North State Journal Vol. 7, Issue 22

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 22 |

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

Full 2022 ACC Kickoff coverage, Sports

Study: Millennials didn’t stray far from where they grew up Raleigh It turns out millennials haven’t strayed very far from the areas where they grew up.

A study released by Harvard University and U.S. Census Bureau researchers found that by age 26 more than two-thirds of millennials lived in the same area where they grew up, 80% had moved less than 100 miles away and 90% resided less than 500 miles away.

White and Hispanic millennials were more responsive to the prospect of moving to another place to earn more money than black young adults. The children of higher income parents traveled farther away from their hometowns than those of less wealthy parents.

A Pew Research Center survey released last week showed that a quarter of U.S. adults ages 25 to 34 resided in a multigenerational family household in 2021, up from 9% in 1971.

AP PHOTO

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein speaks during a news conference outside the Durham County Courthouse in Durham, June 28, 2021.

NC Attorney General Josh Stein refuses to lift abortion injunction

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Supreme Court move allows Jackson to take part in race case Washington, D.C. The Supreme Court took a step that will allow new Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to take part in a case that could lead to the end of the use of race in college admissions.

Jackson had pledged during her confirmation hearing to sit out the case involving Harvard’s admissions policy because she was a member of the school’s board.

The Harvard dispute had been joined to a similar lawsuit involving the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The court split the case in two, allowing Jackson to hear arguments and vote in the UNC Chapel Hill case.

Arguments will take place in November or December, but no date has been announced.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Steinburg to resign seat, Hanig wants appointment Raleigh State Sen. Bob Steinburg (R-Chowan) is resigning his seat in the N.C. Senate on July 31, and state Rep. Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck) wants to move to the chamber for the remainder of Steinburg’s term.

Steinburg, who lost a bid for reelection to fellow state Sen. Norm Sanderson (R-Pamlico) after redistricting placed them in the same Senate district, said he wants to begin work in lobbying.

That opens the door for Hanig, who is running for the redrawn 3rd Senate District seat covering 10 northeastern counties including many overlapping with the current 1st Senate District.

NSJ STAFF

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

State leaders mourn passing of John Skvarla

By A.P. Dillon and Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — John E. Skvarla III, former head of two major North Carolina cabinet agencies, died Tuesday, July 19, at the age of 73.

Skvarla passed away in Pinehurst under hospice care after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He is survived by his wife Liz who he had been married to for over 50 years, two children and three grandchildren.

A highly successful lawyer and business executive, Skvarla had served as the environmental secretary for two years before moving to the N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary in 2015 during the tenure of former Gov. Pat McCrory.

“North Carolina has lost a great public servant, friend and mentor to so many,” “North Carolina has lost a great public servant, friend and mentor to so many. As Secretary of DENR and Commerce, John Skavarla’s brilliant leadership and common sense initiatives helped set the table for making North Carolina the number one state in which to live and work,” McCrory said of the news.

During his time at head of the Department of Environmental Quality, Skvarla oversaw the state’s

response the coal ash spill from a Duke Energy containment pond along the Dan River near Greensboro in 2014. Skvarla’s hiring as Commerce secretary replaced Sharon Decker, another McCrory hire who had been there nearly two years.

“In his time at the Commerce Department, John Skvarla helped advance our mission to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians, and we honor his public service,” current Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders said in a statement.

Others also offered their condolences on Skvarla’s passing.

“Heaven gained a great man and a huge personality. John Skvarla was a tireless advocate for North Carolina and my mentor and friend,” said Neal Robbins, publisher of the North State Journal and longtime friend of Skvarla.

“John’s passing was sad relief,” N.C. State Treasurer Dale Folwell said in a statement to North State Journal. “Sad that he’s no longer here and relieved that he’s no longer suffering and as former NC Secretary of Commerce lived to see NC catapult to number 1 in business according to CNBC.” U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) See SKVARLA, page A2

Biden ‘feeling better every day’ as he recovers from COVID Washington, D.C. President Joe Biden said he’s “feeling better every day” as he recovers from his coronavirus infection.

Biden said his voice remained raspy and said he still had nasal congestion, but he’s on his way “to fully recovered, God willing.”

The president was likely infected by the BA.5 variant.

A note Monday from Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, said his symptoms have “almost completely resolved” and his vital signs remain “absolutely normal.”

Biden has been taking the antiviral drug Paxlovid.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

John Skvarla was selected as one of Gov. Pat McCrory’s first cabinet appointments in December 2012.

RALEIGH — North Carolina Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein issued a statement on July 21 that his office will not act to lift the injunction in Bryant v.

Woodall.

“The Department of Justice will not take action that would restrict women’s ability to make their own reproductive health care decisions,” Stein said.

“Protecting that ability is more important than ever, as states across the nation are banning abortions in all instances, including rape and incest.”

Stein’s announcement follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case that overturned Roe v. Wade.

See STEIN, page A2

Trio of bills left undone in legislative session

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — Three of the most-watched bills during the General Assembly’s short session failed to advance to Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk: sports wagering, medical marijuana and Medicaid expansion.

Sports wagering A pair of sports wagering bills that won approval through several committees failed to pass in the N.C. House of Representatives on June 22; both by votes of 51-50. The bills had backing from top leaders in both chambers, including Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) and House Appropriations Chair Jason Saine (R-Lincoln).

The first bill is Senate Bill 688, which deals mainly with regulations. It passed the Senate by a narrow margin of 26 to 19 with the majority of Democrats voting in favor of the measure.

The second bill is Senate Bill 38, and has granular details on the legalization requirements.

Similar bills on sports wagering in the neighboring states of Kentucky and Georgia have also failed in the past few months while Tennessee and Virginia both have legalized online sports betting. In North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper signed a bill passed by the legislature in 2019 to allow sports and horse wagering for two tribal-owned casinos.

Senate Bill 688 would have authorized and regulated sports wagering in the state and includes a tax of 8% on the adjusted gross revenue of each interactive sports wagering operator on top of any corporate income taxes paid by the licensee. The Fiscal Research Division of the General Assembly estimated the taxes will generate between $1 to $3 million annually per percentage point of tax on gross gaming revenue.

Licenses and regulations for sports wagering in the bill would be issued by the North Carolina Lottery Commission and the bill establishes the North Carolina Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund to be administered by the N.C. Department of Commerce. The bill had a cap of 12 interactive sports wagering operator licenses.

While the two bills address the same topic and share much of the same language, Senate Bill 38 ups the five-year licensing fees from $500,000 to $1 million. Senate Bill 38 also changes the taxation language, taking Senate Bill 688’s sports See BILLS, page A5

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North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

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7.27.22 #344

THE WORD: SEPARATING YOURSELF

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this — to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

James 1:27

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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 Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Wednesday

by North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

Holiness means separation unto God. The life which belongs to Christ — must be kept from sin. The hands which are held up in prayer — must not touch any unclean thing. The lips which speak to God, and sing His praise — must not be stained by any sinful or bitter words. The heart which is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit — must not open to any thought or affection which would defile God’s temple. The feet which Christ’s pierced hands have washed — must not walk in any of sin’s unhallowed paths.

A Christian’s life must be holy.

Unholiness is very subtle. It creeps in when we are not aware. It begins in the heart. At first it is but a thought, a moment’s imagination, a passing emotion, or a desire.

Hence the heart should be kept with unremitting diligence.

Only pure and holy thoughts should be entertained.

It is in the thoughts, that all acts begin. All acts are first thoughts. Our thoughts build up our character, as the coral insects build up the great reefs. “As a man thinks in his heart — so is he.” If we are to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, as we pass through its foul streets — we must see to it that no unholy thing is for a moment tolerated in our heart. A crime stains one’s name before the world; a sinful thought or desire stains the soul in God’s sight, and grieves the divine Spirit within us. “Above all else, guard your heart, for out of it are the issues of life.”

PUBLIC DOMAIN

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte—1884, oil on canvas by Georges Seurat, 1884–86; in the Art Institute of Chicago.

Proverbs 4:23 J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.

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SKVARLA from page A1 tweeted that he was “Deeply saddened by the passing of John Skvarla, who served as secretary of commerce & secretary of environment for North Carolina. He played a pivotal role in growing our economy & making NC the top state for business. My condolences go out to his family.”

State Rep. Jason Saine (R-Lincoln) told NSJ, “Secretary Skvarla will be missed by many but his presence and effort will leave an imprint on our state for decades to come. His influence, leadership and driving force as a business builder, job creator will remain. We need more like John and though he would be hard to copy, those who believe in our state should seek to emulate him.”

“John Skvarla was a great husband, father, grandfather and public servant. Our prayers go out to John’s family along with thanks and praise for a life well lived,” said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley.

Skvarla joined the law firm of Nexsen Pruet in 2017, where he was working as the senior government relations adviser at the time of his passing.

Prior to joining state government, Skvarla was a successful business executive leading an environmental mitigation firm and one of the largest physical therapy providers in the southeastern portion of the nation and the CEO of world’s largest all-cargo airline.

In the late 1970s, he founded and served as senior partner of what is now the Wyrick Robbins law firm in Raleigh and worked mainly on corporate and tax matters.

Skvarla had also been a member and leader of a lengthy list of different groups and organizations including ADFP Trust Fund Advisory Committee, Biotechnology Center Board of Directors, Board of Science Technology & Innovation, Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Coalition for Global Engagement, Duke Energy Community College Grant Program and the Global Transpark Authority Board.

Other groups he was involved with included NC Marine Industrial Park Authority, NC Military Affairs Commission, NC Works Commission, Rural Infrastructure Authority, State Banking Commission, Travel & Tourism Board, US Railroad Board of Directors, USS NC Battleship Commission, Water Infrastructure Authority, and Indian Affairs Commission.

In a 2017 NSJ interview when he joined Nexsen Pruet, Skvarla said, “The ability to bring together all of those experiences – from practicing law, to running an airline, to running an environmental mitigation company, to being in the healthcare business I have had the greatest rocket ride and this is sort of the culmination of all those years of experiences.”

Skvarla held degrees from the University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D. (1973) and Manhattan College, B.A., Economics (1970).

Skvarla exemplified ‘To be, rather than to seem’ WE LOST JOHN SKVARLA last week, and with him, our state lost one of its best champions. A native Southerner born in Tennessee, you wouldn’t know it by his accent, acquired in Tuxedo Park, N.Y., where he grew up. Skvarla was a North Carolinian by choice. After attending Manhattan College, he moved to North Carolina for law school “to prove there was thinking life beyond the Hudson.”

I could cover pages detailing the major impacts John had on North Carolina and the various businesses he led over his oneof-a-kind career. His obituary hits the high points. What some of us are feeling as we remember John is that we lost a personal champion.

He was a man who had faith in God, love of his family and devotion to helping others.

I met John in 2012 just after Pat McCrory was elected governor of North Carolina. My job was guiding teams of public and private sector leaders to help the new administration transition into governing. As the transition period was turning toward cabinet appointments, John called me and said, “I need you to join my team. I’m going to be appointed secretary.” I was reluctant to leave my private law practice, but John persisted and told me my desire to not work in government was the exact reason I should.

I believed in his goal to make the environmental agency a more customer-friendly place and shared his belief that all North Carolinians want clean water, air and land. He was the type of leader we need in public service, so I joined the team. That set off a nearly 10-year relationship that went beyond just working together on policy and politics, and included five years together at the law firm Nexsen Pruet.

John had a well-documented affinity for hot dogs. He had a less-documented dislike for onions. He was a heavy on the slaw, no onions guy, and I am a traditional Carolina-style, all-the-way guy. During our travels across North Carolina, we ducked into hot dog joints as far west as Asheville and as far east as Washington.

It was on trips around the state that he shared his management philosophies, decision-making processes and informed view of the world. While others sought out power lunches, we bonded over low-key lunches, talk of family and meetings far from public view.

John was a man who defied any stereotype. He dressed like a corporate lawyer, ate like a construction worker, talked like a northerner, golfed like a pro and was a servant leader who treated everyone with dignity and respect.

STEIN from page A1 The 2019 ruling in Bryant v. Woodall meant that women in North Carolina could get an abortion “beyond the 20-week deadline set forth in the statute, through the point of viability.”

Lifting the injunction would reinstate North Carolina’s 20-week abortion limit.

North Carolina was not one of the states which had a “trigger law” following the court’s decision, which returned abortion decision-making to the states.

The process of lifting the injunction is already moving through the courts, though. On July 8, Judge William Osteen of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina issued an order requesting briefs from both parties in Bryant v. Woodall to submit briefs by Aug. 7.

Both House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) and Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) criticized Stein’s announcement.

Moore’s statement alluded to the joint letter the two lawmakers sent to Stein on June 24 urging him to life the injunction, stating “Today, we finally got our answer.”

“Although he told the people of North Carolina that he has personally recused himself in the Bryant v. Woodall case, he now says that the Justice Department will not defend the state’s lateterm abortion law,” said Moore in his statement. “Despite his faux outrage, Josh Stein knows full well that the 20-week ban on the books does not limit women’s

“He swore an oath to uphold and enforce North Carolina law, and this is the latest example of his refusal to do his job.”

Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) freedom, but protects the unborn when they are capable of feeling pain in the womb.

“With total disregard for his oath, Josh Stein has chosen the pursuit of higher office over his duty to defend the laws of North Carolina. We are exploring all options to defend the law and protect life in North Carolina,” added Moore.

Berger said in a statement: “No one should be surprised that Josh Stein is in the abortion-on-demand camp. However, he swore an oath to uphold and enforce North Carolina law, and this is the latest example of his refusal to do his job.”

Various polling has shown most Americans support stricter limits on abortion such as a 2022 Marist poll found 71% of Americans want significant limits on abortion.

In a press release following the June 24 letter from lawmakers, Stein characterized their request as urging him to take action that “would limit women’s reproductive freedoms in North Carolina.”

Stein’s statement also included a call for electing more Democrats in the year’s elections,

He seemed to know someone anywhere and something about anything. In a world where all human knowledge seems to be in our hands, John was like an encyclopedia of “why?” I would always make a better decision after a conversation with him.

There would be no North State Journal without John. The concept of a statewide media outlet was simple. But John was the one who cemented our foundation in print newspapers.

“No one will take you seriously unless you’re a real newspaper,” he said.

The day I finalized my exit from state government to start North State Journal, I came home to the surprise that my wife was pregnant with our second child. I called John and he reassured me that I could do it because he had dealt with an almost identical situation striking out on his own early in his career.

He was fond of big ideas and wasn’t afraid to take risks. His secret weapon in all his pursuits was his wife of 50 years, Liz. She once described John to my wife as a kite f lying high in the sky. Liz said her role was to be the string to keep him tied to the ground. My wife said afterward that John and I were two kites whose strings were crossed.

His goal was always to make things better. He wanted that for our planet, our country, our state and his huge circle of friends, colleagues and clients. His motivation was his own family. Liz, son Matt and daughter Kate, along with their spouses, and his grandchildren were always on his mind. He would remind us all that our own families should be on our minds as well. In the thousands of miles we’ve traveled and the hundreds of meetings we’ve had, I never saw him ignore a call from his family.

Through his recent illness, which zapped his energy, his motivations remained the same. We talked business and client needs, but our calls mostly involved family. In one of our last conversations, he was giving me baseball pitching advice to share with my son and shared his hope that he could come to a game soon.

That wasn’t to be. Instead, we will all have to rely on our past experiences with John to help us navigate the winds of the future while clinging to our own strings to keep us grounded in what really matters in life.

Neal Robbins is publisher of North State Journal.

claiming that “If we want to keep our freedoms under state law, then we have to elect state officials who commit to protecting them.”

The law banning abortions after 20 weeks, except in the case of saving the life of the mother, has been in the North Carolina state statutes since 1973. It was enacted shortly after the Roe v. Wade decision was handed down. Roe v. Wade protected abortion access until a fetus was deemed capable of living outside the womb; that has typically been assumed to be between the 24 to 28-week mark of a pregnancy.

In 2015 the legislature increased the waiting period to obtain an abortion from 24 hours to 72 and further tailored the definition of medical emergencies which exempted women from the 20-week limit.

The following year, in 2016, the Bryant v. Woodall case was filed on behalf of abortion providers and women seeking abortions.

The case claimed that the 20week mark is a few weeks before a pregnancy is considered “medically viable” and therefore North Carolina’s ban was unconstitutional.

“Abortion is an extremely safe medical procedure,” the case filing stated. “The vast majority of abortions performed in the United States and in North Carolina occur in the first trimester of pregnancy. Only a small number of abortions are performed in the United States after 20 weeks.”

The injunction preventing North Carolina from enforcing its 20-week abortion ban was put into place in 2019 by a U.S. Dis-

trict Court. When the case was appealed, Stein recused himself because of his position on abortion.

In June 2021, the lower court’s ruling was upheld by a threejudge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, upheld a 2019 lower-court decision striking down the law.

Also in June 2021, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed House Bill 453, which prohibited abortions from being conducted unless a physician has confirmed the procedure was not being sought because of the actual or presumed race or sex of the unborn child or the presence or presumed presence of Down syndrome.

That was not the first anti-abortion bill vetoed by Cooper.

In 2019, he also vetoed Senate Bill 359, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which would have required doctors to tend to a child who survives an abortion attempt. Cooper’s veto message, in part, said the bill “is an unnecessary interference between doctors and their patients.”

Cooper took executive action on abortion earlier this month, signing an executive order requiring cabinet agencies to “coordinate” and “pursue opportunities to protect people or entities who are providing, assisting, seeking, or obtaining lawful reproductive health care services in North Carolina.” Additionally, the order says pregnant cabinet agency employees can’t be required to travel to a state “that has imposed restrictions on access to reproductive health care services.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

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Trump vs. DeSantis: Young conservatives debate GOP’s future The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla. — When former President Donald Trump took the stage before a crowd of more than 5,000 young conservative activists in Tampa this past weekend, he received the rock star’s welcome he’s grown accustomed to over the seven years in which he’s reshaped the Republican Party.

One night earlier, it was Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who had the crowd on its feet as he headlined the day’s program at Turning Point USA’s annual Student Action Summit.

“To be honest, it’s like choosing between your favorite child,” said Leo Milik, 19, who lives in Barrington, Illinois, when asked whom he’d like to see as the party’s next nominee.

That sentiment reflects the soul searching underway inside the GOP as an invisible primary for the 2024 presidential nomination begins to take shape, dominated at least for the moment by Trump and DeSantis.

There’s little doubt that Trump is moving closer to announcing a third presidential campaign.

But there’s genuine debate over whether he’s the party’s best candidate to take on President Joe Biden, who is otherwise seen as a vulnerable incumbent heading into the next campaign, weighed down by soaring inflation, sinking popularity and questions about his capacity to manage the U.S. into his 80s.

This summer’s hearings by the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot have only amplified the GOP’s anxiety about Trump. A pair of weekend editorials in the New York Post and Wall Street Journal — publications owned by the often Trump-friendly Rupert Murdoch — underscored the impact, castigating the former president for refusing to call off the mob of his supporters as they stormed the U.S. Capitol to halt the peaceful transfer of power.

“We’ve accomplished an awful lot in the state of Florida. But we have only begun to fight. We are on a mission to keep the state of Florida free and to save our great country.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis “As a matter of principle, as a matter of character, Trump has proven himself unworthy to be this country’s chief executive again,” wrote the New York Post.

But inside the Tampa Convention Center, mentions of Jan. 6 elicited cheers as a who’s who of Trump’s “MAGA movement” took the stage in a room that had the feel of a Las Vegas nightclub.

Young attendees dressed in sparkly heels and candy-colored cowboy boots danced under laser lights to a DJ before the program began. Speakers were introduced with WWE-style videos, elaborate pyrotechnics and smoke displays. Throughout the venue, ring lights were placed strategically in front of logoed backdrops for flattering photo ops.

The top draw was Trump, who again teased his future plans.

“If I renounced my beliefs, if I agreed to stay silent, if I stayed home, if I announced that I was not going to run for office, the persecution of Donald Trump would immediately stop,” he said. “But that’s what they want me to do.

And you know what? There’s no chance I do that.”

DeSantis, who insists he is focused solely on reelection as governor, headlined Friday night’s program in an appearance that strongly suggested his ambitions extend beyond the state.

He welcomed the crowd to the “free state of Florida” and high-

lighted the anti-COVID mitigation policies that made him a conservative hero during the height of the pandemic. And he bragged about his efforts to bar discussions of race and sexual orientation in Florida classrooms, as well as his battles with Disney.

“We’ve accomplished an awful lot in the state of Florida. But we have only begun to fight,” he said.

“Because we are on a mission to keep the state of Florida free and to save our great country.”

A straw poll of attendees at the event found that 78.7% would vote for Trump in a GOP primary, with DeSantis coming in second with 19%. No other potential candidate came in above 1 percent.

And many were indeed all in on a Trump 2024 run.

“I love the idea, I absolutely do,” said Ryan Malone, 33, who recently moved from New York to Florida. While he is a big fan of DeSantis, he argued that Trump is best positioned to turn the country around from what he sees as Biden’s litany of failures.

“I think that he would get more done,” he said. “Again, I love DeSantis, he’s my 1A, right? But I think Trump is the guy to get us out of this hole.”

Still, he worried about what might happen if the two were to run against each other in a GOP primary.

His wife, Dr. Mariuxi Viteri Malone, 33, is eager for DeSantis to run. As an immigrant from Ecuador, she said she was offended

by Trump’s rhetoric toward Hispanics.

“Be nice!” he said. “That’s all you need to do.”

Zachary Roberson, 22, said that, if he ever had to choose between Trump and DeSantis, he’d pick the Florida governor.

“He seems like a more refined version of Trump. So I’m hoping he runs for president,” said Roberson, a student at Florida Gulf Coast University.

AP PHOTO

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis throws out hats after being introduced to the stage during the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit, Friday, July 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla.

AP PHOTO

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, left, R-Cleveland, speaks to reporters, with Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Majority Leader John Bell, right, R-Wayne, at a news conference on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020.

New subcommittee signals more investigations into hurricane recovery delays under Cooper

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — A newly-formed legislative committee is likely signaling more investigations into hurricane recovery delays during Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s tenure.

The new subcommittee on Hurricane Response and Recovery under the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations will first examine why so many families are still without homes nearly six years after Hurricane Matthew battered eastern North Carolina and nearly four years after Hurricane Florence hit the same area, per a press release from House Majority Leader John Bell (R-Wayne).

Bell has been appointed co-chair of the newly formed subcommittee by House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain).

Bell will co-chair the subcommittee alongside Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson).

“I am grateful to be appointed by the Speaker to help lead this effort to bring greater oversight and accountability over the state’s hurricane response efforts,” said Rep. Bell. “This newly established subcommittee will help us address delays in the process and make sure these folks are not forgotten and get the relief they need and deserve.”

According to Bell’s office, the General Assembly approved multiple disaster relief packages and has allocated “over $1 billion since 2016” toward recovery efforts.

“Unfortunately, due to missteps, delays, and mismanagement by the Cooper administration, far too many North Carolinians are still awaiting assistance and resources,” Bell’s release says.

“Majority Leader Bell knows firsthand how our communities are impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters,” Moore said in a statement. “His leadership on the Subcommittee on Hurricane Response and Recovery will be essential to ensuring those communities are receiving the help they need, when they need it.”

According to Bell, the subcommittee will call on officials from the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resilience (NCORR) and other agencies to discuss “the process to date, what has worked, lessons learned, and reforms underway to speed up getting people back in their homes. A date for the first meeting is expected to be announced soon.”

House Members of the newly formed subcommittee include Reps. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus), Mark Pless (R-Haywood), Sarah Stevens (R-Surry), Charles Graham (D-Robeson), and Shelly Willingham (D-Edgecombe).

Senate members include Sens. Danny Britt (R-Robeson), Jim Perry (R-Lenoir), Steve Jarvis (R-Davidson), Kirk deViere (D-Cumberland), and Joyce Waddell (D-Mecklenburg).

“Unfortunately, due to missteps, delays, and mismanagement by the Cooper administration, far too many North Carolinians are still awaiting assistance and resources.”

House Majority Leader John Bell (R-Wayne)

Carver named interim president of NC Community Colleges System

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — In an emergency meeting of the State Board of Community Colleges board held virtually on July 20, Bill Carver was named as the interim president of the state’s community colleges system. The former president, Thomas Stith, announced his resignation on July 19 and became effective on July 22.

When NC Community Colleges System President Peter Hans was picked to head up the UNC system, Carver was tapped to serve as interim president in July 2020.

He served up until Stith took office in January 2021.

Carver was also president of Nash Community College from 2005 to 2019. While at Nash

Community College, Carver had also been an instructor as well as dean of continuing education and vice president of instruction. He holds an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University and a graduate degree in business administration from Campbell University.

Sources told North State Journal that Stith’s removal was discussed during a three-hour closed session of the system’s board on July 15. According to sources, the possible removal of Stith had “been an ongoing conversation for several months.”

One source tells North State Journal that the board issued specific feedback and timelines for “improvement,” and if he chose not to resign, termination was a distinct likelihood. Stith opted to resign.

In related news, one media outlet reported that a one-time incentive bonus of $451,000 was recently approved by the UNC System Board of Governors for system President Peter Hans, the former leader of the N.C. Community Colleges System. He currently has a salary of $400,000.

“The (review) committee unanimously agreed that President Hans continues to do an exceptional job leading the UNC System,” Board Chairman Randy Ramsey said during the meeting approving the bonus.

According to the report, Ramsey cited Hans’ handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch of the “Project Kitty Hawk” distance learning program, and Hans’ efforts at the General Assembly to secure what Ramsey

FILE PHOTO

Bill Carver, the former president of Nash Community College, was selected as the interim president of the NC Community College System for a second time. said was “the best back-to-back state budgets we’ve ever seen.”

The NC Community Colleges System has not yet responded to a request comment on Stith’s de-

parture nor Carver being chosen as interim present.

See the state’s 58 community colleges in this week’s Murphy to Manteo map, A4-5

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State Journal for Wednesday, March 29, 2017 North State Journal for Wednesday,North July 27, 2022

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North North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27,State 2022Journal for Wednesday, March 29, 2017

o o Murphy t Manteo Murphy t Manteo

March 29th marks Community College Day at the North Carolina Legislature

NC Community College System looking for a new leader — again Community College Day includes interactive simulations and demonstrations of featured college programs in the 1000 and 1300 courts of the N.C. Legislative Building. The event is highlighted by a statewide press conference at noon.

To celebrate Community College Day, we’re looking at the colleges and curriculums that help shape and educate North Carolina’s future The NC Community workforce.

College System, The North Carolina Community comprising 58 campuses across College systemthe is the third largest in with 58 colleges serving state, will be looking for the yetnation another all 100 counties. In the state, 99% leader following the resignation of residents of are within 30-minute drive of a community college.

Thomas Stith on July 22.

In the southeast region of the Stith’s predecessor, Peter was UnitedHans, States, the North Carolina Community chosen to lead the University of College Northsystem offers the most affordable higher education Carolina System after less than two years opportunities as well as specific workforce training through NCWorks on the job.

Customized Training Program. Over More changes are in store for higher 800 workforce programs offered through N.C. community colleges education in North Carolina. offer short term, affordable training State legislative leaders want both opportunities allowing students to quickly jump-start into a new career. the university and community college Customized Training helps to foster systems to work more closely together, and support job growth, technology investment and enhancement for with the UNC System offices moving to N.C. businesses.

Raleigh and plans in place for the two to — Emory Rakestraw share a building in the near future.

for the North State Journal

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22 15. Mitchell Community College 16. Central Piedmont Community College 17. Surry Community College 18. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College 19. Forsyth Technical Community College 20. Davidson County Community College 21. Stanlt Community College 22. South Piedmont Community College 23. Guilford Technical Community College 24. Randolph Community College 25. Montgomery Community College 26. Rockingham Community College 27. Richmond Community College

west

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guns without license

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wagering tax on adjusted gross income from 8% to a privilege tax of 14%. That shift, according to the bill sponsors, would almost triple the revenue on jonesandblount.com mobile sports betting from around $8 million to upward of $24 million.

45

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Senators file bill to exp

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34 36 43 42

40. Johnston Community College 41. Sampson Community College 42. Brunswick Community College 43. Cape Fear Community College 44. James Sprunt Community College 45. Wayne Community College

58 46. Wilson Community College 47. Nash Community College 48. Halifax Community College 49. Edgecombe Community College 50. Lenoir Community College 51. Pitt Community College 52. Coastal Carolina Community College 53. Craven Community College 54. Martin Community College 55. Roanoke-Chowan Community College 56. Beaufort County Community College 57. Pamlico Community College 58. Carteret Community College 59. College of the Albemarle

EAST

EAST

Owner cited in dog attack

Police force resigns over King Solomon Masonic Lodge work environment New Hanover County receives grant Scot Nesbitt has been cited in the

Haywood County Buncombe County Guilford County Catawba County Johnston County Iredell County The Sparta-Alleghany Volunteer Fire Department Waynesville was awarded matching dog attack that occurred last week Asheville City Council’s finance U.S Marshals taskfelon was sentenced to more than 12 The State Highway Patrol says authorities have Service fugitive The entire police department in a Kenly resigned Craven County A convicted held its normally annual fiddler’s funds convention last playground designed to for a new Buncombe County 70 years later, WWII veteran involving his two great danes.

High speed chase leads to committee heard arguments Tuesday force have arrested Lashawn a man after a county ambulance running over what it called a hostile work environment, and accessible with physical The National Trust for Historic Preservation years inMarshall, prison for selling firearms without a license week. The event’s yearly schedulebe was upended for by peoplearrested The family of a New York City firefighter killed Stephenson, 47, was attacked receives Purple Heart pull thepandemic, city’s in aconnection shooting death trooper-involved shooting awarded $3 million inMonica with the keys from restaurant to theand andthe developmental disabilities.

The still in it was stolen21, local leaders scheduled a meeting to determine grants to 33 sites and illegal gun possession.

U.S. Attorney Dena thetoCOVID and this was first time when a tree fell onto the car he was drivingover at whether while jogging and airlifted to UNC Cumberland municipal account away from 74-year-oldon Josie TheAnthony Dewayne Daye of Statesville parking lot and the driver led lawofenforcement a Lindsay. money was through how residents. County Kenly Police Chief Josh organizations through its African King said since 2019 that the Wells convention was able to bemade held. available the Biltmore Estate has filed a lawsuit accusing Hospitals in American Chapel Hill following theto protect Saturday, Oscar Davis Jr., 92, finally Fargo because the bank is also playing death of a High Point grandmother Davie County chase.

The Catawba County ambulance was parked Connect NC, a $2 billion bond Gibson said he and four other officers turned in Cultural Heritage Action Fund.

The grants will was also ordered to serve three years of supervised Coyote Ugly, a group from Kingsport, Tennessee, Biltmore of gross negligence. Officials say Casey attack, she was listed in fair condition received the purple heart he earned a role in financing the Dakota Access accidentally caught in crossfire Three are Court on administrative a restaurant Atrium Wake passedAiry’s

by N.C. voters inatMarch 2016.across the street from notices late Wednesday. Gibson fuel the protection and preservation historic release. Daye was sentenced ontroopers Wednesday. won best bluegrass band, while Mount Slate Skudin was driving near the Biltmore’s entrance last week. Bothof great danes weretheir two-week 70 years ago fighting in Belgium Pipeline project. The city has about shocked the community.

Guilford leave after an armed confrontation Waynesville will get $90,000 in Forest Baptist Medical Center on Friday morning. said utilitiesduring clerk Christy JonesII.and assistant sites representing African American history. documents and evidence at the sentencing hearing Mountain Ramblers the top old-time on June 17 when the tree fell amid high winds, euthanized.

Nesbitt wasNew cited with World War Davis servedtown as $150 million in an account withwere Wellsnamedmatching County Assistant District Attorney, following a high-speed chase.

Sunday funds for the Recreation Winston-Salem police say the ambulance was manager Sharon Evans also resigned.

The town Bern’s King Solomon Masonic Lodge #1 received a showed that between October 2020 and February band. striking the car. The lawsuit claims Biltmore knew two instances of negligence allowing a radiotelephone operator and was Fargo. The proposal to move the Walter Jones, said they can’t prove Iredell County troopers Park Inclusive Playground project. unsecured and left running because of refrigerated Friday to discuss grant. In continuous ause since itsanimal construction domestic to runin at largeheld andan emergency 2021,pulled Daye illegally soldafternoon, firearms and ammunition the tree posed a danger to guests and tried account to keep was offered by Councilman knockedmeeting down and paralyzed by ahow large Marshall the BLUEGRASS TODAY John Chapman and Ryan Goodin1871, King Solomon Masonic It will have features like wheelchair drugs inside the vehicle. The suspect drove was morethe one who a dog biting a human causing injury. it would handle public safety.

Johnston County Lodge #1 was the first in and around Statesville.

Among the weapons were it by installing steel cables. Biltmore deniedCecil “all Bothwell, who says he is not sure piece of shrapnel after the Germans trigger, but believe he was the driver. attempted to pullcapable over Steven Little accessible surfaces, andthan plastic slidesinto Iredell County before he was 40 miles The first is aestablished $100 dollarinfine the Steve Sheriff Bizzellhis said his Only officethe willradio makeon sure African American masonic lodge thewhile “ghost guns” firearms of allegations of willful or intentional conductwhether on shelled unit. his city taxpayers will lose money His red Camaro was peppered withand semiautomatic on Highway 6. Authorities said state. The center of New and handrails. apprehended, Multiple charges were filed against a latter is $500.

Kenly residents are protected.

Bern’s Black community, accepting a large capacity magazine. the part of Biltmore, as well as the allegations of back saved his life.

He was paralyzed if the account is closed, but said it is bullet holes. Marshall is facing life Little refused to stop, resulting in a 37-year-old Winston-Salem man.in prison or the death penalty and is its interior walls, ceilings, and floors will be negligence.” from the waist down for three weeks AP to show support for the the Standing SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS 30-minute chase that led to AP Davie WRAL repaired, and its mechanical systems replaced. but eventually rejoined his unit in Rock Sioux Tribe. currently being held without bond.

He AP County. Champan, Goodin and Davie AP Clay County receives internet grant Germany. The Purple Heart is the will appear in court May 19.

County trooper Courtney Richmond NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION WLOS-TV awarded to troopers who are killed or got in an armed confrontation with Clay County FOX8 WGHP wounded in action and its roots trace Little and an unnamed trooper shot town Police chief suspended businesses in 12manager quits for Nearly 7,000 households and 374Canton back to the oldest military medal, the Little.

Authorities said Little was N.C. counties are set to receive high-speed D.C. job internet Pizza delivery box leadsMerit, given by Gen. Police officers shoot, kill man indefinitely Badge of Military wanted on 14 felony charges.

He was 78-year-old Murphy man accused thanks to more than $23.4 million in grants. The restaurant causes Lawyer: Former presidentMooresville of George Washington. Davis received the Two arrested after triple to prison for man who took kids taken to Baptist Hospital with serious Department of Information Haywood Technology’s of stealingN.C. $800K County Purple Heart surrounded by family, shot in leg in struggle North Carolina NAACP found deadwith new policy backlash injuries. The SBI is investigatingDeputy the shooting kills pair Pamlico County (NCDIT) Broadband Infrastructure Office has Seth Hendler-Voss, Canton’s town friends and two dozen soldiers with Onslow County Gaston County incident. with suspect Oriental Police Chief Dwaine Moore awarded Growing Rural Economies with Access to manager, announced this week County that Guilford Cherokee County the 3rd Brigade 82nd A methamphetamine dealerCombat has beenTeam, sentenced A police officer responding to a reported kidnapping Wilkes County Iredell County was arrested last Thursday after a (GREAT) grants to expand broadband he is leaving his post toAtake a job asaacivil rights advocate lawyer says and former Alan Darcy,Technology 78, of Murphy has been Airborne Division.

WSOC9 to 15 years in prison after federal prosecutors say Sampson County from a restaurant day care shot and killed the suspect as he Police arrested Stacy Elizabeth Miller, 33, and Carurso’s, an upscale Italian woman called 911 asking for help parks and an North Carolina branch infrastructure 12 counties, including Clayrecreations director charged with wire fraud ininconnection presidentfor of the of the investigators used a pizza delivery box with his Police say a sheriff’s deputy was shot in a struggle struck an week officer with a car. The city of Gastonia said James Louis Robinson, 54, and charged both in Mooresville, announced last saying she was assaulted.

When FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER agency Washington,NAACP D.C., but did with allegations he convinced to EMC. County’s Blue Ridgepeople Mountain Theinstate has been found dead. Attorney Mark to ban children address on it to track him down. U.S. Attorney with a car-theft suspect.

The deputy was in information, police five responded to a kidnapping call after the man with murder after a triple shooting on Hunting the decision deputies tried to getshot more not name his new employer in the press invest nearly a million dollars in false received more than 300 applications for the grants.

Cummings says the Rev. T. Anthony Spearman died Michael Easley says Jerrell Taylor of Kinston the leg with her own service weapon during the took children Creek Road over the weekend. Sandra Shew, 60, and under. Manager Michael Mills without permission. Officers found the call was disconnected.

Moore release. Hendler-Voss served Canton for investment accounts. One woman said last Tuesday.

Cummings said he was representing struggle and is expected recover. deputy, the children was pronounced dead at the scene. Ricky Lee defended the decision saying the inside a home and located the suspect. wasto jailed andThe released Friday forwas thesentenced following an investigation tying NC GOVERNOR’S OFFICE three years.

Darcy promised to more than double Spearman but did not say why. He declined to him to meth trafficking. In July 2019, Onslow Caitlin Emanuel, responded to aavehicle theft restaurant is trying to Surveillance establish a finevideo from a neighbor shows the man Anderson, 60, was taken to the hospital where he assault on bond of $5,000.

He has money if she wired him $60,000. provide additional details about Spearman’s death. A and dining atmosphere, sometimes County sheriff’s detectives arranged a purchase outside Roseboro Saturday.

She calledChief for backup, running from officers, toward a car. Shots are heard later died from his injuries. A third woman,her whose been the Police since July 2014 Investigators charge in an indictment MOUNTAINEER newsTHE outlet reported last month unruly that Spearman childrenfiled don’t fit of 449 grams of meth for $6,500. A so-called and another deputy who responded saw she had asthat the car reverses into an officer, then speeds away. name was not immediately released, was taken to and with the force since 2011.

Pamlico that he instead used the funds for a 28-page lawsuit against national, state and local description.

Mills said An theofficer feedback “middleman” arrived on a motorcycle carrying been shot in the leg. Sampson County Sheriff shothas and killed the man, identified as Wake Forest Baptist Hospital with life-threatening County authorities say Moore has been personal use including travel and NAACP leaders, accusing them of defamation and been mostly positive.

The story gained a pizza box which contained the meth and listed Jimmy Thornton saidsuspended the suspectindefinitely. put Emanuel 21-year-old Jason Lipscomb. injuries. luxury items. a civil conspiracy to have him removed as the state and mixed social statewide attention Taylor’s address on the box. in a stronghold when she approached him after AP WXII media reaction.

NAACP president. spotting the stolen vehicle. Police arrested a ASSOCIATED PRESS ASHEVILLE-CITIZEN TIMES AP 36-year-old Pennsylvania man within three hours AP WSOC9 of the shooting.

kills NY firefighter

Senate Bill 711, the Compassionate Care Act, would have permitted doctors to recommend medical marijuana products for certain “debilitating” conditions and registry identification cards sponsors to ease Army wouldThe havebill been issued toseek patients 18 and up. of Engineers rules ThoseCorps under the age of 18 would havethey had asay more detailed processlimit both shellfish for treatment and approval unfairly cultivation, for usestating of medical marijuana. reforms could grow economy Theand measure also would have created stringent protect the environment rules and definitions for licensed vendors including operations between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Senate Bill Moore 711 passed with a large majority of

By Jeff 36-7 in the third North State reading Journalin the Senate but hit a roadblock in the House where it passed the first reading and was sent— toTwo the House Rulesfrom CommitRALEIGH lawmakers tee from which it never emerged. coastal North Carolina filed a bill Monday In 2015, a similarthe billWilmington was introduced attemptto encourage District ing toofmake marijuana legal for patients with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to a “chronic, debilitating medical condition.”

