larger ones.

In August 2020, a 5.1-magnitude temblor struck Sparta, the second such quake that morning.

The National Weather Service in Greenville, South Carolina, said it was the largest earthquake to hit North Carolina since 1916, when a magnitude 5.5 quake occurred near Skyland.

Authorities weren’t sure what was causing the increased geological activity over the past few days, or whether it would continue.

cal government officials across the state, subjecting them to possible felonies when personal financial gain is the result.

And a 35-page measure approved making mostly technical changes to the new state budget sets aside another $107 million for Piedmont Triad International Airport improvements should an airplane manufacturer choose to expand in Guilford County. The company isn’t identified in the bill text, but one legislator referred to it as “Project Thunderbird.”

Another finalized bill likely to get scrutiny from Cooper in part would prohibit local governments from barring a type of energy service based on the fuel type — such as natural gas, for example.

After Monday, the legislature will hold no-vote meetings until Dec. 10 — a parliamentary maneuver designed to limit Cooper’s time to act on legislation to no more than 10 days.

Then lawmakers could return starting Dec. 30 for limited purposes, such as veto overrides, votes on last-minute negotiated measures between the two chambers and to address bills that are related to redistricting. But legis-

RALEIGH — The North Carolina General Assembly wrapped up late Monday nearly all of its work for the calendar year, although vetoes, redistricting rulings or other items could bring lawmakers back to Raleigh for more activity within weeks.

The Republican-controlled legislature, which began the session in January, held House and Senate floor votes on more than a dozen measures before members left town.

“We ended up on a very good note. It took us a long time to get here,” six-term Rep. John Torbett, a Gaston County Republican, said after the adjournment gavel fell in the House. “It’s an excellent outcome after a long, tedious year.”

One bill heading for Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk that he’s apt to veto would prohibit election boards and officials in counties from accepting private money to run elections, which happened in 2020. It was approved on a party-line vote favoring the GOP. Another measure receiving final approval — spurred on by a stinging state audit last year of Rocky Mount’s finances — places new conflict-of-interest rules upon lo- See NCGA, page 4

Wake Forest signs Clawson to long-term contract extension The Associated Press WAKE FOREST has signed football coach Dave Clawson to what it calls a long-term contract extension as Clawson guides the No. 21 Demon Deacons through a historically successful season.

The school announced the deal Friday night, a day before Wake Forest plays at Boston College to clinch the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Atlantic Division title and a trip to the league championship game. The private university didn’t release specific terms or deal length to keep Clawson, who had been discussed as a possible candidate for open jobs around the country.

In a statement, Clawson said

athletics director John Currie had approached him about an extension earlier in the fall, as well as “furthering the long-term investment in our program and staff.”

“Continuity of our staff has been a key factor in the success of our program and this is another key step in ensuring that we have the resources necessary to compete for championships and sustain and enhance the level of success our student-athletes have achieved on and off the field,” Clawson said.

Clawson, 54, is in his eighth year with the Demon Deacons (92, 6-1 ACC). This year has seen the Demon Deacons have the program’s first ever 8-0 start to break the program’s previous record set in 1944 — nine years before the

ACC was formed — while Wake Forest peaked at program-bests of No. 10 in the AP Top 25 and No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings.

The Demon Deacons are headed for their sixth straight bowl game for the first time in program history and pursuing their first ACC title since 2006.

Wake Forest’s success has been built on developing prospects over time, typically starting with a redshirt year. In a statement, athletics director John Currie called Clawson “an elite coach, leader and program builder.”

“Our desire is for him to finish his coaching career as Wake Forest’s all-time winningest coach,” Currie said.

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson reacts during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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COLUMN | JOYCE KRAWIEC

Straight talk: If everything is Racist, nothing is Racist. If everything is Evil, nothing is Evil

Shawn Krest

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday as part of the North State Journal.

3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Raleigh, N.C. 27609 (704) 269-8461 INFO@TWINCITYHERALD.COM TWINCITYHERALD.COM

TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Stanly County Journal 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001.

