North State Journal, Vol. 6, Issue 3

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3

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WWW.NSJONLINE.COM

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021

the Wednesday

NEWS BRIEFING

Lt. Gov. launches education task force Raleigh Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson on Tuesday announced the creation of a task force to “speak out about cases of bias, inappropriate materials, or indoctrination they see or experience in public schools.”

The task force, titled the F.A.C.T.S (Fairness and Accountability in the Classroom for Teachers and Students) task force, will reside within the lieutenant governor’s office and will involve teachers, administrators and university professors.

It will seek to compile reports from across the state, assist those who need help navigating the bureaucratic process surrounding education and provide a platform to disseminate information regarding indoctrination in public schools.

“This is not an indictment on education,” said Robinson, who added they’ve received numerous complaints from parents. “We want this taskforce to be a resource for parents and students who feel they are unable to tackle the issues that they are facing in their schools.”

NSJ STAFF

N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission approves rule changes Raleigh The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission accepted 40 proposed changes related to wildlife management, inland fisheries and game lands for the 2021-22 seasons. The effective date for these regulations is Aug. 1, 2021.

Among the changes are Sunday hunting on game land adjustments and approving 45 seven-days-per-week game lands, where hunting is allowed Monday through Sunday during open seasons, and six four-daysper-week game lands, where hunting is allowed Tuesday through Sunday during open seasons.

Also approved were remote trap-checking systems under specified conditions, a new private land program for specific management of bobwhite quail, and combining two public Mountain Trout catch-and-release classifications into a single classification.

NSJ STAFF

Board of Elections finds NCAE PAC contributions exceeded legal limit Raleigh A campaign finance complaint filed against a Political Action Committee (PAC) operated by the N.C. Association of Educators was closed by the N.C. State Board of Elections in late December.

The NCSBE investigation found the NCAE PAC contributed $2,000 over the legal limit to Sen. Dan Blue’s campaign and $1,000 over the legal limit to Gov. Roy Cooper’s campaign. Both Blue and Cooper’s campaigns refunded the illegal contributions.

Additionally, the NCAE PAC’s reporting was errorridden, listing additional contributions to both Blue and Cooper that were never actually sent.

The complaint alleged the PAC’s second-quarter 2020 filing contained contributions beyond the $5,400 legal limit.

The PAC reported $12,600 in contributions to Blue and $11,800 to Cooper.

A.P. DILLON

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20177 52016 $0.50

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BEN MCKEOWN | AP PHOTO

No. 1 with a bullet Jakia Brown-Turner and the NC State’s women’s basketball team are the top seed in the NCAA Tournament’s Mercado Region and will face in-state foe North Carolina A&T on Sunday at 4 p.m.

NORTH

STATE

JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

Sen. Tillis cosponsors bill aimed at Confucius Institute impact on college campuses Bill would withhold federal funding for schools that don’t comply with requirements

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

Cawthorn sees early challengers in reelection campaign The 25-year-old congressman faces 2 Dem challengers and primary rumors

vored by 12 percentage points, her ad ends with, “So with all due respect to the skeptics, this BBQ-loving, football-watching, proud Southern mom of three is running for Congress.”

Cawthorn used the announceBy David Larson ment as an opportunity to fundNorth State Journal raise, responding, “National Rep. Madison Cawthorn, a interests in D.C. have begun refreshman Republican who rep- cruiting candidates to run against resents North Carolina’s 11th me, and yesterday one of them Congressional District, has two announced. … Did you know that the most likely time new Democratic oppoto defeat an incumnents and a rumored bent member of Conprimary challenge degress is during their spite being sworn into first re-election? That office just over two “I think the would be this election months ago. The ear- biggest cycle for me. Meanly campaign activity ing, it’s critical I have comes as multiple crit- challenge for the resources to defeat ical articles have been Madison is these candidates handpublished, covering picked by Nancy Peloeverything from sex- going to be si and Alexandria Ocaual harassment alle- a primary, sio-Cortez.” gations to speaking at frankly.

Days later, a second the “Stop the Steal” ralDemocrat jumped in ly Jan. 6 before rioters Sen. Chuck the race — Josh Remistormed the U.S. Cap- Edwards, for llard, an Army veteran itol. who recently lost a state The first challenger example, and House race. Remillard to announce was Bun- others seem struck a similar tone combe County Comto Beach-Ferrara with missioner Jasmine to be making his kick-off video, callBeach-Ferrara, a Unit- a lot of noise Cawthorn “a predaed Church of Christ that they plan ing tor with numerous sexminister and execual assault allegations utive director of the to primary pro-LGBTQ advoca- him. So I think against him, who idolizes Nazis and took a cy group Campaign pilgrimage to Hitler’s for Southern Equali- the primary bunker.” ty. Beach-Ferrara an- is going to The allegations of nounced her candidacy flirting with and idolon March 3 in a cam- be the bigger izing Nazis in the ads paign video that took story initially is likely a reference to direct aim at Cawthan the a trip Cawthorn took thorn. to Germany, where “Some people will general.” he toured one of Adsay that a gay womolf Hitler’s residencan who’s a Christian Carla Miller, es. In the Instagram minister just can’t get post about the viselected in the South,” Macon County it, which progressives Beach-Ferrara’s ad be- GOP chair have jumped on for use gins. “But I say an inof the word “Fuhrer,” surrectionist who flirts with Nazis and fires up a violent Cawthorn also made clear that he crowd to attack our Democracy, was opposed to the “supreme evil” well, he shouldn’t get reelected of the Nazi leader.

A source inside Cawthorn’s anywhere.”

In what is likely an attempt to campaign told NSJ that the two appeal to conservatives in a district where Republicans are fa- See CAWTHORN, page A5

RALEIGH — Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has cosponsored a bill targeting the influence of the Chinese Communist Party on college campuses and free speech in higher education.

On Mar. 4, the U.S. Senate

unanimously passed the Concerns Over Nations Funding University Campus Institutes in the United States (CONFUCIUS) Act. The bill gives “full managerial authority” to colleges and universities over Confucius Institutes operating on their campuses.

“Confucius Institutes are an echo chamber for the Chinese Communist Party and threaten free speech in American colleges and universities,” Tillis said in a statement. “I’m proud the Senate See CONFUCIUS, page A2

Children packed into Border Patrol tent for days on end

By Nomaan Merchant The Associated Press HOUSTON — Hundreds of immigrant children and teenagers have been detained at a Border Patrol tent facility in packed conditions, with some sleeping on the floor because there aren’t enough mats, according to nonprofit lawyers who conduct oversight of immigrant detention centers.

Last week, immigration lawyers interviewed more than a dozen children in Donna, Texas, where the Border Patrol is holding more than 1,000 people. Some of the youths told the lawyers they had been at the facility for a week or longer, despite the agency’s three-day limit for detaining children. Many said they haven’t been allowed to phone their parents or other relatives who may be wondering where they are.

The children are kept so closely together that they can touch the person next to them, the lawyers said. Some have to wait five days or more to shower, and there isn’t always soap available, just shampoo, according to the lawyers.

President Biden’s administration denied the lawyers access to the tent facility.

“It is pretty surprising that the administration talks about the importance of transparency and then won’t let the attorneys for children set eyes on where they’re staying,” said Leecia Welch of the National Center for Youth Law, one of the lawyers. “I find that very disappointing.”

Welch said the lawyers “weren’t able to lay eyes on any of it to see for ourselves, so we’re just piecing together what they said.”

A 1997 court settlement known as the Flores agreement sets standards for government detention of immigrant children. Lawyers are entitled under Flores to conduct oversight of child detention. The Justice Department declined to comment on why the lawyers were denied access. The Biden administration has not responded to several requests from The Associated Press

seeking access to the tent.

Government figures show a growing crisis as hundreds of children cross the border daily and are taken into custody. The Border Patrol currently has a record high of more than 3,000 children in detention, according to government data obtained by AP. That figure is rising almost daily.

More children are waiting longer in Border Patrol custody because long-term facilities operated by U.S. Health and Human See BORDER, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

A2 WEDNESDAY

THE WORD: BLESSED INHERITANCE

3.17.21

The third Beatitude tells us concisely that the meek shall inherit the earth. That promise was made in Psalm 37:11 and Isaiah 29:19. The fifth verse of Matthew 5 is likely the most famous of the Beatitudes but is related to the first of the Beatitudes, which promises the Kingdom of Heaven to the “poor in spirit.” The term “meek” can also be interpreted as gentle, soft, patient or forbearing.

The meek are not without power. The meek people who will inherit the earth are not downtrodden, passive or timid. They are humble.

Just as the poor in spirit are aware of their deficit — which can only be paid by divine grace — the meek know their foundation is in their faith in God. The meek keep their focus on God which allows them to withstand injustice, unfairness or injury.

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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

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Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

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BORDER from page A1 Services have next to no capacity.

Hundreds of children are being apprehended daily at far higher rates than HHS is releasing them to parents or sponsors. HHS currently takes an average of 37 days to release a child.

Biden has stopped the Trumpera practice of expelling immigrant children who cross the border alone, but maintained expulsions of immigrant families and single adults. While his administration has tried to deter immigrants from entering the U.S., many believe they have a better chance now.

There have also been growing reports of parents sending their children across the border alone while

they remain in Mexico or Central America.

Most Border Patrol stations were designed for short-term detention of adults, with cold, concrete cells with the lights always on.

While the majority of youths detained by the government are teenagers, both Border Patrol and HHS are detaining very young children.

The Associated Press interviewed the mother of one 4-yearold girl from Guatemala who crossed the border March 5 with her aunt. Border authorities expelled the aunt and labeled the girl unaccompanied by a parent, placing her in the Donna tent.

The girl’s parents live in Maryland. Her mother told the AP that she didn’t know their daughter’s

whereabouts until Sunday and didn’t speak to her until Monday. According to the mother, the girl was unable to speak in a nearly 20-minute phone call. The AP is not identifying the girl or her mother to protect the child’s privacy.

“She cried as if something was going on, as if she was scared,” the mother said this week. “I started crying when I heard her that way.

It didn’t seem right to me.”

The parents asked for their daughter to be released to them directly but on Monday she was sent from South Texas to foster care in Michigan.

When she spoke to her mother Tuesday morning, the girl was no longer crying but still wasn’t able

to speak.

“She didn’t say anything,” she said. “I tried everything I could, but nothing.”

In response, the administration is turning to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help.

FEMA will support a governmentwide effort over the next three months to safely receive, shelter and transfer minor children who arrive alone at the U.S. southwest border, without a parent or other adult, said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

“Our goal is to ensure that unaccompanied children are transferred to HHS as quickly as possible, consistent with legal requirements and in the best interest of the children,” Mayorkas said.

CONFUCIUS from page A1 passed this legislation, which gives universities authority over the Confucius Institutes on their campuses. I hope the House chooses to protect freedom of thought on college campuses and joins us in passing the CONFUCIUS Act.” The bill was introduced by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) and co-sponsored by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Josh Hawley (RMO), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS).

Under the CONFUCIUS Act, Confucius Institutes are required to protect academic freedom and are prohibited from applying foreign law on campuses. It would also grant total control to their host university over what the Confucius Institute teaches, the grants it awards, the people it employs and what it teaches. Additionally, the bill would block federal funding to colleges and universities that host Confucius Institutes for not complying with these requirements.

Cited by Tillis’ statement is a rare piece of bipartisanship between the College Republican National Committee and the College Democrats of America. The two groups issued a joint letter in May 2020 that called for the “immediate and permanent closure of all Confucius Institutes in the United States.” The letter said the groups have “concerns over the present state of academic freedom.”

The Chinese government has been running Confucius Institutes in the U.S. since 2004. They offered Chinese language courses which either whitewash or omit entirely the history of human rights abuses the Chinese government.

Several high-profile arrests of academic scholars, researchers and those in certain businesses by the U.S. Department of Justice has underscored that Confucius Institutes have long been suspected of being recruitment and infiltration points for stealing of research, intellectual property and spying.

Confucius Institutes are operated by an entity called the Hanban, which is run and financed by Communist China’s Ministry of Education. It is the Hanban that decides who teaches the institute’s courses and how and if they are paid. That

LEIGH VOGEL | POOL VIA AP

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., listens during a confirmation hearing for Secretary of Veterans Affairs nominee Denis McDonough before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Washington, D.C. would change under the CONFUCIUS Act. The passage of CONFUCIUS Act comes after President Joe Biden revoked a Trump Administration policy requiring disclosure of all financial transactions, contracts, partnerships with foreign exchange programs, and in particular Confucius Institutes, by all levels of academic institutions from K-12 through post-secondary institutions.

President Trump’s policy was ushered through on Dec. 31, 2020.

It was formally titled “Establishing Requirement for Student and Exchange Visitor Program Certified Schools to Disclose Agreements with Confucius Institutes and Classrooms.”

According to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Biden revoked the measure on Jan. 26 — just one week after taking office. The following week, Biden announced a new Pentagon

task force, which he claimed would “chart a strong path forward on China-related matters.”

Confucius Institutes were officially declared a “foreign mission” of the People’s Republic of China by former secretary of State Mike Pompeo in August of 2020.

Pompeo went on to give speeches in the months that followed that were highly critical of the Communist Party of China and of Confucius Institutes on American campuses.

“Americans must know how the CCP is poisoning the well of our higher education for its own ends, and how those actions degrade our freedoms and our national security. If we don’t educate ourselves, we’ll get schooled by Beijing,” said Pompeo, according to the Associated Press. “They know that left-leaning college campuses are rife with anti-Americanism and present easy target audiences for their anti-American messaging.”

This past January, Pompeo also raised the issue of China’s treatment of the Uighur ethnic group, calling China’s actions an “ongoing genocide.”

Around 55 Confucius Institutes are currently operating in the United States, according to the National Association of Scholars (NAS).

That’s down from the 81 according to NAS’s 2017 report, “Outsourced to China.”

Forty-eight Confucius Institutes are located on college campuses, one of which is located on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte campus. North State Journal investigated the UNC Charlotte Confucius Institute in June of 2020, and a campus spokesperson said the Hanban provided “start-up expenses of $150,000” in 2017 along with $70,000 in operating support and an “additional $30,000 to support K-12 schools directly.”

North Carolina State Universi-

ty had previously operated a Confucius Institute but closed it down in 2019. The Hanban had been funding the institute on that campus at around $200,000 a year.

A 2019 staff report to the Subcommittee on Investigations for the U.S. Senate found the Chinese government wasn’t just investing in colleges, but also in K-12 classrooms. The report said that since 2006, “China directly provided over $158 million in funding to U.S. schools for Confucius Institutes,” and the Hanban “spent more than $2 billion on Confucius Institutes worldwide from 2008 to 2016.”

Starting in 2017, the Hanban “no longer reports spending on the program,” but by then the Hanban had established 1,113 Confucius classrooms in K-12 schools. Dozens of such schools are currently operating in North Carolina, including several in Wake County and over a half dozen in Buncombe County.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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Rep. Hall talks about COVID-19 legislation, Emergency Powers Act

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

SHAFKAT ANOWAR | AP PHOTO

Lear Preston, 4, who attends Scott Joplin Elementary School, participates in her virtual classes as her mother, Brittany Preston, background, assists.

Judge dismisses lawsuit filed

by Charlotte-Mecklenburg parents over remote instruction

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal CHARLOTTE — A judge has dismissed a complaint filed last year against Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools which sought to return instruction for the district’s 147,000 students to the classroom.

The complaint alleged CMS did not “sufficiently prepare for active instruction for the 2020-21 school year,” and is a violation of the sound, basic education guaranteed by the North Carolina Constitution.

N.C. Superior Court Judge Karen Eady-Williams dismissed all five major claims of the suit, ruling the suit had “insufficient facts” to prove their claims, including how remote learning caused “irreparable harm” to the education of their children.

“Plaintiffs, who are adults and not school-aged children, have no education rights under the North Carolina Statutes or North Carolina Constitution,” Eady-Williams’ ruling reads in part.

The lawsuit also named the local chapter of the N.C. Association of Educators (NCAE) as a defendant, stating that “members of the

NCAE organized a campaign to improperly influence and intimidate board members” as well as the CMS superintendent.

The plaintiffs in the case are five parents and are represented

by David Redding of the Redding and Jones law firm in Charlotte.

“My clients are very disappointed at the outcome as they believe that the lawsuit was the only means that the parents of Mecklenburg County had of holding CMS and the NCAE accountable for their actions,” Redding told NSJ in an email.

While Eady-Williams dismissed all five claims in the suit, one of the dismissal’s was without prejudice.

“They are currently considering whether to refile the claims that were dismissed by the judge without prejudice but haven’t reached a decision yet,” Redding said.

“A challenge with refiling is the judge’s requirement that individual students be named as plaintiffs with specific harm alleged. Obviously, very few parents would be willing to expose their children to that kind of public scrutiny, particularly in the current social media environment.”

RALEIGH — Entering his third term, 33-year-old Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) is one of the youngest members of the General Assembly to enter the top echelon of N.C. legislative leadership, this after being chosen to chair the powerful House Rules Committee, the first millennial to hold such a high office in either legislative chamber.

Hall’s role as chair of both the House Committee on Redistricting and House Rules Committee makes him part of a leadership triumvirate in the House with Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) and Majority Leader John Bell (R-Wayne).

North State Journal sat down with Hall recently and talked to him about upcoming COVID-19 related legislation and the Emergency Powers Act. COVID-19 legislation Hall’s current focus has been on getting students back in school and parents back in the stands to watch their children compete in sporting events. Near the end of February, Hall co-sponsors House Bill 128, which seeks to expand access to K-12 school and university sporting venues.

“First of all, the bill essentially allows the local boards and also UNC system schools to have up to 50% occupancy at their games, but it sets a floor of 20%. They can’t go below that at all,” said Hall of the bill.

Senate Bill 127 was introduced on Feb. 23, and as of March 15, it has made its way to the Senate and currently sits in the Senate Rules and Operations Committee.

“We are hearing that the governor has seen what we’re filing here, and some other bills that have been filed in the General Assembly, and he also sees the cases in North Carolina of COVID, and across the country, are dropping precipitously,” Hall said. “There’s no reason that these limits should not be increased at this time.”

The governor apparently did see that legislation and dropped

an executive order on Feb. 24 easing a few of his COVID-19 restrictions, including sporting attendance; however, his order was far less than that of Senate Bill 127.

Cooper limited outdoor sporting events to 30% of a facility’s stated fire capacity or seven guests for every 1,000 square feet. Cooper’s order limits indoor sporting facilities to 30% of the stated fire capacity with a maximum of 250 people allowed in each indoor room or space being used.

Along with getting kids back into schools, addressing students at risk for academic failure as a result of remote learning during the pandemic is also front and center for Hall, who is a co-sponsor of House Bill 82, titled Summer Learning Choice for Families.

Emergency Powers Accountability Act When asked about Cooper’s long line of executive orders and the impact they’ve had on the state, Hall said, “I don’t think anybody really thought that the governor had the ability to shut down the entire state for as long as he’s done that.”

“The Emergency Powers Act was really drafted with hurricanes and other natural disasters like that in mind,” Hall said. “To be clear, COVID is very serious, and I would classify it as an emergency, and I do think we needed to take strong measures to curtail it, but as we’ve learned more and more about COVID over time, our shut-down orders have not reflected what we’ve learned about it. It’s not always happened — at least not in an efficient manner.”

Hall said a good example of that inefficiency is school reopening.

“The science tells us that we can reopen schools, and we can safely do that, and yet we’re still here in North Carolina with kids who live in districts who don’t have the option for in-person learning,” Hall said.

He added that the Emergency Powers Act “absolutely needs to be looked at and needs to be amended.”

Hall said it needs to be amended to reflect situations like the

pandemic. He’s already tried once before. Last year during the short session, Hall ran a bill that would have required the governor to get “buy-in” or Council of State approval for shutdown orders after they had passed a certain length of time.

“You’re probably going to have a public that’s much more receptive to whatever order he puts out when you’ve got folks on both sides of the aisle supporting that,” said Hall. “But the route he took was essentially to jam all this through.”

“People forget, but he sent some of this over and gave them a very small amount of time to vote and then he just decided after that that he really didn’t even need the Council of State’s votes at all.

And I think that was a mistake a mistake in governing,” Hall said.

“He took extraordinary measures in closing our businesses, and the proper way to have done that would have been to try to work to get buy-in from both sides of the aisle.”

On March 10, the one-year anniversary of Cooper shutting the state down, Hall along with Rep. Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort), House Majority Leader John Bell (R-Wayne), and Rep. Tim Moffitt (R-Henderson) held a press conference introducing House Bill 264, the Emergency Powers Accountability Act. “Such consequential decisions should be made in a deliberative process with other elected officials,” said Hall in the press release. “North Carolinians deserve confidence that the unprecedented restrictions placed on their families and businesses are the result of bipartisan consensus, not the absolute power of one man.”

The Act seeks to strengthen and clarify the current emergency powers granted to the governor by requiring approval from a majority of the Council of State. The bill is currently making its way through the House Judiciary and the Rules and Operations committees.

Hall said he doesn’t expect Democrats to vote for the bill and that he thinks the governor will veto it.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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Murphy

Manteo

Jones & Blount

Tournament time Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh have been familiar places in March for the state’s teams and for college basketball fans nationally. In 14 of the last 20 years, venues in the state have hosted NCAA Tournament action. The list includes the last time the opening rounds were played at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in 2007.

Yet while the tournament’s opening rounds are often the most entertaining, the regionals have taken place elsewhere — Charlotte with the last time they occurred Bojangles’ Coliseum in North Carolina being at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte in Charlotte Coliseum 2008.

Spectrum Center The NCAA’s preference to play the Final Four and national championship games in cavernous stadiums has meant a 27-year drought from those games as well. The last time was in 1994 at the former Charlotte Coliseum when the Arkansas Razorbacks defeated the Duke Blue Devils.

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper could be the catalyst to bring Final Fours and the tournament’s later rounds back to the state. In his push for a new Charlotte stadium, with the possibility of a retractable roof, Tepper said his goal would be to bring Final Fours, Super Bowls and College Football Playoff games to the area.

WEST

Michael Regan confirmed as EPA administrator

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

Transylvania County Police evacuated local businesses Sunday after they found several suspected incendiary devices near a Baptist church and a county building. Police in Brevard said they received a report of the devices near the First Baptist Church of Brevard and the Transylvania County Community Services Building. When officers responded, they found several small devices that had not detonated. The area was cordoned off and local establishments were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

There were no injuries. Police said they are working with the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the NC State Bureau of Investigation, FBI and ATF to investigate.

AP

NC could be getting state spider Mitchell County The state of North Carolina could soon have a state spider, if a bill recently introduced passes. Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) introduced the bill, SB 195, which would name the Linville Caverns spider as the state’s arachnid representative. The Linville Caverns spider has only been found in the state of North Carolina, according to the bill.

WXII

Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Greensboro

Greensboro Coliseum

Rutherford County James Douglas Miller, 52, of Charlotte, dubbed the “blue light bandit” has been charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer. He’s accused of using blue lights to try to pull over cars on an interstate highway, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office said. Miller was charged with felony impersonation of a law enforcement officer. The sheriff’s office said Miller is accused of activating blue lights to stop drivers on U.S. 74 in Rutherford County on two separate occasions between Feb. 27 and Feb. 28.

PIEDMONT

Franklin County Prison officials say COVID-19 was the cause, or at least a contributing factor, in the death of an inmate at Franklin Correctional Center. The inmate was a man in his early 60s. He tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 7 and was hospitalized 10 days later.

His condition worsened and he died Friday.

The Department of Public Safety said it will not identify the inmate, citing his family’s right to privacy and the confidentiality of prison offender records.

Chatham County Searchers have found the body of Danny Bullard, 59, of Cameron, who disappeared beneath the surface of the Cape Fear River while he was in a small boat pulled into an undercurrent. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office recovered Bullard’s body on Thursday.

The Chatham County Emergency Operations Center reported the incident after a small boat was pulled into the undercurrent of the Buckhorn Dam on the Cape Fear River near Moncure. Bullard was wearing a black life jacket and was last seen floating in the middle of the Cape Fear channel.

AP

AP

EAST

Body of missing boater found in river

Inmate dies after contracting COVID-19

Raleigh

Cameron Indoor Stadium

Dean E. Smith Center

AP

Man accused of sex with teen over six years Halifax County A man is accused of engaging in sex acts with a teenager over a six-year period. Halifax County deputies filed multiple charges against Ronnie Sanderson, 31, of Scotland Neck, including felony statutory rape of a person who is 13, 14, or 15, and felony statutory sexual offense of a 13, 14, or 15 year old, news outlets report. The crimes took place between 2008 and 2014. They learned of the sexual offenses back in November and Sanderson was arrested on Thursday. Sanderson was jailed on $150,000 bond and has an April 22 court date.

Reynolds Coliseum PNC Arena

Cape Fear black community shrunk over the past 30 years Brunswick County Over the past 30 years, black residents have made up a steadily shrinking slice of the Cape Fear region’s population. In 1990, black residents made up approximately 20% of New Hanover County’s population compared to 13.4% in 2019. Brunswick County’s proportion of black residents dropped from 18.1% to 10%. Pender County went from 30.4% in 1990, to 14.7% in 2019.

In comparison, black residents have made up a consistent percentage of North Carolina’s population, between 21% and 22%. While the total number of black residents has not decreased over time, it isn’t growing as quickly as other populations.

AP

FBI photographer’s death ruled homicide Graham County The North Carolina Chief Medical Examiner’s investigation into the October 2019 death of Kathleen Miller has been completed, and her death has been ruled a homicide. Miller, a photographer for the FBI, was found drowned in about two feet of water while she and her husband, Greg Miller, were visiting the Nantahala National Forest. Greg Miller flagged down a car and said his wife had drowned, but police became suspicious when he changed his story multiple time. Prosecutors are still determining whether to file charges.

Flights halted at airport after drone sighted Guilford County A drone disrupted flights from Piedmont Triad International, prompting an investigation from the Federal Aviation Administration and local law enforcement on where it came from and who owned it.

The drone was seen flying over and around the airport between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Tuesday. Air traffic controllers remained in constant communication with local officials as they searched for the drone operator. Controllers switched runways and periodically suspended flights while the drone was in the area. Flights were also held on the ground and one flight headed to Greensboro was diverted to another airport.

Duke orders undergrads to quarantine due to virus outbreak Durham County Duke University issued a quarantine order for all undergraduates effective Saturday due to a coronavirus outbreak caused by students who attended recruitment parties. All undergraduate students will be forced to stayin-place until at least March 21. Suspension or dismissal from the school are potential punishments for “flagrant or repeat violators.”

Over the past week, the school has reported more than 180 positive coronavirus cases.

There are an additional 200 students who may have been exposed and have been ordered to quarantine. The school said the outbreak was “principally driven by students attending recruitment parties for selective living groups.”

AP

where a school district wanted to “hold students accountable” for their speech off campus.

“When bullies target students, they no longer just do it at school during the day,” said Stein. “Our young people can be bullied anywhere, at any time. It’s one of the most troubling consequences of technology, and the harm students experience can last long after graduation. I urge the Supreme Court to uphold schools’ ability to protect students from bullying, wherever they are.”

North Carolina already has applicable cyberbullying laws in place. State statutes on cyberbullying include a section addressing the “intent to intimidate or torment a minor” through online means.

Stein’s press release also mentions Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1968), a case in which the Supreme Court ruled that public school officials were barred from punishing students for exercising their First Amendment rights on school grounds. The only ex-

“Because of public schools’ obligations to protect students and promote learning, the Supreme Court has long given them more leeway to regulate student speech under the First Amendment than states have to regulate adults’ speech.” stated in release by Josh Stein ception in the Tinker ruling is if a student’s speech “materially and substantially” interfered with “requirements of appropriate discipline and in the operation of the school.”

The brief filed by Stein and his attorney general colleagues want the Tinker ruling applied to off-campus speech under the same

premise that it constitutes disruption at school or causes harm in some way.

“Because of public schools’ obligations to protect students and promote learning, the Supreme Court has long given them more leeway to regulate student speech under the First Amendment than states have to regulate adults’ speech,” Stein’s release reads. “But the lower court in this case ruled that schools may never regulate students’ off-campus speech.”

As Stein mentions, a lower court is standing in the way of regulating student off-campus speech. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of B.L. 2020, stating that “Tinker does not apply to off-campus speech — that is, speech that is outside school-owned, -operated, or -supervised channels and that is not reasonably interpreted as bearing the school›s imprimatur.»

The collection of attorneys general including Stein want the Supreme Court to reject the lower court’s ruling, as they believe it will “undermine state anti-bully-

Police worry over spike in drug overdoses

AP

Drowning victim’s body recovered

Chowan County Edenton Police Chief Henry King warned that drug overdoses in the area have increased recently. The town saw three cases in a twoday span over the weekend, and the rash of overdoses has extended into neighboring counties, according to other nearby police departments. Police believe there may be a large amount of cocaine laced with fentanyl in the area which is causing the overdoses.

Carteret County The body of 41-year-old fisherman Joshua Stafford was recovered earlier this month, a day after he fell off a dock and was reported missing. Security footage at the Jarrett Bay Marine Industrial Park showed Stafford fall from a floating dock into the Core Creek Canal. Multiple organizations sent searchers, and a professional diver using sonar was able to locate his body a short distance from the dock.

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as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality,” said Tillis. “I have no doubt he will do a great job and serve our country well.”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell opposed Regan’s nomination, saying in a floor speech, he would “report straight to the front lines of the new administration’s left-wing war on American energy.”

“Mr. Regan has plenty of experience.

The problem is what he’s poised to do with it. The Clean Power Plan? Back on the table. The absurd Waters of the United States rule? Back on the table,” McConnell added.

Gov. Roy Cooper, on the other hand, said in December 2020, “I am proud [Biden] has recognized the talent we have here to select Michael Regan, North Carolina born and educated, to be EPA administrator. Michael has served with distinction, helping advance my climate change executive order and promoting creative solutions to some of our toughest challenges. He has important work ahead of him helping battle climate change on a national level, and I wish him and his family the best on this next step.”

Regan, a native of Goldsboro, holds a bachelor’s degree from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a master’s from George Washington University.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Lara Trump freezes Republican US Senate field

By Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — For Republicans, a final decision by Lara Trump will be key to setting up the primary field for the open 2022 U.S Senate seat being vacated by Richard Burr.

Former President Donald Trump made news last week at an event his daughter-in-law was hosting at his Mara-Lago resort.

The British newspaper Daily Mail reported that Trump told the crowd she was running for the Senate.

“I want to thank Lara, who’s been so incredible. I don’t know, you’re running for the Senate. I hear she’s going to run for the Senate!” Trump stated as the crowd erupted into cheers.

The report made clear that no formal decision or paperwork has been filed, but the speculation continues around her entry into the field.

Mrs. Trump would need to establish

residency in the state to become eligible to run. A native of New Hanover County and a N.C. State University graduate, Trump has lived in New York for nine years, including the past six since her marriage to Eric Trump, an executive vice president with the Trump Organization.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham fueled speculation during a Fox News Sunday appearance in which he suggested that Burr’s vote for President Trump’s impeachment made her “the almost certain nominee.”

“The biggest winner of this whole impeachment trial, I think, is Lara Trump. My dear friend Richard Burr, who I like and I’ve been friends to a long time, just made Lara Trump almost the certain nominee for the Senate seat in North Carolina to replace him if she runs. And I certainly would be behind her, because I think she represents the future of the Republican Party,” he said on the show on Feb. 14.

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Attorney General Josh Stein joins brief urging SCOTUS to let school districts ‘regulate’ off-campus speech RALEIGH — North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein has joined a brief which urges the U.S. Supreme Court to allow school districts to “regulate” student speech off campus when that speech has “substantial effects on the school or other students’ learning.”

Those signing onto the brief are all Democratic attorneys general from the District of Columbia and 22 other states: including Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

The brief cites bullying and cyberbullying as valid reasons to allow K-12 school districts to monitor the speech of students off campus and outside school hours.

According to Stein’s press release, the brief was filed in Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., a case

Durham

Chapel Hill

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By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate on Wednesday, March 10 confirmed Michael Regan to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a 66-34 vote.

Regan, who served as the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality secretary since 2017, will help lead President Joe Biden’s environmental initiatives, including what the administration refers to as climate change and environmental justice. He is the first black man to run the EPA. Both of North Carolina’s Republican senators, Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, backed Regan’s nomination and voted for his confirmation.

“Secretary Regan will bring the right expertise, leadership, and experience to the EPA,” said Burr. “During his time working for North Carolina, Secretary Regan demonstrated his commitment to sound environmental stewardship and to building constructive relationships with those who may have different points of view. I applaud the Senate’s bipartisan support and look forward to working with him in this new role.”

“Michael Regan has a strong record of service to the state of North Carolina, earning a reputation for being a thoughtful, engaging, and well-qualified leader through his work with the EPA, the Environmental Defense Fund, and

Winston-Salem

Man charged with impersonating police officer

Police find suspicious devices near church

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ing laws and prevent schools from addressing in-person and online bullying that originates off campus.”

The state attorneys general are now also joined by President Joe Biden’s Department of Justice, which filing a brief that, in short, says the Third Circuit went too far in protecting B.L.’s Constitutional right to free speech and did not give schools enough latitude to regulate and ultimate punish students for their speech outside of school. The DOJ’s brief also seems to argue that students don’t have the full constitutional rights of adults.

“Although this Court has made clear in the context of on-campus speech that students do not ‘shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate,’ Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503, 506 (1969), ’the constitutional rights of students in public school are not automatically coextensive with the rights of adults in other settings,’” the Biden DOJ brief states.

CAWTHORN from page A1 Democrat challengers are announcing their candidacies and using this inflammatory rhetoric to try to capitalize off of the recent critical articles on Cawthorn. The campaign’s strategy, he said, will be to mostly ignore them so as not to give them an undeserved platform.

Moe Davis, Cawthorn’s Democratic opponent in 2020, indicates on his campaign website that he is also “exploring” a rematch.

Carla Miller, the GOP chair for Macon County, one of the 17 counties in the district, told NSJ the attacks and articles “haven’t made any kind of difference really” in support for Cawthorn. She said Cawthorn does not have much to worry about from Democrats like Beach-Ferrara, who is “an Asheville person,” and that “most people would not even recognize that name, quite honestly.”

Instead, Miller said Cawthorn should be looking within the party for the real threats to securing a second term.

“I think the biggest challenge for Madison is going to be a primary, frankly,” Miller said. “Sen. Chuck Edwards, for example, and others seem to be making a lot of noise that they plan to primary him. So I think the primary is going to be the bigger story initially than the

In this image from video, Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., speaks as the House debates the objection to confirm the Electoral College vote from Pennsylvania, at the U.S. Capitol early Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021.

HOUSE TELEVISION VIA AP

general.”

But Miller did say, despite the negative press and challengers from both sides, “Madison’s popularity is very strong still in the district. He’s popular; he brings a tremendous amount of energy.”

Miller is not the only one to mention a potential challenge from Edwards, the owner of multiple McDonald’s franchises who lives in Cawthorn’s hometown of Hender-

sonville.