House allow shellfish cultivation and aquaculture Bill 78, the Enact Medical Cannabis Act, passed activities in North Carolina waters a firstcontaining vote in thesubmerged House but aquatic died after receiving vegetation. an unfavorable report from the House AppropriaSens. Norman Sanderson (R-Carteret) tions Committee. and Bill Cook (R-Beaufort) described Sources onBill the410 House side of the General AsSenate as an economic sembly have indicated Senate Bill 711 might development driver that is also good be forrevisitedthe after the midterms. environment.

Nationally, Senate’s Democratic “Withthe ourU.S. acres of pristine watersMajorand ity Leader Chuck Schumer introduced the Cannaa large and growing interest in cultivated bis Administration and Opportunity Act on in July oysters, the potential for the industry 21. the state is huge,” said Sanderson and Cook in a press release. “Our goal is for Medicaid expansion North Carolina to become the ‘Napa Valley’ of oysters. A single adult oyster can After decade of opposition, Berger and his colfilter and clean up to 50 gallons of water a leagues introduced a Medicaid Expansion bill to day — thus our waters will be cleaner and be taken up during the short session. our economy will grow.

Currently, about 2.7 million North Carolina res“North Carolina’s estuaries are wellidents are enrolled in Medicaid. known for being some of the most The initial summary of Senate Bill 408 proproductive in the world. We have the posed an expansion to cover adults making up to second largest estuary system in the 38% above federal poverty guidelines, but a later United States and the largest contained version increased it to 133% of the federal poverin one state.

Amending this federal rule ty level. has tremendous potential to create new Included in the Senate proposal were Certifijobs with the shellfish aquaculture cate of Need (CON) reforms.and CON laws require industry.” state health regulators to sign off on any expansion federal rule in question aims to plans byThe hospitals and other medical providers. protect submerged aquatic vegetation, In addition, work requirements were included, butstate’s the bill sponsors contend it is expenses too and the 10% share of expansion wouldrestrictive. be paid through a new assessment on hos“This policy iswould more stringent than inpitals and expansion end if Congress policies used in other coastal states, creased the state’s share. the Commonwealth ofexpanding Virginia,” Theincluding House also produced its own bill said however, the senators in abill statement.

“Shellfish Medicaid, neither made it out of each leaserespective applications in North Carolina have chambers’ Rules and Operations combeen routinely denied the Division mittees.

House Bill 49, whichbyincluded a requireFisheries the presence ment of theMarine governor first haddue to to negotiate with the any submerged vegetation. federalofgovernment, wasaquatic the result of the House Virginia under the Norfolk refusing to takefalls up the Senate’s version. District ofnot thethe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers “It is approach the Senate will take,and and in that state, after the individual we’ll have some conversations with the lease Speaker,” preconstruction notification, Bergerholder said athas theatime the House rolled out its bill. their lease can have a certain “I don’t see that being the pathway toamount make progsubmerged ress onofthis issue.” aquatic vegetation under certain conditions.”

Moore disagreed and said the House approach toseen. data compiled by the was “theAccording best” he had Fiscal Research of include the General Cooper pressed bothDivision leaders to MedicAssembly, September there aid expansion in as theofstate budget 2015, bill. That didn’t were shellfish North happen, but292 he signed theleases budgetinanyway. covering acres. Out of budIn aCarolina, press statement on1,931 the signing of the those acknowledged leases, 256 arethe bottom get, Cooper budgetleases lacked Medcovering 1,820 acres, andleadership 36 have water icaid expansion but said, “the in both column covering 111 acres. the House andleases Senate now support it and both Inhave comparison, chambers passed it.”Virginia has 5,400 leases covering acres.

Sanderson It remains unclear 122,000 if Medicaid expansion will see further debate this year. and Cook contend that this expanding

AP

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28

PIEDMONT

Waynesville gets state bond PIEDMONT Asheville considers pulling city Suspect arrested in High Point money for new park Man gets 12 years for selling Bluegrass Fiddler’s Convention returns drive-by Family sues Biltmore after fallen money tree over Dakota Pipeline Patrol: Man stole ambulance, led chase

47 37

28. Sandhills Community College 29. Alamance Community College 30. Central Carolina Community College 31. Piedmont Community College 32. Durham Technical Community College 33. Fayetteville Technical Community College 34. Robeson Community College 35. Southeastern Community College 36. Bladen Community College 37. Wake Technical Community College 38. System Office 39. Vance-Granville Community College

WEST

after two years

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23

Jones & Bl

BILLS from page A1

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39

24 21

1

1. Tri-County Community College 2. Southwestern Community College 3. Haywood Community College 4. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College 5. Blue Ridge Community College 6. Isothermal Community College 7. McDowell Technical Community College 8. Maryland Community College 9. Western Piedmont Community Collge 10. Cleveland Community College 11. Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute 12. Catawba Valley Community College 13. Gaston College 14. Wilkes Community College

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North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

College football and universities: businesses or “non-profits”?

When college football coaches make $10 million per year, those programs are clearly “professional” in nature.

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS may not realize it yet but the debate about the realignment of college football conferences will force them have to deal with a question none of them wants to answer ― is a modern American university a “business” or a non-profit, tax-exempt “educational” entity?

If universities want to act like a business, they should be taxed like a business. They should not be allowed to hide behind the non-profit tax shield to conduct big-time athletics or indoctrinate students to be left-wing socialists.

It would be one thing if college football programs were making $100 million per season and sending $50 million to fund academic scholarships for non-athletes or support cancer research in campus laboratories. But they don’t. 100% of the money teams generate stays within the athletic program, mostly to fund scholarships of non-revenue producing sports; Title IX athletics for female students; travel and training expenses and, of course, coaches’ salaries.

When college football coaches make $10 million per year and have assistant coaches making over $1 million to coach special teams or wide receivers, those programs are clearly “professional” in nature and undeserving of being protected from taxation as a non-profit entity. Once the outer layer of the onion is peeled back revealing the 100% business nature of college football, the next layer to be peeled back is the blatant politicization by faculty as they indoctrinate and intimidate students to support policies of the far-left ― which is a prima facie example of how to violate 501c non-profit statutes. A big fat target will have then been painted on each institution of higher education at which lawmakers can take aim to justify eliminating their overall tax-exempt status.

College football has long been dominated by the same colleges for decades. Any cursory review of the top 20 teams since 1950 includes the same teams: Alabama; Notre Dame; Michigan; Ohio State; Southern Cal. Such programs have been “big business” for a long time whether any college president admitted it or not.

Why not recognize the reality of college football as a business and abolish the conference structure? Make every college an independent like Notre Dame and put the top 20 teams in a top tier nationwide league not unlike the English Premier League in soccer. Each team would have to play nine games against other top-20 teams which would guarantee at

least a half dozen Top 20 matchups each weekend.

No one wants to see Alabama maul FAMU or The Citadel. Stop it. Give the football fan the best matchups week-in and week-out. That is what American competition is all about, not destroying creampuffs to pad statistics and win/loss records.

No team, including Alabama, could go through a season undefeated any longer with such tough competition each week. Traditional powerhouses such as Oklahoma would likely lose 3-4 games each year instead of feasting on relatively weak Big 12 competition to go 10-1 and be in contention for a national title each year.

Each of the top-20 teams would play three games against any of the 60 teams in the second tier. If they lose two out of three games versus a second-tier team in a season, they are pushed out of the top league into the second tier.

Conversely, if a team in the second-tier defeats two out of the three top tier teams they play in a season, they qualify to play the next season in that top tier. There would be 45 teams in the lower tier of college football who would compete against each other for the right to move up with three victories against Tier 2 teams.

All independent business operations. All taxable. Survival of the fittest.

There is absolutely no justifiable reason why any major college football program in America which might generate $100 million in revenues in the next round of TV contracts deserves to be protected in any way, shape, fashion or form under the non-profit statutes of the US tax code. At the same time, there is no justifiable reason why any university which restricts free speech, freedom of thought and practices left-wing indoctrination policies should not forfeit their non-profit status for violating 501c3 statutes forbidding partisan political activities.

University presidents and athletic directors should be aware of all of the ramifications they are about to set in motion as they chase the Almighty Dollar in the next round of realignment. It is a Pandora’s Box they may one day wish they had never opened but one Congress and state legislatures should address nonetheless.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

White House gives up the mask theater game after Biden catches COVID

Apparently, you can’t demonstrate how hard you’re working while you’re wearing a mask.

LAST THURSDAY it was announced that President Joe Biden had tested positive for COVID-19 and was, at the time, “experiencing very mild symptoms.”

While he received well wishes for a swift recovery from Democrats and Republicans alike, something the White House did not long after the announcement was made raised some eyebrows.

A photo was posted of Biden from the “POTUS” Twitter account showing him in an office at the White House. He was maskless, even though he had just been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

According to the CDC’s guidelines, you should “Wear a well-fitting mask if you must be around others in your home.” At least one other person had to have been around Biden at the time — the photographer who took the picture.

So here we had the President of the United States, who had just come down with COVID-19, not abiding by the guidelines on masks that he and other Democrats have repeatedly urged people to follow and shamed Republicans for not following.

This double standard did not go unnoticed by the White House press corps, as some reporters grilled press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later that day over why Biden didn’t wear a mask considering he had the virus, he was sitting indoors, and he had at least one other person in the room with him.

Jean-Pierre’s response?

“With the photo, he took off his mask so that we can — so that the American people could see him and see directly — you know, see the work that he’s doing and that he’s sitting at his deck — desk continuing to do his work.”

Because apparently, you can’t demonstrate how hard you’re working while you’re wearing a mask or something.

The very next day, Vice President Kamala Harris appeared at the National Urban League annual conference. Though she tested negative for COVID, she is still considered a “close contact” of President Biden’s and as a result, the CDC recommends she be masked when she’s around other people.

Harris indeed wore a mask … until she walked onto the stage, where she took it off and immediately hugged Birmingham Alabama Mayor Randall Woodfin, who was also maskless.

Later that day, the White House was again grilled by reporters as to why Harris wasn’t following the CDC guidelines she and Biden have touted for the last 18 months.

Biden COVID response coordinator Ashish Jha was asked the question a struggled to come up with an answer that would make sense. At one point he appeared so desperate to get out of the situation that he stepped away and looked to Jean-Pierre for help.

She deferred right back to him.

All of this reminded me of the infamous Democrat “logic” we saw during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. According to their

unstated rules, it miraculously didn’t spread when Democrats were caught maskless in situations where the CDC said they should be wearing one but it did when Republicans were out and about not wearing a mask.

We also saw this on Biden’s first day in office when he signed an executive order mandating mask-wearing on federal property and then immediately violated it when he and his family visited the Lincoln Memorial after his inauguration.

When then-press secretary Jen Psaki was asked about Biden not abiding by his own order, her response — as Jean-Pierre’s did last week — gave up the game.

“Yesterday was a historic moment in our history. He was inaugurated as President of the United States. He was surrounded by his family.

We take a number of precautions, but I think we have bigger issues to worry about at this moment in time.”

As always, their rules never apply to them, only to everyone else, which is why so few people listen to them anymore.

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

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022 COLUMN | ERICK ERICKSON

The November numbers game THERE ARE 332 MILLION Americans. Of that, roughly 75% are eligible to vote. Only 50% are actually registered to vote.

On average between midterm and presidential elections, only 40% of the 332 million go vote. A presidential year may swing up to about 47%, and a midterm may swing down to 33%. The average is about 40%.

Of the 40% of Americans who vote, are registered to vote and who do vote, you need 21% to win.

But of that 40%, about 13% will vote Democrat in every case and 12% will vote Republican in every case. It varies by state, but generally, the GOP and Democrats are at parity in the nation now.

That leaves 15% of Americans who really shape the election.

Four percent of Americans are single-issue voters. They only care about guns (gun-control versus gun rights), abortion (prolife or pro-abortion), the environment or other random issues and will only vote on those issues or stay home if they don’t like where any of the candidates land on the issue. On guns and abortion, the majority in each group have tended to lean to the GOP, offsetting the Democrats’ generic ballot advantage.

That leaves 11% of Americans to decide the election. Of that 11%, you have to get the votes of 5.51% of those Americans.

It is impossible in some districts and states because the percentages at the state level vary. But in swing districts and swing states, that really matters. You have to target 5.51% of the population, find them, persuade them, and hold them once you have your base locked down. To be sure, these are generalities, but over time they hold up. Some elections have higher turnout.

Some have lower turn out. But as a benchmark for political campaigning, they hold up over time.

To you and me, President Joe Biden’s team seems off the rails right now. The number one issue in America is inflation, encompassing the economy, jobs, gas prices, food prices, etc.

Everything else is incidental. What is Biden doing? He is focused

on a supposed climate crisis, abortion, gun control, etc. The real question is: Why? The answer is not that the Biden team is incompetent at a political level. It is that they know doom is coming. They are having to mitigate the damage. In geometry, you learn a sine wave is negated by a cosine. A wave of amplitude x can be offset by a reverse wave of amplitude -x. Biden’s team is trying to grow a wave of Democrat voters to help mitigate the coming Republican wave.

Their strategy is to turn out the 15% of Americans who will always, in every circumstance, vote Democrat and also maximize the turnout of those single-issue voters who care about abortion, the environment and guns in the ways Democrats care about them. Some of those neutralize each other, e.g., gun-control voters versus gun-rights voters. But at the margins, perhaps more pro-abortion advocates turn out over single issue pro-life voters.

The danger here is that this further alienates nonwhite Democrats, and those voters continue their shift to the GOP. But if the Democrats want to do their best not to cancel the GOP’s wave but reduce its impact, they need to pull in as many Democrat and single-issue left-leaning voters as possible.

What you and I see as nuts for them abandoning inflation and the economy as the big issue is actually smart politics when they know doom is coming and they want to ensure the GOP only wins 20 seats in the House, not 40, and the GOP wins the Senate by one seat, not five.

The behavior of the White House and Democrats is a tacit admission that the GOP wave really is coming and really is big, and their strategy is to reduce its size and scope, not actually stop it from happening at all.

Erick Erickson is a radio host and conservative commentator based in Atlanta.

COLUMN | ELLIOT WANG

Taiwan’s growing importance on the global stage THE DISRUPTIONS CAUSED by the pandemic have shed light on the importance of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.

Even more so, the war in Ukraine has put the potential implications of an invasion of Taiwan by China into focus. At this point, the role of TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited) and, in a broader sense, Taiwan’s tech industry on the global economy is indisputable.

Imagine a world with 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors in the hands of China. Or, just as bad, a drawnout war where production is halted for months or longer. Is the world prepared for this? The potential impact of an invasion would be devastating on the United States economy as well as the rest of the global community.

Just as the war in Ukraine has had damaging ripple effects on the global food supply chain, the disruption to Taiwan’s semiconductor industry alone would negatively impact daily life for societies across the globe. From everyday household appliances and cars to LED light bulbs, cell phones, and computers, products in a plethora of industries could become scarce. These disruptions would put many countries’ communications and national security at risk. It would be the upheaval of the international system as we know it today.

China continues to make provocations at the US and Taiwan, exacerbating the tensions created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The number of Chinese warplanes infringing on Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) has jumped at an alarming rate in the past two years, while China has ramped up its military exercises based on invasion scenarios. Rhetoric from the Chinese government has grown more aggressive towards the US. These tensions relay a test of not just economic and military strength but also of the strength of our values. Like Ukraine, Taiwan is tasked with showing the world that democracy, human rights, rule of law, and an open, free economy are still worth fighting for.

Ukraine’s ability to defend itself defied the expectations of Russia. Not only has Ukraine rallied its own citizens to its side, it has also rallied the international community into action.

With the support of the international community, Ukraine has outlasted and outmaneuvered Russia these past five months, and the support of allies including the US and Taiwan has played a key role in helping Ukraine defend itself.

A broad range of support from allies is important for Taiwan as well. In turn, its semiconductor industry and strong democratic values make Taiwan a critical strategic partner for its allies, such as the US. Supporting Taiwan protects a crucial industry as well as solidifies the resolve of the democratic world.

The events of the past few years have spurred many in the

international community to take more concrete action in acknowledging the necessity of maintaining peaceful relations in the region. In its joint communiqué issued on June 28, 2022, the 48th Group of Seven (G7) underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.

Other examples in 2022 include announcements following the Japan-Australia Leaders’ Meeting, the US-Japan Summits, the EU-Japan Summit, and the US-Republic of Korea Leaders’ Summit, where the international community reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Leaders have begun to take note of the importance Taiwan plays in their own country’s security interests. The late Abe Shinzo compared a Taiwanese emergency to a Japanese emergency, emphasizing the impact an attack on Taiwan would have on the Japan-US alliance. Chinese expansion poses a threat to all in the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to Taiwan, China has multiple ongoing disputes with its neighbors over tenuously held territories in the region, including disputes with Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.

The Taiwanese government has been deeply appreciative of the growing recognition and support for Taiwan. As a responsible stakeholder in the global community, Taiwan is hoping to further integrate itself within the international system but has largely been barred from participation in major organizations.

In many organizations, China is able to throw around its political and economic weight to prevent Taiwan’s inclusion.

For others, even the thought of angering China deters members from allowing Taiwan to participate. The IPEF is one such case.

The IPEF, or Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, is an economic initiative between thirteen countries in the region, including the US, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

It is dedicated to bringing a fair and free economic system to the region yet leaves out a key economic leader in the region: Taiwan.

Regardless of these difficulties, Taiwan stands tall as a beacon of democracy in Asia. Despite increasing aggression from China and heightened tensions between the US and China, Taiwan continues to seek a peaceful resolution with China to create a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Safeguarding peace, stability, economic prosperity, and sustainable development throughout the region will continue to be a top priority for Taiwan, and it should be for the rest of the world, too.

Elliot Wang is Director-General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Atlanta

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

The Left wants to abolish everything, even this column ANY AGING BABY BOOMER (like myself) knows that the anthem of the radicals of the 1960s and 1970s was sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Let the good times roll. Back then, the joke was that a conservative was someone who lived in mortal fear that someone, somewhere, was having fun.

But if this new generation of authoritarian liberals has its way, sex and rock ‘n’ roll will be illegal.

As I’ve said in the past in these pages, the ironic ideological twist that has occurred over the past 20 years is that the once permissive “live and let live” Left is now the non-permissive Left. The leftists in America are the new puritans.

If you think I’m exaggerating, consider in just the past few months the laundry list of things that liberals want to abolish.

The same movement that wanted to legalize almost all drugs now wants to make smoking a menthol cigarette illegal. It’s OK to roll a joint, but not a tobacco cigarette. (Just for the record, I am not a smoker — and have never been one.)

The Left wants to save the planet by abolishing cars. No, not all cars for now. But if you have a car with a combustible engine that guzzles gasoline or diesel, they are coming after it.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg wants all new cars to be battery-operated over the next 10 years.

Never mind that Americans have a special love affair with their cars. Polls show by decisive margins that we want to decide for ourselves what kind of car we will drive, not leave it up to Uncle Sam. But if the climate change fanatics have their way, your right to choose your own car won’t exist. Oh, and by the way, in the Left’s utopian future, there won’t be any need for cars for the masses. We will ride around on buses and trains. Only the political elite — the beautiful people — will have cars.

Some of the more radical environmental groups want to abolish refrigerators (they use too much energy), light bulbs, guns (of course), straws (they kill dolphins), diving boards at pools (too dangerous), charcoal grills and disposable diapers.

They want to regulate the temperature on your thermostat in your home in the winter and summer months so you don’t use too much energy. They are talking about wanting to install government-controlled switches so that bureaucrats can set the temperature in your bedroom. The Left wants strict restrictions on how much water can spray out of the nozzle of your shower so that you don’t waste water.

Now, the latest planetary villain that needs to be outlawed is ... plastics. On June 30, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law to reduce sharply the use of plastics in everything from water bottles to grocery bags, containers and packaging.

This is the state’s solution to the mounting garbage crisis that the politicians can’t solve. Violators will face fines as high as $50,000 per infraction.

The new law sets strict recycling requirements, but apparently, no one told these genius lawmakers that recycling plastics requires huge amounts of energy, and sorry, that can’t happen if you’re dependent on wind and solar power.

The good news is that at least in America, we still have a right to complain openly about these mounting restrictions on the way we live our lives free of a tyrannical government. But for how long? Liberals will no doubt soon regard columns like this as subversive “hate speech” and abolish this, too.

Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at FreedomWorks. He is also author of the new book: “Govzilla: How The Relentless Growth of Government Is Devouring Our Economy.”

A7 COLUMN NEWT GINGRICH

The coming big election American tsunami AN AMERICAN TIDAL wave is coming based on big, nationalized congressional campaigns.

The American people will repudiate high inflation, fuel prices, and food costs.

They will reject the unchecked border and skyrocketing murder rates (which are up 37% in New York City and 34% in Chicago).

And they are sick of relentless values assaults over race, sexuality, and the nature of America.

If this big election tsunami is going to materialize into what could be the worst Democrat Party repudiation since 1920, Republicans need to understand two things: First, this is an American majority – not a Republican majority or a conservative majority. Americans of all ethnic and partisan backgrounds are coming together to reject unsustainable pain for their families, communities, and our free society.

Second, tsunamis grow out of a big election strategy — not from trying to add up a whole series of small elections.

Republicans must learn to talk about a new American majority — not a Republican majority. They must plan, think, and act for the American majority. This requires listening to and learning from a lot of people who have not been historically part of the Republican Party.

This emerging new American majority requires base broadening — not base mobilization strategies. This is important, because virtually every Washington consultant will reject this idea.

But data shows there is a vastly larger majority emerging than Republicans have been used to engaging for the last 90 years.

Reaching all of that majority requires new thinking about policy development, language, scheduling, and coalition building.

The big election campaign must be built around big solutions that can actually be implemented. The current crises of the American system, and the Big Government Socialist-Woke Left assault on American values, require big solutions with broad support.

Only deep, committed support of the vast majority of Americans will force the changes on the hostile establishment. Importantly, only this deep commitment will sustain the changes through ferocious attacks from leftwing activists, who will see their radical vision of an America being rejected by the American people.

The big election campaign must offer believable, achievable solutions. The American people are frustrated and hurting. They want a movement dedicated to practical, workable problem-solving that will improve their lives. They are tired of partisan politics. The new American majority will grow by delivering better results than the Big Government SocialistWoke Left coalition.

Further, as will become apparent, the better results will be achieved because of the inherent difference in principles between the new American majority and the Big Government Socialist Left — not just personal capabilities.

The big election campaign must be built on the principle that politics is the prelude to governing. Great majority coalitions (Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan) exist because they use political momentum to create governing solutions that improve people’s lives and achieve goals people strongly support. As people see leaders keeping their words — and solutions working and improving their lives and communities — new majorities coalesce around practical success.

Getting to an American tsunami requires staying positive and focusing on the cultural and political issues on which the new American majority can agree. The establishment (including their propaganda media) will do everything it can to draw us into fights that distract us from the areas in which our American majority will dominate.

They will seek to focus on gossip, internal tension, or other distractions to minimize our ability to communicate with the new American majority about issues that bring us together and motivate us to win.

Pay close attention to this: Irrelevant, trivial noise and niche issues are the enemies of growing a majority. Clarity, consistency, and firmness of purpose are the keys to attracting, educating, and holding together a new American majority.

Because this new American majority grows out of the American people’s desire for a better future — and a more stable value system — it is essential for those who would lead the majority to be constantly listening to the American people. Leaders must continuously be learning how Americans are thinking through and responding to the extraordinary pressures of our time.

Lincoln’s government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” naturally requires constantly listening to and trying to understand “the people.” This is the heart of a governing majority.

We are not reinventing anything. New American majorities have come together before to save society. Every activist and leader who wants to help develop this emerging majority should read about Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, if we are going to achieve a better American future.

A big election American tsunami is possible but not inevitable. Following these principles make it much more likely.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

A8 BRITISH POLITICS

2 contenders battle for Conservative votes in UK leader race

By Jill Lawless The Associated Press LONDON — The two candidates vying to become Britain’s next prime minister began a headto-head battle for the votes of Conservative Party members who will choose the country’s new leader.

Former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak is promising fiscal prudence, while Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is offering immediate tax cuts to members of the right-wing governing party, which is divided and demoralized after three turbulent years under departing Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Sunak and Truss were chosen

by Conservative lawmakers — whittled down from an initial field of 11 candidates — as finalists to replace Johnson, who quit as party leader on July 7 after months of ethics scandals. He remains prime minister until his successor is chosen. The result of the party leadership contest is due on Sept.

5 and that person automatically becomes Britain’s next prime minister.

About 180,000 Conservative Party members will choose the country’s next leader. The rest of the U.K.’s 67 million people will watch the campaign from the sidelines, as the candidates spar in televised debates and party

AP PHOTO

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak before taking part in the BBC Conservative Party leadership debate in Stokeon-Trent, England, Monday July 25, 2022. meetings — against a backdrop of soaring prices, growing climate extremes that broke U.K. temperature records this week and the war in Ukraine. The winner set to be announced Sept. 5.

The winner of the Conservative contest will not have to face British voters until 2024, unless he or she chooses to call an early general election.

Oddsmakers say the favorite is Truss, who has led the U.K.’s

response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and is running as a lowtax, small-state conservative in the mold of Margaret Thatcher.

In interviews, Truss said she had the “toughness” and “grit” to lead the country in troubled times.

“We are in very difficult times.

We need to be bold,” she recently told the BBC. “We cannot have business as usual for the challenge we face.”

Sunak, who steered Britain’s

LIZ TRUSS

economy through the pandemic before quitting Johnson’s government this month, also claims to wear the mantle of Thatcher, whose free-market policies transformed Britain’s economy in the 1980s. Sunak argues it would be irresponsible to slash taxes before getting inflation under control. He won the vote among party lawmakers, but his previous role as Britain’s chief taxman may go down less well with the Tory

grassroots.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Sunak said “low inflation and sound public finances” were needed as the foundation of the economy.

In a dig at Truss, lawmaker Robert Jenrick, a Sunak supporter, said “it is the antithesis of Thatcherism to be going around making unfunded tax pledges merely to win a leadership contest.”

Sunak also faces open hostility from allies of Johnson, who consider him a turncoat for quitting the government earlier this month, a move that helped bring down the prime minister.

Johnson clung to office through months of scandals over his finances and his judgment, refusing to resign when he was fined by police over government parties that broke COVID-19 lockdown rules.

He finally quit after one scandal too many — appointing a politician accused of sexual misconduct — drove his ministers to resign en masse.

Both Truss and Sunak are aiming to distance themselves from the ethical swamp around Johnson, while persuading Tories they can match his election record, which delivered a landslide victory to the Conservatives in 2019.

Rhys Smithson, a Conservative local councilor from Colchester in eastern England, said he still remained undecided after listening to the two candidates.

“Sunak is probably more grown up, but I would say Truss is more passionate,” he said. “Truss will appeal more to members, I think Sunak will appeal more to the electorate.”

RISHI SUNAK

Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Liz Truss, arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

Former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, left, arrives with with daughters Krishna, Anushka and wife Akshata Murthy, at Gonerby Hill Foot, in Grantham, England, Saturday, July 23, 2022.

AP PHOTO

Truss, 46, is a favorite among many Conservatives, who revere Thatcher above all other leaders.

FANS OF LIZ TRUSS think she is the new Iron Lady.

If Truss wins, she would become Britain’s third female prime minister. She has forged her image in homage to the first, Margaret Thatcher.

Truss has posed in a British Army tank in Eastern Europe, evoking an image of Thatcher during the Cold War. In a televised leadership debate this week, Britain’s top diplomat sported a pussy-bow blouse eerily similar to one the late prime minister used to wear.

Truss, 46, is a favorite among many Conservatives, who revere Thatcher above all other leaders. Critics say it’s an empty homage and believe Truss lacks the gravitas to lead the country amid economic turbulence and a European war.

As foreign secretary, Truss has been front and center in Britain’s support for Ukraine and Western sanctions against Russia over the invasion of its neighbor. She also has figured prominently in the U.K.’s feud with the European Union over post-Brexit trade arrangements.

Her pugnacious approach — along with her promises to slash taxes and boost defense spending — have made her the favorite of the party’s strongly euroskeptic right wing.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Truss said she was “the only person who can deliver the change we need on the economy — in line with true Conservative principles — and the only person capable of stepping up and leading the response to Ukraine and the increased security threat that the free world faces.”

But opponents criticize her as a dogmatist and a wooden public speaker, and note that she has not always been a true-blue Tory.

Born in Oxford in 1975, Truss is the daughter of a math professor and a nurse who took her on anti-nuclear and anti-Thatcher protests as a child, where she recalled shouting: “Maggie, Maggie, Maggie — out, out out!”

Truss attended a public high school in Leeds, northern England, and then studied philos-

ophy, politics and economics at Oxford University, where she briefly belonged to the centrist Liberal Democrats and called for the abolition of the monarchy.

She worked as an economist for energy giant Shell and telecommunications firm Cable and Wireless, and for a right-of-center think tank while becoming involved in Conservative politics and espousing free-market Thatcherite views. She ran unsuccessfully for Parliament twice before being elected to represent the eastern England seat of Southwest Norfolk in 2010.

Truss is married to Hugh O’Leary, with whom she has two teenage daughters.

In Britain’s 2016 referendum on whether to leave the European Union, Truss backed the losing “remain” side. But she has served in Johnson’s staunchly pro-Brexit government as trade secretary and then foreign secretary, and has won the support of the Conservative Party’s most fervent Brexiteers.

Her record as foreign secretary has drawn mixed reviews.

Many praise her firm response to the invasion of Ukraine, and she secured the release of two British nationals jailed in Iran where her predecessors had failed. But EU leaders and officials hoping she would bring a softer tone to the U.K.’s relations with the bloc have been disappointed.

Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, says the fact that euroskeptics adore Truss, while suspecting Sunak of pro-EU views — despite that fact that he backed “leave” in the referendum — shows the importance of image over substance in politics.

“His image doesn’t fit that of a Brexiteer whereas hers does,” Bale said. “There’s a kind of presumption that if you’re a bit of a smoothiechops who moves easily in international circles you must be a remainer, and if you’re someone who tells it like it is to Johnny Foreigner then you’re obviously a (true) Brexiteer.”

AP PHOTO

RISHI SUNAK was seen as Boris Johnson’s natural heir, until he turned on the prime minister who put him in charge of Britain’s economy.

The former Treasury chief, who quit earlier this month after questioning Johnson’s competence and ethics, is one of the two final contenders to replace Johnson as Conservative Party leader and prime minister — but he faces fierce opposition from Johnson and his allies, who consider him a turncoat.

At 42, Sunak would be the youngest prime minister in more than 200 years and the country’s first South Asian leader.

Sunak was born in Southampton, on England’s south coast, in 1980 to Indian parents who were both born in East Africa. He grew up in a middle-class family, his father a family doctor and his mother a pharmacist. He has described how his parents saved to pay for a private education, and he attended Winchester College, one of Britain’s toniest and most expensive boarding schools.

There, he mingled with the elite.

Rivals recently dug up a clip from a 2001 TV documentary about the class system in which the 21-yearold Sunak said he had “friends who are aristocrats, I have friends who are upper class, I have friends who are, you know, working class — well, not working class.”

After high school Sunak studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University — the degree of choice for future prime ministers — then got an MBA at Stanford University.

He worked for the investment bank Goldman Sachs and as a hedge fund manager and lived in the U.S., where he met his wife, Akshata Murty. They have two daughters.

Returning to Britain, Sunak was elected to Parliament for the safe Tory seat of Richmond, in Yorkshire, in 2015 and served in several junior ministerial posts before being appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by Johnson early in 2020, just before the pandemic hit.

His furlough program, which paid the salaries of millions of workers when they were temporarily laid off, made him the most pop-

ular member of the government — a status “Dishy Rishi” burnished with slick social media messages that stressed his own brand more than the government’s.

Sunak’s sure-footedness has wobbled over the years. Critics said a campaign to get people to eat in restaurants after lockdown restrictions were eased in the summer of 2020 contributed to another wave of COVID-19.

He also has faced questions about his wealth and finances. His wife is the daughter of the billionaire founder of Indian tech giant Infosys, and the couple is worth $877 million, according to the Sunday Times Rich list. In April it emerged that Murty did not pay U.K. tax on her overseas income.

The status was legal but it looked bad at a time when Sunak was raising the taxes of millions of Britons. Sunak also was criticized for holding onto his American Green Card — which signifies an intent to settle in the U.S. — for two years after he became Britain’s finance minister.

Sunak also was fined by police, along with Johnson and more than 80 others, for attending a party in the prime minister’s office in 2020 that broke coronavirus lockdown rules.

Sunak’s leadership campaign has been the most professional of any contender, from a slick launch video to a coterie of aides to marshal support.

He has depicted himself as the candidate of grown-up decisions and fiscal probity, calling rivals’ tax-cutting plans reckless and vowing to get inflation under control. He frequently mentions his political idol, Thatcher, but has nonetheless been cast by rivals as a left-wing, tax-and-spend politician, and has been subjected to mudslinging by Johnson’s allies.

Steven Fielding, professor of political history at the University of Nottingham, says Sunak “has got the demeanor of a daytime chat show host.”

“He’s plausible, he’s glib,” Fielding said. “He’s very like (former Prime Minister) David Cameron in that regard. He’s plausible, and yet somehow you think you’re being lied to.”

At 42, Sunak would be the youngest prime minister in more than 200 years and the country’s first South Asian leader.

World Golf HOF returning to Pinehurst, B4

MiLB ACROSS NC

BRETT FRIEDLANDER | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Asheville Tourists outfielder Quincy Hamilton dives back into first base during a pickoff attempt by the Winston-Salem Dash during a July 16 game at at McCormick Field.

Tourists in their own city MLS

Bradley scores twice in Toronto’s win over Charlotte FC Toronto Captain Michael Bradley scored twice to help Toronto FC beat Charlotte FC 4‑0 on Saturday night. Italians Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne made their MLS debuts, with Bernardeschi scoring and adding an assist and Insigne also setting up a goal. Mark‑Anthony Kaye also scored for Toronto (6‑12‑4). Osorio opened the scoring in the fourth minute, Bradley scored in the 10th, Bernardeschi in the 31st and Bradley again in first‑half stoppage time. Bradley has 16 goals in 259 career MLS games. Charlotte fell to 8‑12‑2 on the season and is now 1‑9‑2 on the road. The teams sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference behind FC Cincinnati (7‑8‑7) for the final playoff spot in the conference.

NFL

Former Mars Hill, NC State OL Good retires from Raiders Las Vegas Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Denzelle Good, whose collegiate career took him to NC State and then Division II Mars Hill, has decided to retire. Good was expected to compete for a starting spot at guard on Las Vegas’ line as he worked his was back from reconstructive knee surgery. Good, 31, began his seven‑year career with Indianapolis in 2015 and was claimed off waivers by the Raiders late in the 2018 season. He played 63 career games and was a versatile backup for much of his career, playing both guard and tackle, before starting 14 games in 2020 for Las Vegas. Good lost his scholarship at NC State after academic troubles but regrouped at Mars Hill, about 20 miles north of Asheville. The Colts selected him in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Asheville’s long minor league baseball history includes its picturesque 98-year-old downtown stadium

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal ASHEVILLE — The scoreboard at McCormick Field can be confusing to the uninitiated.

It designates the teams as “Visitors” and “Tourists.”

By definition, tourists are almost always visitors. But when it comes to minor league baseball in Asheville, these Tourists are, in fact, the home team.

It’s a name that’s been used by numerous versions of the local nine since 1915 when, under pressure from the authorities, the club dropped the title “Moonshiners” to reflect a more reputable — and legal — staple of the local economy.

Asheville has only grown as a vacation hot spot since then as visitors have become drawn to the opulence of the Biltmore Estate, the city’s avant-garde downtown area, the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and a historic little ballpark whose picturesque sightlines make it a tourist attraction in its own right.

“It’s beautiful,” Jonathan Meisel, an actual tourist from Atlanta attending a recent game against

BRETT FRIEDLANDER | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

A view from the right field stands at McCormick Field as the Tourists face the Winston-Salem Dash on July 26 in Asheville. the Winston-Salem Dash with his family, said of McCormick Field.

“The setting is awesome, and it’s small and cozy. It’s a great venue to watch a game.”

Cut into the side of a hill and surrounded by lush greenery, the stadium makes up for its lack of high-tech bells and whistles with a rustic, old-school charm. It’s not uncommon to see a herd of goats roaming around in the distance during games, feeding on vegetation.

And while there are no luxury skyboxes as in other, newer minor

“The setting is awesome, and it’s small and cozy.

It’s a great venue to watch a game.”

Jonathan Meisel, baseball fan league parks around the state, it is possible to get a view of both the action and downtown Asheville from the sky — without having to pay for a ticket — atop the bleach-

ers facing the neighboring youth football and soccer facility high above centerfield.

The biggest drawback is that parking is at a premium.

“The joke is that we don’t have an issue with parking because we don’t have any parking,” said Larry Hawkins, the Tourists’ general manager since 1998.

One way around the parking problem is leaving the car downtown after spending the day shopping or eating dinner at one of Asheville’s many eclectic restaurants and walking the few blocks down the hill to the game.

“With any venue, you want to be downtown because you can pull from so many directions,” Hawkins said. “You always have stronger demographics in certain areas of town, but for us being downtown, with tourism being so big here, it gives those folks the ability to walk here and do whatever. So we are very fortunate.”

McCormick Field has been on its current site since 1924, making it the third oldest in minor league baseball after those in Daytona Beach and Bradenton, Florida.

The list of legends that have played there includes Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and Jackie Robinson.

The scene in which Crash Davis broke the career minor league record for home runs in the movie “Bull Durham” was also filmed there.

The stadium’s original wooden grandstand was replaced by the current 4,000-seat concrete, steel See MiLB, page B3

QB battle looms over Panthers’ preseason Sam Darnold vs.

Baker Mayfield is the top training camp storyline

By Shawn Krest North State Journal WHEN AN NFL team opens training camp, it’s standard practice to preview the season by running down the top storylines and position battles that need to be worked out before things kickoff.

The Carolina Panthers certainly have a list of each, but the top item on both lists dwarfs everything else as the team gets back to work for the 2022 season.

The Panthers have two former franchise quarterbacks, each abandoned by the franchise that drafted him. They were Carolina’s top acquisitions in each of the last two offseasons. The team desperately hopes that one of them will be its quarterback of the present and future. It just needs to figure out which one.

Sam Darnold has a tumultuous first year with the Panthers under his belt. He was acquired last off-

AP PHOTO

Quarterback Baker Mayfield arrives at Panthers’ training camp Tuesday at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. season after wearing out his welcome with the Jets and started the 2021 campaign with three straight wins, including an opening day victory over his old team.

Things went sideways, howev-

er, as the Panthers’ offensive line proved unable to protect him.

Darnold’s confidence in the pocket and decision-making plummeted as the hits accumulated, and injury and performance sent him to

the bench as Carolina signed Cam Newton off the street. Darnold returned to the starting lineup late in the season, but question marks remained on whether he was the answer at quarterback.

So the Panthers brought in Baker Mayfield following trade talks that occupied much of the offseason before being consummated late last month. A former Heisman Trophy winner and top pick of the Cleveland Browns, he saw the team sour on him through an injury-plagued season last year.

Carolina GM Scott Fitterer declared that Mayfield vs. Darnold will be an “open competition” in camp, although newcomer Mayfield is the likely early favorite. He led the Browns to the playoffs before last year’s struggles, and the mere fact that bringing in someone to push Darnold was a priority for the Panthers is an indication of the team’s uncertainty about the latter as the starter.

There are, however, other areas to watch as the Panthers return to work.

See NFL, page B4

B2

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

WEDNESDAY

7.27.22

TRENDING

Charles Johnson: The former NFL receiver was found dead in a Raleigh hotel last week. He was 50.