DEATH NOTICES ♦ Charles “Charlie” Howard Adams, 92, of Winston-Salem, died Nov. 28, 2021. ♦ Georgia Barneycastle Kennedy Brown, 82, of Walkertown, died Nov. 24, 2021. ♦ Rosemary Showalter Carter, 83, of Winston-Salem, died Nov. 27, 2021. ♦ John Allan Chamblin III, 76, of Oak Ridge, died Nov. 24, 2021. ♦ Dorothy (Dot) Curry, 88, of Winston-Salem, died Nov. 25, 2021. ♦ Marian J. Diodato, 105, of Clemmons, died Nov. 24, 2021.

Blaming everything on racism devalues the meaning and true racism is not taken seriously

HAVE YOU EVER thought about how words are used today and how the meanings have changed as well as our understanding of the words? When words become meaningless, then what?

There is nothing worse than being called racist.

Therefore, there are those who throw the accusation around when there’s no evidence whatsoever in order to shut down debate. Blaming everything on racism devalues the meaning, and true racism is not taken seriously.

The College Fix recently reported that a University of Washington professor, who focuses on “whiteness studies,” spoke recently at Boston University. She told the audience that if one sees people as individuals, rather than by skin color, they are “dangerous white people.” She went further and claimed that those who treat everyone the same “deny black people of their reality.” Say What?

These comments are silly and they trivialize true racism.

Dr. Martin Luther King, who fought his entire life to have people recognized by the content of their character and not the color of their skin, would be appalled. He worked for a movement that would treat everyone the same. Indeed, I think most of us would say that we were taught that way and so were our children. We were taught that we are all God’s children and nobody is better than you are and you are no better than anyone else.

Just down the road from us at Coastal Carolina University, another firestorm recently started. It’s so ridiculous, it would be funny if it weren’t so serious.

A visiting artist, to the Theatre Department, met with two students to brainstorm in an empty classroom.

The students mentioned that they would like to know who the other students of color were in the department in order to reach out to them. The artist made a list, on a whiteboard, of the students of color in the program. When they left the room, they failed to erase the names. The incoming class decided it had to be racism. The practice of “feign outrage, throw a hissy fit, demand accountability but THINK NEVER” went into overdrive. The Office of Diversity, or some such, investigated. Everyone involved, of course, apologized.

For What?

A professor of theatre at the school, responded to the email coming from the diversity office. He said, “Sorry but I don’t think its a big deal. I’m just sad people get their feelings hurt so easily. And they are going into theater?”

Uh Oh. The professor was accused of being “racially insensitive and dismissive of students of color. Students demanded he be fired. A lawsuit is under way.

Same thing with Evil. Most of us can disagree with someone and still remain civil. We may think they are misguided, misinformed, uneducated or even stupid. But rarely do we think that those with whom we disagree are evil. I hate to tell you but there is a large segment of society who think that those who disagree with them on issues are evil.

My mother used to say, “there is some bad in the best of us and some good in the worst of us.” I have joked many times that my mother never heard of some of the evil people that have inhabited this earth. There is true evil and it has existed since creation. There couldn’t possibly have been any “good” in some of these evildoers.

OK, Mussolini made the trains run on time. Hitler was devoted to and had great love for his mother. Maybe my mother was right.

I read an article recently but can’t remember where.

(Maybe the Wall St Journal). The author talked about doing a survey 20 or so years ago. The survey asked folks if they knew anyone who was evil. Most said they did not. They mentioned Hitler but acknowledged that they didn’t know him.

This author decided to do another survey recently.

There has been a sea change since the original survey.

According to the article, progressives were quick to answer that they knew someone who was evil. The number one answer was Donald Trump. Others named were several Republican politicians as well as Tucker Carlson and other conservative media personalities.

Several did name Dylann Roof, the church shooter in Charleston. Do you see the danger in this logic? In the minds of these folks, there is no difference between a mass murderer and someone with whom they disagree.

That’s a scary thought.

I can attest to the fact that there are many who think one is evil if our thoughts and principles don’t coincide.

I hear from these people regularly. And yes, they think I am evil because of the policies that I promote. I had a letter recently that started out with, “you reprehensible, evil, old bat.” That guy is a very effective communicator.

NOT. Joyce Krawiec has served in the North Carolina Senate from the 31st district since 2014.