Cory Vaillancourt of the Smoky Mountain News, which serves much of the 11th District, said he has been noticing signs that Edwards may be moving toward a primary challenge for a while.

“I asked Cawthorn directly, while sitting in his D.C. office, and he agreed without hesitation that my theory appears valid at present,” Vaillancourt told

NSJ on March 15, adding that he has “reached out to Edwards several times [to confirm], but never heard back.”

NSJ also reached out to Edwards about whether he plans a primary run and did not receive comment by time of publication, but other local sources confirmed off the record that he is being encouraged to run, even by national figures.

Edwards has, at times, been public with his criticism of Cawthorn, like on Jan. 12 when he tweeted about a speech in which Cawthorn told the crowd to “lightly threaten” their legislators to support election integrity. Cawthorn has maintained that the “threat” was political — like to vote them out of office — not physical, but Edwards saw it as dangerous rhetoric.

“There’s a right and wrong way to conduct yourself as a legislator and I’m extremely concerned about Congressman Cawthorn’s conduct,” Edwards tweeted. “As a legislator, I don’t need to be threatened to do the job the voters hired me to do.”

Because Edwards and Cawthorn have many of the same GOP backers from Hendersonville, those supporting a possible Edwards bid say they hope he can split off much of Cawthorn’s base of support.

One key local Republican figure, former Henderson County Sheriff George Erwin, has already retracted his support for Cawthorn over his participation in the “Stop the Steal” rally. In an interview with Blue Ridge Public Radio, Erwin apologized to the law enforcement community for encouraging them to vote for him, and said, “You can’t talk about you support blue lives matter and support the blue when you are firing up people who are harming law enforcement officers.”

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Where is the real ‘Moderate Joe’ Biden?

It is as if “Moderate Joe” Biden has been kidnapped and held hostage in the White House.

EVERY SENIOR MODERATE Democrat in North Carolina assured us during the campaign that Joe Biden was a moderate. They said he would stand in the way of the left-wing, extreme-liberal socialists who control the Democratic Party today.

“He is no Bernie Sanders,” they all promised in unison.

Based on his first 56 days in office, it is impossible to tell the difference between President Joe Biden and socialist Bernie Sanders.

There is no difference politically between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders — and Vice-President Kamala Harris, for that matter.

No moderate president would agree to a monstrosity of a waste of taxpayer money bill as President Biden did last week when he signed the massive $1.9 trillion COVID stimulus bill. No moderate would support HR 1, which would destroy all state and local control of elections.

No moderate would call for unity and then sign ultra-partisan bills crammed through Congress without one vote from the opposition party.

It is as if “Moderate Joe” Biden has been kidnapped and held hostage in the White House. Or perhaps something more serious has happened.

The last medical report released about Joe Biden’s health was on Dec. 15, 2019, when he was still former-Vice-President Joe Biden, a candidate with a very slim chance to win the Democratic nomination as the moderate. Kevin O’Connor, DO, associate professor and doctor of osteopathy at George Washington University, concluded his report: “Vice President Biden is a healthy, vigorous 77-year-old male who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, to include those of Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief.”

He may have been fit for the challenges of the “most important job in the world” 15 months ago. However, President Biden has exhibited neither the will nor the strength to govern as a moderate. He was either elected under false pretenses, or something has happened to him that has clouded his judgment about what his moderate political philosophy would look like once elected president.

Being president of the United States of America is not a routine job or an emeritus board position. Presidents make life-and-death decisions, including sending troops into battle. When they affix their signature to legislation, it is the final step in our constitutional process which can set policies in place for decades, not months.

Americans have seen serious medical conditions of presidents covered

up by a fawning press before. President Woodrow Wilson suffered a massive stroke in October 1919 and spent the last 16 months of his presidency essentially bedridden. His wife made most of the major policy decisions for America in the White House while his handlers and a compliant press protected Wilson from the public.

President John F. Kennedy was almost incapacitated by intense back pain while in the White House. He received daily injections of painkillers and had to take barbiturates to sleep. JFK took anti-psychotic drugs on at least one occasion — it is a good thing it apparently wasn’t during the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 when America came to the brink of nuclear war with the Soviet Union.

FDR was the most well-known invalid in the White House. He contracted polio in 1921 but with the aid of a compliant press, his struggles with the disease were well-hidden from the public for his entire 11 years in the White House.

President Biden has not held a live press conference. He hasn’t scheduled a State of the Union address. He doesn’t take random questions after making a prepared speech read from a teleprompter.

He gets yanked off the stage by his handlers as if he were a vaudevillian performer who bombed.

If he had governed as a moderate to this point as promised, there would not be the same cause for concern. When there is no discernible difference between what Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders would do in the White House, that is an alarm bell that has to be addressed.

Over 81 million people voted for Joe Biden believing he was fully healthy, fully moderate and fully capable of discharging the immense duties of the presidency. They may have been deceived and misled by his campaign and a press that hated President Trump so much they would cover up anything to get him out of the White House.

It is time for an independent medical examination of the president to be conducted by a respected neurologist, psychiatrist and general physician who is not a political appointee.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Media eruptions over criticisms of reporters do not bode well for the future of journalism

The whole outcry was surreal. At times I felt like I was in an alternate universe where media criticism using someone’s name and photo is not allowed.

LAST WEEK, Fox News talk show host Tucker Carlson did a segment on how powerful people like Meghan Markle were declaring themselves powerless, and how it didn’t make any sense.

During his commentary, he also took issue with New York Times internet culture reporter Taylor Lorenz, whose job it is to basically name and shame people on social media, for using International Women’s Day to portray herself as a victim of an online “harassment and smear campaign,” which she said “destroyed her life.”

Considering her powerful position at the paper at a time when so many are out of work, Carlson found it odd that she would rant about receiving mean tweets and emails and said so.

Judging by the reactions of other journalists, you’d have thought Carlson had just kicked a puppy.

Washington Post media reporter Jeremy Barr framed Carlson’s comments by alleging he was saying her “full name” on-air many times for a reason (with the insinuation being that Carlson wanted her to be harassed).

“Notice how many times Tucker Carlson says Taylor’s full name on his very highly watched television show,” Barr tweeted the night the segment aired. “That’s not a coincidence.”

AP political reporter Steve Peoples was also outraged. “This is dangerous and disgusting. Someone asks for help after suffering online harassment, and this man mocks her in prime time — using her full name five separate times — in an obvious attempt to encourage more harassment. We are better than this,” he tweeted.

There were many more comments along these lines from other reporters, many of whom have a prior history of monitoring and criticizing Carlson.

The complaint that he was using her “full name” on the air was bizarre. Lorenz goes by the name “Taylor Lorenz” on her social media accounts as well as her New York Times profile page.

Lorenz herself even got in on the action, claiming the photo Carlson used of her was an old photo that wasn’t on her Instagram and that he “photoshopped” her avatar “into something it isn’t.”

The problem with Lorenz’s comments is that the photo Carlson used of Lorenz is also on her New York Times profile page. If she — and the others in the media — truly have an issue with someone using her name and photo in a story, they might want to take it up with her employer.

The whole outcry was surreal. At times I felt like I was in an alternate universe where media criticism using someone’s name and photo is not allowed.

Are journalists really becoming so sensitive that it’s now supposed to be off-limits to criticize one of them lest they start receiving mean tweets and emails?

Does Lorenz deserve threats of violence for what she reports? Of course, she doesn’t. I’ve been subjected to some vile comments myself over the years, including rape and death threats, and doxing, too, and it escalated tenfold once I started using my real name online.

For better or worse, such things come with the territory. Doesn’t make it right, but it’s worth stating for the record all the same.

If we’re to avoid criticizing reporters over the possibility that they might be subjected to online harassment, then that would mean all criticism must stop — including that of Tucker Carlson, who was targeted last year, ironically by the New York Times, in a planned exposé that would have referenced where he and his family lived. Carlson shut it down before it could be published by using his show as a platform with which to call them out.

Interestingly enough, the same reporters who rushed to defend Lorenz from Carlson last week were nowhere to be found when the New York Times was threatening to reveal Carlson’s home address last year. So odd, that.

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, March 17, 2021 GUEST OPINION | AUBIE KNIGHT

COLUMN | MARY SUMMA

The time has come for a hands-free law in North Carolina Distracted driving is the cause of one in five accidents on North Carolina roads and highways.

THE INDEPENDENT Insurance Agents of North Carolina, the trade association that represents independent insurance agencies across the state, has made getting a hands-free driving law passed by the N.C. General Assembly a top priority this year.

The accidents caused by distracted drivers mean higher insurance rates for all consumers due to costly auto repairs and medical expenses for innocent crash victims. But this isn’t just a business issue for the members of IIANC. Independent insurance agents’ customers are also friends and neighbors in their communities, so it’s personal when a policyholder is hurt or killed by a distracted driver.

That is why we are proud that the independent insurance agents serving in the state Senate — Jim Burgin, Kevin Corbin, Todd Johnson and Vickie Sawyer — are sponsors of Senate Bill 20, the Hands-Free NC Act. We applaud and support the work they are doing to get that legislation passed during the 2021 Session of the N.C. General Assembly.

Based on a hands-free driving law Georgia enacted in 2018, the proposal allows motorists to talk on the phone while driving using Bluetooth speaker options but prohibits holding the device in their hand or supporting it with their body.

Under SB 20, texting and emailing while driving remain outlawed, as they already are, with surfing the Internet, watching videos or playing games added to the prohibited list. “One touch” use of music or navigational apps is still permitted as long

as the device is not held.

There are many forms of distracted driving — everything from daydreaming to dealing with unruly children. But a hands-free driving law addresses one very serious form of distraction that is common and conspicuous, and thus more easily enforced. The law will encourage the motoring public to engage in better behavior with all forms of distracted driving.

Distracted driving is the cause of one in five accidents on North Carolina roads and highways, according to the most recent annual crash statistics for our state, with 154 people killed and more than 23,000 people sent to the emergency room due to injuries from distracted-driving crashes.

During the 2019 Session of the General Assembly, a hands-free driving bill supported by both the N.C. Sheriffs’ Association and the N.C. Chiefs of Police Association passed the state House but stalled in the Senate.

IIANC strongly supported enactment last session and is working once again this year to encourage the General Assembly to unite North Carolina with the 36 other states and jurisdictions that have made their roads and highways safer for everyone by enacting a hands-free driving law.

Aubie Knight, CIC, CRM, is the CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC), a statewide membership organization of almost 950 independent insurance agencies employing 9,000 people in communities across the state.

GUEST OPINION | KARI STOLZ AND FELICIA WOODARD

Hindsight 2020: Five lessons for business resilience in 2021 Just as you’re taking steps to safeguard cash flow and business operations, it’s essential to protect the wellbeing of your employees.

INNOVATION, EDUCATION and a culture of collaboration are key drivers of the Triangle’s success and should give us hope for recovery beyond the pandemic. We continue to see growth across the life sciences, technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.

While many companies are still dealing with the impacts of the challenges of 2020, innovative companies are applying lessons learned to excel in 2021. Here are five ways companies can capitalize on emerging opportunities.

A thorough, proactive review of internal processes and relationships can help protect your company. For example, cash flow issues are a common source of business failure, so it’s important to examine your supply chain and customer base for vulnerabilities that could impact your business and review customer payments to identify issues before they become problematic.

Reactively cutting expenses can have unintended consequences. Instead, identify “what if” scenarios now so you have a solid, vetted plan to leverage proactively.

The M&A market shifted in 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus and widespread digital transformation. Companies with strong working capital and cash reserves could have a significant opportunity to put that to work through a merger or acquisition, especially if they have limited debt.

If your company is not positioned to pursue M&A activity, develop a strategic plan for future growth. Begin identifying the top opportunities, whether it’s market expansion, reaching a new customer segment or digitizing more of your business model. Consider potential hurdles as you formulate an actionable, prioritized plan.

Cybercrime is more of a risk in today’s remote work environment, so companies must prepare themselves. Criminals realize that workers are less protected when working remotely. To reduce vulnerabilities, look to strengthen mobile device management, ensuring security tools and protocols are in place.

Policies should provide guidelines on the safe use of public Wi-Fi, prohibit workers from transmitting sensitive information and require

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the use of VPNs and well-protected home routers.

Cybersecurity training can teach employees how to put essential safeguards in place.

Focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) creates a responsible and sustainable culture that directly links to a company’s longterm outlook.

Best practices for strengthening your company’s ESG commitments include disclosing comprehensive ESG information, helping investors understand it, having a diversity and inclusion program, and ensuring diverse representation on the board of directors. Employers surveyed in our 2020 Workplace Benefits Report cite diversity and inclusion programs as essential for retaining talent (73 percent) and something that builds a strong company culture (76 percent).

Along with the social benefits these actions bring, looking out for the good of society is good for companies, too. During the market fall in March 2020, $8.2 billion was pulled out of equity ETFs while ESG funds tracked by BofA Global Research2 continued to attract inflows, suggesting that fund managers faced less pressure to sell stocks with strong ESG characteristics.

Just as you’re taking steps to safeguard cash flow and business operations, it’s essential to protect the well-being of your employees.

Comprehensive wellness programs that support employees’ physical, mental and financial health are more important than ever. The percentage of employees who rate their financial wellness as good or excellent declined from 61% in 2018 to 49% in 2020, and as many as 57% of employees feel their well-being has impacted their productivity, which could have major ripple effects on a company’s health.

Coronavirus created unprecedented challenges for companies. While we may not know what the remaining months of 2021 will bring, these lessons from 2020 can help companies reignite growth and plan for financial success.

Kari Stolz is the Bank of America market president for the Triangle. Felicia Woodard is the Bank of America business banking market manager for the Triangle.

BE IN TOUCH

Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or 3101 Industrial Dr. Suite 105. Raleigh, N.C. 27609.

Letters must be signed; include the writer’s phone number, city and state; and be no longer than 300 words. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com.

Elections: “We the people” deserve better RAHM EMMANUEL, Chief of Staff to former President Barack Obama, said, “Never let a crisis go to waste.” During the 2020 election, those words resonated with many Americans as blue state Democrats ran roughshod over state election laws in the name of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although not well-publicized, North Carolina experienced the same injustice.

Implementing a tactic used in several states, the director of the NC State Board of Elections (NCBOE) claimed emergency powers. (Never mind that under NC law, emergency powers were designed to be triggered in cases of a “disruption of the election schedule,” which there was not.)

Singlehandedly, without board approval, the director issued directives dictating early voting sites, dismantling statutorily required witness requirements on absentee ballots, forcing approval of absentee ballots that were not postmarked on Election Day (also in violation of NC law) and forcing counties to accept absentee ballots that were received up to nine days after the election. The director also instructed county boards that they could not compare voter signatures on absentee ballot envelopes to the voter’s registration signatures.

Federal District Court Judge William Osteen stopped one directive. Other attempts failed. Contrary to what Democrats have stated, these court challenges failed, not on their merits, but because the court was reluctant to halt their implementation so close to the election.

In fact, in his Oct. 31, 2020, order, Osteen found it “inconceivable” that the state board had issued a directive that “fails to comply with the express requirements of state law.”

Because hundreds of ballots were counted in violation of state law, many Republican members on local boards of election and one Republican on the State Board of Elections voted against certification of the election results. Yet, because the state and all local boards are controlled by Democrats, the votes were certified in compliance with the director’s edicts.

Every state should use the past election to learn a lesson: Election laws need to be strengthened to ensure that those laws are not nullified by bureaucrats and are strict enough to protect the integrity of the election results.

What can be done in North Carolina?

Plenty.

Curb emergency powers of the state director. Allow emergency powers to be exercised ONLY when there is a disruption in the election schedule, such as due to a hurricane.

Statutorily provide “standing” for the state Senate majority leader and House speaker to sue in cases where the director exceeds his/her authority.

Require judges at early voting, not just on Election Day, to ensure that election laws are being followed during the entirety of early voting.

Require signature verification software for absentee ballots. In the alternative, require contact information of a witness.

Current law simply requires a name, address and signature, many times illegible, which is useless for possible verification.

Clean up the registration records.

Require that the Board of Elections be notified weekly regarding dead voters and felony convictions. Sometimes, local boards are not notified for months after a felon is convicted or a person dies.

Require proof of citizenship at registration rather than simply asking the voter about his/her citizenship status.

The Scottish writer Andrew Fletcher once said, “Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes its law.”

The lyrics of songs can affect opinion and behavior so much more effectively than laws. Democrats have redefined election laws as vehicles of voter suppression, and they have sung that song from the hilltops.

As their song goes, anyone who attempts to run an election in an orderly, logical, rulebased fashion is an enemy of liberty.

Election laws are written to protect liberty, not destroy it. The first words of the Constitution are “we the people.” As citizens who have pledged allegiance to a nation, we enter into a social contract where we freely give up power to create a government designed to protect our liberty.

Governmental power, as the Declaration states, derives its “just powers from the consent of the governed.” To allow duplicate voting, imposter voting or voting by individuals who have not entered into that social contract weakens that consent and, ultimately, destroys the legitimacy of that government’s existence. Once that government is no longer a legitimate authority, it no longer holds the authority to protect individual rights.

There is a crisis in America — it is called the future of liberty. For ourselves and our posterity in North Carolina, and across this nation, we must continue to champion fair and honest elections to secure liberty.

Don’t let this “crisis go to waste.” Be on the right side of freedom for everyone.

Mary Potter Summa is a licensed attorney in North Carolina and an assistant professor at Belmont Abbey College. She has served on the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections for 11 years.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021

SPORTS

UNCG, App State look to bust brackets, B3

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT TRACK & FIELD

NC A&T relay team wins 4x400 national title Fayetteville, Ark. North Carolina A&T won the men’s 4x400 relay and finished fifth in the overall team standings at last week’s NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships. The Aggies’ relay team — Randolph Ross Jr., Elijah Young, Daniel Stokes and Trevor Stewart — won the 4x400 with a time of 3:03:16, the fifth-fastest time in NCAA history, and their win was the first national title for an HBCU men’s track program since 1966. Ross also finished second in the men’s 400 meters with a personal best of 44.99. On the women’s side, NC State’s Elly Hynes was third in the women’s 5,000 meters and 12th in the 3,000. Duke’s Erin March set a personal best and finished third in the pentathlon.

COLLEGE SPORTS

ACC to allow transfers within conference to play immediately Greensboro The Atlantic Coast Conference has eliminated its rule requiring athletes to sit out a season if they transfer within the league. The move is the latest across college sports to loosen restrictions on transferring athletes so they can switch schools and play right away. The NCAA is moving toward making the so-called one-time exception available for all athletes.

Currently, athletes in highprofile Division I sports such as football and basketball must sit out a season when they transfer to another DI school. The NCAA was expected to vote on more permissive transfer rule legislation in January — and it was expected to pass — but a U.S. Department of Justice inquiry delayed that vote.

Conferences may have their own rules for intraconference transfers that supersede NCAA rules. The ACC made the move to lift its restrictions, put in place in 1996, with NCAA rule changes still on hold. The NCAA is expected to address the transfer rules next month.

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

What the Tar Heels lack in experience they make up for in depth and size up front with a group that includes 6-foot-11 freshman Day’Ron Sharpe.

UNC has tough slate of opponents in South Region The Tar Heels have a history of pulling off upsets as a No. 8 seed

By Shawn Krest North State Journal ONE TEAM in the South Region’s opening-round No. 8 vs.

No. 9 seed game has had an upand-down season, looking like world-beaters in blowing out Louisville by more than three dozen points, struggling to a double-digit loss to Iowa and suffering an inexplicable loss to Marquette.

The other team is North Carolina.

The Tar Heels will be playing a mirror image — at least when it comes to common opponents this season — when they open March Madness with a game against Wisconsin.

The Badgers enter the tournament with a 17-12 record, 10-10 in the Big Ten. The Badgers lost

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

If North Carolina coach Roy Williams can lead the Tar Heels to a first-round win over Wisconsin, his team would likely face No. 1 seed Baylor in the second round. five of their last six to close out the regular season. Since opening the regular season 8-1, Wisconsin has played below .500 since taking a break for Christmas.

Wisconsin offers a challenge against the Tar Heels, however, because the Badgers are an experi-

enced team battle-tested from the toughest conference in the country. Eight of Wisconsin’s 11 Big Ten losses in the regular season and tournament came against teams that spent time in the top five — Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio State.

Six of the eight players in Wisconsin’s rotation are seniors, which will present a major problem against a UNC team that has seven freshmen in its top 10 — an issue Roy Williams blames for the Tar Heels’ inconsistency this year.

“We are ecstatic to be playing in the NCAA Tournament,” Williams said in a statement released after the brackets were unveiled. “This will be an unusual tournament to say the least, but particularly for our coaches, because we have so many young players who will be playing in the NCAA Tournament for the first time. Wisconsin will be a big-time challenge, but we played our way into our seed and we will have to play very well to advance. But we are looking forward to having that opportunity.”

North Carolina has not won more than three games in a row this year, and the Tar Heels had to fight their way off the NCAA bubble with four wins in their final six.

Wisconsin’s defense could give the Tar Heels trouble. The Badgers are No. 11 in the country in defensive efficiency and are capable of shutting down the inside game, an area in which the Tar Heels rely with their rotation of four big men.

Wisconsin’s senior bigs Micah Potter (6-foot-10) and Nate ReuSee UNC, page B4

Top-seeded Wolfpack leads 5 NC teams into NCAA women’s tourney Wake Forest, UNC, NC A&T and High Point are among the 68 teams in this year’s tournament bracket

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal NC STATE didn’t have to wait long to find out that it had earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament for the first time in school history.

The Wolfpack was the first team to be revealed on the selection show Monday. It is joined by UConn, Stanford and South Carolina as the top four seeds in the 68-team field.

Coach Wes Moore’s team will begin its quest for the national champion on Sunday at 4 p.m. against 16th-seeded NC A&T. All games in the women’s tournament will be played in the NCAA’s bubble in San Antonio.

Three other state teams — Wake Forest, North Carolina and High Point — also earned NCAA bids.

Despite a resume that includes two wins against top-ranked teams and an ACC Tournament championship, State’s inclusion on the top line of the so-called Mercado Region bracket was anything but a foregone conclusion.

In the NCAA’s final regular season top 16 reveal, the Wolfpack was listed as a No. 2 seed.

“They were excited because we didn’t have to wait very long,” Moore said of his players, who

SEAN RAYFORD | AP PHOTO

South Carolina and NC State both earned No. 1 seeds in the women’s NCAA Tournament. The Wolfpack play North Carolina A&T in the first round Sunday at 4 p.m. in San Antonio. watched the selection show at a popular Raleigh restaurant named for former State men’s coach Jim Valvano. “It came up quick, so they erupted. They were pretty fired up about it. But now you’ve got to go and play basketball.”

The Wolfpack is 22-2, with its only two losses coming to rival North Carolina on the road

and Virginia Tech in overtime in a game All-American center Elissa Cunane missed while recovering from a case of COVID-19.

According to selection committee chairperson Nina King, a senior deputy athletic director at Duke, the Wolfpack’s play down the stretch and in the ACC Tournament is what helped catapult it past

Texas A&M, Baylor and Maryland as a No. 1 seed.

“We started with the most recent top 16 reveal and what teams had done between then and now, and who had played their way either up or down,” King, whose school’s own team opted out of the season, said on the selection show. “Seeding is about how teams are playing now,

and NC State really finished the season strong, so we felt they were deserving of a spot on the one line.”

State’s path to its second Final Four would include a second-round matchup against either No. 8 South Florida or No. 9 Washington State, along with potential games against fourth-seeded Indiana and No. 2 Texas A&M. Although the Wolfpack didn’t shoot well during its three-game run to the ACC title, capped by a dramatic victory against Louisville, Moore likes his veteran team’s chances. State also won the conference tournament last year but was deprived of a shot at a deep NCAA run by the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’m just very proud of this team and what they’ve accomplished all year, and we start a new season now,” Moore said. “That’s what we’ve always done. We have the nonconference, then the conference, and then you have the conference tournament and the NCAA Tournament. So we start a new one now. It’s one game at a time.”

A&T (14-2) earned its spot in the NCAA bracket by winning its third Mid-Eastern Athletic Association tournament title. The Aggies won the championship by beating Howard 59-57 on a 3-point basket by Deja Winters with three seconds left.

This will be the 10th meeting between State and A&T. The Wolfpack has won all nine previous games, including an 80-44 victory See NCAA, page B3

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

B2 WEDNESDAY

3.17.21

TRENDING

Earl Grant: The College of Charleston coach was hired to succeed Jim Christian at Boston College. Grant had a 127-89 record in seven seasons with the Cougars and will attempt to lead BC to its first NCAA Tournament since 2009. Grant, also a former Clemson assistant, was a finalist for the 2019 Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award, named for the late Wake Forest coach, that is given to a coach who achieves success on the basketball court and displays moral integrity off of it.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

BOXING

Marvelous Marvin Hagler, one of the greatest middleweights in boxing history, died Saturday at the age of 66, his wife announced. Hagler fought 67 times over 14 years, finishing 62-3-2 with 52 knockouts. His epic 1985 third-round knockout of Thomas Hearns later set up a split decision loss to Sugar Ray Leonard, a controversial defeat that prompted the disgusted Hagler to never fight again.

JEFFREY T. BARNES | AP PHOTO

“Everybody would want to have that guy around.”

Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour when asked about a former team captain — the unnamed Eric Staal — being a rumored trade target for Carolina.

LENNOX MCLENDON | AP PHOTO

Aaron Boone: The New York Yankees manager says he’s feeling “awesome” in his second full week on the bench after having a pacemaker inserted.

Boone, 48, had the procedure done March 3 and was back on the job after missing just three games. He had open heart surgery in March 2009 while he was a player with the Houston Astros, a procedure to correct a swelling of the aorta.

The condition had been first discovered when he was in college.

NFL

RALPH FRESO | AP PHOTO

“I wish it was November and I was in the final four.”

Martin Truex Jr. following his Cup Series win Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, which will also host the season-ending race that will crown a champion.

PRIME NUMBER

Geno Auriemma: The UConn women’s basketball coach has tested positive for the coronavirus and will miss at least the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

The Hall of Famer is isolating at home after receiving a positive result from a COVID-19 test taken on Sunday, but his team will play on without him, the school said. He said he is not experiencing any symptoms and has no idea how he contracted the virus. Auriemma must remain in isolation for 10 days and may rejoin the team on March 24.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

5 Number of schools Rick Pitino has led to the NCAA Tournament after Iona won the MAAC Tournament title on Saturday. Pitino has also guided Boston University, Providence, Kentucky and Louisville to the NCAAs, winning two championships, though the Cardinals’ 2013 title was later vacated. Oklahoma’s Lon Kruger and High Point’s Tubby Smith are the only other coaches to lead five teams to the tournament.

CHARLIE RIEDEL | AP PHOTO

Drew Brees, the NFL’s leader in career completions and yards passing, has decided to retire after 20 NFL seasons, including his last 15 with New Orleans.

The 42-year-old quarterback’s 571 career touchdown passes is second only to Tampa Bay’s Tom Brady.

Brees was MVP of Super Bowl 44, the Saints’ lone title.

MICHAEL CONROY | AP PHOTO

Former NC State guard Archie Miller is out as coach at Indiana. The Hoosiers decided to pay Miller’s $10.3 million buyout after the former Dayton coach failed to lead Indiana to the NCAA Tournament in his four seasons — though many had them earning a berth last season before the coronavirus ended the college basketball season.

IDITAROD

MARC LESTER | ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS VIA AP

Dallas Seavey won his fifth Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Monday, matching the most wins ever by a musher.

Seavey brought his 10 dogs across the finish line near the community of Willow, Alaska, more than three hours ahead of the secondplace Aaron Burmeister.

Seavey completed the pandemic-shortened 848mile trail in 7 days, 14 hours, 8 minutes and 57 seconds.

North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are leading the way to a brighter future for our 2.5 million members and local communities.

Sustainable, Affordable Energy Pursuing a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 using new and existing resources to ensure electricity continues to be delivered at the lowest possible cost.

Reliability & Innovation Leveraging new technologies and innovation to deliver reliable electricity across resilient, co-op operated electric grids.

Local Community Support Enriching the lives of our local members through continued education initiatives, economic development and communityfocused activities.

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE NCElectricCooperatives.com/Brighter

CEC CR 31965 Business NC half pages.indd 1

1/6/21 4:37 PM

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

UNCG hopes lessons learned lead to upset “The more experience you have in these type of moments, the more you gain from it.”

Wes Miller, UNCG coach

The Spartans, who nearly knocked off Gonzaga in 2018, will face Florida State in the first round

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal WES MILLER will never forget his first trip to the NCAA Tournament as a college basketball coach.

Not necessarily in a good way.

His underdog UNC Greensboro team was on the verge of an iconic first-round upset in 2018 when it led fourth-seeded Gonzaga by a basket with possession of the ball and less than a minute remaining. But the Spartans couldn’t finish the job, losing 6864 to the defending national runner-up in a game that still haunts the former North Carolina point guard.

“I remember every possession from that game like it was yesterday. I literally remember everything,” Miller said. “That one hurt as bad as any loss I’ve ever experienced because you put yourself in position to win the game and couldn’t quite close it out on that stage, and you felt like your guys worked so hard to get to that moment.”

Even though three years have passed, Miller said he continues to replay the final minutes of that game and what went wrong, even when he’s in the shower.

Like any good coach, though, he’s tried his best to turn the disappointment into a learning experience.

Saturday in Indianapolis, Miller and his 13th-seeded Spartans (21-8) will get a chance to use the

lessons gained from their near miss against Gonzaga when they return to the NCAA Tournament to take on another high-profile fourth seed — Florida State in the opening round of this year’s East Regional.

Tipoff is 12:45 p.m. at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, home of the NBA’s Indianapolis Pacers, with the winner taking on either fifth-seeded Colorado or No. 12 Georgetown on the same side of the bracket as top-seeded Michigan.

“The more experience you have in these type of moments, the more you gain from it,” said Miller, who won a national championship as a member of the Tar Heels in 2005. “There was some really good stuff we did to prepare for that game, and I think it gave me some confidence that you can try some things with this much practice time leading up to a tournament game.

“Obviously, I have some regrets about some of those last possessions, and I’ve tried to learn from those as a coach. Isaiah Miller and Kaleb Hunter were on that team, and I think they’ve died to get back to this moment because of how they felt that night in Boise.”

The opportunity is especially meaningful to Isaiah Miller.

A two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year who ranks third on UNCG’s all-time scoring list with 1,950 points, the 6-foot1 guard played 16 minutes off the bench in the Gonzaga game as a freshman.

Although he and his team have come agonizingly close to getting back to the NCAA Tournament since then — the Spartans were the first team left out of the field

in 2019 before having last year’s event canceled by the coronavirus pandemic — this will be his first, and probably last, chance at redemption.

“I’ve been trying to get back to the NCAA Tournament since my freshman year,” Isaiah Miller said in a Selection Sunday Zoom call.

“It hasn’t been an easy road. I’ve been through this my freshman year, but we didn’t get past the first round. I am trying to make history.”

The selection committee didn’t do UNCG any favors by matching it against the Seminoles, a team Wes Miller called the best defensive team in the nation. But at least the Spartans were able to get a head start on scouting their first-round opponent thanks to their coach’s connection to UNC and the ACC. “When we played Gonzaga a few years ago, it felt like you were starting from scratch. It doesn’t feel that way with Florida State,” Wes Miller said. “I watch them all the time. I’ve been a big fan of Leonard Hamilton, so I’ve tried to learn over the years from watching his team play.

“I watched their game a couple nights ago against Carolina, pulling really hard for coach (Roy) Williams, my brother and those guys. And I watched their game (in the ACC Tournament final) in isolation, so I have familiarity.”

Like the Spartans, who start a lineup featuring four upperclassmen, the ACC runner-up Seminoles (16-6) are a veteran team.

While they have a size advantage and play an aggressive, physical style, redshirt junior guard Hunter said he and his teammates aren’t worried about being pushed around.

“We’re going to be ready for whoever we play,” he said. “We know Florida State is big, but we can’t control that. The only thing we can control is how we play, and we’ll be scrappy. As long as our names were called, that’s all that mattered. We’re blessed to be in this position.”

KATHERINE KMONICEK | AP PHOTO

Guard Isaiah Miller and UNC Greensboro are seeded 13th in the East Region and will face fourth-seeded Florida State in the first round Saturday in Indianapolis.

NCAA from page B1

“We have the nonconference, then the conference, and then you have the conference tournament and the NCAA Tournament.

So we start a new one now.

It’s one game at a time.”

Wes Moore, NC State coach

in Raleigh on Nov. 6, 2019.

“It’s in-state rival as far as DI schools in the state,” Aggies coach Tarrell Robinson said. “It’s a great draw. It’s a familiar team.

We are excited. It’s a challenge for our young women. NC State has been top-5, top-3 in the nation all season. We have such a young team, so I don’t think they really know how to process all this yet.”

A&T isn’t the only state team matched against a top seed.

The reward for High Point’s Big South Conference Tournament win and first NCAA appearance is a date with perennial power UConn. Game time on Sunday for the 16th-seeded Panthers (22-6) and No. 1 Huskies at part of the Riverwalk Region is 8 p.m. UConn will be without coach Geno Auriemma, who

tested positive for COVID-19 and will be able to rejoin the team on March 24 at the earliest.

While A&T and High Point earned automatic bids, Wake Forest and UNC were at-large selections.

Although coach Jen Hoover’s Deacons were projected to be squarely on the bubble because of their 12-12 record, they ended getting into the field easily as a No. 9 seed on the strength of their six wins against top-50 opponents.

Wake will take on No. 8 Oklahoma State in the Alamo Region at 1 p.m. on Monday, with the winner likely to face No. 1 Stanford.

“I am so proud of this group,” Hoover said. “From the first day they stepped on campus on July 6, I knew this was a special group that had the opportunity to get Wake Forest back where it be-

longs, the NCAA Tournament.

I am especially thankful for our senior class for the hard work they have put in over the last four seasons. Their leadership both on and off the court this season has been vital to our success.”

North Carolina, meanwhile, is the 10th seed in the Hemisfair Region and is matched against No. 7 Alabama at noon on Monday with No. 2 seed Maryland potentially waiting in the wings.

It is the 28th NCAA Tournament trip for the 13-10 Tar Heels, but the first in the tenure of coach Courtney Banghart.

“We’re so excited to know that this challenging season will end in the NCAA Tournament, which has been our goal all along,” Banghart said. “This group has worked hard and continued to improve all year, and we’re grateful to head for Texas and keep playing.”

B3

KATHY KMONICEK | AP PHOTO

Donovan Gregory and Appalachian State face Norfolk State on Thursday in a play-in game with the winner facing top overall seed Gonzaga on Saturday night.

Happy to be here, ready to win: App State heads to NCAA Tournament The Mountaineers will play a First Four game then, with a win, unbeaten Gonzaga

By Shawn Krest North State Journal LIKE CLOCKWORK, every 21 years, Appalachian State makes the NCAA Tournament. The Mountaineers are college basketball’s cicadas.