Johnson starred at Colorado before being a the 17th overall pick by the Steelers in the 1994 NFL Draft. He played nine seasons in the league, winning a Super Bowl with the Patriots in 2001 before retiring after the following season.

Johnson had previously been an assistant football coach for Heritage High School in Wake Forest before retiring last year.

Austin Rivers: The former Duke guard has signed a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 6-foot-4 son of Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers spent last season with Denver. He averaged 6.0 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 67 games.

Rivers registered his best year in the NBA in 2017-18 with the Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged 15.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 61 games. He has played 10 seasons in the league for six teams. Rivers was the 10th overall pick in the 2012 draft by New Orleans.

Jeremy Pruitt: The former Tennessee coach’s actions have led to 18 alleged recruiting violations to the football program, including claims of impermissible cash, gifts and benefits given.

The school has 90 days to respond to the Level I violations. The NCAA notice of allegations says at least a dozen members of Pruitt’s staff were involved in more than 200 individual violations over a two‑year period.

Pruitt and nine others were fired for cause in January 2021 after an internal investigation.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

NASCAR

Denny Hamlin became the first Cup Series race winner to be disqualified since April 17, 1960, when both he and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch were knocked from their 1-2 finish after their cars failed a post-race inspection.

Third‑place finisher Chase Elliott was awarded the victory. NASCAR’s top series last disqualified a winner when Emanuel Zervakis’ victory at Wilson Speedway was thrown out because of an oversized fuel tank.

DARRYL WEBB | AP PHOTO

“I’m the old, grumpy guy.

I know.”

Diamondbacks pitcher Madison Bumgarner during his criticism of Nationals outfielder Victor Robles for admiring his home run off the North Carolina native in Arizona’s eventual 7-2 win.

MATT SLOCUM | AP PHOTO

NHL

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

JOHN MINCHILLO | AP PHOTO

“I can ask for no more.”

Former Red Sox slugger David Ortiz after he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday in Cooperstown.

PRIME NUMBER

$6.18M The amount fetched in an auction for the championship belt Muhammad Ali won when he defeated George Foreman in the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in Zaire.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay had the winning bid and is adding the belt to his collection of rock music, American history and pop culture memorabilia that is currently touring the country.

KARL B. DEBLAKER | AP PHOTO

Nino Niederreiter signed a two‑year, $8 million deal to join the Predators, leaving the Hurricanes as an unrestricted free agent. Niederreiter, 29, had 69 goals and 137 points in three-plus seasons in Carolina after coming to Raleigh from Minnesota in a one-for-one trade for center Victor Rask.

CHRIS O’MEARA | AP PHOTO

Former Gamecocks quarterback Phil Petty, who played for Lou Holtz and later coached under Skip Holtz at East Carolina, died at age 43, the University of South Carolina announced last week. He led USC to Outback Bowl victories in 2000 and 2001 and moved into coaching after playing one NFL season in Tennessee.

CYCLING

BERTRAND GUAY | AP PHOTO

Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard won his first Tour de France title Sunday, topping defending champion Tadej Pogacar. The 25-year-old Vingegaard became the first Danish rider to win cycling’s biggest race since Bjarne Riis in 1996. As well as overall victory, Vingegaard also claimed the jersey for king of the mountains. The official overall margin of victory was 2 minutes, 43 seconds.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

B3

New Duke coach Mike Elko focusing on foundation The first-time head coach is trying to build on David Cutcliffe’s success

By Shawn Krest North State Journal THE ACC KICKOFF in Charlotte is the traditional opening of the new college football season each year. For Duke’s Mike Elko, it’s also now a workday.

“It’s different for sure,” he said while making the rounds with the various media outlets last week in Charlotte. “This used to be the day when the head coach left and we were on our own.”

That’s because up until eight months ago, Elko was an assistant coach. Now the longtime defensive coordinator is in the top spot, taking over a Duke program that had spent more than a decade under the leadership of David Cutcliffe.

That means that instead of having a day without the boss around, he’s the cat wondering what the mice are up to back on campus while he’s away doing media duties.

“I don’t know if there’s anything necessarily that I would say was surprising,” Elko said of his new role. “I just think the volume that falls into the head coaching chair — I don’t know as an assistant if you ever truly can understand that.”

Elko has worked as a coordinator for some of the sport’s most accomplished head coaches, including Dave Clawson, Brian Kelly and Jimbo Fisher. So he’s seen what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Still, there’s a difference between seeing it up close and being the one actually doing it.

“Not that you didn’t know and not that you didn’t have people tell you and prepare you for it, but when you get in that chair for the first time and you really go into undertaking all that is running a college football program, I think there’s some learning curves for sure,” he said.

Learning the job isn’t the only challenge facing Elko, however.

He also has the task of replacing

AP PHOTO

Duke coach Mike Elko speaks during the ACC Football Kickoff last Thursday in Charlotte. the man that brought Duke football back to prominence in Cutcliffe, who was extremely popular on campus, in the locker room and across the community. And Elko has to rebuild a program that, despite all of Cutcliffe’s success, hasn’t won an ACC game in a year and a half.

“We want to establish how you want the program to run,” he said of his priorities this season. “How you want the kids to act, how you want the kids to play. If you can establish that in year one, you build a structure to grow off of.”

While a few veteran players transferred after the school decided to part ways with Cutcliffe, Elko is pleased with the way he’s been ac-

cepted as the first new voice in the Duke locker room since 2007.

“It’s been an unbelievable culture shift for us,” he said. “A lot of times when you take over a new program, you get a lot of resistance. You get a lot of fight back. I think these three guys on the stage with me (offensive lineman Jacob Monk, defensive tackle DeWayne Carter and linebacker Shaka Heyward) kind of represent our entire program.

They’ve just done an amazing job buying into what we’re trying to do. We’ve asked them to do a lot of different things. Not necessarily better, worse. Just different. I think they’ve kind of jumped at the opportunity.”

Elko retained some of Cutcliffe’s

staff — most notably assistant coach Trooper Taylor, who served as interim coach while Duke went through its search for Cutcliffe’s replacement. He’s also been effusive in his praise of Cutcliffe, talking about wanting to build off of what the longtime Duke coach began.

“It’s been a lot of positive change,” Carter said. “It’s been very smooth.

We’ve laid a good foundation and, most importantly, the best positive change is it’s really like a player and coach relationship partnership.

We’re working together.”

While it’s still the same team that went 0-8 in the ACC last season, Duke has reason for hope. Elko has been extremely successful on the recruiting front, landing near-

ly a commitment a day through the month of June, leading many to believe that his talk of building excitement around a program that has often been overlooked may have some substance to it. He’s also coaching in a division that has four newcomers at head coach, allowing the Blue Devils to possibly take advantage of the transition.

But the first-time head coach has already mastered the football coaching cliché of not looking too far forward.

“Sometimes, you can jump the gun a little bit and focus on things that aren’t foundation,” he said.

“We’re trying to build a house that will last for a really long time at Duke.”

COLUMN | SHAWN KREST

ACC commissioner straddles line between defiant, complicit

Standing in front of the line of tanks is an admirable position, heroic even, but that assumes that the tanks stop for you.

ACC COMMISSIONER Jim Phillips’ slip of the tongue was perhaps a sign of the times in college sports.

In discussing ways to improve the conference’s revenue stream to make it more competitive with the newly expanded SEC and Big Ten, Phillips said he would do what was best “for our 17 teams.” He then caught himself and corrected it to 15 teams.

A few minutes later, he clarified again.

The ACC has 14 teams for football.

“I’ve been focused on expansion,” Phillips joked.

He’s not alone. The entire college sports industry has been focused on expansion as the NCAA appears to be on the verge of consolidating into two large haves, and a vast ocean of have-nots.

A year after the SEC threw the first punch in the latest college realignment frenzy, taking Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12, the Big Ten countered by raiding the Pac-12 for USC and UCLA. The resulting landscape shows the SEC and Big Ten as the clear front-runners, packed with the best programs from coast to coast, the Big 12 and Pac-12, former power conferences, scrambling to survive, and the ACC teetering on the brink as it ponders its next step.

So far, the ACC has stood pat, but it’s not a place that Phillips or the conference can remain.

So at the ACC Kickoff, Phillips used his “state of the league” address to stand in front of the oncoming tanks and throw up his hand.

During his half-hour opening statement, Phillips railed against the consolidation of college sports around football, extolling the importance of the nonrevenue-generating Olympic sports.

“They forget that we field teams beyond football and men’s basketball,” Phillips said. “College athletics happens within the context of higher education. For decades, we’ve relied on the

MiLB from page B1 and brick structure in 1992. Because of the surrounding topography that includes a sheer rock wall behind part of the concourse, there are more stands on the first base side, where the only entry gate is located, than the third base side.

The playing surface also has its share of quirky dimensions. It includes a right field line only 297 feet from home plate. The 373-foot distance to straightaway center is just as inviting for hitters.

Even with the 36-foot-high wall, which extends to 42 feet where the scoreboard connects to it, McCormick Field is annually the most

home run-friendly park in minor league baseball.

Asheville’s hitters were averaging 6.6 runs and 1.57 home runs through their first 47 home games this season, compared to just 4.5 runs and 0.82 homers in their 39 games on the road. Their team batting average of .298 at McCormick Field is a remarkable 83 points higher than it is on the road in the high Class A South Atlantic League.

The good news for pitching prospects working to move their way up the ladder is their inflated earned run averages aren’t weighed as heavily by the Tourists’ parent club, the Houston Astros,

AP PHOTO

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips answers a question during the league’s Football Kickoff event in Charlotte last Wednesday. financial power of those two sports.”

Phillips was defiant that sports at the college level shouldn’t be a feeder system or minor league for pro teams.

“Those who clamor for a pay-for-play system disregard the collegiate principles of diverse offerings,” he said. “We are not the professional ranks. This is not NFL or NBA lite. This is not, or should not be, a winner-take-all structure. ...

College athletics has never been elitist or singularly commercial.”

As a member of the five power conferences that dominated football and men’s basketball over recent years, the ACC appears to be at risk of being

as they are by other organizations because of the short porch and high mountain altitude.

“The stadium doesn’t meet a lot of the specifications and the dimensions are weird,” Hawkins said. “But we’re going to do everything in our power to keep it here.

It’s a very fun place to watch a game and people enjoy it.”

Apparently, humans aren’t the only ones that like it.

“A few days ago, someone had left the door in centerfield open and one of the goats came down and was just chilling on the field,” said Kendall Thompson, who in addition to her duties as a promotions and ticket associate doubles

on the outside looking in.

“I’ll continue to do what’s best for the ACC but will also advocate for a healthy neighborhood in college athletics,” Phillips said. “Not just for two or three gated communities.”

Standing in front of the line of tanks is an admirable position, heroic even, but that assumes that the tanks stop for you. And the big question is whether it’s too little, too late. Was Phillips calling for a return to the days of yore quaint and outdated given the momentum the two-conference model has built up, and the money firing the engines to have it continue? Even as Phillips spoke, rumors had been swirling that some of the top programs in his league are fielding offers from one or both super conferences.

The position is also undermined when, until recently, you were among those driving a tank.

Phillips admitted as much in his comments.

“We’re probably in a gated community,” he said.

“One of five. We’re going to try to find new ways to generate revenue for our conference, but it can’t be at the expense of all the other things we’re doing.”

And, as Phillips stands with his hand extended, he seems to be looking around for an unoccupied tank that someone may have left unattended.

He said the ACC is exploring all options for expansion and trying to find ways to hike TV revenue to be more competitive with the SEC and Big Ten. That means doing some raiding of its own and renegotiating TV deals.

It also means wooing Notre Dame.

Already an ACC school in everything but football, retaining the Irish appears to be crucial to any plan to keep the ACC relevant.

“If there comes a time that Notre Dame would consider moving to a conference, I feel really good about it being the ACC,” he said.

So the message coming from ACC Kickoff and the league office — which, fittingly, is currently adrift, looking for a new home — is an unequivocal “Stop the madness … or let us participate. One of the two.”

“This is no time to be waving the white flag,” Phillips said. “I’m not trying to be Pollyannish. I live in the real world. Times change.”

as the Tourists’ on-field host. “The players formed like a six-person squad around the goat and calmly walked him back up the hill.”

Not all woodland creatures are treated so rudely. A loveable bear named Ted E. Tourist is allowed to freely roam the stands at McCormick Field.

He’s one of two mascots engaging fans, posing for pictures and adding to the atmosphere at every home game.

The other is Mr. Moon, who is exactly what his name suggests — a sunglasses- and baseball cap-wearing man in the moon whose likeness is on everything from the team’s hats and conces-

sion stands selling Mr. Moonshaped containers of lemonade to merchandise at the team’s souvenir shop, the equally aptly named “The Tourists Trap.”

Mr. Moon was introduced in 2011 as a tribute to Asheville’s baseball roots.

“Back in the day we were the Moonshiners, but we knew it would never fly to recreate that,” Hawkins said. “So we came up with a semblance of that and it turned out to be Mr. Moon. We were thinking that the moon is one of the coolest places you can go. Then you have the Moonshiners and it all just kind of came full circle.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

B4

Different expectations, same goals for NC State, Wake Forest, UNC The three veteran coaches are coming off contrasting seasons

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal CHARLOTTE — North Carolina football coach Mack Brown referred to last week’s ACC Kickoff media event as a time for hype and hope.

It’s an accurate description.

While the assembled media provides hype for the coming season, Brown and his fellow coaches hope the expectations that get set for their teams aren’t too high. Or that they can at least live up to them.

The Tar Heels were on the wrong end of that equation a year ago, when they were — in Brown’s words — “criminally overrated” as a top-10 team nationally and the odds-on favorite to win the ACC’s Coastal Division.

They stumbled in their season opener at Virginia Tech and never fully recovered on the way to a disappointing 6-7 finish that culminated in a Duke’s Mayo Bowl loss to South Carolina.

Projections for the coming season have softened considerably now that quarterback Sam Howell and leading rusher Ty Chandler have left for the NFL and virtually the entire offensive line must be replaced.

Instead, the burden of runaway optimism has shifted to rival NC State, which has been picked by many to not only beat out perennial power Clemson in the Atlantic Division but to bring home an ACC title for the first time since 1979.

There’s good reason for the enthusiasm.

Ten of 11 starters — highlight-

AP PHOTO

From left, NC State’s Devin Leary, coach Dave Doeren, Isaiah Moore and Drake Thomas pose for a photo onstage at the ACC Football Kickoff last Wednesday in Charlotte. ed by the star-studded linebacking corps of Drake Thomas, Isaiah Moore and a healthy Payton Wilson — return on a defense that allowed the second-fewest points in the league a year ago. On offense, trigger man Devin Leary is being mentioned as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate.

The Wolfpack also have plenty of motivation after having its Holiday Bowl game against UCLA and a bid for only the second 10-win season in school history canceled by its opponent because of a COVID outbreak less than four hours before kickoff.

“Nobody likes feeling like you got

the raw deal,” coach Dave Doeren said at the ACC’s annual preseason media gathering in Charlotte. “It’s going to come full circle and we’re going to be smiling at the end of it. I believe that whole-heartedly.”

For that to be the case, Doeren and his staff will have to defy history. State has not traditionally fared well when its expectations are the highest. That’s especially true when, as is the case this year, its most important game — against Clemson — is on the road.

So what is it going to take for the Wolfpack to finally get over the hump?

According to Doeren, the answer is simple.

“It’s another play,” he said. “We lost two one-possession games last year (against Wake Forest and Miami) that kept us out of (the ACC Championship) Game. It’s one more play that you have to make. … For us it’s just doing that repetitively. You have to do it in every game you play in the conference.”

Rival UNC learned that the hard way a year ago.

While the Tar Heels had some memorable highs — including a nonconference win against Atlantic champion Wake Forest, a 59-point

outburst against Virginia and a win against Miami — they also had their share of season-killing lows, most of which came on the road.

The worst came in the regular season finale when UNC surrendered two touchdowns in the final 1:35 to lose at State.

Correcting those up-and-down tendencies is job one on Brown’s list of priorities as he heads into the season with a staff bolstered by the return of respected defensive coordinator Gene Chizik.

“We played inconsistently and that’s on me. That’s on our assistant coaches,” Brown said. “We’ve gone back to work, and the guys have worked really hard.

“I’ve enjoyed this spring. Spring practice was a lot more competitive.

We understand that there’s a lot of question marks for this team. We’re not into the hype this year, we’re just trying to get better and play to a standard.”

Like Brown, Wake Forest’s Dave Clawson isn’t into the hype either.

That’s because, when it comes to the perennially overlooked Deacons, living up to high expectations is an issue for others to worry about.

No matter how good they have the potential to be.

Playing the role of underdog has become such an annual event at Wake that star quarterback Sam Hartman said he and his teammates expect and embrace it.

With the return of Hartman, AllACC receiver A.T. Perry and several other key pieces to the 2021 division championship team, all indications are that the Deacons will once again defy the “experts” and be back among the top teams in both their division and the league.

“Every year we come to these media days and people have low expectations of us,” Clawson said.

“We never let that dictate how we go about our weekly process or our preparation.

“We’ve got to remain humble and yet stay hungry and never ever be satisfied with where we’re at. I think with the leadership that we have, I’m very comfortable and confident that will happen.”

Pinehurst will again be site of World Golf Hall of Fame Gov. Roy Cooper helped announce last week that the shrine will be part of the USGA’s new Golf House campus

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal THE WORLD GOLF Hall of Fame is returning home.

After spending the past 24 years in St. Augustine, Florida, the U.S. Golf Association plans to relocate the shrine back to its original location in Pinehurst as part of its expanding Golf House campus.

The announcement, attended

by Gov. Roy Cooper, high-ranking USGA officials and other dignitaries, was made at a ceremony last week at the Moore County resort.

“There’s no better connection to golf’s past, present and future than Pinehurst, and no organization that works harder than the USGA to preserve the history of this great game,” USGA CEO Mike Whan said in a statement.

“We look forward to celebrating the greatest moments and golf’s greatest athletes by including the World Golf Hall of Fame as an important part of our new Pinehurst home. Simply put, it just makes sense.”

The original World Golf Hall of Fame opened its doors in 1974 and was operated by Pinehurst’s management company. It remained there until being taken over by the PGA of America, which moved it to its current location in Florida in 1998.

The decision to return to North Carolina coincides with the USGA

NFL from page B1

Is the rebuilt offensive line finally fixed?

There was no question that getting some reinforcements on the line was the team’s top offseason priority, and there are new faces pretty much across the board. The Panthers drafted a potential franchise left tackle in Ikem Ekwonu, who had been rumored as a potential top overall pick, out of NC State. They also added free agents Austin Corbett and Bradley Bozeman. Bozeman will need to win the center job from last year’s

AP PHOTO

The United States Golf Association announced last week that the World Golf Hall of Fame will relocate back to Pinehurst. taking over day-to-day operations of the Hall and the end of its longterm lease in St. Augustine late next year.

Ground was broken for the new six-acre site on Carolina Vista Drive last month. Plans call for the Hall of Fame’s grand opening in June 2024 to coincide with the U.S. Open at Pinehurst’s famed No. 2 course.

The shrine’s induction ceremony will also be held as part of the celebration.

While the Hall of Fame will be a celebration of golf’s past, the cooperation between Pinehurst and

the USGA will continue well into the future thanks to the 150-year lease that was agreed upon for the property.

“Both the USGA and Pinehurst have an eye on the past, preserving and protecting the game of golf, and an eye on the future as the game of golf continues to improve and evolve,” Pinehurst CEO Bob Dedmon said at the time of the groundbreaking on June 6.

“The USGA belongs in Pinehurst — the cradle, the home, the soul of American golf.”

The Hall of Fame will be located on the second floor of the new

USGA Experience building. The first floor will contain interactive fan displays, including multimedia exhibits showcasing the organization’s work in advancing the sport, a museum featuring some of golf’s most precious artifacts and a gift shop.

Other features of the Golf House campus are a research and test center, an outdoor learning landscape designed to elevate awareness of the USGA’s work to make golf more sustainable and a restoration of an ancient longleaf pine forest to be operated in partnership with NC State.

starter, Pat Elflein, who is also battling Bradley Christensen for a guard spot.

On paper, the line looks improved, but the Panthers have brought in rookies and free agents before and the line always seems to be an issue. Until the five starters show it on the field, it will still be a question mark for fans and for Darnold, who felt firsthand the impact of problems on the line last season.

defense than offense last season and rightfully focused on fixing the offensive side of the ball this offseason. That came at the expense of some hits on D, however. The team lost pass rusher Haason Reddick, tackle DaQuan Jones, linebacker Jermaine Carter and corner Stephon Gilmore.

It will be younger this season as the team looks to fill the spots that were vacated.

The secondary appears to be the most set. The Panthers will get back Jaycee Horn, last year’s first-round draft pick who missed most of the season with injury. CJ Henderson, acquired

in a midseason trade, will also have a full offseason and camp with the team.

Frankie Luvu will get a chance to replace Reddick as a pass rusher in an expanded role. He was able to bring energy off the bench last season, but he’ll need to keep his performance at a high level as his snaps increase this year. He’ll be pushed by Cory Littleton, who was signed in the offseason.

Up front, the team added a pass rusher in Matt Ioannidis, who has battled injury. New faces and new roles could mean it will take time for the defensive units to jell.

Is the defense able to withstand attrition?

The Panthers were stronger on

According to a USGA release, the new facilities will employ at least 50 full-time staff and bring an estimated $2 billion in total economic impact to the state.

“There’s absolutely no argument that North Carolina is the home of golf and Pinehurst is our crown jewel,” Cooper said at last week’s ceremony. “Bringing the Golf Hall of Fame back to North Carolina means so much.

“Golf brings communities together, increases tourism and creates good jobs, and I’m excited to continue working with the USGA to grow the game and our economy here in North Carolina.”

Among the artifacts to be moved from St. Augustine to the new Hall of Fame locker room in Pinehurst are: course designing legend Donald Ross’ compass, slide rule and bifocals; a Spalding 2-wood used by Bobby Jones; Jack Nicklaus’ golf bag from the 1965 Masters; Championship trophies from the 1922 PGA and 1935 Masters from Gene Sarazen, the first player to complete the professional Grand Slam; Johnny Miller’s clubs, ball and champion’s gold medal from the 1973 U.S. Open, where he earned the victory by shooting a record final-round 63; and the shirt worn

by Annika Sorenstam in the first round of the 2003 Colonial when she became the first woman since 1945 to play in a PGA Tour event.

“For nearly 50 years, the Hall of Fame has honored the history and legacies of those who have made golf great,” World Golf Hall of Fame CEO Greg McLaughlin said.

“Much like the USGA, the Hall of Fame is committed to connecting with fans around the world to highlight the greatest moments and legends of the sport.”

Overall offensive unfamiliarity In addition to the quarterback battle and new line, the offense has a new person calling the shots in coordinator Ben McAdoo, hired

by Matt Rhule in the offseason.

There were some questions about whether Baker Mayfield was a good match for McAdoo’s offense, but it will be new to everyone on that side of the ball.

Look for the Panthers to devote the preseason to learning from the mistakes that are sure to result from a team that is assembling the pieces but still looking to fit them all together.

The 3 big questions nob

A7

normal

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The study was we should remain vigilant and are people who shape, or form.

So while stay safe, at and the denominator are likely wrong.

We don’t kn debt we owe them as one way toand get analysis health$1.2 caretrillion workers An investment tax credit of 30% U.S. investment in China ino over. of China forgiving toon do,half lastof I checked. done

by Areo, an opinion Lenovo and Panthers the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “newbillion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing people have actually died of coronavirus.

Some the sou yick. have caused US. Don’t hold your today, or $60 China to “pay” for the damage digitalthe magazine.

By the way, Areo is short My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. I’m see” become aAreopagitica, badbut ask number beenbreath overestimated, given that classifi to happen your elected partner to normal.” support for a speech delivered by investment to the U.S. would costworried the U.S.about Treasury billion in has waiting Ifor a Chinese them$18 catching the virus, and I’m worried will.

After “Jubi y were supposed Not one little bit. of death, particularly among elderly patients, untableJohn in tangible financial Milton defense ways of freefor speech. tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion lost revenue hold Chinacan acc NC smallin businesses suffering fromin the H1N1 virusis(swine flu) representatives during the 2009topandemic, Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. sources suggest the number is dramatically under decimal dust compared to the $6 I’ve trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this disaster. been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah e, is my family.

Stacey Matthews manyas people are dying home. d to operate as I’m responsible citizens of undertaking to save our own economy, notmany of defeated enemies in the It is at about timenot they expect RALEIGH – Lenovo way too memories of a painful experience I’d prefer to are repeat. something has gone drastically wrong ed I will.

After and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

Even more importantly, we have no clue how ma ation. and the Carolina Panthers past. the world like any other modern n But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in academia, especially within certain 2009 pandemic, actually have coronavirus.

Some scientists suggest China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American havewithin announced the fields the humanities.

They call of this brings up “grievance studies,” where of identified business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that theycases could be an order of magnitude these fields return of the Empowering Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavirus senior opinion efer notscholarship to repeat. is not so much based upon number of people who have had and n intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and the Carolinas contest to st everyone has finding truth but upon attending to replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. highlight and support social grievances. Grievance scholars smallstudents, businesses bully administrators and other across the Carolinas. departments into adhering to their worldview.

The worldview The initiative is part of they promote is Jason neither scientific nor rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS Lenovo’s Evolve Small studies consist of disciplines campaign, which was such as sociology, anthropology, gender studies, launched in 2021 to and critical race COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer studies, sexuality celebrate and uplift studies.

In 2017 and 2018, – authors Pluckrose, small businesses AP PHOTO Lindsay and those Boghossian started especially that are submitting bogus academic papers to A Juul electronic cigarette sign hangs in the front window of a bodega convenience store in New York City on Saturday, June 25, 2022. women and minorityacademic journals in cultural, queer, owned – across North race, gender, fat and sexuality studies America through grant pass peer to determine if they would gress for that authority.

“THIS IS THE DAY theanyone lord has made, let usthe re seriousness the be virus and the andof product donations, review and accepted for need publication.

“I don’t think anticipatWITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home fallen into place.

I understand Acceptance of dubious in it” (Psalm y with how people who simplyresearch ask that mentorship, and ed 118:24). thattothere be 6.7 million orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans takewould precautions, but I’m uneas editors found sympathetic to their vaping product that during this applications challenging time of soc n thingsjournal can start getting back to community engagement are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”I know that questions about the data, and whe intersectional or postmodern leftist vision came rolling in during a pandemic working from home or losing a job, it may becircle diffi with contempt. activities.

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some of the world would prove the problem of stressing the agen- as a C be glad” asthat the was Bible tells us to entire do. as However, a societylow simply must accept without For the second straight Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June. treated though we as academic standards. cy,” CaliffThey’re said. and dad, the Easter holiday hasthe reminded me oftelj s us about when safefake to begin thepapers Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what government year, theit’s Carolina Several of the research Last week, the FDA announced and hopeful for, even in m alcy. were accepted forLenovo publication. a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t knowhave yet”to if be theitthankful process of returning back to norm Panthers and are The Fat would miss another deadline to the Lenten and pandemic. s, and we have journal the right to ask those Studies a hoax paperLast year, Juul Labs agreed remove thousands of illegal e-cigstate’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government works for tals, which includes all those ele“Fundamental questions about partnering to published give back Since when did that argued the term wasto pay North Carolina $40 me, arettes my faith is use an important part ofstay-atmy dai home orders are in place all bodybuilding over the Easter seasons that synthetic nicotine. ments.” the function, fundIf hestructure, does decide to extend it, questions should be asked asFor to the questions.

And the longer to small businesses that questioning andas should be replaced million to settle FDA officials Easter specifically asked Califf said he vague agreedones with cri-“we ing and leadership need the to be admaking.

As I celebrated with my family, hem get exclusionary in states, such Michigan, the first of a justification for it.

And answers should not be like country, and the stricter some ofI tr provide a are the pillars of our as local with “fat bodybuilding, a fat-inclusive tomore give the agency authortiques that the food program has Congress dressed” in the agency’s food pro- of government Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our Lord “com eling isolated and/or anxious about spate of lawsuits brought by must do this out of an abundance caution.” the people, sitting at home f of compared with ity over those products, which had communities, many ofOne reviewer politicized performance.” underfunded gram, Califf said in a statement. The beenmessage affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those ng for their families, will demand states and localities claiming at all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who when they can get back to providi said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this which are still recovering hope thatprogram, we will which drug re- used a legal loophole to skirt reguagency’s tobacco center, which reg- FDA’s affliction, with the comfort which we ourselves ar company’s are being told to cigarettes remain jobless at home for an$1undetermined article and economic believe it has an importantthe e-cigarette become a lation. answers. more than billion annualulates traditional and va-andceives from the once again enjoy God.” vels should be as forthcoming as they marketing practices fueled contribution to make to the field and this amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases Leaders at the and state le Sen. Dick Durbin, anlocal Illinois ping products, is facing challenges ly in industry user fees. The agency impacts of the COVID-19 bad thing?to sporting events, If you are celebrating the Easter season, I—urge again, not vague answers, but answer widespread addiction journal.”

Democrat, suggested Califf should are reliable. recently sought more food funding can be with those answers and navigating policy and enforcement pandemic.

“Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity Thatyoung is what reflect on this message and be comforted, that ents believability. nicotine among people issues concerts, family resign if the agency can’t swiftly re- so and authority to asked help track supply fromI’ve “an gone increasing number To date, along with what the state has and then with details that give their statem 10keep winning businesses Feminism as anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to moveand suchWe products. in order to head off future of novel products that poten- thechains God’s example comfort in need arou at we can to our and created free a new public citizens mandated that we do,could but along way I’ve also had questions about shouldallallthose continue to do wh gatherings, Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was will be selected and will President Joe and Biden tapped shortages. tially have significant consequences this difficult time.

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

State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, our communities s churchand services living in a free accepted for publication Califf foremerge the FDA job largely bereceive $5,000 worthby Affilia, a Parents politicians also have we for public health,” he said. confident will out of this pandemic str cause while reasonable stay-at-home Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is to ask questions about the data, b feminist journal for social workers. The and many more over theIn frustration agen- cause of his prior experience at the The review announcement expressed society were of technology upgrades this same spirit, I continue to be inspired the by y shouldpaper also have an expiration sometimes a day disturbing tendency among some people to treat those are understandable, consisted in part of adate. rewritten agency,measures which he briefly led during cy’s handling of a recent decision comes one before Califf is after our own from Lenovo.

The neighbors helping neighbors. d it is not normal.

Not in any way,Two other The Associatedsupposed passage from Mein Kampf. simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back This is all new to Americans, an scheduled to testify before the Sen- to ban all e-cigarettes from Juul, the Obama administration. A carPress businesses will be ableat including In Concord, a shape, high senior named remainhoax vigilant and stay safe, papers were published, to do, last I andschool respected researcher, the temporary leading U.S.orvaping compato as though they are conspiracy theorists are people who diologist or form.

So while weTanner shoul atenormal agriculture committee about towith choose ofQueer three “Rape Culture and PerformativityWASHINGTON, D.C. — The otherwise a 3-D printer andwe plastic fa mfortable this one so-called “new sacrifices are quickly Califf planned to time focus his time to at make ny. A federal court blockedto buy FDA’s oversight foodifsafety. don’tofcare they get themselves or others sick. money the same shouldn’t get co checked. at Urban Dog Parks.” paper’s subject tech packages thatThis best on fighting misinforthe over. agency’s order.

FDA then backMore when than two consumer head of the Food and Drug Adminhealth careFDA workers out ofmedical his own home.

Since diddozen questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.” was rape. But the dog rapeistration has asked for a review of groups have called on Califf to ap- tracked further in court, saying it mation and streamlining the agenfits dog-on-dog their company’s tech That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed Not one little bit. paper eventually forced Boghossian, the agency’s food and tobacco pro- thing? point one official to oversee all FDA needed more time to review Juul’s cy’s data systems. needs.

All 10 winning to do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurelygrams out But those efforts have been following months of crit- food operations, which are dis- application due to its “unique scienunder the pseudonym Sister business owners willToldjah My first concern as we go along allissues.” this, of course, is my family. I’m Stacey Matthews has also themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer eclipsed by newer controversies, in- written tific across multiple centers re- in icism over their handling of the persed dState and Legal Insurrection. also receive to were doing. baby formula shortage and e-ciga- worried had figured outtickets what they about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After and is a regular contributor to Re The FDA has also struggled cluding political outrage over the sponsible for nutrition standards, Some papers accepted for publication the Panthers preseason to review millions other appli- formula shortage, which has forced suffering from the H1N1 (swine flu) during the of 2009 pandemic, plant inspections and virus animal rette reviews. in academic journals advocated training Tuesday’s announcement comes I’ve the U.S. to airlift millions of concations because from vaping food.

But trying Califf told The extra Associatgame versus the Buffalo been to take precautions, all of companies, this brings up men like dogs and punishing white male tainers of formula from Europe. multiple missed regued Press in an interview that he be- prompting as FDA Commissioner Robert way Bills on August 26 and too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat. college students for historical slavery by latory deadlines over the last two more fundamental changes Califf attempts to push past sev- lieves But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone hasRecently, the FDA said it would will bethem recognized on on the floor in asking to sit in silence help foreign manufacturers stay on years. eral controversies that have domi- are needed. the field at the halftime. chains during class and to be expectednated to his second stint running the Califf again cited funding chal- the U.S. market for the long term, “I don’t think structure alone learn from therecognition discomfort. Other papers During that agency, including the delayed re- is really the fix, or that leadership lenges, pointing out that the FDA in an effort to diversify the formucelebrated morbid obesity as a healthysponse life to contamination problems alone is the fix,” Califf said. “There’s cannot collect user fees from vaping la supply here. ceremony, one of the 10 choice and advocated treating privately at the country’s largest infant for- a consistent concern out there that companies who submit their prodwill be announced as the conducted masturbation as a form of mula plant. we need to really fix the fundamen- ucts. The agency has asked Con- See FDA page B6 grandviolence prize winner sexual againstand women. Typically, will receive a $100,000 academic journal editors send submitted papers out to referees for review. In advertising package recommending acceptance for publication, with the Panthers many reviewers gave these papers glowing during the NFL season. praise.

InPolitical partnership with scientist Zach Goldberg ran Microsoft, Lenovo will concepts through certain grievance studies also provide mentorship the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often they in our press over the years. andappeared community ficials said. The goal is to be more The Associated Press He found huge increases responsive to the Postal Service’s engagement that will in the usages of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE evolving operational strategy, techhelp small businesses “critical race theory” and “whiteness.” said it will substantially increase the nology improvements and changaccelerate and achieve All of this is being taught to college number of electric-powered vehicles ing market conditions, the Postal long-term success. students, many of whom become primary Service said in a statement. A public it’s buying to replace its fleet of agand“The secondary school teachers last several years who then hearing on the new proposal will be ing delivery trucks, after the Biden indoctrinate our young people. held next month. administration and environmental have been challenging I doubt whether the coronavirus- groups said the agency’s initial plan The Postal Service was cleared to for businesses across caused financial crunch will give college place the initial order with the manhad too few electric vehicles and fell theuniversity Carolinas, and small who are a and administrators, ufacturer, Wisconsin-based Oshshort of the administration’s climate businesses are among crossbreed between a parrot and jellyfish, kosh Defense, in late February after change goals. the gutswho and backbone to restore academic those have been announcing it cleared a final adThe Postal Service now wants respectability. too often, they get much ministrative hurdle.

50% of its initial purchase of impacted theFar most. of their political support from campus50,000 next-generation vehicles But a government watchdog tesThrough the Evolve grievance people who are members of to thebe electric, up from the previtified in April that the Postal SerSmall and campaign faculty diversityand and multiculturalous plan for 20% being electric. The vice relied on false assumptions as it the Empowering the administrative offices. evaluated the original plan. first of those should be rolling onto AP PHOTO The best hope lies with Carolinas contest withboards of delivery routes next year. It also proThis comes against a backdrop of trustees, though Lenovo many serve the Panthers, is as yes-men U.S. automobile manufacturers exposes buying an additional 34,500 A USPS logo adorns the back doors of United States Postal Service for the university a panding the number of electric vecommercially available vehicles over delivery vehicles in downtown Denver, Wednesday, June 1, 2022. supporting andpresident. fosteringI think that good start would be to find 1950s or 1960s hicle models targeting the maintwo years, officials said. The Postgrowth for businesses catalogs. Look at the course offerings at stream market. al Service’s fleet currently includes communities aintime when collegehere graduates knew how Earthjustice, which joined in one cade to replace delivery trucks that electric vehicles, which he said will 190,000 local delivery vehicles. inread, our backyard,” said and make A plan announced in February went into service between 1987 and reduce operating costs for its fleet of the lawsuits, said the Postal Serto write and compute, them today’s curricula. Another Gerald Youngblood, Chief helpful vice is starting to get the message would have made just 10% of the 1994. More than 141,000 vehicles over the long run. tool would be to give careful “Electric vehicles are the future of on the need for electric delivery veagency’s next-generation fleet elec- in service are the boxy, recognizMarketing Officer, Lenovoconsideration to eliminating all classes/majors/minors tric. The Environmental Protec- able Grumman LLV model, which the automotive industry and that is hicles.

North America. containing the word “studies,” such as tion Agency said the initial plan by lack safety features like air bags, an- why I have been pressing the Postal “Ultimately, the entire postal Last Asian, year’sblack grand women, or queer studies.the Postal Service, an independent ti-lock brakes or backup cameras.

Service to purchase more of them,” fleet needs to be electrified to delivprize winner of the the traditionalagency, “underestimates greenI’d bet that by restoring er clean air in every neighborhood Environmentalists have been said Peters, D-Mich. academic mission Empowering theto colleges, they would The proposal, to be posted in in the country and avoid volatile house gas emissions, fails to consid- fighting to reduce the number of put a seriouscontest dent into the COVID-19 er more environmentally protective gasoline-powered next-generation the Federal Register on Thursday, gas prices,” said Adrian Martinez, Carolinas budget shortfall. feasible alternatives and inade- vehicles the Postal Service will buy. came after 16 states, environmen- senior attorney on Earthjustice’s was Dentist Salud, a quately considers impacts on com- Those will get 14.7 miles per gallon tal groups and a labor union sued Right to Zero campaign. dentalE.clinic offering Walter Williams is a professor of munities with environmental jus- without air conditioning, compared to halt purchases of next-generaIn addition to modern safepersonalized and Mason University. economics at George to 8.4 mpg for the older vehicles, the tion delivery vehicles under the ini- ty equipment, the next-generation tice concerns.” affordable care to the tial plan that was skewed heavily to- delivery vehicles are taller, which The new environmental propos- Postal Service said. makes it easier for postal carriers Sen. Gary Peters, chairman of ward gas-powered trucks. al effectively pauses the purchasHispanic population in Future purchases would focus to grab the packages that make up es at 84,500 total vehicles — 40% the Homeland Security and Govthe Mecklenburg area of electric — even as the Postal Ser- ernmental Affairs Committee, said on smaller amounts of vehicles in a greater share of volume. They also Charlotte, North Carolina.

business & economy

Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

FACTS

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north STA

VISUAL VOICES

It’s okay to ask questions about when The we begin to get back to comfort normal and hope FDA weighs oversight changes after formula, Juul trouble

US Postal Service to boost purchases of electric vehicles

vice seeks to buy up to 165,000 next-generation vehicles over a de-

Wednesday he was happy to see the Postal Service committing to more

shorter intervals than the original 10-year environmental analysis, of-

have improved ergonomics and climate control.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

B6

Feds sue poultry producers, alleging unfair worker practices For the week ending 7/15

Total Cash & Bond Proceeds

$2,946,828,177 Add Receipts

$88,268,835 Less Disbursements

$134,165,499 Reserved Cash

$125,000,000 Unreserved Cash Balance Total

$6,336,243,204 Loan Balance:

$205.3M

FDA from page B5 Califf previously predicted the formula shortage could last until July. He said Tuesday that retail data show that supplies have improved with increases in both U.S. production and imports.