♦ Charles “Lindy” Dutton, Sr., 91, of Rockingham, died Nov. 26, 2021. ♦ Lois Teen Melvin Edwards, 82, of Winston-Salem, died Nov. 24, 2021. ♦ Terrie Brown Faircloth, 77, of Forsyth County, died Nov. 24, 2021. ♦ Tommye Ann Blakley Fox, 85, of Winston-Salem, died Nov. 27, 2021. ♦ Patti Riley Hoffman, 87, of WinstonSalem, died Nov. 27, 2021. ♦ Arthur Frank Inman, 85, of Bermuda Run, died Nov. 24, 2021. ♦ Phyllis Marie Kimel, 78, of Burlington, died Nov. 27, 2021. ♦ Ronnie Gray Knight, 81, of Forsyth County, died Nov. 24, 2021. ♦ Walter David Loveland Sr., 88, died Nov. 25, 2021. ♦ Tammy Ann West McGee, 55, of Kernersville, died Nov. 24, 2021. ♦ Karen Lynn McWilliams, 56, died Nov. 24, 2021. ♦ James Ray Moser, 68, of Pfafftown, died Nov. 25, 2021. ♦ Virginia Mae Bean Murphy, 83, of Kernersville, died Nov. 28, 2021. ♦ William (Bill) Gerald Pledger, 82, died Nov. 24, 2021. ♦ Phillip Ray Poindexter, 76, of Belews Creek, died Nov. 26, 2021. ♦ Judy Lee Roberts, 72, of WinstonSalem, died Nov. 24, 2021. ♦ Franklin Eugene Robinson, 62, died Nov. 25, 2021. ♦ Robin Eugenia Barnshock Shelton, 59, of Forsyth County, died Nov. 27, 2021. ♦ Tommy Carroll Shields, 74, of Winston-Salem, died Nov. 27, 2021. ♦ Edgar Alvin Shore, Jr., 84, of Forsyth County, died Nov. 25, 2021. ♦ Dayton Clark (Corby) Wolfe, 90, of Bermuda Run, died Nov. 26, 2021.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ AMAYA, STEVE EDENILSON was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 1800 GENEVA RD on 11/26/2021 ♦ BARKER, WILLIAM KELLY was arrested on a charge of B&EVEHICLE at 299 PATTERSON CENTER CT/N PATTERSON AV on 11/28/2021

Imp Regis - Expired, Suspended, Revoked, Altered Plate (M), and 5) Imp Regis-operating (M), at Eb 40/ eb 40_s Stratford Rd Ra, Winstonsalem, NC, on 11/27/2021 01:15. ♦ CRUZ, WILLIAM ZAVALA was arrested on a charge of AFFRAY at 418 W FOURTH ST on 11/26/2021

♦ Beddard, Amanda Hope (F/39) Arrest on chrg of Assault-simple, M (M), at 125 Goldfinch Rd, Pfafftown, NC, on 11/27/2021 23:16.

♦ DIXON, CHANCE MCKENZIE was arrested on a charge of DRUGSPOSS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCEMETHAMPHETAMINE>LESS THAN 1 at 3040 HEALY DR on 11/28/2021

♦ Bethea, Valario Martez (M/36) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female, M (M), at 586 Darkbridge Rd, Rural Hall, NC, on 11/27/2021 10:08.

♦ FARRINGTON, CHRISTOPHER RYAN was arrested on a charge of CONCEALING MDSE at 3475 PARKWAY VILLAGE CR on 11/24/2021

♦ BROWN DERR, JEREMIAH KEVON was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 1600 OAK CROFT DR on 11/29/2021

♦ FORREST, RYAN SCOTT was arrested on a charge of BREAKING/ LARC-FELONY at 3415 N GLENN AV on 11/24/2021

♦ Burns, Charles Kejuan (M/37) Arrest on chrg of 1) Fail To Appear/compl (M) and 2) Probation Violation (M), at 300 Woodbriar Path, Rural Hall, NC, on 11/25/2021 17:19.