In 1979, App made its first appearance in the Big Dance, losing to LSU in their first game, 71-57. Then in 2000, the Mountaineers returned, losing by 26 to No. 3 seed Ohio State.

It’s that time again, and, against all odds, App State is back.

The Mountaineers lost six of their last seven regular season games to drop to 13-11, 7-8 in the Sun Belt. Entering the conference tournament as the Eastern Division’s No. 4 seed, a NCAA bid seemed remote. App hadn’t had a four-game winning streak yet this season and hadn’t beaten four Sun Belt foes in a row since early 2015.

App then knocked off both No. 1 seeds and won two overtime games en route to a four-game sweep to the conference title and the fulfillment of its 21-year destiny.

Now the Mountaineers face even longer odds. Appalachian State is the No. 68 team in the NCAA field — that’s dead last, for those of you scoring at home.

That means a First Four game against MEAC champion Norfolk State on Thursday, with the winner earning a game against the top team in the nation — undefeated Gonzaga.

If ever a team could be excused for just being “happy to be here,” it’s this year’s App State team. And, sure enough, the Mountaineers are absolutely thrilled to be here.

Coach Dustin Kerns said he’s received more than 1,000 texts from former coaches and players, as well as fans, congratulating the team on making the tournament.

“I had a former player say, ‘Tell your guys they’re basically one of 35 guys to ever play in the NCAA Tournament from App,’” he said. “I shared that with them.

‘Think about what you guys have done.’ I don’t know if it’s quite sunk in yet.”

Kerns isn’t sure if it’s sunk in for him yet, either.

“We’re here in the bubble,” he said. “And we’re with Texas, Houston, Oregon State, Colorado. We’re all right here, together. It’s kind of weird.”

The First Four game will be held in Bloomington at Assembly Hall, home of the Indiana Hoosiers.

“Our first NCAA Tournament game, in 1979, with coach (Bobby) Cremins, was in Bloomington,” Kerns said. “Life comes full circle sometimes, in those regards.”

Cremins and his wife will be flying up for App’s game.

Kerns also heard from former App standout Alvin Gentry. “I talked to him late Tuesday night,” he said. “He was almost in tears with his excitement. … When you’ve got immense pride in your program, that’s the sign of a good program.”

It might seem that the excitement and pride would be muted by the fact that the Mountaineers need to win what amounts to a play-in game to join the “real” first round of the tournament. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

“We’re thrilled,” Kerns said. “Listen, the committee did its job. This year, a lot of regular season conference champions won their conference tournaments — a lot of them. But we’re one of 68. And our team knows how hard it is to get here. You’ve got programs like Duke and Kentucky that are not here. Indiana, and it’s their own (gym). Shoot, everybody’s good. You don’t trip down the sidewalk (and make) an NCAA Tournament.

We’re thankful. We’re a program of appreciation. We’re thrilled to be part of the First Four.”

Plus, it gives App State a chance to be in the spotlight.

“This year, especially, there will be so many millions of viewers on this First Four because of last year not having a tournament,” he said. “It’s going to be a monumental moment for our country, and we’re going to be a part of it.”

Then, despite all the joy about just being here, App will have a game to win. Kerns said the Mountaineers benefit from having their conference tournament early. They have had since March 8 to bask in the joy of getting a bid and are now ready to focus on the task at hand.

“We had a chance to kind of enjoy it,” he said. “Then the message has been, ‘Let’s not just be happy to play in it. Let’s make memories. Let’s win the first game in the NCAA for App State. We’re 0-2 career as a program.’”

The team has begun watching Norfolk State film and prep for game. And the Mountaineers will be ready for Gonzaga if they advance.

“I’m very confident in our fight,” Kerns said. “We showed them video of rats fighting cats. We’ve got to develop an identity of just fighting. I’ve said since I took over, ‘Do teams hate playing App State?’”

For the first time in 21 years, teams in the Big Dance will get to hate facing the Mountaineers.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

B4 COLUMN | BRETT FRIEDLANDER

New ACC commissioner Jim Phillips fails first test

“It took public shaming on social media for him to finally issue a statement. And even then, it read as though it was written by a low-level public relations staffer rather than someone that had control during a difficult situation.”

JOHN SWOFFORD earned the nickname “Ninja Commissioner” for his innate ability to wield influence and work behind the scenes to stealthily broker deals that benefitted the ACC. But he was just as comfortable stepping front-and-center into the spotlight as the face of the conference whenever the situation required it.

Such was the case last March when he opened himself up to media questioning at a press conference the morning the league’s signature event — its men’s basketball tournament — was canceled. He followed that up with an impassioned speech on the floor of Greensboro Coliseum once the plug was pulled.

The now-retired commissioner didn’t always have the right answers, as illustrated by his desire to continue playing even as other sports entities were bowing out in response to coronavirus concerns. But at least you knew he was in charge and that, right or wrong, the ACC had a clear direction.

It’s the kind of leadership that was glaringly missing last week when the conclusion of this year’s tournament unexpectedly found itself hanging in the balance.

Instead of being a reassuring face of the conference during a tenuous 48-hour stretch that saw Duke and Virginia both forfeit games because of positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing, and North Carolina’s Roy Williams — however briefly — considering opting out of a semifinal matchup with Florida State as a precaution, Swofford’s replacement Jim Phillips chose to go into ninja mode.

Not once did he make himself available to address the questions that demanded answers.

What exactly is going on? How is the league handling the situation?

What, if anything, is the plan should one or more of the three remaining semifinalists drop out?

Phillips didn’t even go on his league’s own network to field softballs lobbed at him by Packer & Durham.

Only crickets.

It took public shaming on social media for him to finally issue a statement. And even then, it read as though it was written by a low-level public relations staffer rather than someone that had control during a difficult situation.

“I’m heartbroken for our student-athletes, coaches and support staff at both Duke and Virginia,” the statement said. “Our teams have worked incredibly hard and sacrificed so much throughout this season. We continue to be led by our ACC Medical Advisory Group and the protocols put in place that have allowed our teams to safely compete during the 2020-21 season.

“We will follow the lead of our medical personnel to ensure the health and safety of our programs remain the top priority. Our student-athletes and schools have been remarkable this entire season while enduring incredibly challenging circumstances.”

In fairness, there’s not much Phillips could have said or done that would have changed the situation as it was playing out.

But by coming forward and publicly addressing the uncertainty, he could

JOHN J. KIM | CHICAGO TRIBUNE VIA AP

Jim Phillips, pictured last year when he was athletic director at Northwestern, took over as ACC commissioner last month.

at least have provided a calming voice during a time of crisis.

It’s the reason politicians go up in a helicopter to survey the damage after a natural disaster. While their presence does little to substantively help those adversely affected, the show of leadership does reassure them that somebody cares.

And that somebody is in charge.

As it turned out, disaster was averted. The final two games were played and the trio of UNC, Florida State and eventual champion Georgia Tech rose to the occasion with performances — and, in the case of the Yellow Jackets’ Jose Alvarado, a postgame interview — that will be remembered long after any off-the-court drama has become a mere footnote to history.

That doesn’t change the fact that the ACC’s new commissioner wasted an important opportunity by creating doubt about his ability to lead.

Yes, leadership styles are different, as are personalities. And it does take time to grow into a job, especially when replacing someone the stature of Ninja Swofford.

At the same time, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

And Phillips airballed his.

The Panthers agreed to a deal with former Cowboys offensive tackle Cameron Erving during the open of NFL free agency, one of two additions made to the offensive line.

UNC from page B1

DAVID BERDING | AP PHOTO

Patience will be key for Panthers in free agency Carolina added offensive line depth on day one

By Shawn Krest North State Journal THE CAROLINA PANTHERS still haven’t made any decisions on who will be the team’s starting quarterback next season, but the team’s first moves in free agency made sure that whoever gets the job will be a bit more comfortable in 2021.

The Panthers spent the first day of the free agency period nailing down deals with a pair of offensive linemen, solidifying a position that has given Carolina trouble over the last few years.

The Panthers came to a contract agreement with offensive tackle Cameron Erving, who was a first-round pick out of Florida State in 2015 and has started 47 of his 75 career games with the Browns, Chiefs and, most recently, the Cowboys. Erving agreed to a reported two-year, $10 million deal with $8 million guaranteed.

Erving is expected to step in as the Panthers’ left tackle after 2019 second-round pick Greg Little struggled with injuries the last two years. Erving is also versatile and can play guard or even center, if necessary.

The team also added Pat Elflein. A third-rounder out of Ohio State in 2017, Elflein has started 49 of his 50 career games with the Vikings and, last season, the Jets. He agreed to a report-

ed three-year, $13.5 million deal with $6 million guaranteed.

Elflein can play both guard positions and also played center in college. He is expected to be an upgrade over John Miller, who played right guard last year and is a free agent this offseason.

While both linemen are versatile and relatively young, neither is a home run signing who will make Deshaun Watson, supposedly the team’s top quarterback target if the Texans trade him, ready to approve a deal.

Erving has allowed 16 sacks, 27 quarterback hits and been penalized 39 times, according to Pro Football Focus statistics, and Elflein allowed a 10% pressure rate last year.

Don’t expect a big flashy signing from the Panthers as the free agency period goes on. Yes, the team has $30 million to spend and plenty of needs on the roster, but the plan seems to be to shop the bargain bins, much like the first two offensive line moves.

Coach Matt Rhule emphasized that the team would be “really targeted” in free agency, and new general manager Scott Fitterer said, “Even though we’ve created a lot of cap room, this is not a year we’re going to go wild spending money. We’re going to be very judicious in how we go about this.” He also pointed out that after the initial rush for bigname free agents, “if you just wait and are patient, you might be able to get quite a few good players in that middle class.”

It’s not a strategy that will excite fans — or Watson — but, if successful, it could help the team upgrade at several spots.

Carolina likely needs to add at least one more offensive lineman. In addition to Miller, Russell Okung is a free agent, as is backup Tyler Larsen. The Panthers already spent to lock down right tackle Taylor Moton and Trent Scott before the start of the free agency period.

It appears that Fitterer’s patience plan will pay off on the line. Several promising prospects to fill spots on the Carolina line have been released in the last two weeks as teams try to get under the cap, including Atlanta’s James Carpenter, New Orleans’ Nick Easton and the Chargers’ Trai Turner.

The other spot Rhule mentioned as a priority is cornerback.

Corn Elder and Rasul Douglas are both free agents. Fitterer might look to his longtime home to fill this area of need, where Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar is a free agent. Cincinnati’s William Jackson and Dallas’ Chidobe Awuzie should also be high on the list.

Defensive line is also emerging as an area of need. The team cut tackle Kawann Short to make cap space and recently jettisoned Zach Kerr, who was expected to start at tackle. The Panthers also don’t plan to re-sign Efe Obada, who can play end or tackle.

This position has seen the initial run that Fitterer said would come early, with seven top defensive tackles either being resigned by their teams before the start of free agency or snapped up on day one. Again, looking to Seattle, Poona Ford is a restricted free agent, but the Seahawks would have the opportunity to match any Carolina offer.

Other areas the team might need to upgrade include linebacker and tight end.

vers (6-foot-11) will be outnumbered, but they should be able to avoid fouls and force the Tar Heels to beat the Badgers from outside.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin —which is No. 68 in the country in 3-point shooting — will attempt to win the outside game at the other end against Carolina’s notoriously shaky perimeter defense.

The winner of the opening game will likely face top seed Baylor, the No. 2 team in the nation, in the second round. The Bears are 22-2, 13-1 in the Big 12 and will face No. 16 seed Hartford in the first round.

Baylor has been dominant at both ends of the floor this year. The Bears are the No. 3 most efficient offense and the top 3-point shooting team in the nation. They’re also No. 46 in defensive efficiency and third in the nation in forcing turnovers.

Carolina has experience knocking off the top seed as a No. 8. In two of the previous three times the Tar Heels have received that seed, they’ve beaten the No. 1 to advance to the Sweet 16 — in 1990 against Oklahoma, and in 2000 when they knocked off Stanford and advanced to the Final Four. In 2013, the Heels were beaten by No. 1 Kansas in the second round.

If Carolina does make it past

“Wisconsin will be a big-time challenge, but we played our way into our seed and we will have to play very well to advance. But we are looking forward to having that opportunity.”

Roy Williams, UNC coach Baylor, the rest of the region is loaded. Carolina could face Purdue, with All-Big Ten big man Trevion Williams, in the third round, or an experienced and dangerous Villanova team. To get to the Final Four, the Heels would likely have to top either No. 2 Ohio State or No. 3 Arkansas, one of the hottest teams in the nation.

For now, Carolina is just happy to have a shot.

“There were a couple of times during the season when we were wondering whether or not we would make the field,” Williams said, “but our team kept getting a little bit better and better. So I’m just ecstatic for these kids, who have endured so much due to COVID and have an opportunity to continue their season.”

MORRY GASH | AP PHOTO

The Tar Heels will need to contain Wisconsin’s Micah Potter in Friday’s 8-9 South Region game in West Lafayette, Indiana.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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2020 Lamborghini Huracán EVO RWD

A supercar as the perfect antidote to pandemic life It might as well inject dopamine directly into your brain

PHOTOS COURTESY LAMBORGHINI

Take two and call me in the morning

By Jordan Golson North State Journal ORANGE COUNTY, California — There’s something about a supercar that is deeply enthralling. This is particularly true when that supercar is a Lamborghini Huracán painted in an outrageous matte purple called “Viola Mel.” There’s much more to a supercar than the price, but let’s get that out of the way up front: My test car stickers for an honestly-quite-reasonable $278,516 after it was fitted with $66,250 worth of optional extras and an eye-watering $3,695 destination charge.

Much like the Rolls-Royce Ghost I reviewed last week, the question of whether its “worth it” is entirely up to the potential buyer. Specifically whether or not they A) want a Lamborghini Huracán EVO RWD; and B) have $278,516 to spend on a wildly impractical 610-horsepower sports car. If the answers to both are true, then yes, it’s worth it.

But first, the basics: Getting in the Huracán isn’t easy. And I don’t just mean coming up with a house worth of cash to buy one — I mean literally climbing in. I had to teach a few people how to do it and it goes something like this: Open door; put one foot inside the footwell; set butt on the door sill; slide butt into seat; bring other foot into footwell; close door. To leave, reverse it.

It’s not an elegant process and doing it in anything remotely approaching a dignified manner is tricky. But, if you do it right, your car will be painted in that Viola Mel color and folks won’t be paying any attention to your haphazard attempts to not fall over when exiting the car because they’ll be too busy falling in love with the paint. That’s a $16,500 paint job by the way, courtesy of Lamborghini’s Ad Personam customization program and words fail when trying to describe how good it looks in person.

It looks so magnificent that people think it’s fake. I brought it to the weekly South OC Cars and

Coffee event — ostensibly it’s an impromptu car show for all manner of car enthusiasts, but an awful lot of Lambo drivers show up to show off. There were at least ten Huracáns in attendance, including a spyder in what a Porsche enthusiast would call Miami Blue — but none garnered as much attention as my Viola Mel. This is what owning a supercar (or borrowing one for the weekend, in my case) is all about. Except the paint job was so outrageously unique that nearly everyone thought it was a really good wrap, or temporary vinyl covering. It costs a lot of money to have Lamborghini paint their car in such a way that it convinces people that you put a wrap on your car. And then you get to explain that no, it’s not a wrap, it’s paint and here let me show you this sticker under the hood that proves it’s an original factory paint job. There aren’t many cars that could get me going about the paint for hundreds of words, but here we are.

This was my second Huracán, and the first was wildly uncomfortable. A friend that I gave a ride to still talks about how awful it was, and that was five years ago.

I wasn’t sure if it was because of the car or because of the seats — but it was a little bit of both. That one had the most hardcore racing seats Lambo offers fitted to it, while this one has the mid-tier Sport Seat ($7,500). They’re fairly comfortable, as sports car seats go, and are manually adjustable which is good for racing

but I might skip them and get the “base” comfort seats instead unless you’re going racing, in which case go for the uncomfortable race chairs.

Enough about the look; now on to that 610-horsepower V10. I’m not usually one to get emotional about the good old days, but there is something really special about a giant naturally aspirated engine that’s going to be lost from the world soon due to new engine and fuel economy regulations, not to mention the advancement of technology.

The engine fires up with a ferocious bark that rattles the soul like a bolt of lightning and happily revs to terrifying heights with the slightest twitch of the throttle. The start button, hidden beneath an absurdly wonderful red missile-launcher-esque protective cover, might as well inject dopamine directly into your brain in such prodigious amounts as to make you forget about the pandemic, the fact that Trump isn’t President or that he ever was (your choice), and that Tom Brady has seven Super Bowl rings and you don’t.

And that’s before you aim that Viola Mel nose at the nearest interstate on-ramp and punch it, Chewie.

Troubles forgotten. Smile affixed. Life ain’t so bad.

At least until you have to slow down because you’re well into triple digits and you haven’t even merged onto the highway yet.

Still. It’s a good day.

PHOTOS BY JORDAN GOLSON | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

the brightest stars in film and music The joy of music returns for Grammy winners, performers

‘Mank’ leads Oscar nominations in a year of record diversity

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

By David Bauder The Associated Press Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish made history at the Grammy Awards. Just as joyously, dozens of creators largely sidelined for a year due to the pandemic got to make music again.

The Grammys on Sunday broke through the Zoom trap that has bedeviled other awards shows with a surprisingly intimate evening that, at its best, felt like viewers were invited into a private club with their favorite musicians.

Four different women won the four most prestigious Grammys. Swift’s quiet surprise, “folklore,” was album of the year; Eilish’s “Everything I Wanted” was her second consecutive record of the year winner; H.E.R.’s topical “I Can’t Breathe” won song of the year and Megan Thee Stallion was named best new artist.

Beyoncé’s four awards Sunday brought her up to 28 Grammys in her career, more than any other female artist. Her celebration of Black history, “Black Parade,” released last Juneteenth, won best R&B performance and she shared two awards for collaborating with Megan Thee Stallion on “Savage.”

She ties Quincy Jones for second most Grammys ever and has the leader — the late conductor George Solti, who won 31 — in her sights.

Further crowding the family trophy case is husband Jay-Z, whose songwriting on “Savage” earned him his 23rd Grammy on Sunday, and even their 9-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, who won best “I want to music video together with mom. thank the “This is such a magical night,” Beyoncé said.

Swift, who also found time during the pandemic fans. You to make another album and re-record one of her old ones, became the first woman to win the album of the guys met year Grammy for the third time. Stevie Wonder, Paul us in this Simon and Frank Sinatra have also done it. She won magical in 2009 for “Fearless” and 2015 for “1989.”

She sang a medley of three songs on the Grammys, world that “cardigan” and “august” from “folklore” and “willow” we created.” from its follow-up disc, “evermore,” with collaborators Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner.

“I want to thank the fans,” she said. “You guys met Taylor Swift, us in this magical world that we created.” third-time After her sweep last year, Eilish became only the third artist to win back-to-back record of the year winner of Grammys. Roberta Flack won in 1973 for “The First album of the Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and in 1974 for “Killing year Me Softly With His Song,” while U2 won in 2001 and 2002 for “Beautiful Day” and “Walk On.” Then, when Eilish and her collaborator-brother Finneas accepted the award, she almost gave it away. She brought Megan Thee Stallion to tears by saying the rapper deserved the Grammy for “Savage.”

Because of the pandemic, CBS host Trevor Noah handed out the Grammys at an outdoor stage set up across from Los Angeles’ Staples Center, with relatively few nominees and guests in the audience.

Most performances took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, but multiple artists were often on the cavernous stage at the same time, like when Harry Styles, HAIM and Eilish opened the show. Cameras caught artists enjoying their fellow nominees, like when country singer Mickey Guyton sang along quietly to Miranda Lambert, and Post Malone held up a red cup in glee at Cardi B and Stallion’s performance of “WAP.” It made for an atmosphere unlike any other Grammy show, British singer Jacob Collier told reporters.

“There was something very special about how intimate it was and to have everything stripped back and just to be hanging out with those fellow nominees was just fantastic,” said Collier, who won his fifth Grammy. “To me, there’s something so special about communal celebration, especially after all this time of silence and being on our own.”

Lambert said that “I can’t wait to get out as a band.” Lizzo, even though she was giving out an award and not performing, couldn’t hold back: “I’m presenting because I L-O-O-O-V-E you,” she belted.

Some of the performances, like Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s Silk Sonic and Dua Lipa, felt like they were on the soundstage of “Soul Train” — ask your parents, kids.

Even with the stripped-down setting, there was still room for spectacle: the giant bed for “WAP” belongs in the Grammy hall of fame. Lil Baby’s “The Bigger Picture” had an elaborately choreographed scene recreating the police shooting of Rayshard Brooks and subsequent unrest.

The latter joined with “Black Parade,” which Beyoncé said was created to honor the world’s “beautiful Black kings and queens,” and H.E.R’s “I Can’t Breathe,” a reference to Black people like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor who died at the hands of police, as songs and performances that recalled last summer’s social unrest.

“The fight that we had in us in the summer of 2020 — keep that energy,” H.E.R. said.

A particularly effective “in memoriam” section — lengthened because of coronavirus deaths — featured Lionel Richie paying tribute Kenny Rogers, Silk Sonic raising the spirit of Little Richard, Brandi Carlile honoring John Prine and Brittany Howard’s roof-rattling version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” accompanied

by Chris Martin.

Other performances that impressed included DaBaby’s “Rockstar,” country singer Guyton, the first Black woman nominated for best country solo performance, on “Black Like Me,” and Black Pumas’ “Colors.”

H.E.R., Fiona Apple and Kaytranda won two Grammys each.

Prine and Chick Corea also won two awards each posthumously.

Other notable Grammy winners were Kanye West, whose “Jesus is King” won best contemporary Christian album; Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, who shared in Dan + Shay’s country award for the collaboration “10,000 Hours”; and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, who won best spoken word album for “Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth.”

PHOTOS VIA AP

Beyonce, left, and Megan Thee Stallion accept the award for best rap song for “Savage” at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, March 14, 2021.

Left to right, Billie Eilish reacts as she accepts the award for record of the year for “Everything I Wanted.” Doja Cat arrives at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Jackson Bridgers, left, and Phoebe Bridgers arrive at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards.

Fashionable Grammys: Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles’ boas

By Leanne Italie The Associated Press NEW YORK — Doja Cat went for neon feathers and a moto-inspired look zipped allll the way down and Cynthia Erivo stunned in a sparkling silver gown with gold accents

by Louis Vuitton at the Grammys as music’s big night Sunday offered a luxe fashion moment for the stars.

Dressed in Roberto Cavalli, Doja’s revealing look included catclaw zips on each arm and a feathered skirt.

“I want to be the cat lady, so let me be that,” she said.

Erivo’s gown included a low cutout at the front with a gold bib effect at the top and a gold belt, while DaBaby brightened up a drastically pared-down red carpet in a bright mustard and green floral suit from Dolce & Gabbana. Erivo didn’t hit the carpet, but she made a statement nevertheless. Her gown was adorned with more than 60,000

glass beads, crystals and sequins.

She topped off the look with jewels from Tiffany & Co. Dua Lipa also sparkled, in a pink sequin Versace gown with a butterfly motif. The body-skimming gown included cutouts at the hips and a sexy high slit.

“It was really cool to collaborate,” she said of the look.

Billie Eilish matched her long nails to a loose pink and black trouser look by Gucci, her hat and face mask also a match.

DaBaby, his mom, Linda, by his side in red, topped off his suit with a wide-brim green hat with red underneath. He was on hand in person but earlier created an Instagram red carpet moment with his daughter since no kids were allowed at the Los Angeles show.

Joanie Leeds, winner of the best children’s music album, did something similar at a distance from home in New York.

“I actually created a step and re-

peat and a red carpet,” she told reporters during a virtual news conference before the show. “We all walked the red carpet and we had a photographer here and took some really good pictures.”

Leeds wore a multicolor sequined gown by Nicole Miller, and she slid off her silver heels to show on camera.

“Just because we’re virtual this year, I wasn’t going to wear my hoodie sweatshirt,” said Leeds, a first-time Grammy winner.

Due to pandemic precautions, the “red carpet” was not the usual mass of cameras and TV crews.

A select few outlets were permitted on site to conduct live interviews — a safe distance apart.

The night’s host, Trevor Noah, showed up for the pared-down carpet in a classic black tuxedo by Gucci, while nominee Debi Nova went big — and pink — in a mini dress that had a huge train and tropical details, by Georges Chakra. Phoe-

be Bridgers wore a black gown adorned with a beaded human skeleton, from Thom Browne, and Megan Thee Stallion wore a strapless bright orange princess look with a high side slit and a huge back bow and train by Dolce & Gabbana. Her Chopard choker finished off the look.

“I wanted to pop. I wanted to look like a Grammy,” Megan said.

Nandi Howard, associate fashion editor at Essence, lauded the style moments provided by Megan and DaBaby.

“I’m eager to see D&G work more with hip-hop artists. Megan looked so regal in her orange gown, and tonight she wore her outfit effortlessly. I hope to see her in couture more often. She wears it very well,” she said.

Howard also offered kudos to Lizzo, who shimmered in a pink mermaid look to present an award and earlier wore a short ruched sea foam strapless dress by Balmain.

She dripped in Bulgari jewels.

“We normally see avant-garde gowns at the Grammys, but leave it up to Lizzo to switch it up in the best way,” Howard said.

Jacob Collier said he went for comfort in a floral Stella McCartney turtleneck and red suit.

“I’ve never been asked about clothes before,” he said. “I feel like a rock star.”

In Dundas, H.E.R. rocked a burgundy, mid-calf robe with matching wide-leg trousers.

Jonathan Evans, style director for Esquire, saw a healthy dose of 1970s flare running through menswear, in no small part to Gucci.

Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak slid into leisure suits for Silk Sonic’s debut.

“Big lapels and flared trousers might, I’ll admit, sound a little intimidating, or like a return to the bad old days, but when you see the way guys like Anderson .Paak, Finneas and Harry Styles are wearing

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it, it feels fresh,” he said.

All three wore Gucci. Evans said of Styles’ look: “A jacket with a pattern that looks like it could be one of your grandmother’s favorite tea cozies is one thing, but a cropped jacket with a gigantic lapel that channels Nana? That’s the kind of thing that Styles seems to make wearable.”

Styles later performed in a black leather suit — who needs a shirt — with a green boa around his neck.

He wore a purple boa with his cropped jacket.

Noah Cyrus spoke to reporters in a cream gown with a huge capelike effect that encircled her face. It was a Schiaparelli, a somber Cyrus and first-time Grammy nominee said. She said she was honored to be the first to wear it. Cyrus is mourning the recent death of her grandmother.

“I just wish my grandma could have seen this,” she said of her nomination.

and Charles D. King). Overall, a record 70 women were nominated for 76 Oscars, the academy NEW YORK — After a pan- said. demic year that shuttered movThe other nominees for best acie theaters and upended the mov- tress are: Carey Mulligan (“Promie business, Academy Awards ising Young Woman”); Frances nominations on Monday went to McDormand (“Nomadland”); Vatwo female filmmakers for the nessa Kirby (“Pieces of a Womfirst time, to a historically di- an”). The remaining nominee for verse slate of actors and to David best actor is Anthony Hopkins for Fincher’s lead-nominee “Mank,” the dementia drama “The Father.” a traditional kind of Oscar conWith moviegoing nearly tender — an old Hollywood hom- snuffed out by the coronavirus, age — in very untraditional year. the best-picture nominees had Fincher’s “Mank,” a black-and- hardly any box office to speak of: white, period drama about “Citi- $14.1 million in U.S. and Canazen Kane” screenwriter Herman da ticket sales. For the first time, Mankiewicz, easily topped nom- Hollywood’s biggest and most inations for the 93rd Academy sough-after awards belong to Awards — delayed two months movies that were almost entirely by the coronavirus pandemic — seen at home. with 10 nominations, including “We learned a lot of hard lesbest picture, best director, act- sons last year, but a nice one was ing nods for Gary Oldman and that people will find a way to go Amanda Seyfried, and a to the movies, even if host of others for its lavthey can only go as far ish craft. as their living rooms,” Nominations were “In our said Aaron Sorkin, writspread among a wide er-director of “The Trivariety of contenders. industry al of the Chicago 7,” in a Six films, all of them there is statement. also up for best picture, Netflix, as expectnothing score six nods: “Judas ed, led all studios with and the Black Messiah,” more 35 nominations. The “Nomadland,” “Minari,” traditional streaming service is still “Sound of Metal,” “The hunting its first best-picTrial of the Chicago 7” than the ture winner, and this and “The Father.” Also Academy year has two shots in nominated for best pic“Mank” and “The Triture was Emerald Fen- Awards, al of the Chicago 7” — a nell’s “Promising Young which movie Paramount PicWoman.” tures sold off during the hopefully History was made in pandemic. Netflix led the best director cate- sends a sign last year, too, with 24 gory. Only five women of hope that nominations, but came have ever been nominataway with just two wins. ed before. For the first we will get Other streamers were time, two were this year. out of this.” in the mix. Amazon StuChloé Zhao got a nod dios, in particular, was for her elegiac road-trip well represented with drama “Nomadland” best actor “Sound of Metal,” “Boalongside first-time fea- nominee, Gary rat Subsequent Moviefilm” and “One Night ture filmmaker Fennell Oldman in Miami” — leading to for her pitch black #Me12 nominations overall.

Too revenge comedy.

Both Apple TV+ (“Wolf“Never going to stop crying,” Fennell, also nominated for walkers,” “Greyhound”) and Disney+ (“Soul,” “Onward”) landed best screenplay, said on Twitter.

Zhao, the first woman of color their first nominations. The film nominated for best director, is the that tried to lead a box-office remost nominated woman in a sin- vival — Christopher Nolan’s “Tengle year in Oscar history. She was et” — walked away with nominaalso tipped for the film’s adapt- tions for production design and ed screenplay, editing and as a visual effects.

The nominations were anproducer in the best picture category. The other directing nomi- nounced from London by prenees were Lee Isaac Chung for the senters Nick Jonas and Priyantender family drama “Minari,” ka Chopra Jonas. The Academy Fincher for “Mank” and Thomas Awards would typically have hapVinterberg for his heavy-drink- pened by now but this year will be ing Danish tragicomedy “Anoth- telecast April 25. The film academy said Monday that the show er Round.”

For performers, it’s the most will be held at both its usual diverse group of nominees ever home, the Dolby Theatre in Los — and a far cry from the all- Angeles, and the city’s railway white acting nods that spawned hub, Union Station.

“In our industry there is noththe #OscarsSoWhite hashtag five years ago. Nine of the 20 acting ing more traditional than the nominees are people of color, in- Academy Awards, which hopecluding a posthumous best-actor fully sends a sign of hope that we nomination for Chadwick Bose- will get out of this,” said Oldman man (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bot- in a statement. “The Oscars are tom”), as well as nods for Riz such a sign that normalcy still exAhmed (“Sound of Metal”), Ste- ists.”

The film academy and ABC ven Yeun (“Minari”), Viola Davis (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) will hope that the nominees can and Andra Day (“The People vs. drum up more excitement than Billie Holiday”) and supporting they have elsewhere. Interest in nominations for Daniel Kaluuya little golden statuettes has noseand Lakeith Stanfield (“Judas and dived during the pandemic. Ratthe Black Messiah”), Leslie Odom ings for a largely virtual GoldJr. (“One Night in Miami”) and en Globes plunged to 6.9 million viewers — a 64% drop from 2020 Yuh-Jung Youn (“Minari”).

“We have to recognize how — last month. Though on Sunday hard these people have worked,” the Grammys managed to break said Day, nominated for her per- through the Zoom trap.

With the notable exception formance as Billie Holiday. “We of fueling streaming subscriber have to recognize their talent.”

“When you hear your own growth, the pandemic has been name it’s a weird feeling,” said punishing for the movie indusAhmed, the first Muslim nomi- try. Production slowed to a crawl, nated for best actor. “I just quiet- blockbusters were postponed or ly gave thanks and felt some grat- detoured to streaming and thousands have been laid off or furitude.”

Davis, who won for her perfor- loughed.

But the outlook for Hollywood mance in 2016’s “Fences,” landed her fourth Oscar nomination, has recently brightened as coromaking her the most nominat- navirus cases have slid and vaced Black actress ever. Yeun is the cines have ramped up. Movfirst Asian American ever nomi- ie theaters are reopening in the nated for best actor. “Judas and U.S.’s two largest markets, New the Black Messiah,” Shaka King’s York and Los Angeles. And severpowerful Black Panther drama, al larger movies — including the is the first best-picture nominee Walt Disney Co.’s “Black Widow” with an all-Black producing team (May 7) — are scheduled for May (King along with Ryan Coogler and beyond.

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At least four inin theFederal 20th century alone can be 3,341 related deaths has led to worldwide panic, economic collapse and — after all,the tre directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong flu,” 1977 markets and financial outlets.

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There is any evidence thatemergen the “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence that the currency, would not be able to fund of these nited States over Perhaps The crisis has cost the U.S. taxpayer at least $2.4 trillion in addedPerhaps to stay at home; they massive 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. massive 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had COVID-19 its origins in China. measures without immediate fear of rampant inflation and c Robbins, publisher | Federal Frank Hill, senior opinion editor y alone can be Neal COVID-19 debt plus trillions more in Reserve backup liquidity to the they’ve donned mask There is depreciation.

100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 There is 100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 We need g Kong flu,” 1977 is China’s markets and financial outlets. If the U.S. dollar were not the reserveis China’s The result: a reduc originated inChina Wuhanhas Province the completely originated Province from the completely to pay probably fortransparency their from aberrant ways and decisions thr evidence that the currency, we would not be ableintoWuhan fund any of these probably emergency According to the Neal Robbins, Chernobyl. unregulated and unsanitary wet markets.

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Some believe it came out of a economic and financial means.

Diplomacy obviously not ins in China. measures without immediate fear of rampant inflation and currency Metricseditor and Evaluati and Chinese honesty Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior biowarfare lab run by the communist army.opinion biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the civilized world ofTrump 21st century health OVID-19 depreciation. administratio from our rigorous verifiable policing andregimes regulation of take th Until adopts verifiable policing and regulation of Until China andadopts fair trade.

Totalitarian communist never mpletely China has to pay for theirChina aberrant waysrigorous and decisions through peak outbreak was re their food safety and health protocols, American business has no other scientific experts ve it came out of a economic and financial Diplomacy has obviously notAmerican worked business has no other their means. food safety and health protocols, or express sincere regret and remorse, because thatby is nearly not wh ventilators choice than to build redundant manufacturing elsewhere purely — wedo. need to plants to bring China intochoice the civilized 21st century health, hygieneplants elsewhere purely than toworld buildofredundant manufacturing August by nearly 12,0 They take advantage of every w for nationaltotalitarian security andgovernments safety reasons as well as supply and delivery know what they regulation of and fair trade. Totalitarian communist never take the Here’s the problem for national securityregimes and safety reasons asblame well as supply and delivery they find in adversaries and keep pushing until they win or t reliability concerns. ness has no other or express sincere reliability regret and concerns. remorse, because that is not what know, what they questions that will al push back.