“What you’re going to see is a gradual climbing out of the current situation as more and more formula becomes available,” Califf said.

In May, Califf testified before Congress about missteps that slowed the agency’s response to contamination problems at the Michigan formula plant that triggered the shortage. While many of the problems happened before Califf started on the job, he struggled to explain who was ultimately responsible for food safety within FDA’s bureaucracy.

FDA’s food program has a byzantine leadership structure in which there is a director for food and a separate deputy commissioner for “food policy and response.” The deputy commissioner has more of a safety focus, but has no direct authority over food center staff nor regional personnel who inspect plants.

“You have serious structural leadership issues,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro told Califf during the hearing.

DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat, said Tuesday the FDA’s evaluation must contain input from nonFDA experts and interest groups to be credible.

“A report that includes recommendations to preserve the status quo is unacceptable,” she said in an emailed statement.

Responding to multiple crises is a standard part of leading the FDA, which regulates industries that account for an estimated one-fifth of all U.S. consumer spending.

Despite the recent controversies, some experts say Califf has done a good job, considering the increasing polarization surrounding the issues and products FDA oversees.

“Leading the FDA is becoming as complicated as, maybe more complicated than, leading a cabinet-level executive department,” said Daniel Carpenter, a professor of government at Harvard University. “I think Califf has navigated a pretty politically fraught environment and he has done it with remarkable skill.”

The suit comes as Cargill and Continental Grain have formed a joint venture to buy Sanderson Farms, which has major processing plants across the southeast, including North Carolina The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Justice Department filed a lawsuit Monday against some of the largest poultry producers in the U.S. along with a proposed settlement seeking to end what it claims have been longstanding deceptive and abusive practices for workers.

The suit, filed in federal court in Maryland, names Cargill, Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms, along with a data consulting company known as Webber, Meng, Sahl and Co. and its president.

In its lawsuit, the Justice Department alleges the companies have been engaged in a multiyear conspiracy to exchange information about the wages and benefits of workers at poultry processing plants to drive down employee competition in the marketplace.

The companies did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The government contends the data consulting firm helped to share the information about the workers’ compensation with the companies and their executives. By carrying out the scheme, officials allege, the companies were able to compete less intensely for workers and reduce the amount of money and benefits they had to offer their employees, suppressing competition for poultry processing workers across the board, according to court papers.

The defendants and unnamed co-conspirators in the lawsuit account for hiring about 90% of all chicken processing jobs in the nation.

The suit is the latest example of the Justice Department’s antitrust

AP PHOTO

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., joined at right by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., takes a question during a news conference. enforcement targeting companies the government believes engage in anticompetitive behavior to stifle workers or harm consumers. It also comes as the department continues a broader investigation into labor abuses in the poultry industry.

“Through a brazen scheme to exchange wage and benefit information, these poultry processors stifled competition and harmed a generation of plant workers who face demanding and sometimes dangerous conditions to earn a living,” said Doha Mekki, the principal deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s antitrust division.

The suit against the companies was filed with a proposed consent decree — a settlement that would require the companies to pay $84.8 million in restitution for workers who were harmed by the unlawful information sharing network.

The settlement would also put in place a federal monitor selected by the Justice Department who would ensure compliance for the next decade. The consent decree also would permit Justice Department lawyers and investigators to inspect the poultry processors’ facilities and interview their employ-

“Through a brazen scheme to exchange wage and benefit information, these poultry processors stifled competition and harmed a generation of plant workers who face demanding and sometimes dangerous conditions to earn a living.”

Doha Mekki, principal deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s antitrust division ees to ensure they are complying with the terms, according to court documents.

The suit comes as Cargill and Continental Grain, of which Wayne Farms is a subsidiary, formed a joint venture to acquire Sanderson Farms, paying $203 per share in cash for a company that last year processed more than 4.8 billion pounds of meat.

The companies plan to combine Sanderson Farms with Wayne

Farms to form a new, privately held poultry business. Operations will include poultry processing plants and prepared foods plants across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas.

Wayne Farms has more than 9,000 employees. It makes products under brand names including Wayne Farms fresh and prepared chicken, Platinum Harvest premium fresh chicken, Chef’s Craft gourmet chicken, Naked Truth premium chicken and Ladybird premium chicken.

Laurel, Mississippi-based Sanderson Farms has 17,000 employees and 12 plants. It processes 13.6 million chickens per week.

The proposed consent decree would also resolve allegations that Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms treated chicken farmers unfairly by using a system that reduced their pay for low performance.

The farmers sign contracts to raise the chickens, and the processing companies provide the birds and the feed. The farmers’ pay is then determined by how well they perform compared with other chicken growers. The Justice Department alleges that the companies’ use of that compensation method, known as the “tournament system,” resulted in their failure to provide information for farmers to evaluate and manage their financial risk.

Generally, chicken producers enter long-term contracts with meat companies that farmers say lock them into deals that fix their compensation at unprofitably low levels.

As part of that settlement, Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms would be prohibited from reducing the base payments to chicken growers as a way to penalize them for under-performance. The consent decree would, though, allow the companies to offer incentives and bonuses to growers.

The proposed consent decree with the poultry companies and one with the data company were filed in court on Monday. Under federal law, the proposals would also be published in the Federal Register and there would be a 60day period for people to send comments to the Justice Department before a court could accept and finalize the agreements.

Feds: 1st cryptocurrency insider trading case snares 3 The Associated Press NEW YORK— A former Coinbase product manager and his brother, along with a Houston man, were charged Thursday in what federal authorities described as the U.S. government’s first cryptocurrency insider trading case.

The brothers — Ishan Wahi and Nikhil Wahi — were arrested while the Houston man, Sameer Ramani, remained at large, federal authorities said as they announced the unsealing of an indictment in a federal court in Manhattan.

Authorities said Ishan Wahi, 32, was a product manager at Coinbase Global Inc., one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, based in Seattle, when he provided tips to Nikhil Wahi, 26, and their friend, Ramani, 33.

All three were charged with wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud.

The indictment said Ishan Wahi was stopped by law enforcement prior to boarding a May 16 flight to India and was prevented from leaving the country. In the hours before the flight, he had telephoned and sent texts to his brother and Ramani to alert them

about an investigation Coinbase was carrying out, according to a release.

Ishan Wahi bought a one-way airline ticket to India in an “unsuccessful attempt to flee from the United States” after agreeing to be interviewed for an internal probe

by Coinbase, the indictment said.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said the prosecution represents the government’s first insider trading case involving cryptocurrency markets. He said it was a reminder that the cryptocurrency markets are not a lawfree zone.

Michael Driscoll, head of the FBI’s New York office, said the defendants collected about $1.5 million in illegal profits by trading in at least 25 different crypto assets.

Attorneys representing Ishan Wahi said in an email to The Associated Press that their client is innocent and “intends to defend himself vigorously against these charges and in the SEC action.”

The Securities and Exchange Commission brought civil insider trading charges against the men in Seattle federal court.

The SEC said the charges were brought against the trio after they

“As today’s case demonstrates, whether in equities, options, crypto assets, or other securities, we will vindicate our mission by identifying and combatting insider trading in securities wherever we see it.”

Carolyn M. Welshhans, Crypto Assets Enforcement chief carried out a scheme to trade ahead of multiple announcements regarding certain crypto assets that were going to be made available for trading on the Coinbase platform.

“As today’s case demonstrates, whether in equities, options, crypto assets, or other securities, we will vindicate our mission by identifying and combatting insider trading in securities wherever we see it,” said Carolyn M. Welshhans, Acting Chief of the Enforce-

ment Division’s Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit.

The New York indictment said Ishan Wahi began working as a product manager on the asset listing team in October 2020. It said he provided tips about confidential information to his brother and friend from June 2021 until this past April.

Brian Armstrong, the chief executive for Coinbase, said on Twitter and in a blog post Thursday that the company began an internal probe in April “about possible frontrunning of assets shortly before being listed on Coinbase.”

The indictment said the frontrunning was identified publicly by a Twitter posting in April on an account “that is well known in the crypto community, with hundreds of thousands of followers.”

Armstrong said that the company gathered sufficient evidence and then fired Ishan Wahi and forwarded its findings about the three men to the Justice Department.

He added: “We will investigate and refer bad actors to law enforcement, and they will face real legal consequences including serving prison time.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

B7

features Beloved monarch butterflies now listed as endangered The Associated Press WASHINGTON, DC — The monarch butterfly fluttered a step closer to extinction Thursday, as scientists put the iconic orange-and-black insect on the endangered list because of its fast dwindling numbers.

“It’s just a devastating decline,” said Stuart Pimm, an ecologist at Duke University who was not involved in the new listing. “This is one of the most recognizable butterflies in the world.”

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature added the migrating monarch butterfly for the first time to its “red list” of threatened species and categorized it as “endangered” — two steps from extinct.

The group estimates that the population of monarch butterflies in North America has declined between 22% and 72% over 10 years, depending on the measurement method.

“What we’re worried about is the rate of decline,” said Nick Haddad, a conservation biologist at Michigan State University. “It’s very easy to imagine how very quickly this butterfly could become even more imperiled.”

Haddad, who was not directly involved in the listing, estimates that the population of monarch butterflies he studies in the eastern United States has declined between 85% and 95% since the 1990s.

In North America, millions of

AP PHOTO

Monarch butterflies land on branches at Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, Calif., Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. monarch butterflies undertake the longest migration of any insect species known to science.

After wintering in the mountains of central Mexico, the butterflies migrate to the north, breeding multiple generations along the way for thousands of miles. The offspring that reach

southern Canada then begin the trip back to Mexico at the end of summer.

“It’s a true spectacle and incites such awe,” said Anna Walker, a conservation biologist at New Mexico BioPark Society, who was involved in determining the new listing.

A smaller group spends winters in coastal California, then disperses in spring and summer across several states west of the Rocky Mountains. This population has seen an even more precipitous decline than the eastern monarchs, although there was a small bounce back last winter.

Emma Pelton of the nonprofit Xerces Society, which monitors the western butterflies, said the butterflies are imperiled by loss of habitat and increased use of herbicides and pesticides for agriculture, as well as climate change.

“There are things people can do to help,” she said, including planting milkweed, a plant that the caterpillars depend upon.

Nonmigratory monarch butterflies in Central and South America were not designated as endangered.

The United States has not listed monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act, but several environmental groups believe it should be listed.

The international union also announced new estimates for the global population of tigers, which are 40% higher than the most recent estimates from 2015.

The new figures, of between 3,726 and 5,578 wild tigers worldwide, reflect better methods for counting tigers and, potentially, an increase in their overall numbers, said Dale Miquelle, coordinator for the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Society’s tiger program.

In the past decade, tiger populations have increased in Nepal, northern China and perhaps in India, while tigers have disappeared entirely from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, said Miquelle.

They remain designated as endangered.

NFL enters media streaming marketplace with ‘NFL+’ service

IN MEMORY

The Associated Press

John Edward Skvarla, III July 28, 1948 — July 19, 2022

John Skvarla, a longtime Raleigh attorney and business executive who rose to lead two North Carolina cabinet agencies, died Tuesday morning at age 73. Skvarla peacefully passed away with his family by his side in Pinehurst where he lived. The cause of death was complications from Hodgkin lymphoma, which Skvarla had battled vigorously since early this year.

Preceding him in death were his parents: John E. Skvarla, Jr., an engineer who was an early selection for the Manhattan Project in addition to holding numerous U.S. patents, and Mona C. Skvarla, who was a native of Hamlet, N.C. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Eney Skvarla. The couple’s 50-year marriage sprang from a courtship that began when the two were sophomores in college. Also surviving him are a son, John Matthew Skvarla, and his wife, Lauren Ezell Skvarla of Charlotte, N.C., and a daughter, Catherine Skvarla Cutshall, and her husband, Jeffrey Hayes Cutshall of Dallas, Texas; two sisters, Jennifer Skvarla of Pantego, N.C., and Teresa Hogan of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; three grandchildren: Winton Hayes Cutshall (age 10), Avery Elizabeth Cutshall (9) and John Edward Skvarla IV (16 months); and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Oak Ridge, Tenn., but raised in Tuxedo Park, N.Y., John Edward Skvarla, III, was born July 28, 1948. He earned a B.A. in economics from Manhattan College shortly before arriving in North Carolina to enroll at the UNC School of Law in Chapel Hill. He earned his J.D. there in 1973. In 1978, Skvarla founded the law firm

Skvarla, Wyrick, Robbins (now Wyrick Robbins) in Raleigh, serving as senior partner and building a formidable reputation as a leading expert on the legal aspects of public and private capital formation.

He embarked on a high-level business career in the 1980s, serving as Chief Operating Officer for The Aviation Group, Inc., which became the world’s largest all-cargo airline under Skvarla’s leadership. He went on to become the CEO of ProActive Therapy, which he left following its successful sale to NovaCare. Additionally, he taught classes in business law as an adjunct faculty member at Meredith College and North Carolina State University.

His career also included managing businesses providing environmental products and services.

Skvarla served as Chairman of Wilkinson Hi-Rise, a manufacturer of waste management and automated recycling systems. It was during his tenure as CEO of Restoration Systems, a Raleigh-based environmental firm specializing in wetlands mitigation and waterway management, that Skvarla caught the attention of transition officials with the newly elected administration of Governor Pat McCrory. His appointment as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR, now DEQ) came in December 2012. At DENR, Skvarla worked to make compliance with the state’s environmental regulations more understandable and user-friendly. Governor McCrory appointed him Secretary of Commerce two years later. Skvarla’s real-world business experience, boundless energy and love of North

Carolina made him a highly compelling salesman for the state, and his two years heading the Commerce Department resulted in major investments by Corning, Ashley Furniture, Novo Nordisk, Fidelity Investments and other leading companies. He worked with state legislators to modernize entrepreneurial finance policy, reshape film incentives and reauthorize the Job Development and Investment Grant program (JDIG), a key industrial recruitment tool.

Since leaving public service in early 2017, Skvarla worked as senior government relations advisor at Nexsen Pruet, helping growing businesses with early-stage finance, site selection and other strategic issues. Additionally, Skvarla served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards. Several of those boards that brought him the most enjoyment included Anderson Automotive Group, Mako Medical, Rice Wrap Food Corporation, the NC Military Affairs Commission and the USS North Carolina Battleship Commission.

During his years in Raleigh and Pinehurst, Skvarla was an avid golfer and served as a member of the North Carolina Golf Panel. He relished traveling the state to play its best courses and chat with locals while visiting small-town hot dog stands. Skvarla cherished his moments as a father and grandfather, adored his wife Liz, and loved and supported the many friends and colleagues he accumulated across his one-of-a-kind life and career.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Foundation of FirstHealth or 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374).

THE NFL IS MAKING its move into offering its own media streaming platform.

The league announced that “NFL+” launched on Monday.

Owners were briefed about it during the league meetings in May, while Brian Rolapp, the NFL’s chief media and business officer, confirmed in a column for “Sports Illustrated” last week that it would be starting this season.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a phone interview with The Associated Press that the direct-to-consumer offering gives the league the ability to understand what fans and non-fans are seeking in terms of content and customize it for them.

“We think this is a major step forward. It will evolve, build and get better as more and more content becomes available on this platform. The work that we’ve done either with other offerings or research has helped us sort of frame this in a way that we think would be very attractive and engage our fans.”

The launch of “NFL+” comes as 15 games on Thursday night will be carried exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. The “Sunday Ticket” package of out-of-market Sunday games currently will expire at the end of this season.

Amazon, Apple and Google have emerged as the frontrunners to take over the rights that DirecTV has held since 1994.

“NFL+” will allow fans to view out-of-market preseason games on all devices; local and national regular-season and postseason games on mobile devices; team and national radio feeds, NFL Network shows on-demand along with the NFL Films archive. It could also include content produced by teams. It will be able to be accessed through the NFL app

and website.

It is an upgrade of the “Game Pass” service that has been available to fans in the United States since 2015. The league began offering a package in which fans could watch replays of games online — appropriately called “Game Rewind” — in 2009. It started to gain favor among fans and analysts in 2012 when it added coaches film, including two angles where all 22 players on the field could be viewed.

The league has also offered out-of-market preseason games either through a separate package or “Game Pass” in previous seasons.

The key to the package is the live regular-season and playoff games. The league regained the mobile rights after its contracts with mobile carriers expired at the end of last season.

“NFL+” will be available for $4.99/month or $39.99/year. A premium package — which includes full and condensed game replays as well as the coaches film — is $9.99/month or $79.99/year.

The “Game Pass” package was previously available for $100/ year. “NFL+” will part of fans who purchase season tickets for their teams.

“We’ve had our toe in the water with ‘Game Pass,’ but this is our next step forward,” said Hans Schroeder, the executive vice president of NFL Media. “We think this will be attractive for fans and sort of bring down the price point for fans on a monthly basis. There is an eye on future content down the road. We’re excited to see where this can go this year and beyond.”

Goodell said recently the league is hoping to make a decision about “Sunday Ticket” and possibly selling an equity stake in NFL Media properties by the end of the year.

Rapper Ice Cube, right, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the first round of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas.

AP PHOTO

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

B8

2022 BMW iX xDrive 50

PHOTOS COURTESY BMW

EVs are getting exciting The ultimate electric driving machine

By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — There are basically two flavors of electric car.

First, there’s the electrified version of a current vehicle, like the Ford F–150 Lightning. It looks like a standard, gas-powered F–150 and feels like one, too, except for a handful of extra features like the Mega Power Frunk.

Then there’s the other kind, where a brand’s rulebook is tossed out in favor of an entirely new paradigm. That’s the BMW iX, my test car this week, and it feels like a car from some near-future scifi flick with Tom Cruise. It has an entirely reworked design language you will love or hate — familiar territory for BMW. We’ll start on the outside, which is sure to be controversial.

Like the Mercedes-Benz EQS, I reviewed recently, the front of the iX has an enormous beaver-tooth grille that isn’t the best-looking thing around. If you were hoping BMWs new grille design language was going away with its new EVs, you will be disappointed. It’s big-

ger than ever.

The whole SUV feels large and beefy, with sharp angles and extravagant proportions. It’s similar to an X5, with plenty of room for passengers and a spacious-ish cargo area behind the second row.

The rear liftgate angles down at such an angle that the cargo area is lopped off, and if you’re transporting tall items (or a large suitcase on its side, as I discovered), you might have trouble closing the gate.

My iX xDrive50 is the lower trim, with a pair of motors making 516 horsepower and a 0–60 time in the mid–4 second range. This big rig hustles when you put your foot

down. If that’s not enough, there’s an even faster and wildly unnecessary iX M60 that shaves almost a second off that 0–60 time and boosts horsepower to 610 while simultaneously trimming the range down by 10 percent or so. With 22-inch summer tires equipped, the iX xDrive50 has a range of 315 miles.

This is perhaps the first BMW that I’ve loved. I’ve always felt them overly stiff, with too much focus on Ultimate Driving and not enough on everyday driving. No one is going to track their X5, so why pretend otherwise? Still, that’s part of the BMW mystique. But the iX

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 10:00AM on August 10, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Shirley McKnight Stiles, dated June 7, 2017 to secure the original principal amount of $145,299.00, and recorded in Book 12691 at Page 31 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

56500610770000 Present Record Owners: McKnight Stiles aka Shirley M. Stiles

feels much more like a large, comfortable luxury SUV than a large luxury SUV pretending to be a sports car.

The low center of gravity inherent to EVs makes the iX handle far smaller than you’d expect, and the electric drivetrain means all you need to do is think about the throttle, and you’re quickly ripping towards triple-digit speeds.

But the interior is where the iX shines. BMW’s designers took advantage of the skateboard platform to combine a floating dash with a floating center console and then slathered everything in exquisite leather and wood and controls made out of actual cut glass.

An enormous, curved piece of glass combines the dash cluster and infotainment into one visual element that floats in mid-air in front of you.

The center console (with available heated armrests) has a glass shifter, a control knob for the infotainment if you don’t want to use the touchscreen, and buttons built into an open-pore wood panel with laser-etched labels. The seat controls are also cut glass, positioned high on the doors. The overall effect is stunning; your friends will be incredibly impressed when they first climb in.

The steering wheel is a hexagon, which is weird at first and then surprisingly pleasant. I can take it or leave it as a control item, but it fits the overall angled aesthetic of the car nicely.

The windows and windscreen are enormous, the panoramic glass roof is astounding — and the largest ever fitted in a BMW. The feeling of spaciousness in the car is unmatched and is perhaps the best thing about driving it. The roof is fascinating because, while it doesn’t have a cloth shade to block out the sun, it can be either transparent or opaque thanks to electrochromic glass — something found in only a handful of cars.

It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it’s one of the few vehicles to support Apple Maps display in the instrument cluster and the infotainment screen. We’re inching towards Apple taking over every screen in the car, but it solves one annoyance of using your phone for nav instead of the built-in system.

My tester priced out to $104,820 (after starting at “just” $85,095), which makes it price competitive-ish with the Rivian R1S and other high-end luxury SUVs. The more powerful iX M60 starts at $109,895 and rises quickly as options are added. They are both eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, which feels a little absurd on a car costing over $100K. We’re rapidly getting to the point where electric cars won’t be purchased because they’re electric but rather because they’re competitive as cars. I don’t know if we’re quite there yet, but I’d put the iX up against any of its luxury SUV competitors. It’s just that good.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 22SP58 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SHIRLEY MCKNIGHT STILES DATED JUNE 7, 2017 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 12691 AT PAGE 31 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 539 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by William T. Rowell, Jr. and Kristin L. Rowell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): William T. Rowell, Jr. and Kristin L. Rowell) to Donald P. Eggleston, Trustee(s), dated May 31, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 09208, at Page 0110 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

Address of property: Amsbury Rd, Concord, NC 28025 Tax Parcel ID:

4

0

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9

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 August 8, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot No. eleven (11), in a subdivision known as “Hawthorne, Section Four” according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 115, Page 131, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1120 Arailia Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Parcel Number: 9487-32-4980 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

S h i r l ey

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Shirley McKnight Stiles aka Shirley M. Stiles.

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.

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 date of this Notice is July 21, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By:

Suite

400

21-112414

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You

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: 6481 - 24726

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

B9

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19sp1614 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY LYNDA COLLINS DATED JUNE 24, 2010 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8422 AT PAGE 528 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JULY 1, 2019 IN BOOK 10533, PAGE 800 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19SP985 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HEATHER L. CARTER DATED OCTOBER 2, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7380 AT PAGE 507 RERECORDED ON DECEMBER 15, 2006 IN BOOK 7448, PAGE 713 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JUNE 17, 2016 IN BOOK 9882 PAGE 656 AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JULY 25, 2018 IN BOOK 10348 PAGE 631 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19SP1478 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY RONALD L. BUCHANAN AND GLADYS BUCHANAN DATED FEBRUARY 11, 1999 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5036 AT PAGE 0398 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 21SP813 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY BOBBY C. OATES AND CHRISTINE OATES DATED DECEMBER 7, 1998 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4993 AT PAGE 251 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 22SP499 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CONSTANCE CURTIS AND CHRISTOPHER CURTIS DATED MARCH 6, 2020 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 10715 AT PAGE 123 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 22 SP 381

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 11:00AM on August 10, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Lynda Collins, dated June 24, 2010 to secure the original principal amount of $115,025.00, and recorded in Book 8422 at Page 528 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: Nursery Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306

3414

Butler

the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 11:00AM on August 10, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Heather L. Carter, dated October 2, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $91,956.00, and recorded in Book 7380 at Page 507 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: Southmill Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348 Tax Parcel ID:

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0

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0

0423-44-

expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 10:00AM on August 4, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Ronald L. Buchanan and Gladys Buchanan, dated February 11, 1999 to secure the original principal amount of $50,470.00, and recorded in Book 5036 at Page 0398 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28314 Tax Parcel ID: 6525Present Record Owners: Buchanan

128

Leona

0 4 07-3 5 Michael Scott

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the

expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 11:00AM on August 4, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Bobby C. Oates and Christine Oates, dated December 7, 1998 to secure the original principal amount of $73,050.00, and recorded in Book 4993 at Page 251 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: Stoneykirk Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28314 Tax Parcel ID: 6884 Present Record Owners: Christine Oates

8

6

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0 417- 41The Heirs of

of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 11:00AM on August 1, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Constance Curtis and Christopher Curtis, dated March 6, 2020 to secure the original principal amount of $292,429.00, and recorded in Book 10715 at Page 123 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: Hope Mills, NC 28348 Tax Parcel ID: 8931 Present Record Owners: Curtis and Constance Curtis

3816 Shire St, 0 4 0 4 -14 Christopher

property, to wit:

THAT CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND CONTAINING 0.46 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED IN GRAY’S CREEK TOWNSHIP, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA; AND BOUNDED, NOW OR FORMERLY BY LANDS OWNED BY AND-OR IN THE POSSESSION OF PERSONS AS FOLLOWS: ON THE SOUTH BY PAVED SR

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 243 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Christian E. Lilley and Sarita Lilley (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Christian E. Lilley and Sarita Lilley) to H. Terry Hutchens, Esquire, Trustee(s), dated February 24, 2015, and recorded in Book No. 09607, at Page 0716 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 August 8, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Parkton in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

8572Present Record Owners: Carter

Heather

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Heather Carter.

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

records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Michael Scott Buchanan.

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Christine Oates.

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,

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Christopher Curtis and Constance Curtis.

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

seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

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.

Being all of Lot 84, in a Subdivision known as Steeplechase, Section Three, as per the plat thereof duly recorded in Plat Book 120, Page 30, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1523 Rough Rider Lane, Parkton, North Carolina.

Assessor’s Parcel No: 0403-48-4467 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

Said property is commonly known as 2763 Blossom Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348.

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

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19-108158

the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is June 24, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 19-105726

Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 19-107878

The date of this Notice is June 15, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway,

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is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is June 20, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 21-112288

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to

in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

The date of this Notice is July 12, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 22-113424

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

the 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

Situated in the City of Fayetteville, Township of Cross Creek, County of Cumberland and State of North Carolina:

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

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By:

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The following described property:

BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO KENNETH H. TART AND WIFE, FRANCES H. TART BY TRUSTEE’S DEED, DATED OCTOBER 27, 1988 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3434, AT PAGE 410 OF THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY AND BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO DANIEL BUTLER AND HOLLIE H. BUTLER BY DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 2265, AT PAGE 99 OF THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY AND INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

The date of this Notice is June 24, 2022.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to

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 Daniel Butler and wife Hollie H. Butler.

Assessors Parcel No 0501-57-6571

the effective date of the termination.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to

MINUTES W. 122.0 FEET TO THE BEGINNING IRON PIPE.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 114 Dundee Lane, Spring Lake, North Carolina 28390. Tax ID: 0501-57-6571 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part

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 August 10, 2022 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

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

2234, ON THE WEST BY EDDIE M. MCKOY, JR., AND P.E. SHAW ET UX, AND ON THE NORTH AND EAST BY LANDS OF P.E. SHAW, ET UX; SAID TRACT OF LAND LYING APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE EAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF N.C. HIGHWAY NO. 87 AND PAVED SR 2234; AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY COURSES AND DISTANCES ACCORDING TO A SURVEY BY ROACH & NOBLES, REGISTERED SURVEYORS, IN MARCH, 1971, AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT AN IRON PIPE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF PAVED SR 2234 AND THE EASTERN LINE OF THAT LOT CONVEYED BY DEED TO EDDIE M. MCKOY, JR., AS RECORDED IN BOOK 2006 AT PAGE 681, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, SAID BEGINNING IRON PIPE BEING SOUTH 34 DEGREES 54 MINUTES WEST 111.92 FEET, N. 89 DEGREES 59 MINUTES W. 553.25 FEET SOUTH 02 DEGREES 17 MINUTES W. 200.0 FEET AND N. 89 DEGREES 59 MINUTES W. 182.0 FEET FROM THE BEGINNING CORNER OF THAT TRACT OF LAND CONVEYED BY DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 584, PAGE 141, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, AND RUNS THENCE WITH AND BEYOND THE MCKOY LINE N. 02 DEGREES 17 MINUTES EAST 164.0 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE; THENCE S. 89 DEGREES 59 MINUTES EAST 122.0 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE IN THE WESTERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF STEELE LANE; THENCE WITH SAID WESTERN RIGHT WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF STEELE LANE S. 02 DEGREES 17 MINUTES W. 164.0 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE IN THE NORTHERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF PAVED SR 2234; THENCE WITH THE NORTHERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF PAVED SR 2234 N. 89 DEGREES 59

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 Cumberland County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 2:00 P.M. on August 9, 2022, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Hollie Butler and Daniel Butler to Holly C. Stevens, Trustee(s), which was dated August 5, 1999 and recorded on August 11, 1999 in Book 5144 at Page 0777, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Lynda Collins

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Lynda Collins.

seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

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.

Being all of Lot 67 in a Subdivision known as Manchester Forest, Section One, according to a Plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 44, Page 80, Cumberland County Registry.

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY

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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 is Jonathan Marsee.

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,

All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the City of Spring Lake, Spring Lake 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 Jonathan Marsee, in the original amount of $92,450.00, payable to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated June 5, 2012 and recorded on June 13, 2012 in Book 08922, Page 0548, Cumberland County Registry.

18 SP 1217 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Tax Parcel ID: 3922 Present Record Owners:

Substitute Trustee By: ________________________________________ John P. Fetner, Bar #41811 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) jfetner@mtglaw.com

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC

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

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

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.: 16-20122-FC02

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

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: 2670 - 6218

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

B10 TAKE NOTICE

DAVIDSON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 19sp508 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY GARY N SINK AND CAROL JANE SINK DATED NOVEMBER 7, 2003 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1480 AT PAGE 1933 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

22 SP 127 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 Calvin Franck to Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated October 30, 2015 and recorded on October 30, 2015 in Book 2200 at Page 1637, 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 August 8, 2022 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: BEGINNING AT AN EXISTING IRON PIN IN THE SOUTHERN MARGIN OF THE RIGHT OF WAY OF

22 SP 191 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 Renee R. Fortner to Brinkley, Walser, Stoner PLLC, Trustee(s), which was dated September 27, 2016 and recorded on September 27, 2016 in Book 2239 at Page 916, 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 August 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM, and will

JOHNSTON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 18SP160 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY GERTRUDE DUNN DATED MARCH 15, 2004 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2653 AT PAGE 91 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED OCTOBER 1, 2012 IN BOOK 4182 AT PAGE 983 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 22SP166 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CHARLES LYNWOOD JOHNSON DATED MARCH 19, 2015 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4575 AT PAGE 622 IN THE JOHNSTON 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

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 237 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Algernon Parker (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Algernon Parker) to CTC Real Estate Services, Trustee(s), dated September 20, 2000, and recorded in Book No. 1972, at Page 647 and re-recorded in Book No. 3878, at Page 404 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on August 9, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Clayton in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the northern right of way line of Hickory Drive, said point being a common corner between Lot #106 and Lot #107, said beginning point is located

ONSLOW AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 605 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Mary Frances D. Murphy and Garland L. Murphy (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Ivey M. Murphy) to Karen Lamm, Trustee(s), dated August 26, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 2513, at Page 44 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on August 4, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hubert in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to is described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the Township

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 Davidson County courthouse at 2:00PM on August 11, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Gary N Sink and Carol Jane Sink, dated November 7, 2003 to secure the original principal amount of $230,000.00, and recorded in Book 1480 at Page 1933 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: 109, Thomasville, NC 27360 Tax Parcel ID: 0501200000045 Present Record Owners:

5599 S Hwy of

Part

Gary N. Sink

WILLOW OAK DRIVE, A CORNER WITH THE PROPERTY OF CLIFFORD BYRD (DEED BOOK 646, PAGE 649), THE BEGINNING POINT ALSO BEING LOCATED NORTH 57° 52’ 10” WEST 486.36 FEET FROM THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE CENTERLINE OF WILLOW OAK DRIVE AND THE CENTERLINE OF JOE MOORE ROAD (SR 1762); THENCE FROM THE BEGINNING POINT AND ALONG AND WITH PROPERTY LINE OF BYRD SOUTH 37° 11’44” WEST 198.72 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON PIN, A CORNER WITH THE PROPERTY OF THE J.E. SINK HEIRS (DEED BOOK 113, PAGE 396); THENCE ALONG AND WITH THE PROPERTY LINE OF THE SINK HEIRS NORTH 49° 03’ 00” WEST 200.86 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON PIN, A CORNER WITH THE PROPERTY OF JEFFREY R. ELDRITH (DEED BOOK 780, PAGE 356); THENCE ALONG AND WITH THE PROPERTY LINE OF ELDRITH NORTH 37° 25’ 51” EAST 201.56 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON STAKE IN THE SOUTHERN MARGIN OF THE RIGHT OF WAY OF WILLOW OAK DRIVE; THENCE ALONG WITH THE SOUTHERN MARGIN OF THE RIGHT OF WAY OF WILLOW OAK DRIVE SOUTH 48° 11’ 30” EAST 200.24 FEET TO THE POINT AND PLACE OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 40,037 SQUARE FEET, MORE OR LESS, AS SHOWN ON SURVEY BY DAVIS-MARTIN-POWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC., DATED 3/22/96, JOB NO. S-37534 Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING Lot No. 9 of CEDAR RIDGE, as shown on a map of same recorded in Plat Book 18, Page 38, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Davidson County, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 2148 Burkhart Road, Lexington, NC 27292.

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

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 Johnston County courthouse at 11:00AM on August 3, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Gertrude Dunn, dated March 15, 2004 to secure the original principal amount of $91,464.00, and recorded in Book 2653 at Page 91 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: Magnolia Ct, Clayton, NC 27520 Tax Parcel ID: Present Record Owners:

2

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0

4

05F01006O The Estate of

expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Johnston County courthouse at 10:00AM on August 9, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Charles Lynwood Johnson, dated March 19, 2015 to secure the original principal amount of $112,500.00, and recorded in Book 4575 at Page 622 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: 2 0 3 8 Woodards Dairy Road, Middlesex, NC 27557 Tax Parcel ID: 11O02012 Present Record Owners: The Estate of Charles Lynwood Johnson

588.87 feet from a point where the northern right of way line of Hickory Drive intersects the western right of way line of N.C.S.R. #1501; thence from the above-described beginning point, the line runs as the northern right of way line of Hickory Drive, North 28 degrees 50’ 46” West 120 feet to a point, a common corner between Lot #106 and Lot #105; thence the line runs as the line between Lot #105 and Lot #106, North 66 degrees 43’ East 200 feet; thence the line runs as the line between Lot #106 and Lot #96, South 25 degrees 29’ East 119.9 feet; thence the line runs as the line between Lot #106 and Lot #107, South 63 degrees 51’ 30” West 192.83 feet to the BEGINNING, and being all of Lot #106 of the Whitley Heights subdivision (not recorded); according to a survey of the property of Algernon Parker by Vernon Wayne Johnson dated September 15, 2000, and containing 0.52 acre, more or less. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 120 Hickory Drive, Clayton, North Carolina.

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

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

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

of White Oak, Onslow County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Commencing at a point where the centerline of Elizabeth Street Extension (60 foot right of way) intersects the centerline of NCSR 1778; thence continuing along the centerline of Elizabeth Street Extension as measured in a General southeastern direction approximately 61307 feet to a point; South 33 degrees 54 minutes 15 seconds West 32.78 feet to an iron stake located on the southwestern right of way of Elizabeth Street Extension, said iron stake being the true point of beginning; thence continuing along said right of way south 38 degrees 10 minutes 36 seconds East 146.38 feet to an iron stake; thence leaving said right of way and running along an agreed line South 48 degrees 11 minutes 42 seconds West 130.10 feet to an iron stake located in the center of an old abandoned dirt road; thence running along an agreed line and along said dirt road North 35 degrees 10 minutes 04 seconds West 131.08 feet to an iron stake; thence cornering and running North 40 degrees 54 minutes 32 seconds East 125.22 feet to the point and place of Beginning. Containing 0.40 acres and being a portion of the property described in Deed Book 614, Page 669, Onslow County Registry, as shown on a Survey by John L. Pierce, Registered Land Surveyor, dated June 18, 1987. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 126 Elizabeth Drive, East, Hubert, North Carolina.

Tax ID# 1128-54-2 Property Address: 126 Elizabeth Drive East, Hubert, NC 28539

and Carol Jane Sink The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Gary N. Sink and Carol Jane Sink.

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

Said property is commonly known as 496 Willow Oak Rd, High Point, NC 27262.

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

in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

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

to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Gertrude S. Dunn.

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

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Charles Lynwood Johnson.

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered

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

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,

19-107681

5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 22-00108-FC01

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

DEED.

Gertrude S. Dunn

400

The date of this Notice is June 27, 2022.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC

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

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

Suite

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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.

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 RENEE RIDGE FORTNER (DIVORCED).

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By:

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.: 19-01857-FC02

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

tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By:

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400

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400

17-088451

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is June 15, 2022.

in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

The date of this Notice is July 20, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 22-113158

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

the 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.

https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3417 - 8821

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

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: 1277933 - 12845

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

B11

TAKE NOTICE

ONSLOW AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 16 SP 1246 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Deandre J. Fletcher and Tonette G. Heckstall (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S):DeandreJ.FletcherandTonetteG.Heckstall)to Stuart Clarke at Thorpe & Clark, Trustee(s), dated February 11, 2014, and recorded in Book No. 4113, at Page 429 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,

RANDOLPH IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 22SP51 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CAMERON A COOPER DATED MAY 13, 2014 AND RECORDED IN BOOK RE2389 AT PAGE 672 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED AUGUST 24, 2016 IN BOOK 2508 PAGE 789 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on August 4, 2022 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 Number 9, as shown and described on a plat entitled, “Revised Final Plat, TRINITY CROSSING, SECTION III, a Planned Residential Development, “ dated 08/13/12, prepared by Parker & Associates, Inc. and recorded in Map Book 66, Pages 150-150A, Cabinet N, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Onslow County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 121 Heaven’s Gate Drive, Jacksonville, North Carolina.Subject to the Declaration of Conditions, Reservations and Restrictions recorded in Book 4010, Page 306, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Onslow County, 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).

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 Randolph County courthouse at 10:00AM on August 3, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Cameron A Cooper, dated May 13, 2014 to secure the original principal amount of $82,478.00, and recorded in Book RE2389 at Page 672 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: Dale Drive, Archdale, NC 27263

NOTICE OF SALE

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 204 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kimberly S. Canter (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Kimberly S. Canter) to Jim Jones, Trustee(s), dated February 15, 2007, and recorded in Book No. RE2012, at Page 2355 in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on August 2, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Asheboro in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All of that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Asheboro Township, Randolph County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an existing iron pipe in the northern right of way of NC Secondary Road No. 1424, also known as the Old Farmer Road, said iron pipe being M. A. Moodys southwest corner and said iron pipe being located South 75 deg. 22 min. 53 sec. West 111.92 feet from an existing iron pipe; thence from the point and place of beginning and along the northern right of way line of NC

UNION AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, UNION COUNTY 22 SP 185 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Irene Schiener, in the original amount of $76,587.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, dated February 1, 2016 and recorded on February 1, 2016 in Book 6609, Page 41, Union 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 Union County, North Carolina, and the holder

22 SP 67 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, UNION COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Ada Mae S. Clark and Robert Clark, Sr. to Mitchell L. Heffernan, Trustee(s), which was dated May 20, 2004 and recorded on May 28, 2004 in Book 3455 at Page 39, Union County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note 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 August 9, 2022 at 12:30 PM, and will

WAKE Notice to Creditors Notice to Creditors Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Mary Lou Bryant (2022-E-2946), late of Wake County, North

Notice to Creditors Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of John E. Hightower aka John Ellis Hightower (2022-E-2941), late of Wake County, North Carolina, the undersigned does

Notice to Creditors Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Helen D. Merentino (2022-E-2942), late of Wake County, North

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 17SP1848 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MICHAEL COLEMAN AND CHARLENE COLEMAN DATED MAY 20, 2004 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 10847 AT PAGE 2339 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the

22 SP 940 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY

5823

Land

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.