♦ FULLER, ODELL JUNIOR was arrested on a charge of VIO. PROTECTIVE ORDER BY COURTS ANOTHER STATE/ INDIAN TRIBE at 3000 FONDLY RD on 11/25/2021

♦ BYRD, BILLY FRANKLIN was arrested on a charge of BREAKING/ LARC-FELONY at 3415 N GLENN AV on 11/24/2021

♦ GROSMIES, GABRIELLA VERGIA was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 2641 FANNING OAKS DR on 11/28/2021

♦ COMBS, DEVIN LYNN was arrested on a charge of DRUGS-POSS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCEMETHAMPHETAMINE>LESS THAN 1 at 4257 REIDSVILLE RD on 11/25/2021

♦ HAYES, DAVID EUGENE was arrested on a charge of DRIVE VEH. WHILE CONSUMING ALCOHOL OR WHILE ALCOHOL IN BODY at 1599 N LIBERTY ST/E SIXTEENTH ST on 11/27/2021

♦ CONTRERAS, ROSA ISELA RAZO was arrested on a charge of CONCEALING MDSE at 4500 KESTER MILL RD/HANES MALL BV on 11/24/2021

♦ HAYES, THOMAS WAYNE was arrested on a charge of FELON ADW/SER INJURY at 3318 NEW WALKERTOWN RD on 11/26/2021

♦ Crotty, Stephanie Latrelle (F/46) Arrest on chrg of 1) Impaired Driving Dwi (M), 2) Open Beverage (M), 3) Improper Lane Change (M), 4)

♦ HERNANDEZLIRA, LORETTA GAIL was arrested on a charge of POSS HEROIN at 2115 PETERS CREEK PW on 11/28/2021 ♦ KNOX, SEAN ORLANDO was

arrested on a charge of B&EVEHICLE at 460 N CHERRY ST on 11/24/2021 ♦ KNOX, SEAN ORLANDO was arrested on a charge of SAFE BURGLARY at 725 N CHERRY ST on 11/24/2021 ♦ KUZNIAK, MIKAYLA BROOKE was arrested on a charge of CONCEALING MDSE at 4500 KESTER MILL RD/HANES MALL BV on 11/24/2021 ♦ MCDOWELL, TIA CHERIE was arrested on a charge of CONCEALING MDSE at W HANES MILL RD/UNIVERSITY PW on 11/26/2021 ♦ MCGUIRE, JACLYNN NICOLE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULTSIMPLE at 3524 HEATHROW DR on 11/24/2021 ♦ MENDEZFIGUEROA, KAREN TATIANA was arrested on a charge of CONCEALING MDSE at W HANES MILL RD/UNIVERSITY PW on 11/26/2021 ♦ MILLER, JAMES WILLIAM was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 160 UNIVERSITY CENTER DR on 11/29/2021 ♦ MILLER, WILLIAM ANTHONY was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 191 DALEWOOD DR on 11/26/2021 ♦ PABON, CHRISTIAN DARIO was arrested on a charge of VAND-REAL PROPERTY at 900 BROOKSTOWN on 11/25/2021 ♦ PARENTE, JOHN ROBERTS was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 4558 JUNE AV on 11/28/2021 ♦ PERRY, BREANNA CATLIN was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 4699 KESTER MILL on 11/27/2021

♦ RAIFORD, COREY DONTE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 105 S MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR on 11/24/2021 ♦ RAZO, VIRIDIANA CAMPOS was arrested on a charge of CONCEALING MDSE at 4500 KESTER MILL RD/HANES MALL BV on 11/24/2021 ♦ RIVADENEYRADINA, CARLOS MIGUEL was arrested on a charge of TRAFFICKING IN METHAMPHETAMINE OR AMPHETAMINE at 1399 HANES ST on 11/24/2021 ♦ ROBERTSON, DEMETRIUS ANTWAN was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 705 COLISEUM DR on 11/28/2021 ♦ RODRIGUES, EUFEMIO was arrested on a charge of INTERFERENCE W/ ELECTRONIC MONITORING DEV at 1000 PACIFIC LOT B on 11/28/2021 ♦ ROMEROMENA, GONZALO was arrested on a charge of INTERFERING WITH EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION at 399 MOTOR RD/N PATTERSON AV on 11/26/2021 ♦ Royall, Darryl Thomas (M/45) Arrest on chrg of 2nd Degree Trespass (M), at 6012 Stanleyville Dr, Rural Hall, NC, on 11/24/2021 00:30. ♦ SANCHEZ, DAVID ANTONIO NICOLAS was arrested on a charge of AFFRAY at 418 W FOURTH ST on 11/26/2021 ♦ SMITH, TYWANN DENARD was arrested on a charge of CHILD ABUSE at 2020 GRIFFITH RD on 11/28/2021 ♦ STUBBS, QUINDEZ VINCENT was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 843 WOODCOTE DR on 11/25/2021

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

SPORTS

3 SPONSORED BY

SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Georgia Tech RB Gibbs entering transfer portal Atlanta Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who finished third in the nation in allpurpose yards, announced plans on Monday to enter the transfer portal. Gibbs made the announcement two days after Georgia Tech completed a 3-9 season with a 45-0 loss to No. 1 Georgia.

