North State Journal Vol. 7, Issue 24

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 24 |

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2022

Report says Fort Bragg renaming to cost over $6 million Fort Bragg The commission created

by Congress to provide recommendations for nine Army bases named after Confederate-related figures said in a report released Monday that renaming Fort Bragg would cost at least $6.3 million.

The commission recommended renaming Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty, “after one of America’s core values.”

The report was the first of three that will be released by the Naming Commission.

Included in the 108-page report are the criteria the commission used and other selected candidates for renaming.

Fort Bragg was established in 1919, decades after the Civil War. The estimated cost to rename all nine bases is more than $21 million.

AP PHOTO

Hundreds of race fans wait in line to purchase tickets at the Ace Speedway on in the rural Alamance County community of Altamahaw near Elon, on May 23, 2020.

NC Court of Appeals rules case against NCDHHS can proceed

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NFIB: Inflation remains No. 1 challenge facing small business Raleigh Thirty-seven percent of small business owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in operating their business, an increase of three points from June and the highest level since the fourth quarter of 1979, according to the latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index.

“What we’re hearing from our small business owners here is that they won’t spend the money to grow their businesses or even replace worn-out equipment unless they’re certain we’re back on track economically and that the investments make sense and will pay off,” said North Carolina State Director Gregg Thompson.

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Biden administration says ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy is over Washington, D.C. The Department of Homeland Security said that it ended a Trump-era policy requiring asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court, hours after a judge lifted an order in effect since December that it be reinstated.

The program will be unwound in a “quick, and orderly manner,” Homeland Security said in a statement.

Many questions remain, including whether those whose claims have been denied or dismissed will get a second chance or if those whose next court dates are months away will be allowed to return to the U.S. sooner.

Homeland Security said it will provide additional information “in the coming days.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

US to issue ID to migrants awaiting deportation proceedings Eagle Pass, Tx. U.S. immigration authorities are planning to issue photo ID cards to immigrants in deportation proceedings in a bid to slash paper use and help people stay up-to-date on required meetings and court hearings, officials said.

The proposal from Immigration and Customs Enforcement is still being developed as a pilot program, and it was not immediately clear how many the agency would issue. The cards would not be an official form of federal identification and would state they are to be used by the Department of Homeland Security.

The Biden administration is seeking $10 million for the so-called ICE Secure Docket Card in a budget proposal for the next fiscal year.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Three-judge panel ruled unanimously in favor of Ace Speedway

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

Ghost guns: What are they and what’s happening at the state and federal level? erence while talking to the press in 2014. At that time, de Leon said that an AR-15 could “disperse with 30 bullets within half a second.”

That claim was quickly debunked, as the AR-15 is a semi-automatic firearm with a known fire rate of 45 rounds per minute.

Politicians nationally have charBy A.P. Dillon acterized “ghost guns” as a loopNorth State Journal hole for criminals to make their RALEIGH — In the past few own weapons. This move ignores years, media outlets and politi- laws on the books already barring felons attempting from cians have increasingly owning a gun and laws used the term “ghost making it illegal for guns” when referring anyone to build fireto firearms built by priarms to sell or give to vate citizens using legal “The entire a felon. do-it-yourself type kits ‘ghost gun’ In April of this year, for their own personal scam is President Joe Biden use. announced new rules Building one’s own intended to for “ghost guns” that firearm is legal provid- ensure a means include serial numed so long as the gun bers on receivers and does not violate state of registering background checks on and federal laws and privately made anyone buying a do-itmeets standards of a yourself gun kit. firearm that one might firearms.”

“The final rule will purchase at a legally also help turn some run gun store. In terms Grassroots North guns already in of meeting legal stanCarolina president ghost circulation into seridards, the part of a firealized firearms,” said arm that is regulated Paul Valone the White House in a is the receiver, which is statement. “Through the portion of the gun this rule, the Justice that holds the chamber, Department is requiring federalmagazine and trigger together.

The term “ghost gun” has been ly licensed dealers and gunsmiths credited to California state Sen. Kevin de Leon, who made the ref- See GUNS, page A2

State Attorney General Josh Stein filed an amicus brief supporting new rules on firearm kits, background checks

AP PHOTO

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., Monday, April 11, 2022.

RALEIGH — A North Carolina Court of Appeals three-judge panel has ruled that a case involving the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020 of Ace Speedway in Elon due to orders issued by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) can proceed.

“This case makes us consider the use of overwhelming power by the State against the individual liberties of its citizens and how that use of power may be challenged,” wrote Judge Jefferson Griffin.

Griffin penned the ruling, with Judges Jeff Carpenter and Fred Gore concurring.

The panel’s ruling says in the appeal of Kody H. Kinsley v. Ace Speedway Racing Ltd. affirms a trial court’s order.

“In this appeal, we are asked to decide whether Ace has presented colorable constitutional claims for which our courts could provide a remedy. We hold that Ace pled each of its constitutional claims sufficiently to survive the Secretary’s motion to dismiss,” Griffin wrote. “We affirm the trial court’s order.”

A colorable claim refers to whether a claim has a reasonable or strong enough chance of being found valid based on the facts presented and the application of current law.

The three-judge panel ruling also outlines the claim made by Ace Speedway’s owner Jason Turner that his speedway was the target of “selective enforcement” by the Cooper administration following remarks he made to the Burlington Times-News in May 2020 about the governor’s shutdown orders.

“Ace effectively pled that it was among a class of ‘many speedways’ that similarly conSee NCDHHS, page A2

Cooper, other governors file support brief in race-based college admission case

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — Ten current and former Democratic governors from six Southern states have filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of the use of race-based admissions at both the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Harvard University.

Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), the plaintiff, has asserted that both universities are discriminating against qualified Asian students in favor of black and Hispanic students. Lower courts have ruled in favor of both schools so far, prompting SFFA to take their appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The cases of SFFA versus UNC-CH and Harvard were originally consolidated by the high court but on July 22 in an unsigned order, the cases were separated with no explanation given.

“Our public universities are the training grounds for our state workforce and the next generation of state leaders and government works better when it looks like the people it represents,” North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement about the amicus filing.

“It is critical for states across the South, including North Carolina, to continue to close the education gap. Our public universities are the training grounds and foundation for our state’s workforce and the

next generation of state leaders.”

Cooper is joined in the amicus brief by John Bel Edwards, the current governor of Louisiana. Past governors include See COLLEGE, page A2

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North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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8.10.22 #346

THE WORD: THE INFLUENCE OF HOME

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

By T.S. Arthur

“Variety Vacationland” Visit us online nsjonline.com

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

by North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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If it were possible to trace back to their beginnings, in each individual, those good or evil impulses which have become ruling affections — in most cases the origin would not be found until we had reached the home of childhood. Here it is that impressions are made, which become as enduring as existence itself. But the influence of home is not beneficial or baneful in early years alone.

Wherever a home exists, there will be found the nursery of all that is excellent in social or civil life — or of all that is deformed.

Every man and woman we meet in society, exhibit, in unmistakable characters — the quality of their homes.

The wife, the husband, the children — bear with them daily a portion of the spirit pervading the little circle from which they have come forth. If the sun shines there — a light will be on their countenances; but shadows — if clouds are in the sky of home.

If there is disorder, defect of principle, discord among the members, neglect of duty, and absence of kind attentions — then the sphere of those who constitute that home, can hardly be beneficial. They will add little to the common stock of good in the social life around them. We need not say how different will be the influence of those whose home-circle is pervaded by higher, purer, and truer principles.

Timothy Shay Arthur (1809-1885) was a popular 19thcentury author who published magazines, novels and histories.

GUNS from page A1 NCDHHS from page A1 ducted races with fans in attendance during the period where such actions were banned by Order 141,” the ruling reads. “Ace further pled that Governor Cooper and the Secretary ‘singled out’ Ace for enforcement by directing the Sheriff to take action against Ace and, when that failed, by issuing the Abatement Order against Ace alone.”

The ruling also says that Ace’s pleadings “taken as true, sufficiently allege bad faith enforcement of Order 141 against Ace alone.”

The panel’s ruling also says that “Ace has sufficiently pled that the Secretary singled its racetrack out for enforcement in bad faith for the invidious purpose of silencing its lawful expression of discontent with the Governor’s actions.

Therefore, sovereign immunity cannot bar Ace’s claim.”

In conclusion, the panel held that “Ace pled colorable claims for infringement of its right to earn a living and for selective enforcement of the Governor’s orders sufficient to survive the Secretary’s motion to dismiss.”

The case’s origin goes back to spring of 2020 when then-NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen issued an initial abatement order to close down the speedway for operating after Gov. Roy Cooper had issued restrictions on mass gatherings. In a press release issued at the time, NCDHHS said, “The Speedway’s recent actions constitute an imminent hazard for the spread of COVID-19, an acute threat to North Carolinians which must not continue.”

Cohen followed up that abatement with a court order on June 8, 2020, forcing the speedway to shut down operations.

Around the same time in early June 2020, Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson refused to cite Ace Speedway for violating the state’s prohibition against mass gatherings outdoors of more than 25 people after a large crowd gathered there for races.

Ace responded by filing a lawsuit which has continued even though Cohen dropped her abatement order that September.

In January 2021, a trial court judge ruled against Cohen’s attempt to dismiss the case based on the speedway’s claim the shutdown had violated certain constitutional rights, in particular, Article I, Section 1 of the N.C. Constitution that describes North Carolina citizens’ right to “the enjoyment of the fruits of their own labor.”

With Cohen having departed NCDHHS, her successor, Kody Kinsley, is now named in the suit. He now faces the decision of whether or not to appeal to the N.C. Supreme Court. If Kinsley does not appeal, a trial in Superior Court would be the next stop. If he does appeal, the N.C. Supreme Court does not have to necessarily accept the case due to the fact the Court of Appeals panel ruling was unanimous.

taking any un-serialized firearm into inventory to serialize that weapon.”

The White House gave an example that if an individual builds a firearm at home and then sells it to a pawn broker or another federally licensed dealer, that dealer must put a serial number on the weapon before selling it to a customer.

Additionally, the White House claimed there were around “20,000 suspected ghost guns” reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in criminal investigations last year.

The emphasis on so-called ghost guns is mostly a political ruse,” Dan Zimmerman, managing editor of The Truth About Guns, said in an email to North State Journal. “VERY few crimes are actually committed with actual non-serialized firearms built from kits ... no matter what the President and other gun rights foes claim.”

Zimmerman continued, “What most politicians — and even many police departments — refer to as

“ghost guns” are actually regular manufactured firearms that have had their serial numbers illegally obliterated.”

The final rule issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) was publicized in a July 11 newsletter from the Biden administration.

“As the final rule explains, from January 2016 to December 2021, ATF received approximately 45,240 reports of suspected privately made firearms recovered by law enforcement, including in 692 homicide or attempted homicide investigations,” reads the related April press release from the USDOJ. This is another means of adding to the illegal gun registry being compiled by the BATFE,” Grassroots North Carolina president Paul Valone told North State Journal. “Gun Owners of America is doing a lot on this after a congressional FOIA request revealed that ATF has amassed 920 million transaction records (with 865 million digitized and searchable) that can only be from NICS, which is required to expunge transaction records within 72 hours.”

Valone also said the ATF is

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Mother with Child and Cat” by Fritz Zuber-Buhler is a 19thcentury painting.

“prohibited by both the 1986 Firearms Owners Protection Act and the 1993 Brady Act from compiling a registry. Below is what I ran on my radio show a few months ago.

“The entire ‘ghost gun’ scam is intended to ensure a means of registering privately made firearms,” said Valone.

The same day as the Biden administration’s July 11 newsletter went out, North Carolina Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein announced he had filed an amicus brief in support of a new federal rule to close the so-called loopholes on “ghost guns.”

In his press release, Stein characterized “ghost guns” as “weapons without serial numbers” that are “purchased without background checks.”

“With gun violence on the rise, we must do everything in our power to keep our communities safe,” Stein said in his release. “That includes closing this loophole that gives people who are a threat to public safety, such as violent felons and domestic abusers, the ability to get untraceable guns without a background check. This action is critical and long overdue.”

Joining Stein on his amicus brief were the attorneys general of New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.

“The consequence of this spreading demonization of ‘ghost guns’ is that the laws that are being proposed and passed are making it more difficult, expensive, and sometimes impossible for law-abiding individuals to build their own homemade firearms, something that has been legal in this country since before the Founding,” Zimmerman said in his email.

“If politicians like Josh Stein and others were really concerned with reducing ‘gun violence,’ they’d concentrate more on catching, prosecuting and jailing repeat offenders who — the vast majority of the time — commit their crimes with guns they are legally prohibited from possessing,” wrote Zimmerman. “Not that little things like gun control laws stop many career criminals from getting and using firearms.”

COLLEGE from page A1 Roy Barnes, Georgia; Mike Easley, North Carolina; Jim Hodges, South Carolina; Jim Hunt, North Carolina; Ray Mabus, Mississippi; Terry McAuliffe, Virginia; Beverly Perdue, North Carolina; and Richard Riley, South Carolina.

The governors’ brief argues that diverse, high-achieving student bodies are critical to maintaining effective state government and states that “Allowing schools to maintain those narrowly tailored race-conscious admissions programs will ensure that the future leaders continue to reflect the diversity of their home States.

“In addition, race-conscious admissions programs further effective state government by increasing public faith in government,” the brief says, and that North Carolina’s public universities are “part and parcel of the state government’s commitment to developing the talents of all individuals from all walks of life.”

Another argument the brief makes is that overturning “narrowly tailored race-conscious admissions policies” threatens programs and other efforts in the states represented in the brief to “increase academic achievement and promote diversity.”

The governors’ brief also posits that “careful consideration” of race in college applications is not discrimination and should be allowed to continue.

“Amici strongly believe that racial discrimination has no place in American society. But careful consideration of race as one factor in an individualized assessment of a college applicant

AP PHOTO

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speaks at a primary election night event hosted by the North Carolina Democratic Party in Raleigh. is not discrimination,” the brief states. “The States that Amici have led should be permitted to continue to account for race when selecting the students who will become the backbone of the South’s state and local governments.”

The same day the amicus brief by the current and former governors was announced, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) the ACLU of Massachusetts, and the ACLU of North Carolina issued a statement that they had also filed an amicus brief “urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold universities’ ability to consider race in college admissions.”

“Ending the consideration of

race in college admissions would ignore the country’s ongoing challenge of racial inequality and threaten diversity and inclusion on campuses everywhere,” said Sarah Hinger, senior staff attorney with the ACLU racial justice program. “Race-conscious admissions practices help create a diverse student body and enrich the educational experiences of all students. The Supreme Court’s holdings have recognized this for decades, and we urge the court to protect universities’ ability to consider race in the admissions process.”

While the ACLU, Cooper and the other governors have filed on the side of the universities, North Carolina and Virginia Lt.

Govs. Mark Robinson and Winsome Sears filed in support of SFFA on May 9. Robinson and Sears are both the first black lieutenant governors in their respective states.

So far, at least 30 amicus briefs in support of SFFA’s case have been filed including one filed by Gail Heriot and Peter N. Kirsanow, two members of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the Supreme Court’s most recent addition, took her seat on June 30. Jackson will hear the UNC-CH case, but recuse herself from the case involving her alma mater, Harvard. She also currently sits on the Harvard board.

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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Charlotte seeks approval for $1 billion for sewer and water projects Local Government Commission approves millions for multiple other county projects

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

FILE PHOTO

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, left, hands New Zealand Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash a NASA t-shirt Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, during an agreementsigning event in Wellington, New Zealand.

Deputy Secretary Sherman says US ‘doubling down’ on Pacific

By Nick Perry The Associated Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The United States is doubling down on its investment in the Pacific, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said Tuesday as she concluded a five-nation visit to the region where China has been making inroads.

“The future will be written here in the Pacific,” Sherman said at an agreement-signing event in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.

Critics have accused the U.S. of neglecting the region and allowing China’s influence to flourish.

The Solomon Islands in April signed a security pact with China in a move that has alarmed many in the Pacific who fear it could lead to a military buildup. The U.S. earlier this year announced plans to reopen an embassy in the Solomons, where on Sunday Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare skipped a service commemorating the Battle of Guadalcanal

that Sherman she and other dignitaries attended.

Sherman said the U.S. has always been a Pacific nation. She said it has been a priority for President Joe Biden to rebuild alliances and relationships around the world, and officials were using “every vehicle possible” to collaborate with Pacific partners.

“And so we are doubling down on our investment here in the Pacific,” Sherman said. “Our relationships, our partnerships, regional organizations.”

Asked if she felt the U.S. or China was winning the battle for influence in the region, Sherman said she didn’t see it quite that way.

“It’s not so much a battle,” she said. “I think that countries try to have relations with every country they believe will help them move forward. And the United States does not ask any country to choose between us and China, or any other country and China.”

She said the U.S. wanted a lev-

el playing field and respect for the rules-based international order that was put in place after World War II, a system that had helped China rise and which ought to benefit all nations.

Sherman said she had discussed China among a number of topics in a meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Sherman signed agreements to collaborate more closely with New Zealand on space missions and emergency management. It was the final stop on a trip that had taken her to Samoa, Tonga, the Solomon Islands and Australia.

Sherman spoke more about the decision of the Solomons’ prime minister to stay away from Sunday’s Guadalcanal commemoration.

“I told him I was sorry for him because I thought he missed an opportunity to raise up that strong partnership and the fight for freedom that allowed the Solomon Islands to exist as it is today,” she said.

RALEIGH — At its Aug. 2 meeting, the Local Government Commission (LGC) approved $1 billion in funding requested by the city of Charlotte for infrastructure work related to water and sewer projects.

The LGC has statutory authority to monitor the financial well-being of over 1,100 local government units. The commission, chaired by State Treasurer Dale Folwell, also examines whether the amount being borrowed by local governments is enough for a given proposed project and whether or not governmental units can afford to repay the debt incurred.

“There is no workaround for environmentally safe infrastructure and treatment plants that are essential to avoid public health risks while boosting the potential for economic growth,” Folwell said in a statement.

“Charlotte officials are making an important investment in vital public works. The Local Government Commission is pleased to assist with their efforts.”

“Charlotte and North Carolina continue to grow and attract new residents and our municipalities must work to keep pace.