2 0 7 7 8 /

including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure.

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

Tax Parcel ID: 7708161831 Present Record Owners: Cameron A. Cooper

The Heirs of

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Cameron A. Cooper.

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

of The Parrish-Ross Subdivision as shown on a plat in Plat Book 2, Page 47, Randolph County Registry, together with a portion of land lying between said subdivisions. Being the same property conveyed by Kimberly Robbins Brown (a Fee Trader) to Jeffrey G. Canter and Kimberly S. Canter by Deed dated 05/09/1994 and recorded on 05/10/1994 in Book 1392 Page 1190 by fee simple Deed the said Jeffrey G. Canter having conveyed its interest to the said Kimberly S. Canter, dated 09/08/2004 recorded on 09/13/2004 in Book RE 1886, Page 436 in Randolph County Records, State of NC. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1628 Old Farmer Road, Asheboro, North Carolina.

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

of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Union County, North Carolina, at 12:30 P.M. on August 2, 2022, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit:

§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 Heirs/Devisees of Irene Schiener.

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.

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 Ada Mae S. Clark.

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.

Being all of 1 acre tract as shown on that minor subdivision for Everett Pressley recorded in Plat Cabinet F, File 747, Union County Registry, North Carolina to which Plat reference is made for a greater certainty of description.

Used 1999 CMH Manufacturing Unknown OHC01005NC/ AB 66’ X 23’ Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 6628 Bachelors Knob Road, Marshville, NC28103. Tax ID: 01150010F Third party purchasers must pay the recording cost of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes

sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Union County, North Carolina, to wit: All of Lot #42 of College Grove Subdivision recorded in Plat Book 5, at Page 223, Union County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 905 Clark Street, Wingate, NC 28174.

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Dora Ann Campbell (2022-E-2676), late of Wake County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 17th day of October 2022 or this notice will

be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 31st day of October 2022 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and

corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 31st day of October 2022 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate

will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 31st day of October 2022 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and

corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

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 Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on August 3, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Michael Coleman and Charlene Coleman, dated May 20, 2004 to secure the original principal amount of $160,000.00, and recorded in Book 10847 at Page 2339 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Tax Parcel ID: Present Record Owners: Coleman and Charlene Coleman

Address of property: Ct, Raleigh, NC 27612

2401 Chello

courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 10, 2022 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit:

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Robert S. Lofty and Margaret Jane Blount Rose-Lofty to Michael Lyon, Trustee(s), which was dated November 21, 2012 and recorded on November 30, 2012 in Book 15038 at Page 1257, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

Being all of Lot 2, Phase One, Hallmark Subdivision, as shown on plat recorded in Book of Maps 1985, Page 1118, Wake County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 4612 Woodmill Run, Apex, NC 27539.

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

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

This the 27th day of July 2022

This the 27th day of July 2022

This the 27th day of July 2022 Myra T. Hightower

This the 27th day of July 2022

0123756 Michael A.

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Michael A. Coleman and Charlene Coleman.

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

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 Robert S. Lofty and spouse, Margaret-Jane Blount RoseLoft.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued

agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is July 14, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By:

Suite

400

22-112508

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental

Secondary Road No. 1424, South 65 deg. 26 min. 29 sec.

West 64.50 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence continuing along the northern right of way of NC Secondary Road No. 1424, South 64 deg. 45 min. 27 sec. West 20.24 feet to an existing iron pipe, Homer Hammonds southeast corner; thence leaving the right of way of NC Secondary Raod No. 1424 and along Hammonds line the following courses and distances: North 4 deg. 40 min. 51 sec. East 107.69 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 83 deg. 22 min. 49 sec.

West 23.75 feet to a new iron rod; thence North 05 deg.

19 min. 43 sec. East 22.63 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 82 deg. 59 min. 12 sec. West 101.52 feet to an existing iron pipe, the southeast corner of Lot No. 103 of Rushwood Park No. 2 as shown in Plat Book 1, Page 233 Randolph County Registry; thence leaving Hammonds line and along the eastern line of Lot No. 103, North 08 deg. 09’ 03” East 232.86 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence leaving the eastern line of Lot No. 103 South 83 deg. 14 min. 53 sec. East 94.19 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence South 06 deg. 35 min. 29 sec. West 50.06 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence South 82 deg. 48 min. 13 sec. East 97.76 feet to an existing iorn pipe, M.A. Moodys northwestern corner; thence along Moodys western line, South 05 deg. 51 min.

00 sec. West a total 268.41 feet crossing a new iron rod at 182. 32 feet to an existing iron pipe located in the northern right of way of NC Secondary Road No. 1424, the point and place of beginning and containing 1.133 acres, more or less, to an unrecorded plat entitled survey for Kimberly Robbins Brown, prepared by Surveying Services, Roland D. Ward, R.L.S., and dated June 10, 1992, as revised July 21 1992. The above description consists of Lots 104-111 of Rushwood Park No. 2, as shown in Plat Book 1, Page 233, Randolph County Registry, and a portion of Lots 1 and 2

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.

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: 1237596 - 17242

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3814 - 12669

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee 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

PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-03611-FC01

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403

Linda C. Turner Executor of the Estate of Dora Ann Campbell c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street

Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Kristin Bryant Gragg Executor of the Estate of Mary Lou Bryant c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446

114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Executor of the Estate of John E. Hightower, aka John Ellis Hightower c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446

114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Ann McCrimmon Executor of the Estate of Helen D. Merentino c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446

114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

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

If the 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

(For publication North State Journal: 7/13,7/20,7/27 and 8/3/2022)

(For publication North State Journal: 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17/2022)

(For publication North State Journal: 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17/2022)

(For publication North State Journal: 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17/2022)

The date of this Notice is June 17, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By:

Suite

400

14-062346

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.: 22-02990-FC01

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From July 20, 2022

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 22 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | RANDOLPHRECORD.COM

THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randolph record

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

C’sar celebrates his 48th birthday Monday morning at North Carolina Zoo, where officials have reported record attendance during the past year.

COUNTY NEWS Richard Petty defends racing from EPA regulations This past week, Randolph County and NASCAR legend Richard Petty expressed his concern that new regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency could negatively impact the racing industry. Petty gave his support to a bill called the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM), which is being pushed by Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-Denver) and North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr.

Petty’s concern is that the EPA’s Clean Air Act, at this time, does not exempt NASCAR from the emissions rules for street vehicles.

The RPM Act is currently stalled in both houses of congress.

Randolph man given $1 million bond after sex offense allegations A Randolph County man has been charged with 20 counts of sexual offense, leading to a $1 million secured bond. According to the Sherriff’s Office, deputies received a report about the allegations at the beginning of the month and immediately began investigating. Last week, the department arrested James Brandon Doss, age 26, and charged him with ten counts of felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and ten counts of felony indecent liberties with a child.

Five thousand customers without power after a tree caught fire Five thousand customers lost power this past Thursday morning after a tree caught fire in Randolph County. According to the Duke Energy outage website, individuals in Level Cross, Randleman, and Sophia were affected. The initial map showed 7000 customers without power, but that number has since been corrected. Thanks to the speedy response of Randolph County dispatch, Duke Energy was able to return power to its customers by midday.

NC Zoo hits new milestone

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Zoo has been busier than ever this past year.

The NC Zoo announced for the fiscal year ending June 30 that more than 1 million visitors entered the gates. The previous high for a fiscal year was 879,990 in 2018-19, based on numbers listed in the announcement.

“We’re thrilled to welcome so many guests from North Carolina and around the world,” NC Zoo director Pat Simmons said in a statement. “We are constantly striving to build upon our success through growing our programs and making our guest experience better than ever.”

It potentially could become even busier for NC Zoo. “We’re super excited for the Zoo,” said Linda Brown, president of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce. “The city (of Asheboro) and the Zoo are doing so much to enhance and improve

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

C’sar celebrates his 48th birthday at the North Carolina Zoo on Monday morning in front a about 100 guests in Asheboro. the facilities.”

Repeated inquiries to NC Zoo for additional information regarding the attendance didn’t receive responses, or NC Zoo officials reached were unwilling to provide more insight earlier this week.

There could be several factors

in the soaring attendance that has been announced by NC Zoo. It apparently was a fast rise for NC Zoo, which closed operations to the public on March 17, 2020, because of Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order based on the COVID-19 pandemic.

About two months later – June 15, 2020 – NC Zoo reopened to the public, but with new procedures in place. It wasn’t until July 1, 2021, that NC Zoo returned to normal operations with no capacity limits.

With a new Asia zone for NC Zoo in the works, that’s bound to increase traffic as a tourist attraction. Groundbreaking for that is expected later this summer, with that area opening in 2026.

“That makes the Zoo an overnight destination,” Brown said of the addition.

That Asia zone will be the first new continent added to NC Zoo since the North America continent opened in 1994.

On Monday, NC Zoo celebrated the 48th birthday of C’sar, an African elephant.

From April through October, entry to the zoo comes from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The zoo closes at 5 p.m. From November through March, zoo entrance is permitted from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with a 4 p.m. closing.

Asheboro restaurant scene undergoes changes

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO — The restaurant scene in Asheboro is on the move with a couple of notable developments.

Dodge City Steakhouse on East Dixie Drive has closed.

The Asheboro restaurant had been one of seven Dodge City Steakhouses in the state. Those are part of Hodge Restaurant Group, with corporate headquarters in Asheboro.

Other than confirming that the Asheboro location has ceased operations, company officials declined to comment on the situation.

“Due to an active lawsuit, we can’t comment at this time,” Amanda Hodge said Monday.

“We do want to post (information) once that is resolved.”

Meanwhile, several sources have said discussions are near completion in bringing a Full Moon Oyster Bar restaurant to Asheboro.

The location under consideration is a building that’s connected to both North Street and Trade Street. That would be near The Taco Loco on Sunset Avenue.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Dodge City Steakhouse has closed, yet no explanation has been offered.

There are Full Moon Oyster Bar restaurants in Jamestown, Clemmons, Southern Pines, Concord, Morrisville, and Atlantic Beach.

According to its website, it’s described as “a popular watering hole and seafood restaurant.” The first one opened in Clemmons.

Messages to the owners of Full Moon Oyster Bar haven’t been re-

turned since late last week.

All the Full Moon Oyster Bar locations are open daily except for in Morrisville, where the restaurant is closed Sundays. Atlantic Beach, Clemmons, Concord, and Morrisville serve dinner only most days. Southern Pines is open for lunch only on Sundays, while the Jamestown location serves both meals daily.

5

20177 52016 $1.00

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 21, 2021

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 27, 2022 Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 7, 2021

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY

7.21.21 7.7.21 7.27.22 #3

WEEKLY FORECAST

Biden administration reverses Randolph Trump endangered species rule Guide

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“Join the “Join the “Join the conversation” conversation” conversation” Stanly County Journal ISSN: 2575-2278 North NorthState State Journal Journal (USPS 20451) (USPS 20451) Publisher (ISSN 2471-1365) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins

Editor

Publisher Publisher Xxx

Neal NealRobbins Robbins Sports Editor Cory Lavalette Editor Editor

Matt Mercer Matt Mercer Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill Sports Editor Sports Editor

Design Editor Cory Lavalette Cory Lavalette Lauren Rose

Senior Opinion Opinion Editor Editor Senior

Published Frank Hill each Wednesday by Frank Hill North State Media LLC

Design Editor 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Design Editor

Lauren Rose Albemarle, Lauren RoseN.C. 28001 Published each Wednesday Published each Wednesday by(704) North State Media, LLC 269-8461

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DEATH NOTICES

♦ Christopher Enos Burris, WEEKLY FORECAST

40, of Oakboro,X DEATH NOTICES SPONSORED BY

♦ Georgia Bernice Siler, 89, of Siler City, died July 15, 2021, at her home. ♦ Harold Eugene “Gene” Anderson, 82, died at his home on Monday, July 12, 2021 in a tragic house fire.

CALL OR TEXT 336-629-7588 ♦ Addie Mae Hunt McLeod, age 79, died July 11, 2021, at Autumn Care in Biscoe.

WEDNESDAY JULY 27

♦ Jonathan Edward Ferree, 50, of Black Mountain, formerly of Asheboro, died July 11, 2021.

HI 91

♦ Mildred Mae Cozart Poole, LOW 72 age 85, of Asheboro, died July PRECIP 24% See OBITS, page 7 9, 2021.

THURSDAY JULY 28 See OBITS, page 7

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Federal regulators canceled a policy adopted under former President Donald Trump that weakened their authority to identify lands and waters where deMusic & Market RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE clining animals and plants could receive government protection.

6pm The move was the latest by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service unCome down to Commerce doing changes to the Endangered Square Park in Randleman Species Act that industry and for live music from Bantam landowner groups had won under Rooster. Food trucks will be Trump. President Joe Biden orAP PHOTO

By Bob Sutton sion, there’s enrollment of 915. before those classes start. dered a broad review of his predeavailable beginning at 6pm.

Randolph Record policies af- A northern offReyes, slightly frominthe usual Williams saidowl there’s ef- That’s cessor’s environmental spotted sits onan a branch in Point Calif., Goose and the Monkey bolster enrollment. He cit- number that ranges up to 1,000, “There has never been a ter taking office in 2021. thisfort fileto photo Brewing will be in the beer ed the RCC Commitment Grant, Williams said.

ASHEBORO — Enrollment One Trump measure required better to attend garden fromopportunity 6pm until 9pm. regulators not to Community designate areasCol- a program designed as a funding Traditional enrollment numat Randolph RCC and not have to worry right incentives landowners aslege critical there would bers have for flattened, but it’s the mechanism to fill the gap that’s isn’t habitat likely toif bounce back tosions.

The band performs at 7pm. conserve and school restorestudents about how to pay for it.” the 1973 law, federal be greater economic benefit from number of high not covered by federal or state to aidactively pre-pandemic levels right away Under Jonathan Wood, for the dual encannot fund, permit or habitat,” developing in said programs designed to students. despite a them. school official pointingagencies group’srollment vice president of law and would destroy That forced the agency to dis- in-take actions that has dropped, “Therethat has never beenora betout unprecedented financial policy. “We’re just not seeing the level RCC president Dr. Robert damage critical prove “speculative claims of envi- severely ter opportunity tohabitats. attend RCC centives for potential students. said thethat Biden It doesn’t restrict activities on prironmental harm made by indusof engagement weadhad seen,” Shackleford Jr. Chad Williams, vice president and not have to worry about howEarthjustice ministration’s action would revate land unless government aptries such as mining, logging, and for student services at RCC, said a to pay for it,” RCC president Dr. Williams said.

ZooKeepers Baseball turn the RCC focus to imperiled spe- break or financial support in- “We oil and gas” as they sought to ex- inproval held a one-week Robert Shackleford Jr.issaid. decline in high school students cies instead of “the self-interest of volved. tract resources from public lands,” dual enrollment has been the big- meet students exactly where they earlier this month amid the sum7pm It allows regulators to deny destructive industries.” said Earthjustice, a law firm that are and help them go as far as they mer semester, which began May gest reason for a dip.

“The Trump rules violated the represents environmental groups. critical habitat designation to arCome see the ZooKeepers 24 and concludes July 26. Late “Overall, we’re still seeing a de- can possibly go.”

In a 48-page document ex- eas after considering economic letter and spirit” of the Endanfor the fall semester Beginning withissues, the fall cline in withdrawal enrollmentofcomparing at home as they take on the gered registration Species Act “by stripping security andsemesplaining the rule, toand national runs through Aug. 10, with classter, qualifying students previous prior the pan-other Martinsville Mustangs. To vital protections necessary to adfactors such asfull-time conservation the agencyyears said it gavetooutside es beginning Aug. 16. will be eligibleinfor upareas. to $1,000 demic,” Williamsrole” said.

“I don’tactivities dress the extinction crisis,” attorunderway such parties an “outsized in deterpre-order tickets, please Still Ley dealing semester. know ifwhich we’ll areas get towere numbers we’ve Inper said. with adjustments some cases, the designation ney Leinā`ala mining needed call the ZooKeepers at of the coronavirus That makes attending seen in previous fall semesters.

Bidenbecause administration in conservation and RCCThe made for preserving imperiled species …“can discourage (336) 460-7018 or stop by pandemic, not all 2021 fall semesthe most enticing from a finanWe’re reaching out to every stuwhile undermining the Fish and restoration by making habitat a June withdrew a Trump rule that ter classes willfrom be inselectperson. Some cial liability standpoint in the 16 years dent weService’s can in every way we can.”serious the office located at 603 N. prevented agencies for landowners, Wildlife authority. use a areas hybrid a Williams been the school, A fall semester the two-year ing forwill protection thatmodel don’t withFayetteville propertyhas values canatplunge “The Service is theatfederal gov- whose St. in Asheboro. face-to-faces he 75 said.

He previously workedpresently in mixture school inlead Asheboro would oftenup to meet of a species’ needs sessions percent,” The Property ernment’s agency on endanand in virtual sessions. financial aid office. have species, 2,600 to 3,000 students the future as aMany re- classEnvironment Research Cen- but might gered responsible for con- en-andRCC’s restoration or natural provide work students with options advocacy group, “There’s never a better timesult to of es serving of Americaofforthister, a landowner rolled. the At nature the beginning changes, globaland warmin back a statement. future agency on including how to attend participate, to college,” he said. week,generations,” that number stoodDirecat aboutsaidgo ing. Williams said. reversing the sestor Martha Williams For of thesimply current summer 1,900 with about asaid. month to go “Instead A federal judge this month Trump administration’s flawed Returning CRIME to the pre-Trump WEEKLY LOG County Board of policy, she said, would make rule, the Fish and Wildlife Service threw out a number of Trump actions to roll back protections for should reform the critical habitat “sound science and citizen particCommissioners ♦ Williams, Denishia Lorren ipation” theArrest basison ofchrg habitat (B /F/30) of deci- process to focus on creating the endangered or threatened species.

Meeting WEEKLY CRIME 1) Pwimsd Marijuana (F), 2) LOG

July 29

RCC pushes more MEETfor THE STAFFstudents as numbers lag PJ Ward-Brown Matt Lauren Frank Cory Who is “Editor?”

July 30

August 1

Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), 3) Possess X

♦ Boggs, Matthew Harrison (M, 39), Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor Larceny, at 2587 Wayne White Rd, Pleasant Garden, on 07/14/2021.

6pm Arrest on charge of Resisting Public Officer, 321 Kings Ridge Rd, Randleman, on 07/14/2021.

♦ Whitehead, George Alan (M, 52), 176 E. Salisbury St, Asheboro, on The Randolph County Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor 07/13/2021.

Commissioners meet on IV CS, Possession of Schedule ♦ Millikan, Bobby Wayne (M, 33), the first MondayofofStolen the motor Possession Arrest on charge of Assault on amonthvehicle, for regular business imporoper use of a dealer Female, at 8300 Curtis Power Rd, meetings and zoning tag, failure to deliver title, failure to Bennett, NC, on 07/14/2021. hearings. appear felony, at I-85 Theonmeetings areExit 111, on 07/13/2021. held at 6pm in the 1909 ♦ Passmore, Casey Lynn, Arrest on Randolph County charge of possession of marijuana ♦ Cheek, HeleniaHistoric Spinks (F, 64), up to 1/2 oz., at Randolph Courthouse Meeting Arrest on charge of Assault by Courthouse, on 7/13/2021.

Room,pointing 145-C aWorth Street, a gun, Discharging

Facebook gives users new way to see all their friends’ posts

♦ Bolton McKee, James Henry (M, 47), Arrest on charge of Possession of Stolen Goods, at 6469 Clyde King Rd, Seagrove, on 07/15/2021.

The Associated Press ♦ Pugh, Robert Daniel (M, 39), MENLO PARK, Calif. — FaceArrest on charge of Simple book is rolling out an update that Assault (M), at 139 Drum St, enables its 2 billion daily users Asheboro, 07/14/2021. to more easilyon view their friends’

♦ Hazelwood, Elizabeth (F, 44), Arrest on chage of Misdemeanor Larceny, at Hoover Hill Rd/Slick Rodk Mtn, on 07/14/2021.

♦ Lynch, Detrick Lamont (M, 40), Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor Possession of Schedule VI CS, Possessiong of Stolen Motor Vehicle, at I-85 Exit 111, on 07/13/2021.

firearm to cause fear, Reckless ♦ Roark, Justin Steven (M, 30), Asheboro, unless otherwise driving to endanger, Seagrove, on Arrest on charge of Possession posted.

07/12/2021. of Meth, Possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute ♦ Helms, Chad Lee (M, 37), Arrest heroin, Simple possession of Asheboro on charge of Felony Sexual Planning Schedule II, III, IV CS, Maintaining Exploitation of a minor in the Board Meeting Place, Possession of Drug second degree (10 counts), 727 Paraphernalia, at 1029 High Point 7pm McDowell Rd, Asheboro, NC, on Rd, on 7/13/2021.

07/12/2021.

posts in chronological order. ♦ McQueen, James Allen Jr (M, 35), ♦ Richardson, Erwin Quint Jr (M, The new feature is the compaArrest on charge of Possession 31), Arrest on charges of Felony ny’s latest attempt to keep people of Marijuana up to 1/2 oz., Larceny and Possession of Stolen coming back to its social network Possession of drug paraphernalia, Goods, at 5471 Needhams Trail, amid intensifying competition Failure to appeal on felony, failure Seagrove, on rival 07/14/2021. with its trendier TikTok. to appear on misdemeanor, at The changes announced will of♦ Seibert, Elizabeth (F, 32), fer up two Sarah different perspectives.

When Facebook users open the app, they will initially see the usual news feed featuring posts selected AP PHOTO by an algorithm that the company says is designed to highlight topics In this May 16, 2012, file photo, the Facebook logo is displayed on and friends most likely to appeal an iPad in Philadelphia. to each individual’s tastes and interests. The main feed on the new“One of the most requested fealy dubbed “Home” section will also iPhone and Android versions of its tures for Facebook is to make sure include an option to look at short mobile app.

After clicking on the Feed people don’t miss friends’ posts,” videos called Reels — Facebook’s tab, users will be able to toggle Facebook founder and Meta CEO clone of TikTok. But many users have expressed over to a chronological presen- Mark Zuckerberg said in the anfrustration with the feeds forced tation of their Facebook favor- nouncement.

Facebook is giving users more upon them by Facebook, while ites, Facebook groups they have critics of the Menlo Park, Califor- joined or feeds consisting exclu- control at a time when it has been nia, company have blasted the al- sively of posts from all their Face- struggling to grow, partly because gorithm for spreading misinfor- book friends in the order they were other social media such as TikTok have become more popular, parmation and creating polarizing shared.

The new option is designed ticularly among young generaecho chambers.

Facebook, owned by Meta Plat- to address complaints from us- tions. That stagnation, in turn, is forms, is trying to address those ers who believe they have been making it more difficult for corpoconcerns with a new Feed tab lo- missing interesting posts because rate parent Meta to boost its profcated to the left of the notifications Facebook’s algorithm omitted its from the digital ads that appear in users’ feeds. tab on the shortcut bar in both the them from their feeds.

The Asheboro Planning Board meets regularly on the first Monday of the month at 7pm in the Council Chamber of the City of Asheboro Municipal Building.

WWE leaves virtual reality behind in 1st tour since 2020 FRIDAY JULY 29

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

HI 92 LOW 71— Triple H PHILADELPHIA walked with his arms crossed PRECIP 38% like

ple cheering over him, or booing over him or going into different directions over him,” have benefited, Levesque said. “But that’s the DEATH NOTICES beauty of what we do, to go be entertained, however you want to ♦ Ralph Trogdon, Jr., be “Harold” entertained.

As a performer, agesometimes 70 of Randleman, died that’s difficult.”

WWE’s 5 home.

“RAW” on USA July 20, 2022July at his Network hit 1.472 million viewers, ♦ Carolyn Brown the lowest in VanDerveer, the 28-plus year hisagetory 70 of died at of Biscoe, the show.

Levesque, WWE her home in Biscoe, NCEVP on of global talent strategy Sunday, July 24, 2022.and development, said the company would ♦ David Douglas age it can “take a hardCallicutt, look” at how attract more fans to22, the product 73 of Biscoe, died July each week.

WWE can only hope 2022 at his home. the combination of live crowds WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ Evelyn and Beavers the returnThompson, of box office attracBecky Lynch, agetions 86 ofsuch SilerasCity, died July Goldcounts Assault on a Female, ♦ Yow, Jacob Taylor (M, 30), ♦ Cockman, Jason Howard (M, Cena can ignite 24, berg, 2022and at Village Lake Inn.interest Communicating Threats, on Arrested on charge of Breaking 35), Arrested on charge of and grow ratings during the build 7/18/22, at 340 Crestview Ch or Entering, on 7/19/22, at 6549 Possession of Stolen Goods, ♦ EttatoMae “Pauline”Aug. Hall21 Summerthe marquee Rd. Clyde King Rd. Possess Meth, Simple Possess Slam at 84, the of home of the Las VeJones, age Galax, Schedule IV CS, Intimidating gas Raiders.

Virginia, died July 23, 2022. ♦ Allum, Michelle Maryann (F, 26), ♦ Doss, James Brandon (M, Witness, on 7/20/22, at 5033 “It never is one thing,” Levesque Arrested on charge of two counts 26), Arrested on charge of ten Leigh Ln. ♦ Franklin Thomas “Tommy” said. “We see this as a moment in Assault and Battery, two counts counts Sexual Exploit Minor/2nd timeage to 58 shift Friday, of everything.

Randleman,I think Assault Gov Official/Employee, Degree, ten counts Indecent ♦ Frank, Lauren Elizabeth Fulk (F, in justat the layout of evdiedyou’ll Julysee 20,it2022, Resisting Public Officer, on Liberties with Child, on 7/18/22, 32), Arrested on charge of Felony erything, the set designs, the way Moses Cone Hospital in WILLYLine SANJUAN/INVISION/AP 7/16/22, atPHOTO 7177 BY Power Rd. at 3446 Fairview Farm Rd. Harboring Escapee, Possession it’s presented.

There’s a greater Greensboro. of Stolen Goods, on 7/20/22, at Paul “Triple H” Levesque participates in the “WWE Monday Night emphasis on utilizing the spacIn this Jan. 9, 2018, file photo, ♦ Beltran, Joel Valdez (M, 31), ♦ Pugh, Robert Daniel (M, 40), 5033 Leigh es that we have and the TV aspect Raw: 25th Ln. Anniversary” panel during the NBCUniversal Television Critics Association Winter Press ♦ Vernece Ruth Leach Willett, Arrested on charge of Simple Arrested on charge of Assault while still engaging inChristopher Pasadena,Dylan Calif. ageof80it of Asheboro, died the fans.

Assault, on 7/16/22, at 2142 on a Female, on 7/18/22, at 139 ♦Tour Beane, (M, A lot of that comes July 18, 2022, at The from the time Machala Dr. Drum St. 23), Arrested on charge of we had to experiment inside the Possess Heroin, Possess Meth, Randolph Hospice House in ThunderDome.”

WWE then moved to its in-house former,” Reigns said.

“As a live pay-per-view Sunday in Texas and ♦ Davis, Tiffany Nicole (F, 39), ♦ Pylant, Brandie Lee (F, 41), Possess Drug Paraphernalia, on The first start is putting fans Dallas on Monday for the flagship performer, that simultaneous re- performance center in Florida onAsheboro.

an X — his signature Degeneration X symbol — with his 7-foot tag-team partner, Joel Embiid, to SATURDAY 30 month ring a ceremonialJULY bell last before a Philadelphia 76ers playoff game.

His theme music blared HI 85 through the arena, and near70 from the ly 19,000 fansLOW hanging 58% rafters roaredPRECIP when the wrestler hoisted his bad-guy weapon-ofchoice sledgehammer and struck the bell.

SUNDAY JULY 31 Sure, the setting wasn’t WrestleMania — though Triple H lost a match in the same building when HI 83 the event was held there in 1999 — but for the superstar-turned-exLOW 70 ecutive, the frenzied atmosphere PRECIP 52% was a reminder of what WWE lost during the 16 months it ran without live events and raucous MONDAY AUG 1 crowds.

“It was a fun opportunity to get back into an arena packed full of fans and have them HI 89go nuts,” said Triple H, known these days as LOW 71 Levesque.

WWE executive Paul PRECIP 24% “That adrenaline rush, there’s nothing like it.”

WWE hasn’t been the same without its “Yes!” chants or “This TUESDAY AUG 2 is Awe-some!” singsongs once the pandemic relegated the company Arrested on charge of Resisting Arrested on charge of Simple 7/19/22, at 2647 Bethel Lucas — holding their homemade signs March before setting up what sponse keeps you sharp.

We had TV show on USA. WWE to running empty arena match- “Raw” Public Officer,13, Assault Gov Assault, on 7/18/22, at 4140 Mt ♦ Jervey Franklin Durham Jr, Rd. HI with 89 a piped-in spruced it dubbed The ThunderDome -- and wearing their catchphrase to adjust up sets, brought back old Gilead es every week Official/Employee, on 7/16/22, Churchand Rd. adapt to the times age 78 of Asheboro, died fans registered andWilliam hit the soundtrack and virtual at USwhere HWY 64 W/Spring Forest for spots T-shirts — back in the seats. ♦stars Yow, Eric (M,reset 30), button on that were in front of us.”

LOW 70 fans.

July 22, 2022we athave Alpine Luis (M, 24), “When that live crowd, WithJose Hulk Hogan in the house, TV programming No more. PRECIP 20% Rd. on LED digital videoboards — for Arrested on charge ofhumbled Breaking with♦ Sanchez, Health and Rehab.

Arrested on charge of Unauthor ratings and a strong WWE held their only Wrestle- stretches in Florida at the Amway sometimes they almost become With most American sports record-low or Entering, on 7/19/22, at 6549 Use of Motor Vehicle, Mania with fanstwo this past April Center, Tropicana Field and the the cameras for a lot of the pernew leagues settled in to their old rou- need Clydefor King Rd.stars. formers,” Reigns said. “But when “I do think if we were doing this 10 and 11 at Raymond James Sta- Yuengling Center. tines, WWE ditched its stopgap “People like Roman have been you don’t have that real-time, flesh home in Florida and resumed in front of the live crowd, it would dium. WWE last ran a weeknight touring last Friday night with have been a situation that would televised event with a paid crowd able to emotionally bring a per- interaction, the red light becomes “Smackdown” from Houston, a have made me an even better per- on March 9, 2020, in Washington. formance that, maybe with peo- the focal point for the performer.”

4” Ad

Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

OPINION

3

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Focusing on the issues that matter most

At a time when inflation is forcing folks to dip into their savings just to get by, the last thing we need is more borrowing and spending on programs that don’t address the real challenges impacting you and your family.

ARE YOU WORRIED about the future of our nation?

As a dad and your congressman, I continually think about the kind of future and opportunities the next generation of Americans will have. According to a recent poll, an astonishing 75% of Americans are experiencing economic hardship largely because of ineffective policies by President Joe Biden and House Democrats.

The cost of goods across the board continues to rise due to rapid inflation, and prices at the pump remain near record highs nationwide. American families cannot afford these price hikes, yet Democrats in Washington have continuously stalled efforts to address them properly and have largely doubled down on their reckless spending.

Last week, House Democrats pushed through a massive appropriations package that will likely make America’s inflation crisis even worse by recklessly increasing federal spending on misguided, progressive projects. Their bill includes massive budget increases for government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as well as for partisan “Green New Deal” provisions that take little account of whether they will work or how this will impact you directly. They also open the door for your tax dollars to fund abortions.

At a time when inflation is forcing folks to dip into their savings just to get by, the last thing we need is more borrowing and spending on programs that don’t address the real challenges impacting you and your family. Instead, Congress must take steps to lower needless spending, increase private sector growth, and lower costs. A key part of this is unleashing American energy in all forms – a move that will lower fuel prices and create jobs across the country. As your congressman, I will continue to work to implement these reforms and make life easier for you and your family.

Beyond their spending package, last week, House Democrats also continued their attack on your constitutional right to bear arms by advancing an “assault weapons” ban. Democrats imposed a similar ban in 1994, and it did little to stop violent crime or prevent

tragedies like Columbine. Like red flag laws, this new ban may sound reasonable to some, but it would have little or no impact in the real world.

Unfortunately, time and time again, Washington Democrats rush to advance gun control measures like bans or red flag laws because it makes them feel better. However, data and experiences have proven that taking guns away from law-abiding citizens does not work and leaves folks unable to defend themselves. Just last week, we saw the importance of this when a brave 22-year-old with a conceal carry permit stopped a mass shooter at an Indiana mall.

I have been a strong and vocal defender of the Second Amendment since my first day in Congress, and I will always defend the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.

Additionally, I will continue to promote common sense solutions to address the root causes of gun violence and protect your family.

This includes provisions like my STOP II, Secure Every School and Protect our Nation’s Children Act which would use unspent COVID-19 funds to protect schools, improve mental health, and save lives.

While the majority in Congress has focused on unnecessary spending and gun grabs, I focused last week on advancing solutions for an increasingly important area of our lives: data protection.

On Wednesday, the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

This bipartisan measure is a major step forward to establishing national data privacy protections for all Americans by creating provisions to limit Big Tech’s ability to track and share data about your online activity, as well as increases protections for kids using online platforms. As this bill is considered by the House, I will continue to support efforts to protect your online security.

There is plenty to be worried or frustrated about when it comes to the future of our nation. Rest assured, I will continue to focus on growing our economy, defending your rights, and delivering solutions for the issues that matter most.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Biden has no right to declare a national climate emergency Politicians might treat every hurricane, tornado and flood as an apocalyptic event but by every quantifiable measure humankind is less affected by climate than ever before.

THE WASHINGTON POST reported that President Joe Biden is “considering whether to declare a national climate emergency” to “salvage his stalled environmental agenda and satisfy Democrats on Capitol Hill.” A few hours later, the Associated Press reported that the administration would “hold off” on the announcement as he, presumably, lays the political groundwork to move forward.

There’s no “It’s Summer” clause in the Constitution empowering the president to ignore the will of Congress and unilaterally govern when it gets hot. The rejection of the president’s “agenda” by the lawmaking branch of government isn’t a justification for executive action; it’s the opposite. The Senate has unambiguously declined to implement Biden’s climate plan.

Though you have to marvel at the utter shamelessness of Democrats, incessantly warning that “democracy” is on the precipice of extinction, now urging the president to act like a petty dictator.

It’s been less than a month since the Supreme Court rejected the Environmental Protection Agency’s claim that bureaucrats could govern without Congress to regulate carbon (which is to say, the entire economy).

What makes anyone believe that the president — who, incidentally, just got back from begging Saudi theocrats to pump more oil — is imbued with the power to enact a new regulatory regime or funding by fiat?

We now have senators like Jeff Merkley, who told reporters on Monday that Biden’s emergency edict “unchains the president from waiting for Congress to act,” openly undermining their oath to the Constitution by attacking the institution they represent. Congress may have spent decades abdicating its responsibilities — which, despite conventional wisdom, isn’t to rubber-stamp the Democrats’ agenda — but its members rarely advocated openly for executive abuse. I guess they’re evolving.

Bloomberg reports that an emergency declaration would “unlock” the president’s power to redirect “federal funding to clean-energy construction.” When former President Donald Trump enacted an emergency declaration to reallocate funding earmarked for military projects to build a wall on the U.S. southern border — “a clear attempt to circumvent the legislative branch and one that I hope leads to the Supreme Court overturning the abused National

Emergencies Act,” I wrote at the time, so save your emails — the entire establishment melted down. “Declaring a National Emergency Could Give Trump Authoritarian Powers,” a columnist at New York Magazine claimed. “A Win For Trump’s Authoritarian Agenda,” wrote another in Forbes. And so on. It’s worth remembering the border is within the purview of the federal government. Trying to control the weather is not.

Which brings us to another small problem: There is no emergency.

Politicians might treat every hurricane, tornado, and flood as an apocalyptic event — and then conveniently blame their political opponents for failing to rein in nature — but by every quantifiable measure, humankind is less affected by climate than ever before.

Despite the massive expansion of fossil fuel use, despite the explosion of the world’s population, far fewer people die from the climate.

Our ability to adapt to the vagaries of weather and acclimatize to the realities of climate change — whatever they may be — is far cheaper than the state-compelled dismantling of the Constitution (and modernity). You may vigorously disagree. And that is a political debate about policy that belongs in Congress among representatives of the people. If every hurricane, heat wave, or flood is a justification for unilateral federal executive governance, we will be in a perpetual emergency. Regulating carbon emissions is an open-ended invitation to regulate the entire economy, which is the point.

And just as historically high gas prices — driven, in part, by the administration’s efforts to create fossil fuels scarcity — are slightly ebbing, Democrats want Biden “to halt crude oil exports, limit oil and gas drilling in federal waters, and direct agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency to boost renewable energy sources.” Even if there was an emergency, the notion that diverting some money to prop up unreliable energy sources or subsidize more electric car production is going to do anything to change the trajectory of the climate is a risible claim. The real emergency is that we have a lawless party pushing lawlessness.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of five books — the most recent, “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT SOCCER

Solo pleads guilty to DWI, gets 30-day sentence, fine Winston-Salem Former U.S. women’s national team star goalkeeper Hope Solo pleaded guilty Monday to driving while impaired, almost four months after she was found passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle in Roaring Gap in Alleghany County with her 2-year-old twins inside. A judge gave Solo a suspended sentence of 24 months and an active sentence of 30 days. She was given 30 days credit for time she spent at an in-patient rehabilitation facility. Solo made 202 appearances with the national team, with 153 wins and an internationalrecord 102 shutouts. She won a World Cup title and two Olympic gold medals with the team.

MLB

Pete Rose to appear on field in Philadelphia Philadelphia Pete Rose will make an appearance on the field in Philadelphia next month for the first time since receiving a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball. Rose agreed to the lifetime ban in August 1989 after an investigation for MLB by lawyer John Dowd found Rose placed numerous bets on the Cincinnati Reds to win from 1985-87 while playing for and managing the team. Major League Baseball’s career hits leader will be part of Phillies alumni weekend, and will be introduced on the field alongside many former teammates from the 1980 World Series championship team on Aug. 7.

WRESTLING

WWE’s McMahon retiring amid misconduct probe Stamford, Conn.

World Wrestling Entertainment impresario Vince McMahon says he is retiring amid an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the flamboyant showman who turned a small wrestling company into a worldwide entertainment business. In a brief statement issued by the company Friday, McMahon said he is retiring as WWE’s chairman and CEO. He noted that he remains its majority shareholder. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported McMahon agreed to pay more than $12 million over the past 16 years to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity.

NBA

Harden, 76ers agree on 2-year, $68M deal Philadelphia James Harden has agreed to terms on a two-year contract to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers and will make about $14.5 million less this coming season than he could have earned under his previous deal. Harden’s new deal is worth slightly over $68 million, paying him about $33 million this season and with a $35 million player option for the 2023-24 season, according to reports. Harden had a $47.4 million option for this coming season that he declined last month, saying he wanted to give the 76ers flexibility to improve their roster and compete for a championship.

AP PHOTO

Taylor James Hamlin, left, carries the checkered flag with her dad, Denny Hamlin, after he won Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. NASCAR stripped Hamlin of his win when his No. 11 Toyota failed inspection and was disqualified, awarding Chase Elliott the Cup Series victory.

Elliott given Pocono win after Hamlin, Busch disqualified It was the first time since 1960 that the winner at NASCAR’s top level was dethroned for failing inspection The Associated Press LONG POND, Pa. — The siren at the Dawsonville, Georgia, pool hall that sounds whenever Chase Elliott wins a race did indeed go off Sunday night without the hometown star ever leading a lap at Pocono Raceway.