Gibbs ran for only 1 yard on two carries before suffering an undisclosed injury. He ran for 746 yards with four touchdowns in 2021, his second season. He added 470 yards receiving and 589 yards on kick returns for 1,805 all-purpose yards.

GOLF

Elder, 1st black golfer to play Masters, dies at 87 Escondido, Calif.

Lee Elder, who broke down racial barriers as the first black golfer to play in the Masters, has died at the age of 87. The PGA Tour announced Elder’s death, which was first reported Monday by Debert Cook of African American Golfers Digest. No cause was given, but the tour confirmed Elder’s death with his family. Elder made history in 1975 at Augusta National, which had held an allwhite tournament until he received an invitation after winning the Monsanto Open the previous year.

Elder missed the cut at his first Masters but forever stamped himself as a groundbreaking figure.

MLB

MLB, union stopped HGH testing due to pandemic New York Major League Baseball and the players’ association stopped blood testing for Human Growth Hormone because of the coronavirus pandemic. Blood testing for HGH began in 2012, and 412 samples with no positive results were collected in the year ending with the 2020 World Series. The decision to interrupt blood testing during the pandemic was made because drawing blood is more invasive than urine testing and requires additional collectors who would have increased the number of people coming into contact with players and decreased social distancing. MLB and the union plan to resume blood testing next season.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UConn’s Bueckers signs NIL deal to represent Gatorade Storrs, Conn.

UConn sophomore guard Paige Bueckers is the first college athlete to represent Gatorade, announcing Monday a multiyear name, image and likeness deal.

Terms of the deal with PepsiCo Inc. were not released. It is the second NIL deal announced for Bueckers, who also has a partnership with sneaker marketplace StockX. Bueckers is a former Gatorade high school player of the year. Last year’s national player of the year, Bueckers is averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 assists and five rebounds a game for No. 2 UConn (3-1).

MIKE MCCARN | AP PHOTO

The NASCAR Cup Series will begin using its Next Gen cars — like the Chevrolet Camero — next season.

NASCAR caps 2021 looking ahead to future growth The 2022 season will be the Cup Series’ first with the new Next Gen car

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press NASCAR will close its season this week with a three-day celebration in Nashville that ends with the crowning of three new national series champions in Kyle Larson, Daniel Hemric and Ben Rhodes.

NASCAR will do burnouts on Lower Broadway near popular honkytonks Doc Holliday’s Saloon and Bootleggers Inn. Its 2022 cars will be on display at Riverfront Park, and drivers will participate in Q&A sessions before the finale Thursday night at the Music City Center.

Then attention turns to the pivotal upcoming season.

Among the issues facing NASCAR is its Next Gen car, set to debut in February following a yearlong delay during the pandemic. The Cup Series also wants

to continue tweaking its sprawling, 38-week schedule, which now includes more short tracks, more road courses and a dirt race but puts the season finale at Phoenix Raceway for a third consecutive year next season despite calls to rotate the championship event.

NASCAR understands it must improve its at-track experience for fans and recognizes the urgent need to showcase its competitors and create interest in its current driver crop, which has generally lacked pizzazz since Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth and Danica Patrick retired.

NASCAR needs its fans to care about its drivers, and it needs its superstars to be accessible to those who invest — both emotionally and monetarily — in the sport. Although NASCAR was one of the first sports to resume competition during the pandemic and the first sport to complete its entire 2020 season, its events have been anything but normal.

To get to the finish line a year

“We need to make sure the event experience is better than it’s ever been. Are we satisfied with where that is?

We’re not.”