The mostadversaries direct way to make China “pay” for this disaster is to offer s elsewhere purely totalitarian governments do. They takeway advantage every weakness First, what theCh tr don’t and when The most direct to makeofChina “pay” for this disaster is to U.S. offertax credits That is, unless an exogenous event happens asisthe to companies who will source at least half ofsuch their pply and delivery they find in adversaries and keep pushing until they win or the important because it U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of theirproductionmeltdown 1986. States.

Some that event, theyexperts hope to back in theinUnited There isbelieve approximately $120not the S adversaries push back. be open or of closed, wh production back in the United States. There is approximately $120 program of Reagan, directly to the dissolution the Sov billion worth of American directled investment in plants and equipment know what they isaster is to offer That is, unless an exogenous event happens such as the Chernobyl more liberalized soci billion worth of American direct investment in plants and equipment in 1989.direct investment in China. Chinese in the U.S. is about $65 billion by don’t. half of their meltdown in 1986. Some experts believe that event, not the Star Wars ought to lock down fu comparison. in China. Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl. ximately $120 program of Reagan, led directly to the dissolution of the Soviet Union We’ve in seen case fat An investment tax credit of 30% on half U.S. investment China comparison.

Senators in Washington are of already talking about the pos s and equipment in 1989. the number of identifi today, or $60 billion,forgiving applied to$1.2 repatriated American manufacturing investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China of China trillion in debt we owe them as one w out $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19An is China’s Chernobyl. and the denominator investmentChina to the to U.S. would U.S. Treasury billionthe in US. Don today, orare $60 billion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing “pay” forcost the the damage they have$18 caused Senators in Washington already talking about the possibility people have actually tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is would cost Treasury $18 billion in breath waiting for a Chinese “Jubilee” to number happen has but been ask you vestment in China of China forgivinginvestment $1.2 trillion to in the debtU.S. we owe them as the oneU.S. way to get ove decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now revenue they spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is representatives to hold China accountable in tangible financ n manufacturing China to “pay” for tax the damage have caused the US. Don’t hold your of death, particularly undertaking to disaster. save our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the compared to the $6ask trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this $18 billion in breath waiting for decimal a Chinesedust “Jubilee” to happen but your elected sources suggest the n past. to save ourinown economy, notways of defeated enemies as in the It is about time they are expected to operate as responsibl t revenue is representatives to undertaking hold China accountable tangible financial for many American people are dyin China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging Plan we are now this disaster. past. the world like any other modern nation.

Even more importa business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that they d enemies as in the It is about time they are expected operate asstealing, responsible citizens ofpillaging American actually have coronav China has beentocheating, pirating and intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and the world like any business other modern nation. of identified cases co now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret thatreplace they the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. laging American number of people wh intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and no secret that they replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi.

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It’s okay to ask questions about ask questions aboutto when will payIt’s forokay this to COVID-19 catastrophe How Chi we begin get back to normal sstrophe about when A7 The comfort a How China will pay for this COVID-19 catas The 3 big questions nob A7 normalwe begin to get back to normal EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

EDITORIAL | FRA

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HU COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

CERTAIN; after this COVID-19 virus dissipates The cavalier manner in which China lied about the origin ofSTATES the WITH MOST under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-homeONE OBINSON hina lied about the origin of the nd in the United States, China will pay for this virus, covered upONE its spread and to tell after the world there to were only THING IStried CERTAIN; thisthanks COVID-19 virus cavalierofmanner in which arounC orders local ordissipates state governments,The a majority Americans WEEK, virus, according to members theand fede iedor toanother. tell the world there were only “THIS ISofTHE DA ay 3,341 related deaths to worldwide panic, economic and aroundhas theled globe and in the United will to pay forTHIS this covered up its spread t areStates, havingChina to collapse adjust what is being called the “new normal.” catast and state and local governments, Americans have rldwide panic, economic collapse and in it” (Psalm 118:24). either shelter-in-place stay-at-home into place.

I understand the related seriousness ofhas theled virus an catastrophe one waybeing or or another.

3,341 to wo he crisis caused by China in perspective,WITH zero MOST STATES millionsunder of Americans needlessly thrown out of work.

Some of fallen these orders extend at least through the end deaths of this month.

In oe ce orcan stay-at-home fallen to into place.

Iorders understand theto seriousness of the virus the the curve inI’m the uneasy novel coronavirus outbreak.

The being thrown of work.

I know that during thanks localThe or state governments, aneed majority of at Americans to precautions, with how people who sim Inand order to puttaxpayer the crisis caused

by China in take perspective, zero millions of Americans needlessly mics traceout their source the United States over crisis has cost the U.S. leastVirginia’s $2.4 trillion in added stay-at-home orders gobut into June. worldw BILL BARROW | AP PHOTO ty of at Americans to take precautions, I’m uneasy withto how people who simply the ask muted afterand all,when trends can easily reverse — taxp but ayer leastfour $2.4in trillion in added working from home worldwide pandemics can trace their source to the United States over The crisis has cost the U.S. arebut having to adjust what is being called “new normal.” questions about the— data, things can start getting ry.

At least the 20th century alone can be debt plus trillions more in Federal Reserve backup liquidity to the Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during our 23 a1968 union normal.” questions and when orders things can startatgetting back tohistory. have abided by recommendations and orders.

The ReserveForming backup liquidity to the about the data, be glad” the Bible our 231-year AtU.S. least four the 20th century alone can be debt plus trillions more Federa Some of these extend least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some circles with contempt. ainrecent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t know yet”asifin the China: 1957 “Asian flu,” “Hong Kong flu,” 1977 markets and financial outlets.

If the dollar were not the reserve direct nd of this month. are treated in some circles with contempt. to flu,” stay 1977 at home; they’ve practiced socialthe distancin he U.S. dollar were notnormal the reserve and dad, Easter directly to to China: 1957 flu,” 1968They’re “Hong Kong markets anddeciding financial outlets.

If t Virginia’s stay-at-home go into June. treated asAmazon though we as a society simply must acce state’s stay-at-home will extend into May. he 2002Labor SARSorganizers outbreak.

There is evidence thatpotential theas a society currency, wemust would nottraced be able fund any “Asian of these emergency andtreated advocates see for a orders regional foothold inwithout the South as thousands of workers at anorders Alabama campus are Since when did “Russi Perhaps They’re as though we simply accept they’ve donned masks. fund any of these emergency have to be thankful “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak.

There is evidence that the currency, we would not be able Perhaps WALTER E. WILLIAMS If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to the in North Carolina, Roy Cooper stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massiv safe to toa nish flu”WALTER pandemic its origins inHere China. measures without immediate fear ofeconomic rampant inflation and currency whether to also form a union.

Inthe states historically toDemocratic unions, a win could create and political upheaval.

Read more on B9.

We need E. had WILLIAMS questioning per stated during question what government tellsresistant us about when it’s massive safe toGov. begin the The result: a reduction in expected hospitalizat Lenten and of rampant inflation and currency pandemic.

1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic had its origins in China. measures without for it. And the answers should not COVID-19 be vague onesimmediate like “we fea a recent press briefing that “we just don’t know yet” ifjustification thealso process of returning back to normalcy.

COVID-19 greement, China, of that COVID-19 depreciation.

Theis know yet” outside if the of process returning back tocoronavirus normalcy. transparency According to the University of Washington Institu For me, my faith Easter seasons government There is 100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 depreciation. must do this out of an abundance of caution.” is model China’s state’sworks stay-at-home will into May. No. The government works for us, and making. we have the right to an Province probably from thedid completely China has toright pay to for their aberrant ways and decisions through is China’s Since when No. The government for us, andorders we have theextend ask those Metrics and Evaluation most oft cited by m origin ant ways and decisions through As I celebra and honesty originatedshould in at Wuhan Province probably from the completely has to pay for their aberr provide a China all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who If he does decide to extend it, questions be asked as to the questions.

And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place a nsanitary wet markets. believe itlonger came out of but aChernobyl. financial means.

Diplomacywet hasmarkets. obviously notbelieve workedit Trump Chernobyl. asked to the questions.

And theis stay-at-home orders in place all over the unsanitary administration, theand expected need for hosp plomacy has obviously notSome worked unreg Corinthians 1:4, whi graduates iseconomic only ableare toand find low-paying work. ned in as two past articles that student debt questioning unregulated and came out of at a home economic financial means.

D fromSome our are being told to remain jobless and for an undetermined message of become a justification for it.

And the answers should not be vague ones like “we country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as M byones the communist Chinese army. to China into the civilized 21st century health, hygienepeak outbreak was gue likecentury “we country, and the stricter somean ofISA them getbring in states, such as Michigan, revised down by over 120,000, orld of 21st health, hygiene Under agreement, he would owe an agreedlem and that universities have encouraged affliction, so that wew biowa biowarfare lab run world by the of communist Chinese army. to we bring China into the civilized scientific experts amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases government hope that will mustupon do this out ofand an abundance ofthe caution.” thethe more people, sitting at nearly home feeling isolated and/or anxi bad thing? the more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about pts verifiable policing and regulation of fair trade. communist regimes neverpolicing take blame ventilators and the number of ov percentage of his income —Totalitarian actual dollar theirrigorous own irresponsible behavior.

With unist regimes never take the blame affliction, withcomm the co Unt Until China adopts rigorous verifiable and regulation of by and 13,000 fair trade.

Totalitarian are reliable.

—iswe need to once again enjoy atnot all levels It amount will need to be in detail to the people of this state who when they can get back to providing for their families, will d would be very low.

With a traditional loan, of this stateprotocols, who when theyfinancial can get back tonoproviding for their families, will demand erse, graduates facing uncertain August by nearly 12,000. nd health American business has other orexplained express sincere regret and remorse, because that not what because that isan what God.” That is what their f their food safety and health protocols, American business nowhat otherthe state or express sincere rem To know date, what I’ve gone alonghas with has asked andregret then and they he would owe the same amount regardless of his t’s particularly important to find solutions ndetermined answers. are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined answers.

Here’s the problem: We still don’t know the ans sporting events, advantage of become every weakness dtake redundant manufacturing plants elsewhere purely If you are celebrat totalitarian governments do.

They take advantage of every weakness a choice than tofree build redundant manufacturing plants elsewhere purely totalitarian governments do.

The choice citizens mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about income.

Even with income-based repayment on his So,and what’s to cases be done? housands of Leaders the local state levels should be in as forthcoming assecurity they know, what they questions that state will allow economy tothis reopen. amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases theleaders localconcerts, and levels should beon as forthcom pushing until they win or the reflect messa ty safety reasons as well asatsupply andand delivery they find adversaries and keep pushing until they win orLeaders the family for national safety reasons as well as supplyatand delivery they findthe in adversaries and keep for nat the data.

State Republican have, too. thing? livingasinand a free loan,—heand would likely make interest-only payments dical proposals, likebad completely can be with those answers again, not vague answers, but answer First, what is the true coronavirus fatality rate?c God’s example and are reliable. can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, don’t and when s.student loans adversaries push back. reliability concerns. adversaries push back. gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is reliabi AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife withthe principal continued to mount. andasmaking subject AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife withbecause it determines That is them what society ked and then with details that give their important whether certain nt happens such the Chernobyl this difficult Th To I’veUniversity gonebelievability. along with what theexogenous statedirect has asked and then with that their statements The most waywere to make China “pay” for this disaster isgive to offer That is, believability. unless an exogenous ev way to make China “pay” for work. this disaster isdate, tostatements offer hope todetails That is, unless an event happens suchthey asThe the Chernobyl corruption.

The financial squeeze resulting sometimes afinancial disturbing tendency among some people to treat thosetime. church services The Purdue is already experimenting with ptcy protection, would certainly corruption. squeeze resulting questions about We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — believe that event, not the Star Wars confident we will em supposed free citizens COVID-19 offers opportunities for atheirunder mandated that its we“Back do, but along the way also had questions about We should all continue towhen do what weinstart can to keep our fam U.S. taxI’ve credits to who willknow source at least halfdata of their meltdown 1986.

Some experts companies will source at half ofElizabeth meltdown in plan.

1986.

Some experts believe that event, not the Star Wars what they simply questioning the andfor asking we can getting back ISAs a Boiler” The program iscompanies ders whofrom putwho their own money onleast the our line from COVID-19 offers opportunities a many U.S. ta and more obstacles the tech industry Bywhat Lincicome Sponsored

by Union ourselves, and communities safe.

But we also still continue more liberalized society that presumes wide sprea Sponsored by should the dissolution of the Soviet In this same spirit Sponsored by bit of remediation.

Let’s first examine production back in the United States.

There is approximately $120 program of Reagan, led directly the data.

State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, and our communities safe.

But we should also stilt Sponsored by nue the United States.

There is approximately $120 program of Reagan, led directly to the dissolution of the Soviet Union to do, last I to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who being funded by the Purdue Research Foundation, diligence beforeliving lendingintoa18-yearbit of remediation.

Let’s first examine what free faces in terms of gender don’t.

North State Journal produ afterdown ourinown asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock further. mightisbe the root academic corruption, neighbors helping st ne billion worth of American direct investment inof plants and equipment “A shocking yet true when certain types of questions get asked, there isbe the to ask questions about the data, because while reasonable part of the university’s endowment.

It’s a small ers. And direct the fearinvestment of students in filing for and Unfortunately, might root academic corruption, otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or1989. others sick. merican equity and fostering in 1989. checked. billion suggested bysociety the title were of aplants recent study,equipment ehernobyl. to treat those measures are understandable, they should also have an expiration date.

We’ve seen case fatality rates — the number of temporary In Concord, a high in China. direct investment in the U.S. is women? about $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19 China’s Cd program but is already showing positive results. ydirect wouldinvestment ensure thatGrievance loans are small and suggested bywhen the title ofquestioning a recent study, innovation from MORRISVILLE — In celebrasometimes disturbing tendency among some people to treat those measures are understandable, they also have an expi Since did government at all should levels become aisbad in the U.S. $65 billion abynow Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl. statistic isChinese that women “Academic Studies and to the in Chi North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020 starttalking getting back supposed This is is allabout new Americans, and it is not normal.

Not in any way, the number of identified COVID-19 cases — but b eady about the possibility money to buy a 3-D sacrifices are tion of questioning Women’s History Month, Purdue’s website explains aand few of the benefits of can “Academic Studies and to theAmericans, comparison.

Senators Washington arein alra thing?

That isThis what citizens living in a free were supposed simply the data asking when we starttalking getting backGrievance isfree all new andsociety it isin not normal.

Not Corruption of Scholarship.”

The study was Senators in Washington about the possibility make up 57% of already the compa A6 are people who shape, or form.

So while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, atare and theChina denominator are likely wrong.

We don’t k we owe them as one way to get health care workers Mansfield: “We have to be keenglobal tech powerhouse Lenovo ISAs: hdebt a solution is politically unpopular.

Corruption of Scholarship.”

The study was An investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in of China forgiving $1.2 trillion in over. to do, last I checked. done

by Areo, opinion analysis toan do, last Iand tohosted normal ascomfortable though they areforgiving conspiracy theorists or debt are people who shape, or form.

So while we should remain vigilant and stay ax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China of China $1.2 trillion in we owe them as one way to get An i ick. the same time we shouldn’t get with this so-called “new ly aware that men and women people have actually died of coronavirus.

Some so a virtual event on March y have caused the US. Don’t hold your US workforce but only The standard payment period for the Back onsiderably reduce the number byMy Areo, an opinionasand analysis Full-service fiber today, or $60 billion,sick. applied done to repatriated American manufacturing China to “pay”isfor the damage digital magazine.

By American theof way, Areo is short first concern we go along in all this, of course, my family.

I’m the otherwise don’t care ifisthey get themselves or itothers same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-call on, applied to repatriated manufacturing China tothe “pay” for the damage they have caused the US. the Don’t hold your bring different perspectives to ev9th seeking to further advance checked. see” become a bad normal.” today, number has been overestimated, given that classifi toborrow happen but ask your elected a Boiler-ISA Fund about 10 years, making ble to for college and would digital magazine.

By the way, Areo is short for Areopagitica, a speech delivered by investment the U.S. would cost the U.S.about Treasury $18 billion the in virus, and breath waiting Ifor a Chinese comprise 30% of all US worried them catching I’m worried will.

After “Jub optic network coming Since did questioning government attoall levels become aAreopagitica, bad normal.” erything in life that is of a good conversation U.S. would cost thein U.S. Treasury $18 inwhensurrounding breath waiting for revenue a Chinese “Jubilee” tofew happen but ask your elected y were supposed Not one little bit.billion death, among elderly patients, can competitive with mostgender Federal Plus and private loan ionately affect low-income students.

It for aand speech delivered by particularly invest untable in tangible financial ways for John Milton defense of free speech. tax spread over a years. $18 billion in lost revenue is representatives to hold China acc suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, computing andsociety technology thing.

Wein need diverse customers equality in In the workplace.

Leno- living thing?

That isaddition, what free ina asix-month free were supposed Not one little bit. suggest the number is dramaticallytax over a few years.majoring $18 billion in lost revenue is representatives to hold China accountable in tangible financial ways for terms. all citizens students receive disfavor students in soft but John Milton defense of free speech.

Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. sources under to Fayetteville and rev decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this disaster.

I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up (students, men,Pluckrose, women, children) along with The Female Quo- before tovo, do, last I checked. related positions.” grace period post-graduation payments begin.

Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that Authors Helen James A. pared tofamily. the as $6I’m trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now e, is my this disaster.

Stacey Matthews also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah many people are dying at home. diplines. to operate responsible citizens of decim undertaking to save our own economy, not to of successfully defeated enemies as in the It is about timenot they expect to be too able develop an organization dedicated surrounding way memories ofsay a painful I’d prefer to are repeat. something drastically wrong Once recipient makes successful for ee are solutions thathas cangone betowns implemented —tient, Lindsay and many Peter Boghossian thatmore My first concern as we go along inpayments all this, course, to is my family.

I’m Stacey Matthews has alsoexperience written under the pseudonym Sist ied I will.

After and is adefeated regular contributor RedState and Legal Insurrection.

Even importantly, we have no clue how mn our own economy, not of enemies asato in the 500 It iscompaabout time they areof expected operate asBut responsible citizens of ation. and market a broad range of produnder to helping Fortune past. the world like any other modern what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in academia, especially within the prescribed term of the contract, no and additional s acrimonious political something has gone drastically wrong FAYETTEVILLE —climate.

MetroNet has certain 2009 pandemic, worried about them catching theMarshae virus, I’m worried I will.

After and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrec actually have coronavirus.

Some scientists sugges Mansfield, VP and Chief the world like any other modern nation. ucts.

Lenovo remains successful nies advance gender equity, hosthas less been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American past. fields within the humanities.

They payments are required even theyChina have solution has been tofiber as “skin in call in academia, especially within begun construction of its of this brings up referred because of themade diverse client base ofcertain identified cases could be an order of magnitude ed American “A Seatfrom at the Table,” which in-if(swine suffering the H1N1 virus flu)paid during the 2009 pandemic, cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging Customer Officer, Lenovo business now for the past 30 years.

They have no secret that they these fields “grievance studies,” where Chin infrastructure announcing than the discussions amount of funding they received.

Suchnot a policy would after call for institutions cluded fields NealinRobbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavirus senior opinion wewithin have the andhumanities. continue toThey makecall panel with keyprecautions, refer topartnership repeat. number of people who have had and n I’ve been trying to take extra because all of this brings up he past 30 years.

They have made no secret that they scholarship is not so much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower the world and its with Fayetteville to busine Both ISAsthat andcentered skin in the hare in the credit risk of every student these fields “grievance studies,”differwhere products for. We recognize business leaders on game policies would ost everyone has finding truth butinstitution. upon attending tothe way too many of abenefits. painful experience I’mentor dasprefer notofscholarship tocurrency repeat. provide apremier 100 the percent fiber optic In in he as superpower world and memories replace the dollar theareserve their renminbi. have many down-stream Both would put outU.S. a loan tothe attend iswith not so much based upon intend ent genders have different needs lot of work to do.

I lot the importance of cultivating and social Grievance network service to residents andscholars But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has as the reserve currency with their renminbi. pressure on universities to keep tuition low and his means thatgrievances. universities would be on finding truth but upon attending to for technology in their lives.” women in my role here at Lenovo retaining women in an industry replac businesses.

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VISUAL VOICES

offset some of the artificial pressure on demand for or some part of student loan debt when social grievances. Grievance scholars Save Energy This Spring the start of theinto company’s two-to their that has historically been domi- and I always say to them “Have an departments adhering NSJ: How can the tech opinion, have a voice and don’t be higher education.

They would also align universities’ nated by men.

Lenovo’s Vice Presefault. Such a policy would require action bully students, administrators and other year, $70 million the promote is worldview.

Theinvestment worldviewinthey Jason The sun is setting later and the industry bring more to their to use it.”would and Chief Customer with those ofOfficer, students.afraid Universities ss since student loans arenor disbursed the identinterests departments into adhering community. neither scientific rigorous.by Grievance EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS first official day of spring on the women to the table, and Marsha Mansfield, recently spoke be invested in student success, not just increased ernment. worldview.

The worldview they promote is MetroNet is a 100 percent Fiber studies consist of disciplines such as horizon (March 20), so you’re how, specifically, would NSJ: You’re leading the to The North State Journal about Optic Company headquartered in THEWS enrollment.

Some universities would probably begin ther solution can be implemented locally. neither scientific nor rigorous.

Grievance sociology, anthropology, gender studies, EDITORIAL | STAC likely heading outside every the consist industry segment thechoose event about studies the to significance of guidance the event,toher Evansville, The company offer better students whenof they of institutions areIndiana. already giving it critical a of benefit disciplines such RICHARD as COLUMN |from REP. HUDSON queer studies, sexuality and race focusing on gender equity? navigating the tech sociology, hopes for bringing more women provides cutting-edge majors, choose classes and takewomen out loans. e Share Agreements (ISAs).fiber ISAs are anthropology, gender studies, chance you can get. But don’t let studies. industry.

Can you offer into technology-related positions, optic communication services, These innovative solutions will do what “Free l agreements in which students receive queer studies, sexuality and critical race your indoor temperature control In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, including high-speed Fiber Internet, Mansfield: “We need to get and also shared part of her person- a sneak preview of your derail your energy budget. Follow and Boghossian started College” cannot: make students and universities funding Lindsay in exchange for a predetermined studies. full-featured Fiber Phone, and women interested in tech related journey within this industry al story in terms of her own path these tips to reduce utility bills submitting bogusover academic papers to behave more wisely and act together towards the post-graduation a certain Injobs 2017 anda2018, authors Pluckrose, Fiber IPTVincome with a wide variety of from young age and again historically populated by to discovering career success in the this season. academic in cultural, queer, goal.

That goal is to createmen? educated, wise years. The percentjournals ofMetroNet income and number Lindsay and Boghossian started programming. started in this goes back to exposing them techsame sector.

Mansfield’s own story race, gender, fat and sexuality studies and productive graduates.

Only with smart policies n change2005 based upon a student’s major andis compelling submitting with one fiber optic network through bogus STEMacademic subjects inpapers school.to Fresh Filter in and of itself based determine ifIndiana, they would that incentivize student success can we ensure“Women that in Greencastle, and pass peeron the tential. to academic journals in cultural, queer, Lenovo is also recognizing that Mansfield: need to fact that she grew up in ruThe quickest savehas energy “THIS IS THE DAYway thetolord made, let usthe r of the virus and the review be accepted for publication.

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

I understand has since grown to serving andneed collegeswith trulylittle provide value for have students, parents, eseriousness a good deal forand students because they race, gender, fat and sexuality studies women may value a certain dea voice especially in a male ral Mebane to no expoon home cooling is to regularly Acceptance of dubious research that in it” (Psalm 118:24). ykywith how people who simply ask constructing networks in morewho orders thanks to local or statetogovernments, a majority Americans to take precautions, but I’m unea taxpayers and society. than loans.

Imagine a student determine if they would of pass peer cleanduring and replace your cooling time of soc editors found sympathetic tosure theirto STEM subjects in grade dominated industry like the tech- vice or product that men simply than communities across I know that this challenging n thingsjournal can100 start getting back to TATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home fallen into place. understand the seriousness of the virus and the need areI having toI adjust to what isreview being called thevalue “newin. normal.” questions about the data, andWIT wh and be accepted for publication. don’t see the For examnology sector. think we need to school (science, technology, engiintersectional postmodern unit’shome filters.or(This canalower your Indiana, Illinois, or Iowa, Kentucky, leftist vision working from losing job, it may becircle diffi with contempt. ple, we just designed a laptop that pour more resources into STEM Acceptance of dubious research that neering and math).

She went on Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some cal or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask orders of the world would prove the problem of Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Florida, energy consumption by glad” assystem’s the Bible tells us to do. as However, as aasC a society simply must accept soeditors small itfound can back fitsympathetic inside purse education atstay-at-home an early age inthings school.journal to study communications at North to their Virginia’s orders goisinto June.

They’re treated though we st to what being called thewithout “new normal.” questions about the data, and when can start getting to abe low standards. andisacademic North Carolina.

MetroNet up to 15 percent!) are haj or lab coat pocket.

It is really pretI grew up in rural Mebane, N.C. Carolina State University and says and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded me of sders us about when it’s safe to begin the intersectional or postmodern leftist vision Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what the government tel is committed bringing stateSeveral ofto the fake research papers extend at least through the end ofitthis month. normal are treated in some circles with contempt.

Som ty world tailored to a prove woman’s lifestyle. was not until after graduation and was not exposed to STEMof the would the problem of have to be thankful and of hopeful for, even in the m alcy. were of- the-art telecommunication accepted for publication.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

ncdot CASH REPORT For the week ending 3/12 Total Cash & Bond Proceeds:

$2,157,666,605 Add Receipts:

$95,635,152 Less Disbursements:

$96,841,405 Reserved Cash:

$794,343,571 Unreserved Cash Balance Total:

$4,238,917,062

Stripe continues cash haul, now valued at $95 billion San Francisco The online payment company Stripe continues to attract investors, raising $600 million in funding to reach a whopping company valuation of $95 billion. Stripe is by far the most valuable private fintech company in the world. Robinhood, the trading platform recently making headlines, just raised $3 billion to reach a valuation of around $11.2 billion. The company which makes software that allows companies to accept online or in person card payments said it will use the capital in the latest round of funding to invest in its European operations, particularly its Dublin headquarters. Stripe has two headquarters, the other location is in San Francisco. Stripe will also expand its global payments and treasury network.

Some of its clients include Jaguar Land Rover, Maersk, Deliveroo and Klarna.

Companies that enable online payments have thrived in the pandemic.

Stripe’s valuation has almost tripled in a year Stripe said Sunday that the latest round of funding includes investments from Allianz X, Axa, Baillie Gifford, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Sequoia Capital, and Ireland’s National Treasury Management Agency.

B9

Labor movement targets Amazon as a foothold in the South

By Bill Barrow The Associated Press BESSEMER, Ala. — The South has never been hospitable to organized labor. But that may be changing, with an important test in Alabama, where thousands of workers at an Amazon campus are deciding whether to form a union.

Labor organizers and advocates see the David-and-Goliath fight as a potential turning point in the region with a long history of undervalued labor and entrenched hostility to collective bargaining rights. A win could have economic and political ripples for the labor movement and its Democratic Party allies who want a stronger foothold in the South amid decades of dwindling union power nationally.

“This election transcends this one workplace. It even transcends this one powerful company,” said Stuart Appelbaum, national president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. “If workers at Amazon in Alabama, in the middle of the pandemic, can organize then that means that workers anywhere can organize.”

The mere presence of a national union figure like Appelbaum in Alabama underscores the stakes.

The Amazon vote comes as Democrats and Republicans are battling fiercely for working-class voters. Over decades, many white workers have drifted toward Republicans, attracted in part by cultural identity and an anti-establishment posture. That’s left

Democrats looking to refine their economic pitch, arguing their party is the one fighting for higher wages, better working conditions and more affordable health care.

A win in Bessemer, where the vast majority of the workforce is Black, would have additional significance as a launchpad for new political organizing in the South, where Democrats want to build on recent successes.

That could prove decisive in newfound battlegrounds like Georgia, which Biden pulled into the party’s presidential column for the first time since 1992 and where Democrats won two Senate races. It could be a building block in GOP-dominated states like Alabama and Mississippi. And any domino effect nationally could boost Democrats in old industrial Rust Belt states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where Republicans have gained ground.

The ongoing mail vote by almost 6,000 workers is the largest union push ever at Amazon, one of the world’s wealthiest companies. The election, which runs through March, also ranks among the largest single organizing efforts in Southern history. It follows a series of failed organizing votes at automobile assembly plants -- Nissan in Mississippi in 2017, Volkswagen in Tennessee in 2019, among others -- that have flocked to the region over the last three decades.

“Wages in this region have been depressed from the time of slavery,” said historian Keri Leigh

BILL BARROW | AP PHOTO

Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala, in the center wearing red, and Rep. Nikema Williams, D-Ga., at the far right, join fellow members of Congress, labor organizers and employees at an Amazon facility in Bessemer, Ala., on March 5, 2021.

Merritt, because “we’ve always had these competing underclasses of different races that white elites,” from the South and elsewhere, “have been able to play off each other.”

The result, Merritt said, is nearly all laborers being paid “below the national market.”

The 2019 median household income in the U.S. was of $62,843, according to Census Bureau data.

In Bessemer, part of an industrialized swath outside of Birmingham that once teemed with steel mills, that figure was $32,301.

The union’s election overlaps with Biden and Democrats in Congress pushing the “PRO Act,” legislation that would overhaul labor law to make organizing easier. The bill represents the most significant labor law change since the New Deal era and follows a decades-long slide in union membership. In 1970, almost a third of the U.S. workforce were unionized. In 2020, that number was 10.8%.

The House approved the overhaul Tuesday on a largely party line vote, but it faces almost certain defeat in the 50-50 Senate where major bills require at least

10 Republican votes to avoid a filibuster.

Even without that law, labor leaders say the Amazon result could be a springboard for labor organizing nationwide. Regionally, a win would provide a roadmap for a Southern workforce unaccustomed to unions as a routine part of the economy.

Organized labor’s Southern deficit is glaring: all 11 states of the old Confederacy have socalled “right to work” laws, which allow workers in unionized shops to opt out of paying union dues even as they retain the benefits and job protection negotiated by the union. That weakens unions by reducing their membership and their negotiating leverage. Most Southern states also bar public employees from collective bargaining.

The entire region lags national union membership when measured as a percentage of the workforce. For example, the United Auto Workers has more than 400,000 members, but just 12,000 in Southern states, despite the region’s abundance of internationally owned auto plants and associated suppliers.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

February retail sales fall 3% after soaring the month before New York Americans spent less last month, partly due to bad weather in parts of the country that kept shoppers away from stores. Retail sales fell a seasonally adjusted 3% in February from the month before, the U.S. Commerce Department said Tuesday. The decline comes after retail sales soared in January as people spent $600 stimulus checks sent at the end of last year.

In fact, the Commerce Department revised its January number upwards to 7.6% from its previously reported rise of 5.3%.

Analysts at JPMorgan Chase had expected retail sales to dip in February after icy weather in Texas knocked out power and forced some stores to temporarily close.

The bank said credit and debit card spending fell sharply after the storm in Texas, as well as nearby states, such as Arkansas and Mississippi. Retail sales are expected to rise again in March as many Americans get $1,400 direct payments, part of a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that was signed into law last week. Employers added a robust 379,000 jobs in February, helped by a sharp increase of hiring at restaurants and bars, suggesting that Americans are going out again as states relax restrictions.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ALESSANDRA TARANTINO | AP PHOTO

In this Monday, March 8, 2021 file photo a health worker shows the media how she prepares a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine to be administered to a patient at a vaccination center set up in front of Rome’s Termini central station.

Major European nations suspend use of AstraZeneca vaccine

By Frank Jordans The Associated Press BERLIN — A cascading number of European countries — including Germany, France, Italy and Spain — suspended use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine Monday over reports of dangerous blood clots in some recipients, though the company and international regulators say there is no evidence the shot is to blame.

AstraZeneca’s formula is one of three vaccines in use on the continent. But the escalating concern is another setback for the European Union’s vaccination drive, which has been plagued by shortages and other hurdles and is lagging well behind the campaigns in Britain and the U.S. The EU’s drug regulatory agency called a meeting for Thursday to review experts’ findings on the AstraZeneca shot and decide whether action needs to be taken.

The furor comes as much of Europe is tightening restrictions on schools and businesses amid surging cases of COVID-19.

Germany’s health minister

said the decision to suspend AstraZeneca shots was taken on the advice of the country’s vaccine regulator, the Paul Ehrlich Institute, which called for further investigation into seven cases of clots in the brains of people who had been vaccinated.

“Today’s decision is a purely precautionary measure,” Jens Spahn said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said his country will likewise stop dispensing the vaccine until at least Tuesday afternoon.

Italy also announced a temporary ban, as did Spain, Portugal and Slovenia.

Other countries that have done so over the past few days include Denmark, which was the first, as well as Ireland, Thailand, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, Congo and Bulgaria. Canada and Britain are standing by the vaccine for now.

In the coming weeks, AstraZeneca is expected to apply for U.S. authorization of its vaccine.

The U.S. now relies on Pfizer’s, Moderna’s and Johnson & Johnson’s shots.

AstraZeneca said there have

been 37 reports of blood clots out of more than 17 million people vaccinated in the 27-country EU and Britain. The drugmaker said there is no evidence the vaccine carries an increased risk of clots.

In fact, it said the incidence of clots is much lower than would be expected to occur naturally in a general population of this size and is similar to that of other licensed COVID-19 vaccines.

The World Health Organization and the EU’s European Medicines Agency have also said that the data does not suggest the vaccine caused the clots and that people should continue to be immunized.

“Many thousands of people develop blood clots annually in the EU for different reasons,” the European Medicines Agency said.

The incidence in vaccinated people “seems not to be higher than that seen in the general population.”

The agency said that while the investigation is going on, “the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing COVID-19, with its associated risk of hospitalization and death, outweigh

the risks of side effects.”

Blood clots can travel through the body and cause heart attacks, strokes and deadly blockages in the lungs. AstraZeneca reported 15 cases of deep vein thrombosis, or a type of clot that often develops in the legs, and 22 instances of pulmonary embolisms, or clots in the lungs.

The AstraZeneca shot has become a key tool in European countries’ efforts to boost their sluggish vaccine rollouts. It is also pillar of a U.N.-backed project known as COVAX that aims to supply COVID-19 vaccines to poorer countries. That program continues unaffected by the European suspension.

Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines are also used on the European continent, and J&J’s oneshot vaccine has been authorized but not yet delivered.

Dr. Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton in England, said there is no data yet to justify suspending the AstraZeneca vaccine and called the decision “baffling.”