“Winner, winner Joe Gibbs Racing are cheaters!” the Dawsonville Pool Room tweeted.

In an extraordinary decision for a NASCAR Cup Series race, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin had his Pocono win thrown out and runner-up and teammate Kyle Busch also was disqualified after their Toyotas

failed inspections.

Elliott shot up from third place and the Hendrick Motorsports driver was awarded his fourth victory of the season. He never led a lap in the No. 9 Chevrolet — and his car also was inspected by NASCAR. Hamlin lost his record seventh victory at Pocono and his third win of the season. Busch led a race-high 63 laps.

NASCAR believed the last time it disqualified an apparent winner was April 17, 1960, when Emanuel Zervakis’ victory at Wilson Speedway in North Carolina was thrown out because of an oversized fuel tank.

The penalties can be appealed and both Toyotas were sent to NASCAR’s research and development center in North Carolina for further evaluation. NASCAR said the infractions were not caught in the pre-race inspection because the wrap was not removed from the

“There was some issues discovered that affect aero in the vehicle.”

Brad Moran, NASCAR Cup Series managing director cars until after the race.

“There was some issues discovered that affect aero in the vehicle,” NASCAR Cup Series managing director Brad Moran said.

“There really was no reason why there was some material that was somewhere it shouldn’t have been.

And that does basically come down to a DQ.” Moran said the parts in question were the front fascia — essentially the nose cone — and final decisions “should be sorted out by next week.”

Moran said the inspection “rules have tightened up” with the introduction this season of a new car.

NASCAR’s newest version is pretty much a kit car. Teams get all the same pieces from varying vendors and have detailed instructions regarding how to put it together.

“We don’t want to be here talking about this problem,” Moran said. “But the teams and the owners and everybody was well aware that this new car was going to be kept with some pretty tight tolerances. There’s some areas that all the teams are well aware that we can not go down the path that we had in the past with the other car.”

The failures marred what had been a banner day for JGR. Hamlin had seemingly won for the third time this season and passed Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon for most wins at Pocono with seven. Hamlin swept two races at Pocono in his rookie season in 2006, and added wins in 2009, 2010, 2019 and 2020. Now, he remains tied with the four-time NASCAR champion.

IndyCar and NASCAR share next weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. IndyCar races Saturday on the road course; NASCAR races Sunday.

Federal judge again rules in favor of Williamson in lawsuit The U.S. District Court judge in Winston-Salem sided the former Duke star against a former marketing agent The Associated Press WINSTON-SALEM — A federal judge in North Carolina has again ruled in favor of NBA All Star Zion Williamson, this time in connection with a lawsuit he filed against a marketing agent two years ago in an attempt to break a contract.

U.S. District Court Judge Loretta Biggs denied a number of motions filed by Prime Sports Marketing and Gina Ford, which entered an agreement to represent Williamson when he was at Duke.

The defendants were seeking to recover payment for the work they did for him, according to a copy of the ruling.

Biggs denied multiple motions by the defendants for summary judgment and to stay proceedings in the case regarding the contract.

The court ruled previously that because neither the company nor the agent complied with North Carolina law, their agreement was void and unenforceable.

In January 2021, Biggs ruled in favor of Williamson, saying Ford’s contract with Williamson was void because Ford was not a licensed agent in the state at the time she met with Williamson. The judge also ruled the contract did not

AP PHOTO

A U.S. District Court judge ruled in favor of former Duke star Zion Williamson in his ongoing case with a marketing agent. comply with key requirements outlined by the state’s sports agent law, the Uniform Athlete Agents Act. The act requires that the contract include warnings explaining how hiring agents causes athletes to forfeit their amateur status. It also requires such contracts to include a disclaimer giving athletes 14 days to cancel.

Williamson, who was draft No. 1 overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019, filed the federal lawsuit in North Carolina that June to

terminate a five-year contract with Ford’s agency after moving to Creative Artists Agency LLC. Attorneys for Ford and Prime Sports had alleged that North Carolina’s athlete agent law should not apply to Williamson because he and his family had accepted improper financial benefits while he was still enrolled at Duke. Ford’s attorneys filed an affidavit alleging a $400,000 payment was made to Williamson’s family before the he began his only season with the Blue Devils.

Williamson lawyer Jeffrey S. Klein asked the court to disregard the affidavit, arguing that the allegations were false and that supporting documents were fraudulent. He noted the facts in the case remained that Williamson completed his lone season at Duke in good standing and had never been ruled ineligible by the NCAA. The judge agreed, noting that there was no legal basis for the courts to decide whether Williamson had violated NCAA rules.

The ruling was issued on July 15.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

5 BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Maggie Lowe PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNA

David Makupson of Trinity reacts to winning the Class 2-A state title at 138 pounds during the past season in a match vs. Will Nix of Bandys.

David Makupson gears up for next challenges Trinity’s state champion built powerful prep career

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record TRINITY — In order for Trinity’s David Makupson to become a high school state champion in wrestling, he took a path of nonstop pursuit of that goal.

He thought he worked hard to attain that. Now, he’s aiming even higher.

“I just know I have to work that much harder if I want to be on the D-I level,” Makupson said. “I got a good feel on how that next level is going to be.”

Makupson is heading to Queens University of Charlotte after a stellar high school career that was capped with a 138-pound title in Class 2-A. “He kind of set the standard for what we’re looking for,” Trinity coach Brandon Coggins said. “He’s leaving his mark.”

A 178-21 career record left him short of the school-record 200 wins set by 2017 graduate Tyler Johnson. Makupson likely would have eclipsed the mark had the 2020-21 season not been shortened because of the reconfigured North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s sports calendar during the pandemic.

Makupson, who turned 18 years old in June, did this while lettering in five sports at Trinity. He said he knew wrestling was the sport that allowed him to flourish the most.

But he received all-conference recognition as a football player, playing as a running back, slot receiver, and outside linebacker. At 5-foot-6, he took a fearless approach to the football field.

“Really not being scared to hit somebody,” he said, noting that his quickness also was an asset.

When the pandemic caused an adjusted sports schedule during his junior year, he added cross country and swimming (though the track and field season conflicted with wrestling). His spot on the swimming team in the 50-yard freestyle might have caught some people off guard.

“My dad (David Makupson Jr.)

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNA

Trinity’s David Makupson has a grip on Will Nix of Bandys. kind of forced me to do it,” he said.

The workload and variety of sports might have made an impression on others, but it didn’t faze Makupson.

“I don’t really see it,” he said. “I just went out there and did it.”

This spring, he became the Piedmont Athletic Conference champion in the 800 meters and took part in Trinity’s league-winning 3,200 relay.

Grappling greatness The running success came a couple of months after securing that coveted wrestling title. He had the confidence to go with it.

“Go out there and dominate because nobody can keep up with me,” he said. “I had one mission, to go out there and win it all, and that’s what I did. I’ve been preparing since I first got started since I was 5. It was my dream to win one.

Just so happened I got it my senior year. It had been a long time coming.”

Makupson dominated Will Nix of Bandys with a 10-0 decision in the final after two other major decisions sandwiched around a second-period pin to reach the title bout in February at the Greensboro Coliseum.

All along, the key for Makupson was “being physical in neutral positions and being heavy on the hips” when on top,” he said.

“It really comes down to mental toughness and conditioning,” Makupson said. “I think what won me most of the matches was just wear-

ing guys down.”

His only loss as a senior came in a season-opening tournament by a 7-4 decision to Rolesville’s Frank Bianco in the finals of the Wolverine Challenge.

“It was really a down-to-earth moment,” Makupson said of the defeat. “To this day, I still think about that one loss.”

By February, Makupson held a 54-1 record.

“Just getting my mind right and going through all the preparation,” he said. “There was going to be pressure being ranked No. 1 (in the weight division) before the season started.”

He placed fourth in the two previous state tournaments. That included defeating Nix in the opening round of the 2021 version.

“I needed to work harder,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to get fourth again.”

Coggins said he’s glad that Makupson is going to have the chance to compete at the Division I level.

Queens made the move to Division I this summer.

Makupson chose Queens ahead of Division II Belmont Abbey.

The wrestler said he’ll likely redshirt during the 2022-23 season.

Then Makupson said he’ll attempt to take a spot in the Queens lineup at 133 pounds.

“He fills out pretty good,” Coggins said.

There figures to be no challenge too large for him.

“The main thing I’m really focused on is getting adjusted to the college level,” Makupson said.

Brannon takes next steps after draft Randleman catcher joins Red Sox organization

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record RANDLEMAN — The route for Randleman catcher Brooks Brannon in professional baseball is taking form after he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox last week.

Brannon said Monday, while he was traveling to Florida, that he plans to sign with the Red Sox this week in Fort Myers, Fla., where the organization has a training facility.

Two days after he was selected in the draft’s ninth round last week, Brannon was headed to Boston. He reportedly was in line to receive a signing bonus that was more in line with a secondor third-round draft selection.

“He’s going to be compensated nicely,” Randleman coach Jake Smith said. “They had to do some shuffling around, and it all worked out. Both parties are happy.”

So with a professional career unfolding, Brannon won’t play collegiately for North Carolina. He was a signee with the Tar Heels.

Brannon turned 18 years old in May amid his record-setting senior season with Randleman. He was one of several core players on the Tigers’ back-to-back Class 2-A state championship teams.

Throughout the spring and leading up to the draft, the most active professional clubs in scouting Brannon appeared to be the Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins, Smith said. Most organizations had scouts stop by as well.

In many cases, it was more than regional scouts attending games but other team officials finding their way to Randleman.

Many gathered behind the backstop, while others viewed from a distance atop the hill that circles Joe Brookshire Field.

“They spent some money coming to watch him,” the coach said.

Smith said Randleman’s appearance in a tournament in the Charleston, S.C., area during

spring break also brought additional attention for the catcher, who had a good string of games that week.

Brannon was the only catcher drafted by the Red Sox among the team’s 21 picks in this month’s draft. Boston picked seven players out of high school.

The next step for Brannon will come in Fort Myers, where the Red Sox hold spring training and conduct rookie training. There’s the Florida Complex League (formerly Gulf Coast League) for young players, and that figures to be where Brannon will make his professional debut.

Games in the Florida Complex League are scheduled through Aug. 23.

“He’ll get his feet wet and be around a lot of people in the organization,” Smith said.

Boston’s minor-league affiliates are located in Salem, Va.; Greenville, S.C.; Portland, Maine; and Worcester, Mass.

“He’s going to have every opportunity to be successful,” Smith said. “He’s got a long road and a fun road ahead of him.”

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNA

Maggie Lowe of Southwestern Randolph was her team’s leading scorer the past two seasons.

Southwestern Randolph, girls’ soccer

Lowe scored 27 goals across 22 games to pace the Cougars in that category.

Lowe also finished her senior season with seven assists for the third-most total on the team.

The Cougars posted a 14-7-1 record.

That was the team’s most victories since 2017.

Lowe landed a spot on the AllPiedmont Conference team following the previous season’s selection for the 2021 All-Mid-Piedmont Conference team when Southwestern Randolph competed in a Class 3-A league.

Lowe had a team-best six goals in the shortened 2021 season, with the Cougars playing ten games.

Black snags two victories at Caraway Randolph Record staff SOPHIA – Tony Black won twice in the Late Models division in feature races Saturday night at Caraway Speedway.

Black finished ahead of runner-up Donnie Apple in both races.

It was a racing card stocked with twin features.

In 602 Modifieds, Carson Loftin won the first race, and Cody Norman ended up second. The order among the top two spots was flipped in the second race, with Norman prevailing and Loftin taking second.

In Mini Stocks, Jimmy Crigger was the winner of the first race. In the other race in the division, Rudy Hartley won at the track for the first time since mid-May, while runner-up Alex Higginson had his best finish of the season.

In Challengers, Josh Waldron won both races as he continued his identity as a substitute driver in the division. Runner-up positions were earned by Brian Rose in the first race and Bobby Salisbury in the second race.

The Legends race was a 25-lap national qualifier. Scotty Benford captured the victory ahead of Charles Parker.

Steven Collins claimed first place in both of the UCAR races.

Neal Dulin prevailed in a 15-lap Bandolero race.

The next racing card at the speedway is set for Aug. 6.

There were lots of points to be distributed with twin features at the speedway.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

6 AMATEUR BASEBALL

Post 45 looks for home comforts in regional

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Blake Marsh provides a key bat in the middle of the order for Randolph County Post 45.

Post 45 falls in Area 3 final, but lessons could turn fruitful

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record SALISBURY — Something good might have come out of the Area 3 championship game for Randolph County Post 45, the losing part aside.

“It’s just a reality check that we can lose,” left fielder Adam Cole said.

Post 45 hadn’t been in a competitive game in more than three weeks, then didn’t execute well in numerous tight spots in Friday night’s game at Newman Park. Rowan County never trailed in a 6-4 decision.

The outcome halted a 12game winning streak, but there’s plenty still ahead for Randolph County.

“It’s good for us to get the opportunity to see some of the pitching and go against some hitters like we’re going to see,” said Trey Way, who started on the mound. “Now we know what we need to do.”

Post 45 (27-9) was set to open pool play in the state tournament Tuesday night against host Fuquay-Varina Post 116, which

is the defending champion. The tournament concludes July 30.

Regardless of the outcome in the states, Randolph County has a spot reserved for the Southeast Regional, which will be contested Aug. 3-7 at McCrary Park in Asheboro. The state champion – or runner-up if Post 45 wins – also heads to the regional.

Rowan County (34-7) repeated as Area 3 champion.

“You can’t go out there and go through the motions,” Post 45 manager Ronnie Pugh said, “We had every opportunity. Those things come back to bite you.”

Rowan County provided an upgrade in competition, something that Randolph County is bound to encounter on a regular basis the rest of the way.

“Seeing better pitching is probably a plus for us going into the state tournament,” Post 45 right fielder Blake Marsh said.

“That’s something we might need.”

Rowan County touched Way for two runs in the first inning and two more in the third. He was lifted after 2 1/3 innings.

“That’s the first game I had my

stuff, and they just overmatched it sometimes and got barrels on it,” Way said.

Tanner Marsh moved from shortstop to pitch the rest of the way for Post 45.

But the real strife for Randolph County came with botched opportunities.

Still, with loading the bases with no outs in the seventh, there was a chance they could pull it out. Instead, Blake Marsh popped out before Way’s walk forced in a run. On the next pitch, Tyler Parks’ dribbler back toward the mound resulted in a game-ending 1-2-3 double play.

That capped the frustration for what Blake Marsh called a “very winnable” game on the Catawba College campus, where he attends.

The offensive frustrations began earlier for Randolph County.

Way led off the second inning by smashing a ball off the left-field wall, reaching third base in time but called out when he popped off the bag after his slide.

Post 45 got on the board when Parks beat out a two-out infield single in the fourth. Randolph

County closed within 4-3 in the fifth, with Tanner Marsh’s double and a fielding blunder resulting in runs. Then there were runners at second and third with no outs, but reliever Casey Gouge struck out Blake Marsh, Way, and Parks to douse the threat.

Tatum Marsh racked up three hits, and Braylen Hayes was credited with two hits for Randolph County.

While winning the 12 games in a row, there wasn’t a result closer than a 9-0 score for Post 45. This ought to get the players’ attention.

“For (states and) regionals, I think it’s not a terrible thing,” Cole said.

Post 45 came off three routs shortened by the mercy rule in the best-of-5 semifinals against Kannapolis after sweeping a best-of-3 quarterfinals series against Mooresville. On Saturday, Randolph County topped visiting Rowan County 7-4 in an exhibition, giving the teams a chance for more at-bats and additional time on the mound for fine tuning.

“We’ve got a lot of people who need a little bit of work,” Pugh said.

Randolph County lost to Fuquay-Varina twice in the regular season, so being in that pool figures to be a challenge. Hope Mills and Cherryville are also in Post 45’s pool among the eightteam field.

ASHEBORO — More than two weeks will have passed between official home games for Randolph County Post 45.

But those coming next week will be the biggest of the season in the American Legion baseball’s Southeast Regional at McCrary Park.

The eight-team regional will be held Aug. 3-7.

Post 45 will meet the South Carolina champion in the Day 1 nightcap at 6:30 p.m. After that, Randolph County’s schedule will be dictated by its results based on how the bracket unfolds.

Two teams from North Carolina will be on the field. Post 45 is guaranteed a spot as the host team, while the winner of the state tournament this weekend will join Randolph County – or the runner-up if Post 45 captures the state title.

Other teams in the regional field will be another South Carolina representative, along with state champions from Georgia, Kentucky, Florida (Belleview Post 284), and Tennessee (Columbia Post 19).

Games are generally scheduled for 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m., though there are just three games on the Aug. 5 docket and then 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. games Aug. 6.

The double-elimination tournament is slated to conclude Aug. 7. A championship game is set for 1:30 p.m., with the “if necessary” game scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

The regional winner goes to the American Legion World Series, which takes place from Aug. 11-16 in Shelby.

Asheboro has been a fixture as a regional host since 2013, though sometimes it welcomes the Mid-Atlantic Regional. Post 45 won regionals in its home ballpark in 2017 and 2018 in the Southeast Regional and in 2019 in the Mid-Atlantic Regional. The 2023 Southeast Regional is also slated for McCrary Park.

Last year, Post 45 went 1-2 in the Mid-Atlantic Regional, so there’s a different pool of teams coming for next week’s Southeast Regional.

Other regional sites this year are in Pelham, Ala.; Shrewsbury, Mass.; Fairfield, Calif.; Midland, Mich.; Morgantown, W.Va.; Rapid City, S.D.; and Gillette, Wyo.

Transylvania player puts together special season with ZooKeepers Youngblood comes from Division III, but excels in CPL

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO — Coming from a Division III program, it was natural to wonder how Trent Youngblood would fit in with the Asheboro ZooKeepers.

That hasn’t really happened – and that has been a good thing.

It turns out that the versatile infielder has stood out with the ZooKeepers and across the Coastal Plain League as a whole.

“I really just like competing,” Youngblood said. “It was a big adjustment coming from my school to here.”

He’s a rising junior at Transylvania, which is located in Lexington, Ky. He’s from Louisville.

Playing alongside and against players from a variety of Division I teams, Youngblood entered the final week of the season ranked fourth in the CPL with a .340 batting average and shares the league lead with 32 runs batted in.

“He’s obviously killing it,” said ZooKeepers infielder Michael

Zarrillo, who plays collegiately for Lafayette. “He just consistently gets barrels.”

Youngblood, 20, said he knew he couldn’t be in awe of the competition if he wanted to have a strong summer on the field. He said he doesn’t dwell on what colleges others attend, the credentials opponents might hold, or the idea that some CPL players might be playing in the pros in a couple of years.

“When you’re on the same field, it doesn’t matter what division you go to,” he said. “I’m not going to be intimidated. I tell myself when I get in the box, ‘I’m better than the pitcher.’ I’ve had success, and I can hang in there.”

At Transylvania, he holds a .413 career batting average and, through two seasons (and 78 total games), is atop the school’s all-time list for slugging percentage and on-base percentage. He bashed a team-high ten homers in leading the Pioneers in about every offensive category, while – like with the ZooKeepers – he also filled in at times on the mound.

He played a key role on Transylvania’s NCAA regional team in 2021.

ZooKeepers head coach Jeremy

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Trent Youngblood makes a play in the field for the Asheboro ZooKeepers.

Knight said Youngblood needed to see Division I-level pitching for a few games.

“Once he settled in and got adjusted to the speed of the game at this level, he took off,” Knight said. “He let his natural ability take over.”

Despite a dismal record for the Asheboro team, Youngblood said it has been a rewarding season taking on players from higher di-

visions.

“It’s seeing it on an everyday basis,” he said. “You start to adjust.

Being out on the field every day has been awesome.”

In 43 CPL games with the ZooKeepers, he has team highs in doubles (10), triples (3), and runs (33), in addition to his batting average and RBI. His 13 stolen bases trail only Ronald Evans’ 15.

Youngblood hasn’t looked phys-

ically out of place in the CPL. He said he arrived as a 140-pound freshman at Transylvania before bulking up.

Naturally, with his last name and school’s name, he’s bound to draw attention or at least curiosity.

“It makes people’s heads perk up,” he said.

So has his season with the ZooKeepers.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

7

obituaries

Blanche Goodman Hill May 2, 1932 — July 24, 2022

Blanche Goodman Hill, 90, passed away on July 24, 2022 at Universal Healthcare, Ramseur.

Blanche was born on May 2, 1932 to Harry and Edna Batten Goodman in Montgomery County.

Blanche is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Junie Harris Hill, her parents, sister Joyce Lemmons, brother Junior Goodman, brother David “Pete” William Goodman, and brother “Red Bug” Goodman. Blanche was a native of Montgomery County where she was a graduate from Biscoe High School, class of 1950. She was retired from Centel Telephone, and continued to work at Belk, and Wachovia Bank. She was a faithful member of First Christian Church of Ramseur and worked in the AWANA program. She also enjoyed traveling with the A.O.S (All Over Sixty) group.

Blanche was survived by her daughter Tanya Hill Wright (Eddie), son Vince Hill, grandchildren Brittany Williams (Chris), Lauren Hatfield, Madison Wilson Morris (Austin), Micah Wilson, and great grandchildren Caius and Genevieve Williams, and Finley Hatfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Universal Healthcare, Ramseur, 7166 Jordon Road, Ramseur, NC 27316.

Alice Gray Sewell July 13, 1926 — July 22, 2022

Alice Gray Sewell, age 96, formerly of Asheboro passed away on Friday, July 22, 2022 at Universal Healthcare of Ramseur.

Ms. Sewell was born in Clinton, NC on July 13, 1926 to Ernest and Foy Cashwell Sewell, who preceded her in death. She was formerly employed with Randolph Health & Rehabilitation and Holiday Inn. She is survived by her daughters, Diane Cheek Best and husband Ben Best of Dallas, NC and Sharon Cheek Smith of Asheboro, NC; sons, Steven Sewell Cheek and wife Lisa Cromer Cheek of North Myrtle Beach, SC and Jeffrey Charles Cheek of New Bern, NC; 8 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Marjorie Florence Krueck August 3, 1934 — July 23, 2022

Nancy Moore December 31, 1939 — July 17, 2022

Nancy Adeline Moore, age 82, of Asheboro, passed away on July 17, 2022.

Mrs. Moore was born on December 31, 1939 in Montgomery County to Buck and Eula Moore.

She was a homemaker who loved cooking and was known for her vegetable soup, potato salad and pound cakes. She loved flowers, especially star gazers. Mrs. Moore enjoyed shopping with her sisters and traveling to the beach with her family. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Moore was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Moore, brother, John Paul Moore and sisters, Carolyn Brower and Sue Evans.

Mrs. Moore is survived by her, son, Jeff Moore and wife Melissa of Asheboro and granddaughter, Haylee Moore.

2

2

Mrs. Marjorie Florence Krueck passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the Graybrier Nursing Center, Trinity NC. Mrs. Krueck received her Bachelors Degree from East Carolina and her Masters of Education from UNCG. She was a member of the National Teachers Association and also served as a Missionary to Korea and Costa Rica. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Randleman and also Lemon Springs, NC. Mrs. Krueck was preceded in death by her husband George, grandson Geoffrey, father John Leonard Yarborough, mother Bessie Lee Yarborough, 4 brothers, Dewey ,James ,Lowell and Steven. One sister Sarah.

She is survived by son Geoff Krueck (Jess) of Sophia , 3 grandchildren - Gabriel, Claudia and Austin, 1 Sister in law - Carolyn Thomas of Lemon Springs, NC and 1 Brother in law - Jack Tripp of Palo Alto , California.

WEDNESDAY

7.21.21

WEDNESDAY

7.7.21 #3

Thurman Walton Coltrane September 13, 1926 — July 22, 2022

Thurman Walton Coltrane, 95, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 22, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Thurman was born on September 13, 1926 to John Allen and Lula Poole Coltrane. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Louise Morgan Coltrane, his parents, his brothers Richard, and Gilbert Coltrane, his sisters Kathleen Bowman, and Mary Lee Cox, and his great grandchildren, Harker, and Robert Regnier.

Thurman worked at General Electric in maintenance where he retired. He was a faithful attender of West Bend United Methodist Church. Thurman was a World War II veteran where he served in the Navy. Thurman was a member of one of the greatest generations and was one to never complain.

Thurman enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening, and he played the mandolin in a bluegrass band for many years.

Thurman was survived by his two daughters, Kay C. Regnier (Ron), and Lisa C. Alley (Scott), his grandchildren Michael Regnier (Christine), Mark Regnier (Ann), Stephanie Alley, and Sarah Alley, great grandchild, Walton Regnier, his brother Johnny Coltrane (Patricia), his sister Sue C. Hussey (special friend, Elvin Maness), and brothers-in-law, Paul Foust, William Holloway, and Tom Morgan.

The family wishes to express appreciation to faithful neighbors and friends for their visits, prayers and gifts of food, also to his excellent caregivers throughout the years.

William “Bill” George Lewallen

Edith Ingold Thompson

August 14, 1954 — July 22, 2022

June 16, 1931 — July 20, 2022

William “Bill” George Lewallen, age 67, of Asheboro passed away on Friday, July 22, 2022 at Moses Cone Hospital.

Mr. Lewallen was born in Randolph County on August 14, 1954 to Horace and Helen Poole Lewallen. Bill was formerly employed with Vick Brothers Electric and Allison Machine Shop.

He was a member of West Bend United Methodist Church. Bill was preceded death by his mother, Helen Lewallen and his sister, Vicki Lewallen Freeman.

He is survived by his father, Horace Lewallen of Asheboro; and aunt, Linda Lewallen Redding (Milton) of Asheboro.

Edith Ingold Thompson, age 91, of Asheboro passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at her home.

Mrs. Thompson was born on June 16, 1931 to Glenn Victor and Rona Sanders Ingold and was the last survivor of her siblings. Edith loved the Lord and was a member of Landmark Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Edith was preceded in death by her husband, Dempsey Thompson, sons, Glenn Thompson (Evonne) and Doug Thompson (Debbie), and granddaughter, Christy Thompson. Edith was a wonderful mother who always put her children first and she loved taking care of her grandchildren and great grandchildren who lovingly call her “Grandma Great.” Edith was a very wise lady who liked everyone. She enjoyed attending activities at the Randolph Senior Adult Center and was active until the very end.

She is survived by her children, Tim Thompson (Tammi) of Pineville, Mike Thompson (Cathy) of Asheboro, William Thompson (Ann) of Badin, Wyatt Thompson (Wendy) of Asheboro, Teresa “Terri” Hill of Asheboro, and Daniel Thompson (Doretta Lawson) of Trinity; 19 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Landmark Baptist Church, 2816 Spoons Chapel Rd., Asheboro, NC 27205 or the Randolph County Senior Adults Association, 347 W. Salisbury St., Asheboro, NC 27203.

Harry Clabie Smith December 3, 1954 — July 21, 2022

Harry Clabie Smith, 67, passed away on July 21, 2022 at Select Specialty Medical, in Guilford County.

Harry was born on December 3, 1954 in Randolph County, to Clabie and Ruth Hopkins Smith.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Linda Strawcutter. He worked for Epes Trucking as a truck driver where he retired. Harry always put his family first. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, and fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 5 years, Carol Davis Smith, his children Ann Wilson (Terrell), Andrew “Chuck” Smith (Nichole), Derek Wilson (Angela), Andrew Williams (Meg), Katie Hogan (Michael), Kelli Hill (Blake),Dwight Keene(Amber) and his cousin, Faye Lumley. Also, his 13 grandchildren, Brothers Wayne, David, and Ed Smith (Wendy), and his mother-inlaw, Rachel Davis.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Youth for Christ, PO Box 516, Greensboro, NC 27402, att: Meg Williams in memory of Harry Smith or Hospice of Randolph County.

Bennie Louise Crozier Randolph Record

Shirley Ann Mabe June 11, 1943 — July 22, 2022

Mrs. Shirley Ann Mabe , age 79 of Asheboro passed away Saturday, July 22, 2022 at the Woodland Hills Center in Asheboro. She is survived by 2 daughters, Nancy Gail Martinez of Asheboro and Winona Martinez (Francisco) of Randleman. 1 Sister, Nancy Jackson of Goldsboro. Four grandchildren and twenty three great-great grandchildren.

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Submit obituaries and death notices toLO LO LO 70° 67° be published LO 70° in the Randolph Record at obits@randolphrecord.com PRECIP 15% PRECIP15% 13% PRECIPPRECIP

“Join the “Join the conversation”

conversation”

Bennie Evans Crozier, age 92 of Randleman, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 21st at the Randolph Hospice House.

She was born April 25th 1930 in Fort Gaines Georgia to the late Henry Roy and Nell Jones Evans.

Bennie was a saved, born again believer and a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Level Cross where she served faithfully for many years. She loved her church and her church family. Bennie loved working in her yard and tending to her beautiful flowers.

She loved to play bridge and did so once a week for many years with her card buddies. She also took great pleasure in sitting on her screened porch and surveying her yard.

Bennie loved and was loved by many friends and family. She will be missed by all.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Crozier was preceded in death by her husband Floyd Crozier; sisters: Ellen Crozier and Evalena Hartzog. Bennie is survived by her son Guy Crozier and wife Lydia HI 78° of Randleman; daughter Jeretha Baker and husband Roger of Cotton LO 66° Wood Alabama; grandchildren: Chad Crozier, Kim Kirkland, Karla PRECIP 57% Ava, Stevens; great grandchildren: Hudson, Tanner, Ashton, Dusty.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to Friendship Baptist Church of Level Cross, 9696 US 220 Business, Randleman, NC 27317 or to Hospice of Randolph County, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Randolph Record for Wednesd

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

8

STATE & NATION

Senators propose changes to electors law

By Lisa Mascaro The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of senators agreed on proposed changes to the Electoral Count Act, the post-Civil War-era law for certifying presidential elections that came under intense scrutiny after the Jan. 6 protest on the Capitol.

Long in the making, the package introduced by the group led

by Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Joe Manchin of West Virginia is made up of two separate proposals. One would clarify the way states submit electors and the vice president tallies the votes in Congress. The other would bolster security for state and local election officials who have faced violence and harassment.

“From the beginning, our bipartisan group has shared a vision of drafting legislation to fix the flaws of the archaic and ambiguous Electoral Count Act of 1887,” Collins, Manchin and the other 14 senators said in a joint statement.

“We have developed legislation that establishes clear guidelines for our system of certifying and counting electoral votes,” the group wrote. “We urge our colleagues in both parties to support these simple, common sense reforms.”

Both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell have signaled support for the bipartisan group, but the final legislative package will undergo care-

AP PHOTO

Former Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., read the final certification of Electoral College votes during a joint session of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 7, 2021. ful scrutiny.

Votes are not likely before fall.

But with broad support from the group of 16 senators, seven Democrats and nine Republicans, who have worked behind closed doors for months with the help of outside experts, serious consideration is assured.

In a statement, Matthew Weil, executive director of the Democ-

racy Program at the Bipartisan Policy Center, called the framework a “critical step” in shoring up ambiguities in the Electoral Count Act. After Trump lost the 2020 election, the defeated president expressed concerns over the way elections were ran in many states, including slates of electors sent to the joint session of Congress on

Jan. 6, when the vice president presides over certification.

Under the proposed changes, the law would be updated to ensure the governor from each state is initially responsible for submitting electors, as a way to safeguard against states sending alternative or fake elector slates.

Additionally, the law would spell out that the vice president

presides over the joint session in a “solely ministerial” capacity, according to a summary page. It says the vice president “does not have any power to solely determine, accept, reject, or otherwise adjudicate disputes over electors.”

That provision is a direct reaction to Trump’s efforts to pressure then Vice President Mike Pence to reject the electors being sent from those battleground states.

The bill also specifies the procedures around presidential transitions, including when the election outcome is disputed, to ensure the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next.

The second proposal, revolving around election security, would double the federal penalties to up to two years in prison for individuals who “threaten or intimidate election officials, poll watchers, voters or candidates,” according to the summary.

It also would seek to improve the way the U.S. Postal Service handles election mail and “provide guidance to states to improve their mail-in ballot processes.”

Mail-in ballots and the role of the Postal Service came under great scrutiny during the 2020 election.

Some Republican members of the committee condemned violence against election workers — and also drew a parallel to recent threats and intimidation directed toward some Supreme Court justices after their decision to overturn constitutional protections for abortion.

GOP Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana rejected the notion that Trump and other election skeptics were solely responsible for the “atmosphere of mistrust” that grew up around the 2020 election.

Army cuts force size amid unprecedented struggle for recruits The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Army is significantly cutting the total number of soldiers it expects to have in the force over the next two years, as the U.S. military faces what a top general called “unprecedented challenges” in bringing in recruits.

Army officials said the service will fall about 10,000 soldiers short of its planned end strength for this fiscal year, and prospects for next year are grimmer. Army Gen. Joseph Martin, vice chief of staff for the Army, said it is projecting it will have a total force of 466,400 this year, down from the expected 476,000. And the service could end 2023 with between 445,000 and 452,000 soldiers, depending on how well recruiting and retention go.

With just two and a half months to go in the fiscal year, the Army has achieved just 50% of its recruiting goal of 60,000 soldiers, according to Lt. Col. Randee Farrell, spokeswoman for Army Secretary Christine Wormuth. Based on those numbers and trends, it is likely the Army will miss the goal by nearly 25% as of Oct. 1. If the shortfalls continue, Martin said, they could have an impact on readiness.

“We’ve got unprecedented challenges with both a post-COVID-19 environment and labor market, but also competition with private companies that have changed their incentives over time,” Martin told a House Armed Services subcommittee on Tuesday. Asked if the Army will have to adjust its

AP PHOTO

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, testifies before a Senate Armed Services committee hearing, Thursday, May 5, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. force structure to meet national security and warfighting missions around the world, Martin said: “We don’t need to do that immediately. But if we don’t arrest the decline that we’re seeing right now in end strength, that could be a possibility in the future.”

Cutting the size of the Army is the best option, said Wormuth.

“The Army is facing our most challenging recruiting environment since the inception of the all-volunteer force. This is not a

one-year challenge. We will not solve this overnight,” she said, adding that the service is looking at a wide range of steps to recruit more soldiers without lowering standards or sacrificing quality.

“We are facing a very fundamental question,” she added.

“Do we lower standards to meet end strength, or do we lower end strength to maintain a quality, professional force? We believe the answer is obvious — quality is more important than quantity.”

The Army’s recruiting problems are the most severe across the military, but the other services are also having a tough time finding young people who want to join and can meet the physical, mental and moral requirements.

Senior Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps leaders have said they are hopeful they will meet or just slightly miss their recruiting goals for this year. But they said they will have to dip into their pool of delayed entry applicants, which will

put them behind as they begin the next recruiting year.

The services bring in recruits all year around, but usually send them to basic training and boot camp over a spread-out period of time.

The delay can help recruits prepare for entry-level training, particularly the more physical demands.

Military leaders are also banking on cash as an incentive. They are spending tens of thousands of dollars in increased bonuses to woo recruits, hoping to compete with other employers around the county as unemployment sits at about 3.6%.

In January, the Army, for the first time, began offering a maximum enlistment bonus of $50,000 to highly skilled recruits who join for six years. At the time, Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen, head of Army Recruiting Command, told The Associated Press that shuttered schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and the highly competitive job market have posed significant challenges for recruiters.

The military services rely heavily on face-to-face meetings with young people in schools or at fairs and other large public events. And they are only now really starting to get back to something close to normal after two years of the pandemic.

Compounding the problem is the low unemployment rate and the fact that private corporations may be able to pay more to lure workers. And, among young people, only about 23% are physically, mentally and morally qualified to serve without receiving some type of waiver.

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Stanly County Journal

PHOTO COURTESY OAKBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT

Lightning strike causes Oakboro road to explode

A lightning strike caused the Hatley-Burris Road to explode this past Wednesday evening. According to the Oakboro Police Department, the storm caused lightning to strike a nearby tree, which ultimately ran through the roadway, causing the asphalt concrete to explode. The explosion was so serious that debris was reported to have landed on a nearby home. Electricity services were temporarily limited during this time. No injuries were mentioned in the police report.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Albemarle YMCA cuts ribbon on new Outdoor Adventure Garden Over the course of the last couple of months, children and volunteers from the YMCA summer camp program constructed the new YMCA Outdoor Adventure Garden. The project results from a partnership, and a funding grant from the United Way of Stanly County was officially unveiled to the public this past Wednesday. The garden consists of 12 plant beds, which are expected to grow crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

The goal of the project was to provide students with the opportunity to have a scientific and agriculture learning experience that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to in a traditional school setting.

3 Bouncing Bees children’s boutique opens in Locust This past Saturday, the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon at 3 Bouncing Bees, the new children’s boutique on Main St. in Locust. Amber and Andrew Brittain, the store owners, opened shop after hearing about the city’s lack of children’s options from potential customers. With the demand already in place, the Brittain’s look forward to operating 10 am-6 pm on Tuesday through Friday, and 10 am-4 pm on Saturdays. The store will carry popular brands such as Little Sleepies, DockATot, BinkyBro hats, and Copper and Pearl.

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20177 52016 $0.50

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Landis to host police-community partnership campaign event Public Safety Department to host educational demonstrations

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal LANDIS — The Town of Landis will host its National Night Out event on August 2 at the YMCA at 950 Kimball Road.

Held on the first Tuesday of August, National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that aims to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and the communities in which they serve.

“It kind of puts us on an equal playing field with the community, and I think it makes people more approachable, especially in this

type of environment which is more relaxed,” said Landis Public Safety Director and Chief of Police and Fire Services, Dr. Zachary Lechette. “Officers might be in uniform, they might be in plain clothes, but there’s just a different atmosphere here and an opportunity to interact with the community, and I feel like that really shows that the men and women behind the badge, whether they are police officers or firefighters, that they are just like everybody else. I think it’s a good way to showcase that these are brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, daughters, and sons and that it’s a good opportunity for the community to see that and for our staff to interact with the community in a positive way as well.”

National Night Out has been working to promote communi-

ty and police partnerships for 38 go through 9 p.m., with a firework years and has served over 16,000 show tentatively planned following communities and 38 million neigh- the event.

With the event primarily aimed bors, according to its website.

With events hosted in all 50 at police-community engagement, states, including in 102 cities in the Landis Public Safety DepartNorth Carolina, Landis’ event will ment will have multiple educationbe one of several hundred being al demonstrations featured during held across the nation and the sec- the evening.

“We definitely will have a lot of ond that they have hosted with a educational things set up,” Lechjoint public safety department.

“It’s an opportunity because not ette said. “We’ll be providing ineveryone interacts with law en- formation on different programs. forcement or fire on a regular ba- We’ll be talking about how to avoid sis,” Lechette said. “So it’s an op- scams, safety at the home both in a portunity to touch on all aspects of law enforcement context as well as the community and listen to any- safety in the home in a fire prevenbody’s suggestions, complaints, or tion context, and giving away bicyissues that they might be having cle helmets.”

In addition, the Landis 2022 where they might otherwise not National Night Out will also feacontact us.”

The 2022 National Night Out in Landis will start at 6 p.m. and See EVENT, page 2

Stanly County adds 201 COVID cases last week as transmission risk becomes ‘high’ Another $6.1 million in revolving loans requested for Albemarle sewer line replacement

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — COVID-19 disease activity in Stanly County increased over the past week, and the transmission risk remained high.

The county’s health department announced on July 22 that the local COVID-19 community level has now transitioned from low to high in conjunction with 210 new positive cases and two new deaths.

“Stanly County has seen a 44.6% increase in reported COVID-19 cases from the previous week,” the health department wrote in a recent press release.

“Hospitalizations are also increasing from what we have seen over the past several weeks.”

“In Stanly County, community level is high. During high COVID-19 community levels, the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention recommend the following: wear a mask indoors in public, stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, get tested if you have symptoms, and additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness.”