Steve Phelps, NASCAR president ago, NASCAR scrapped all qualifying and practice sessions, and three-day weekend events became one-day shows in front of fewer fans. Drivers mostly went directly from their motorhomes to the race car with little engagement with their own race teams, let alone any spectators.

Policies fluctuated based on virus positivity numbers — and NASCAR President Steve Phelps admitted the vaccination rate in the garage is “not high enough... to me, there’s a responsibility that individuals have to each other” — but some normalcy had returned by the final two races of the sea-

son. Martinsville had one of its largest crowds in years, and Phoenix saw the return of practice, qualifying and spectators freely roaming the Arizona garage area earlier this month.

Phelps wants the same Phoenix energy level at all of NASCAR’s races, and the series hopes to ensure fans get the most bang for their buck.

“We need to make sure that the marketing and promotion is as strong as it can be. We need to make sure we are driving storylines,” Phelps said. “We need to make sure the event experience is better than it’s ever been. Are we satisfied with where that is? We’re not.”

Restrictions will still be in place this week in Nashville, the second year NASCAR chose The Music City for its awards show.

The weeklong event in 2019 was wildly popular, and drivers could be spotted up and down Lower Broadway at many of the popular downtown bars.

The awards ceremony was canceled last year. Its return to Nashville promises plenty of opportunities to see the Next Gen car but few organized chances to get close to the drivers. Public tickets were not sold to Thursday night’s coronation of Larson as Cup Series champion, Hemric as Xfinity champion and Rhodes as the trucks winner.

Holcomb still chasing dream of becoming NFL head coach The Panthers defensive assistant has been coaching in the NFL for the past 12 seasons

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — As an African American growing up in Queens, New York, Al Holcomb spent his fall Sundays watching Tom Landry and the Dallas Cowboys on television and dreaming of one day becoming an NFL head coach.

The 51-year-old Holcomb has spent more than a quarter-century chasing that dream — one that eludes him to this day.

He has plenty of experience, working 26 years as an assistant coach, including the last 12 at the NFL level. He’s been to two Super Bowls, winning one with the New York Giants, and has coached the likes of Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Patrick Peterson and Chandler Jones. Yet Holcomb is still seeking his first interview for one of the NFL’s coveted 32 head coaching jobs, which currently are held by only five minorities, three of whom are black.

“I wake up every day with a mission that I have to be the best that I can be and have to dispel

any myths or stereotypes that may be out there. And prove that I’m a smart football coach who can lead men, put together game plans, engage with the media and do all those kinds of things,” Holcomb said, who currently serves as the defensive run game coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.

Holcomb’s immediate goal is to return to being a defensive coordinator, which often serves as a springboard to becoming a head coach.

He was at that precipice once, landing as Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator in 2018. But head coach Steve Wilks, who is also black, and the entire staff were fired after one season when the Cardinals failed to find an offensive identity and finished 3-13. Holcomb’s defense finished fourth in the league against the pass and fifth in the league with 49 sacks, but it struggled to stop the run.

Getting fired in Arizona was a huge blow for Holcomb, who has never been able to get back to that job level. And he knows he faces an uphill battle moving forward.

Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Miami’s Brian Flores and Houston’s David Culley are the only black head coaches in the league. Currently there is a growing tendency for NFL clubs to hire young

JACOB KUPFERMAN | AP PHOTO

Panthers assistant coach Al Holcomb is hoping for another opportunity to be a defensive coordinator — and to, eventually, become one of the NFL's few black head coaches. coaches with backgrounds in offense.

Holcomb said one of the biggest challenges in his climb up the coaching ranks was breaking into the league altogether. He never felt he had the right connections or contacts with people in the NFL because at that time there wasn’t a program in place to help develop minority coaches.

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule called Holcomb one of the top assistants in the league.

“He has been a defensive coordinator and he’s one of the guys who should be a head coaching candidate,” Rhule said. “He’s excellent with players, excellent schematically, a great teacher, patient and a leader. ... I think Al is a tremendous coach and someone that people should really pay attention to.”

“He has been a defensive coordinator and he’s one of the guys who should be a head coaching candidate.”