“Halting a vaccine rollout during a pandemic has consequences,” Head said. “This results in delays in protecting people, and the potential for increased vaccine hesitancy, as a result of people who have seen the headlines and understandably become concerned.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

B10 TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS January 14, 2021 Larry W. Mack a/k/a Larry Walter Mack 5751 Claw Ct Concord, NC 28025 Re: Larry Walter Mack and Cindy I. Mack

5751 Claw Ct, Concord, NC 28025

Court Case #: 20sp157

Our File #: 20-109732

Enclosed herein please find a copy of a Notice of Sale issued by the current Substitute Trustee in the abovereferenced proceeding. The sale of the described property is authorized by order entered November 18, 2020.

CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20 SP 438 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ERIC R. WHITMORE AND LINDA A. WHITMORE DATED OCTOBER 30, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7409 AT PAGE 589 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 34

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Donna L. Clark (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Donna L. Clark) to Faircloth & Taylor, Trustee(s), dated July 14, 1997, and recorded in Book No. 4690, at Page 0253 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 29, 2021 and will

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 39

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Leon Jordan, Jr., (Leon Jordan, Jr., Deceased) (Heirs of Leon Jordan, Jr.: Roderick Leon Tisdale, Dontae Monroe aka Dontae Smith, Kimberly Hale and Unknown Heirs of Leon Jordan, Jr.) to William R. Davis, Trustee(s), dated the 2nd day of June, 2014, and recorded in Book 9444, Page 891, in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby 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 of Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the

DAVIDSON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 20SP15 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY KENNETH M. CARDEN DATED OCTOBER 26, 2011 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2035 AT PAGE 156 IN THE DAVIDSON 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

19 SP 568 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Stephen L. Whitten and Theresa Ann Whitten to Angela M. Burton, Trustee(s), which was dated October 24, 2013 and recorded on November 6, 2013 in Book 2123 at Page 1783, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 22, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: Legal Description

Should you feel legal advice is necessary, please contact an attorney or your local bar association. You should not request and we cannot give legal advice to you.

Please contact our office at 704-971-6363 should you need to request reinstatement figures.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Sincerely LOGS Legal Group LLP IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 20sp157 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY LARRY W. MACK AND CINDY L. MACK DATED NOVEMBER 7, 2001 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3504 AT PAGE 113 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cabarrus County courthouse at 11:00AM on March 19, 2021 the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Address of property: 5751 Claw Ct, Concord, NC 28025 Tax Parcel ID: 5652 97 0214 0000 Present Record Owners: Larry Walter Mack and Cindy I. Mack The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the

holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

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 March 26, 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 Eric R. Whitmore and Linda A. Whitmore, dated October 30, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $84,000.00, and recorded in Book 7409 at Page 589 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: 1 9 1 7 Glenwick Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 Tax Parcel ID: 0416-43-8516 Present Record Owners: R. Eric Whitmore and Linda A. Whitmore And Being more commonly known as: 1917 Glenwick Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Eric R. Whitmore and Linda A. Whitmore.

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 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

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: BEING all the certain tract or parcel of land situated in Cedar Creek Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows:

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Rayvon L. Leverette and Nennie L. Leverette, in the original amount of $79,000.00, payable to Household Bank, f.s.b., dated November 21, 2001 and recorded on November 27, 2001 in Book 1278, Page 1093, Davidson County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 21SP13 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CAROLYN MCDOWELL DATED APRIL 5, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1689 AT PAGE 1832 IN THE DAVIDSON 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 20sp36 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JACOB ANTHONY SHAW AND AMANDA P. SHAW DATED JULY 29, 2015 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2189 AT PAGE 911 AND CORRECTED BY AFFIDAVIT RECORDED AUGUST 12, 2015 AT BOOK 2191, PAGE 423 IN THE DAVIDSON 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

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 February 3, 2021.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109977

($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 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.

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

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS 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 NCGS 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 expressly are 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

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 March 22, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Kenneth M. Carden, dated October 26, 2011 to secure the original principal amount of $78,123.00, and recorded in Book 2035 at Page 156 of the Davidson County Public Registry.

The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record.

Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

215 Address of property: Black Lake Rd, Thomasville, NC 27360

Tax Parcel ID: 16352E0000081A The Estate of Present Record Owners: Kenneth Max Carden And Being more commonly known as: 215 Black Lake Rd, Thomasville, NC 27360 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Kenneth Max Carden.

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 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.

For additional information, please see Auction.com.

The date of this Notice is February 18, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-108925

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.: 19-18208-FC01

TWO:

A map showing the above property is recorded in Plat Book 17, Page 20.

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

Said property is commonly known as 418 East Holly Hill Road, Thomasville, NC 27360.

A cash deposit (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 Theresa Ann Whitten.

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

Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Davidson County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on March 25, 2021, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being Lot No. Two (2) of WOODLANDS, Section One Subdivision, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Plat Book 16, Page 215, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Davidson County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description.

This conveyance is made subject to Restrictions as set forth in Book 558, Page 47, in the Davidson County Registry.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 558 Quail Road, Lexington, NC 27292. Tax ID: 11348A0000002 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes

§7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are Rayvon Leverette and

Nennie Leverette.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §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 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 Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee John P. Fetner #41811 Attorney for Substitute Trustee McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC 2101 Rexford Road, Suite 150E Charlotte, NC 28211 404-474-7149 jfetner@mtglaw.com

BEING all of Lot 48 as shown on a plat entitled “Bethany South Part II, Section II,” as recorded in Plat Book 89, Page 195, Cumberland County Registry. For title reference see deeds recorded in Book 4257, Page 290 and Book 4385, Page 691, Cumberland County Registry.

Subject to Restrictive Covenants recorded in Book 4385, Page 92, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 812 Canaveral Street, Stedman, 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

courthouse door in the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 29, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 2 of the “Property of Vera Moore West,” as per plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 109, Page 167, Cumberland County Registry of Deeds. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2261 Carbine Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the City of Thomasville, Thomasville Township, Davidson County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: TRACT

ONE:

BEGINNING: At a point in the Southern right of way line of East Holly Hill Road (East Holly Hill Road having a right of way of 60 feet), said point being located North 63 degrees 25’ 20” West 276.37 feet as measured along the Southern right of way line of East Holly Hill Road from the Western right of way line of Lakeshore Drive (Lakeshore Drive having a right of way of 50 feet); thence South 26 degrees 25’ 20” West 50.00 feet to a point; thence South 60 degrees 17’ West 73.30 feet to a point; thence South 78 degrees 22’ West 127.21 feet to a point, James K. Ward’s Southeast corner; thence with Ward’s line North 26 degrees 25’ 20” East 189.40 feet to a point, James K. Ward’s Northeast corner in the Southern right of way line of East Holly Hill Road; thence with said right of way South 63 degrees 34’ 40” East 100.00 feet and South 63 degrees 25’ 20” East 41.00 feet to the point of Beginning, containing 18,331 square feet or 0.42 acre, and being also shown as Lot No. 3 on a map of Lakeside Village, Section Two, and said map being recorded in Plat Book 17 at Page 20, Davidson County Registry.

TRACT

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY 20 SP 128

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 January 13, 2021.

Andrew Lawrence Vining Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 http://shapiroattorneys.com/nc/ 20-109732

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 March 22, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Carolyn McDowell, dated April 5, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $67,900.00, and recorded in Book 1689 at Page 1832 of the Davidson County Public Registry.

The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record.

Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 407 Price Rd, Lexington, NC 27295 Tax Parcel ID:

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 March 22, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Jacob Anthony Shaw and Amanda P. Shaw, dated July 29, 2015 to secure the original principal amount of $179,900.00, and recorded in Book 2189 at Page 911 of the Davidson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: Rd, Denton, NC 27239

600

Nance

BEGINNING at an existing iron pin on the bank of Jones Lake; said beginning point being the southwesternmost corner of Evelyn K. Ward (Book 626, Page 644); thence along the bank of Jones Lake the following three courses and distances: (1) North 78 degrees 33’ 06” East 127.44 feet to an iron; (2) North 59 degrees 40’ 43” East 72.13 feet to an iron; (3) North 26 degrees 29’ 18” East 49.92 feet to a point; thence South 63 degrees 30’ 24” East 59.80 feet to a point; thence South 46 degrees 23’ 45” West 72.53 feet to a point; thence South 61 degrees 46’ 31” West 86.23 feet to a point; thence South 71 degrees 04’ 14” West 134.01 feet to a point; thence North 08 degrees 01’ 36” West 55.11 feet to the point of Beginning, and containing 11,932 square feet (0.274 acre) according to a survey prepared by Charles C. Whicker, PLS, dated July 15, 2003 and designated Job No. 03-10091.

11332B00G0047 Present Record Owners: Carolyn McDowell

The Estate of

And Being more commonly known as: 407 Price Rd, Lexington, NC 27295 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Carolyn McDowell.

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

Tax Parcel ID: 6689-01-28-9884 Present Record Owners: Amanda Shaw

P.

And Being more commonly known as: 600 Nance Rd, Denton, NC 27239 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Amanda P. Shaw.

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 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

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

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: 1287381 - 9407

c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1308519 (FC.FAY)

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 March 1, 2021.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110939

Parkway,

Suite

400

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 March 1, 2021.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109015

Parkway,

Suite

400

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

B11

TAKE NOTICE

JOHNSTON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 20SP408 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY LARRY THOMAS PHILLIPS AND ROSALIND YVETTE HARRISON DATED FEBRUARY 4, 2000 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1905 AT PAGE 794 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 14

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Ada Marie Bagwell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Johnny West Butler) to The Fidelity Company, Trustee(s), dated June 25, 1998, and recorded in Book No. 1721, at Page 555 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 March 30, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 28

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Danny R. Fitch and Mary Lib Fitch (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Danny R. Fitch and Mary Lib Fitch) to Fidelity National Title Agency of Nevada, Inc., Trustee(s), dated March 3, 2015, and recorded in Book No. 4566, at Page 249 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 March 30, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate

ONSLOW NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 31

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Richard Joseph McCandless and Miranda Lee McCandless (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Richard Joseph McCandless) to Scott Korbin, Trustee(s), dated April 6, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 4603, at Page 692 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 30

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Vincent A. Rhoads and Brittney N. Rhoads (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Vincent A. Rhoads) to Stuart Clarke at Thorpe & Clark, Trustee(s), dated January 24, 2014, and recorded in Book No. 4108, at Page 174 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at

STANLY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 19

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 March 23, 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 Larry Thomas Phillips and Rosalind Yvette Harrison, dated February 4, 2000 to secure the original principal amount of $94,602.75, and recorded in Book 1905 at Page 794 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: Twin 301 Creek Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577 Tax Parcel ID: 17K08031U Present Record Owners: L a r r y Thomas Phillips and Rosalind Yvette Harrison And Being more commonly known as: 301 Twin Creek Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Larry Thomas Phillips and Rosalind Yvette Harrison.

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 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.

The date of this Notice is March 2, 2021.

Andrew Vining Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110415

situated in Clayton in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being a house and lot located on the outskirts of the town of Clayton, North Carolina, said lot being Lot #40 of the Heavner-Holding subdivision addition Map No. 2, a plat of which is recorded in Plat Book 8, Page 23, according to a plat made by William S. Ragsdale, Jr. in August 1955, and reference to said plat is hereby made for a fuller and more accurate description of said lot. Said lot fronts 75 feet on an unnamed street and runs back 125 feet, and being the same lot conveyed to T. W. Shirley by Frank B. Holding (single) by deed recorded in Book 529, Page 396, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 912 Joyner Street, Clayton, North Carolina.

($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.

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

situated in Clayton in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Johnston, State of North Carolina, and is described as follows: Being all of Lot 174, Plantation Point Subdivision, Phase Four-A, part of Section IV of Flowers Plantation, as shown on map recorded in Plat Book 66, Pages 250-252, Johnston County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a full and complete description of said lot. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 197 Windgate Drive, Clayton, North Carolina.

Parcel ID: 16J04035C Commonly known as 197 Windgate Drive, Clayton, NC 27527 However, by showing this address no additional coverage is provided.

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.

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 April 1, 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 24, Block B, Brynn Marr, Section III-A, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Map Book 11, Page 74, in the office of the Register of Deeds of Onslow County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 417 Brynn Marr Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Parcel ID Number: 026519 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).

10:00 AM on April 1, 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 that certain parcel of land in Jacksonville Township, Onslow County, State of North Carolina, as more fully described in Book 2135, Page 409, ID#318A-34, being know and designated at Lot 12, Section III, Aberdeen Acres, filed in Map Book 41, Page 151. Said property is commonly known as 158 Aberdeen Lane, Jacksonville, NC 28540. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 158 Aberdeen Lane, 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 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

11:00 AM on March 24, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Albemarle in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Tax Id Number(s): 653804847436 Land Situated in the City of Albemarle in the County of Stanly in the State of NC

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: 1288 - 2089

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days

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

this 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.

1, Page 118 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Stanley County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1210 West Main Street, Albemarle, North Carolina.

Commonly known as: 1210 West Main Street, Albemarle, NC 28001

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.

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: 1698 - 3143

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: 4006 - 14039

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: 4030 - 14145

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.

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Billy E. Bowden and Edith M. Bowden (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Billy E. Bowden and Edith M. Bowden) to Michael Lyon, Trustee(s), dated May 31, 2011, and recorded in Book No. 1370, at Page 596 in Stanly County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Stanly County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at

Land Situated in the Township of South Albemarle in the County of Stanly in the State of NC Beginning at an iron pin on the north side of West Main Street (said stake being N 85 degrees 30 minutes East 160.1 feet from the Northeast intersection of Church Street with West Main Street), a corner of Lot No. 16, and runs with its line N 4 degrees 40 minutes West 175.7 feet to a stake on the South side of a 12 foot alley; thence with the south side of said alley North 85 degrees 30 minutes East 50 feet to a stake; a corner of Lot No. 14; thence with the line of Lot No. 14, South 4 degrees 30 minutes East 175.7 feet to a stake on the North side of West Main Street, thence with the North side of West Main Street, South 85 degrees 30 minutes West 50 feet to the beginning, being Lot No. 15 in the West End, a suburb of the Town of Albemarle, as shown by plat of Subdivision No. 1 surveyed and platted in Plat Book No.

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

WAKE

(the “Deed of Trust”); and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness secured thereby and failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will place for sale, at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at Wake County Courthouse, in Raleigh North Carolina, on Monday March 22, 2021 at 12:00 P.M. those parcels of land, including all of Borrower’s right, title and interest now owned or hereafter acquired in and to the property, including all estates, rights, tenements, hereditaments, privileges, easements, and appurtenances of any kind benefitting the property, all means of access to and from the property, whether public or private and all water and mineral rights, situated, lying and being in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

BEING all of Lot 3, according to the map entitled “recombination Plat, Lots 1 & 3, E Lenoir Street recorded at Book of Maps 2016 Page 376, Wake County Registry.

Property Address: 602 Hay Lane, Raleigh, NC 27601 Present Record Owner: Housekick Inc. The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold for cash to the highest bidder. The sale of the personal property is made in accordance with G.S. § 25-9-604 (a) and (b). 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. In the event that the Holder or its intended assignee is exempt from paying the same, the successful bidder shall be required to pay revenue stamps on the Trustee’s Deed, and any Land Transfer Tax. The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS” and will be sold subject

to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments.

Other conditions will be announced at the sale. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required.

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 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 declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice Where the Real Property is Residential With Less Than 15 Rental Units:

March 29, 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 4 according to a plat of survey entitled “A Minor Division of Lot 1 creating Lots 3 and 4 for Robert A. and Annie Mae Leach” dated May 19, 2000 by M. M. Weeks Land Surveying and recorded in Book of Maps 2000, Page 1580, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 9957 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.

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.

§7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). Adepositoffivepercent(5%)ofthebidorSeven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are Robert S. Stockham, III and Annette Stockham.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of

the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §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 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 Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY 21-SP-26 UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that Deed of Trust Housekick Inc. (“Borrower”), dated April 24, 2020 securing an indebtedness to Patheon Capital Advisors Inc. in the original principal amount of $275,000.00 and recorded on April 24, 2020, in Book No. 17848, at Page 641 of the Wake County Public Registry

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 1158

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Rafael Alvarado and Yulma Y. Alvarado (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Rafael Alvarado and Yulma Yanet Alvarado) to Brock & Scott, Trustee(s), dated March 30, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 011888, at Page 02445 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 in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY 19 SP 2874 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Robert S. Stockham, III and Annette Stockham, in the original amount of $247,200.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Indymac Bank, FSB, dated February 2, 2007 and recorded on February 2, 2007 in Book 12386, Page 1872, modified by Loan Modification recorded on October 23, 2017 in Book 16946, Page 1254 and re-recorded on November 1, 2017 in Book 16956, Page 1806, Wake County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of

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

Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Wake County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on March 30, 2021, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 601 in Riverside Subdivision, Phase Twelve, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Book of Maps 2000, Page 1195, Wake County Registry, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 8225 Coosa Court, Raleigh, NC 27616. Tax ID: 0277384 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes

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: 2221 - 4961

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 upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. 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 person who occupies the property pursuant to a bona fide lease or tenancy may have additional rights Cameron D. Scott Substitute Trustee

An order for possession of the property

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: 1238669 - 10227

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee __

By: ______________________________________ January N. Taylor, Bar #33512 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) jtaylor@mtglaw.com

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

B12

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From March 10, 2020

TAKE NOTICE

WAKE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 86

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Erick Jason Cull (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Erick Jason Cull, Heirs of Erick Jason Cull: Tracy Murray Cull, Kylee Cull) to Jacqueline B. Amato and Philip M. Rudisill, Trustee(s), dated February 3, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 016685, at Page 02749 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be

foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on March 29, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Garner in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Parcel Id. 0085321 BEING all of Lot 167, Van Story Hills Subdivision, Section 2, as depicted in Book of Maps 1973, Page 98, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 103 Ware Court, Garner, 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: 2892 - 7010

A8

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

NATION & WORLD

Merkel’s party suffers defeats in 2 German state elections

By Geir Moulson The Associated Press BERLIN — Chancellor Angela Merkel’s center-right party suffered clear defeats in two German state elections at the hands of popular governors from parties further to the left. The setback comes six months before a national vote that will determine who succeeds the country’s longtime leader.

Sunday’s votes for new state legislatures in the southwestern states of Baden-Wuerttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate kicked off an electoral marathon which features another four state ballots and the Sept. 26 national election.

Amid discontent over a sluggish start to Germany’s vaccination drive, with most coronavirus restrictions still in place and infections rising again, Merkel’s Union bloc has been hit over the past two weeks by allegations that two lawmakers profited from deals to procure masks early in the coronavirus pandemic.

Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union already faced a challenging task against well-liked governors. Projections for ARD and ZDF public television, based on exit polls and a partial count of votes, showed those governors’ parties — the environmentalist Greens in Baden-Wuerttemberg and the center-left Social Democrats in Rhineland-Palatinate — finishing first, some 7 to 9 percentage points ahead of the CDU. The CDU’s projected showings of about 23% and 27%, respectively, were the party’s worst since World War II in both states.

“To say it very clearly, this isn’t a good election evening for the CDU,” said the party’s general secretary, Paul Ziemiak. “We would have liked different, better re-

ANDY WONG | AP PHOTO

In this Tuesday Aug. 18, 2020, file photo, German chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and her successor as chairman of the German Christian Democratic Union, CDU, Armin Laschet, right, point during a meeting in Duesseldorf, Germany. sults.”

Familiar, popular and reassuring incumbents appeared to have been a decisive factor in the elections. That’s one advantage the CDU can’t count on in September.

Merkel isn’t seeking a fifth term after nearly 16 years in power.

In Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany’s only Green party governor, Winfried Kretschmann, has become popular with centrist voters in 10 years running a region that is home to automakers Daimler and Porsche. The region was dominated by the CDU until Kretschmann won power shortly after Japan’s 2011 Fukushima reactor disaster, which accelerated the end of nuclear power in Germany.

Kretschmann, 72, a fatherly figure with a conservative image,

featured on Green election posters with the slogan “You know me.” Merkel once used that slogan in a pre-election debate to underline her own largely ideology-free appeal.

The Greens’ success bolstered their confidence for the national election campaign, in which the traditionally left-leaning party is expected to make its first bid for the chancellery.

Kretschmann has run Baden-Wuerttemberg since 2016 with the CDU as his junior partner, but may now be able to choose new allies.

The center-left Social Democrats have led Rhineland-Palatinate for 30 years — currently under governor Malu Dreyer, whose personal popularity kept her party’s support above its dismal na-

tional ratings. The Greens are a junior partner in her governing coalition, which also includes the pro-business Free Democrats, and looked to have improved somewhat on their showing five years ago.

The far-right Alternative for Germany party appeared to have lost some support in both states but still polled between 9% and 11%.

It was an awkward moment for new CDU leader Armin Laschet to face his first major test since being elected in January, as the center-right considers who should run to replace Merkel as chancellor.

Many people had already voted by mail, so it’s unclear how far the scandal over lawmakers in the CDU and its Bavaria-only sister party, the Christian Social Union, allegedly enriching themselves through mask deals, impacted Sunday’s vote. Nikolas Loebel, a CDU lawmaker from Baden-Wuerttemberg, and the CSU’s Georg Nuesslein have both quit their parties and say they won’t run for parliament again.

The Union bloc of CDU and CSU benefited from Merkel’s perceived good management of the pandemic last year. It still leads national polls by a distance from the Greens and Social Democrats — the latter the junior partner in Merkel’s coalition government — but this year has started badly. Germany’s vaccination campaign has been significantly slower than those of Israel, Britain and the U.S. Laschet says that he and Markus Soeder, the CSU leader and Bavarian governor who is the other serious contender to run for chancellor, will decide on the center-right candidate to succeed Merkel in April or May. Soeder’s political standing has risen during the pandemic.

The Social Democrats’ candidate for chancellor, Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, said: “What we see today is that forming a government is possible without the CDU.”

Kosovo opens embassy to Israel in Jerusalem Pristina, Kosovo Kosovo’s Foreign Ministry said it has formally opened its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem.

A statement said the move was made after the establishment of diplomatic ties with Israel on Feb. 1 and a Kosovo-Serbia summit held at the White House in September.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora announces that the Kosovo Embassy in the State of Israel, with headquarters in Jerusalem, officially has been opened,” said the statement.

Most of the international community doesn’t recognize the Israeli developments in east Jerusalem and says the competing claims to the city should be resolved through negotiations. Most international embassies are in Tel Aviv.

Kosovo becomes the first European country and Muslim-majority one to establish its embassy in Jerusalem, following the U.S. and Guatemala.

Kosovo’s decision was taken when outgoing Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti met with Serb President Aleksandar Vucic at the White House in September with then-President Donald Trump.

“Setting of the plaques and the state flag at the Kosovo Embassy in Israel reflects the Government of Kosovo’s commitment to comply with the pledge for establishing the diplomatic mission to Jerusalem,” it said.

With the announcement, Kosovo becomes the third country with an embassy in the holy city. The U.S., under President Donald Trump, was the first country to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, followed by Guatemala.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

2 key US Cabinet members visit Japan for China-focused talks

By Mari Yamaguchi The Associated Press TOKYO — Shared concerns about China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region will take center stage when President Joe Biden’s defense chief and secretary of state visit Japan for their first in-person talks with their Japanese counterparts.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tokyo for meetings meant to reaffirm America’s commitment to the region and to the two nations’ alliance.

The two secretaries will hold diplomatic and security talks with their Japanese counterparts, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi.

“The United States is now making a big push to revitalize our ties with friends and partners — both in one-to-one relationships and in multilateral institutions — and to recommit to our shared goals, values, and responsibilities,” Blinken and Austin said in an op-ed published in The Washington Post.

The U.S. and others share the values and principles of keeping an open Indo-Pacific region, but China is “all too willing to use coercion to get its way,” the two ministers said. “Here again, we see how working with our allies is critical.”

The U.S. will lead with diplomacy, maintain America’s military might “and renew our alliances and ensure they’re fit for purpose to address the threats and opportunities of our time,” Blinken and Austin wrote. Together they can hold China accountable for its human rights abuses and other problems in Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan, they said.

Japan and the U.S. are also expected to reaffirm the importance of their three-way alliance with South Korea and may touch on the strained relations between Tokyo and Seoul over wartime compensation issues.

In a move meant to signal his intention for the U.S. to return to more multilateral engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, Biden held a virtual summit last week with the leaders from Australia, Japan,

ANDREW HARNIK | AP PHOTO

In this March 1, 2021, file photo Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, is visible as President Joe Biden, right, holds a virtual meeting with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. India and the U.S., known as the “Quad,” and emphasized Washington’s commitment to the region.

Motegi said in a parliamentary session Monday that he expected China to be the topic he and Blinken discussed most and that Japan being the first destination of their foreign travel signaled “the U.S. emphasis on the Japan-U.S. alliance.”

“Japan, together with the U.S., will resolutely respond to China’s unilateral attempt to change the status quo,” Motegi said. “But at the same time, China is the world’s No. 2 economy, and it is important to firmly encourage that country to act responsibly based on international rules.”

Japan is in a delicate diplomatic situation because its economy, like those of other countries in the region, heavily depends on China.

But it also considers China’s growing presence in the region a security threat. Beijing has built militarized manmade islands in

the South China Sea and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways.

Japan is concerned about China’s claim to the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands, called Diaoyu in China, in the East China Sea and its increased activity in the disputed area.

China has denied it is expansionist and said it is only defending its territorial rights.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that concerns about Chinese influence were rooted in “outdated Cold War mentality and ideological prejudices.”

“For some time, individual countries have been eager to hype and incite the so-called China challenge and drive a wedge between regional countries, especially with China,” Zhao said at a daily briefing. “But what they are doing ... is not welcome and will never succeed.”

On the Biden administration’s

first Cabinet-level trip abroad, Blinken and Austin are also expected to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, as well as the nuclear threat posed by North Korea and the situation in Myanmar after its military coup.

They will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is expected to visit Washington sometime in the first half of April to meet with Biden in person — becoming the first foreign leader to do so.

Blinken and Austin also plan to have virtual meetings with business leaders, civil-society members and others while in Tokyo before heading Wednesday to South Korea, another key ally in the region.

China is not on Blinken’s itinerary, but he is set to meet senior Chinese officials in Anchorage, Alaska, on his way back to Washington. Austin will go from Seoul to New Delhi for meetings with Indian leaders.

Chile becomes Latin America’s COVID-19 vaccination champion Santiago, Chile After being among the world’s hardest-hit nations with COVID-19, Chile is now near the top among countries at vaccinating its population against the virus.

With more than 25% of its people having received at least one shot, the country of 19 million on South America’s Pacific coast is the champion of Latin America, and globally just behind Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

That’s a far cry from the beginning of the pandemic, when Chile was criticized over its inability to trace and isolate infected people.

Government officials and health experts say it was the country’s early negotiations with vaccine producers, as well as its past experience with robust vaccination programs, a record praised by the World Health Organization.

Andrés Couve, Chile’s minister of science, told The Associated Press that negotiations with vaccineproducing companies started last April, only a month after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. By May, a team of experts and officials presented a plan to President Sebastián Piñera, including a road map about how to use the country’s network of trade agreements and its previous contacts with pharmaceutical companies to get vaccines once they were developed.

Chile was administering more than 100,000 shots almost daily since early February, and that more than tripled this week.

No other country in Latin America has had anything near Chile’s success. Brazil has vaccinated only 4% of its population, and Argentina around 3%.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 24 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

Atlantic Coast Conference tournament

Georgia Tech guard Jose Alvarado (10) celebrates his team's 80-75 win over Florida State in the Championship game of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Greensboro, Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Albemarle Parks and Recreation prepares for eventful spring season

WHAT’S HAPPENING Stanly deputies save drowning kayaker Stanly County A kayaker at Falls Reservoir was saved by two Stanly County Sheriff’s Office deputies after they leapt to action to save him on March 13. The kayaker’s vessel flipped over while on the water, and he began to drown.

He was flipped over for multiple minutes before Master Officer David Ritzheimer and Deputy Darnell Almond performed CPR on him. They each took turns on the kayaker until he “was revived and able to breathe on their own.”

The victim was then taken to the hospital for treatment.

NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION

School system apologizes for racist hashtags Union County School officials have apologized after racist hashtags were displayed on a classroom Twitter wall as part of a Civil War assignment for fourth graders. Students at the Waxhaw Elementary School were assigned to write tweets and hashtags that people living in North Carolina during the Civil War might have written if Twitter existed during that time period. Students came up with hashtags such as “Slavery for Life,” according to a photo of the Twitter wall in a now-deleted post on the school Facebook page.

AP

Pair accused of sending material harmful to minor Davidson County A couple has been arrested and charged with disseminating material harmful to a minor in connection with an Ohio investigation into an alleged statutory sex offense. Gavin Head, 53, of Thomasville, and his wife, Taylor Rene-Nicole Head, 22, face one count of the dissemination charge. He’s currently on the N.C. Sex Offender Registry after being convicted in 2020 of seconddegree sexual exploitation of a minor. Detectives with the sheriff’s office and detectives with an Ohio police department began investigating an alleged statutory sex offense involving a 15-year-old in Ohio.

AP

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — After pausing last year’s springtime events because of safety concerns around the pandemic, Albemarle Parks and Recreation is anticipating a spring season resembling the calendars of years past.

“We’re getting back into the full swing of things,” director Lisa Kiser told SCJ on March 15. “We have a lot of stuff coming up.”

Unlike last year, the parks and recreation department will open its two public pools and continue the long tradition of hosting summer camps and youth baseball, among other seasonal events in Albemarle.

Up next is a socially distanced Easter egg hunt at City Lake Park on April 3; that same afternoon, the department is sponsoring a Work Hard, Dream Big event at the E.E. Waddell Center, featuring a meet and greet with New York Giant (and former West Stanly Colt) B.J. Hill.

On April 9, Food Truck Friday will resume at City Lake Park in the monthly tradition that began last August.

This next installment of the event features a performance by the band Too Much Sylvia — a group that was inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2019 — and food trucks from On-Time Snacks, Smith’s Cafe, Barbara’s Treats, Hilltop Seafood and Elizadale’s Tacos. With an earlier start date and increased vendors, Food Truck Friday has been expanded this year in the hopes of spreading the word and generating more community involvement.

The department is also working to upgrade and repair the facilities of some of its parks in town. A new playground-equipment station was unveiled at Chuck Morehead Park last week; a refurbishment at Rock Creek Park’s playground and tennis courts is next on the list.

Kiser says there has been a notable increase in visitors at Albemarle’s five parks and three public centers ever since the pandemic began over a year ago — an increase that has continued to this day. Because of this, the department is hoping to match the community’s involvement by adding to its staff and actively hiring summer help via online applications on its offi-

Stanly County moves towards adopting new voting equipment

By David Larson Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — At the March 15 meeting of the Stanly County Board of Commissioners, the county’s board of elections director, Kim Blackwelder, briefed the commissioners on plans to move forward with new voting equipment.

Blackwelder said that at the Stanly County Board of Elections meeting on March 2, they approved a resolution to approve the new equipment.

“This is the preliminary recommendation from the board, to acquire the voting system EVS 5.2.4.0,” Blackwelder said.

“And that’s not Dominion equip-

ment, is it?” board Chair Bill Lawhon joked at the end of her presentation, referring to the company that was at the center of many theories on election fraud during the 2020 election.

Stanly County currently uses the Unity 3.4.1.1 voting system, which is compatible with a DS200 precinct scanner and the AutoMARK ballot marker. The new recommended system, EVS 5.2.4.0, also is compatible with these two elements. The reason for the change, according to the presentation, is that it will allow them to add a DS450 high-speed central counter, which can be used for recounts, as well as for mail-in and provisional ballots.

This new system will also allow

cial website.

The open positions include lifeguards, assistant managers and outdoor recreation assistants.

“In this area, we’re surrounded by natural resources and lots of outdoor-adventure types, so this is just another option for our community,” Kiser said. “Being outside does so much for a total human being for our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. During this time where there’s been a lot of stress around the pandemic, it’s nice to see that people are outside enjoying their families or just being outside to do physical activities.”

Between now and March 26, registration for men’s and coed softball (ages 16 and up) are underway on the official Albemarle Parks and Recreation website. The league will be played under World Sports League rules and include both a 10-game regular season and a double-elimination tournament.

Registration for Babe Ruth Baseball (ages 13-15) is also ongoing and will run through April 16.

The entrance fee for participants is $65 for city residents and $90 for non-residents.

“Acquiring this system is basically a software upgrade. It doesn’t require any new hardware, so we’re looking at a total cost of $3,694, and that’s to update the computer system that the software runs on.”

Kim Blackwelder, director of Stanly County Board of Elections Stanly County to update its AutoMARK ballot marker, which has been in use for 15 years, with an ExpressVote ballot marker. A pilot test for this change is scheduled for the 2022 primary elections.

“Acquiring this system is basically a software upgrade,” Blackwelder said. “It doesn’t require any new hardware, so we’re looking at a total cost of $3,694, and that’s to update the computer system that the software runs on.”

In order to make this change in compliance with North Caroli-

“Being outside does so much for a total human being for our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. During this time where there’s been a lot of stress around the pandemic, it’s nice to see that people are outside enjoying their families or just being outside to do physical activities.”

Lisa Kiser, Albemarle Parks and Rec. director

na election laws, the Stanly County Board of Elections needs to go through five steps. The first step was to witness a demonstration of at least two voting systems, which was completed at the March 2 meeting. The second step is to make a preliminary recommendation to the county commissioners, which Blackwelder did at the March 15 meeting.

After Monday’s presentation, the board of elections will now have to run a test of the equipment, either in a real or a simulated election. They chose to do the test at a simulated election, which is scheduled for April 6.

“The voting equipment company will come in, and we will test the new system on the equipment and make sure that we’re satisfied with that,” Blackwelder said.