Charlotte Water is an integral part of the regional economy, so I appreciate the work of the Local Government Commission and its approval of these funds,” Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones said.

Charlotte had asked to issue $500 million in bond anticipation notes for the city to obtain short-term funding over the next two years. The notes will be paid off later with long-term bonds. The funds would pay for an extension of existing water and sewer lines, rehabilitation of water and wastewater treatment plants, new water and sewer mains and equipment, according to a press release.

In addition to the $500 million, Charlotte received approval for $535 million in revenue

bonds to for water, wastewater and sewer plants and lines. A portion of that money will pay for previous bond anticipation notes and to refund a previous bond issue.

Water and sewer rates are expected to increase 3.84% annually from 2023 to 2027 to help fund the city’s overall Capital Improvement Program that includes the items approved on Tuesday, according to a statement from Folwell’s office.

“First, when we talk about all of the infrastructure needs of our state, there is at least that amount of infrastructure needs below the ground,” said Folwell. “When someone talks about the need for billions and billions of school construction needs, whatever number you hear about infrastructure above the ground you can pretty much double it and talk about what our infrastructure needs are below the ground.

“Secondly, I get concerned about some of these bond referendums. Even if they are voter-approved, for example in Guilford County I believe it is a $1.7 billion dollar school bond, and that school bond is going to be about the amount of state [general obligation] debt that is going to be outstanding three years from now.”

During a monthly call with reporters, Folwell was asked about the LGC’s activities at which time he expressed concern over large bonds being passed by voters in certain counties.

“So, here you have one school bond in one county — just that one bond, not including all the other debt that is outstanding for example in Guilford County — equal to the entire outstanding general obligation debt for the whole state of North Carolina in just three year from now.”

The LGC also approved over $210 million in “Viable Utility Reserve grants” for nearly 50 local governments.

The Viable Utility Reserve grants will fund asset inventory and rate assessments that lead to short-term and long-term action plans, and for projects to repair, maintain and manage public drinking water and wastewater systems, according to a press release from Folwell’s office.

FBI searches Trump’s Florida estate for classified records The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FBI searched Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate as part of an investigation into whether he took classified records from the White House to his Florida residence, people familiar with the matter said, a dramatic and unprecedented escalation of law enforcement scrutiny of the former president.

Trump, disclosing the search in a lengthy statement, asserted that agents had opened a safe at his home and described their work as an “unannounced raid” that he likened to “prosecutorial misconduct.” He was in New York, planning to meet later Tuesday at his Bedminster, New Jersey, club with members of the Republican Study Committee, a group headed by Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana that says it is committed to putting forth his priorities in Congress.

Monday’s search intensified the months-long probe into how classified documents ended up in boxes of White House records located at Mar-a-Lago earlier this year.

About two dozen Trump supporters stood in protest at midmorning Tuesday in the Florida summer heat and sporadic light rain on a bridge near the former president’s residence. One held a sign reading “Democrats are Fascists” while others carried flags saying “2020 Was Rigged,” “Trump 2024” and Biden’s name with an obscenity. Some cars honked in support as they passed.

Familiar battle lines, forged during a four-year presidency shadowed by investigations, quickly took shape again. Trump and his allies sought to cast the search as a weaponization of the criminal justice system and a Democratic-driven effort to keep him from winning another term in 2024.

Trump’s Vice President Mike Pence, a potential 2024 rival, tweeted on Tuesday: “Yesterday’s

PHOTO VIA AP

The exterior of Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., is pictured on Monday, August 8, 2022. action undermines public confidence in our system of justice and Attorney General Garland must give a full accounting to the American people as to why this action was taken and he must do so immediately” Trump wrote Monday night, “These are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, MarA-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents,” Trump wrote. “Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before.”

“After working and cooperating with the relevant Government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate,” Trump said.

Justice Department spokesperson Dena Iverson declined to comment on the search, including whether Attorney General Merrick Garland had personally authorized it.

The FBI reached out to the Secret Service shortly before serving a warrant, a third person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Secret Service agents contacted the Justice Department and were able to validate the warrant before facilitating access to the estate, the person said.

The Justice Department has been investigating the potential mishandling of classified information since the National Archives and Records Administration said it had received from Mar-a-Lago 15 boxes of White House records,

including documents containing classified information, earlier this year. The National Archives said Trump should have turned over that material upon leaving office, and it asked the Justice Department to investigate.

There are multiple federal laws governing the handling of classified records and sensitive government documents, including statutes that make it a crime to remove such material and retain it at an unauthorized location. Though a search warrant does not necessarily mean criminal charges are near or even expected, federal officials looking to obtain one must first demonstrate to a judge that they have probable cause that a crime occurred.

Two people familiar with the

matter, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation, said the search on Monday was related to the records probe. Agents were also looking to see if Trump had additional presidential records or any classified documents at the estate.

Trump has previously maintained that presidential records were turned over “in an ordinary and routine process.” His son Eric said on Fox News on Monday night that he had spent the day with his father and that the search happened because “the National Archives wanted to corroborate whether or not Donald Trump had any documents in his possession.”

Asked how the documents ended up at Mar-a-Lago, Eric Trump said the boxes were among items that got moved out of the White House during “six hours” on Inauguration Day, as the Bidens prepared to move into the building.

“My father always kept press clippings,” Eric Trump said. “He had boxes, when he moved out of the White House.”

Trump made no mention of the search during a Monday evening tele-town hall on behalf of Leora Levy, the Connecticut Republican he has endorsed in Tuesday’s U.S. Senate primary.

But in a social media post Monday night, he called it a “weaponization of the Justice System, and an attack by Radical Left Democrats who desperately don’t want me to run for President in 2024.”

Other Republicans echoed that message.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican who is considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate, said on Twitter that it was “an escalation in the weaponization” of U.S. government agencies. Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader, said in a tweet that if Republicans win control of the U.S. House, they will investigate the Justice Department.

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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Murphy

Ranking NC’s top 10 median home values Investment advising firm SmartAsset recently published its latest median home value map ranking all of North Carolina’s 100 counties.

Topping the 2022 list is Orange County, with a median home value ranking of $433,009.

Rounding out the top five are Wake, Chatham, Dare and Union counties. Orange and Wake were over the $400,000 mark, with the rest of the top 10 in the $300,000 range.

The typical home value of homes in North Carolina is $320,291, according to Zillow.

North Carolina home values have gone up 27.4% over the past year, the real estate company said in June.

WEST

Madison County When schools in Madison County reopen later this month, new security measures will include stocking AR-15 rifles for school resource officers to use in the event of an active shooter. School officials and Madison County Sheriff Buddy Harwood have placed one semiautomatic rifle in each of the county’s six schools. Each of the guns will be locked inside a safe. The action was spurred by the shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that left 19 children and two teachers dead in May.

RANK COUNTY MEDIAN HOME VALUE 1.

ORANGE $433,009 2.

WAKE $411,700 3.

CHATHAM $376,684 4.

DARE $366,612 5.

UNION $358,445 6.

MECKLENBURG $355,693 7.

BUNCOMBE $351,566 8.

NEW HANOVER $346,584 9.

CABARRUS $329,884 10.

HENDERSON $202,855

PIEDMONT

Henderson County The U.S. Navy says that a North Carolina native assigned to a guided missile destroyer was lost overboard and presumed dead in the Baltic Sea. Seaman Recruit David L. Spearman went overboard Monday from the USS Arleigh Burke, according to a news release. The Navy said that he had reported to the ship in April after training in Illinois.

Spearman was a 19-year-old from Etowah in Henderson County. Several generations of his family had served in the Navy.

AP

Remains of WWII solider identified as North Carolina man

Yancey County Officials say three people were found dead in a home and sheriff’s deputies shot and killed the suspect after shots were fired when they arrived. Yancey County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a home for a report of shots fired inside a residence and one person with a gunshot wound. Shots were fired when deputies arrived and deputies shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead on the scene. When deputies got inside the home, they found three people dead. No deputies were injured in the incident.

AP

Manteo

Jones & Blount

By Hannah Schoenbaum The Associated Press

AP

Officials: 3 found dead in home, suspect killed

to

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Judge: Green Party candidate belongs on NC ballot

Navy: North Carolina sailor dead after falling overboard

Sheriff stocking schools with AR-15 rifles

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Watauga County DNA and other analyses have confirmed the identity of remains buried in Belgium as a 27-year-old World War II soldier from North Carolina who died during battle in a German forest. Officials with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said Army Pfc. David Owens of Watauga County died while his unit battled German forces in a forest near Hürtgen, Germany. Newspaper clippings from when Owens was reported missing in action say he was among the first soldiers to land on the French coast on D-Day, June 6, 1944, when Allied troops invaded Nazioccupied France.

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Air traffic controllers say co-pilot ‘jumped’ from plane

3 hurt when fight breaks out at youth track meet Guilford County Officials say three people were taken to a hospital after a fight broke out during a youth sporting event at North Carolina A&T State University. Greensboro police say a fight broke out during the AAU’s Junior Olympic Games track meet on the university’s campus. Eleven patients needed care and three were taken to a hospital with injuries that weren’t considered life-threatening.

Amateur Athletic Union Track and Field says after the fight under the stands, the meet was suspended and resumed Wednesday.

Thousands of young athletes from across the country are competing in athletic events around Greensboro.

Wake County A 911 call from air traffic controllers suggests a co-pilot may have jumped from a damaged plane before the other pilot made an emergency landing, according to a recording released last week. It’s unclear how or why Charles Hew Crooks exited the small cargo plane. He didn’t have a parachute. His body was found in a backyard about 30 miles south of Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Two unnamed Federal Aviation Administration employees can be heard telling a 911 dispatcher the plane was heading to the airport. The pilot onboard told them his co-pilot had “jumped out of the aircraft.”

Nash County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a shooting that left a 17-year-old dead and a second person injured early Sunday. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office received a call at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday reporting multiple shooters at a party at a home in Whitakers. Melito Armstrong Jr. was shot in the chest and died. Armstrong turned 17 in July. Another victim went to the hospital with a gunshot wound. Deputies believe the shooting was not a random act and the shooters and victims knew each other.

Pamlico County A fisherman died while operating heavy machinery at a fish market in Pamlico County. William Smith, 35, of Bayboro was using a forklift to move cargo from one boat to another at Hobucken’s R.E. Mayo Seafood.

The cause of death is under investigation and details about the incident have not been released. It is being investigated as a maritime accident. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Mecklenburg County Authorities say a man was found dead along the side of the road in southern Delaware.

Delaware State Police say troopers were called to the Lincoln area of Sussex County for a report of a person lying near the road.

When troopers arrived, police say they found a man dead. Days later, police announced that the man had been identified as 40-year-old Jose Santiago-Zamora Jimenez of Charlotte. Police have said they are conducting a criminal investigation, but they didn’t release details about how he died.

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Deputy shot while serving papers at North Carolina home dies

Newspaper: Families of Haley, Clyburn got casino shares Cleveland County The Wall Street Journal reports that the husband of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and brother of U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn were given shares of a company that leased slot machines to a tribal casino. The casino run by the Catawba Indian Nation needed political help in South Carolina to open last year. John Clyburn introduced backers of the project to people he knew and never discussed it with his brother. Michael Haley’s company did physical and cybersecurity consulting for the project in 2018. A spokesperson for Nikki Haley said she did not advocate for casino.

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Cooper criticized for controversial DGA ads

Fisherman dies in forklift accident

Teen killed, second person wounded in shootings at party

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Police identify NC man found dead along Delaware road

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Green Party’s U.S. Senate candidate must be placed on the November ballot, a federal judge ruled Friday, despite Democrats’ repeated attempts to block the progressive party from spoiling one of their best shots at flipping a seat in the narrowly divided chamber.

U.S. District Judge James Dever III’s order prohibits the state elections board from enforcing a July 1 candidate filing deadline to keep the Green Party’s Senate nominee, Matthew Hoh, off the ballot in North Carolina.

Though the Green Party had earlier this year submitted a petition to qualify as a new political party, the elections board initially shot it down amid an ongoing investigation into the party’s signature gathering process, causing the now-certified Green Party to miss the deadline.

Dever canceled a federal court hearing scheduled for Monday and gave Hoh until Wednesday to submit his paperwork ahead of the board’s Aug. 12 ballot printing deadline. But Hoh said he worries an “outrageous new lawsuit” in state court could interfere with Friday’s favorable ruling in federal court.

North Carolina Democrats, represented by the powerful

Wayne County A sheriff’s deputy died after he and two other deputies were shot while trying to serve involuntary commitment papers at a home. The Wayne County deputies went to a home south of Goldsboro to serve the papers last week when someone inside opened fire, wounding all three. After an hourslong barricade, SWAT team members found the suspect, identified as Jourdan Hamilton, dead inside with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The deputies were taken to hospitals and officials announced that Sgt. Matthew Fishman had died. Gov. Roy Cooper ordered all flags at state facilities to half-staff in Fishman’s honor.

Plane makes emergency landing on highway, no injuries

Washington-based Elias Law Group, asked a state court Wednesday to overturn the board’s unanimous vote certifying the Green Party. The Democrats’ lawsuit marks their latest attempt to barricade the ballot after they acknowledged pressuring signers to retract their names from the Green Party petition.

Democrats have warned Hoh’s appearance on the ballot could divide progressive voters and lead to a GOP victory in the close Senate race between Democrat Cheri Beasley and Republican Rep. Tedd Budd, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

The federal judge’s ruling acknowledged that parallel litigation had been filed, but directed the board to place Hoh on the ballot since federal law takes precedence over state law, according to the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution. Dever recommended the board follow his instructions despite the case in Wake County Superior Court, writing that the federal court has jurisdiction over “this federal constitutional claim.”

“This important legal victory comes on the heels of unprecedented voter intimidation, harassment and fraud, perpetrated by well-financed partisan operatives to keep us off the ballot,” North Carolina Green Party Co-chair Tony Ndege said Friday.

North State Journal staff RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper is under fire for his leadership of the Democratic Governors’ Assocation.

Under Cooper, the DGA has spent millions in Republican gubernatorial primaries and is credited with the primary win of Dan Cox in Maryland last month.

Raleigh TV station WRAL reported that some national Democrats, including former Obama strategist David Axelrod, called the move “dicy,” citing low approval ratings of President Joe Biden.

Tennessee state Rep. Mike Stewart, a Democrat, tweeted his disapproval, saying, “This sort of political game playing breeds cynicism that drives good people

Washington County Officials say a single-engine plane made an emergency landing on a highway, but no injuries were reported. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says the plane had a problem and landed on Highway 64 west of Creswell. Lt. Charles Arnold says the pilot heading from Dare County to Plymouth experienced a loss of power and when he set the Piper Turbo Arrow down without landing gear, it skidded across the highway. Arnold says the pilot was, “The calmest I’ve ever seen,” after such an emergency. The Federal Aviation Administration was called in to investigate.

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away from politics at a time when their participation is most needed.”

He also went after Cooper, saying he “Does not underhand the proper role of leaders facing threat to our democracy.”

Ads by the DGA and its affiliated expenditure efforts are also credited with aiding candidates in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Cooper’s counterpart, Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, has nonetheless put the weight of the Republican Governors’ Association behind the winning candidates, setting up competitive races across the nation.

Republicans hold the edge nationwide among state governors with 28 to Democrats’ 22.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Sticky Krispy Kreme inflation

Everything progressive leftist socialist Democrats do is wrong. Nothing they pass works.

WE TOOK OUR GRANDSON to Krispy Kreme the other morning for the requisite grandparent bonding.

He wanted a yellow one; a plain one and a chocolate one so we figured we could get a half-dozen in order to have enough left over for the grandparents.

Why go to Krispy Kreme just for the grandchildren?

When we placed our order, we thought the price for a half-dozen doughnuts in 2022 would be the same as they were in 2020 when we last took him to Krispy Kreme. Two years ago, a half-dozen Krispy Kreme’s cost about $4; a dozen would have set us back $7.99.

Imagine our shock and surprise when we got our short box of a half-dozen doughnuts and the cashier said “that will be $10.42, please.”

We looked at each other and then looked at the cashier in shock and said in unison: “We didn’t order a dozen!”

“A dozen costs $14. You ordered a half-dozen. That will be $10.42, please” the cashier said nicely but firmly.

Sure enough, if we had taken the time to look at the prices on the drive-thru menu, we would have seen the correct 2022 prices and probably driven through without making a purchase. But we had our grandson in the car so what are we supposed to do, blame it all on President Joe Biden and liberal left-wing socialist Democrats for him not getting a yellow Krispy Kreme doughnut?

In October 2020, President Trump was in the White House and Republicans controlled the U.S. Senate. In August, 2022, President Biden is in the White House and Democrats control Congress. The only people who don’t see the correlation between Biden policies and terrible economic outcomes such as inflation and high gas prices are the same Democrats who made it all happen.

They did it again Sunday night by passing one of the most oxymoronic-titled bills ever, “The Inflation Reduction Act”. It will increase inflation and raise taxes during a recession ― exactly what should not be done at precisely the wrong time.

Everything progressive leftist socialist Democrats do is wrong. Nothing they pass works.

Inflation always makes everything go up in cost over time. Over time, done properly, the growth of money supply in the economy should approximate population growth to maintain a stable price level. Alan Greenspan would tell the House Budget Committee being Federal Reserve Chairman should be the easiest job in the world ― all he should have had to do was turn on the printing presses and tell the Bureau of Printing and Engraving employees to produce 3% more currency every year to keep up with population growth ― and go home by noon every day.

Wayward, misguided policies as we are now witnessing under President Biden and leftist progressive socialist Democrats abnormally accelerates the permanent escalation of costs for the average consumer. Wages can’t keep up with such abrupt increases in costs so the average person suffers disproportionately more than wealthy people with hard assets that escalate in value.

Smart business execs see inflationary times as opportune moments to raise prices after years of not being able to justify price hikes, as Krispy Kreme execs

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have done. When supply chain issues are resolved and gas prices fall sharply under the next Republican president, it is very hard for a publicly-traded company to reduce prices because Wall Street will be expecting higher profits going forward, not lower. As long as the industry leader holds prices firm, every competitor can follow suit and bank more profits than otherwise.

Some commodities will fluctuate as they always do after bouts of inflation.