Panthers coach Matt Rhule on Carolina assistant Al Holcomb

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4

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, December 1, 2021

STATE & NATION

Police chief: 3 shot in fight at North Carolina mall

By Tom Foreman Jr. The Associated Press DURHAM — Three people were shot and wounded Friday during an apparent fight between two groups at a North Carolina mall crowded with shoppers on the day after Thanksgiving, the police chief said.

Authorities said in the late afternoon that one person was detained and there was no further threat to the public. A bystander described “mass hysteria” on one of the busiest shopping days of

the year as shoppers ducked into stores for cover or ran for the exits.

Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews told reporters the shooting happened around 3:20 p.m. inside The Streets at Southpoint mall during a fight between two groups who knew each other.

She said one of the victims was a 10-year-old child hit when a bullet ricocheted. Police said the child’s wound did not appear life-threatening. Police did not immediately release further information on the conditions of the other two who were shot.

Andrews said another three people were injured as shoppers rushed for exits following the shooting. In a news release, police said their injuries were not life-threatening.

She said those involved in the fight that led to the shooting fled, but she vowed more arrests. She said there was no further threat to the public.

“This is not a situation where someone came into the mall and indiscriminately began firing,” Andrews said.

WRAL-TV showed traffic

snarled around the mall for more than an hour after the shooting, with lines of cars trying to exit the parking lot, and numerous police cars with lights flashing outside a department store.

Shoppers described a chaotic scene after the shots echoed through the mall, with some people taking cover in stores and others rushing for the exits.

Angela Lloyd had gone to Southpoint with family members to start her Christmas shopping.

She said she was walking out of a store when the chaos erupted.

“I just hear shots firing, and as soon as that happened, everybody just kind of turned around and started running and screaming,” she said in a phone interview.

“Some people were running into stores, some people were almost crawling into stores. Just like mass hysteria.”

She took cover in a store herself, and she and others were directed to the dressing rooms in the back.

One customer played a police scanner on his cellphone and kept people updated on what he heard, she said.

Her husband, Craig Lloyd, had just left the mall and was heading home to the town of Efland about 20 miles away when his wife called him from the dressing room.

“She said ‘There’s gunshots.

They’ve got us locked in the store,’” Craig Lloyd said in a phone interview. “I turned around and went back to the mall.”

When he got back to the shopping center, Craig Lloyd said he observed a chaotic scene with some exiting the mall with their hands up and others like him trying to find loved ones. His wife was allowed to leave the mall more than an hour later.

PHOTO VIA AP

Emergency vehicles congregate around the entrance to Belk at Southpoint Mall in Durham, N.C. after three people, including a 10-year-old, were wounded in an afternoon shooting on Black Friday, Nov. 26, 2021.

Supreme Court set to take up all-or-nothing abortion fight

in Mississippi, the Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Lower courts blocked the Mississippi law, as they have other abortion bans that employ traditional enforcement methods by state and local officials.

The Supreme Court had never before even agreed to hear a case over a pre-viability abortion ban. But after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death last year and her replacement by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the third of Trump’s appointees, the court said it would take up the case.

Trump had pledged to appoint “pro-life justices” and predicted

they would lead the way in overturning the abortion rulings. Only one justice, Clarence Thomas, has publicly called for Roe to be overruled.

The court could uphold the Mississippi law without explicitly overruling Roe and Casey, an outcome that would satisfy neither side.

Abortion-rights advocates say that result would amount to the same thing as an outright ruling overturning the earlier cases because it would erase the rationale undergirding nearly a half-century of Supreme Court law.

“A decision upholding this

ban is tantamount to overruling Roe. The ban prohibits abortion around two months before viability,” said Julie Rikelman, who will argue the case for the clinic.

On the other side, pro-life advocates argue that the court essentially invented abortion law in Roe and Casey, and shouldn’t repeat that mistake in this case.

If the justices uphold Mississippi’s law, they’ll have to explain why, said Thomas Jipping, a Heritage Foundation legal fellow. They can either overrule the two big cases, Jipping said, “or they’re going to have to come up with another made-up rule.”

Conservative commentator Ed Whelan said such an outcome would be a “massive defeat” on par with the Casey decision in 1992, in which a court with eight justices appointed by Republican presidents unexpectedly reaffirmed Roe. This court appears far more conservative than the one that decided Casey, and legal historian Mary Ziegler at Florida State University’s law school, said the court probably would “overrule Roe or set us on a path to doing so.”