Then, if they are satisfied, the fourth step is to have the equipment plan approved by the N.C. State Board of Elections, and the fifth step is to have the plan given final approval by county commission. This final approval is planned for the Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting to be held on April 19.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ Gill, Christopher (B /M/48) Arrest on chrg of 1) Awdw Serious Injury (F) and 2) Other - Free Text (M), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/15/2021 ♦ Collins, Devaunte Daiquon (B /M/28) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at Stanly County Courthouse, on 3/15/2021 ♦ Allen, Landon Cole (W /M/23) Arrest on chrg of 1) Felony Probation Violation (F), 2) Surrender By Surety (F), and 3) Felony Hit/run Injury (F), at Plank Rd., Norwood, NC, on 3/15/2021 ♦ Allen, Landon Cole (W /M/23) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwisd Marijuana (F), 2) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 3) Flee/elude Arrest W/mv (f) (F), at Plank Rd., Norwood, NC, on 3/15/2021 ♦ Woody, Jonathan Lawson (W /M/33) Arrest on chrg of Nonsupport Child (M), at 9682 Party Lane, Stanfield, NC, on 3/14/2021 ♦ Wilson, Tyler Ray (W /M/18) Arrest on chrg of Second Degree Trespass (M), at 7604 Dakota Ln, Stanfield, NC, on 3/14/2021 ♦ Atkinson, Suzanna Dawn (W /F/28) Arrest on chrg of Second Degree Trespass (M), at 7604 Dakota Ln, Stanfield, NC, on 3/14/2021 ♦ Christian, Daiquan Ikea (B /M/30) Arrest on chrg of Civil Order For Arrest - Child Support (M), at 1401 N Sixth St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/14/2021 ♦ Crump, Tyshaun Grant (B /M/36) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possession Of Firearm By Felon (F) and 2) Other Free Text (M), at 126 South 3rd St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/12/2021 ♦ Smith, Jason Reid (W /M/50) Arrest on chrg of Felony Worthless Check (F), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/12/2021

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♦ Carver, Kenny Earl (I /M/31) Arrest on chrg of Warrant Service For Other Agency, M (M), at Norwood, NC, on

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DEATH NOTICES 3/11/2021 ♦ Heath, Crystal Richardson (W /F/40) Arrest on chrg of 1) Resisting Public Officer (M), 2) Identity Theft (F), 3) Possess Heroin (F), 4) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 5) Probation Violation (F), at 126 S 3rd St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/11/2021 ♦ Heath, Crystal Richardson (W /F/40) Cited on Charge of Simple Possess Sch Vi Cs (m) (2100838), at Old Aquadale Rd/sides Rd, Albemarle, on 3/11/2021. ♦ Carver, Kenny Earl (I /M/31) Cited on Charge of Poss Opn Cnt/cons Alc Psg Area (i) (202100214), at 130 S Main St, Norwood, on 3/11/2021. ♦ Carson, April Denise (W /F/41) Arrest on chrg of Contempt Of Court (M), at Courthouse, Albemarle, NC, on 3/10/2021 ♦ Bruer, Robert Harold (W /M/46) Arrest on chrg of 1) Felony Conspiracy (F), 2) Felony Conspiracy (F), 3) Felony Conspiracy (F), and 4) Surrender By Surety (F), at Springdale Dr, Albemarle, NC, on 3/10/2021

Employee (F), at 155W South St, Albemarle, on 03/11/2021 ♦ Hemingway, Leleti Tantania D (B F, 24) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny, M(M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 03/11/2021 ♦ Lee, Yvette Denise (B F, 54) Arrest on chrg of Habitual Larceny (F), at 1073 LundixSt, Albemarle, on 03/13/2021 ♦ Garner, Nyquarious Xavier (B M, 21) Arrest on chrg of Carrying Concealed Gun (m),M (M), at 742 Aquadale Rd/marlbrook Dr, Albemarle, on 03/15/202 ♦ Burleson, Katlyn Mckenzie (W F, 24) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny, M(M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 03/15/202 ♦ Silleman, Richard Devon (BM, 24) Arrest on chrg of Felony Probation Violation (F), at 239 Summit Avis Fourth St, Albemarle, on 03/1412021.

♦ Christian, Daiquan Ikea (BM, 30) Arrest on chrg ofTrafficking,opium Or Heroin (F), at 1401 N Sixth St, Albemarle, on 03/1412021.

♦ Hunter, Kenneth Mark (W /M/29) Cited on Charge of Poss Marij >1/2 To 1 1/2 Oz (2100829), at Nc 49/52, Richfield, on 3/10/2021.

♦ Hedden, Dean Alan (WM, 41) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny, M (M), at 338 Ne 2427 Bypass E, Albemarle, on 03/10/2021.

♦ Moore, Franklin Grady (W /M/37) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats (M), at 38377 Loblolly Ln, New London, NC, on 3/9/2021 ♦ Bruer, Robert Harold (W M, 46) Arrest on chrg of Felony Conspiracy (F), at 734North Third Street, Albemarle, on 03/11/202 ♦ Lloyd, Joshua Antonio (B M, 22) Arrest on chrg of Larceny By

♦ James Michael “Mike” Swaringen, 69, of Norwood, passed away March 8. ♦ Tim Riley Harwood, 74, of New London, passed away March 10. ♦ Patsy Emogene Britt Smith, 89, of Norwood, passed away March 11. ♦ Mary Jude Giroux Keegan, 60, of Albemarle, passed away March 11. ♦ Rodney Lee Sebastian, 70, of Oakboro, passed away March 15.

♦ Silleman, Richard Devon (BM, 24) Arrest on chrg of Pwisd Marijuana (F), at 239 Fourth St, Albemarle, on 03/1412021.

♦ Hunter, Kenneth Mark (W /M/29) Cited on Charge of Simple Possess Sch Ii Cs (2100829), at Nc 49/52, Richfield, on 3/10/2021.

♦ Goldsmith, Robert Alan (W /M/47) Cited on Charge of Reckless Driving To Endanger (2100819), at Big Lick Rd/elm St, Stanfield, on 3/10/2021

♦ Jonathan Chad Haigler, 48, of Stanfield, passed away March 8.

♦ Love, Kazzie Nicole (B F, 39) Anest on chrg of Simple Assault, M (M), at 100 Us 52 South, Albemarle, on 03/10/2021. ♦ Sanford, Joshua Lee (W M, 24) Arrest on chrg of Pwimsd Sch Iv Cs (F), at 781 Leonard Av, Albema rle, on 03/10/2021. ♦ Porter, Jamie Dustin (W M, 27) Arrest on chrg of Pwimsd Methamphetamine, F (F), at 211 Eben St, Albemarle, on 03/10/2021.

See OBITS, page 7

Upcoming Stanly County GOP events Lincoln Day Dinner Thursday, March 18th at 6 p.m.

Location: American Legion Hall (fairgrounds) Tickets are $30 each *Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is keynote speaker

Stanly County GOP Convention Saturday, March 27th at 10 a.m.

Location: the Commons

TED S. WARREN | AP PHOTO

Syringes with doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are shown next to vaccination cards, Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Medically vulnerable in US put near end of vaccine line

By Bryan Anderson The Associated Press RALEIGH — When Ann Camden learned last month that her 17-year-old daughter got exposed to the coronavirus at school and was being sent home, she packed her belongings, jumped in the car and made the two-hour drive to the coast to stay with her recently vaccinated parents.

The 50-year-old mother had been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer and could not afford to become infected. She also was not yet eligible under North Carolina’s rules to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. So she left her twin daughters with her husband and fled for safety.

Across the United States, millions of medically vulnerable people who initially were cited as a top vaccination priority group got slowly bumped down the list as the Centers for Disease Con-

trol and Prevention modified its guidelines to favor the elderly, regardless of their physical condition, and workers in a wide range of job sectors.

North Carolina is one of 24 states that currently places people under 65 with “underlying medical conditions” near the bottom of the pack to receive the vaccine, according to Jen Kates, senior vice president and director of global health and HIV policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation. A report she wrote for the foundation last month listed Pennsylvania as the lone state making vaccines available to the medically vulnerable during its first phase of distribution.

When North Carolina unveiled its initial guidance in October, it placed people with multiple chronic conditions near the top of the list. In response to December recommendations from the CDC to prioritize people 75 and

older, however, it dropped those with chronic conditions to Phase 2. When the guidance changed again to expand eligibility to those 65 and up, medically vulnerable residents learned in January they would be dropped to Phase 4 — to be vaccinated after “frontline essential workers” but before “everyone.”

“When they slid us to group 4, it was very quiet,” Camden said.

“It was like, ‘We don’t want to talk about it. We’re just gonna kind of tuck you over there.’ That in itself was kind of insulting.”

The state’s top public health official, Dr. Mandy Cohen, said residents under 65 with chronic conditions were moved down the list after health officials received data showing elderly residents are far more likely to die of COVID-19, though she acknowledged “age is not a perfect proxy for risk.”

North Carolina announced this week that it would start vac-

cinating people 16 years or older with at least one of 18 at-risk conditions on March 17. And last week, the state expanded its eligibility guidelines to include people like D’Angelo who receive at-home care. D’Angelo is now retroactively eligible under Phase 1, which launched in December.

Maura Wozniak, a 42-year-old Charlotte-area resident, has cystic fibrosis and will wait until it’s her turn to get vaccinated. Wozniak was furious with North Carolina’s decision to push her back in line, as it meant a lengthier delay for her kids to get back to the classroom. But after learning on social media that she’d soon become eligible, she cried in relief.

“They were able to hear the pleas from high-risk individuals in the state,” Wozniak said. “The fact that they gave us a date was promising. Is everything gonna be perfect? No. But at least there’s a certain window now.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

OPINION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

The 2nd Amendment is under attack

Unfortunately, House Democrats rejected H.R. 38. They voted to defund police the week before, but don’t want you to be able to carry a firearm for selfprotection.

As a father of a small boy in school, I care deeply about preventing gun violence. As your congressman, I’ve worked to pass meaningful legislation like the STOP School Violence Act to improve school safety, the Fix NICS Act to improve information sharing across law enforcement, and the 21st Century Cures Act, which was one of the most significant reforms to mental health care in a decade.

Unfortunately, Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in Congress not only don’t seem serious about combating gun violence, but last week they used it as an excuse to come after your Second Amendment rights.

On Thursday, House Democrats approved two bills, H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446, that threaten law-abiding citizens and our Second Amendment while doing nothing to prevent tragic shootings.

In their efforts to pass so-called “universal background checks,” House Democrats disregard that every commercial gun sale in the United States already requires a background check. Current law also prohibits “straw purchasers” who pass background checks and buy firearms for criminals. Since 1998, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has been used to conduct these background checks.

However, H.R. 8 would now require a background check for every gun transfer. This could turn law-abiding citizens into criminals if you store a firearm for a friend or loan a handgun to a neighbor with an abusive ex who wanted to borrow it for self-protection.

Even worse, H.R. 1446 would extend the waiting period for a retail firearm sale from three to 10 business days and could allow the government to further delay a transfer — indefinitely.

None of these measures would have prevented a previous shooting, including the tragedy in Charleston. In Charleston, there was no loophole. The problem was information sharing. If the FBI had checked all available databases, then Dylan Roof would not have been allowed to purchase a firearm.

To fix this problem, I’ve worked with South Carolina Congressman Tom Rice to introduce the 21st Century NICS Act to streamline information sharing across the FBI and all law enforcement.

Last week, I also introduced the STOP II: Classrooms Over Conference Rooms Act. This bill doubles the funding for the STOP School Violence Act to harden schools, get more mental health resources in schools and increase active-shooter training for law enforcement. And we pay for it by taking money set aside for the Department of Education to rent conference rooms in Washington, D.C. These targeted solutions are among numerous I’ve focused on to further improve school safety, support mental health, expand information sharing and address actual root causes of gun violence.

I have also championed legislation to uphold your Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.

As you probably know, I have introduced H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, to ensure people don’t become criminals for carrying a legally owned firearm across an invisible state line.

As House Democrats advanced their anti-gun legislation in the House, I went to the House floor and instead forced a vote on H.R. 38. Gun sales and concealed carry permits are at all-time highs, and these law-abiding Americans deserve to have their rights protected.

Unfortunately, House Democrats rejected H.R. 38. They voted to defund police the week before, but don’t want you to be able to carry a firearm for self-protection.

I am disappointed, but my fight for H.R. 38 and common-sense reforms to end gun violence will not end.

I ran for Congress so I could work across the aisle to solve problems, be your voice in Washington and protect our God-given rights enshrined in the Constitution. Rest assured, I will never stop fighting for you.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Biden prepares to strip college students of due process rights

The Obama administration instituted fewer due process rights through the force of law, the right to review the allegations and evidence presented by their accuser, and the right to call witnesses.

Basically, the right to mount a defense.

IT’S WORTH REMINDING PEOPLE that if President Joe Biden were compelled to live by the standards he intends to institute for college students accused of sexual misconduct, he would be presumed guilty of rape, denied any legitimate opportunity to refute Tara Reade’s charges and tossed from office in disgrace.

The New York Times reports today that Biden’s Kafkaesque “White House Gender Policy Council” is “beginning his promised effort to dismantle Trump-era rules on sexual misconduct that afforded greater protections to students accused of assault.” The subhead informs us that, “The Biden administration will examine regulations by Betsy DeVos that gave the force of law to rules that granted more due process rights to students accused of sexual assault.”

The most disingenuous word here — though the piece is brimming with them — is “more.” History did not begin in 2015, and former education secretary Betsy DeVos did not invent more due process rights in Title IX; she simply reinstated time-honored fundamental due process rights that have guided justice systems in the liberal world for hundreds of years. The Constitution says — twice — that no citizen shall be arbitrarily “deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.” No means no.

It was only in 2011 that the Obama administration instituted fewer due process rights through the force of law, denying the accused the ability to question accusers, the right to review the allegations and evidence presented by their accuser, the right to present exculpatory evidence, and the right to call witnesses.

Basically, the right to mount a defense.

It was the Obama administration that asked schools to institute a system that empowered a single investigator, often without any training and susceptible to the vagaries of societal and political pressures, to pass unilateral judgment on these cases. Also, under the Obama administration rules, colleges were allowed to adjudicate sexual abuse and assault cases using a “preponderance of evidence” rather than a more stringent “clear and convincing evidence” standard.

Now, Jennifer Klein, the “Gender Policy Council” co-chair and chief of staff to first lady Jill Biden, says “everybody involved” in a

sexual complaint, “accused and accuser,” should be entitled to due process.

OK. Has anyone ever argued that the accuser’s right to come forward should be diminished, or that the accuser should be afforded fewer protections than any other American who says they are the victim of a crime? We should never diminish the pain and anguish those who come forward with these charges go through.

But the presumption of innocence is a legal term based on a values system. And if the federal government is going to dictate how colleges deal with sexual assault accusations, it has a responsibility to uphold the norms of the Constitution.

The good news is that between 2011 and 2021, there has been a string of court cases repudiating Biden’s position. Hundreds of lawsuits were filed since 2011. A 2015 study by United Educators found that a quarter of the Title IX statute had been challenged by students who either filed lawsuits in the federal courts or lodged complaints through the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Dozens of schools, including Northwestern University, Dartmouth College and Yale, settled cases, while schools such as USC, Pennsylvania State University, Ohio University, Hofstra, Boston College and Claremont McKenna all lost decisions.

Schools complained about the costs of implementing due process, yet the average cost of settling these claims was around $350,000, with some going as high as $1 million.

This, not incidentally, also means that some people who are guilty of sexual assault will claim to be victims of flawed hearings or unfair sanctions simply because they can circumvent the norms of justice.

Proper due process protects both the accuser and the accused. At the very least, the state should ensure that students are afforded the same impartiality, norms and protections that every one of us expects in the real world. Either we believe principles are the best means of fairness, or not. Biden, it seems, only believes in them for himself.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at National Review and the author of the book “First Freedom: A Ride Through America’s Enduring History With the Gun.”

3

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NFL

QB Fitzpatrick reportedly agrees to sign with Washington Washington, D.C. Washington has agreed to sign veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, according to a person with direct knowledge of the move.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal cannot be official until the new league year starts Wednesday. The team now has Fitzpatrick, journeyman-turned-playoff standout Taylor Heinicke and coach Ron Rivera favorite Kyle Allen under contract at quarterback.

Washington will be the 38-year-old quarterback’s ninth different team.

RALPH FRESO | AP PHTO

HOCKEY

Russian hockey player dies after being hit by puck Moscow A 19-year-old Russian hockey player has died after being hit in the head by the puck during a game, his club and the league said Tuesday. Defenseman Timur Faizutdinov was playing for Dynamo St. Petersburg’s junior team in a playoff game against Loko Yaroslavl on Friday when he was struck by a puck hit from the neutral zone. Faizutdinov collapsed and was treated on the ice by the team doctor and paramedics before being taken to a hospital in the city of Yaroslavl. The Junior Hockey League said Faizutdinov died Tuesday after “doctors fought for Timur’s life over the course of three days.”

GOLF

Woods returns to video games, this time with 2K series Novato, Calif.

Tiger Woods is back in the game — digitally, at least.

Woods has signed a longterm partnership with the company behind the “PGA Tour 2K” video game series, returning the 15time major champion to an industry he once dominated with EA Sports. The deal was announced Tuesday, nearly a month after Woods suffered career-threatening leg injuries when he crashed an SUV on a steep road in the Los Angeles suburbs.

Woods was partnered with EA Sports for 15 years, and the “Tiger Woods PGA Tour” series is among the most successful sports video games ever.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Minnesota fires coach Richard Pitino after 8 seasons Minneapolis Minnesota fired Richard Pitino on Monday after the coach compiled a 5496 regular-season record over eight years in the Big Ten and had only three conference finishes higher than 10th place. The Gophers went 14-15 this season, dropping 11 of their last 14 games. They were 0-10 on the road, one of only three major conference teams in the country without a road win. According an Albuquerque Journal report, Pitino — the son of Iona coach Rick Pitino — was among the finalists for the head coach vacancy at New Mexico.

Martin Truex Jr. held off Joey Logano to win Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway.

Truex Jr. wins at Phoenix, 5th different winner in as many races The 2017 Cup Series champion matched his win total from a season ago

By David Brandt The Associated Press AVONDALE, Ariz. — Joey Logano has won a few times at Phoenix Raceway and knows a good restart when he feels one. With 25 laps to go Sunday, he got a good run on the green flag, dipped down low on the dogleg and felt great.

Then he realized Martin Truex Jr’s No. 19 Toyota was still right next to him. That was a big problem.

Truex blew past Logano on the final restart and pulled away for his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season and 28th overall. That set off a hearty celebration from the his Joe Gibbs Racing team, especially after a frustrating 2020 season that included just one

win.

“I’d say we were really hungry for it,” Truex said. “We really wanted it, obviously. We worked really hard, we’ve got a great team and it just seemed like for whatever reason, it was always little things biting us. We were always so close, always second or third.”

This time he was first. By a lot.

Truex beat the four championship finalists from last year. He had failed to advance into the season-ending finale for the first time in four years and could only watch as Chase Elliott beat Logano, Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski for the title at the desert oval. All four tailed Truex across the finish line Sunday.

Phoenix Raceway will again host the championship race in November.

“To come here and win this, I wish it was November,” Truex said.

“Hopefully, we can come back in November and have a shot at the

championship.”

The 40-year-old Truex struggled earlier this year, finishing 25th at Daytona. But he’s raced much better in recent weeks, finishing third at Homestead and sixth at Las Vegas last week.

He was dominant during the final half Sunday and became just the second driver from last year’s 16-car playoff field to qualify for the postseason. It was good day for Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing, which had the winner in Truex and Hamlin in the third spot.

Logano finished second. He said even if he was able to hold Truex on the restart, he probably would have passed him before the checkered flag.

“They just had a fast car,” Logano said.

Truex, who announced a contract extension with JGR days before the season-opening Daytona 500, rebuked questions about retirement before he’d even been

asked. After last year’s one-win season, there had been speculation the veteran was contemplating retirement. But Truex also collected 11 finishes of second or third and missed the championship finale for just the second time in six years.

Kyle Larson — who raced to his first victory with Hendrick Motorsports last week in Las Vegas — had to start at the back of the field after a prerace inspection failure. He worked his way back to the front and briefly led about halfway through the race.

But soon after he made a critical error, getting flagged for speeding on pit road. He had to pass through pit road as a penalty, causing him to fall to the back of the lead lap in 22nd place. He finished seventh.

Blaney won the 75-lap first stage after leading 35 laps. Logano — who led 143 laps — won the second stage after leading the final 35 laps during a long stretch of green-flag racing.

Indiana fires Miller after 4 years without NCAA appearance The program raised private money to cover the former NC State guard’s $10.3 million buyout

By Michael Marot The Associated Press BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Archie Miller’s $10.3 million buyout was one of college basketball’s priciest.

Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson decided keeping Miller would prove even more costly to the storied program.

Dolson fired Miller on Monday, armed with enough cash from private donations to cover the buyout and ready to answer a fan base angered by four straight mediocre seasons.

“Indiana basketball has a long, rich history of success that dates back generation,” Dolson said in a statement announcing the decision. “Our five national championships and 22 Big Ten titles make us one of the most accomplished programs in college basketball history. I have high expectations for our program, and we have not competed at a level within the conference or nationally that I believe we should.”

That was the case even before Miller arrived in Bloomington.

The Hoosiers haven’t been to the NCAA Tournament since 2016, haven’t been to the Elite Eight since 2002 and haven’t won a national championship since 1987 — the longest drought between titles in school history. Indiana has won just three Big Ten titles since 1993 and it’s now had five consecutive non-winning seasons in Big Ten

play for the first time since 1911-19.

Miller was 67-58 with the Hoosiers and never made the NCAA Tournament, though many believed Indiana would have received a bid in 2020 had the tourney not been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Miller never beat rival Purdue, going 0-7. The Boilermakers have now matched their second-longest winning streak in series history at nine. Those numbers put Miller in historically bad territory and were of great concern to Dolson, fans and alumni.

By making the decision before April 2022, Indiana was on the hook for the $10.3 million. If Dolson had waited another year, the cost would have dropped to $3.5 million for a university that has lost millions in revenue, cut salaries for coaches and administrators, and put department-wide furloughs in place.

Miller successfully recruited some of the state’s best talent including three straight Indiana Mr. Basketball Award winners — Romeo Langford, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Anthony Leal.

But their arrivals didn’t correlate into consistent success.

Indiana went 19-16 and reached the NIT quarterfinals in 2018-19, Langford’s only season before he declared for the NBA Draft. Jackson-Davis arrived the next season and led the Hoosiers to a 20-12 mark that had them on the cusp of an NCAA tourney breakthrough.

Leal played sparingly this past season as a freshman though Jackson-Davis appeared to have the Hoosiers in prime position for a tourney run as recently as mid-February. But the Hoosiers

DARRON CUMMINGS | AP PHOTO

Indiana fired coach Archie Miller on Monday after four years without an NCAA Tournament berth. lost their final six games, capped by a Big Ten Tournament second-round loss to Rutgers. Indiana finished 12-15 and out of postseason play for the third time under Miller.

Miller went 139-63 in six seasons at Dayton before taking the Indiana job, leading the Flyers to

an NIT appearance in his first season as coach and NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his final four seasons including a run to the Elite Eight in 2013-14. He was a point guard at NC State from 1998-2002 before embarking on a coaching career. Miller’s brother, Sean, is the head coach at Arizona.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

NORTH STANLY (2-0, 2-0 YVC) AT ALBEMARLE (0-1, 0-1 YVC) Albemarle | Friday, March 19 6:30 p.m.

After a two-week pause due to COVID-19 contact tracing, the Bulldogs return to the field this week and host cross-county rival North Stanly. The Comets are 2-0 after routing South Davidson 51-0 last week at home. North Stanly piled up 323 yards on the ground, led by sophomore Cameron Smith’s nine carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Christian Barber also had two touchdown runs, and the Comets totaled six scores on the ground. North Stanly topped Albemarle 20-7 last season.

SOUTH STANLY (1-2, 1-2 YVC) AT EASTERN RANDOLPH (3-0, 0-2 PAC7) Ramseur | Thursday, March 18 6:30 p.m.

The Rebel Bulls dropped their second straight, losing 50-0 at North Moore.

South Stanly managed just 2.7 yards per carry and had only 156 yards of total offense in the loss. It doesn’t get easier for the Rebel Bulls, who now travel to unbeaten Eastern Randolph. The Wildcats were 10-3 a season ago, reaching the second round of the playoffs before losing to West Stokes. Eastern Randolph won twice last week, beating Jordan-Matthew on Monday at home and then winning on the road Friday at T. Wingate Andrews.

WEST STANLY (1-0, 1-0 RRC) AT CENTRAL ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY & ARTS (0-2, 0-1 RRC) Monroe | Friday, March 19 6:30 p.m.

The Colts finally started play last week, posting a 21-0 shutout win at home over Forest Hills that was fueled by more than 300 yards on the ground. Next up are the 0-2 Cougars, who have scored just seven points total in two blowout losses, including a 49-0 defeat at Mount Pleasant last week. The two teams last played in 2017, with West Stanly shutting out Central Academy of Technology & Arts 60-0

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West Stanly shuts out Forest Hills in football season opener The Colts finally got on the field and came through with a 21-0 win

the Colts running backs started finding open ground.

Without standout rusher and NC State commit Jordan Poole (who decided to graduate school early), West Stanly is confident

By Jesse Deal using a backfield by committee Stanly County Journal this season.

“Those guys can play with OAKBORO — After two weeks of game cancellations, anybody,” Morton said. “Blake the West Stanly varsity football (Helms) makes really good team finally made its season de- cuts, Gavin (Hudson)’s a bruiser downhill, Braden but Friday night and Hartsell, Logan Little claimed a 21-0 victo— I think all those guys ry over Forest Hills. played really well toBoth teams racked “It’s the first night. We finally started up penalties and opening up some holes costly sacks, but the game, so we and running lanes there Colts (1-0, 1-0 Rocky made way in the second half.”

River Conference) too many After a scoreless controlled the secfirst quarter, the Colts ond half’s momen- mistakes capped a long drive tum with a stout de- on offense with a 7-yard touchfensive performance down scramble at the and steady rushing with missing attack, while the Yel- assignments 8:28 mark of the second quarter. West Stanlow Jackets’ (1-2, 0-1 ly forced a fumble by RRC) passing game and not Forest Hills one minute was thwarted by the getting the later, but the Colts were speed of the Colts’ right guys unable to build on the secondary. lead and were ahead 7-0 “The defense blocked. at halftime. played great, minus … We got Midway through the a few runs there late third quarter, senior Loin the third quar- adjusted in gan Little broke free for ter. That’s the whole the second a 10-yard dash to the left thing that kept us gocorner of the end zone. ing there,” West Stan- half and The Yellow Jackets rely coach Brett Mor- started sponded with their lonton said. “It’s the first making it gest offensive drive of game, so we made the game, an effort that way too many mis- work.” eventually led to an intakes on offense with terception at the 1-yard missing assignments Brett Morton, line by West Stanly juand not getting the nior linebacker Khaleel right guys blocked. West Stanly McAuley.

Hats off to Forest coach The Colts’ defense Hills — they had a held steady for the rest good game plan that forced us to execute situations a of the contest and their offense little differently than we thought closed out the matchup with a we’d have to. We got adjusted 15-yard touchdown run by Hudin the second half and started son.

West Stanly’s next matchup is making it work.”

Morton says his team was too a road trip to Central Academy “keyed-up” during the first half of Technology of Arts (0-2, 0-1 of the game — perhaps from two RRC), while Forest Hills will weeks of COVID-19 protocol-re- look to regroup at home against lated cancellations — but even- Montgomery Central (1-1, 0-1 tually settled into a groove once RRC).

Tokyo Olympic torch relay: Masks, quiet cheering and caution Starting March 25 and for the next four months, 10,000 runners will carry the flame BUTCH DILL | AP PHOTO

Former first overall pick Jameis Winston re-signed with New Orleans and will compete with Taysom Hill to replace the retired Drew Brees as Saints quarterback.

Winston re-signs with Saints after Brees retirement The 2015 first overall pick played sparingly in four games with New Orleans last season

By Brett Martel The Associated Press NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints are bringing back quarterback Jameis Winston on a one-year contract.

The move announced by Saints general manager Mickey Loomis comes on the heels of Drew Brees’ decision over the weekend to retire and provides Winston a chance to compete with Taysom Hill to be New Orleans’ next starter under center.

Winston entered the NFL with high expectations after winning the 2013 Heisman Trophy and being selected first overall by Tampa Bay in the 2015 NFL Draft. He started five seasons for the Buccaneers, who allowed Winston to walk in free agency in 2020 after opting instead to sign Tom Brady.

Brady led the Buccaneers to the franchise’s second Super Bowl victory while Winston served as a backup for the NFC South Division champion Saints.

Winston played only sparingly in his first season in New Orleans, even when Brees missed four

games with rib and lung injuries.

Hill went 3-1 as a starter in Brees’ absence.

Winston did replace Brees for one half in a victory over San Francisco — a game Brees started before leaving at halftime because of his chest injuries. While Winston did not throw a touchdown pass in that game, he led two scoring drives — one for a touchdown and one for a field goal — in a 2713 victory.

In all, Winston appeared in four regular season games for New Orleans, completing 7-of-11 passes for 75 yards.

He also took the field for a trick play in an NFC divisional round playoff loss to Tampa Bay, completing a 56-yard touchdown pass to Tre’Quan Smith to gave the Saints a 13-10 lead.

In his career, Winston has appeared in 76 regular season games with 70 starts, completing 61.4% of his passes for 19,812 yards and 121 touchdowns while also throwing 88 interceptions. He also has rushed for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns.

But the Bucs struggled to win with Winston, going 28-42 in games he started.

In 2019, Winston led the NFL with 5,109 yards passing and ranked second with 33 touchdown passes, but also obtained

88 Interceptions in 76 career games for Jameis Winston, including a league-high 30 in 2019 the dubious distinction of being the first NFL QB with at least 30 TDs and 30 interceptions in the same season.

In joining the Saints on a oneyear, back-up deal in 2019, Winston took ownership of the role his mercurial play had in Tampa Bay’s inconsistent results during his tenure there. He also stated that he saw moving to the Saints as an opportunity to change his career trajectory for the better by learning from the NFL’s all-time leading passer in Brees, and coach Sean Payton, who designs and calls New Orleans’ offense.

“One thing I’m really excited to learn — the most exciting thing — the way this quarterback room functions,” Winston said last April. “What’s coach Payton’s approach to every week? What’s Drew’s approach? What’s Taysom doing in the room that I can add to my game? Just trying to find different things by serving this team and learning from everybody.”

Now he’ll have a second season in New Orleans to build on those lessons — and perhaps reemerge as an NFL starter.

By Stephen Wade The Associated Press TOKYO — Organizers plan to exercise extreme caution when the Olympic torch relay starts next week, knowing any stumble could imperil the opening of the Tokyo Games in just over four months.

The organizers spoke in detail on Tuesday about their plans for the relay, which is scheduled to begin on March 25 from northeastern Fukushima prefecture. The relay will crisscross Japan for the next four months with 10,000 runners carrying the torch.

It’s also a symbolic curtain raiser for the postponed Olympics, and there is no room for error. If the relay stumbles — if there is an outbreak of COVID-19 — it could pull down the Olympics with it and the planned opening on July 23 at Tokyo’s new national stadium.

“The objective of the Olympic torch relay is to enhance the enthusiasm,” said Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the organizing committee who has also been put in charge of the relay. “We need to balance things out between bringing enthusiasm and preventing COVID-19 infection.”

The relay links all 47 Japanese prefectures and presents a real risk of spreading the virus, particularly with much of the organizational staff coming from Tokyo, where the COVID-19 outbreak has been most severe in Japan.

There was talk shortly after the postponement of eliminating the torch relay, which has its roots in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. But that was quickly dismissed since the relay now-

adays is heavily sponsored by Coca-Cola and Toyota.

Japan has attributed about 8,600 deaths to the coronavirus, far fewer than most countries its size. But there is strong opposition to the Olympics, and much of it is due to the fear of large crowds spreading the virus.

Organizers are expected to announce in the next week if fans from abroad will be able to attend the Olympics. Unsourced reports for several weeks say those fans will be banned. However, there is strong pressure to let VIPs attend — people who obtained tickets from international federations, national Olympic committees, and sponsors.

The Olympics will feature 11,000 athletes with 4,400 more coming for the Paralympics, which open on Aug. 24.

They will operate largely in a bubble, be tested regularly, and some will come with vaccinations.

Fans along the roadsides watching the relay will be asked to social distance, wear masks, and cheer quietly. They will be banned altogether from the “Grand Start” ceremony at J-Village, not far from the site 10 years ago of the earthquake, tsunami and meltdown of three nuclear reactors.

At least 18,000 people died in the tragedy, and the area has not fully recovered.

Organizers warn they will stop or reroute the torch — or remove runners — if they they need to.

“This is going to be a long relay, and as we may find the necessity to change the rules of operation around the pandemic, or as the local conditions change,” said Hidemasa Nakamura, games delivery officer for the organizing committee. “Masks and quiet cheering is the standard.”

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 onverting convention centers, Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 17,virus.

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. about “going to opening day in Tex- prehend what the reason for that is thea vaccine Gateway facility was In this majority-black along What some Memphis, Tenwhen you have that’s 94as Rangers stadium with a full sta-city If they did, shopping wo the Mississippi River, lawmakers e, residents don’t get is why in 95% effective and it is very safe. I dium.” more difficult for re and96, community leaders have justbeen don’t getcome it.”

Carter, says he got vaccinated r city, a shopping center in the of vaccine doses who ar to help end the pandemic “as over soon whatThe especially for those sounding the alarm theynumber dle of a predominantly black, distributed and administered as possible.” of transpo see as a disturbing trend of the vi- have no meanseach income residential neighborThe video features photos of the day in the U.S. is rising, with more to stores located farther aw rus killing African Americans at a d has been chosen. former presidents and their spous- than 2.5 million daily shots in arms “For people who don’t higher rate. ty and state officials are cones with syringes in their upper arms on average in the last week. what dohave they Nutbush resident Har- 1 incar, ed that By anMichelle influx Liu of patients About 5 Americans re-do?” ask Americans to “rollPatricia up that he was vaccinated in private at as they urge Republicans. ceived at least onewho dose,spoke with about and do your part” by officials “If he came out and said, ‘Go and the White House before leaving of- your sleeve The Associated Press ris, to The Ass ris wondered aloud if city m Memphis, as well as nearby 1 in 9the fully vaccinated, according to a bott getting vaccinated. get vaccinated. It’s really important fice in January.

Press while lugging were “trying to contaminate” sissippi, Arkansas and rural the Centers for Disease Control and “The science is clear,” Bush says.

Two public service announcefor your health, the health of your DR. ANTHONY FAUCI said tergent, a package of bott neighborhood.

Tennessee, will strain hospiSunday he wishes former President family and the health of the coun- ments from the Ad Council and “These vaccines will protect you Prevention. ter andisother items Activist Earle Fisher, an AfriTheir fears are echoed across The coronavirus blamed for from t and those you love from this danCOVID Donald Trump would use his pop- try,’ it seems absolutely inevitable the business-supported ADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO A Lot to her car.

She note can American Memphis pastor, country:ularity Governors, mayors among Republicans to per- that the vast majority of people who Collaborative feature Presidents gerous and deadly disease.” Obama over 530,000 deaths in the Unitgrocery store recently clos understands the anxiety.

“This health suade experts in numerous April 3, 2020 photo, Gateway Shopping Centercalls them, the “first step to end- ed States. Deaths and newly conBarack Obama, George W. Bush, are his close followers would listen shows more of his followers toThis get Friday, firmed infections per day have tuming the pandemic and moving our Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, as to him,” Fauci told “Fox News Sunthe COVID-19 vaccine. her house and she already is an honest and reasonable cones are also researching and in Memphis, Tenn. bledsaid. over thetravel past two months. forward.” well as first ladies Michelle Obama, country a round of medical interviews on the day.” farther toBut get to Gat cern and skepticism,” Fisher tructing In makeshift Polls have shown Republicans cases are running at a still-trouThere was no immediate com- Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and morning news shows, the govern“When we do things “I think it’s par for the course for ities. ment’s top infectious disease ex- ment from the former president’s Rosalynn Carter. joining black people and other bling average of about 55,000 a day. got to consider the black people to be righteously a Chinese restaurant and other Lee has disclosed a few: the Mun New York City, they’re turnFauci repeatedly warned against people In a 60-second spot, the former groups in expressing greater skeppert lamented polling showing that office. she said. “W governmental intersic City Trump Centerhas inurged Nashville, the o the Javits Center convention back neighborhood,” on public health meathan othersof about the safety pulling presidents say what they’re most ticismskeptical people to get businesses.