Over time, they will stabilize in a “new normal” range higher than today. If you lived in Mayberry during an old Andy Griffith episode, a five-pound package of bacon would have cost 99 cents and a 10-lb. bag of potatoes sold for 29 cents.

Good luck buying five strips of bacon for 99 cents today.

Several things will never go down in price after inflationary bouts. Social Security checks, for example, are due to go up close to 10% in a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for next year. Prices of homes may plateau but they will never drop back to pre-2021 levels.

Chances are high we will never see a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts for $7.99 again. Try explaining the transcendent “greatness” of the extreme leftwing policies of Joe Biden and his band of Democrats to a 4-year-old.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

CDC raises eyebrows with guidelines on how to avoid monkeypox

Consider having sex with your clothes on, reducing as much skin-toskin contact as possible.

ON FRIDAY, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted guidelines for how people can reduce their chances of catching monkeypox, a viral disease that President Joe Biden has now declared a “public health emergency” and which has a confirmed total of 7,510 cases in the U.S. as of this writing.

Because the vast majority of cases (95%) have reportedly stemmed from gay men having sex, the guidelines from the CDC revolved around sexual activity. “… the best way to protect yourself and others is to avoid sex of any kind (oral, anal, vaginal) and kissing or touching each other’s bodies — while you are sick,” they advised. “Especially avoid touching any rash. Do not share things like towels, fetish gear, sex toys, and toothbrushes.”

But just in case people couldn’t resist the urge to get frisky with each other, the CDC provided some guidelines that they say would lessen the likelihood of catching monkeypox due to intimate contact.

“Limit your number of sex partners to reduce your likelihood of exposure,” they suggested.

“Spaces like back rooms, saunas, sex clubs, or private and public sex parties, where intimate, often anonymous sexual contact with multiple partners occurs — are more likely to spread monkeypox,” the CDC warned, perhaps in tacit acknowledgment of the existence of gay sex parties, which are especially prevalent in big cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

“Consider having sex with your clothes on or covering areas where rash is present, reducing as much skin-to-skin contact as possible,” was another recommendation from the same CDC that never issued “if you have to go that crowded party or church during the COVID outbreak, here’s what you should do” guidelines.

Instead of considering “having sex with your clothes on,” consider this: For the two years of the coronavirus pandemic, just about all we heard from Democrats, the media, and supposed “health experts” was on how anything less than quadruple masking and staying indoors was akin to a desire to murder your fellow man because you wanted to go out and live your life.

People who participated in “reopen protests” were widely mocked in “news” reports as “selfish” and supposedly being willing to “risk the lives of others” because

they wanted to be able to provide for their families.

In contrast, “woke” leftists who marched in the Black Lives Matter-led “protests” over the officer-involved death of George Floyd in the summer of 2020 were encouraged to do so by health professionals, over 1,200 of which signed a letter urging local officials not to squelch the protests over concerns about spreading the coronavirus. “…as public health advocates, we do not condemn these gatherings as risky for COVID-19 transmission. We support them as vital to the national public health and to the threatened health specifically of Black people in the United States,” the letter read in part.

And yet here we have another outbreak and one that appears to be predominantly impacting sexually active gay men, and the recommendations from the CDC are, in so many words, “you should avoid sex for a little while but if you simply must, do it virtually or wear condoms and gloves to try and prevent catching it or transmitting it.”

So shutting down businesses and arresting business owners who didn’t comply was okay for Democrats during the COVID outbreak, along with forcing people to postpone funerals. But “woke protests” needed to happen two years ago, and now, imploring gay men to not have sex during the monkeypox outbreak and not encouraging them to have other forms of sex is unacceptable, apparently.

The duplicitous political decision-making surrounding declarations made by Democrat “leaders” and “health officials” during the COVID pandemic versus now on monkeypox is staggering to witness. And the result will be the further erosion of trust in public health officials during future outbreaks.

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, August 10, 2022

A7 COLUMN MICHAEL BARONE

COLUMN | DAVID RANDALL

Educating more Harry Trumans “HISTORY ISN’T JUST SOMETHING that ought to be taught, read, or encouraged only because it will make us better citizens,” wrote historian David McCullough.

“It will make us a better citizen and it will make us more thoughtful and understanding human beings.”

North Carolinians deserve and need the best social studies education for their children. They just don’t agree what should be in a good social studies class. There continues to be furious public discussion about the revised social studies standards adopted by the North Carolina State Board of Education (SBOE) in 2021.

North Carolina won’t have a firm basis for social studies instruction until the North Carolina SBOE adopts better social studies standards.

State standards are the single most inf luential documents in America’s education system. State education departments use them to provide guidance to each public K-12 school district and charter school as they create their own courses.

North Carolina’s Social Studies Standards could be much better. The Standards defy public accountability, because the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI), which developed the standards and supplemental materials, distributed them in 67 separate files on its website — a tangle of standards, unpacking documents, crosswalks, strand maps, and glossaries.

The Standards themselves are a tangle of essential standards, clarifying objectives, alignments, and unpackings. The DPI’s bureaucrats make it difficult for anyone to understand just what is in the standards, whether they are teachers, policymakers, or parents.

There’s a reason they did so. The bureaucrats have buried a great deal of progressive dogma in the Standards.

The Glossary of Instructional Terms, which provides the “big, overarching concepts and ideas that teachers need to know and understand in order to effectively teach the revised Social Studies Standards,” includes bias, discrimination, disenfranchisement, diverse, equity, gender identity, informed action (a euphemism for protest civics), marginalized, oppression, prejudice, privilege, social justice, stereotype, structural/systemic racism, and voter suppression.

The Glossary does not include individualism, liberty, patriotism, private property, or virtue.

The DPI bureaucrats have smuggled “diversity” into the list of “Ideals that are considered fundamental to American public life.” They require students to “Evaluate the U.S. Constitution as a ‘living’ Constitution.” The standards consistently promote identity politics based on simplistic characterizations of race, gender, and ethnicity in our diverse nation. In doing so, they fail to provide North Carolina children with a thorough understanding of history, economics, and political systems.

Finally, North Carolina has abandoned teaching Western Civilization and substituted a vague World History course. North Carolina students no longer learn the coherent narrative of the ideals and institutions of liberty embedded in the history of Western Civilization.

Parents should demand that the State Board of Education modify current social studies standards and create a yearlong high school course in Western Civilization, which would prepare students for content covered in American history, civics, and economics courses also taught in high school.

North Carolina’s DPI should use the Civics Alliance’s “American Birthright: The Civic Alliance’s Model K-12 Social Studies Standards” as a guide to revise its social studies standards and provide its students a proper civics education. American Birthright, which has been endorsed by Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson and State Representative Larry Strickland, draws on the best existing social studies standards, including the 2003 Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework and Florida’s Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Social Studies (2021).

American Birthright provides the comprehensive content knowledge in history, geography, civics, and economics that schools should teach in each grade from pre-kindergarten through high school, and teaches students to identify the ideals, institutions, and individual examples of human liberty, individualism, religious freedom, and republican self-government; assess the extent to which civilizations have fulfilled these ideals; and describe how the evolution of these ideals in different times and places has contributed to the formation of modern American ideals.

Above all, American Birthright teaches about the expansion of American liberty to include all Americans, as well as about heroes of liberty such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Ronald Reagan.

Every American student should be educated to be another Harry Truman — a high-school graduate who, without ever graduating from college, had a solid grasp of history and was capable of serving as an officer, a judge, a senator, and president.

Even state legislation won’t reform social studies instruction if the social studies standards aren’t changed too. North Carolina’s citizens and policymakers should call on North Carolina’s State Board of Education to draw on American Birthright to revise its social studies standards.

Only thoroughgoing reform will provide North Carolina’s students the education that can make a generation of new Harry Trumans.

David Randall is director of research at the National Association of Scholars

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

Biden Puts IRS funding ahead of military and border security EVERYONE SHOULD BE DEEPLY TROUBLED by the recent report that the Army is on pace to miss its recruiting goal by dozens of thousands of troops and by the report that followed a few days later, alleging that the Border Patrol is running short of agents in Arizona and Texas. The border is so porous these days that even mayors of sanctuary cities are starting to complain about illegal immigration.

So, what is Congress doing about these crises? They are going to spend tens of billions of dollars to increase the number of ...

IRS employees. The plan calls for spending some $80 billion to hire some 80,000 new agents and investigators. This will give the IRS the resources to double the number of people who get audited every year.

Is this about the most warped set of national priorities you’ve ever heard? If this $80 billion were rerouted to the Army and the Border Patrol, we could easily stop much of the tide of illegal immigration and staff up our military so we have the soldiers we need to defend our country.

According to official budget numbers, the overall cost of border security at the Department of Homeland Security is roughly $55 billion a year. That is less than just the increase in IRS funding to harass the public. Or consider this: The epidemic of opioid and other drug overdoses is killing close to 100,000 a year. We spend about $11 billion a year to prevent these tragic deaths. But the ironically named Inflation Reduction Act calls for 30 times more than this, or more than $300 billion, to try to combat climate change, while the number of those who die from CO2 emissions each year is close to zero.

All of this is to say that the Biden-Manchin-Schumer spending bill that has now passed the Senate is arguably the greatest misallocation of our federal dollars in American history. It spends money in areas where we should be cutting expenses and ignores national security priorities.

The reason we have inflation is that the Biden administration has increased spending by $3 trillion in 18 months. Almost everyone knows this. The central idiocy of the Biden Inflation Reduction Act is that instead of cutting a half a trillion from the budget, this bill does just the opposite: It increases spending by that amount.

Incredibly, a bill that supposedly reduces the budget deficit

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President Joe Biden speaks during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, in Washington, D.C. does not cut one penny of actual spending from the federal budget. Even with federal audit reports finding more than $250 billion of “erroneous” payments in Medicaid, food stamps and unemployment insurance, Congress does nothing to reduce the fraud and theft.

As the latest report on shortages of recruits in our armed forces tells us, we have national priorities that need to be met. This bill bloats the budget, makes inflation worse and will add to our $30 trillion national debt without dealing with any of the nation’s priorities.

It’s reminiscent of the immortal line by Jeff Daniels to Jim Carrey in “Dumb and Dumber”: “Just when I think you couldn’t possibly be anything dumber ...”

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.”

COLUMN | THOMAS PAINE

Common sense THE CAUSE OF AMERICA is in a great measure the cause of all mankind.

In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense: and have no other preliminaries to settle with the reader than that he will divest himself of prejudice and prepossession, and suffer [allow] his reason and his feelings to determine for themselves: that he will put on, or rather that he will not put off, the true character of a man, and generously enlarge his views beyond the present day.

The sun never shined on a cause of greater worth. ’Tis not the affair of a city, a county, a province, or a kingdom, but of a continent — of at least one-eighth part of the habitable globe. ’Tis not the concern of a day, a year, or an age; posterity are virtually involved in the contest, and will be more or less affected, even to the end of time, by the proceedings

now. Now is the seed time of continental union, faith and honor.

The least fracture now will be like a name engraved with the point of a pin on the tender rind of a young oak; the wound will enlarge with the tree, and posterity read it in full grown characters.

We ought not now to be debating whether we shall be independent or not, but anxious to accomplish it on a firm, secure, and honorable basis, and uneasy rather that it is not yet began upon. Every day convinces us of its necessity.

Wherefore, instead of gazing at each other with suspicious or doubtful curiosity, let each of us hold out to his neighbor the hearty hand of friendship and unite in drawing a line which, like an act of oblivion, shall bury in forgetfulness every former dissension. Let the names of Whig and Tory be extinct; and let none other be heard among us than those of a good citizen, an open and resolute friend, and a virtuous supporter of the rights of mankind and of the free and independent states of America.

Excerpts from Common Sense, published January 10, 1776; printed with permission from Tom Morris, Author of The Everyday Patriot.

The West’s longlasting enemies cannot be cajoled REVISIONIST POWERS, nations whose leaders seek to undermine American leadership in the world, seem to be on the march.

Russia persists with its heavy bombardments in Ukraine. Its army holds on, at least for now, not only in eastern Ukraine but also on the Black Sea coast, shutting off Ukraine from supplies and trade with the rest of the world.

China is threatening retaliation for Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan. The regime of President Xi Jinping may be mollified for the moment by the Biden White House’s hints that it wasn’t their idea, or deterred by the staging of U.S. naval forces nearby. But there’s no doubt that China has much more military capacity to attack Taiwan and inflict damage on U.S. forces than when Speaker Newt Gingrich visited Taiwan in 1997.

Iran, meanwhile, is showing little interest in Biden administration efforts to reinstate the JCPOA, the nuclear pact signed by the Obama administration in 2015 and from which the Trump administration withdrew in 2018. The mullah regime seems unblushingly intent on achieving nuclear weapons capability.

In reflecting on these threats, I am struck by how much longer the leaders of each of these revisionist polities have been in power, how secure their hold on it has been, how short the tenure has been and how weak the hold of elected leaders here in the United States and among our allies.

Consider Vladimir Putin. When he took power in the last hours of 1999, he was unknown beyond Moscow and not expected to be around a generation later. Yet he’s still there 22 years and eight months later, longer than the reign of Tsar Nicholas II (1894-1917) and not that many years less than the 29 years of Joseph Stalin (1924-1953). There’s speculation that the 69-year-old Putin’s hold on power has been endangered by the failure of his apparent plan to absorb Ukraine, but last year, he signed a law that would allow him to serve until 2036.

Speaking of changing term limits, China abolished its limit of two five-year terms in 2018. Xi is expected to be granted another 10 years in power this fall. Those term limits were established by Deng Xiaoping, a close observer and sometime victim of the violent lurches in the nearly 27-year rule of Mao Zedong (19491976).

Now Xi, at age 69, is positioned to challenge that record, though not that of the 18th-century Emperor Qianlong (1735-1796). But Xi may want to stick around for the 100th anniversary of the Communist takeover in 2049, at which point the regime hopes to become the world’s dominant power, according to Michael Pillsbury’s “The Hundred-Year Marathon.”

The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, is already a record-setter. He has held that position since the death of Ayatollah Khomeini in June 1989, 33 years ago. That’s nearly as long as the 37-year reign of the Shah Reza Pahlavi (1941-1979).

There’s an obvious contrast here with Western leaders. The two most recent American presidents won a majority of electoral votes by margins of 77,000 and 42,000 popular votes in three states. Though there’s some continuity in their administrations’ policies, they’re not on speaking terms. Oh, and they’re also currently 76 and 79 years old.

Other Western countries are in similar flux. Britain awaits a vote of some 160,000 Conservative Party members that will determine who becomes prime minister next month. France’s Emmanuel Macron lost his parliamentary majority last month. Germany’s Olaf Scholz, in office since December, leads an unwieldy coalition. Japan’s prime minister lacks the counsel of his long-lasting predecessor Shinzo Abe, assassinated July 8.

Successive Western leaders have supposed that they can change the behavior of revisionist leaders. American China policy since Henry Kissinger assumed that China could be prodded to be more open, more democratic, less aggressive. It didn’t work much before Xi, and under Xi, China has been moving in the opposite direction.

The first three presidents this century sought some kind of reset with Russia, and Donald Trump had some positive words for Putin (but the charge he colluded with Russia was always a hoax). But these approaches never worked out better than Hillary Clinton’s mislabeled reset button. As for Iran, presidents including Reagan, Obama and now Biden have reached out for better relations -- and have gotten nothing for their concessions.

Putin and Xi are both 69, and Khamenei, the only one older than Biden and Trump, is 83. None will last forever. But deaths are hard to forecast and regime change even harder.

There are underlying geopolitical forces behind Russia’s and China’s challenge to American leadership, and a religious motivation behind Iran’s.

The downside risk is that revisionist leaders, or Western mistakes, may plunge much of the world into destructive war. That has happened in Ukraine, although the violence is minuscule next to the carnage of the 20th century’s two world wars. The negative potential in Taiwan could be worse, and the reverberations of communist conquest more profound, as defense analyst Elbridge Colby argues. But those are subjects for another column.

In the meantime, let’s hope recent events have made the West’s wobbly buttressed leaders skeptical of the possibilities of enticing the revisionist leaders to see things our way.

They’ve played this game before.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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NATION & WORLD The skyline of Milwaukee, along Lake Michigan, is pictured on Feb. 8, 2019.

US approves massive arms sale to Saudi, UAE to counter Iran

AP PHOTO

Republicans pick Milwaukee to host 2024 national convention The Associated Press MADISON, Wis. — Republicans on Friday unanimously chose Milwaukee in swing state Wisconsin for the 2024 national convention, a win for the city on the shores of Lake Michigan after its hosting of the Democratic convention in 2020 was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision in favor of Milwaukee over Nashville, announced at the Republican National Committee’s summer meeting in Chicago, was anti-climactic after Nashville essentially took itself out of the running when the city council on Tuesday rejected a draft agreement for hosting the event. That came after Democratic opposition sunk that city’s chances and the RNC’s site selection committee picked Milwaukee last month.

Milwaukee’s Democratic mayor, Cavalier Johnson, joined with Reince Priebus, a former chief of staff to then-President Donald Trump, to praise the decision after it was announced in Chicago.

Johnson thanked Priebus for his work in helping land the convention and said it was an example of bipartisanship that is much needed in the country.

Johnson pitched Milwaukee, known for the Brewers baseball team, Bucks basketball team, brats and beer, as a city “full of unexpected gems.” He also made clear why he and so many other Democrats were eager to land the convention hosted by their political rivals.

“I want you to take all your money to Milwaukee, spend it that week, and leave it in Milwaukee,” Johnson said.

While Johnson urged bipartisan support, emphasizing the economic boost, some liberals bemoaned hosting Republicans in the city that’s home to the largest contingent of Democrats in the state.

Black Leaders Organizing for Communities, a liberal Milwaukee-based group, said having the convention in the city “will make us feel unsafe and unwelcome in

our own communities.”

“We are calling for our elected officials to begin to take into account what is best not only from a financial standpoint, but the view of what is best for all of Milwaukee residents and communities,” BLOC said in a statement. Other groups voicing opposition included Voces de la Frontera Action and SEIU Wisconsin State Council.

Priebus, who served as Wisconsin Republican Party chair before moving on to head the RNC then serving under Trump, said choosing Milwaukee was politically significant and will give Republicans a chance to spend more time in the state.

“It’s a battleground state, it matters,” Priebus said. “I know sometimes we debate it, but it matters.”