Chief Justice John Roberts might find the more incremental approach appealing if he can persuade a majority of the court to go along. Since Roberts became chief justice in 2005, the court has moved in smaller steps on some issues, even when it appeared there was only a binary choice.

It took two cases for the court

days that lawmakers hold chamber floor meetings, according to legislative data.

The longest was in 2001. This year, COVID-19 precautions and aid, a later tax filing deadline and a massive revenue surplus all combined with redistricting to extend the session into the late fall.

The 2021 session was marked by the first comprehensive budget bill that Cooper agreed to sign into law since he took office in 2017, and the first enacted in over three years.

There was no such budget approved in 2019 because of a stalemate be-

tween the governor and GOP legislative leaders.

The enacted budget, which was supposed to be in place July 1, included billions of dollars for COVID-19 relief and recovery funds. There are also significant individual and corporate income tax cuts; average 5% raises for teachers over two years and bonuses of up to $2,800; and 5% raises and bonuses over two years for most rank-andfile state employees.

Republicans gained leverage over Cooper in the budget talks as several Democrats seemed willing

to join the GOP in overriding any vetoed budget. Still, Cooper continued to use his veto stamp effectively, given that Republicans lack veto-proof majorities. None of his 12 vetoes this year have been overridden.

While Cooper criticized several sections of the budget, he said the good outweighed the bad. The signing reflected greater openness by Senate leader Phil Berger, House Speaker Tim Moore and the governor to negotiate this year on big-ticket legislation.

Cooper, Moore and Berger came

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Both sides are telling the Supreme Court there’s no middle ground in Wednesday’s showdown over abortion. The justices can either reaffirm the constitutional right to an abortion or wipe it away altogether.

Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that declared a nationwide right to abortion, is facing its most serious challenge in 30 years in front of a court with a 6-3 conservative majority that has been remade by three appointees of President Donald Trump.

“There are no half measures here,” said Sherif Girgis, a Notre Dame law professor who once served as a law clerk for Justice Samuel Alito.

A ruling that overturned Roe and the 1992 case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey would lead to outright bans or restrictions on abortion in 26 states, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion laws.

The case being argued Wednesday comes from Mississippi, where a 2018 law would ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The Supreme Court hot previously allowed states to ban abortion during what some consider to be fetal viability.

“This is the most worried I’ve ever been,” said Shannon Brewer, who runs the only abortion clinic

NCGA from page 1 lative leaders said any necessary actions are unlikely to occur until early January 2022.

At least four lawsuits have been filed challenging U.S. House or legislative districts, or both, that the General Assembly enacted in early November or the process by which some boundaries were formed.

This year’s session, which began in earnest on Jan. 27, marks the second longest uninterrupted annual session since at least 1965, when calculated by the number of

AP PHOTO

In this April 23, 2021, file photo, members of the Supreme Court pose for a group photo at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

to rip out the heart of the federal Voting Rights Act that curbed potentially discriminatory voting laws in states with a history of discrimination.

In the area of organized labor, the court moved through a series of cases that chipped away at public sector unions’ power.

The high court also heard two rounds of arguments over restrictions on independent spending in the political arena before removing limits on how much money corporations and unions can pour into election advocacy.

Mississippi is one of 12 states ready to act almost immediately if Roe is overturned. Those states have enacted so-called abortion trigger laws that would take effect and ban all or nearly all abortions.

Women in those states wanting abortions could face drives of hundreds of miles to reach the nearest clinic or they might obtain abortion pills by mail. Medication abortions now account for 40% of abortions.

Some legal briefs in the case make clear that the end of Roe is not the ultimate goal.

The court should recognize that “unborn children are persons” under the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, a conclusion that would compel an end to almost all legal abortions, Princeton professor Robert George and scholar John Finnis wrote. Finnis was Justice Neil Gorsuch’s adviser on his Oxford dissertation, an argument against assisted suicide.

together on an agreement to return more K-12 students to daily in-person instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the governor and senators hammered out a consensus bill that Cooper signed that targets sharply reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

Debate on some high-profile bills that idled this year — including those that would authorize sports gambling in North Carolina and legalize marijuana for medical use — could resurface when lawmakers go back to work in 2022.