Trump supporters are more likely sures too early, the virus of the vention vaccine. that did not consult needsaying to make the neighb forward to once thecenter pan- for vaccinated, doing so again two looking to refuse get vaccinated, saying with Locating a treatment Chattanooga Convention Center, in Chicago, theto McCormick surgingthan back,itendansaid heon doesn’t understand demic ends. patients there pos- Fauci weeks agoExpo at a conservative politics needs to beand separated already is.” people the ground first.”could come worse the Knoxville Center —politiall coronavirus e Convention Center; in from gering the goal of getting theSteve coun- Cohen, the resistance.

74, says he wants to “go say: cal gathering in Florida. neigh- es Clinton, no-brainer” U.S. Rep. Doug McGowen, the city’s chief two problems, residents sites away from residential dy, Utah,“commonsense, the Mountain Amer- public “What is the problem here? This try closer to normal by early July.

But he hasn’t been among former back to work and I want to be able health measures. phis Democrat, said the d operating said potentially expose borhoods.

Expo Center.

He pointed to Europe as a cauis a vaccine that is officer, going to be life-the Gatemove around.”

Obama, 59, saysthem presidents and other public officials Itto could Fauci said it would be a “game doesn’t make sense. way site was being considered beto the virus amid concerns that The Gateway Shopping Cenhe U.S. changer” Army Corps of Engifor the country’s vaccine who have been vaccinated on cam- he wants to be able to visit with his saving for millions of people,” he tionary tale. Rising virus cases this sure there cause could accom-followed“I’m are contracting thetoNutbush s has been scouting locations rollbacks on re-are othe NBC’sit“Meet thepotentially Press.” He winter mother-in-law, “to hug her, COVID-19 and see said on encourageneighborhood others to get the blacks efforts if the former president ter usedin era strictions on the continent. added: “I mean, I just can’t comher on her birthday.”

Bush, 74, talks shot.

It was revealed only recently his “incredible influence” among Tennessee, 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 compiled a list of 35 possi- ter features a Save A Lot grocery some of the stores they rely on to if it were converted to a treatment have used those rather t site, it would hold only mildly ill into a residential neighbo backup sites. They haven’t re- store, a Rent-A-Center, a Fami- close.

Nutbush resident and commu- coronavirus patients who could be Cohen said. ed the whole list, but Gov. Bill ly Dollar, a beauty supply shop,

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Fauci: Trump should urge his followers to get vaccinated

PEC, oil nations agree o nearly 10M barrel cut

bin Salman, a son of King Salman, assented to the deal.

“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 said U.S. Energy Secretary what it described as comments EVAN VUCCI | AP PHOTO Brouillette, who credited critical of the kingdom, which finds Fauci, itself director trying ofto appeaseInstitute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, listens as President Joe Biden speaks during an event to ident Donald Trump’s perIn this Feb. 25, 2021, Dr. Anthony the National commemorate the duel50 millionth COVID-19 shot inOPEC Washington, Trump, a longtime critic. D.C. l involvement in getting Even U.S. senators had warned parties to the table and helpto end a price war between Saudi Arabia to find a way to boost prices as American shale di Arabia and Russia. il prices have collapsed as the firms face far-higher production Ashcroft is the son of John Ashcroft, who was a governor, senator navirus and the COVID-19 costs. American troops had been SAUDI ENERGY and attorney general under Presss it causes have largely halt- deployed to the kingdom for the ident George W. Bush.

Longtime lobal travel and slowed down first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, In this photo released by Saudi Energy Ministry, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Minist a political action committee in GOP adviser John Hancock notwant somebody who’s willing encounter.

By Jim Salter of stand Irani-up Energy r energy-chugging sectors attacksto over of Saudi Arabia, third right, chairs a virtualissued summit of how the Group of 20 energy Missourians tend to voteminister 2016. The commission a ed Greitens admitted to the affair stand concerns up, especially The Associated Press amid regional tenas manufacturing. It has an retaliation Riyadh, Arabia, Friday, 2020, tofor coordinate a response to plummet political lineage.

Two-term $178,000 fine, April though10, it required (heoffice and hisin wife, Sheena,Saudi divorced against the lunacy that we’re see- his stated the oil industry prices due but to an oversupply market and a downturn inDemocratic global demand due to the pandem Gov. Mel Carnahan’s payment of just $38,000. last year) denied criminalin the O’FALLON, Mo. — in Eric sions.

Gre- ing out of the left.”

However, the commission daughter was elected secretary Like spent Trump, Greitens waslast a po- wrongdoing. He accused Gardner, itens’now political “They’ve over the U.S., which pumpsfuture more seemed didn’t find evidence that Greitens of state and his son to Congress. a Democrat, of a politically motilitical outsider when both ran in doomed by scandal when he remonth waging war on American e than any other country. himself knew about the campaign Blunt’s own son, Matt, was electsigned as Missouri governor. Now, 2016. Beyond his military pedi- vated “witch hunt.” praise.

Andrés Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the deal but its president, ed ut somehe producers have been oil producers while we are defend- thatThings governor in in 2004. got worse from there. In finance issues. appears primed to test whether gree he was brash and outspoken, “The purepolitical size of the cu Manuel López Obrador, had said the United Arab Emirates would ing theirs.

This is not how friends ctant to Sen. easeRoy supply.

The carSt. Louis University Greitens’ gradual return to a Blunt’s retirement pro- but also a Rhodes scholar who April 2018, Gardner charged Greprecedented, Friday that he had agreed with cut another 2 million barrels of treat friends,” said Sen. Kevin nd other nations on Sunday Ash- then ag itens with another felony, alleging more public life began in 2019 scientist Ken Warren said but, started a charity for veterans. vides a path for redemption. croft “has a is statewide office. He’s when Trump he successfully the impact the corona thata he improperly used the donor that the was U.S.reinwill compenlike Trump, Greitens de- oil day between them atop the 46-year-old Cramer, Also a Republican from North ed to allowGreitens, Mexico tothe cut only a great statedsate to the Navy,Mexico though not as got list for his charity, The Mission establishment Republicans ex-Navy SEAL officer whoseDakota, fast feated having onname. demand,” said M what cannot add to Republican OPEC+ deal.

The three countries before the OPEC+ deal.

000 barrels a month, a stick“I think that very Continues, to raise money for his a SEAL the primary before political rise in 2016 was matched medGreitens Ghulam,is an energy an theofficer. proposed cuts. not immediately acknowledge U.S.in producers have winning alreadyin did point for an accord initially Last year, at the onset of the damaged goods,” Warren said. only by its swift decline two years November. By the end of his first 2016 campaign.

Raymond James.

“The big Oil Deal with OPEC cut themselves, though Zanbeen reducing output. The Amer- theThen-Attorney hed Friday a marathon Beyond Ashcroft, Webster UniGeneral Josh coronavirus pandemic, Greitens later,after has increasingly been laying year in office, Greitens was getGhulam and others is done.

This will hunthe video laud- ganeh o conference betweenfor 23a potential na- ican versity politicalBut scientist Bill Hall delivering masks to first re-save Hawley,attended a Republican, turned conferev- beganPlus ting buzz as aInstitute future presidential the groundwork re- Petroleum it maydeep not be enough. dreds of thousands global pact, saying it ence. s. The nations agreed citedjobs the GOP’s roster of across the state. of energy idence over to Gardner saying he sponders contender. turn to together politics. He’s become aed fre-Sunday’s candidates also includes At-a tempo Greitens had broken the cuts In recent fortunesstateturned believed quent guest on conservative is at least in themonths, UnitedGreitens States,”has Trump said that“This Officials said other planned will helpHis get political other nations’ ut 9.7 million barrels a day radio Schmitt, Lt.industry law. Hawley elected the become down in toJanuary 2018 would and television, handed out masks lief Eric for the energy in aaregular tweet.on “I conservative would like totorney thankGeneral stand was in the deal,tomeaning ownedupside oil production follow the ughout May and June.

Gov. Mike Kehoe and U.S. Rep. television, radio and podcasts.

He Senate in November 2018. when he admitted to an extrato first responders, and has been Pu- the global economy. This i he group reached the deal just lead of U.S. producers that are try- an 8-million-barrel-per-day cut and congratulate President Meanwhile, the Republi- launched his own television show Ann Wagner of St. Louis County. marital affair with his St. Louis outspoken on Twitter. too big to beParty let to fail and tin of Russia and King Salman of is Republican from July through the end of the ing to adjust to plunging demand. s before Greitens Asian markets reMissouri said in a local radio hairdresser in 2015, before he was can-led Missouri Legislature be- on the internet and Dish TV and liance showed responsibil Saudi Arabia.” year and a 6-million-barrel cut for Brouillette said the U.S. did not ned Monday and as internagan considering whether to pur- recently was a guest on former Treasurer Pat Thomas said Greappearance in St. Louis that he elected. agreement,” said Per M said President months beginning in 2021. Trump The commitments of aitssexown itens retainsthis “a definite following” adviserKremlin Steve Bannon’s al benchmark Brent crude sue impeachment proceedings.

It was more than scan- 16 would “keep the door open” make on a among Republicans. podcast.

Those discussions and the the crimidal: Following investigation Senate run.

That even before the head of ana Vladimir Putin held a joint callstateNysveen, “This will enable rebalancproduction cuts, butanwas able to ed at just over $31 a was barrel think people what “Even he the higher profile, King“ISalnal of charges came to an end when

by St. Louis Circuit Kim ing Blunt’sshale surprising announcement Rystadliked Energy. tho with Trump and Saudi the oil markets and the ex- Despite show the obvious — thatAttorney plunging American producers some observers aren’t convinced was saying, and some people just that he would not seek a third Gardner, a grand jury indicted Greitens resigned in June 2018. rebound of prices by $15 man to express support of the production cuts are small demand because of the pandem- pected ggle. term in 2022.

In February 2020, the Mis- Greitens can overcome his past. wished he’d had a chance to finish Greitens on an invasion of privamarket needed a It also said Putinofspoke sepbarrel in Commission the short term,” ic is expected to slash U.S. oil of proideo aired Greitens by the Saudi-owned some of his what ideas,”the Thomas said.

Manydeal. see Missouri Secretary souri Ethics found said cy charge, accusing him tak- per used the radio interpostpone thefeeling stock buildi withasTrump the oil statement from duction. lite channel was definitely some State arately Jay Ashcroft the earlyabout fa- “There cause” that Nigeria’s Greitens’ oil ing a compromising photo of the a“probable view to alignAl-Arabiya closely with Trump, get to finish his pre-the wor to win Blunt’s seat, issues. if Ash- that he didn’t campaign broke the law by not re- voritemarket woman threatening use it ministry. conservatives “want Presstraints problem, and other Iranian Oiland Minister BijantoZanwed the saying moment that Saudi vious commitments.” croft optsAnalysts to run. thathad it cooperated blackmail if she spoke of the porting ident Prince Trump’sAbdulaziz leadership. They now avoided.” offered cautious Mexico initially with blocked ganeh asalso told state television rgy Minister

Associated Press

Is Blunt’s exit an opening for ex-Gov. Greitens to return?

& 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, March 17, 2021 Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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obituaries obituaries

Jason Efird Roxie ASON EUGENEEudy “GENE”

J

EFIRD, EUDY, 94, went92, home to be with ROXIE passed away his Lord Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at peacefully into the arms of Jesus his home in Stanfield. on Thursday, March 4, 2021. She born October 9, 1925, wasGene bornwas on December 7, 1928 on in Cabarrus CountyMadison to the late Simeon Bluff Mountain, County, Jason Efird and the late Sarah Ella NC to the late Columbus and Lettie Burris Efird.

In addition to his Jane Rollins. In addition to her parents, she he was in death parents, waspreceded predeceased by by his wife, Jewell Little Efird; sisters, her husband of 54 years, Johnny A. Mary who Lambert, Fannie Almond, Eudy, passed away in 2004.

Minnie Furr, Wilma She leaves behind herBurleson beloved and Aileen Huskey; and brothers, Homer daughter, Janice Skene and husband, Efird, Getus Efird and Wayne Efird, Jeff; five grandchildren; ten greatSr. grandchildren; and many friends A private service to cherish herfuneral memory.

Shewill willbe held on Saturday, April 2020and be deeply missed by her11, family at Love’s Grove United Methodist friends.

Church in Stanfield RoxieCemetery was a strong Christian officiated

by Rev. White.

Burial woman who livedJim her life longing to will follow at the Love’ s Grove United be with her Savior, Jesus Christ.

She Methodist Church Cemetery, she 4360 exemplified Him everywhere Polk Ford Road,trying Stanfield. went by always to encourage sonothers.

GeraldShe andSurvivors make lifeinclude better for Wayne (Gail) Efird of Albemarle; was a long time member of Salem daughter Lisa Efird (Mark)and Hartsell United Methodist Church in of Stanfield; granddaughters, recent years, Bethel Bear Creek Kelly EfirdChurch.

Barbee and Lauren Reformed Hartsell (Justin) Crump; and greatIn lieu of flowers, the family grandsons, Patrickbe Simmons request thatIan donations made toand Elliot JacobChildren’ Simmons. the Levine s Hospital, P.O. may be NC made to Love’s BoxMemorials 32861, Charlotte, 28232; Grove United Methodist Church, St. Jude’ s Children’ s Hospital, P.O.PO Box 1000, 276, Stanfield, NC 28163-0276.

Box Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101; or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com

P

Pauline Tucker

AULINE ELIZABETH ALMOND TUCKER, 98, passed away peacefully at Trinity Place, Albemarle, NC on April 11, 2020.

Pauline was born on March 22, 1922 in Cabarrus County, NC to the late John Richard Almond and Alice TIM RILEY HARWOOD, Ada Ann Lambert Almond. 74, of New London passed March She is survived by away her three 10, 2021 in his His graveside daughters, Gayhome.

Michel (Jack), service will be 1pm on Friday March Oak Island, NC; Pamela Rushing 12, 2021 at Salem United (Foreman), Oakboro, NC;Methodist Kathy Church Cemetery with Rev. David Hunt (Marc), Albemarle, NC; her Talbert officiating. son, Chris Tucker (Chris Lear), Born July 4, 1946 Stanly Washington, DC. Sheinwill be greatly County, NCher hefive wasgrandchildren, the son of the late missed by Hurley Harwood and Naomi HeatherVance Rushing Chaney (Shannon), Poplin Harwood. was a veteran Michael Rushing,He Elizabeth Michel of the US(Craig), Air Force during Vietnam Hartzog Jack Michel, Jr. and a retired truck driver.

He wasasa (Jenn), and Woody Hunt as well member of Salem United Methodist seven great-grandchildren.

She also Church.

He loved farming and old leaves behind cherished nieces and tractors. nephews.He was a simple man that wasThe committed to his family and family expresses its sincere provided them with great love. gratitudefor to the staff and caregivers Mr. Harwood was at Trinity Place for thepreceded care theyin death by his wife Mary Elizabeth provided Pauline.

Vanhoy Harwood.

Survivors A private graveside serviceinclude will be daughters Lisa Hatley held on Monday, April(Chad) 13, 2020. A of Norwood,ofSuzanne celebration Pauline’sShields life and legacy (Delaine) of this Newsummer.

London, Kaylene will be held Harwood (Tracy) of Mt. Gilead, In lieu of flowers, the family four stepchildren Randy Poplin requests donations be made to the (Teena) of Albemarle, Sandy Hicks BrightFocus Foundation at www.

(David) of Concord, Wayne Poplin brightfocus.org.

(Tammy) of Albemarle, and Tammy Purvis (Jeff) of Hertford, NC and a number grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Stanly County DAV,

Tony Smith Grady ONY MONROEClark SMITH, 72, of

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Rockwell, NC, CLARK, went to be87, with GRADY GUY of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Albemarle, passed away on March on2021 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at NC. 8, at home in Albemarle, hisHe home by family.

A wassurrounded born on May 30, 1933 private family service will be held. to the late John Martin and Sarah Online condolences can beClark madeinat Lula Elizabeth (Smith) stanlyfuneralhome.com Stanly County.

Tony was born August 11, 1947 Grady worked as a mechanic in Stanly late Pearlie for manyCounty years, to forthe Confederate Asbury Smith and Emmer Chevrolet, Carolina Tire Lee Co, and Smith. Hewhich was the in law of Pat NCDOT heson thoroughly and MickGrady Cagle where he worked enjoyed. and Eva lived inat the fish houseuntil for many years until Albemarle, his passing. he Grady openedisAnchor House Seafood survived by his loving in Rockwell.

He and his wife spouse of 63 years Eva MaeBecky Eudy owned and Anchor(House Clark; son,operated Grady Martin Marty) for 25 years beforeRobin retiring in 2009.

Clark and wife, Denise Mr. Smith was a charter member (Efird) Clark of Albemarle; and deacon at Open Door daughters, Melody AnneBaptist Clark Church in Richfield.

He loved the of Albemarle and Sharon Kaye Lord and his family abundantly.

Tony (Clark) Sells and husband, Terry was a wonderful father, and Andrew Sells ofhusband, Albemarle. grandfather and could anything He is also survived byfixseven he put his hands on. grandchildren, Levi (Ceyanna) Mr. Smith survived Reece, by his wife Clark, Jessicais (Bobby) Becky Cagle Smith of the home, ) Adam Wensil, Tamara (Matt sons Walter Smith and Guyette Robbie , Mayes, Hollie (Matt) Smith; daughter Kayla Henderson Dakota Clark, and Dalton Sells; (Brandon); grandchildren Danielle, and six great-grandchildren, Dustin, andEthan, Steele Smith, Keaton Memphis, Mason, Elloree, and Ella Henderson; brother David Jonathan, and Drew.

Smith; sisters Kay Visitation will Kriechbaum, be held Karen Stevenson, Ruby Wednesday, March 10,Eudy, 2021,and from Dorothy Smith (Nick).

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Hartsell He is preceded in death by Funeral Home, Albemarle. brothers Joe Smith, Wayne Smith, Funeral services will be held on Claude Smith, Wade Thursday, March 11,Smith, 2021,Robert at 2:00 Smith, and sisterFuneral Mary Morris. pm in Hartsell Home’s Memorial contributions Lefler Memorial Chapel, can withbethe madeBen to Open Door Baptist Church Rev. Floyd officiating.

Burial at 44563 Hwy 52, Richfield, NC will follow place at the Stanly 28137 or toofHospice & Palliative Care Gardens Memory, 2001 East of Cabarrus County at 5003 Hospice Main St., Albemarle.

Lane, Kannapolis, Memorials mayNC be28081. made to Hospice of the Uwharrie of Stanly County and Main Street Methodist Church Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Clark family.

Online condolences can be given at www.hartsellfh.com.

Tim Harwood

S

Shirley Haire

HIRLEY MAE HAIRE, 73, of Albemarle passed away on April 11, 2020 at Atrium Health Stanly. The family will hold a private graveside service for Mrs. Haire.

Shirley was born December 12, 1946 in Washington, DC to the late Charles Richard Bateman and Elizabeth Mae Mulligan Bateman.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 30 years Vaughn Smith of Albemarle; sister Sandra Painter of Gainesville, VA; half-brother Robert Bateman of Stevensville, MD; step-children Heather Smith of Jacksonville, FL and David Smith of New London, NC; 4 step-grandchildren; nieces Cyndi Hentschel of Leesburg, VA and Cheryl Hardy of Aylett, VA; 16 grandnieces and nephews; and Gus the dog. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Haire family.

Merle Helms Charles Stewart ERLE LORRAINE AUSTIN

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HELMS,(CHUCK) 72, of Marshville, CHARLES passed away Wednesday, April 8, DOUGLAS STEWART departed 2020 aton McWhorter House this life March 11,Hospice 2021 after a in Monroe. short illness. Charles was born in Lorraine was born April 28, 1947 King’s Mountain, North Carolina in James Monroeand to the lateStewart.

Homer David to Essie He Austin and by Jewell Delphia-Jane is survived Patricia his wife Austin. was also preceded and loveShe of 67 years; daughterin death by brothers, A.D. and Teddy Kathleen Tweed; son-in-law Daniel Austin; daughter and sister,Jane Joy Austin.

Tweed; Stewart; The family will receive friends granddaughter Sarah Tweed; from 6:00 pm 8:00 pm, Friday, brother James Frederick Stewart April 10, 2020 Hartsell Funeral (Margaret) andatmany nieces and Home of Albemarle.

The funeral nephews.

His son Charles (Doug) service will at 11:00William am on and Stewart, Jr.,be brothers Saturday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Roy Stewart preceded him in death.

Church inserved Marshville, officiated Chuck twenty-nine

by Rev. John Miller andStates Rev. Leon years with the United Air Whitley.

She will in state for 30he Force.

Willing tolie serve wherever minutes prior themany service.

She will was needed hetohad remote be laid to rest in church cemetery. assignments, butthe whenever possible is survived byhim. her beloved hisShe family was with Over husband 47 years, Helms the yearsof they movedPaul often.

To be of the home; Alex (Deanna)A together wasson, most important.

Helmstime of Pageland; daughter, Paula short after retiring at Pope (Cristin Brandt) Helmstoofwork Mintas Hill; AFB, NC he returned a grandchildren, Mason, civil servant and retiredGrant, from and there Raegan Helms; brothers, Boyce, in January 2000.

Royce, Tim Austin; and sisters, Chuck and Pat discovered a love Patricia andand Angel Tarleton. of squareMullis, dancing became Memorials mayPromenaders be made to the members of Pope Alzheimer’ s Association, 4600 Park Square Dance Club in 1988.

Over Rd.,years Suitethey 250,were Charlotte, NC 28209. the members of several clubs and remain active members of Camping Squares and the Square Dance Federation of NC. Chuck had a very full and happy life.

He loved Camping and fishing and spent many happy days with friends at Camp Lejeune and traveling to the next dance or get together. They visited every state including Hawaii and Alaska several times in their motor home. He loved life and all its adventures, but most of all he loved his home and family.

Thank you to all the nurses and doctors of Novant Health Care who took care of him during these last difficult days. A special heartfelt thank you to Dr. David Malone for INDA TUCKER HATLEY, 69, of his special care of Chuck and the Albemarle, passed away Monday, family and to Stacey RN for all she April 2020. did to13, help.

Linda was services born September 18, Grave side will be held 1950 in Concord the lateat Jacob on Friday, Marchto19, 2021 1:00and Claris Tucker.

SheMemorial was also preceded pm at the Sunset Garden, in death by her brother, Terry Lee 8901 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, NC Tucker, and her sister, Brenda Donations intwin his memory Tucker Strickland.

We know Brenda to WOUNDED WARRIORS and Linda are in Heaven watching PROJECT or TUNNEL TO over us andFoundation laughing. would be TOWERS Linda was a loving mother, sister, appreciated. and “Nana.” She was a very giving and loving person. Linda would always do anything she could for others, especially her family. She enjoyed working at FastShop #5, Locust. Linda will be forever loved and greatly missed.

Survivors include her son, Alan Hatley and wife, Angela, of Albemarle; brother, Ronnie Tucker and wife, Linda, of Midland; granddaughter, Leslie Hatley; 1 niece; and 2 nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. Linda will be laid to rest during a private committal service at Bethel United Methodist Church, Midland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Bethel UMC, 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC 28107.

L

Linda Hatley

Danny Luther Jonathan Haigler ANNY PAUL LUTHER,

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65, of Norwood, passed away JONATHAN CHAD unexpectedly Thursday, April HAIGLER of Stanfield, NC 9, 2020 ataway Atrium in at passed onHealth MarchStanly 8, 2021 Albemarle. the young age of 48.

Mr. Luther was born 27, Chad is survived byMarch his loving 1955 of to the late Robert and wife 18 years.

TheyFulton had been Helen Tucker since Luther. sweethearts 1991. They had Danny was survived by his wife, a lifetime of love and happiness.

Denisewere Burleson Luther of Norwood; They true soulmates. sons, Jeremy (Karen)remembered Luther and Chad is lovingly Jody step-sons, by hisLuther; daughter TiffanyBryan Weaver Whitley and GreggMichael (Anita) Whitley; and Son-In-Law and a Grandchildren, Luther and newborn baby Daniel grandson Everett Hunter Zado, as well as hisNC; brother, Michael of Kannapolis, his Bob Luther Jr (Lorena), uncle Jack Father Roger Haigler (Cathy) of Luther andNC; several loved nieces, Oakboro, his other Mother Toleah nephews and cousins.

Poplin (Bill) of Stanfield, NC, Danny retired from his sister recently Rená Bailey (Doug) Charlotte Pipe andHe Foundry after of Concord, NC. had many a dedicated 37 years and worked nephews and nieces (Trevor there with his Bethany sons and several other Bailey, Jake, and Abbie friends and Hartis) whofamily lovedmembers. him and will Danny miss him.loved spending time at hisChad lake house with his family and was born in Charlotte, friends as well8,as1972. vacationing NC on April He with his family. Danny andPiedmont Denise enjoyed graduated from High listeningintoMonroe, beach music lovedHe to School NC and in 1991. shag dance every chance they could worked in the Flooring Industry get.Haigler He wasCarpet an amazing loving at and father, Interiors grandfather and great friend to for over 30 years alongside his many.Chad He will never be forgotten. dad. enjoyed Hunting, A celebration of life will beand Fishing, Football, Nascar, announcedtime oncewith the current spending his family and COVID-19 restrictions lifted. his friends. He especiallyare enjoyed Hartsell Funeral Home of movie dates with his daughter Albemarle is serving theloved Luther every month.

He also family. time on the river with spending Annette and their friends. He lived every day to the fullest. He was so proud of his family and he will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

The graveside remembrance of life service will be held at Wayside Baptist Church, 3606 Drake Road, Midland, North Carolina 28107 at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Brian Bolding officiating.

Flowers may be sent to: Stanly Funeral Home and Cremation Care 1835 Badin Road, Albemarle NC, 28001.

Condolences for the family may be offered online at www. stanlyfuneralhome.com

Jerry Fincher Mary Keegan ERRY FINCHER passed from

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this life on AprilGIROUX 3, 2020 at 8:05 MARY JUDE pm.

He was surrounded by his family KEEGAN, 60, of Albemarle, and holding hand of the love of11, passed awaythe Thursday, March his life. Jerry is preceded in death 2021.

by Mary three siblings, twoborn brothers, Billy Jude was September Gilbert andNew LarryYork Richard 5, 1960Fincher, in Albany, to Fincher, one sister, Barbra Joyce the late and Raymond Giroux and the Moore. late Elizabeth Barber Giroux.

He isfamily survived byreceive his wife, Eleanor The will Kate Fincher of the home, daughter, friends from 6:00pm-8:00pm, Cindy Fincher Jacobs of Wingate Tuesday, March 16, 2021, in NC., son and daughter in law, Hartsell Funeral Home of Tommy (Tiffany) Fincher of New London Albemarle’s Lefler Memorial NC., StepThe Children, Jimmy Chapel. funeral Mass(Lisa) will be Lanier of Locust March NC, Wanda (Bob) on Wednesday, 17, 2021 Krimminger ofOur Locust NC.,ofEric at 11:00am at Lady the (Sharon) LanierCatholic of Charlotte NC., in Annunciation Church Grandchildren-Trey (Gera) Whitson Albemarle, officiated by Father of Midland, Step-grandchildren, Fitzgibbons.

Burial will follow at ZachStanly (Brittney) Washington, Aaron the Gardens of Memory at (Kinsey) Washington, Caleb (Nayeli) 2001 East Main St., Albemarle.

Washington, (Robbie) Survivors Beth include sons;Setzer, Patrick Matthew ( April ) Wallace, Step (Bridgette) Keegan of Cohoes, great-grandchildren, Britlyn-Eve NY, Nicholas (Heather) Keegan Washington, Robert Setzer,Keegan George of Albemarle, NC, Craig (Sara) Setzer, Tracy (Rob) Setzer of Albemarle, NC, grandchildren; Bumgardener, Katie Underwood, Gavin, Hannah, Jack, Elyse, Andrew Underwood, Step great Oliver, and Ryan Keegan, and great grandchild, Waylon George sister, Jeannine Giroux-Holland Setzer and brother Donald Lewis and her late husband Mark.

Mary Fincher of Albemarle, NC. Jude was also the loving “Ant” of Jerry Fincher willand be laid to rest on Elizabeth, Maria, Allyson Wednesday April 8,2020 at 11:00 am Holland. at Canton Baptist Church.

Anyone Mary Jude Keegan RN, interested inwas attending, pleaseof RSVP BSN, CHN a graduate at 704-796-2412.

Dr. Phil McCray Catholic High School, class of and Pastor Tommy Fincher will 1978, Albany Memorial Nursing officiate.and SUNY Utica-Rome.

School, She worked for many years as a critical care nurse, Hospice nurse, and also worked with the prison system to care for the sick.

Mary Jude absolutely loved her grandchildren and she was always excited to see them. She enjoyed shopping, bowling, and going to dinner with her family. Most important to her was spending quality time with her loved ones.

Mary Jude was a devout Roman Catholic who regularly attended Mass on Sundays.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Keegan family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

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, March 17, 2021

STATE & NATION

Patterns emerge in jury screening for trial in Floyd’s death

By Steve Karnowski The Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS — The first week of jury selection in the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death established patterns for how attorneys go about dismissing potential jurors they perceive as unfavorable to their side.

The defense is striking people who tell the court they already have strong feelings about Derek Chauvin’s guilt. The prosecution, meanwhile, is blocking potential jurors who seem inclined to give police the benefit of the doubt — or who express misgivings about the Black Lives Matter movement.

Though their targets are predictable, there’s an art to how both sides carry it out. Attorneys have sought in their questioning to unearth biases against their case by members of the jury pool, prompting Judge Peter Cahill to dismiss them and saving precious and limited strikes.

They’re not always successful.

One candidate wrote in his questionnaire that he had a “very negative” perception of Chauvin after watching the widely seen video of Floyd’s arrest. When asked to explain, he said he felt that Floyd was treated “worse than an enemy combatant.”

“It reminded me of like a war scene,” he said. “What popped into

JIM MONE | AP PHOTO

A group of protesters march in the snow around the Hennepin County Government Center, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Minneapolis. my mind was images of World War Two.” The man also said that he would have difficulty with the presumption of innocence in this case, and based on the video he saw, it would be hard for him to acquit Chauvin.

Yet, despite his strong emotions and statements, when defense attorney Eric Nelson repeatedly asked if the man could abandon his opinions and decide the case impartially based on what is said in court, the man said, “Yes” – thwarting Nelson’s attempts to

have the judge dismiss the juror for cause. “If I couldn’t imagine myself saying ‘not guilty,’ I wouldn’t be here,” the man said.

Nelson was forced to use a peremptory strike to keep him off the jury. He gets 15 such challenges that may be used without giving a reason — as long as it’s not solely due to a person’s race. The prosecution gets nine.

The defense attorney had to use another to strike a man who knew many details about the case from several news sources and

expressed strong opinions about Floyd’s death in his questionnaire.

The man also spoke positively about the protests that followed, saying they solidified the need for change and to end systemic racism.

Nelson noted that the man had posted on Facebook that he visited 38th and Chicago — the site of the fatal confrontation, which has been turned into a memorial — and he called it “holy ground.”

Still, like the juror before him, the man kept saying affirmatively that he could set all his opinions aside and weigh the evidence fairly, forcing Nelson to use another peremptory strike.

So far, most of the rejected jurors have been people with negative views of Chauvin. But some have been struck for tilting toward police, or for being skeptical of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Under questioning from prosecutor Steve Schleicher, one man said he had a “somewhat unfavorable” view of Black Lives Matter.

He said he thought the movement has “good intentions but has been involved in too much destruction in our city,” and was disapproving of “BLM” graffiti across the city.

It’s “hard not to see those letters,” he said. He also said he has strong respect for law enforcement and strongly disagrees with the notion of defunding the police, a movement that gained currency

after Floyd died.

Schleicher used one of his strikes to dismiss the man.

Seven jurors were seated in the opening week. Four were white, one was multiracial, one was Hispanic and one was black, according to the judge. Opening arguments are scheduled for March 29.

Several jurors have been dismissed for cause. About two dozen in the pool were so problematic just from the answers they gave on their questionnaires that the attorneys from both sides agreed they should be struck without even facing questioning.

For those potential jurors who have come to the courthouse under security escort through the fences, barbed wire and razor wire, some have been excused for cause because of personal hardships.

But most of those dismissed for cause had unshakable views.

Cahill dismissed one woman for cause after she said outright that she could not be an impartial juror.

The woman said Floyd’s death has affected her life, prompting her to volunteer at a nonprofit group that helps underserved and vulnerable children. The judge and prosecution pressed her briefly to make sure she would not change her mind.

“You don’t think that you could give the defendant a fair trial?”

Schleicher asked.

“I don’t think I can,” she replied.

CAROLYN KASTER | AP PHOTO

National Guard soldiers open a gate of the razor wire-topped perimeter fence around the Capitol to allow a colleague in at sunrise in Washington, Monday, March 8, 2021.

Stay or go? Fence, Guard pose Capitol security questions

By Lisa Mascaro The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lawmakers call the razor-topped security fence around the U.S. Capitol “ghastly,” too militarized and, with the armed National Guard troops still stationed at the Capitol, not at all representative of the world’s leading icon of democracy.

“All you have to do is to see the fencing around the Capitol to be shocked,” Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., said in an interview Friday.

How to protect lawmakers, while keeping the bucolic Capitol grounds open to visitors has emerged as one of the more daunting, wrenching questions from the protest. Not since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has security been so elevated, and the next steps so uncertain, for the Capitol complex.

The U.S. Capitol Police has asked for the fencing and the National Guard to remain, for now.

Police officers are working grueling round-the-clock overtime shifts. With vague warnings of

another attack and threats on lawmakers that have nearly doubled since the start of 2021, the police, the Pentagon and lawmakers themselves are wrestling with how best to secure what has been a sprawling campus mostly open to visiting tourists and neighborhood dog walkers alike.

“The attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th forever changed how we look at the ‘People’s House,’” acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman said in written testimony before Congress in February.

She said that even before the 9/11 attacks, security experts, including former chiefs of police, argued that more needed to be done to protect the Capitol complex.

“The Capitol’s security infrastructure must change,” Pittman testified.

While some lawmakers say privately they appreciate the heightened security, taking down the protective perimeter and easing the National Guard’s presence is the one issue that appears to be uniting both Democrats and Republicans in the toxic political en-

vironment on Capitol Hill since the deadly riot.

One option that has emerged is for a mobile, retractable barrier that could be put up as needed.

“What we have now, that’s just unacceptable to me,” Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Democratic majority whip, told reporters.

“It’s just ghastly, it’s an embarrassment. If there’s a better way to protect us, I want to see it. I want to work to get it.”

Lawmakers described their unease at arriving for work each day in what can feel like a war zone.