Wisconsin could determine who wins in 2024, while Tennessee has not backed a Democrat for president since 1996. But choosing Milwaukee is in line with recent Republican choices for the

convention. For two decades, Republicans have placed their nominating convention in swing states — North Carolina, Ohio and Florida.

Trump narrowly won Wisconsin in 2016, but lost to President Joe Biden by a nearly identical margin in 2020.

Wisconsin Republican Party Chair Paul Farrow, who was in Chicago for the RNC meeting, said having the convention in Milwaukee will “energize our base even more to realize we’re a very important hinge in the entire country.” The winner in Wisconsin has been elected president the past four elections.

Milwaukee, a Democratic stronghold, was selected to host the 2020 Democratic National Committee convention, but that moved almost entirely online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden accepted the nomination in Delaware, not Milwaukee. The city used its preparations for that convention to argue to Republicans that it had a “turnkey” operation ready to host for real in 2024.

Nashville Mayor John Cooper and others expressed concerns about security, the economic trade-off of having to mostly shut down the bustling downtown except for convention activity as well as the implications of tying up city resources for the event.

Washington, D.C. The Biden administration approved two massive arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to help them defend against Iran.

The more than $5 billion in missile defense and related sales follow President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East last month, during which he met with numerous regional leaders in Saudi Arabia. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been hit in recent months with rocket attacks from the Iran-backed Houthi rebel movement in Yemen.

Although the approvals are for defensive weapons, they may be questioned by lawmakers who had supported Biden’s decision last year to cut Saudi Arabia and the UAE off from major purchases of offensive U.S. arms because of their involvement in the war in Yemen.

The new sales include $3 billion for Patriot missiles for Saudi Arabia specifically designed to protect itself from rocket attacks by the Houthis, and $2.2 billion for high-altitude missile defense for the UAE. “These missiles are used to defend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s borders against persistent Houthi cross-border unmanned aerial system and ballistic missile attacks on civilian sites and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia,” the State Department said in its notice informing Congress of the sale.

For UAE, the department said the sale would “support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important regional partner.

The UAE is a vital U.S. partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.”

Early in his administration Biden had pledged to cut off or cut back weapons sales to both Saudi Arabia and the UAE because of their actions in Yemen.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pentagon denies DC request for National Guard migrant help The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pentagon rejected a request from the District of Columbia seeking National Guard assistance in what the mayor has called a “growing humanitarian crisis” prompted by thousands of migrants being bused to the city from two southern states.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin declined to provide Guard personnel and the use of the D.C. Armory to assist with the reception of migrants into the city, according to U.S. defense officials. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Friday that the district may send an amended, “more specific” request, adding that she believes this is the first time a D.C. request for National Guard has been denied.

One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a decision not yet made public, said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s food and shelter program has provided funding for the problem, and has indicated those funds are sufficient at this point.

Bowser, the district’s Democratic mayor, formally asked the White House last month for an open-ended deployment of 150 National Guard members per day as well as a “suitable federal location” for a mass housing and processing center, mentioning the D.C. Armory as a logical candidate.

During the spring, Texas Gov.

Greg Abbott and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, both Republicans, announced plans to send busloads of migrants to Washington, D.C., in response to President Joe Biden’s decision to lift a pandemic-era emergency health order that restricted migrant entry numbers by denying them a chance to seek asylum. The rule remains in effect under court order.

On Friday, Abbott said the first group of migrants from his state had now been bused to New York as well.

As of mid-July, about 5,200 migrants had been bused from Texas to D.C. since April. As of Aug. 3, more than 1,300 had been sent from Arizona since May. The governors call the practice a voluntary free ride - paid for by state taxpayers — that gets migrants closer to family or support networks.

But Bowser last month dismissed that characterization, saying that the asylum-seekers are being “tricked,” as many don’t get close enough to their final destinations and some are ditched at Union Station near the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Often they arrive with no resources and no clue what to do next.

On Friday, Bowser told reporters that the Pentagon appears to be concerned “about the open-ended nature of our request.” and that a more specific one would help.

“We want to continue to work with the Department of Defense so that they understand our opera-

Construction begins at Fukushima plant for water release

AP PHOTO

Migrants hold Red Cross blankets after arriving at Union Station near the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C. tional needs and to assure that political considerations are not a part of their decision,” Bowser said, adding that she believes the “crisis” will only worsen. “We need the National Guard. If we were a state, I would have already done it.”

A coalition of local charitable groups has been working to feed and shelter the migrants, aided by a $1 million grant from FEMA. But organizers have been warning that both their resources and personnel were nearing exhaustion.

“This reliance on NGOs is not working and is unsustainable — they are overwhelmed and underfunded,” Bowser said in her letter.

She has repeatedly stated that the influx is stressing her government’s ability to care for its own homeless residents and now requires a federal response.

Bowser sharply criticized Abbott and Ducey, accusing them of “cruel political gamesmanship” and saying the pair had “decided to use desperate people to score

political points.”

Explaining his decision to add New York City as a destination, Abbott said that Biden’s “refusal to acknowledge the crisis caused by his open border policies” forced Texas to “take unprecedented action to keep our communities safe.”

He said the migrants are being dropped off at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

“In addition to Washington, D.C., New York City is the ideal destination for these migrants, who can receive the abundance of city services and housing that Mayor Eric Adams has boasted about within the sanctuary city,” Abbott said.

In response, Fabien Levy, spokesman for Adams, tweeted that Abbott’s “continued use of human beings as political pawns is disgusting. NYC will continue to welcome asylum seekers w/ open arms, as we have always done, but we still need support from DC.”

Tokyo The construction of facilities needed for a planned release of treated radioactive wastewater into the sea next year from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant began despite opposition from the local fishing community.

Plant workers started construction of a pipeline to transport the wastewater from hillside storage tanks to a coastal facility before its planned release next year, according to the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings.

Local fishing communities and neighboring countries have raised concerns about potential health hazards from the radioactive wastewater and the reputation damage to local produce, and oppose the release.

The contaminated water is being stored in about 1,000 tanks that require much space in the plant complex. Officials say they must be removed so that facilities can be built for its decommissioning. The tanks are expected to reach their capacity of 1.37 million tons in autumn of 2023.

IAEA experts who visited the plant earlier this year said Japan was taking appropriate steps for the planned discharge.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NC State, Charlotte prepare for football season, B3 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AP PHOTO

Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman (10) will try and lead the Demon Deacons to another Atlantic Division title in 2022.

Wake looks to repeat in Atlantic COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Returning stars on offense and new faces on defense give the Deacs optimism

NC State, Wake ranked in preseason coaches’ poll McLean, Va. NC State was ranked 13th and Wake Forest 19th in the preseason USA Today coaches’ poll released Monday.

The Wolfpack and Demon Deacons were behind only fourth‑ranked Clemson among ACC teams. Alabama was ranked No. 1, with Ohio State second and defending national champion Georgia third. The Associated Press preseason Top 25 will be released Aug. 15. The Crimson Tide received 54 first‑place votes from a panel of 66 major college football coaches.

The Buckeyes received five first‑place votes and the Bulldogs got six. No. 18 Texas also received a first‑place vote.

Notre Dame was No. 5 and Michigan, coming off its first CFP appearance, was sixth.

Texas A&M, Utah, Oklahoma and Baylor rounded out the top 10. UNC received 34 votes (33rd most) and Appalachian State totaled 10 (40th).

MLS

Charlotte FC drops 3‑2 decision to Chicago Charlotte Kacper Przybylko scored two goals to lead the Chicago Fire to a 3‑2 victory over Charlotte FC on Saturday.

Yordy Reyna staked Charlotte to a 1‑0 lead in the first minute of the match, but Chicago (8‑10‑6) answered with back‑to‑back goals from Przybylko and Federico Navarro three minutes apart to grab a 2‑1 lead in the 24th minute. Charlotte (9‑13‑2) pulled even at halftime on Karol Swiderski’s goal in the 45th minute. The Fire took the lead for good on a goal by Przybylko in the 52nd minute — his team‑leading fifth of the season. Xherdan Shaqiri had an assist on the winning goal as Chicago improved to 4‑0‑1 in its last five matches to move past Charlotte in the standings. Chicago outshot Charlotte 14‑12 with an 8‑5 edge in shots on goal.

Gaga Slonina had three saves for the Fire. Kristijan Kahlina stopped five shots for Charlotte.

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

AP PHOTO

Melanie Mills, widow of former Panthers linebacker Sam Mills, poses with his bust during an induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, last Saturday.

Keep pounding: Sam Mills inducted into Hall of Fame The former Panthers linebacker died from cancer in 2005 at age 45

and Baltimore Stars, and then with the Saints. “I loved the guy.”

Former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert was struck by how little Mills resembled an NFL player in public. Not only was

By Brett Martel Mills a bit shorter than the averThe Associated Press age guy on the street, but he wore NEW ORLEANS — Perhaps prescription glasses and had an the late Sam Mills would have air of politeness and approachbeen a blue-chip college recruit ability.

“He was a straight-and-narrow, and high NFL Draft pick had someone invented — as the 5-foot- great guy, just down to earth,” 9 linebacker memorably suggested Hebert said. “Not only was he a — “a computer to measure heart.” leader, like X’s and O’s, but also Mills played Division III college a spiritual leader. ... Sam was as tough as they come on football and was not the field and a perfect drafted. That made gentleman off.” his rise to stardom Hebert also marwith the New Orleans “Sam was veled at Mills’ ability to Saints and Carolina so thoroughly win over Panthers — and his as tough as the fan bases of two enshrinement in the they come longtime divisional riPro Football Hall of vals.

Fame in Canton, Ohio, on the field “You know, I go to last weekend — all the and a perfect the same division, from more remarkable. gentleman off.” the Saints to the FalThe player nickcons, and I’m a mernamed Field Mouse cenary,” Hebert said. had the will to “keep Bobby Hebert, “Sam’s a hero for both” pounding,” as he’d fa- former Saints New Orleans and Carmously say. It made quarterback olina. him an inspiration Outside the Panto people facing long and teammate thers’ home stadium odds in many aspects of Sam Mills stands a statue of Mills of life, whether they wearing his No. 51 jerwere undersized footsey. Mills spent the last three of ball prospects or cancer patients.

“I get emotional talking about his 12 NFL seasons in Carolina. him and I always have, because In 1996, his second with the Panthe darn guy was special,” said thers, he was named All-Pro. He Jim Mora, who coached Mills in the USFL with the Philadelphia See MILLS, page B4

I have ever seen somebody as physically gifted as an athlete.

His make-up genetically is nuts, to be honest. He has matured a lot. Not playing for a while, it really changes the way you see the game, and I think he appreciates it more and he loves it more. I’m excited.”

FROM THE SOUND of things, Dave Clawson is learning from UNC coach Mack Defense Brown’s troubles.

Wake will have a new perThe Tar Heels opened last season with College Football son in charge of its defense afPlayoff hopes and a high nation- ter ACC rival Duke hired away al ranking only to struggle out coordinator Lyle Hemphill beof the gate as the high expec- fore the Gator Bowl. Clawson, tations seemed to weigh them known as an offensive mastermind, handled the defensive down.

Now Wake Forest, which won play-calling for the bowl game, the Atlantic Division and Gator joking that he called the plays Bowl last season, is the team he hated seeing on the other entering with the expectations, side of the ball.

Now, former Charlotte head and Clawson is making sure the Deacons don’t fall into the same coach Brad Lambert will take over a defense that was able to trap.

“Our theme for this year is produce plenty of big plays — mindset,” Clawson said. “Every the Deacs were second in the year we come to media days and ACC in interceptions and third people have low expectations of in sacks — but struggled giving us, and we never let that dictate up yardage and points.

Lambert previously coached how we went about our weekly process or our preparation. We at Wake for 10 years, including had confidence that we could three as defensive coordinator, be a good football team, maybe and he’ll have some playmakers to work with. End despite what peoRondell Bothroyd ple on the outside led the team with thought. Now that 16.5 tackles for loss, people have a dif- “Now that and linebacker Ryan ferent perception Smenda was second of us, we welcome people have on the squad with 83 that, but it can’t a different tackles. Safety Nick change the way that Anderson anchors the we operate. It can’t perception of change our mind- us, we welcome secondary. set and the way that Special Teams we go about our that, but it daily tasks and our can’t change hard can it preparation.” the way that we be How to follow in the operate.” footsteps of perfecOffense tion? That’s the task facing either Zach Like UNC last Dave Clawson, Murphy or Matthew year, the biggest Dennis. The veteran thing Wake has go- Wake Forest Murphy and redshirt ing for it is an elite coach freshman Dennis returning quarterback named Sam. While the Tar will battle it out in camp to see Heels’ Howell didn’t contend who replaces Nick Sciba, who is for the Heisman as expected, only the most accurate kicker Wake’s Sam Hartman appears in NCAA football history. Sciba set up for success. He threw set a record by never missing an for 4,300 yards and 39 touch- extra point, going 193 for 193 in downs last year, and most of the his four years at Wake. He also key components of his offense made 34 field goals in a row — another record — and was accuare also returning.

Four starters return on the rate on 90% of his field goals for offensive line, as well as two of his career, including 23 of 25 as the top three running backs. a senior.

Murphy lost out to Sciba for Game-breaking receiver A.T. Perry is back as well. He had the job in 2018, while Dennis 15 touchdowns last season. is a promising young leg. But Donavon Greene, who missed whoever gets the job will likelast year with injury, has ly not be quite as automatic as the Deacs have become accusshowed promise.

“Donavon Greene is special,” Hartman said. “I don’t know if See WAKE FOREST, page B3

B2

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

WEDNESDAY

8.10.22

TRENDING

Ty Gibbs: The rising stock car racing star won his Xfinity Series‑high fifth race this year and ninth of his two‑year career at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday.

The 19‑year‑old grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs led 54 of the 125 laps on the 2‑mile oval. Gibbs then earned his first top‑10 NASCAR Cup Series finish Sunday, finishing 10th in the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing, filling in for Kurt Busch.

Ashleigh Buhai: The South African golfer won her first major title, recovering from losing a five‑shot lead at the Women’s British Open to beat In Gee Chun on the fourth hole of a sudden‑death playoff Sunday in Muirfield Scotland.

Buhai had a triple bogey on the par‑4 15th to put her level with Chun. Hinako Shibuno, the 2019 champion, finished one shot back in third after missing a chip from just off the green that would have made it a three‑way playoff.

Brandon Naurato: The University of Michigan promoted the former Wolverines player to interim hockey coach for one season on Sunday, two days after cutting ties with coach Mel Pearson following an investigation into the program.

The investigation revealed in part that Pearson pressured student‑athletes to lie about COVID‑19 contact tracing last year. Pearson was 99‑64‑16 at Michigan over five seasons.

Naurato was on Pearson’s staff last season after he was a player development consultant with the Detroit Red Wings.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

TENNIS

Serena Williams says she is preparing to step away from tennis after winning 23 Grand Slam titles, turning her focus to having another child and her business interests. The 40-year-old Williams, who revealed her decision in an essay in Vogue magazine that was released Tuesday, hinted that her final tournament will be at the U.S. Open — where she is a six-time champion — starting the end of August.

CHRIS CARLSON | AP PHOTO

“It’s not about trying to stab one another in the back.”

Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield on his competition with Sam Darnold.

ALBERTO PEZZALI | AP PHOTO

MLB

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

MATT ROURKE | AP PHOTO

MARK J. TERRILL | AP PHOTO

“Vin, we’ll miss you.”

A banner at Dodger Stadium honoring longtime broadcaster Vin Scully, who died last Tuesday at age 94.

PRIME NUMBER

Major league hit king Pete Rose was among those honored when the Philadelphia Phillies celebrated their 1980 World Series championship team on Sunday, but the 81-year‑old’s appearance was overshadowed by questions about past accusations that he had a sexual relationship with a minor in 1973.

SUE OGROCKI | AP PHOTO

Longtime Oklahoma assistant coach Cale Gundy resigned Sunday after he used a racially charged word multiple times during a film session last week.

Gundy had been with the program as an assistant since 1999 and was on staff for all 14 of the Sooners’ Big 12 titles and the national championship season in 2000.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

59 Career Cup Series wins for Kevin Harvick, the 10th most in the history of NASCAR’s top series, after he won for the sixth time in his career at Michigan on Sunday. Harvick is now one victory behind Kyle Busch for the most among active drivers.

SEAN RAYFORD | AP PHOTO

Former UNC Asheville coach and Wake Forest player Brenda Mock Brown was hired by East Tennessee State as its new women’s basketball coach a week after the school fired Simon Harris over Title IX issues regarding alleged discrimination and unfair treatment. The Waynesville native coached at UNCA from 2012 and 2020, leading the Bulldogs to four straight postseason berths between 2015 and 2019.

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

B3

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Wolfpack looking to reach new heights Coming off its third nine-win season in five years, NC State eyes the top of the ACC

NC State’s defense proved just how good its depth was, particularly at linebacker. The Wolfpack lost two All-ACC talents in Isaiah Moore and Payton Wilson to injury during the season, but Drake Thomas

By Ryan Henkel stepped up to fill the void last seaNorth State Journal son. Now all three are healthy.

The secondary is led by firstAFTER BEING DENIED the chance to register a 10-win season, team All-ACC safety Tanner Ingle, coach Dave Doeren and the Wolf- who decided to return for one more pack are aiming to make it a reality year, and Shyheim Battle and Tyler in 2022. As evidence, look no fur- Baker-Williams also provide dether than the number of NC State’s pendable coverage.

Add in a healthy Cyrus Fagan returning super seniors who decidand the transfer of Dered to give it one more run. rek Pitts Jr. and the deThe Wolfpack did lose fensive backfield — one of some key players from the the Wolfpack’s historical offense, but with enough weaknesses — looks like integral pieces returning, one of the top units in the quarterback Devin Leary ACC. should have the weapons Touchdown The return of Cory needed to keep the touchDurden can also not be downs rolling. passes for overstated as the defenThen there is the case NC State sive lineman earned Allof the Pack’s cream-ofquarterback ACC first-team honors the-crop defense that reDevin Leary last season without even turns most of its starters setting career highs. return and has the potenlast season, tial to be among the top a new school Special Teams units in college football if record. it can stay healthy.