Health officials warn that the new code orange CDC safety level in the county has arrived in part with the new BA.5 omicron subvariant of coronavirus that has become one of the dominant strains of the virus in the U.S. The BA.5 (43.8%), BA.2.12.1 (25.6%), and BA.4 (20.2%) variants now account for the vast majority of reported cases, per North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services data.

On a state level, the latest data released by the NCDHHS indicates that with 27,930 new cases reported and 1,099 new COVID-related hospitalizations, the numbers have hit their highest mark since February 2022.

The county health department has confirmed 20,617 cases and 280 deaths since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. How-

ever, case counts are often undercounted because at-home tests are typically not recorded in the official public health database.

The department announced on July 22 that the OptumServe drive-in COVID-19 testing sites would soon be closing. The Locust site, located in the back parking lot of Stanly Community College’s Crutchfield Campus, will close on July 27, while the Albemarle site, located at Stanly County Commons parking lot, closed on July 26.

However, the department is still providing free in-house tests and vaccinations while now offering at-home COVID-19 test kits to the public at no cost that can be picked up at the front desk of the health department during regular business hours, Monday through Friday (8 am to 5 pm). Each test kit contains two tests and instructions for use — new kits are in stock, but supplies are limited.

In Stanly County, the percentage of the population that is vaccinated with at least one booster sits at 27% (16,919), while that number sits at 58% on a state level.

Stanly County has seen a 44.6% increase in reported COVID-19 cases from the previous week

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

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“Join the conversation” Stanly County Journal ISSN: 2575-2278

Publisher Neal Robbins

Editor Matt Mercer

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

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WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ BULLOCK, JESSE HOUSTON (W /M/35), LARCENY, 07/25/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ LITTLEPAGE, ROBERT CHARLES (W /M/36), FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE, 07/25/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ COLE, RICHARD DUKANE (W /M/42), SECOND DEGREE KIDNAPPING, 07/24/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ HARRISON, VICKIE SUE (W /F/31), A&A OBTAIN PROP FALSE PRETENSE, 07/24/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ ASBURY, JEREMY KEITH (B /M/30), POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, 07/23/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ MORGAN, TYLER KEITH (I /M/27), POSSESSION OF FIREARM BY FELON, 07/23/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ MOSES, DERRICK JATTE (B /M/18), RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER, 07/23/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ PHILLIPS, PAUL HAMILTON (W /M/42), DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED, 07/23/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ KENNEL, GRAYLAND (B /M/65), MISDEMEANOR LARCENY, 07/22/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ BEATY, JABORE MILLER (B /M/18), BREAK OR ENTER MOTOR VEHICLE, 07/21/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ OLTON, DUVON MAURICE (B /M/39), PWISD COCAINE, 07/20/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ DRYE, DARIUS EUGENE (B /M/49), NONSUPPORT CHILD, 07/19/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

AP PHOTO

A northern spotted owl sits on a branch in Point Reyes, Calif., in this file photo

Biden administration reverses Trump endangered species rule The Associated Press GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Federal regulators canceled a policy adopted under former President Donald Trump that weakened their authority to identify lands and waters where declining animals and plants could receive government protection.

The move was the latest by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service undoing changes to the Endangered Species Act that industry and landowner groups had won under Trump. President Joe Biden ordered a broad review of his predecessor’s environmental policies after taking office in 2021.

One Trump measure required regulators not to designate areas as critical habitat if there would be greater economic benefit from developing them.

That forced the agency to disprove “speculative claims of environmental harm made by industries such as mining, logging, and oil and gas” as they sought to extract resources from public lands,” said Earthjustice, a law firm that represents environmental groups.

In a 48-page document explaining withdrawal of the rule, the agency said it gave outside parties an “outsized role” in determining which areas were needed for preserving imperiled species while undermining the Fish and Wildlife Service’s authority.

“The Service is the federal government’s lead agency on endangered species, responsible for conserving the nature of America for future generations,” agency Director Martha Williams said.

Returning to the pre-Trump policy, she said, would make “sound

science and citizen participation” the basis of habitat decisions.

Under the 1973 law, federal agencies cannot fund, permit or take actions that would destroy or severely damage critical habitats. It doesn’t restrict activities on private land unless government approval or financial support is involved.

It allows regulators to deny critical habitat designation to areas after considering economic and national security issues, and other factors such as conservation activities underway in such areas.

In some cases, the designation “can discourage conservation and restoration by making habitat a serious liability for landowners, whose property values can plunge up to 75 percent,” The Property and Environment Research Center, a landowner advocacy group, said in a statement.

“Instead of simply reversing the Trump administration’s flawed rule, the Fish and Wildlife Service should reform the critical habitat process to focus on creating the right incentives for landowners to actively conserve and restore habitat,” said Jonathan Wood, the group’s vice president of law and policy.

Earthjustice said the Biden administration’s action would return the focus to imperiled species instead of “the self-interest of destructive industries.”

“The Trump rules violated the letter and spirit” of the Endangered Species Act “by stripping vital protections necessary to address the extinction crisis,” attorney Leinā`ala Ley said.

The Biden administration in June withdrew a Trump rule that prevented agencies from selecting for protection areas that don’t presently meet a species’ needs but might in the future as a result of restoration work or natural changes, including global warming.

A federal judge this month threw out a number of Trump actions to roll back protections for endangered or threatened species.

Facebook gives users new way to see all their friends’ posts The Associated Press MENLO PARK, Calif. — Facebook is rolling out an update that enables its 2 billion daily users to more easily view their friends’ posts in chronological order.

The new feature is the company’s latest attempt to keep people coming back to its social network amid intensifying competition with its trendier rival TikTok. The changes announced will offer up two different perspectives.

When Facebook users open the app, they will initially see the usual news feed featuring posts selected by an algorithm that the company says is designed to highlight topics and friends most likely to appeal to each individual’s tastes and interests. The main feed on the newly dubbed “Home” section will also include an option to look at short videos called Reels — Facebook’s clone of TikTok.

EVENT from page 1 ture more entertainment-focused activities for all ages, such as an obstacle course, public safety vehicle displays, helicopter landings, free food and drink, and live music.

But many users have expressed frustration with the feeds forced upon them by Facebook, while critics of the Menlo Park, California, company have blasted the algorithm for spreading misinformation and creating polarizing echo chambers.

Facebook, owned by Meta Platforms, is trying to address those concerns with a new Feed tab located to the left of the notifications tab on the shortcut bar in both the iPhone and Android versions of its mobile app.

After clicking on the Feed tab, users will be able to toggle over to a chronological presentation of their Facebook favorites, Facebook groups they have joined or feeds consisting exclusively of posts from all their Facebook friends in the order they were shared.

The new option is designed to address complaints from users who believe they have been missing in-

teresting posts because Facebook’s algorithm omitted them from their feeds.

“One of the most requested features for Facebook is to make sure people don’t miss friends’ posts,” Facebook founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in the announcement.

Facebook is giving users more

control at a time when it has been struggling to grow, partly because other social media such as TikTok have become more popular, particularly among young generations.

That stagnation, in turn, is making it more difficult for corporate parent Meta to boost its profits from the digital ads that appear in users’ feeds.

“We utilize the opportunity to educate, but we also have a little fun,” Lechette said. “For us, it’s just a big event that we put a lot of our time and effort and support behind, as well as our community.”

According to Lechette, the event is also entirely funded by local community sponsors and fundraising, meaning that the event will be held without the need for any funding from the Town’s Budget.

“I think these [outreaches] are

extremely important, especially in today’s atmosphere,” Lechette said.

“Especially when you can get out there with the public in a non-confrontational way and have a setting that’s enjoyable and full of activities.”

AP PHOTO

In this May 16, 2012, file photo, the Facebook logo is displayed on an iPad in Philadelphia.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

OPINION

3

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Focusing on the issues that matter most

At a time when inflation is forcing folks to dip into their savings just to get by, the last thing we need is more borrowing and spending on programs that don’t address the real challenges impacting you and your family.

ARE YOU WORRIED about the future of our nation?

As a dad and your congressman, I continually think about the kind of future and opportunities the next generation of Americans will have. According to a recent poll, an astonishing 75% of Americans are experiencing economic hardship largely because of ineffective policies by President Joe Biden and House Democrats.

The cost of goods across the board continues to rise due to rapid inflation, and prices at the pump remain near record highs nationwide. American families cannot afford these price hikes, yet Democrats in Washington have continuously stalled efforts to address them properly and have largely doubled down on their reckless spending.

Last week, House Democrats pushed through a massive appropriations package that will likely make America’s inflation crisis even worse by recklessly increasing federal spending on misguided, progressive projects. Their bill includes massive budget increases for government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as well as for partisan “Green New Deal” provisions that take little account of whether they will work or how this will impact you directly. They also open the door for your tax dollars to fund abortions.

At a time when inflation is forcing folks to dip into their savings just to get by, the last thing we need is more borrowing and spending on programs that don’t address the real challenges impacting you and your family. Instead, Congress must take steps to lower needless spending, increase private sector growth, and lower costs. A key part of this is unleashing American energy in all forms – a move that will lower fuel prices and create jobs across the country. As your congressman, I will continue to work to implement these reforms and make life easier for you and your family.

Beyond their spending package, last week, House Democrats also continued their attack on your constitutional right to bear arms by advancing an “assault weapons” ban. Democrats imposed a similar ban in 1994, and it did little to stop violent crime or prevent

tragedies like Columbine. Like red flag laws, this new ban may sound reasonable to some, but it would have little or no impact in the real world.

Unfortunately, time and time again, Washington Democrats rush to advance gun control measures like bans or red flag laws because it makes them feel better. However, data and experiences have proven that taking guns away from law-abiding citizens does not work and leaves folks unable to defend themselves. Just last week, we saw the importance of this when a brave 22-year-old with a conceal carry permit stopped a mass shooter at an Indiana mall.

I have been a strong and vocal defender of the Second Amendment since my first day in Congress, and I will always defend the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.

Additionally, I will continue to promote common sense solutions to address the root causes of gun violence and protect your family.

This includes provisions like my STOP II, Secure Every School and Protect our Nation’s Children Act which would use unspent COVID-19 funds to protect schools, improve mental health, and save lives.

While the majority in Congress has focused on unnecessary spending and gun grabs, I focused last week on advancing solutions for an increasingly important area of our lives: data protection.

On Wednesday, the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

This bipartisan measure is a major step forward to establishing national data privacy protections for all Americans by creating provisions to limit Big Tech’s ability to track and share data about your online activity, as well as increases protections for kids using online platforms. As this bill is considered by the House, I will continue to support efforts to protect your online security.

There is plenty to be worried or frustrated about when it comes to the future of our nation. Rest assured, I will continue to focus on growing our economy, defending your rights, and delivering solutions for the issues that matter most.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Biden has no right to declare a national climate emergency Politicians might treat every hurricane, tornado and flood as an apocalyptic event but by every quantifiable measure humankind is less affected by climate than ever before.

THE WASHINGTON POST reported that President Joe Biden is “considering whether to declare a national climate emergency” to “salvage his stalled environmental agenda and satisfy Democrats on Capitol Hill.” A few hours later, the Associated Press reported that the administration would “hold off” on the announcement as he, presumably, lays the political groundwork to move forward.

There’s no “It’s Summer” clause in the Constitution empowering the president to ignore the will of Congress and unilaterally govern when it gets hot. The rejection of the president’s “agenda” by the lawmaking branch of government isn’t a justification for executive action; it’s the opposite. The Senate has unambiguously declined to implement Biden’s climate plan.

Though you have to marvel at the utter shamelessness of Democrats, incessantly warning that “democracy” is on the precipice of extinction, now urging the president to act like a petty dictator. It’s been less than a month since the Supreme Court rejected the Environmental Protection Agency’s claim that bureaucrats could govern without Congress to regulate carbon (which is to say, the entire economy).

What makes anyone believe that the president — who, incidentally, just got back from begging Saudi theocrats to pump more oil — is imbued with the power to enact a new regulatory regime or funding by fiat?

We now have senators like Jeff Merkley, who told reporters on Monday that Biden’s emergency edict “unchains the president from waiting for Congress to act,” openly undermining their oath to the Constitution by attacking the institution they represent. Congress may have spent decades abdicating its responsibilities — which, despite conventional wisdom, isn’t to rubber-stamp the Democrats’ agenda — but its members rarely advocated openly for executive abuse. I guess they’re evolving.

Bloomberg reports that an emergency declaration would “unlock” the president’s power to redirect “federal funding to clean-energy construction.” When former President Donald Trump enacted an emergency declaration to reallocate funding earmarked for military projects to build a wall on the U.S. southern border — “a clear attempt to circumvent the legislative branch and one that I hope leads to the Supreme Court overturning the abused National Emergencies Act,”

I wrote at the time, so save your emails — the entire establishment melted down. “Declaring a National Emergency Could Give Trump Authoritarian Powers,” a columnist at New York Magazine claimed.

“A Win For Trump’s Authoritarian Agenda,” wrote another in Forbes.

And so on. It’s worth remembering the border is within the purview of the federal government. Trying to control the weather is not.

Which brings us to another small problem: There is no emergency.

Politicians might treat every hurricane, tornado, and flood as an apocalyptic event — and then conveniently blame their political opponents for failing to rein in nature — but by every quantifiable measure, humankind is less affected by climate than ever before.

Despite the massive expansion of fossil fuel use, despite the explosion of the world’s population, far fewer people die from the climate.

Our ability to adapt to the vagaries of weather and acclimatize to the realities of climate change — whatever they may be — is far cheaper than the state-compelled dismantling of the Constitution (and modernity). You may vigorously disagree. And that is a political debate about policy that belongs in Congress among representatives of the people. If every hurricane, heat wave, or flood is a justification for unilateral federal executive governance, we will be in a perpetual emergency. Regulating carbon emissions is an open-ended invitation to regulate the entire economy, which is the point.

And just as historically high gas prices — driven, in part, by the administration’s efforts to create fossil fuels scarcity — are slightly ebbing, Democrats want Biden “to halt crude oil exports, limit oil and gas drilling in federal waters, and direct agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency to boost renewable energy sources.”

Even if there was an emergency, the notion that diverting some money to prop up unreliable energy sources or subsidize more electric car production is going to do anything to change the trajectory of the climate is a risible claim. The real emergency is that we have a lawless party pushing lawlessness.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of five books — the most recent, “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

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SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT SOCCER

Solo pleads guilty to DWI, gets 30-day sentence, fine Winston-Salem Former U.S. women’s national team star goalkeeper Hope Solo pleaded guilty Monday to driving while impaired, almost four months after she was found passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle in Roaring Gap in Alleghany County with her 2-year-old twins inside. A judge gave Solo a suspended sentence of 24 months and an active sentence of 30 days. She was given 30 days credit for time she spent at an in-patient rehabilitation facility. Solo made 202 appearances with the national team, with 153 wins and an internationalrecord 102 shutouts. She won a World Cup title and two Olympic gold medals with the team.

MLB

Pete Rose to appear on field in Philadelphia Philadelphia Pete Rose will make an appearance on the field in Philadelphia next month for the first time since receiving a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball. Rose agreed to the lifetime ban in August 1989 after an investigation for MLB by lawyer John Dowd found Rose placed numerous bets on the Cincinnati Reds to win from 1985-87 while playing for and managing the team. Major League Baseball’s career hits leader will be part of Phillies alumni weekend, and will be introduced on the field alongside many former teammates from the 1980 World Series championship team on Aug. 7.

WRESTLING

WWE’s McMahon retiring amid misconduct probe Stamford, Conn.

World Wrestling Entertainment impresario Vince McMahon says he is retiring amid an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the flamboyant showman who turned a small wrestling company into a worldwide entertainment business. In a brief statement issued by the company Friday, McMahon said he is retiring as WWE’s chairman and CEO. He noted that he remains its majority shareholder. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported McMahon agreed to pay more than $12 million over the past 16 years to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity.

NBA

Harden, 76ers agree on 2-year, $68M deal Philadelphia James Harden has agreed to terms on a two-year contract to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers and will make about $14.5 million less this coming season than he could have earned under his previous deal. Harden’s new deal is worth slightly over $68 million, paying him about $33 million this season and with a $35 million player option for the 2023-24 season, according to reports. Harden had a $47.4 million option for this coming season that he declined last month, saying he wanted to give the 76ers flexibility to improve their roster and compete for a championship.

AP PHOTO

Taylor James Hamlin, left, carries the checkered flag with her dad, Denny Hamlin, after he won Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. NASCAR stripped Hamlin of his win when his No. 11 Toyota failed inspection and was disqualified, awarding Chase Elliott the Cup Series victory.

Elliott given Pocono win after Hamlin, Busch disqualified It was the first time since 1960 that the winner at NASCAR’s top level was dethroned for failing inspection The Associated Press LONG POND, Pa. — The siren at the Dawsonville, Georgia, pool hall that sounds whenever Chase Elliott wins a race did indeed go off Sunday night without the hometown star ever leading a lap at Pocono Raceway.

“Winner, winner Joe Gibbs Racing are cheaters!” the Dawsonville Pool Room tweeted.

In an extraordinary decision for a NASCAR Cup Series race, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin had his Pocono win thrown out and runner-up and teammate Kyle Busch also was disqualified after their Toyotas

failed inspections.

Elliott shot up from third place and the Hendrick Motorsports driver was awarded his fourth victory of the season. He never led a lap in the No. 9 Chevrolet — and his car also was inspected by NASCAR. Hamlin lost his record seventh victory at Pocono and his third win of the season. Busch led a race-high 63 laps.

NASCAR believed the last time it disqualified an apparent winner was April 17, 1960, when Emanuel Zervakis’ victory at Wilson Speedway in North Carolina was thrown out because of an oversized fuel tank.

The penalties can be appealed and both Toyotas were sent to NASCAR’s research and development center in North Carolina for further evaluation. NASCAR said the infractions were not caught in the pre-race inspection because the wrap was not removed from the

“There was some issues discovered that affect aero in the vehicle.”

Brad Moran, NASCAR Cup Series managing director cars until after the race.

“There was some issues discovered that affect aero in the vehicle,” NASCAR Cup Series managing director Brad Moran said.

“There really was no reason why there was some material that was somewhere it shouldn’t have been.

And that does basically come down to a DQ.” Moran said the parts in question were the front fascia — essentially the nose cone — and final decisions “should be sorted out by next week.”

Moran said the inspection “rules have tightened up” with the introduction this season of a new car.

NASCAR’s newest version is pretty much a kit car. Teams get all the same pieces from varying vendors and have detailed instructions regarding how to put it together.

“We don’t want to be here talking about this problem,” Moran said. “But the teams and the owners and everybody was well aware that this new car was going to be kept with some pretty tight tolerances. There’s some areas that all the teams are well aware that we can not go down the path that we had in the past with the other car.”

The failures marred what had been a banner day for JGR. Hamlin had seemingly won for the third time this season and passed Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon for most wins at Pocono with seven. Hamlin swept two races at Pocono in his rookie season in 2006, and added wins in 2009, 2010, 2019 and 2020. Now, he remains tied with the four-time NASCAR champion.

IndyCar and NASCAR share next weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. IndyCar races Saturday on the road course; NASCAR races Sunday.

Federal judge again rules in favor of Williamson in lawsuit The U.S. District Court judge in Winston-Salem sided the former Duke star against a former marketing agent The Associated Press WINSTON-SALEM — A federal judge in North Carolina has again ruled in favor of NBA All Star Zion Williamson, this time in connection with a lawsuit he filed against a marketing agent two years ago in an attempt to break a contract.

U.S. District Court Judge Loretta Biggs denied a number of motions filed by Prime Sports Marketing and Gina Ford, which entered an agreement to represent Williamson when he was at Duke.

The defendants were seeking to recover payment for the work they did for him, according to a copy of the ruling.

Biggs denied multiple motions by the defendants for summary judgment and to stay proceedings in the case regarding the contract.

The court ruled previously that because neither the company nor the agent complied with North Carolina law, their agreement was void and unenforceable.

In January 2021, Biggs ruled in favor of Williamson, saying Ford’s contract with Williamson was void because Ford was not a licensed agent in the state at the time she met with Williamson. The judge also ruled the contract did not

AP PHOTO

A U.S. District Court judge ruled in favor of former Duke star Zion Williamson in his ongoing case with a marketing agent. comply with key requirements outlined by the state’s sports agent law, the Uniform Athlete Agents Act. The act requires that the contract include warnings explaining how hiring agents causes athletes to forfeit their amateur status. It also requires such contracts to include a disclaimer giving athletes 14 days to cancel.

Williamson, who was draft No. 1 overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019, filed the federal lawsuit in North Carolina that June to

terminate a five-year contract with Ford’s agency after moving to Creative Artists Agency LLC. Attorneys for Ford and Prime Sports had alleged that North Carolina’s athlete agent law should not apply to Williamson because he and his family had accepted improper financial benefits while he was still enrolled at Duke. Ford’s attorneys filed an affidavit alleging a $400,000 payment was made to Williamson’s family before the he began his only season with the Blue Devils.

Williamson lawyer Jeffrey S. Klein asked the court to disregard the affidavit, arguing that the allegations were false and that supporting documents were fraudulent. He noted the facts in the case remained that Williamson completed his lone season at Duke in good standing and had never been ruled ineligible by the NCAA. The judge agreed, noting that there was no legal basis for the courts to decide whether Williamson had violated NCAA rules.

The ruling was issued on July 15.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

5

Russian expert at Griner’s trial discusses medical cannabis The WNBA star was detained in February

By Jim Heintz The Associated Press

AP PHOTO

Georgia coach Kirby Smart received a 10-year contract extension that will bring his total compensation to more than $12 million annually.

Georgia’s Smart gets 10-year contract extension The Bulldogs’ coach will earn more than $12 million per season

By Greg Beacham The Associated Press ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia’s Kirby Smart has agreed to a contract extension through the 2031 season, a 10-year agreement worth more than $110 million that makes him the latest coach to land the type of megadeal that is becoming increasingly common in college football.

The deal announced Thursday has been expected for weeks.

Coming off a national championship season, Smart will be paid $10.25 million this season in base salary and supplemental compensation. He will receive raises each

season, which lead to total compensation of $12.25 million in 2031.

Smart joins Alabama’s Nick Saban, Ohio State’s Ryan Day, LSU’s Brian Kelly, Michigan State’s Mel Tucker and Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher as college football coaches who will make at least $9 million in 2022.

The extension comes after Smart led the Bulldogs to Georgia’s first national championship since 1980.

“Coach Smart’s impact on the University of Georgia extends far past his significant accolades as our head football coach,” athletic director Josh Brooks said in a statement. “He and his wife are Bulldogs through and through, and it is evident that Athens and UGA mean as much to him as he means to us.

“I am excited for our football

program’s continued success under his direction. The future of Georgia football remains bright with coach Smart as its steadfast leader.”

The new deal came one day after Smart confirmed at the Southeastern Conference Media Days in Atlanta that he was close to an extension. He is 66-15 in six years at Georgia.

Smart receives a raise of more than $3 million for this season. He was set to earn $7.1 million on his old deal, which ran through the 2024 season.

Under Smart, Georgia has finished first in the SEC East four times and has won six bowl games.

Georgia lost in the 2018 national championship game before finally breaking through with its win over Alabama in last season’s title game.

Smart is a former Georgia defensive back.

“This is home for us, our roots run deep here,” Smart said. “My commitment to this university and our football program is unwavering. I’m thankful to President Jere Morehead and Josh Brooks for their continued support of Georgia football.”

Smart said he is “certainly proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish” but added “I’m confident the best is yet to come.”

KHIMKI, Russia — The drug trial of American basketball star Brittney Griner in a Russian court focused Tuesday on testimony that cannabis, while illegal in Russia, is regarded in other countries as having legitimate medicinal use.

Griner acknowledged in court earlier this month that she was carrying vape canisters containing cannabis oil when she was arrested in February at a Moscow airport. But she contends she had no criminal intent and that the canisters ended up in her luggage inadvertently because of hasty packing.

“We are not arguing that Brittney took it here as a medicine. We are still saying that she involuntarily brought it here because she was in a rush,” defense attorney Alexander Boykov said after the hearing.

Another member of Griner’s defense team previously submitted a U.S. doctor’s letter recommending the basketball player use medical cannabis to treat pain. During Tuesday’s court session, a Russian neuropsychologist testified about worldwide use of medicinal cannabis.

“The Russian public has to know, and the Russian court in the first place has to know, that it was not used for recreational purposes in the United States.

It was prescribed by a doctor,” Boykov said.

A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said last week that the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in parts of the U.S. had no bearing on what happens in Russia.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, pleaded guilty to drug possession charges at the second hearing of her trial, which started July 1. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs.

The medical testimony and Griner’s admission that she had the canisters were aimed at earning her a mild sentence.

“We have a lot of mitigating factors. So we do hope that the court will take it into con-

sideration. And the courts in Russia, in fact, have very broad discretion with regard to the sentence,” said Maria Blagovolina, another of Griner’s lawyers.

Five court sessions have taken place so far, some lasting only about an hour. After Tuesday’s session of about 90 minutes, the case was adjourned until Wednesday afternoon.

It is unclear how long the trial will last, but a court has authorized Griner’s detention until Dec. 20.

The slow-moving trial and Griner’s five months of detention have raised strong criticism among teammates and supporters in the United States, which has formally declared her to be “wrongfully detained,” a designation sharply rejected by Russian officials.

Elizabeth Rood, the U.S. Embassy’s charge d’affaires, attended Tuesday’s court session.

Griner “confirms that she is doing OK and as well as can be expected under these circumstances,” Rood told reporters.

ABC’s “Good Morning America” aired a producer’s brief interview with Griner in which she wished her wife, Cherelle, “good luck on the bar exam.”

When asked whether she had any complaints, Griner replied: “No, no complaints. Just waiting patiently.” She displayed photos of her wife, friends and teammates.

Griner was arrested in February amid high U.S.-Moscow tensions ahead of Russia sending troops into Ukraine later that month. Some supporters contend she is being held in Russia as a pawn, possibly for a prisoner swap. American soccer notable Megan Rapinoe last week said “she’s being held as a political prisoner, obviously.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry last week lashed out at the U.S. contention that Griner was being wrongfully detained and said Russian laws should be respected.

“If a U.S. citizen was taken in connection with the fact that she was smuggling drugs, and she does not deny this, then this should be commensurate with our Russian local laws, and not with those adopted in San Francisco, New York and Washington,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

MLB struggling to get attendance back to pre-pandemic levels Fan numbers are down more than 5% from this time three years ago

By Steve Megargee The Associated Press MILWAUKEE — Blame it on lingering effects of the pandemic, resentment over the lockout or economic fears.

Major League Baseball is struggling to fill the stands at preCOVID levels as the sport heads into the last 2½ months of its first season since 2019 without capacity restrictions.

MLB reached the All-Star break with an average attendance of 26,409. That represents a drop of 5.4% from the All-Star break of 2019 — which was 10 days earlier than this year.

League officials remain encouraged and point to the recovery.

“We have come back to between 94-95% of where we were prior to the pandemic,” MLB chief revenue officer Noah Garden said. “So we feel really good about the progress we have made on the attendance side rebounding strongly from a situation that threatened the very core of how we operate as an industry.”

Attendance is up over 70% from the season-ending average in 2021, when only Texas started at full capacity and all 30 teams weren’t at 100% until July 2. MLB played its abbreviated 2020 regular season without spectators.

While MLB’s average attendance had fallen each year since 2015, most of the drops were by less than 2%. Average attendance was over 30,000 for 14 straight seasons from 2004-17 but hasn’t reached that mark since.

“Attendance has been dropping about 1% a year — year after year — for about the last 15 years,” said Victor Matheson, a Holy Cross

AP PHOTO

Major League Baseball attendance is down 5% from before the COVID-19 pandemic. economics professor who specializes in sports economics. “Major League Baseball attendance peaked in 2007 and has been falling pretty consistently year after year for over a decade. What we’d just normally expect after about three years is about 3% lower attendance.”

Charles Lindsey, an associate professor of marketing at the Uni-

versity at Buffalo School of Management, noted that single-game ticket sales remain solid but season ticket sales have gone down.

He said the NBA faced a similar problem this season.

Lindsey cited inflation as a leading cause and said the pandemic may have contributed to a lesser extent.

“But those are factors that are

common across all sorts of recreational experiences,” Lindsey said. “And a lot of recreational entertainment — dining out, travel — a lot of those areas are back to pre-pandemic levels.”

Lindsey believes dissatisfaction because of the lockout may have caused some fans not to renew their season tickets. He also speculated some franchises might

have reduced their staffs during the pandemic and paid for it with reduced ticket sales.

The only teams with attendance increases from their 2019 break averages are Toronto (48.5%), San Diego (29.4%), Miami (23.3%), Atlanta (19.1%), Seattle (12.7%), the Chicago White Sox (9.5%), Detroit (6.9%) and the New York Mets (4.8%).

6

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Liz Cheney braces for primary loss as focus shifts to 2024 The Associated Press CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Three weeks before the most significant election of her political career, Liz Cheney was nowhere to be seen as thousands of voters gathered for a massive midsummer rodeo and cowboy festival in Wyoming’s largest city.

Instead, the three-term Republican congresswoman was 1,600 miles away in Washington presiding over a U.S. House committee comprised largely of Democrats intent on exposing former President Donald Trump’s attack on democracy during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot. As the cowboy fest roared back home, Cheney railed against Trump’s failures.

“Donald Trump made a purposeful choice to violate his oath of office,” she said during Thursday’s hearing.

Dean Finnerty, a rancher from Wheatland competing in the steer wrestling competition, was not moved.

“I tell you what: I voted for Cheney when she ran last time and I won’t vote for her ever again,” Finnerty said. “I don’t know if she’s representing the conservative Americans that voted her in.”

Cheney’s unrelenting criticism of Trump from a Capitol Hill committee room represents the centerpiece of an unconventional campaign strategy that

AP PHOTO

A billboard outside Cheyenne, Wyo., on July 19, 2022, calls on voters to cast their ballots for Harriet Hageman, who is running against incumbent Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., in the Republican primary election Aug. 16. may well lead to her political demise, at least in the short term.

Many Cheney allies are prepared for — if not resigned to — a loss in Wyoming’s Aug. 16 Republican primary against Trump-backed challenger Harriet Hageman.

But as primary day approaches, there is also a pervasive belief among Cheney’s team that her unorthodox strategy in 2022 may put her in a stronger position for the 2024 presidential contest. Cheney’s fierce anti-Trump message as vice chairman of the

congressional committee investigating the insurrection has strengthened her national brand while expanding a national network of donors and Trump critics in both parties who could boost a prospective White House run.

Cheney has yet to finalize any decisions about 2024, but she has not ruled out a presidential run as a Republican or an independent.

“The single most important thing is protecting the nation from Donald Trump,” Cheney said in interview with ABC News that

aired Friday. She said she would make a decision about a potential White House bid “down the road.”

Cheney’s supporters understand the political paradox she faces in Wyoming, the state where Trump scored his largest margin of victory, 43 points, less than two years ago.

“She knew that she was shooting herself in the foot politically (in Wyoming) and she was going to walk around with a limp for the rest of her life,” Landon Brown, a Wyoming state representative and Cheney ally, said of Cheney’s unwavering Trump criticism. “But I could see this blossoming into something larger.”

Cheney, the 55-year-old daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, is perhaps the best known among a small group of so-called “Never Trump” Republicans weighing presidential bids for 2024. They include term-limited Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Cheney’s only Republican colleague on the Jan. 6 commission, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., who opted not to seek reelection this fall.

Still, few believe that an outspoken Trump critic could ultimately prevail in a Republican presidential primary. And while her allies may be optimistic about her longterm future, Cheney would certainly like to avoid a blowout loss next month in her home state.

It won’t be easy.

She has essentially been excommunicated by the Wyoming Republican Party, which voted last year to censure Cheney before deciding to stop recognizing her as a Republican altogether.

Local GOP offices offer yard signs for Hageman and many other Republicans on the ballot but not Cheney.

Left with few options, she has turned to Democrats for help. Her campaign website now features a link to a form allowing voters to change their party affiliation to Republican to participate in the Republican primary.

Meanwhile, Trump has made Cheney’s defeat a chief priority.

He called her a “despicable human being” on his social media site this month. And in May, Trump traveled to Wyoming’s second-largest city, Casper, to rally support for his preferred Cheney successor, conservative attorney Harriet Hageman.

As Cheney focuses her energy on the Jan. 6 commission, Hageman has barnstormed the state courting small, rural crowds in the traditional mold of Wyoming politicking. The approach is more like the one Cheney herself used to top a crowded Republican primary field to win Wyoming’s lone House seat in 2016.

Some Cheney allies are skeptical there are enough Democratic crossover votes to put her over the top next month.

“I wouldn’t want to put any money on this race,” said Marilyn Kite, a former state Supreme Court justice who supports Cheney. “I hope like heck she’s successful, but if she isn’t, maybe her being true to her oath truly is more important in the long run.”

Judge blocks campaign law enforcement in AG campaign probe

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — A federal judge agreed on Monday to block for now any enforcement of a state law in a political ad investigation of North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein’s campaign, saying it’s likely to win on legal claims that the law is unconstitutional.

Following a court hearing in Greensboro, U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles ruled for Stein’s campaign and other plaintiffs who filed an unusual lawsuit last week against State Board of Elections members and Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.

The temporary restraining order that Eagles signed means that Freeman’s office is prevented from using that law to prosecute anyone associated with a 2020 commercial that the Democratic incumbent aired against then-Republican challenger Jim O’Neill.

The law prohibits anyone from knowingly publishing or circulating false information about a candidate with the intent of hurting that candidate’s chances in the election. It enabled an ongoing investigation into the Stein commercial, which focused on untested rape kits held by local law enforcement agencies.

O’Neill’s campaign cited the law in his September 2020 election board complaint against Stein’s campaign committee over the ad. That led to interviews by board investigators, while the State Bureau of Investigation later talked to Stein, his campaign staff and a woman who appeared in the ad. The plaintiffs called the law overbroad and outdated and said it fails to protect core politi-

PHOTO VIA AP

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein speaks during a news conference on June 9, 2020, in Raleigh. cal speech, leading it to violate the First Amendment.

In her order, Eagles wrote that a temporary order was necessary because the plaintiffs and others would have been subject to potential criminal prosecution for violating an overly broad criminal libel statute before a hearing for a more long-term injunction could be held.

Eagles told the legal parties to return as soon as Aug. 4 to give any reasons why the order shouldn’t be extended into a preliminary injunction.

Before the law’s constitutionality can be closely examined, “the balance of the equities favors an injunction protecting the First Amendment right of the plaintiffs and other political candidates to free speech,” she wrote Monday.

Outside lawyers representing the state board and the Wake DA -- Stein’s office would otherwise defend the constitutionality of a state law -- urged Eagles to reject the campaign’s request to block enforcement of the law. In court filings, the attorneys questioned why Stein’s campaign and the oth-

er plaintiffs had taken so long to challenge the law.

Now the “plaintiffs seek to interfere with the work of a state grand jury regarding potential violations of state criminal law caused by a political ad that occurred in 2020, almost two years ago,” wrote Joe Zeszotarski, who is representing Freeman. While Eagles didn’t issue a blanket prohibition of enforcing the law, which dates back to at least 1931, Stein’s campaign lawyer said it could find no legal records of it ever being previously enforced.

Stein’s campaign, the consulting firm that produced the ad and the woman in the ad wrote they filed the lawsuit now because “enforcement action” by the Wake DA’s office “appears imminent.”

It didn’t elaborate. The statute of limitations on the misdemeanor -- punishable by up to 60 days in jail with fines -- is two years. Any charges in the case would be a political blow to Stein, the state’s top law enforcement officer and a possible 2024 gubernatorial candidate.

In a written statement, Stein’s campaign said it was pleased with Monday’s ruling and “we look forward to this issue being resolved soon once and for all.”

Freeman recused herself from the investigation — citing a close working relationship with both Stein and O’Neill — and has left it to her to assistant DA to lead the case. Freeman and a majority of the elections board members are Democrats.

The ad in question featured a woman who asserted that O’Neill “left 1,500 rape kits sitting on a shelf” in Forsyth County. O’Neill said at the time that the ad was bogus because police agencies, not prosecutors, are responsible for testing the kits.

O’Neill said in an emailed statement late Monday that Stein has gone to court “to avoid potential criminal prosecution” and “so that politicians like himself can routinely lie to the public without repercussion or punishment.”

The lawsuit called the ad a “corrective political advertisement” designed to counter false accusations by O’Neill that Stein had failed to act on over 15,000 untested rape kits during his time as attorney general.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

7

obituaries

Walter “Dean” Allen September 27, 1957 ~ July 20, 2022

Walter “Dean” Allen, 64, of Oakboro, NC passed away on July 20, 2022 at Atrium Health Northeast in Concord, NC. Born September 27, 1957 to the late Robert T. Allen and Carra Austin Allen. He worked for Rocky River Electric for 10 years, and for Stanly County Schools until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by sister-in-law Debbie W. Allen.

He was a member of Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Oakboro.

He loved his church family, and his wonderful friends and neighbors, Doug and Irene Thomas, his second mom and dad, Bud and Sara Little, and longtime buddy, Reggie Burleson.

His favorite role in life was being an uncle to his nephew, Chad. He delighted in spoiling kids and did it regularly with Mia Lynn Furr and Ezra Furr. His passion was fishing and tractors, which he enjoyed every chance he got. He was a very talented wood worker and did projects for family and friends. He will be remembered for his kind, and caring ways.

He is survived by brother, Dale (Cathy) Allen and nephew, Chad Allen (Brandon).

Judy Watkins May 19, 1944 ~ July 20, 2022

Judy Griffin Watkins, 78, of Stanfield, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at her home.

Judy was born May 19, 1944 in North Carolina to the late Mr. Lee Wood Griffin and the late Emma Lee Griffin.

She was also preceded in death by husband, W.J. Doug Watkins; daughter, Pam Cagle; son, Lee Lowder; and grandson, Casey Lowder.

Survivors include son, Tony Lowder of Locust, NC; grandchildren, Crystal Lowder, Billi Smith, Tiffany Lowder, and Britteny Treganowan; and 9 greatgrandchildren.

Judy’s hobbies included crossstitch, quilting, and sewing. She enjoyed TV shopping, watching WWE wrestling with her son, and crime documentaries. Judy loved to cook for her children and grandchildren, and the most important time was time spent with her family.

Larry Gene Branch January 25, 1938 ~ July 18, 2022

Larry Gene Branch, 84, of Oakboro, passed away Monday, July 18, 2022.

Mr. Branch was born on January 25, 1938, to the late Roy Lee and Lillie Mae Branch. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Riley Douglas Branch and Charles Victor Branch.

Larry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Peggy Branch; son, Troy Bowers Branch; grandsons, Tyler Christian Branch and Brice Clifford Branch.

Memorials may be made to Canton Baptist Church, Music Fund, 24615 Endy Road, Albemarle, NC. 28001.

Sherman Smith January 16, 1953 ~ July 17, 2022

Sherman Henry Smith, 69, of Albemarle, departed this life for his heavenly home on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at his home.

Mr. Smith was born January 16, 1953 in Stanly County to the late Sherman and Willie Mae Davis Smith. He was a 1971 graduate of Bowman High School and was last employed with Carolina Paper Converters, Inc. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Minnie Bell Colson Smith.

He is survived by daughters, Juanita Colson and Deloris Johnson; sons, Charlie P. Colson, Darin M. Colson, Sherman W. Smith, and Tim Hill; 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; one sister, Lucy Smith.

Melba Isenhour July 2, 1927 ~ July 18, 2022

Melba Buchanan Isenhour, 95, of Norwood, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, July 18, 2022.

Mrs. Isenhour was born on July 2, 1927 in Lee County to the late Vernon and Ella Buchanan. She was a member at First United Methodist Church in Norwood where she was on the Worship Committee and a Sunday School Teacher. She enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, and volunteering as a Pink Lady at the hospital. She was also a Girl Scout Leader.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lewis Isenhour; daughter Marilyn Glover; and sister Dot Cline.