The absence of tourists snapping photos of the Capitol dome or constituents meeting with representatives is an emotional loss on top of COVID-19 restrictions, they said. The security perimeter extends far beyond the Capitol itself through neighboring parks and office buildings.

The Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, compared it to a combat zone in Afghanistan.

“I think we are way overreacting,” he said at a press conference.

This week, Defense Secretary

Lloyd Austin formally approved the Capitol Police request to extend the deployment of nearly 2,300 Guard members for about two more months.

The pushback from Capitol Hill was immediate and bipartisan.

Top Republican senators on the Senate Armed Services, Homeland Security, Intelligence and other committees downplayed the potential threats to the Capitol, especially weighed against the drain on National Guard troops serving far from their homes.

“Our National Guard troops, who serve with great honor and distinction, are not law enforcement officers, and we will not abide the continued militarization of Capitol complex security,” wrote Sens. James Inhofe of Oklahoma, Rob Portman of Ohio, Marco Rubio of Florida and others.

“We are deeply troubled by the current level of security around the United States Capitol,” wrote the House Armed Services Committee’s Democratic Chairman Adam Smith of Washington and Rep, Mike Rogers of Alabama, the

top Republican in a joint statement.

They said while there is no doubt “some level” of support from the National Guard should remain in the region to respond to threats, “the present security posture is not warranted at this time.”

Still, other lawmakers say privately they are comfortable keeping security high, for now, as the country tries to ease back to a sense of normalcy after the devastating attack on the seat of government.

A sweeping security review conducted in the aftermath of the riot by a task force led by retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré recommended eventually replacing the barrier with mobile fencing and “an integrated, retractable fencing system” that could be deployed as needed.

Coupled with the hiring of 350 additional officers, the report also recommends establishing a permanent “quick response force” within the Capitol Police but also at the National Guard in D.C. for emergencies. There was a marked delay in sending the Guard to the Capitol on Jan. 6.

A supplemental spending request for security is expected to be considered by Congress in April.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 26 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021

Twin City Herald

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

Atlantic Coast Conference tournament

Georgia Tech guard Jose Alvarado (10) celebrates his team's 80-75 win over Florida State in the Championship game of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Greensboro, Saturday, March 13, 2021.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Local talent featured on American Idol Forsyth County Mason Via and Presley Barker never met until they auditioned in California for the latest season of “American Idol.” They are among hopefuls from across the country vying for golden tickets to Hollywood on the show. Via (pronounced Vi), 23, now lives in Winston-Salem. Barker, 16, a native of Traphill, is a 10th-grader at East Wilkes High School. Both Via, who goes by the stage name Mason Picks on “American Idol,” and Barker have played at venues in Winston-Salem and have been favorites at Muddy Creek Café and Music Hall Sparta.

AP

Police: Woman charged in 2010 death of newborn girl Forsyth County Jennifer McMillan Crow, 44, of Walkertown, was arrested on charges that stem from the death of her newborn child more than a decade ago.

Winston-Salem police said that she was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of the infant known as “Therese, the Little Flower.”

Crow is accused of killing her unnamed infant child on Sept.

11, 2010. The baby’s body was found in a container outside a Planned Parenthood office in Winston-Salem. The girl was buried on Sept. 29, 2010, at Lewisville United Methodist Church in Lewisville. About 120 mourners attended the baby’s funeral.

AP

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20177 52016 $0.50

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Medically vulnerable in US put near end of vaccine line

By Bryan Anderson The Associated Press RALEIGH — When Ann Camden learned last month that her 17-year-old daughter got exposed to the coronavirus at school and was being sent home, she packed her belongings, jumped in the car and made the two-hour drive to the coast to stay with her recently vaccinated parents.

The 50-year-old mother had been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer and could not afford to become infected. She also was not yet eligible under North Carolina’s rules to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. So she left her twin daughters with her husband and fled for safety.

Across the United States, millions of medically vulnerable people who initially were cited as a top vaccination priority group got slowly bumped down the list as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention modified its guidelines to favor the elderly, regardless of their physical condition, and workers in a wide range of job sectors.

North Carolina is one of 24 states that currently places people under 65 with “underlying medical conditions” near the bottom of

TED S. WARREN | AP PHOTO

Syringes with doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, are shown next to vaccination cards, Saturday, March 13, 2021. the pack to receive the vaccine, according to Jen Kates, senior vice president and director of global health and HIV policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation. A report she wrote for the foundation last month listed Pennsylvania as the lone state making vaccines available to the medically vulnerable during its first phase of distribution.

When North Carolina unveiled its initial guidance in Oc-

tober, it placed people with multiple chronic conditions near the top of the list. In response to December recommendations from the CDC to prioritize people 75 and older, however, it dropped those with chronic conditions to Phase 2. When the guidance changed again to expand eligibility to those 65 and up, medically vulnerable residents learned in January they would be dropped to Phase 4 — to be vaccinated after “frontline es-

Man stabs boss multiple times in Winston-Salem hotel room attack TCH staff Justin Allen Bolden was arrested after attacking his boss and stabbing him multiple times at a Winston-Salem hotel.

Bolden, 31, of Lexington, is an employee of Jimmy Isaac Stanley, 39, of Greenville, although police did not immediately report where the two men worked or what type of business it was.

Stanley was in his hotel room

at the University Inn and Suites on Peters Creek Parkway when he was attacked by Bolden, who stabbed him multiple times, according to a statement from the Winston-Salem Police Department, based on evidence found in the room. Stanley attempted to escape, leaving the room and heading for a stairway. Bolden followed him and continued the attack, stabbing him in the stairway as well.

Stanley screamed for help, and

a nearby witness went to the stairwell to intervene. When Stanley left, the witness called 911.

Police responded to reports of the attack at 5:30 Friday morning and found Stanley, who was taken by ambulance to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and was in critical condition.

By the time police arrived, Stanley had left the scene of the attack, taking Stanley’s phone with him.

Police found him walking away

sential workers” but before “everyone.”

“When they slid us to group 4, it was very quiet,” Camden said.

“It was like, ‘We don’t want to talk about it. We’re just gonna kind of tuck you over there.’ That in itself was kind of insulting.”

The state’s top public health official, Dr. Mandy Cohen, said residents under 65 with chronic conditions were moved down the list after health officials received data showing elderly residents are far more likely to die of COVID-19, though she acknowledged “age is not a perfect proxy for risk.”

North Carolina announced this week that it would start vaccinating people 16 years or older with at least one of 18 at-risk conditions on March 17. And last week, the state expanded its eligibility guidelines to include people like D’Angelo who receive at-home care. D’Angelo is now retroactively eligible under Phase 1, which launched in December.

Maura Wozniak, a 42-year-old Charlotte-area resident, has cystic fibrosis and will wait until it’s her turn to get vaccinated. Wozniak was furious with North Carolina’s decision to push her back in line, as it meant a lengthier delay for her kids to get back to the classroom. But after learning on social media that she’d soon become eligible, she cried in relief.

“They were able to hear the pleas from high-risk individuals in the state,” Wozniak said. “The fact that they gave us a date was promising. Is everything gonna be perfect? No. But at least there’s a certain window now.”

from the hotel and took him into custody based on “evidence found on him.”

He faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill as well as robbery with a dangerous weapon.

He was jailed at the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center on a $75,000 bond.

The investigation is still ongoing. Police have not released a possible motivation for the attack.

The Winston-Salem Police Department requests that anyone with information regarding this investigation to call (336) 7737700 or contact Crime Stoppers at (336) 727-2800. You can also view Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County on Facebook.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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3.17.21

WEEKLY FORECAST

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MARCH 17

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“Join the conversation” Twin City Herald Publisher Neal Robbins

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♦ BLACKBURN, JAMES DIANTE was arrested on a charge of BREAKING/LARCFELONY at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/15/2021 ♦ BOLDEN, JUSTIN ALLEN was arrested on a charge of ROBBERY at 2115 PETERS CREEK PW on 3/12/2021 ♦ BURTON, EDDIE was arrested on a charge of VIO. PROTECTIVE ORDER BY COURTS ANOTHER STATE/ INDIAN TRIBE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/14/2021 ♦ Burgess, Robby Lee (M/26) Arrest on chrg of Vand-real Property, M (M), at 7755 Shallowford Rd, Lewisville, NC, on 3/13/2021 00:20. ♦ CALDWELL, DELPHIS was arrested on a charge of ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/12/2021 ♦ Eddleman, Joseph Samuel (M/33) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 119 Valley Forge Ln, Kernersville, NC, on 3/13/2021 10:21.

Biden prepares to strip college students of due process rights IT’S WORTH REMINDING people that if President Joe Biden were compelled to live by the standards he intends to institute for college students accused of sexual misconduct, he would be presumed guilty of rape, denied any legitimate opportunity to refute Tara Reade’s charges and tossed from office in disgrace.

The New York Times reports today that Biden’s Kafkaesque “White House Gender Policy Council” is “beginning his promised effort to dismantle Trump-era rules on sexual misconduct that afforded greater protections to students accused of assault.” The subhead informs us that, “The Biden administration will examine regulations by Betsy DeVos that gave the force of law to rules that granted more due process rights to students accused of sexual assault.”

The most disingenuous word here — though the piece is brimming with them — is “more.”

History did not begin in 2015, and former education secretary Betsy DeVos did not invent more due process rights in Title IX; she simply reinstated time-honored fundamental due process rights that have guided justice systems in the liberal world for hundreds of years. The Constitution says — twice — that no citizen shall be arbitrarily “deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.” No means no.

It was only in 2011 that the Obama administration instituted fewer due process rights through the force of law, denying the

6) Resisting Arrest (M), and 7) Alter, Destroy, Or Steal Evidence Of Criminal Conduct (F), at Medical Center Blvd, Winston Salem, NC, on 3/15/2021 18:36. ♦ Gasga Noyola, Alvaro (M/20) Arrest on chrg of Ccw, M (M), at Nb 52/akron Dr_nb 52 Ra, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/11/2021 07:18. ♦ GUZMAN, JOSHUA G was arrested on a charge of DOM CRIMINAL TRESPAS at 1200 WOODED AV/OLD RURAL HALL RD on 3/13/2021 ♦ HOLLAND, MARKE JAMA was arrested on a charge of OFA/FTA-SIMPLE ASSAULT at BREWER RD/PETERS CREEK PW on 3/12/2021 ♦ Jackson, Traquan Deonte (M/21) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault-simple (M) and 2) Vand-personal Prop (M), at 200 Woodbriar Path, Rural Hall, NC, on 3/11/2021 20:30. ♦ JOHNSON, JULIOUS was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/13/2021 ♦ JONES, MARK DAQUAN was arrested on a charge of AFFRAY at 7742 NORTH POINT BV on 3/13/2021 ♦ Kay, Sherri Suzanne (F/58) Arrest on chrg of Aid And Abet Larceny ($1,000 Or Less), M (M), at 5210 Reidsville Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 3/11/2021 22:01.

♦ Evans, Zachary Robert (M/24) Arrest on chrg of 1) Drunk / Disruptive (M) and 2) Resisting Arrest (M), at 6353 Cephis Dr, Clemmons, NC, on 3/12/2021 23:55.

♦ Kopaskie, Burton S (M/34) Arrest on chrg of 1) Aslt On Offcr/felony (F), 2) Assault On Female (M), 3) Asslt On Off/ st Emp (M), 4) Asslt On Off/ st Emp (M), 5) Asslt On Off/st Emp (M), 6) Resisting Arrest (M), and 7) Malicious Conduct

By Prisoner (F), at 5914 Cottonwood Ln, Winstonsalem, NC, on 3/12/2021 18:18.

♦ Fogg, Heather Nicole (F/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Asslt On Off/st Emp (M), 2) Poss Stolen Goods (M), 3) Misd Poss Controlled Substance (M), 4) Poss Cocaine Fel (F), 5) Drug Paraphernalia (M),

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accused the ability to question accusers, the right to review the allegations and evidence presented by their accuser, the right to present exculpatory evidence, and the right to call witnesses. Basically, the right to mount a defense.

It was the Obama administration that asked schools to institute a system that empowered a single investigator, often without any training and susceptible to the vagaries of societal and political pressures, to pass unilateral judgment on these cases. Also, under the Obama administration rules, colleges were allowed to adjudicate sexual abuse and assault cases using a “preponderance of evidence” rather than a more stringent “clear and convincing evidence” standard.

Now, Jennifer Klein, the “Gender Policy Council” co-chair and chief of staff to first lady Jill Biden, says “everybody involved” in a sexual complaint, “accused and accuser,” should be entitled to due process.

OK. Has anyone ever argued that the accuser’s right to come forward should be diminished, or that the accuser should be afforded fewer protections than any other American who says they are the victim of a crime? We should never diminish the pain and anguish those who come forward with these charges go through. But the presumption of innocence is a legal term based on a values system. And if the federal government is going

to dictate how colleges deal with sexual assault accusations, it has a responsibility to uphold the norms of the Constitution.

The good news is that between 2011 and 2021, there has been a string of court cases repudiating Biden’s position. Hundreds of lawsuits were filed since 2011. A 2015 study by United Educators found that a quarter of the Title IX statute had been challenged by students who either filed lawsuits in the federal courts or lodged complaints through the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Dozens of schools, including Northwestern University, Dartmouth College and Yale, settled cases, while schools such as USC, Pennsylvania State University, Ohio University, Hofstra, Boston College and Claremont McKenna all lost decisions.

Schools complained about the costs of implementing due process, yet the average cost of settling these claims was around $350,000, with some going as high as $1 million.

This, not incidentally, also means that some people who are guilty of sexual assault will claim to be victims of flawed hearings or unfair sanctions simply because they can circumvent the norms of justice. Proper due process protects both the accuser and the accused. At the very least, the state should ensure that students are afforded the same impartiality, norms and protections that every one of us expects in the real world. Either we believe principles are the best means of fairness, or not. Biden, it seems, only believes in them for himself.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at National Review and the author of the book “First Freedom: A Ride Through America’s Enduring History With the Gun.”

DEATH NOTICES

♦ ESPINOZAALVARADO, PAOLA was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at EB 40/PETERS CREEK PW_EB 40 RA on 3/13/2021

♦ FERRELL, TINA MATILDA was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 301 MEDICAL CENTER BV on 3/13/2021

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TUESDAY

MARCH 23

OPINION | DAVID HARSANYI

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ BALLARD, CIERA LENISE was arrested on a charge of AFFRAY at 949 N PATTERSON AV/E TENTH ST on 3/13/2021

MONDAY

MARCH 22

♦ LAROQUE, MICHAEL PETER was arrested on a charge of CCW at 701 JONESTOWN RD on 3/13/2021 ♦ MACK, TOBIAS

FITZGERALD was arrested on a charge of COMMUNICATE THREATS at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/15/2021 ♦ MARTIN, KAYLA SHANEE was arrested on a charge of OFA/FTA-RESISITING PUBLIC OFFICER at 5800 UNIVERSITY PW on 3/12/2021 ♦ MCCLEAN, JAMES EVANS was arrested on a charge of LARCENY-FELONY at BARBARA JANE AVE on 3/15/2021 ♦ MOORE, KENYUNE TIRESS was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 4414 OGBURN AV on 3/13/2021 ♦ Oviedo, Fernando Ismael (M/39) Arrest on chrg of 1) Trafficking In Methamphetamine Or Amphetamine (F), 2) Trafficking In Methamphetamine Or Amphetamine (F), 3) Drug Trafficking (F), and 4) Drug Trafficking (F), at 355 Jonestown Rd, Winstonsalem, NC, on 3/11/2021 10:39. ♦ Patterson, Samuel Lee (M/33) Arrest on chrg of 1) Resisting Arrest (M), 2) Speeding To Elude Arrest (F), and 3) Speeding To Elude Arrest (F), at 6200 River Bluff Farms Rd, Tobaccoville, NC, on 3/15/2021 00:01. ♦ PERRY, RONNIE RAY was arrested on a charge of RESISTING ARREST at 5400 INDIANA AV on 3/15/2021 ♦ PONCE, ISRAEL RAMOS was arrested on a charge of TRESPASS at 2985 FAIRLAWN DR on 3/13/2021 ♦ SIEG, AARON THOMAS was arrested on a charge of DISCHARGING FIREARMS at 3000 LEAFLAND ST/ MILLERWOOD DR on 3/13/2021 ♦ SIEG, AARON THOMAS was arrested on a charge of DISCHARGING FIREARMS at 3000 LEAFLAND ST/ MILLERWOOD DR on

3/13/2021 ♦ SIEG, AARON THOMAS was arrested on a charge of DISCHARGING FIREARMS at 3000 LEAFLAND on 3/13/2021 ♦ SIEG, AARON THOMAS was arrested on a charge of DISCHARGING FIREARMS at 1200 MILLERWOOD DR/ POLO RD on 3/13/2021 ♦ Smith, Terrell Laque (M/20) Arrest on chrg of 1) Fail To Appear/compl (M) and 2) Ofa-fta-assault On A Child Under 12 (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/12/2021 13:56. ♦ STEDGE, ABIGAIL ROSE was arrested on a charge of CCW at 5498 UNIVERSITY PW/SHATTALON DR on 3/14/2021 ♦ STROUD, ANTHONY RAY was arrested on a charge of VIO. PROTECTIVE ORDER BY COURTS ANOTHER STATE/ INDIAN TRIBE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/15/2021 ♦ STYLES, DARREN DANGELO was arrested on a charge of ALTER, DESTRUCT, REMOVE SERIAL NUMBER FIREARM; POSS FIREARM at 2060 THURMOND ST on 3/13/2021 ♦ THOMASJONES, JAMILLE ROCHEL was arrested on a charge of OFA/FTA-SIMPLE ASSAULT at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/12/2021 ♦ Tief, Robert Sean (M/21) Arrest on chrg of Vand-real Property, M (M), at 7755 Shallowford Rd, Lewisville, NC, on 3/13/2021 00:27. ♦ VINCENT, EUNIQUE ANRI was arrested on a charge AFFRAY at 7742 NORTH POINT BV on 3/13/2021 ♦ Williams, Mshan Dwayne (M/41) Arrest on chrg of 1) Probation Violation (F), 2) Probation Violation (F), 3) Probation Violation (M), 4) Probation Violation (F), and 5) Probation Violation (M), at Mountain View Corr, on 3/12/2021 12:15.

♦ Pamela Sue Glover Brown, 61, of Rural Hall, died March 12, 2021. ♦ Gladys Ann Smitherman Butner, 86, of WinstonSalem, died March 14, 2021. ♦ Mike McWayne Cole, 61, of Davidson County, died March 10, 2021. ♦ Nellie Elaine Bennett Collins, 78, of King, died March 11, 2021. ♦ John William Colthar, Jr., 78, died March 12, 2021. ♦ Norma Spainhour Cox, 94, of Forsyth County, died March 14, 2021. ♦ Milton Thomas Dooley, 87, died March 11, 2021. ♦ Carolyn Joan Fulp, 83, of Forsyth County, died March 10, 2021. ♦ Donald Edward Hibbard, 92, of Bermuda Run, died March 10, 2021. ♦ Joyce Lindley Hudson, 74, of Winston-Salem, died March 12, 2021. ♦ Della Sue Beauchamp Jackson, 78, of Clemmons, died March 14, 2021. ♦ George Howard Jones, 75, died March 12, 2021. ♦ Kathleen Ann Bartik Leidiger, 67, of WinstonSalem, died March 13, 2021. ♦ Ernestine Watkins Martin, 78, of Winston-Salem, died March 14, 2021. ♦ Eleanor Louise Monda, 88, died March 11, 2021. ♦ John Laverne Neal, 67, of Winston-Salem died March 11, 2021. ♦ Jo Ann Pickett, 76, of Winston-Salem died March 14, 2021. ♦ Gerald Stack, 85, of Walnut Cove, died March 12, 2021. ♦ Ruth Dull Tuttle, 102, of Heritage Woods, died March 13, 2021.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

SPORTS

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SIDELINE REPORT NFL

QB Fitzpatrick reportedly agrees to sign with Washington Washington, D.C. Washington has agreed to sign veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, according to a person with direct knowledge of the move.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal cannot be official until the new league year starts Wednesday. The team now has Fitzpatrick, journeyman-turned-playoff standout Taylor Heinicke and coach Ron Rivera favorite Kyle Allen under contract at quarterback.

Washington will be the 38-year-old quarterback’s ninth different team.

RALPH FRESO | AP PHTO

HOCKEY

Russian hockey player dies after being hit by puck Moscow A 19-year-old Russian hockey player has died after being hit in the head by the puck during a game, his club and the league said Tuesday. Defenseman Timur Faizutdinov was playing for Dynamo St. Petersburg’s junior team in a playoff game against Loko Yaroslavl on Friday when he was struck by a puck hit from the neutral zone. Faizutdinov collapsed and was treated on the ice by the team doctor and paramedics before being taken to a hospital in the city of Yaroslavl. The Junior Hockey League said Faizutdinov died Tuesday after “doctors fought for Timur’s life over the course of three days.”

GOLF

Woods returns to video games, this time with 2K series Novato, Calif.

Tiger Woods is back in the game — digitally, at least.

Woods has signed a longterm partnership with the company behind the “PGA Tour 2K” video game series, returning the 15time major champion to an industry he once dominated with EA Sports. The deal was announced Tuesday, nearly a month after Woods suffered career-threatening leg injuries when he crashed an SUV on a steep road in the Los Angeles suburbs.

Woods was partnered with EA Sports for 15 years, and the “Tiger Woods PGA Tour” series is among the most successful sports video games ever.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Minnesota fires coach Richard Pitino after 8 seasons Minneapolis Minnesota fired Richard Pitino on Monday after the coach compiled a 5496 regular-season record over eight years in the Big Ten and had only three conference finishes higher than 10th place. The Gophers went 14-15 this season, dropping 11 of their last 14 games. They were 0-10 on the road, one of only three major conference teams in the country without a road win. According an Albuquerque Journal report, Pitino — the son of Iona coach Rick Pitino — was among the finalists for the head coach vacancy at New Mexico.

Martin Truex Jr. held off Joey Logano to win Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway.

Truex Jr. wins at Phoenix, 5th different winner in as many races The 2017 Cup Series champion matched his win total from a season ago

By David Brandt The Associated Press AVONDALE, Ariz. — Joey Logano has won a few times at Phoenix Raceway and knows a good restart when he feels one. With 25 laps to go Sunday, he got a good run on the green flag, dipped down low on the dogleg and felt great.

Then he realized Martin Truex Jr’s No. 19 Toyota was still right next to him. That was a big problem.

Truex blew past Logano on the final restart and pulled away for his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season and 28th overall. That set off a hearty celebration from the his Joe Gibbs Racing team, especially after a frustrating 2020 season that included just one

win.

“I’d say we were really hungry for it,” Truex said. “We really wanted it, obviously. We worked really hard, we’ve got a great team and it just seemed like for whatever reason, it was always little things biting us. We were always so close, always second or third.”

This time he was first. By a lot.

Truex beat the four championship finalists from last year. He had failed to advance into the season-ending finale for the first time in four years and could only watch as Chase Elliott beat Logano, Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski for the title at the desert oval. All four tailed Truex across the finish line Sunday.

Phoenix Raceway will again host the championship race in November.

“To come here and win this, I wish it was November,” Truex said.

“Hopefully, we can come back in November and have a shot at the

championship.”

The 40-year-old Truex struggled earlier this year, finishing 25th at Daytona. But he’s raced much better in recent weeks, finishing third at Homestead and sixth at Las Vegas last week.

He was dominant during the final half Sunday and became just the second driver from last year’s 16-car playoff field to qualify for the postseason. It was good day for Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing, which had the winner in Truex and Hamlin in the third spot.

Logano finished second. He said even if he was able to hold Truex on the restart, he probably would have passed him before the checkered flag.

“They just had a fast car,” Logano said.

Truex, who announced a contract extension with JGR days before the season-opening Daytona 500, rebuked questions about retirement before he’d even been

asked. After last year’s one-win season, there had been speculation the veteran was contemplating retirement. But Truex also collected 11 finishes of second or third and missed the championship finale for just the second time in six years.

Kyle Larson — who raced to his first victory with Hendrick Motorsports last week in Las Vegas — had to start at the back of the field after a prerace inspection failure. He worked his way back to the front and briefly led about halfway through the race.

But soon after he made a critical error, getting flagged for speeding on pit road. He had to pass through pit road as a penalty, causing him to fall to the back of the lead lap in 22nd place. He finished seventh.

Blaney won the 75-lap first stage after leading 35 laps. Logano — who led 143 laps — won the second stage after leading the final 35 laps during a long stretch of green-flag racing.

Indiana fires Miller after 4 years without NCAA appearance The program raised private money to cover the former NC State guard’s $10.3 million buyout

By Michael Marot The Associated Press BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Archie Miller’s $10.3 million buyout was one of college basketball’s priciest.

Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson decided keeping Miller would prove even more costly to the storied program.

Dolson fired Miller on Monday, armed with enough cash from private donations to cover the buyout and ready to answer a fan base angered by four straight mediocre seasons.

“Indiana basketball has a long, rich history of success that dates back generation,” Dolson said in a statement announcing the decision. “Our five national championships and 22 Big Ten titles make us one of the most accomplished programs in college basketball history. I have high expectations for our program, and we have not competed at a level within the conference or nationally that I believe we should.”

That was the case even before Miller arrived in Bloomington.

The Hoosiers haven’t been to the NCAA Tournament since 2016, haven’t been to the Elite Eight since 2002 and haven’t won a national championship since 1987 — the longest drought between titles in school history. Indiana has won just three Big Ten titles since 1993 and it’s now had five consecutive non-winning seasons in Big Ten

play for the first time since 1911-19.

Miller was 67-58 with the Hoosiers and never made the NCAA Tournament, though many believed Indiana would have received a bid in 2020 had the tourney not been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Miller never beat rival Purdue, going 0-7. The Boilermakers have now matched their second-longest winning streak in series history at nine. Those numbers put Miller in historically bad territory and were of great concern to Dolson, fans and alumni.

By making the decision before April 2022, Indiana was on the hook for the $10.3 million. If Dolson had waited another year, the cost would have dropped to $3.5 million for a university that has lost millions in revenue, cut salaries for coaches and administrators, and put department-wide furloughs in place.

Miller successfully recruited some of the state’s best talent including three straight Indiana Mr. Basketball Award winners — Romeo Langford, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Anthony Leal.

But their arrivals didn’t correlate into consistent success.

Indiana went 19-16 and reached the NIT quarterfinals in 2018-19, Langford’s only season before he declared for the NBA Draft. Jackson-Davis arrived the next season and led the Hoosiers to a 20-12 mark that had them on the cusp of an NCAA tourney breakthrough.

Leal played sparingly this past season as a freshman though Jackson-Davis appeared to have the Hoosiers in prime position for a tourney run as recently as mid-February. But the Hoosiers

DARRON CUMMINGS | AP PHOTO

Indiana fired coach Archie Miller on Monday after four years without an NCAA Tournament berth. lost their final six games, capped by a Big Ten Tournament second-round loss to Rutgers. Indiana finished 12-15 and out of postseason play for the third time under Miller.

Miller went 139-63 in six seasons at Dayton before taking the Indiana job, leading the Flyers to

an NIT appearance in his first season as coach and NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his final four seasons including a run to the Elite Eight in 2013-14. He was a point guard at NC State from 1998-2002 before embarking on a coaching career. Miller’s brother, Sean, is the head coach at Arizona.

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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 17, 2021

STATE & NATION

Patterns emerge in jury screening for trial in Floyd’s death

By Steve Karnowski The Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS — The first week of jury selection in the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death established patterns for how attorneys go about dismissing potential jurors they perceive as unfavorable to their side.

The defense is striking people who tell the court they already have strong feelings about Derek Chauvin’s guilt. The prosecution, meanwhile, is blocking potential jurors who seem inclined to give police the benefit of the doubt — or who express misgivings about the Black Lives Matter movement.

Though their targets are predictable, there’s an art to how both sides carry it out. Attorneys have sought in their questioning to unearth biases against their case by members of the jury pool, prompting Judge Peter Cahill to dismiss them and saving precious and limited strikes.

They’re not always successful.

One candidate wrote in his questionnaire that he had a “very negative” perception of Chauvin after watching the widely seen video of Floyd’s arrest. When asked to explain, he said he felt that Floyd was treated “worse than an enemy

JIM MONE | AP PHOTO

A group of protesters march in the snow around the Hennepin County Government Center, Monday, March 15, 2021, in Minneapolis. combatant.”

“It reminded me of like a war scene,” he said. “What popped into my mind was images of World War Two.” The man also said that he would have difficulty with the presumption of innocence in this case, and based on the video he saw, it would be hard for him to acquit Chauvin. Yet, despite his strong emotions and statements,

when defense attorney Eric Nelson repeatedly asked if the man could abandon his opinions and decide the case impartially based on what is said in court, the man said, “Yes” – thwarting Nelson’s attempts to have the judge dismiss the juror for cause. “If I couldn’t imagine myself saying ‘not guilty,’ I wouldn’t be here,” the man said.

Nelson was forced to use a peremptory strike to keep him off

the jury. He gets 15 such challenges that may be used without giving a reason — as long as it’s not solely due to a person’s race. The prosecution gets nine.

The defense attorney had to use another to strike a man who knew many details about the case from several news sources and expressed strong opinions about Floyd’s death in his questionnaire.

The man also spoke positively about the protests that followed, saying they solidified the need for change and to end systemic racism.

Nelson noted that the man had posted on Facebook that he visited 38th and Chicago — the site of the fatal confrontation, which has been turned into a memorial — and he called it “holy ground.”

Still, like the juror before him, the man kept saying affirmatively that he could set all his opinions aside and weigh the evidence fairly, forcing Nelson to use another peremptory strike.

So far, most of the rejected jurors have been people with negative views of Chauvin. But some have been struck for tilting toward police, or for being skeptical of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Under questioning from prosecutor Steve Schleicher, one man said he had a “somewhat unfavorable” view of Black Lives Matter.

He said he thought the movement has “good intentions but has been involved in too much destruction in our city,” and was disapproving of “BLM” graffiti across the city.

It’s “hard not to see those letters,” he said. He also said he has

Stay or go? Fence, Guard pose Capitol security questions

By Lisa Mascaro The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lawmakers call the razor-topped security fence around the U.S. Capitol “ghastly,” too militarized and, with the armed National Guard troops still stationed at the Capitol, not at all representative of the world’s leading icon of democracy.

“All you have to do is to see the fencing around the Capitol to be shocked,” Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., said in an interview Friday.

How to protect lawmakers, while keeping the bucolic Capitol grounds open to visitors has emerged as one of the more daunting, wrenching questions from the protest. Not since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has security been so elevated, and the next steps so uncertain, for the Capitol complex.

The U.S. Capitol Police has asked for the fencing and the National Guard to remain, for now.

Police officers are working grueling round-the-clock overtime shifts. With vague warnings of another attack and threats on lawmakers that have nearly doubled since the start of 2021, the police, the Pentagon and lawmakers themselves are wrestling with how best to secure what has been a sprawling campus mostly open to visiting tourists and neighborhood dog walkers alike.

“The attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th forever

CAROLYN KASTER | AP PHOTO

National Guard soldiers open a gate of the razor wire-topped perimeter fence around the Capitol to allow a colleague in at sunrise in Washington, Monday, March 8, 2021. changed how we look at the ‘People’s House,’” acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman said in written testimony before Congress in February.

She said that even before the 9/11 attacks, security experts, including former chiefs of police, argued that more needed to be done to protect the Capitol complex.

“The Capitol’s security infrastructure must change,” Pittman testified.

While some lawmakers say privately they appreciate the height-

ened security, taking down the protective perimeter and easing the National Guard’s presence is the one issue that appears to be uniting both Democrats and Republicans in the toxic political environment on Capitol Hill since the deadly riot.

One option that has emerged is for a mobile, retractable barrier that could be put up as needed.

“What we have now, that’s just unacceptable to me,” Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Democratic majority whip, told reporters.

“It’s just ghastly, it’s an embarrassment. If there’s a better way to protect us, I want to see it. I want to work to get it.”

Lawmakers described their unease at arriving for work each day in what can feel like a war zone.

The absence of tourists snapping photos of the Capitol dome or constituents meeting with representatives is an emotional loss on top of COVID-19 restrictions, they said. The security perimeter extends far beyond the Capitol itself through neighboring parks and office buildings.

The Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, compared it to a combat zone in Afghanistan.

“I think we are way overreacting,” he said at a press conference.

This week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin formally approved the Capitol Police request to extend the deployment of nearly 2,300 Guard members for about two more months.

The pushback from Capitol Hill was immediate and bipartisan.

Top Republican senators on the Senate Armed Services, Homeland Security, Intelligence and other committees downplayed the potential threats to the Capitol, especially weighed against the drain on National Guard troops serving far from their homes.

“Our National Guard troops, who serve with great honor and distinction, are not law enforcement officers, and we will not abide the continued militarization

strong respect for law enforcement and strongly disagrees with the notion of defunding the police, a movement that gained currency after Floyd died.

Schleicher used one of his strikes to dismiss the man.

Seven jurors were seated in the opening week. Four were white, one was multiracial, one was Hispanic and one was black, according to the judge. Opening arguments are scheduled for March 29.

Several jurors have been dismissed for cause. About two dozen in the pool were so problematic just from the answers they gave on their questionnaires that the attorneys from both sides agreed they should be struck without even facing questioning.

For those potential jurors who have come to the courthouse under security escort through the fences, barbed wire and razor wire, some have been excused for cause because of personal hardships.

But most of those dismissed for cause had unshakable views.

Cahill dismissed one woman for cause after she said outright that she could not be an impartial juror. The woman said Floyd’s death has affected her life, prompting her to volunteer at a nonprofit group that helps underserved and vulnerable children. The judge and prosecution pressed her briefly to make sure she would not change her mind.

“You don’t think that you could give the defendant a fair trial?”

Schleicher asked.

“I don’t think I can,” she replied.

of Capitol complex security,” wrote Sens. James Inhofe of Oklahoma, Rob Portman of Ohio, Marco Rubio of Florida and others.

“We are deeply troubled by the current level of security around the United States Capitol,” wrote the House Armed Services Committee’s Democratic Chairman Adam Smith of Washington and Rep, Mike Rogers of Alabama, the top Republican in a joint statement.

They said while there is no doubt “some level” of support from the National Guard should remain in the region to respond to threats, “the present security posture is not warranted at this time.”

Still, other lawmakers say privately they are comfortable keeping security high, for now, as the country tries to ease back to a sense of normalcy after the devastating attack on the seat of government.

A sweeping security review conducted in the aftermath of the riot by a task force led by retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré recommended eventually replacing the barrier with mobile fencing and “an integrated, retractable fencing system” that could be deployed as needed.

Coupled with the hiring of 350 additional officers, the report also recommends establishing a permanent “quick response force” within the Capitol Police but also at the National Guard in D.C. for emergencies. There was a marked delay in sending the Guard to the Capitol on Jan. 6.

A supplemental spending request for security is expected to be considered by Congress in April.