When it comes to speDoeren has guided cial teams, NC State is the Wolfpack to steady looking at some definite growth after a disappointing 2019 season, and many highs and lows.

For highs, NC State’s career scorbelieve this is the year NC State will ing leader, career record holder in have its big break out. field goals and one of its most consistent kickers ever, Chris Dunn, Offense will be back again this season.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding Dunn should provide Wolfpack fans the Wolfpack’s offense as it’s led by with confidence in a kicking game Leary, the ACC Preseason Player of that has caused them to lose a fair share of sleep in the past. the Year.

The Pack did lose one of the top Last season, the redshirt junior threw for 3,433 yards, and his 35 punters in college football when touchdowns eclipsed Phillip Rivers’ Trent Gill left for the NFL and was single-season touchdown record, selected in the seventh round by the earning him a spot as one of the five Bears.

Knight’s departure also leaves a finalists for the Golden Arm Award.

However, Leary will have to huge hole in the kick return game. prove he can do it all again with- Last season, Knight averaged 34.4 out a unanimous All-American yards per kickoff return and scored protecting his left side after star two touchdowns, including a 100offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu was yard return against Wake Forest.

Jordan Houston is set to slide selected sixth overall by the Caroliinto that role and has a lot to live up na Panthers.

The Pack will also feel the loss of a to as the primary returner. few key pieces of the offense, namely NC State career receptions record Expectations holder Emeka Emezie, and running Despite some tough departures, backs Zonovan “Bam” Knight and Ricky Persons Jr, who all declared the NC State Wolfpack should be expected to compete for the top spot for the NFL Draft after last season.

The Wolfpack will need some of in the ACC again this season.

There is some tough competition their younger talent to make the jump, but the return of key players along the way in Clemson, Pitt and such as Thayer Thomas and Devin Wake Forest, but the Pack has the Carter should help stabilize the of- firepower on offense and talent on defense to compete with the conferfense. ence’s best.

Could this be the makings of the Defense first 10-win season of Dave Doeren’s Long the gem of NC State foot- NC State career and first for the ball, the defense is hoping to keep program since 2002?

The expectations are high for NC the domination going.

With the majority of its starters State, but that’s the territory that returning, the Wolfpack defense is comes with success. If the Wolfpack among the best in the country so wants to relish in those expectations, they’ll need to produce results long as it can stay on the field.

Despite an injury-riddled season, on the field.

35

AP PHOTO

Charlotte quarterback Chris Reynolds leads a 49ers offense that hopes to guide the team back to a bowl game in its final season in Conference USA.

49ers gear up for final Conference USA season Charlotte will play in the American Athletic Conference starting in 2023

By Jesse Deal North State Journal CHARLOTTE — With their all-time leading passer and second all-time leading receiver returning for a final season, the Charlotte 49ers are looking to make their final Conference USA campaign one to remember.

Now in his fourth year leading the team, Charlotte coach Will Healy (14-17 with the 49ers) will look for the 49ers to be more like the 7-6 breakout bowl team of 2019 — the only winning season in school’s 10year CFP history — and less like last season’s team that dropped its final three games to finish 5-7 and miss returning to the postseason.

Charlotte has struggled to find consistency since it was rebooted back in 2013, standing 39-77 with no bowl wins over the last decade. Next year will offer a new challenge when the 49ers move to the American Athletic Conference, but first they hope to say farewell to the C-USA on a positive note.

Offense In 2018, walk-on quarterback Chris Reynolds and two-star freshman wide receiver Victor Tucker entered the fold as Charlotte reeled from a 1-11 record from the previous year. Four years later, Reynolds and Tucker rank as two of the best players the Niners have ever had, spearheading an offensive attack that will largely be intact from last season with eight starters returning.

Reynolds is set to follow up his best passing season yet — 2,690 yards, 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions — while Tucker’s 2,660 career receiving yards are the most for Charlotte since it

WAKE FOREST from page B1

tomed to.

Punter Ivan Mora missed spring practice after getting injured in the bowl game but is expected to be ready in the fall.

14-17

ranked second to last in the FBS by allowing 9.66 yards per attempt and 14.98 yards per completion.

Will Healy’s record through three Special Teams seasons coaching the 49ers. joined the FBS level in 2015.

Meanwhile, Miles College transfer Grant DuBose is back for his second year in Charlotte after leading the team in receptions (62), yards (892) and touchdowns (six) in 2021. Wideout Elijah Spencer— the 2021 C-USA Freshman of the Year — will provide Reynolds with a valuable third option in the passing game.

Calvin Camp and former Iowa transfer Shadrick Byrd will once again lead the rushing attack after combining for seven touchdowns and nearly 1,300 yards last year, although they will need some help from an undersized offensive line.

Defense New defensive coordinator Greg Brown and defensive line coach Brian Baker will attempt to turn around a defense that was among the worst in C-USA last season when it allowed 465 yards and 34 points per game a season ago.

Markees Watts, who led the team last season with five sacks, is back as part of a defense that added veteran linebackers Amir Siddiq (Central Michigan) and Wayne Jones (Kansas State) as transfers. With just 2.5 more sacks, Watts will set the program record for the most sacks in school history (20).

Sophomore defensive tackle Jalar Holley will be a key factor as the Niners try to bolster their run defense. The former Miami Hurricanes defender had 14 tackles and a sack last season for Charlotte.

Starting safety Solomon Rogers and cornerback Trey Creamer lead a secondary that is largely intact but also in need of improvement. In 2021, the group

Four-year starting kicker Jonathan Cruz moved on to Ole Miss, leaving a hole that will either be filled by freshman Braeden McAlister, redshirt freshman Aidan Laros or Tennessee State transfer Antonio Zita.

Sophomore punter Bailey Rice returns for the Niners. The Australian with years of rugby experience averaged 42.3 yards per punt during the 2021 season and still has three seasons of eligibility left. Geo Howard and Byrd are penciled in as punt returner and kick returner, respectively.

Expectations

The 49ers’ offense is primed with playmakers at quarterback, wideout and running back, and could be one of the best in the conference. But the defense will need its returning upperclassmen to bounce back in 2022.

Charlotte’s 2021 season-opening win over Duke was the school’s first win over a Power Five opponent, and the Niners will have two chances to add to their total with a home game against Maryland on Sept. 10 and a road trip to South Carolina on Sept. 24.

While those two games might stand out on the schedule, Charlotte’s C-USA slate is where the 49ers will need to succeed to return to a bowl game. The season starts with a winnable road game at Florida Atlantic on Aug. 27, and the second conference matchup is Oct. 1 when UTEP comes to Jerry Richardson Stadium.

The 49ers also host Florida International (Oct. 22), Western Kentucky (Nov. 5) and close the regular season at home against Louisiana Tech (Nov. 19). Charlotte plays on the road at conference contender UAB (Oct. 15), Rice (Oct. 29) and Middle Tennessee State (Nov. 12).

Greene and Taylor Morin give Wake two explosive returners.

Expectations Wake Forest showed last year that the Atlantic Division is more

than just the Clemson invitational. A divisional title and win in the conference championship game should certainly be at the top of Clawson’s vision board for 2022.

It won’t be easy, however. Clemson is expected to be strong again,

AP PHOTO

Drake Thomas (32) is part of an NC State linebacking corps that also includes Payton Wilson and Isaiah Thomas.

and NC State appears to be loaded with talent.

All seven Atlantic Division teams return their starting quarterbacks from last season, although Wake boasts one of the best in Hartman. If Lambert can

keep the big plays coming on the Deacs’ defense while getting the unit to perform more consistently from down to down, Wake could finish out the final year of ACC divisions with a repeat title in the Atlantic.

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

B4

First preseason game spotlights Panthers’ position battles

and three touchdowns in his fourth NFL season.

Foreman has impressed in camp, but McCaffrey and Rhule have both had praise for Hubbard.

“Chuba has had an excellent camp,” the coach said. “He’s gotten better and better. His pass protection has improved as well.”

“He’s made some massive jumps,” McCaffrey added. “He works his (butt) off every day.

He’s become very reliable.”

The quarterback competition is heating up, along with other positions

Receiver depth

By Shawn Krest North State Journal FANS WILL GET their first look at the 2022 Carolina Panthers on Saturday night when the team opens the preseason with a game at Washington.

With just over two weeks of camp under their collective belt, the Panthers are still very much a work in progress, although some players to watch and leaders in various battles for positions and roster spots have begun to emerge.

Here are some areas to focus on when the Panthers hit the field on Saturday.

Quarterback clarity The top story heading into training camp was Carolina’s quarterback battle. Last year’s opening day starter, Sam Darnold, was looking to hold onto his job against former Browns top pick Baker Mayfield, acquired in an offseason trade.

After a virtual dead heat in week one, it appears that there is now a clear frontrunner. Mayfield, who was struggling to take in the new system at the start of camp, looks much more comfortable and familiar as the practices wear on.

Most camp observers have come away impressed with Mayfield, and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on what has been obvious to most, saying, “Baker Mayfield does have the inside track to the starting quarterback job. Now it is a competition, they’re essentially split-

AP PHOTO

Panthers coach Matt Rhule talks with running back D’Onta Foreman during the team’s training camp at Wofford College last Wednesday in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

“It certainly does seem like it is Baker Mayfield’s job to win.”

Ian Rapoport, NFL insider ting reps and that is going to be the case probably through the preseason games. But this is very clear, based on kind of the understanding he has of the offense and based on the kind of plays he can make and the kind of command he is already getting inside this locker room, it certainly does seem like it is Baker Mayfield’s

job to win.”

Coach Matt Rhule has refused to name a favorite, but he did say, “What (Mayfield) has done in 10 days is impressive.”

How impressive? Reports emerged at the start of this week that the Panthers were quietly shopping Darnold, looking to trade him to a team that has a sudden need at quarterback, although they were having trouble finding any takers due to his contract.

Reports quickly emerged afterward, saying that the team had no intention of trading Darnold.

Regardless of whether he’s being shopped or not, Darnold will need to play catch up in the opener against the Commanders if he

has any hope of holding off Mayfield for the QB1 job.

Backup running back It’s doubtful we’ll see running back Christian McCaffrey at all this preseason as the Panthers look to keep their biggest offensive weapon injury-free. That means the players angling to back up McCaffrey will be getting the bulk of the carries, looking to win the job. Chuba Hubbard, a rookie last season, is trying to build off of his 612 yards and five scores.

Hubbard is being pushed by veteran D’Onta Foreman, signed from the Tennessee Titans. He had a similar season to Hubbard last year, rushing for 566 yards

The Panthers were comfortable with rising star DJ Moore at one receiver spot. He and veteran Robby Anderson would give whoever wins the quarterback job a solid starting corps to throw to, but there were questions about who would step up to provide depth at receiver. Shi Smith had limited playing time in his rookie season and was arrested in March on handgun charges.

Terrence Marshall, another rookie last year, had just 138 receiving yards. He entered camp with the inside track on the third receiver spot and has been impressive.

The position also got a little deeper with the emergence of Rashard Higgins. Like Anderson, a former Jet who found his old chemistry when reunited with Darnold last year, Higgins is catching balls from a familiar face. He played with Mayfield in Cleveland and has 1,890 yards and 12 touchdowns in six seasons. He’s had some big plays, including one long touchdown from Mayfield that ignited a team celebration, earning the offense a scolding from Rhule and extra running.

Defensive battles The secondary is unsettled with Jaycee Horn missing most of his rookie year and CJ Henderson looking to spend a season in the same system after a mid-year trade in 2021. The Panthers also need to figure out the rotation of edge rushers who will play opposite Brian Burns.

Kim’s final-round 61 gives him win at Wyndham The 20-year-old recovered from a Thursday stumble to earn his first PGA Tour victory The Associated Press GREENSBORO — The last five weeks feels like three months to 20-year-old Joohyung “Tom” Kim, and for good reason. The South Korean kid who named himself after a cartoon train is on the fast track.

He got a rare PGA Tour start in the Scottish Open because of his standing on a Korean tour points list, hopeful of doing well enough to get a shot at the Korn Ferry Tour finals.

Now he’s a PGA Tour winner who is No. 21 in the world and headed to the FedEx Cup playoffs, and he can probably count on a spot with the International team at the Presidents Cup. All aboard with Tom the Train!

“It’s been a crazy month,” Kim said.

He announced his arrival on the PGA Tour at the Wyndham Championship, where he began the tournament with a quadruple-bogey 8 and finished it with a 9-under 61 for a five-shot victory at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro.

“I’m really, really happy for Tom,” said Sungjae Im, who com-

MILLS from page B1

also went into coaching with Carolina and was an assistant when he was diagnosed with intestinal cancer before the 2003 season.

Mills kept coaching during his treatment and made what is known as his “keep pounding” speech on the eve of the club’s Super Bowl matchup with New England at the end of that season.

“When I found out I had cancer, there were two things I could do: quit or keep pounding,” Mills said then. “I’m a fighter. I kept pounding. You’re fighters, too. Keep pounding!”

The quarterback of that Panthers team was Louisiana native

pleted the rain-delayed third round Sunday morning with a one-shot lead and couldn’t keep up with Kim because no one could — Kim shot 27 on the front nine that left everyone in his wake.

“He’s a great kid and to come out here and to win on tour as a nonmember and secure your card is really not an easy task and he achieved that,” Im said.

Kim, who tuned 20 in June, is the second-youngest winner on the PGA Tour since World War II. Jordan Spieth was two weeks away from turning 20 when he won 2013 John Deere Classic.

The victory gave Kim instant membership on the PGA Tour, making him eligible for the FedEx Cup playoffs that start next week.

He is No. 34, assured of playing two postseason events and with a reasonable shot at getting to the finale at East Lake.

Im had a 68 and tied for second along with John Huh (67).

Kim spent his developmental years in the Philippines and in Australia. He already had won three times on the Asian Development Tour and once in Korea before making his American debut at age 18 in the 2020 PGA Championship at Harding Park.

As for the name? He was a big fan as a young boy of Thomas the Tank Engine in the TV series “Thomas & Friends.”

“You’re supposed to let your parents name yourself and I was like, ‘Nope, I’m to name myself

Thomas.’ I loved the show as a kid.

I haven’t watched it or anything, but apparently I really loved the train.”

The other option — he was a big “Toy Story” fan — would have been Buzz Lightyear. That would have worked. The kid is creating quite the buzz, and he’s light years ahead of others his age.

Only Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia were younger when they reached as high as No. 21 in the world ranking.

Kim finished third in the Scottish Open, the first time it was co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour, and his goal was to get enough Fe-

dEx Cup points to finish equal to the top 200 so he could earn his card through a series of Korn Ferry Tour events late in the summer.

He earned special temporary PGA Tour membership when he made the cut at the British Open.

He secured a PGA Tour card last week with a seventh-place finish in the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

The stress gone, not even an opening quadruple bogey rattled him.

“It’s been a five-week stretch for me, but it feels like three months,” Kim said. “Yeah, it’s been a hectic month and a lot of things have changed, for sure.”

He finished at 20-under 260.

Jake Delhomme, who grew up watching Mills call the Saints’ pre-snap defensive signals, fearlessly shed blocks from offensive linemen who dwarfed him and then plant ball carriers on their backs.

“I always kind of revered Sam Mills,” Delhomme said. “I was that young kid that was like: ‘Man, that’s the undersized guy.

That’s the guy that made it. That’s the Field Mouse.’”

During the speech, “You felt that emotion,” Delhomme recalled. “It was like, ‘Oh my God, let’s put on the uniform now. Let’s play right now!’”

But Delhomme’s most poignant memory of Mills came earlier that

season, a few days after a loss to Dallas. Delhomme recalled feeling sore, sluggish and uncharacteristically sorry for himself as he walked to practice. Then Mills jogged past, slapped Delhomme on the back side and said, “Let’s go get better.”

Delhomme refers to that moment as an awakening in which he told himself: “You need to grow up and try to be just a tenth of this guy.”

“Everybody knew he was dying,” Delhomme continued. “He was doing chemo. And he’s running out to practice ... and he’s going to coach his ass off.”

Mills was just 45 when he died in April 2005. “Keep pounding”

remains the Panthers’ tag line.

“He lived ‘keep pounding,’ and it resonates with people because it’s real and because it’s not just a sports thing,” said Mills’ eldest son, Washington Commanders defensive assistant coach Sam Mills III. In 181 NFL games, Mills made 1,265 tackles, had 23 fumble recoveries, forced 22 fumbles, had 20 1/2 sacks and intercepted 11 passes. He also was part of the first four playoff teams in New Orleans Saints history and the first in Panthers history.

“It was hard to find negatives about the guy on or off the field,” Mora said. “He probably would have had a great future as a coach.

AP PHOTO

Joohyoung “Tom” Kim reacts after winning the Wyndham Championship on Sunday at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro.

2013 The last time a 20-year-old won on the PGA Tour (Jordan Speith) until Joohyung “Tom” Kim won this week at Sedgefield Country Club.

He knew the game, he studied the game and always prepared mentally. Players would have loved playing for him.”

Mora has coached other Hall of Fame players — household names including quarterback Peyton Manning and receiver Marvin Harrison. Seeing Mills enter the Hall will be gratifying for Mora in a different way.

Many football fans “don’t know Sam Mills unless they are astute, older football guys,” Mora said.

“He’s one of the best guys I ever coached, but I always have to explain a little bit about who Sam Mills was.”

Maybe less so after Mills’ enshrinement.

The 3 big questions nob

A7

normal

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home hina lied about the origin of the ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after thisthanks COVID-19 virus cavalierofmanner in which C orders to local ordissipates state governments,The a majority Americans THIS WEEK, virus, according to members ofTHE theand fede ed to tell the world there were only “THIS IS DA around the globe and in the United States, China will pay for this covered up its spread tr are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.” and state and local governments, Americans have ldwide panic, economic collapse and in it” (Psalm 118:24). catastrophe one way or another.

3,341 related deaths has led to wo Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. ce or stay-at-home fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus thetoneed the curve in the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The e eing thrown out of work.

I know that during Inand order put the crisis causedVirginia’s

by Chinastay-at-home in perspective, zero millions of Americans needlessly orders go into June. ty of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask muted — after all, trends can easily reverse — but ayer at least $2.4 trillion in added working from home worldwide pandemics can trace their source to theCarolina, United States over Gov.The has cost the U.S. taxp Here in North Democratic Roycrisis Cooper stated during normal.” questions about the data, and when things can start getting back to have abided by recommendations and orders.