She is survived by her sons: Robby Isenhour of Charlotte and Chuck Isenhour (Melisa) of Norwood; three grandchildren: Casey Hurst (Cal), Jordan Burst (Andrew), and Drew Isenhour (Paige); five greatgrandchildren: Chandler Hurst, Mary-Ellen Hurst, Roxly Isenhour, Jude Burst, and Sage Burst; and three sisters: Mary Mace, Peggy Perry, and Lorainne Sherrill.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Alma Curnel Farmer January 20, 1932 ~ July 15, 2022

Alma Curnel Farmer, 90, of Albemarle, passed away Friday, July 15, 2022 at home.

Alma was born January 20, 1932 in North Carolina to the late Alma Curnel Farmer Sr. and Vesta Osborne Farmer.

He was also preceded in death by wife, Iris Geneva Farmer and grandson Jeffrey Farmer Alma was a loving family man.

He was an avid wood worker and enjoyed spending time in the mountains. One of Alma’s favorite pastimes was deer hunting. He loved his church where he was a trustee of the Knights Columbus of Albemarle. Alma loved spending time with his family the most and would talk to anybody, he never met a stranger, and will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Survivors include son, Zeke Farmer of Albemarle, NC; daughter, Susan Isenhour of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren, Amanda Gail Isenhour and Jamie Suzanne Isenhour; and many beloved great and great-great grandchildren.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

8

STATE & NATION

Senators propose changes to electors law

By Lisa Mascaro The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of senators agreed on proposed changes to the Electoral Count Act, the post-Civil War-era law for certifying presidential elections that came under intense scrutiny after the Jan. 6 protest on the Capitol.

Long in the making, the package introduced by the group led

by Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Joe Manchin of West Virginia is made up of two separate proposals. One would clarify the way states submit electors and the vice president tallies the votes in Congress. The other would bolster security for state and local election officials who have faced violence and harassment.

“From the beginning, our bipartisan group has shared a vision of drafting legislation to fix the flaws of the archaic and ambiguous Electoral Count Act of 1887,” Collins, Manchin and the other 14 senators said in a joint statement.

“We have developed legislation that establishes clear guidelines for our system of certifying and counting electoral votes,” the group wrote. “We urge our colleagues in both parties to support these simple, common sense reforms.”

Both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell have signaled support for the bipartisan group, but the final legislative package will undergo care-

AP PHOTO

Former Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., read the final certification of Electoral College votes during a joint session of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 7, 2021. ful scrutiny.

Votes are not likely before fall.

But with broad support from the group of 16 senators, seven Democrats and nine Republicans, who have worked behind closed doors for months with the help of outside experts, serious consideration is assured.

In a statement, Matthew Weil, executive director of the Democ-

racy Program at the Bipartisan Policy Center, called the framework a “critical step” in shoring up ambiguities in the Electoral Count Act. After Trump lost the 2020 election, the defeated president expressed concerns over the way elections were ran in many states, including slates of electors sent to the joint session of Congress on

Jan. 6, when the vice president presides over certification.

Under the proposed changes, the law would be updated to ensure the governor from each state is initially responsible for submitting electors, as a way to safeguard against states sending alternative or fake elector slates.

Additionally, the law would spell out that the vice president

presides over the joint session in a “solely ministerial” capacity, according to a summary page. It says the vice president “does not have any power to solely determine, accept, reject, or otherwise adjudicate disputes over electors.”

That provision is a direct reaction to Trump’s efforts to pressure then Vice President Mike Pence to reject the electors being sent from those battleground states.

The bill also specifies the procedures around presidential transitions, including when the election outcome is disputed, to ensure the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next.

The second proposal, revolving around election security, would double the federal penalties to up to two years in prison for individuals who “threaten or intimidate election officials, poll watchers, voters or candidates,” according to the summary.

It also would seek to improve the way the U.S. Postal Service handles election mail and “provide guidance to states to improve their mail-in ballot processes.”

Mail-in ballots and the role of the Postal Service came under great scrutiny during the 2020 election.

Some Republican members of the committee condemned violence against election workers — and also drew a parallel to recent threats and intimidation directed toward some Supreme Court justices after their decision to overturn constitutional protections for abortion.

GOP Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana rejected the notion that Trump and other election skeptics were solely responsible for the “atmosphere of mistrust” that grew up around the 2020 election.

Army cuts force size amid unprecedented struggle for recruits The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Army is significantly cutting the total number of soldiers it expects to have in the force over the next two years, as the U.S. military faces what a top general called “unprecedented challenges” in bringing in recruits.

Army officials said the service will fall about 10,000 soldiers short of its planned end strength for this fiscal year, and prospects for next year are grimmer. Army Gen. Joseph Martin, vice chief of staff for the Army, said it is projecting it will have a total force of 466,400 this year, down from the expected 476,000. And the service could end 2023 with between 445,000 and 452,000 soldiers, depending on how well recruiting and retention go.

With just two and a half months to go in the fiscal year, the Army has achieved just 50% of its recruiting goal of 60,000 soldiers, according to Lt. Col. Randee Farrell, spokeswoman for Army Secretary Christine Wormuth. Based on those numbers and trends, it is likely the Army will miss the goal by nearly 25% as of Oct. 1. If the shortfalls continue, Martin said, they could have an impact on readiness.

“We’ve got unprecedented challenges with both a post-COVID-19 environment and labor market, but also competition with private companies that have changed their incentives over time,” Martin told a House Armed Services subcommittee on Tuesday. Asked if the Army will have to adjust its

AP PHOTO

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, testifies before a Senate Armed Services committee hearing, Thursday, May 5, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. force structure to meet national security and warfighting missions around the world, Martin said: “We don’t need to do that immediately. But if we don’t arrest the decline that we’re seeing right now in end strength, that could be a possibility in the future.”

Cutting the size of the Army is the best option, said Wormuth.

“The Army is facing our most challenging recruiting environment since the inception of the all-volunteer force. This is not a

one-year challenge. We will not solve this overnight,” she said, adding that the service is looking at a wide range of steps to recruit more soldiers without lowering standards or sacrificing quality.

“We are facing a very fundamental question,” she added.

“Do we lower standards to meet end strength, or do we lower end strength to maintain a quality, professional force? We believe the answer is obvious — quality is more important than quantity.”

The Army’s recruiting problems are the most severe across the military, but the other services are also having a tough time finding young people who want to join and can meet the physical, mental and moral requirements.

Senior Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps leaders have said they are hopeful they will meet or just slightly miss their recruiting goals for this year. But they said they will have to dip into their pool of delayed entry applicants, which will

put them behind as they begin the next recruiting year.

The services bring in recruits all year around, but usually send them to basic training and boot camp over a spread-out period of time.

The delay can help recruits prepare for entry-level training, particularly the more physical demands.

Military leaders are also banking on cash as an incentive. They are spending tens of thousands of dollars in increased bonuses to woo recruits, hoping to compete with other employers around the county as unemployment sits at about 3.6%.

In January, the Army, for the first time, began offering a maximum enlistment bonus of $50,000 to highly skilled recruits who join for six years. At the time, Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen, head of Army Recruiting Command, told The Associated Press that shuttered schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and the highly competitive job market have posed significant challenges for recruiters.

The military services rely heavily on face-to-face meetings with young people in schools or at fairs and other large public events. And they are only now really starting to get back to something close to normal after two years of the pandemic.

Compounding the problem is the low unemployment rate and the fact that private corporations may be able to pay more to lure workers. And, among young people, only about 23% are physically, mentally and morally qualified to serve without receiving some type of waiver.

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 43 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

Twin City Herald

COURTESY PHOTO

Social Services distributes fans

Social Services’ Judy Nelson and Terrae Stafford with fans that were distributed to Forsyth County residents. Forsyth County Department of Social Services distributed 189 fans as part of Operation Fan Heat Relief. Fans were distributed to Forsyth County adults age 60 and older, or who have a disability, with a home situation where a threat to health and well-being exists. Residents registered for them in advance and picked their fans up at Social Services. DSS staff delivered fans to those who couldn’t pick them up. The program is funded by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging (through a contribution from Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress). Fans were also donated by Centenary United Methodist Church and purchased using Forsyth County funds.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Mississippi-based furniture maker closing plants

By Steve Reed The Associated Press

Officials say a Mississippibased furniture maker is ending production at two of its manufacturing plants in North Carolina, putting 271 people out of work. United Furniture Industries Inc. says it is ending production at its Winston-Salem and High Point plants, affecting nearly a fourth of its 1,150 workers in the Piedmont Triad region.

The end of manufacturing in United’s Winston-Salem plant affects 199 of 272 employees. Production is slated to end by July 29. The High Point metal-stamping plant will cut all 72 jobs and close by Aug. 30.

AP

State signs off on testing at plant fire site An environmental agency has approved a plan to test the soil and groundwater for contamination at the site of a massive fertilizer-plant fire in January. Montrose Engineering and Geology laid out its plans in a 71page document approved this week by the N.C. Department of Environmental Control.

The company will spend up to four months collecting and analyzing hundreds of samples for potentially hazardous materials left behind from the Jan. 31 fire that burned for days at the Winston Weaver fertilizer plant.

AP

5

20177 52016 $0.50

Hartman: ‘I owed it to Wake Forest’ to return after ACC loss

8

CHARLOTTE — Sam Hartman walked off the field at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium in December in despair after throwing four interceptions in Wake Forest’s 45-21 loss to Pittsburgh in the 2021 ACC championship game.

The 22-year-old quarterback was so downtrodden he declined interviews after the game.

Hartman hasn’t forgotten that night in which the Demon Deacons were held scoreless in their

final 13 possessions and missed out on a chance to win the school’s first ACC title since 2006.

“It’s one of the reasons I came back. It’s a legacy, right?” said Hartman, a redshirt junior who has thrown for 9,266 yards and 72 touchdowns during his four seasons. “Wake Forest invested in me and I want to invest back in Wake Forest. I felt like I owed it to them and their belief in me. ... I wanted to make it right.”

Hartman was in good spirits on Wednesday, arriving at ACC Media Days wearing a “Peaky cap,” a nod to his favorite TV charac-

ter Tommy Shelby from the early 1900s British crime drama “Peaky Blinders.” (“I like his attitude and his mentality,” Hartman said.)

Aside from the ACC title game, Hartman had a spectacular season. He threw for 4,228 yards with 39 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, helping Wake Forest unseat national power Clemson to win the Atlantic Division championship. After the ACC loss, the Deacons bounced back to beat Rutgers 38-10 in the Gator Bowl to finish 11-3.

And while Tommy Shelby is known as a no-nonsense char-

Reynolda House Museum of American Art acquires Richard Estes’s Hubcap Painting will become part of the permanent collection

Richard Estes’ Hubcap, 2021 Oil on boardc was purchased with funds provided by Scottie and David Neill.

Twin City Herald staff Reynolda House Museum of American Art has acquired Hubcap, a work by preeminent Photorealist artist Richard Estes, as the latest addition to the Museum’s permanent collection. One of the founders of Photorealism, Estes helped to popularize the movement, in which artists base their paintings on photographs and attempt to capture the look of photography in paint. Estes was one of the early architects of the style and continues as a prolific artist today.

Hubcap, painted in 2021, is an exceptional example of Estes’s work and of the genre. Because of its size, it perfectly fits the domestic scale of Reynolda. Hubcap will be available for viewing when Chrome Dreams and Infinite Reflections: American Photorealism opens to the public on July 15, 2022.

“Hubcap represents the best of Estes’s work as he skillfully combines highly reflective surfaces, evident in his early work, with his growing interest in the natural world,” said Allison Slaby, curator, Reynolda House Museum of American Art. “With Chrome

COURTESY SCHOELKOPF GALLERY

Dreams and Infinite Reflections: American Photorealism, we hope to inspire visitors to rethink how photography and painting intersect through the collection of Photorealist works amassed for the

exhibition.”

In the shiny, reflective surface of a new Volkswagen Beetle’s fender, Estes captured a scene of coastal Maine. Banded layers represent a grassy foreground, teal-colored

acter who doesn’t take anything from anyone, Hartman said he’s learned to “tone down” his trash talk during the game as he’s matured .

“I’ve learned if you trash talk people, they hit you harder — so I’ve kind of shied away from that,” Hartman said with a laugh. “I’m more likely to make cordial conversation.”

Experienced quarterbacks Wake Forest isn’t the only AtSee HARTMAN, page 2

water, dark pine trees and a cerulean blue sky studded with white clouds. The painting is strongly vertical, and the composition is compressed onto a narrow board.

The landscape, rather than horizontal, thrusts dramatically upward in an emphatic diagonal. The curves and planes of the car parts— the bulging fender, the flat metallic car door and the circular gas-cap cover—distort the landscape and divide it into different zones in the painting. Estes skillfully represents different textures—the rubber tire, flat gray hubcap and shiny metal car body and chrome trim.

“Hubcap feels like it belongs at Reynolda,” said Allison Perkins, executive director of Reynolda House and Reynolda Gardens. “In acquiring this work, Reynolda is reaffirming its commitment to adding exceptional works from artists who are leaders in their fields for the enjoyment of museum visitors for generations to come.”

The acquisition of Hubcap was made possible by a generous contribution from David and Scottie Neill. When making the donation, David—who is the immediate past president (2020–22) of the Reynolda House Board of Directors—said that his desire was “to enable Reynolda to collect art that prompts conversation, learning and curiosity, and that fulfills the collection priorities of the Museum.”

Estes’s Hubcap will join other Photorealist works in the collection, such as Audrey Flack’s Bounty (1978) and Ben Schonzeit’s Englishtown Jewels (1971).

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

2 WEDNESDAY

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7.27.22 #205

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Editor Shawn Krest

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday as part of the North State Journal.

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HARTMAN from page 1

lantic Division team returning an experienced quarterback — all seven will.

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COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Biden has no right to declare a national climate emergency The Washington Post reported that President Joe Biden is “considering whether to declare a national climate emergency” to “salvage his stalled environmental agenda and satisfy Democrats on Capitol Hill.” A few hours later, the Associated Press reported that the administration would “hold off” on the announcement as he, presumably, lays the political groundwork to move forward.

There’s no “It’s Summer” clause in the Constitution empowering the president to ignore the will of Congress and unilaterally govern when it gets hot. The rejection of the president’s “agenda” by the lawmaking branch of government isn’t a justification for executive action; it’s the opposite. The Senate has unambiguously declined to implement Biden’s climate plan.

Though you have to marvel at the utter shamelessness of Democrats, incessantly warning that “democracy” is on the precipice of extinction, now urging the president to act like a petty dictator. It’s been less than a month since the Supreme Court rejected the Environmental Protection Agency’s claim that bureaucrats could govern without Congress to regulate carbon (which is to say, the entire economy).

What makes anyone believe that the president — who, incidentally, just got back from begging Saudi theocrats to pump more oil — is imbued with the power to enact a new regulatory regime or funding by fiat?

We now have senators like Jeff Merkley, who told reporters on Monday that Biden’s

That group that includes Devin Leary with North Carolina State and DJ Uiagalelei at Clemson.

Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren said he’s never seen this kind of sce-

emergency edict “unchains the president from waiting for Congress to act,” openly undermining their oath to the Constitution by attacking the institution they represent.

Congress may have spent decades abdicating its responsibilities — which, despite conventional wisdom, isn’t to rubber-stamp the Democrats’ agenda — but its members rarely advocated openly for executive abuse. I guess they’re evolving.

Bloomberg reports that an emergency declaration would “unlock” the president’s power to redirect “federal funding to cleanenergy construction.” When former President Donald Trump enacted an emergency declaration to reallocate funding earmarked for military projects to build a wall on the U.S. southern border — “a clear attempt to circumvent the legislative branch and one that I hope leads to the Supreme Court overturning the abused National Emergencies Act,” I wrote at the time, so save your emails — the entire establishment melted down. “Declaring a National Emergency Could Give Trump Authoritarian Powers,” a columnist at New York Magazine claimed. “A Win For Trump’s Authoritarian Agenda,” wrote another in Forbes. And so on. It’s worth remembering the border is within the purview of the federal government. Trying to control the weather is not.

Which brings us to another small problem: There is no emergency. Politicians might treat every hurricane, tornado and flood as an

nario before, adding that he expects the Atlantic to be a “slugfest.”

“If you are playing a team whose quarterback is not savvy and doesn’t have experience and yours

apocalyptic event — and then conveniently blame their political opponents for failing to rein in nature — but by every quantifiable measure humankind is less affected by climate than ever before. Despite the massive expansion of fossil fuel use, despite the explosion of the world’s population, far fewer people die from the climate.

Our ability to adapt to the vagaries of weather and acclimatize to the realities of climate change — whatever they may be — is far cheaper than state-compelled dismantling of the Constitution (and modernity). You may vigorously disagree. And that is a political debate about policy that belongs in Congress among representatives of the people. If every hurricane, heat wave or flood is a justification for unilateral federal executive governance, we will be in a perpetual emergency. Regulating carbon emissions is an open-ended invitation to regulate the entire economy. Which is the point.

And just as historically high gas prices — driven, in part, by the administration’s efforts to create fossil fuels scarcity — are slightly ebbing, Democrats want Biden “to halt crude oil exports, limit oil and gas drilling in federal waters, and direct agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency to boost renewable-energy sources.” Even if there was an emergency, the notion that diverting some money to prop up unreliable energy sources or subsidize more electric car production is going to do anything to change the trajectory of the climate is a risible claim. The real emergency is that we have a lawless party pushing lawlessness.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of five books — the most recent, “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

is, you have a great advantage,” Doeren said. “We don’t have that in any game as far as playing against a nonstarter.”

Other returning starting QBs

in the division are Florida State’s Jordan Travis, Syracuse’s Garrett Shrader, Boston College’s Phil Jurkovec and Louisville’s Mailk Cunningham.

DEATH NOTICES ♦ Emmitt Avon Adams, 84, died July 22, 2022. ♦ Norma Jean Anderson, 83, of Winston-Salem, died July 23, 2022. ♦ David Gray Bowman Sr., 82, of Walkertown, died July 24, 2022. ♦ Doris Margaret (Veitengruber) Braun, 96, of Winston-Salem, died July 23, 2022. ♦ Marciano Eda Castillo Sr., 76, of Winston-Salem, died July 21,

2022. ♦ Mary Lynn Wyke Chapman, 83, of Winston-Salem, died July 21, 2022. ♦ Michael Hampton Cumbie, 82, died July 22, 2022. ♦ Patsy Anne Shermer Davis, 88, of Winston-Salem, died July 22, 2022. ♦ Henry Lee Dinkins, 81, of Yadkin County, died July 24, 2022.

♦ Hoyt Nelson Dorsett, 74, of Bermuda Run, died July 20, 2022. ♦ John Reavis “Jim” Ellis, 100, of Winston-Salem, died July 20, 2022. ♦ Irvin Albert Johnson Sr., 73, of Forsyth County, died July 23, 2022. ♦ Betty Jo Mobley Joiner, 87, died July 23, 2022. ♦ Judith Ellingham Nichols, 83, of

Clemmons, died July 22, 2022. ♦ Reba Winfrey Noah, 89, of Winston-Salem, died July 21, 2022. ♦ Graham McNair Petree, 83, of Forsyth County, died July 22, 2022. ♦ Carmen Polanco, 72, of WinstonSalem, died July 23, 2022. ♦ James Wesley Shaw Jr., 58, of of Winston-Salem, died July 21, 2022.

♦ Iyionna Monique Sims, 16, of Winston-Salem, died July 20, 2022. ♦ Louise Bunker Southern, 83, of Winston-Salem, died July 24, 2022. ♦ Shelby Bates Spaugh, 84, of Forsyth County, died July 21, 2022. ♦ Lorene Jeanette Hamm Willard, 92, of Walnut Cove, died July 21.

2022.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ ALSTON, LATOYA MARY was arrested on a charge of VAND-REAL PROPERTY at 1225 E FIFTH ST on 7/23/2022 ♦ BOWMAN, DEAN ALLEN was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 5719 UNIVERSITY PW on 7/25/2022 ♦ BOXLEY, JARICK KAWAN was arrested on a charge of KIDNAPPING at 736 E MOUNTAIN ST on 7/22/2022 ♦ CROSSON, TOMASENIA NICOLE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULTSIMPLE at 150 WILLOW OAK DR on 7/21/2022 ♦ FRAZIER, REGINALD TACUMA was arrested on a charge of OFA/FATPOSSESS MARIJUANA UP TO 1/2 OZ at 3324 THOMASVILLE RD on 7/22/2022 ♦ Gordon, Geoffrey Mark (M/60) Arrest on chrg of 1) Drug Paraphernalia (M), 2) Attempt & Conspiracy (F), 3) Speeding To Elude Arrest (F), 4) Speeding - Posted (M), 5) Reckless Driving (M), 6) Imp Regis - Unauthorized Giving, Lending Use Other Vehicle (M), 7) Ndl - Operator Or Chauffer (failure To Obtain) (M), and 8) Stop Light Violation (M), at 4900 Blk Baux Mountain Rd, Winston Salem, NC, on 7/22/2022 22:48.

MICHAEL was arrested on a charge of VAND-REAL PROPERTY at 201 N CHURCH ST on 7/21/2022 ♦ HAIRSTON, ALSHABAKA JAMALL was arrested on a charge of RESISTING ARREST at 1412 E FOURTEENTH ST on 7/21/2022 ♦ HALL, JAROD KEVON was arrested on a charge of DISCH FA/OCC DWELL at 201 N CHURCH ST on 7/21/2022 ♦ Hemric, Brian Edgar (M/49) Arrest on chrg of Cruelty To Animals, M (M), at 3171 Ridgewood Rd, Winston-salem, NC, on 7/21/2022 11:07. ♦ JOHNSON, CLARENCE DAVID was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 414 E NORTHWEST BV on 7/23/2022 ♦ JONES, DANIEL CARLTON was arrested on a charge of DRUGSPOSS SCHED II at 6000 UNIVERSITY PW on 7/24/2022 ♦ LAMBETH, LESLIE MARIE was arrested on a charge of ROBBERY at 1000 WAUGHTOWN ST on 7/24/2022 ♦ Leashomb, Cynthia Day (F/33) Arrest on chrg of Cruelty To Animals, M (M), at 3171 Ridgewood Rd, Winstonsalem, NC, on 7/21/2022 11:07.

♦ GUNTHER, GREGORY JOSEPH was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 199 W FOURTH ST/N TRADE ST on 7/24/2022

♦ LEWIS, BARRON BERNARD was arrested on a charge of FALSE IMPRISONMENT at 7760 NORTH POINT BV on 7/21/2022

♦ HAINES, JORDAN ANTHONY

♦ MCCRAKEN, JAMES ERIC was arrested on a charge of FORGERY-

UTTERING at 5998 UNIVERSITY PW on 7/23/2022 ♦ MILLS, DENISE was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 4655 BROWNSBORO RD on 7/21/2022 ♦ MITCHELL, CEDRIC LAVON was arrested on a charge of FINANCIAL IDENTITY FRAUD at 5958 UNIVERSITY PW on 7/22/2022

RD on 7/23/2022 ♦ Redmond, Michael Scott (M/39) Arrest on chrg of 1) Poss Stolen Goods (F), 2) Vand-real Property (M), and 3) Fail To Appear/compl (F), at 201 N Church St, on 7/22/2022 14:30

♦ MOORE, AMY CHEREE was arrested on a charge of DRUGS-POSS SCHED I at 2892 REYNOLDA RD on 7/23/2022

♦ Rice, Jarvaye Eshawn (M/41) Arrest on chrg of 1) Fail To Appear/compl (F), 2) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 3) Fail To Appear/compl (M), and 4) Vio. Protective Order By Courts Another State/ Indian Tribe (M), at 448 Bethania-rural Hall Rd/heatherton Ln, Rural Hall, NC, on 7/20/2022 12:50.

♦ Moore, Eric James (M/30) Arrest on chrg of Disorderly Conduct, M (M), at 1033 Moravia St, Winston-salem, NC, on 7/20/2022 17:45.

♦ SIDES, QHAMONTE ANTONIO was arrested on a charge of P/W/I/S/D COCAINE at 1102 LOUISE RD on 7/22/2022

♦ MUHAMMAD, WARITH FARAD was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at NB 52/E TWENTYFIFTH ST on 7/24/2022

♦ SIZEMORE, REBEKAH LYNN was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 1372 HOLLY CT on 7/22/2022

Nelson, Travis Dylan (M/37) Arrest on ♦ chrg of 1) Burglary-2nd Degree (F), 2) B&e-vehicle (F), 3) B&e-vehicle (F), 4) Larceny After B&e (F), 5) Larcenycredit Card (F), and 6) Mv Theft (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 7/21/2022 17:00.

♦ SLAPPY, BILLY JERMICHAEL was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 1032 E SEVENTEENTH ST on 7/24/2022

♦ Nolan, Kelley Elizabeth (F/51) Arrest on chrg of Vio. Protective Order By Courts Another State/ Indian Tribe, (M), at 200 N Main St, Winstonsalem, NC, on 7/20/2022 10:23. ♦ PHIFER, CORRELL DEVON was arrested on a charge of P/W/I/S/D MARIJUANA at 4260 BROWNSBORO

♦ SNIPES, ELIJAH LAMONT was arrested on a charge of POSS COCAINE FEL at 915 NEW HOPE LN on 7/24/2022 ♦ STONE, AARON SEVON was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 7/24/2022 ♦ SWANSON, JOHN LEWIS was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 5924 UNIVERSITY PW on

7/24/2022 ♦ Tesh, Darrell Reese (M/51) Arrest on chrg of Drive Veh. While Consuming Alcohol Or While Alcohol In Body, (M), at 5099 Baux Mountain Rd/old Hollow Rd, Winston-salem, NC, on 7/21/2022 23:34. ♦ Tesh, Darrell Reese (M/51) Arrest on chrg of 1) Drug Paraphernalia (M), 2) Impaired Driving Dwi (M), and 3) Ndl - Suspended / Revoked (M), at 5099 Baux Mountain Rd/old Hollow Rd, Winston-salem, NC, on 7/20/2022 22:00. ♦ Tesh, Darrell Reese (M/51) Arrest on chrg of 1) Drug Paraphernalia (M), 2) Drug Paraphernalia (M), 3) Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 4) Drive Veh. While Consuming Alcohol Or While Alcohol In Body (M), at 5099 Baux Mountain Rd/old Hollow Rd, Winstonsalem, NC, on 7/20/2022 23:34. ♦ VADEN, ROXANA DENISE was arrested on a charge of DRUGSPOSS SCHED II at 6000 UNIVERSITY PW on 7/24/2022 ♦ VARGASHERNANDEZ, LUIS IGNACIO was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-POINT GUN at 4801 SIDES MEADOW CT on 7/22/2022 ♦ WILBORN, JAKOR LAMONT was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 7/23/2022 ♦ WILSON, TAMEYIA CELESTE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 601 PETERS CREEK PW on 7/23/2022

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

SPORTS

3

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Solo pleads guilty to DWI, gets 30-day sentence, fine Winston-Salem Former U.S. women’s national team star goalkeeper Hope Solo pleaded guilty Monday to driving while impaired, almost four months after she was found passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle in Roaring Gap in Alleghany County with her 2-year-old twins inside. A judge gave Solo a suspended sentence of 24 months and an active sentence of 30 days. She was given 30 days credit for time she spent at an in-patient rehabilitation facility. Solo made 202 appearances with the national team, with 153 wins and an internationalrecord 102 shutouts. She won a World Cup title and two Olympic gold medals with the team.

MLB

Pete Rose to appear on field in Philadelphia Philadelphia Pete Rose will make an appearance on the field in Philadelphia next month for the first time since receiving a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball. Rose agreed to the lifetime ban in August 1989 after an investigation for MLB by lawyer John Dowd found Rose placed numerous bets on the Cincinnati Reds to win from 1985-87 while playing for and managing the team. Major League Baseball’s career hits leader will be part of Phillies alumni weekend, and will be introduced on the field alongside many former teammates from the 1980 World Series championship team on Aug. 7.

WRESTLING

WWE’s McMahon retiring amid misconduct probe Stamford, Conn.

World Wrestling Entertainment impresario Vince McMahon says he is retiring amid an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the flamboyant showman who turned a small wrestling company into a worldwide entertainment business. In a brief statement issued by the company Friday, McMahon said he is retiring as WWE’s chairman and CEO. He noted that he remains its majority shareholder. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported McMahon agreed to pay more than $12 million over the past 16 years to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity.

NBA

Harden, 76ers agree on 2-year, $68M deal Philadelphia James Harden has agreed to terms on a two-year contract to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers and will make about $14.5 million less this coming season than he could have earned under his previous deal. Harden’s new deal is worth slightly over $68 million, paying him about $33 million this season and with a $35 million player option for the 2023-24 season, according to reports. Harden had a $47.4 million option for this coming season that he declined last month, saying he wanted to give the 76ers flexibility to improve their roster and compete for a championship.

AP PHOTO

Taylor James Hamlin, left, carries the checkered flag with her dad, Denny Hamlin, after he won Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. NASCAR stripped Hamlin of his win when his No. 11 Toyota failed inspection and was disqualified, awarding Chase Elliott the Cup Series victory.

Elliott given Pocono win after Hamlin, Busch disqualified It was the first time since 1960 that the winner at NASCAR’s top level was dethroned for failing inspection The Associated Press LONG POND, Pa. — The siren at the Dawsonville, Georgia, pool hall that sounds whenever Chase Elliott wins a race did indeed go off Sunday night without the hometown star ever leading a lap at Pocono Raceway.

“Winner, winner Joe Gibbs Racing are cheaters!” the Dawsonville Pool Room tweeted.

In an extraordinary decision for a NASCAR Cup Series race, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin had his Pocono win thrown out and runner-up and teammate Kyle Busch also was disqualified after their Toyotas

failed inspections.

Elliott shot up from third place and the Hendrick Motorsports driver was awarded his fourth victory of the season. He never led a lap in the No. 9 Chevrolet — and his car also was inspected by NASCAR. Hamlin lost his record seventh victory at Pocono and his third win of the season. Busch led a race-high 63 laps.

NASCAR believed the last time it disqualified an apparent winner was April 17, 1960, when Emanuel Zervakis’ victory at Wilson Speedway in North Carolina was thrown out because of an oversized fuel tank.

The penalties can be appealed and both Toyotas were sent to NASCAR’s research and development center in North Carolina for further evaluation. NASCAR said the infractions were not caught in the pre-race inspection because the wrap was not removed from the

“There was some issues discovered that affect aero in the vehicle.”

Brad Moran, NASCAR Cup Series managing director cars until after the race.

“There was some issues discovered that affect aero in the vehicle,” NASCAR Cup Series managing director Brad Moran said.

“There really was no reason why there was some material that was somewhere it shouldn’t have been.

And that does basically come down to a DQ.” Moran said the parts in question were the front fascia — essentially the nose cone — and final decisions “should be sorted out by next week.”

Moran said the inspection “rules have tightened up” with the introduction this season of a new car.

NASCAR’s newest version is pretty much a kit car. Teams get all the same pieces from varying vendors and have detailed instructions regarding how to put it together.

“We don’t want to be here talking about this problem,” Moran said. “But the teams and the owners and everybody was well aware that this new car was going to be kept with some pretty tight tolerances. There’s some areas that all the teams are well aware that we can not go down the path that we had in the past with the other car.”

The failures marred what had been a banner day for JGR. Hamlin had seemingly won for the third time this season and passed Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon for most wins at Pocono with seven. Hamlin swept two races at Pocono in his rookie season in 2006, and added wins in 2009, 2010, 2019 and 2020. Now, he remains tied with the four-time NASCAR champion.

IndyCar and NASCAR share next weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. IndyCar races Saturday on the road course; NASCAR races Sunday.

Federal judge again rules in favor of Williamson in lawsuit The U.S. District Court judge in Winston-Salem sided the former Duke star against a former marketing agent The Associated Press WINSTON-SALEM — A federal judge in North Carolina has again ruled in favor of NBA All Star Zion Williamson, this time in connection with a lawsuit he filed against a marketing agent two years ago in an attempt to break a contract.

U.S. District Court Judge Loretta Biggs denied a number of motions filed by Prime Sports Marketing and Gina Ford, which entered an agreement to represent Williamson when he was at Duke.

The defendants were seeking to recover payment for the work they did for him, according to a copy of the ruling.

Biggs denied multiple motions by the defendants for summary judgment and to stay proceedings in the case regarding the contract.

The court ruled previously that because neither the company nor the agent complied with North Carolina law, their agreement was void and unenforceable.

In January 2021, Biggs ruled in favor of Williamson, saying Ford’s contract with Williamson was void because Ford was not a licensed agent in the state at the time she met with Williamson. The judge also ruled the contract did not

AP PHOTO

A U.S. District Court judge ruled in favor of former Duke star Zion Williamson in his ongoing case with a marketing agent. comply with key requirements outlined by the state’s sports agent law, the Uniform Athlete Agents Act. The act requires that the contract include warnings explaining how hiring agents causes athletes to forfeit their amateur status. It also requires such contracts to include a disclaimer giving athletes 14 days to cancel.

Williamson, who was draft No. 1 overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019, filed the federal lawsuit in North Carolina that June to

terminate a five-year contract with Ford’s agency after moving to Creative Artists Agency LLC. Attorneys for Ford and Prime Sports had alleged that North Carolina’s athlete agent law should not apply to Williamson because he and his family had accepted improper financial benefits while he was still enrolled at Duke. Ford’s attorneys filed an affidavit alleging a $400,000 payment was made to Williamson’s family before the he began his only season with the Blue Devils.

Williamson lawyer Jeffrey S. Klein asked the court to disregard the affidavit, arguing that the allegations were false and that supporting documents were fraudulent. He noted the facts in the case remained that Williamson completed his lone season at Duke in good standing and had never been ruled ineligible by the NCAA. The judge agreed, noting that there was no legal basis for the courts to decide whether Williamson had violated NCAA rules.

The ruling was issued on July 15.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

4

STATE & NATION

Senators propose changes to electors law

By Lisa Mascaro The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of senators agreed on proposed changes to the Electoral Count Act, the post-Civil War-era law for certifying presidential elections that came under intense scrutiny after the Jan. 6 protest on the Capitol.

Long in the making, the package introduced by the group led

by Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Joe Manchin of West Virginia is made up of two separate proposals. One would clarify the way states submit electors and the vice president tallies the votes in Congress. The other would bolster security for state and local election officials who have faced violence and harassment.

“From the beginning, our bipartisan group has shared a vision of drafting legislation to fix the flaws of the archaic and ambiguous Electoral Count Act of 1887,” Collins, Manchin and the other 14 senators said in a joint statement.

“We have developed legislation that establishes clear guidelines for our system of certifying and counting electoral votes,” the group wrote. “We urge our colleagues in both parties to support these simple, common sense reforms.”

Both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell have signaled support for the bipartisan group, but the final legislative package will undergo care-

AP PHOTO

Former Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., read the final certification of Electoral College votes during a joint session of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 7, 2021. ful scrutiny.

Votes are not likely before fall.

But with broad support from the group of 16 senators, seven Democrats and nine Republicans, who have worked behind closed doors for months with the help of outside experts, serious consideration is assured.

In a statement, Matthew Weil, executive director of the Democ-

racy Program at the Bipartisan Policy Center, called the framework a “critical step” in shoring up ambiguities in the Electoral Count Act. After Trump lost the 2020 election, the defeated president expressed concerns over the way elections were ran in many states, including slates of electors sent to the joint session of Congress on

Jan. 6, when the vice president presides over certification.

Under the proposed changes, the law would be updated to ensure the governor from each state is initially responsible for submitting electors, as a way to safeguard against states sending alternative or fake elector slates.

Additionally, the law would spell out that the vice president

presides over the joint session in a “solely ministerial” capacity, according to a summary page. It says the vice president “does not have any power to solely determine, accept, reject, or otherwise adjudicate disputes over electors.”

That provision is a direct reaction to Trump’s efforts to pressure then Vice President Mike Pence to reject the electors being sent from those battleground states.

The bill also specifies the procedures around presidential transitions, including when the election outcome is disputed, to ensure the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next.

The second proposal, revolving around election security, would double the federal penalties to up to two years in prison for individuals who “threaten or intimidate election officials, poll watchers, voters or candidates,” according to the summary.

It also would seek to improve the way the U.S. Postal Service handles election mail and “provide guidance to states to improve their mail-in ballot processes.”

Mail-in ballots and the role of the Postal Service came under great scrutiny during the 2020 election.

Some Republican members of the committee condemned violence against election workers — and also drew a parallel to recent threats and intimidation directed toward some Supreme Court justices after their decision to overturn constitutional protections for abortion.

GOP Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana rejected the notion that Trump and other election skeptics were solely responsible for the “atmosphere of mistrust” that grew up around the 2020 election.

Army cuts force size amid unprecedented struggle for recruits The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Army is significantly cutting the total number of soldiers it expects to have in the force over the next two years, as the U.S. military faces what a top general called “unprecedented challenges” in bringing in recruits.

Army officials said the service will fall about 10,000 soldiers short of its planned end strength for this fiscal year, and prospects for next year are grimmer. Army Gen. Joseph Martin, vice chief of staff for the Army, said it is projecting it will have a total force of 466,400 this year, down from the expected 476,000. And the service could end 2023 with between 445,000 and 452,000 soldiers, depending on how well recruiting and retention go.

With just two and a half months to go in the fiscal year, the Army has achieved just 50% of its recruiting goal of 60,000 soldiers, according to Lt. Col. Randee Farrell, spokeswoman for Army Secretary Christine Wormuth. Based on those numbers and trends, it is likely the Army will miss the goal by nearly 25% as of Oct. 1. If the shortfalls continue, Martin said, they could have an impact on readiness.

“We’ve got unprecedented challenges with both a post-COVID-19 environment and labor market, but also competition with private companies that have changed their incentives over time,” Martin told a House Armed Services subcommittee on Tuesday. Asked if the Army will have to adjust its

AP PHOTO

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, testifies before a Senate Armed Services committee hearing, Thursday, May 5, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. force structure to meet national security and warfighting missions around the world, Martin said: “We don’t need to do that immediately. But if we don’t arrest the decline that we’re seeing right now in end strength, that could be a possibility in the future.”

Cutting the size of the Army is the best option, said Wormuth.

“The Army is facing our most challenging recruiting environment since the inception of the all-volunteer force. This is not a

one-year challenge. We will not solve this overnight,” she said, adding that the service is looking at a wide range of steps to recruit more soldiers without lowering standards or sacrificing quality.

“We are facing a very fundamental question,” she added.

“Do we lower standards to meet end strength, or do we lower end strength to maintain a quality, professional force? We believe the answer is obvious — quality is more important than quantity.”

The Army’s recruiting problems are the most severe across the military, but the other services are also having a tough time finding young people who want to join and can meet the physical, mental and moral requirements.

Senior Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps leaders have said they are hopeful they will meet or just slightly miss their recruiting goals for this year. But they said they will have to dip into their pool of delayed entry applicants, which will

put them behind as they begin the next recruiting year.

The services bring in recruits all year around, but usually send them to basic training and boot camp over a spread-out period of time.

The delay can help recruits prepare for entry-level training, particularly the more physical demands.

Military leaders are also banking on cash as an incentive. They are spending tens of thousands of dollars in increased bonuses to woo recruits, hoping to compete with other employers around the county as unemployment sits at about 3.6%.

In January, the Army, for the first time, began offering a maximum enlistment bonus of $50,000 to highly skilled recruits who join for six years. At the time, Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen, head of Army Recruiting Command, told The Associated Press that shuttered schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and the highly competitive job market have posed significant challenges for recruiters.

The military services rely heavily on face-to-face meetings with young people in schools or at fairs and other large public events. And they are only now really starting to get back to something close to normal after two years of the pandemic.

Compounding the problem is the low unemployment rate and the fact that private corporations may be able to pay more to lure workers. And, among young people, only about 23% are physically, mentally and morally qualified to serve without receiving some type of waiver.

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