The Reserve backup liquidity to the be glad” the Bible our 231-year history. At least fourainrecent the 20th century alone be that “we debt plus trillions more Federa coronavirus press can briefing just don’t know yet”asifin the of this month. are treated in some circles with contempt. to flu,” stay 1977 at home; they’ve practiced socialthe distancing hed U.S. dollar were notnormal the reserve and dad, Easter directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong markets and financial outlets.

If th will extend into May. Since when did state’s stay-at-home orders They’re treated as though we as a society simply must accept flu” without they’ve donned masks. und any of these emergency have to be thankful “Russian and the 2002 SARS outbreak.

There is evidence that the currency, we would not be able toa Perhaps If he it, questions should be asked as to the Wedoes needdecide to extend WALTER E. WILLIAMS questioning per stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massive safe to begin the The result: a reduction inwithout expected hospitalizati Lenten and of rampant inflation and currency pandemic.

1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures immediate fear justification for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we COVID-19 know yet” if the process of returning back to normalcy.

According to theseasons University of Washington Institu For me, my faith is government There is 100% agreement, outside oftransparency China, thatofCOVID-19 depreciation. must do this out an abundance Easter of caution.” is China’s No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those Metrics and Evaluation model most oft cited by m ant ways and decisions through making.

As I celebra and honesty originated in at Wuhan Province probably from the completely China has to pay for their aberr provide a all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who sked as to the And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over and the unsanitary wet markets. administration, theand expected need for hosp plomacy has obviouslyquestions. not worked Corinthians 1:4, whi Chernobyl. unregulated believe it Trump came of at a home economic financial means.

D fromSome our to are being told remain joblessout and message offor an undetermined become a ue ones like “we country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, peak outbreak was revised down by over 120,000, orld of 21st century health, hygiene affliction, so that we biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the civilized scientific amount of timeexperts why models predicting hundreds of cases w hope that we13,000 willof thousands bad thing? thethe more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about ventilators by nearly and the number of ov unist regimes never take blame affliction, withcomm the co Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade.

Totalitarian are reliable.

— we need to once again enjoy of this state who when they can get back to providing for their families, will demand August by nearly 12,000. rse, because that is not what God.” That is what their food safety and health protocols, American business has no other or express sincere regret and rem To know date, what I’ve gone what the state has asked and then they along with ndetermined answers.

Here’s the problem: We still don’t know the answ sporting events, take advantage of every weakness If you are celebrat choice than tofree build redundant manufacturing totalitarian do. They citizens mandated thatplants we do,elsewhere but alongpurely the way I’ve also had governments questions about housands of cases Leaders at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they know, what they questions that will allow the economy to reopen. pushing until they win or the reflect on this concerts, family for national security safety reasons as well supply andleaders delivery they find in adversaries andmessa keep the data.

StateasRepublican have, too. living inand a free can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but concerns. answer First, what is the true coronavirus fatality and rate?c God’s example don’t and when reliability adversaries push back. gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with society edhappens and then with details that give their statements believability. important because That it determines whether certain nt such asThe the Chernobyl this difficult Th The most direct waywere to make China “pay”hope for this is to offer is, unless an exogenous they to disaster corruption. financial squeeze resulting sometimes a disturbing tendency among people to treat thosetime. ev church some services questions about We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — S elieve that event, not the Staropportunities Wars confident we will em supposed from COVID-19 offers for a U.S. tax credits to companies whosimply willknow source at least half of their meltdown in 1986.

Some experts what theythe data and asking questioning when we can start getting back and many more Sponsored by ourselves, and our communities safe.

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

Let’sUnion first examine what production back in the States.

There is though approximately programor of are Reagan, directly to do, lastUnited I to normal they are$120 conspiracy theorists people who don’t.as afterdown our own asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock further. neighbors helping ne mightisbe the root academic corruption, billion worth checked. of American direct investment in plants and equipment in 1989. otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick. title of a recent study, to treatsuggested those by the measures are understandable, they should also have an date. direct investment in the U.S. is about $65We’ve seen rates — Concord, the number of Cd temporary hernobyl.

In a high inexpiration China. Chinese billion by case fatality Perhaps COVID-19 China’s Since when did questioning government at all levels become aisbad “Academic Grievance Studies and the North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020 start getting back This is all new to Americans, and it is not normal.

Not in any way, the number of identified COVID-19 cases — but bp ady talking about the possibility to buy aare 3-D sacrifices are society comparison.

Senators inmoney Washington alr thing? That is what free citizens living in a free were supposed Corruption of Scholarship.”

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After “Jubi y were supposed Not one little bit. of death, particularly among elderly patients, untableJohn in tangible financial Milton in defense ways of freefor speech. tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion lost revenue hold Chinacan acc energy workforce 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 — Governor 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. Roy Cooper joined U.S. 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 Commerce Secretary fields within 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 Ginafields M. Raimondo to 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 announce last week that st everyone has finding truth but upon attending to replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. the U.S. Department social grievances. Grievance scholars of Commerce’s bully students, administrators and other Economic Development departments into adhering to their worldview.

The worldview Administration (EDA) they promote is Jason neither scientific nor rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS is awarding a $23.7 studies of disciplines such as millionconsist American sociology, anthropology, gender studies, Rescue Plansexuality Good Jobs COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer studies, and critical race Challenge grant to North studies.

In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, Carolina Agricultural Lindsay and Boghossian and Technical State started submitting academic papers to Universitybogus to create academic journals in cultural, queer, STEPs4GROWTH, a cleanstudies race, gender, fat and sexuality energy workforce training to determine if they would pass peer AP PHOTO “THIS IS THEfallen DAYinto the lord has made, let usthe re seriousness of and the be virus and the program. review accepted for need publication.

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This paper’s subjectCLEVELAND and continue through plastic cutlery, cups,home. wrapplant in atWinchester, Kentucky, The struc— In a world in- waterways. health careasworkers out ofclear his own Since when didchemical questioning government all levels become a bad normal.” over. was dog-on-dog rape. Butwill the dog rapecreasingly troubled by the per- ture of fossil fuel plastic means it The Georgia-based firm makes a pers and containers that, along college.

The program That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed Not one little bit. paper eventually forced Boghossian, sistent harm that plastic — man- thing? can never fully disintegrate and bioplastic called PHA using mi- with restaurant food waste, can be allow participants to earn to do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurelyufactured out in petrochemical plants instead breaks down into smaller croorganisms that ferment with converted into a dark organic maunder the pseudonym Sister Toldjah certificates build skills Mysmaller first concern as we go along in all this, of course, my family.

Stacey has also themselves.

A and Wall Street Journal writer terial to enrichMatthews soil in gardens and written canola oil. The result isisplastic pel- I’m particles.

— has had on the environment, and dState and Insurrection. all Legal the way to what a bachelor’s had figured out they were doing. companies are investing billions worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After and is a regular contributor to Re For now, bioplastic represents lets that manufacturers can use on farms. That’s important beSome papers degree.

It will accepted set up for publication to mold products the same way cause food waste clogs recycling from theplastic H1N1 virus (swine flu) during thein2009 pandemic, just 1% of global producof dollars to ramp up produc- suffering in academic journals advocated training machinery and contaminates repetrochemical tion.been If plastic made withextra fossil precautions, fu- they use tion of plastics made from natu- I’ve sectoral partnerships trying to take because all of thisplastic, brings up men like dogs and punishing white male cyclable petroleum plastics.

Danimer CEOI’Stephen Croskrey els istoo themany enormous Mall ofof Ameriral, renewable materials that can way in four areas: Energy memories a painful experience d prefer not to repeat. college students for historical slavery by said in an interview. in Minnesota, bioplastics would be safely composted or can biode- caBut what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has Some Starbucks stores use disEfficiency, asking them Renewable to sit in silence on the floor in under the right conditions.

The expansion has made posable cups lined with Naturebe a 7-Eleven. grade Energy, Clean Vehicles chains during class and to be expected toBioplastics have long been Companies and investors see Danimer one of the largest PHA Works’ PLA, Ford said. learn from and the discomfort. and Grid Storage, Other papers NatureWorks has become used in medical applications. The opportunities. Data from i3 Con- producers in the world. celebrated morbid obesity as a healthystitches life Straws and plastic drink stir- something of a game changyou got after cutting your nect show investment in bioplaswhile establishing regional choice andcenters advocated training at treating Halifax privatelyhand slicing onions were likely tic manufacturing reached $500 rers made from Danimer’s PHA er in the United Kingdom, where conducted masturbation as a form of made of a bioplastic thread that million in the first three months of are being used in Starbucks and PG Tips, a big name in tea, has Community sexual violenceCollege, against women. Typically, harmlessly dissolved into your 2022, exceeding the previous high Dunkin’ Donuts and large venues switched from polyester tea bags Martin academicCommunity journal editors send submitted of $350 million in the last quarter like Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, to bags made with cellulose and body. papers outGuilford to referees for review. In College, Technical a thin layer of NatureWorks’ PLA But the nascent bioplastics in- of 2021. The money is coming in California, Croskrey said. recommending acceptance for publication, Community College “We have active development that are fully compostable, Ford dustry envisions a far bigger role from both corporations and venmany reviewers gave these projects for just about anything said. for materials made from corn, ture capitalists. and UNC Charlotte andpapers glowing praise.

Researchers at McGill Univeryou can imagine,” he said.

Zion Market Research estisugar, vegetable oils and other reOlympic School PoliticalHigh scientist Zachin Goldberg rannewable materials in the hope of mates the bioplastics market will Testing has shown products sity in Montreal released a study Charlotte. certain grievance studies concepts through grabbing a larger share of a nearly surge from $10.5 billion in 2021 to made from Danimer’s PHA can in 2019 that said petroleum-based grant database, will enable us how often the“This Lexis/Nexis to see biodegrade in six months in ma- polyester tea bags leach billions $600 billion global plastic market. some $29 billion in 2028. they appeared our press over the years.Since large-scale production to offer moreinwork-based Danimer Scientific is one com- rine environments and two years of microplastic particles when He found huge increases into the usagesbegan in the 1950s, fossil fuel plas- pany making a big bet on bioplas- in soil, Croskrey said. learning opportunities of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,”tics have made food safer to con- tic with a recent expansion of its The other primary bioplas- See BIOPLASTICS page B6 K-12 students across the “critical race theory” and “whiteness.” state andisto scale LiNC-IT, All of this being taught to college North Carolina’s internship students, many of whom become primary and secondary schoolcareer teachers who then program for early indoctrinate our young people. autistic professionals, I doubt whether the coronaviruspanies are faltering financially. and to provide more caused financial crunch will give college Buzzfeed, which went public in students of all abilities and university administrators, who are a late 2021, has offered buyouts to with opportunities to crossbreed between a parrot and jellyfish, high-profile news staffers on its the guts and backbone to restore academic participate in this growing investigations, inequality, poliThe Associated Press respectability. too often, they get much tics and science teams, as it focussector,” saidFar Caroline of their political support from campus NEW YORK — It’s an old and es more on big breaking news and Sullivan, Executive Director grievance people who are members of new the media marriage: Axios Melight-hearted content in an effort of the and North Carolina faculty diversity and multiculturaldia, the digital news site known to become profitable. Vox Media, Business Committee administrative offices. for meanwhile, recently laid off 39 for its to-the-point blurbs on polThe best hope lies with boards of itics, tech and business, is being Education. people, according to multiple metrustees, thoughAmerican many serve as yes-men The EDA’s dia reports. acquired by Cox Enterprises, the for the university president. a Privately held Cox first became media conglomerate that owns Rescue Plan Good Jobs I think that good start would be to find 1950s or 1960s an investor in Axios last year. Axthe Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Challenge program is catalogs. Look at the course offerings at ios co-founders and former Politithe Kelley Blue Book and major aallocating time when $500 collegemillion graduates knew how co reporters Jim VandeHei, Mike broadband internet services. toread, 32 workforce training and make Cox said Monday that it plans to write and compute, Allen and Roy Schwartz will conthem today’s curricula. partnerships acrossAnother helpful tinue to hold substantial stakes in to push the online news provider tool be toThese give careful consideration the company and will lead editointo new markets while broadenthewould country. to eliminating all classes/majors/minors rial and day-to-day business deciing its coverage “into more cities, partnerships will expand containing the word “studies,” such as covering more national topics and sions. opportunities by building women, Asian, black or queer studies.more premium niches for profesThe Axios communications and systems I’d betstrengthening that by restoring the traditionalsionals.” software business, Axios HQ, will AP PHOTO academic mission to that colleges, they wouldAxios, citing sources, reported and partnerships become an independent company put a serious dent into the COVID-19 majority-owned by the founders that the deal is worth $525 mil- One of the buildings of the Cox Communications campus is bring together employers budget shortfall. and will include Cox as sole milion. In a story about the deal, Ax- surrounded by foliage in Atlanta in this undated file photo. and key entities to train nority investor. VandeHei will be ios used its trademark “Why it workers with in-demand Walter E. Williams is a professor of matters:” section to explain the chairman and Roy Schwartz will skills thatatlead to goodeconomics George Mason University. companies’ motives behind the the story says, adding that Axios said news media analyst Ken Doc- be its CEO. paying jobs.

Axios, based in Virginia, was began a “significant expansion” tor. The deal is a sign that media acquisition.

business & economy

Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

FACTS

A6

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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

Billions pour into bioplastics as markets begin ramping up

Axios Media purchased by Cox Enterprises

“The deal is structured to ensure investments will continue to flow into local news at a time when most commercial investors have abandoned local markets,”

into local news in 2020.

For Cox, the deal may be speculative, but “they see it as a way forward, as there is still great loss and great change in local media,”

company sees Axios’s “low-cost model that is digital only” as one that might work in other, local markets.

Many digital-first media com-

launched in 2017 and is known for brief, bullet-pointed stories. The company also publishes daily and weekly newsletters that are targeted to specific industries.

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

B6

What’s in Democrats’ big bill?

Climate, health care, savings

How to pay for all of this?

The Associated Press For the week ending 8/6

Total Cash & Bond Proceeds

$2,938,700,277 Add Receipts

$120,084,022 Less Disbursements

$0 Reserved Cash

$125,000,000 Unreserved Cash Balance Total

$6,569,914,868 Disaster reimbursements:

$165,300,000 BIOPLASTICS from page B5 steeped in hot water. Around 60 billion cups of tea are consumed annually in the UK. One of the criticisms of bioplastic made with corn and sugar is that it uses arable land on a hungry planet. Ford called that concern unfounded. NatureWorks uses sugar extracted from corn while the rest of the kernels are used to produce sweeteners, ethanol, cooking oils and livestock feed.

PLA, unlike PHA, does not easily biodegrade in nature. It needs to be mixed with food waste in industrial composters to biodegrade. When buried in landfills, PLA will eventually disintegrate, but that would likely take decades.

NatureWorks has formed a partnership with PHA manufacturer CJ Bio to produce a bioplastic that can more easily biodegrade. The company, headquartered in South Korea, is expanding its plant in Indonesia and is planning to build a large plant in the Americas, said Raj Kirsch, vice president of research and development at CJ Bio. Blending the two types of bioplastic “brings a lot of value propositions to the final end product,” Kirsch said in an interview.

Ramani Narayan, a professor of chemical engineering at Michigan State University, has worked with Cargill in the past to help with PLA production.

Narayan said companies are using biodegradability claims to make their products more attractive to consumers. But the term is “misused, abused and overused because everything in the world is biodegradable given the right time and environment.”

California, Narayan noted, has banned the use of the term “biodegradable” in marketing. The world needs to replace petroleum plastic with plastic materials that have been verified and certified as completely biodegradable, he said.

Narayan acknowledged that bioplastics are easier to biodegrade than petrochemical plastic which can take centuries to disintegrate, shedding worrisome microplastic along the way. Yet the fact that PHA takes longer to break down in cold oceans and lakes than in temperate climes shouldn’t be sugarcoated.

“It will take time, and you need to say that,” Narayan said.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate approved Sunday an estimated $740 billion package — now heading to the House — full of Democratic party priorities. Those include capping prescription drug costs at $2,000 out of pocket for seniors, helping Americans pay for private health insurance and what Democrats are calling the most substantial investment in history to fight climate change, some $375 billion over the decade.

Almost half the money raised, $300 billion, will go toward paying down federal deficits.

It’s all paid for largely with new corporate taxes, including a 15% minimum tax on big corporations to ensure they don’t skip out on paying any taxes at all, as well as projected federal savings from lower Medicare drug costs.

Called the “Inf lation Reduction Act of 2022,” it’s not at all clear the 755-page bill will substantially ease inf lationary pressures, though millions of Americans are expected to see some relief in health care and other costs.

Votes fell strictly along party lines in the 50-50 Senate, with all Democrats in favor, all Republicans opposed, and Vice President Kamala Harris providing a tie-breaking vote for 51-50 passage. The House is expected to vote by Friday.

A look at what’s in and out of the final package: Lower prescription drug costs Launching a long-sought goal, the bill would allow the Medicare program to negotiate prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, saving the federal government some $288 billion over the 10year budget window.

Those new revenues would be put back into lower costs for seniors on medications, including

AP PHOTO

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is pictured on Friday, August 5, 2022. a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for older adults buying prescriptions from pharmacies.

Seniors would also have insulin prices capped at $35 a dose.

A provision to extend that price cap on insulin to Americans with private health insurances was out of line with Senate budget rules and Republicans stripped it from the final bill.

Help pay for health insurance The bill would extend the subsidies provided during the COVID-19 pandemic to help some Americans who buy health insurance on their own.

Under earlier pandemic relief, the extra help was set to expire this year. But the bill would allow the assistance to keep going for three more years, lowering insurance premiums for people who are purchasing their own health care policies.

‘Single biggest investment in climate change in U.S. history’ The bill would invest nearly $375 billion over the decade in

climate change-fighting strategies including investments in renewable energy production and tax rebates for consumers to buy new or used electric vehicles.

It’s broken down to include $60 billion for a clean energy manufacturing tax credit and $30 billion for a production tax credit for wind and solar, seen as ways to boost and support the industries that can help curb the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. The bill also gives tax credits for nuclear power and carbon capture technology that oil companies such as Exxon Mobil have invested millions of dollars to advance.

The bill would impose a new fee on excess methane emissions from oil and gas drilling while giving fossil fuel companies access to more leases on federal lands and waters.

For consumers, there are tax breaks as incentives to go green. One is a 10-year consumer tax credit for renewable energy investments in wind and solar. There are tax breaks for buying electric vehicles, including a $4,000 tax credit for purchase of used electric vehicles and $7,500 for new ones.

The biggest revenue-raiser in the bill is a new 15% minimum tax on corporations that earn more than $1 billion in annual profits.

It’s a way to clamp down on some 200 U.S. companies that avoid paying the standard 21% corporate tax rate, including some that end up paying no taxes at all.

The new corporate minimum tax would kick in after the 2022 tax year and raise more than $258 billion over the decade.

The revenue would have been higher, but Sinema insisted on one change to the 15% corporate minimum, allowing a depreciation deduction used by manufacturing industries. That shaves about $55 billion off the total revenue.

To win over Sinema, Democrats dropped plans to close a tax loophole long enjoyed by wealthier Americans — socalled carried interest, which under current law taxes wealthy hedge fund managers and others at a 20% rate.

Money is also raised by boosting the IRS to go after tax cheats. The bill proposes an $80 billion investment in taxpayer services, enforcement and modernization, which is projected to raise $203 billion in new revenue — a net gain of $124 billion over the decade.

The bill sticks with Biden’s original pledge not to raise taxes on families or businesses making less than $400,000 a year.

Extra money to pay down deficits With some $740 billion in new revenue and around $440 billion in new investments, the bill promises to put the difference of about $300 billion toward deficit reduction.

Federal deficits spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic when federal spending soared and tax revenues fell as the nation’s economy churned through shutdowns, closed offices and other massive changes.

The nation has seen deficits rise and fall in recent years. But overall federal budgeting is on an unsustainable path, according to the Congressional Budget Office, which put out a new report this week on long-term projections.

Amazon to buy vacuum maker iRobot for roughly $1.7B The Associated Press NEW YORK — Amazon on Friday announced it has agreed to acquire the vacuum cleaner maker iRobot for approximately $1.7 billion, scooping up another company to add to its collection of smart home appliances amid broader concerns from anti-monopoly and privacy advocates about Amazon’s market power and ability to gain deeper insights into consumers’ lives. iRobot sells its products worldwide and is most famous for the circular-shaped Roomba vacuum, which would join voice assistant Alexa, the Astro robot and Ring security cameras and others in the list of smart home features offered by the Seattle-based e-commerce and tech giant.

The move is part of Amazon’s bid to own part of the home space through services and accelerate its growth beyond retail, said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail. A slew of home-cleaning

robots adds to the company’s tech arsenal, making it more involved in consumers’ lives beyond static things like voice control. The latest line of Roombas use sensors to map -- and remember -- a home’s floor plan, offering a trove of data that Amazon could potentially integrate with its other products.

Amazon’s Astro robot, which helps with tasks like setting an alarm, was unveiled last year at an introductory price of $1,000.

But its rollout has been limited and has received a lackluster response.

Amazon hasn’t had much success with household robots, but the iRobot acquisition and the company’s strong market reputation provide a “massive foothold in the consumer robot market” that could help Amazon replicate the success of its Echo line of smart speakers, said Lian Jye Su, a robotics industry analyst for ABI Research.

Su said it also illustrates the shortcomings of consum-

“The last thing America and the world needs is Amazon vacuuming up even more of our personal information.”

Robert Weissman, consumer rights advocate er robotics vendors like iRobot, which struggled to expand beyond a niche product and was in a “race-to-the-bottom” competition with Korean and Chinese manufacturers offering cheaper versions of a robotic vacuum.

On Friday, iRobot reported its quarterly results. Revenue plunged 30% primarily on order reductions and delays, and the company announced it was laying off 10% of its workforce.

Amazon said it will acquire iRobot for $61 per share in an all-cash transaction that will include iRobot’s net debt. The company has total current debt

of approximately $332.1 million as of July 2. The deal is subject to approval by shareholders and regulators. Upon completion, iRobot’s CEO, Colin Angle, will remain in his position.

Noting that iRobot has been running its robotics platform on Amazon’s cloud service unit AWS for many years, Su said the acquisition could lead to more integration of Amazon speech recognition and other capabilities into vacuums.

In afternoon trading, iRobot shares rose 19%. Amazon’s were down 1.7%.

The deal comes as anti-monopoly advocates continue to raise concerns about Amazon’s increasing dominance.

The purchase of iRobot is Amazon’s fourth-largest acquisition, led by its $13.7 billion deal to buy Whole Foods in 2017.

Last month, the company said it would buy the primary care provider One Medical in a deal valued roughly at $3.9 billion, a move that expanded its reach further into health care.

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

B7

features David McCullough, Pulitzer-winning historian, dies at 89 The Associated Press NEW YORK — David McCullough, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose lovingly crafted narratives on subjects ranging from the Brooklyn Bridge to Presidents John Adams and Harry Truman made him among the most popular and influential historians of his time, has died. He was 89.

McCullough died Sunday in Hingham, Massachusetts, according to his publisher, Simon & Schuster. He had been in failing health and died less than two months after his beloved wife, Rosalee.

“I think because of David a lot of us feel a twin obligation,” fellow historian Jon Meacham said Monday. “One is to the historical record and to the analysis. And the other is to the reader who would like to be transported, both intellectually and viscerally.”

A joyous and tireless student of the past, McCullough dedicated himself to sharing his own passion for history with the general public. He saw himself as an everyman blessed with lifelong curiosity and the chance to take on the subjects he cared most about. His fascination with architecture and construction inspired his early works on the Panama Canal and the Brooklyn Bridge, while his admiration for leaders whom he believed were good men drew him to Adams and Truman. In his 70s and 80s, he indulged his affection for Paris with the 2011 release “The Greater Journey” and for aviation with a best-seller on the Wright Brothers that came out in 2015.

Beyond his books, the handsome, white-haired McCullough may have had the most recognizable presence of any historian, his fatherly baritone known to fans of PBS’s “The American Experience” and Ken Burns’ epic “Civil

AP PHOTO

President George W. Bush, right, bestows the Presidential Medal of Freedom to author and historian David McCullough during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., Dec. 15, 2006.

War” documentary. “Hamilton” author Ron Chernow once called McCullough “both the name and the voice of American history,” while on Monday Burns tweeted that McCullough was a friend and “gifted teacher” to him.

He helped raise the reputations of Truman and Adams, and he started a wave of best-sellers about the American Revolution, including McCullough’s own “1776.” Well into his 80s, his books remained popular and seemed to inspire renewed interest in the subject.

McCullough received the National Book Award for “The Path Between the Seas,” about the building of the Panama Canal; and for

“Mornings on Horseback,” a biography of Theodore Roosevelt; and Pulitzers for “Truman,” in 1992, and for “John Adams” in 2002.

“The Great Bridge,” a lengthy exploration of the Brooklyn Bridge’s construction, was ranked No. 48 on the Modern Library’s list of the best 100 nonfiction works of the 20th century and is still widely regarded as the definitive text of the great 19th century project. Upon his 80th birthday, his native Pittsburgh renamed the 16th Street Bridge the “David McCullough Bridge.”

McCullough also was a favorite in Washington, D.C. He addressed a joint session of Congress in 1989 and, in 2006, received a Presiden-

tial Medal of Freedom. Politicians frequently claimed to have read his books, especially his biographies of Truman and Adams. Jimmy Carter cited “The Path Between the Seas” as a factor in pushing for the 1977 treaties which returned control of the Panama Canal to Panama, and politicians on both sides of the issue cited it during debate. Barack Obama included McCullough among a gathering of scholars who met at the White House soon after he was elected.

McCullough also had one emphatic cause: education. He worried that Americans knew too little about history and didn’t appreciate the sacrifices of the Revolutionary

era. He spoke often at campuses and before Congress, once telling a Senate Committee that because of the No Child Left Behind act “history is being put on the back burner or taken off the stove altogether in many or most schools, in favor of math and reading.”

Impassioned about the past, McCullough was active in the preservation of historical regions. He opposed the building of a residential tower near the Brooklyn Bridge and was among the historians and authors in the 1990s who criticized the Walt Disney Company’s planned Civil War theme park in a region of northern Virginia of particular historical significance.

“We have so little left that’s authentic and real,” McCullough said at the time. “To replace what we have with plastic, contrived history, mechanical history is almost sacrilege.”

McCullough, whose father and grandfather founded the McCullough Electric Company, was born in Pittsburgh in 1933. He loved history as a child, recalling lively dinner conversations, portraits of Washington and Lincoln that seemed to hang in every home and the field trip to a nearby site where Washington fought one of his earliest battles. He majored in English at Yale University and met playwright Thornton Wilder, who encouraged the young student to write.

McCullough had five children and an affinity for happily married politicians such as Truman and Adams that could be traced to his wife, Rosalee Barnes, whom he married in 1954 and who died in June. She was his editor, muse and closest friend. At his home in Martha’s Vineyard, McCullough would proudly show visiting reporters a photograph of their first meeting, at a spring dance, the two gazing upon each other.

Most electric vehicles won’t qualify for federal tax credit The Associated Press DETROIT — A tax credit of up to $7,500 could be used to defray the cost of an electric vehicle under the Inflation Reduction Act now moving toward final approval in Congress. But the auto industry is warning that the vast majority of EV purchases won’t qualify for a tax credit that large.

That’s mainly because of the bill’s requirement that, to qualify for the credit, an electric vehicle must contain a battery built in North America with minerals mined or recycled on the continent.

And those rules become more stringent over time — to the point where, in a few years, it’s possible that no EVs would qualify for the tax credit, says John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance of Automotive Innovation, a key industry trade group.

As of now, the alliance estimates that about 50 of the 72 electric, hydrogen or plug-in hybrid models that are sold in the United States wouldn’t meet the requirements.

“The $7,500 credit might exist on paper,” Bozzella said in a statement, “but no vehicles will qualify for this purchase over the next few years.”

The idea behind the requirement is to incentivize domestic manufacturing, build a robust battery supply chain in North America and lessen the industry’s dependence on overseas supply chains that could be subject to disruptions.

Production of lithium and other minerals that are used to produce EV batteries is now dominated

by China. And the world’s leading producer of cobalt, another component of the EV batteries, is the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Though electric vehicles are part of a global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they require metallic elements known as rare earths, found in places like Myanmar, where an Associated Press investigation has found that the push for green energy has led to environmental destruction.

Under the $740 billion economic package, which passed the Senate over the weekend and is nearing approval in the House, the tax credits would take effect next year. For an EV buyer to qualify for the full credit, 40% of the metals used in a vehicle’s battery must come from North America.

By 2027, that required threshold

AP PHOTO

A sales associate talks with a prospective buyer of a Cooper SE electric vehicle on the showroom floor of a Mini dealership July 7, 2022, in Highlands Ranch, Colo. would reach 80%.

If the metals requirement isn’t met, the automaker and its buyers would be eligible for half the tax credit, $3,750.

A separate rule would require that half the batteries’ value must be manufactured or assembled in the North America. If not, the rest of the tax credit would be lost. Those requirements also grow stricter each year, eventually reaching 100% in 2029. Still another rule would require that the EV itself be manufactured in North America, thereby excluding from the tax credit any vehicles made overseas.

Automakers generally don’t release where their components come from or how much they cost.

But it’s likely that some versions of Tesla’s Model Y SUV and Model 3 car, the Chevrolet Bolt car and

SUV and the Ford Mustang Mach E would be eligible for at least part of the credit. All those vehicles are assembled in North America.

The tax credit would be available only to couples with incomes of $300,000 or less or single people with income of $150,000 or less.

And any trucks or SUVs with sticker prices above $80,000 or cars above $55,000 wouldn’t be eligible.

There’s also a new $4,000 credit for buyers of used EVs, a provision that could help modest-income households go electric.

The industry says the North American battery supply chain is too small right now to meet the battery component requirements.

It has proposed that the measure expand the list of countries whose battery materials would be eligible for the tax credit to nations that maintain defense agreements with

the United States, including NATO members.

One component of the bill would require that after 2024, no vehicle would be eligible for the tax credit if its battery components came from China. Most vehicles now have some parts sourced in China, the alliance said.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat and a leading ally of Detroit automakers, complained that Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a critical Democratic vote, had opposed any tax credits for EV purchases.

“I went round-and-round with Senator Manchin, who frankly didn’t support any credit of any kind, so this is a compromise,” Stabenow told reporters Monday.

“We’ll work through it and make this as good as we can for our automakers.”

“I went round-and-round with Senator Manchin, who frankly didn’t support any credit of any kind, so this is a compromise.”

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

B8 2022 SUBARU OUTBACK WILDERNESS

Ready to explore Why do I like special editions so much?

By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — I’m a car journalist which means, by industry practice, I love wagons.

They’re practical, with ample cargo space like a crossover, but they still provide a sporty and excellent driving experience like a car. I wish there were more wagon options in the US, but they’ve essentially been narrowed down to a couple of Volvos (one of which I own), a few luxury German options, and the Subaru Outback.

A couple of decades ago, Volvo discovered that what wagon buyers really wanted was a rugged, off-road-ish option that they called Cross Country. That trim was so wildly successful that the XC name eventually was applied to the brand’s entire SUV lineup, which makes up the bulk of Volvo’s sales these days.

Subaru is a little late to that discovery, only recently launching the terrific Subaru Outback Wilderness, which is my test car this week.

The Outback is a very successful formula, especially in cold-weather states: combine a practical, outdoorsy vehicle with lots of room to haul stuff and an easy-to-access roof rack (another bonus of the wagon) with allwheel-drive and a reasonable price.

The Wilderness takes all that and adds a new suspension, offroad tires, a 0.8-inch lift, and some cool exterior and interior design bits (the most critical part, naturally).

Let’s not get too carried away — it’s still a Subaru Outback, and owners are unlikely to do anything more strenuous than hitting a washed-out Forest Service trail on the way to an epic trail hike.

But this thing is ready for an adventure.

There are functional upgrades, including a front skid plate, plas-

tic cladding on the wheel arches, and off-road tires (including a full-size spare!) — but the visual improvements are far more exciting. It sounds absurd, but adding bright yellow accents (Subie insists they’re Anodized Copper) and indicators on the outside really amps things up.

The black wheels and large roof rack combine to give the Wilderness a capable, outdoorsy feel.

There’s also a big black sticker on the hood that is ostensibly for “anti-glare” purposes, but really it’s because it looks fantastic. Inside, you get water-repellant seats and thick rubber floormats, and the overall effect is that of a vehicle ready to get out and explore the world, which is, as we know, the entire idea.

Buying the Outback Wilderness is pretty easy, which is nice.

There’s a single options package combining a moonroof, larger touchscreen with nav, and automatic reverse braking so you don’t accidentally back into things, all for $1,845. With destination and that single option box checked, you can buy a new one for $41,515.

The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine makes plenty of oomph, 260 horsepower, and 277 lb-ft of torque, and Subaru says the drivetrain has been re-tuned for improved low-speed climbing.

The interior gets more Anodized Copper on the steering wheel, shift knob, and elsewhere; and rather fetching Subaru Wilderness imprints on the headrests. If you’re into rugged practicality, you’ll like it quite a lot. It also has Subaru’s terrific EyeSight driver assist tech, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the roof rack is strong enough to hold a multi-person tent.

I almost wonder if the Wilderness should be the standard Subaru Outback, the way Volvo turned the Cross Country trim into its de facto wagon, at least in the US. Anyone buying an Outback is going to be an outdoorsy type, or at least wants to pretend to be, and the Wilderness fits the bill perfectly.

PHOTOS COURTESY SUBARU

TAKE NOTICE

WAKE AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 15 SP 3571 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Joan Atkins and Smith N. Ansah (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Joan Atkins and Smith N. Ansah) to Gurley & Cookson, PLLC, Trustee(s), dated February 16, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 012411, at Page 02289 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on October 4, 2011, in Book No. 014486, at Page 02105 , default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed

CUMBERLAND 22-112564 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 22sp292 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MICHAEL STATEN AND PAMELA STATEN DATED SEPTEMBER 3, 2004 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6646 AT PAGE 439 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on August 22, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Garner in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 184, Bingham Station Subdivision, Phase 4, as recorded in Book of Maps 2006, Page 279, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 332 Cinder Cross Way, Garner, North Carolina.

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor

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 22, 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 Michael Staten and Pamela Staten, dated September 3, 2004 to secure the original principal amount of $102,000.00, and recorded in Book 6646 at Page 439 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: Creek Ct, Fayetteville, NC 28311

NOTICE OF SALE

22 SP 193 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Lamont Williams and Chree Williams to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), which was dated August 13, 2015 and recorded on August 20, 2015 in Book 9708 at Page 364, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for

CABARRUS NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 304 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Virginia R. Caskey (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Virginia R. Caskey) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated October 24, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 6321, at Page 288 in Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cabarrus County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be

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conducting the sale on August 24, 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 land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Cumberland, State of North Carolina, and is described as follows: BEING all of Lot 1, as shown on a plat entitled “Zero Lot Line Marion Garden, Property of Cumberland Regional Improvement Corporation” according to a Plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 106, Page 128, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, and being the same property conveyed to Cumberland Regional Improvement Corp. in Deed Book 5013, Page 0896 aforesaid Registry.

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

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

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

the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1261046 - 11063

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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.

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.

Tax Parcel ID: 3047 Present Record Owners: Pamela Staten

The Estate of

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Pamela Staten.

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

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 is commonly known as 1039 Patina Ct, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are ALL Lawful Heirs of Lamont Williams and Chree Williams.

foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 17, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Kannapolis in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and Being in the City of Kannapolis, Number Four (4) Township of Cabarrus County, North Carolina in the Northeastern corner of the intersection of Central Drive and Carolyn Drive and Being all of Lot Numbers 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in Block 2E as shown on the Plat of Jackson Park, Owned

by A.L. Brown and B.W. Durham, as surveyed and platted, a copy of which is filed in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County in Map Book 3, Page 23, to which map book and page reference is hereby made for a complete description thereof by metes and bounds. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 702 Carolyn Avenue, Kannapolis, North Carolina.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third

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

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

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

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

The date of this Notice is August 3, 2022.

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

Suite

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22-112564

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

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.

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587

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

File No.: 22-02189-FC01

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

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

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

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2610 - 6055

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 560 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Donnie Ratley (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Donnie Ratley) to Jennifer Fincher, Trustee(s), dated February 16, 2021, and recorded in Book No. 11027, at Page 0162 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

19 SP 1247 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Saundra F. Clagett to Kathryn Richards & Jerry B. Flowers, III, Trustee(s), which was dated September 22, 2014 and recorded on September 26, 2014 in Book 09514 at Page 0443 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on December 23, 2019 in Book 10658, Page 645, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

22 SP 119 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Wynne McAllister and Paul Anthony Church, Jr. to Karen Mawyer, Trustee(s), which was dated May 31, 2013 and recorded on June 7, 2013 in Book 9210 at Page 482, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 17, 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 LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, STATE OF

19 SP 424 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Eric S. Nkusi to Jennifer Kirby Fincher, PLLC, Trustee(s), which was dated August 6, 2013 and recorded on August 7, 2013 in Book 09264 at Page 0081, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 293 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shawn P. Colon and Jessica Colon (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Shawn P. Colon and Jessica Colon) to Donald P. Eggleston, Trustee(s), dated August 18, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 10857, at Page 0528 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 15, 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: All that certain lot or parcel of land situate in the County

21-112351 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 22SP6 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ERIC K. HARRISON AND ANGELINE T. HARRISON DATED JANUARY 28, 2011 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8578 AT PAGE 832 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JULY 10, 2015 IN BOOK 9684, PAGE 536 AND FURTHER MODIFIED

BY AGREEMENT RECORDED NOVEMBER 1, 2017 IN BOOK 10196, PAGE 106 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Publication Dates: August 10, 2022 and August 10, 2022 21 SP 630 Under and by virtue of power of sale granted to Petitioner pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47C-3-116 under a Claim of Lien filed on October 8, 2019 in Cumberland County File Number 19 M 841 (the “Lien”) against Carlton Clark, Jr. (“Respondent”), by Karen Lake Condominium Owners Association, Inc. (“Karen Lake”). As the beneficiary of the Claim of Lien and pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47C-3-l 16, Karen Lake seeks to foreclose the Lien, which evidences a valid debt. Respondent defaulted on the payment of the debt represented by the Claim of Lien and the undersigned, J. Haydon Ellis, Trustee, having been substituted as Trustee in said Claim of Lien by an instrument filed with the Cumberland County Clerk of Superior Court on September 21, 2021. The undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at the comihouse door in the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 15, 2022 and will sell to the highest

DAVIDSON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 225 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by John Willie Cade (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): John Willie Cade, Heirs of John Willie Cade: Tamara Cade) to Kirk Smith, Trustee(s), dated June 30, 2004, and recorded in Book No. 1536, at Page 1938 in Davidson 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 Davidson 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 Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:30 AM on August 17, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in

courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 15, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Stedman in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 45, in a Subdivision known as Revision of Lots 6, 7 and 8 of Bethany South Section Two and Bethany South, Section Three, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 90, Page 56, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6700 Tennis Drive, Stedman, North Carolina.

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 24, 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: Being all of Unit A, Building 11, in a subdivision known as Bartons Landing Condominiums. Phase Ten, according to a plat of same being duly recorded in Condo Book 3, Page 25. Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Parcel ID #9497-96-4637-101 Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 667 Bartons Landing Pl 1, Fayetteville, NC 28314.

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

bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS 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 Saundra Clagett.

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

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-12006-FC01

NORTH CAROLINA AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

DEED DATED JUNE 8, 1964, AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1057, PAGE 259, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY.

BEGINNING AT A STAKE IN THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHERN MARGIN OF CARLOS AVENUE WITH THE WESTERN MARGIN OF ACORN STREET AND RUNNING THENCE WITH THE NORTHERN MARGIN OF CARLOS AVENUE NORTH 76 DEGREES 25 MINUTES WEST 94.2 FEET TO A STAKE IN SAID MARGIN; THENCE WITH THE DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN LOTS 194 AND 195 NORTH 13 DEGREES 35 MINUTES EAST 150 FEET TO A STAKE THENCE SPLIT 76 DEGREES 25 MINUTES EAST 94.2 FEET TO A STAKE IN THE WESTERN MARGIN OF ACORN STREET; THENCE WITH SAID MARGIN SOUTH 13 DEGREES 35 MINUTES WEST 150 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, AND BEING ALL OF LOTS 195, 196, 197 AND THE WESTERN 192, FEET OF LOT 198, SECTION III OF PINE ACRES, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF THE SAME DULY RECORDED IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY IN BOOK OF PLATS 14, PAGE 38, AND BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO WALTER L. HODGES, SR. AND WIFE, RUTH HODGES, BY

BY FEE SIMPLE DEED FROM JOYCE JEAN BROWN, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN AS SET FORTH IN BOOK 7985, PAGE 95 DATED 09/15/2008 AND RECORDED 09/16/2008, CUMBERLAND COUNTY RECORDS, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 3622 Carlos Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28306.

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

special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Wynne McAllister.

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

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

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

the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-10679-FC01

conducting the sale on August 24, 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: BEING all of Lot 350 in a subdivision known as LAKESHORES, SECTION 4, PHASE 1, according to a plat duly recorded in Book of Plats 58, Page 103 Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 634 Georgetown Circle, Fayetteville, NC 28314.

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

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS 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 ERIC S NKUSI. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Aaron B. Anderson

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5710 Oleander Drive, Ste. 204 Wilmington, NC 28403 Phone: (910) 202-2940 Fax: (910) 202 2941 File No.: 19-02662-FC01

of Cumberland, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 123, in a subdivision known as College Lakes, Section XII, Part I, According to a Plat of the same duly recorded in Plat Book 38, Page 23, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Tax ID No. 0520-96-1328 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Present Record Owners: Eric Harrison and Angeline Harrison

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.

ALL THAT PARCEL OF LAND IN CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 7985, PAGE 95, ID# 0426-11-7629, BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS:

BEING the same property which, General Warranty Deed dated March 8, 2019, and recorded on March 13, 2019 among the Land Records of the County of Cumberland, State of North Carolina, in General Warranty Book 10462, Page 615, was granted and conveyed by Mark Frank Houston, Jr. and Al Chi Houston unto Shawn P. Colon and Jessica Colon. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 455 Bayshore Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

BEING the same property which, General Warranty Deed dated December 20, 2010, and recorded on December 21, 2010 among the Land Records of the County of Cumberland, State of North Carolina, in General Warranty Book 8550, Page 39, was granted and conveyed by Scott R. Fry and Susanne C. Frey unto Mark Frank Houston, Jr. and Al Chi Houston. **For informational purposes only** THE improvements thereon being known as 455 Bayshore Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311

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 25, 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 Eric K. Harrison and Angeline T. Harrison, dated January 28, 2011 to secure the original principal amount of $183,870.00, and recorded in Book 8578 at Page 832 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: Gold Drive, Hope Mills, NC 28348 Tax Parcel ID: 0058

1213 Thistle 0 4 2 2- 6 6 -

The Heirs of

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Eric Harrison and Angeline Harrison.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either 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,

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: 7444 - 28389

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: 5923 - 22646

The date of this Notice is June 21, 2022.

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

Suite

400

21-112351

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.

bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Cumberland, Notih Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being known and designated as Unit No. TWO (2), Building No. FIVE (5), Phase III, as shown on a plat or plats entitled Karen Lake Condominiums, recorded in Condominium and Unit Ownership File Book 4, at Page(s) 187-190, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more paiiicular description.

Property Address: 1837 2 Sardonyx Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303 Parcel Identification No.: 0418-58-8791-003 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the prope1iy be purchased by a third paiiy, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of F01iyFive Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required byNCGS §7A-308(a)(l).

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 CORA, Inc. make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed.

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or 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 payoff of the lien without the knowledge of the Trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any paiiy, the Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than

15 Rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the paiiy 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 Respondent has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.

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

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE

BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HA VE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. TRUSTEE J. Haydon Ellis Attorney at Law Hutchens Law Firm

Lexington in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at an iron stake, corner of Lots 10 and 11, Block F, on the west right of way of Hoover Street, said beginning corner being North 04 deg. 00’ East 150.00 feet from the intersection of Oak Avenue and Hoover Street as shown by Revised Map of Skyland, recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 43; thence with the line of Lots 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of Block 7 North 85 deg. 50’ 30” West 142.00 feet to an iron pipe (found), corner of Lots 16 and 10 of Skyland, in the rear line of Lot 83, Map of Oakmont Addition, recorded in Plat Book 2, Page 102; thence with the rear line of Lots 83, 84, 85 and 86 of said Oakmont Addition, North 04 deg. 00’ East 64.00 feet to an iron pipe in the rear line of Lot 85, Oakmont Addition and the rear line of Lot 8, Revised Map of Skyland; thence with a line crossing Lot 8, South 85 deg. 50’ 30” East 142.00 feet to a point in concrete drive in the front line of Lot 8 on the west right of way of Hoover Street; thence with the west right of way of Hoover Street South 04 deg. 00’ West 64.00 feet to the point of beginning and containing 9,088 square feet more or less. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located 506 Hoover Drive, Lexington, North Carolina.

The above described is a more accurate description of Lots 9 and 10 and part of Lot 8, Block F, Revised Map of Skyland, recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 43, Davidson County Registry.

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

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

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

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

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return

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

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3519 - 9177

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

B10 TAKE NOTICE

DAVIDSON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 22SP260 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MARY H. TEMPLETON DATED MAY 10, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1698 AT PAGE 548 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED SEPTEMBER 27, 2010 IN BOOK 1990, PAGE 120 AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED OCTOBER 7, 2010 IN BOOK 1992, PAGE 51 AND MODIFIED

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 57 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Deborah Baker (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Deborah Baker, Heirs of Deborah Baker: Stephanie Walker; Heirs of Stephanie Walker: Nickoli Hand, Jillian Walker) to Michael Lyon, Trustee(s), dated July 23, 2015, and recorded in Book No. 2189, at Page 1012 in Davidson 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 Davidson 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 Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure

22 SP 200 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 Amber N Goins to PBRE, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated October 31, 2018 and recorded on October 31, 2018 in Book 2336 at Page 770, 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

FORSYTH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 299 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Joseph Daniel Fritts, Jr. (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Joseph Daniel Fritts, Jr.) to David L. Brunk, Trustee(s), dated August 24, 2007, and recorded in Book No. RE 2779, at Page 2253 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 527 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Bryon M. Hickman (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Bryon M. Hickman) to WFG Lender Services, Trustee(s), dated December 6, 2019, and recorded in Book No. RE 3497, at Page 4426 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on August 24, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in

JOHNSTON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 126 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shirley A. Allen and Annie P. McKoy (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Shirley A. Allen and Annie P. McKoy, Heirs of Annie P. McKoy: Shirley A. Allen a/k/a Shirley Annette Allen, Larry Lee Allen a/k/a Larry Lee Allen, Sr.; Heirs of Larry Lee Allen a/k/a Larry Lee Allen, Sr.: Alice Allen, Shykila Allen, Makaiyah Allen, Kalaiyshia Alexander, Larry Allen, Jr., Antione Allen, Dontae Allen) to Charles R. Cunningam, Trustee(s), dated March 21, 2000, and recorded in Book No. 1918, at Page 693 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed

19 SP 35 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Carl Degraffenried and Elizabeth Degraffenried to Hutchens & Senter, Trustee(s), which was dated February 21, 2007 and recorded on March 5, 2007 in Book 3298 at Page 304, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 241 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Lucas C. Watkins (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Honorable Home Solutions, LLC and A Mother’s Love Properties LLC) to GBTC, Inc., Trustee(s), dated September 30, 2015, and recorded in Book No. 4663, at Page 722 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 16, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Selma in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a new pk nail set in the centerline of NC

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 182 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Oliver Romero (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Oliver Romero) to Trinity M. Henderson, Trustee(s), dated December 1, 2014, and recorded in Book No. 4531, at Page 54 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,

FURTHER BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JANUARY 22, 2013 IN BOOK 2087, PAGE 1526 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in 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 10:00AM on August 15, 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 Mary H. Templeton, dated May 10, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $157,500.00, and recorded in Book 1698 at Page 548 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: Twin 140 Brook Dr, Clemmons, NC 27012 Tax Parcel ID: 0301100000022 Present Record Owners: H. Mary Templeton The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Mary H. Templeton.

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

offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure.

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

sales, at 11:30 AM on August 17, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Thomasville in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Tax Id Number(s): 16107000E0017 Land Situated in the Township of Thomasville in the County of Davidson in the State of NC Being: Lots Numbered Seventeen (17), Eighteen (18), Nineteen (19), in block “E” as shown on map of L. W. Elliott subdivision, which said map is duly recorded in the Office of the register of Deeds for Davidson County, North Carolina in Plat book No. 3 at page 1. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 415 Spring Street, Thomasville, North Carolina. the property address and Tax Parcel Identification Number listed are provided solely for informational purposes.

Commonly Known as: 415 Spring Street, Thomasville, NC 27360 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property

courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 15, 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: BEING ALL OF LOTS 399, 400, 401 AND 402 OF THE CHEROKEE VALLEY SUBDIVISION, A PLAT OF WHICH IS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA IN PLAT BOOK 13, PAGE 42.

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

Said property is commonly known as 660 Apache Dr, Winston Salem, NC 271070000.

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 Amber N. Goins.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued

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

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include,

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 22-06541-FC01

be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on August 24, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain property situated in the Township of Winston in the County of Forsyth and State of North Carolina, being described as follows: Lot 34, Ardmore Addition, Plat Book 3, Page 13-A. Being more fully described in a deed dated 04/11/1996 and recorded 05/02/1996, among the land records of the County and State set forth above, in Deed Volume, 1899 and Page 1294. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1046 Melrose Street, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Tax Map or Parcel ID No.: 1095-034.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property

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

the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being known and designated as Site O as shown on the map of Green Oaks Apartments, as recorded in Plat Book 29, Page 155, in the office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2559 Green Oaks Court, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Situate in the County of Forsyth, State of North Carolina.

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

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

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

directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

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

prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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 16, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Angier in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 1 of Whit Acres Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 50 Page 293, Johnston County Registry.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 100 Debbie Lane, Angier, 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 in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: THE APN IS SHOWN BY THE COUNTY ASSESSOR AS 15I07035G; SOURCE OF TITLE IS BOOK 2940 PAGE 698. (RECORDED 07-22-2005).

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

Said property is commonly known as 375 Wildwood Lane, Smithfield, NC 27577.

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

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.

Highway 96, corner with Tract 6C, and the line runs along the centerline of NC Highway 96 the following courses and distances: North 39 degrees 38 minutes 12 seconds West 49.91 feet to a pk nail; North 42 degrees 24 minutes 04 seconds West 64.97 feet to a pk nail; and North 44 degrees 10 minutes 50 seconds West 100.71 feet to a pk nail, corner with Tract 6A; thence along the line of Tract 6A North 54 degrees 42 minutes 36 seconds East 180.41 feet to a new iron stake, corner with Tract 6C; thence along the line of Tract 6C South 43 degrees 05 minutes 11 seconds East 226.58 feet to a new iron stake, corner with Tract 6C; thence continuing along the line of Tract 6C, South 58 degrees 03 minutes 24 seconds West 184.07 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING, containing 0.904 acres, more or less, including 0.149 acres within the highway right of way, and being Tract 6B of the property division for Vernon Bailey and wife, Letha E. Bailey, according to plat and survey by W. David Hawkins, Registered Surveyor, dated October 23, 1989 and recorded in Plat Book 32, Page 269, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3142 NC Highway 96 North, Selma, North Carolina.

There is further conveyed as an appurtenance to the above-described lands easements 1 and 2 as shown on the plat recorded in Plat Book 50 Page 267, Johnston County Registry providing access to and the use of the well

and along the water line from the well to the house on the borrowers’ property as contained in the Agreement from C.V. Bailey, Jr. and wife Alice Bailey of record in the Johnston County Registry.

There is further conveyed as an appurtenance to the above-described lands easements 3 and 4 as shown on the plat recorded in Plat Book 50, page 267, Johnston County Registry providing access to and the use of the septic tank and sewer lines as contained in the agreement from Sallie Bailey Mozingo and Gregory Eugene Chamblee of record in the Johnston County Registry.

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

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

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

existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued

at 11:00 AM on August 23, 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: Being all of Lot 144, Section A, River Hills Subdivision, as depicted in Map Book 51, beginning at or including page 375. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 121 River Hills Drive, Clayton, North Carolina. ((For reference purposes, this property is located at 121 River Hills Drive, Clayton, NC 27520 and has tax identification number 16J04017M))

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

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.

and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 23, 2022 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to wit: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE WILDERS TOWNSHIP, JOHNSTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 8 OF THE SWIFT CREEK HILLS SUBDIVISION AS SHOWN ON PLAT RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 57, PAGE 269, JOHNSTON COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION.

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).

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 July 26, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 16-081628

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: 6537 - 24917

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: 2936 - 28235

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: 8656 - 33849

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: 6229 - 27242

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 18-23352-FC01

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: 7903 - 30257

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: 7982 - 30625

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

B11

TAKE NOTICE 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 16, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Angier in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 1 of Whit Acres Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 50 Page 293, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 100 Debbie Lane, Angier, North Carolina.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property

RANDOLPH

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of William George Lewallen, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of the

decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 721 South McCrary Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before December 5, 2022, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations

indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 10th day of August, 2022.

Horace P. Lewallen

Administrator of the Estate of William George Lewallen

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against Tina Marie Snow, deceased of Randolph County, are hereby notified to present them to Jennifer Ledford as Executor of

the decedent’s estate, on or before November 14, 2022, in care of the undersigned Attorney at their address, 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 above Executor, Jennifer Ledford, c/o Crystal Richardson, The Law Office

of Crystal M. Richardson PLLC, 265 Eastchester Drive, STE 133-111, High Point, NC 27262.

H-S: August 10, 17, 24, 31, 2022

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 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 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.

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

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

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

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-03611-FC01

JOHNSTON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 126 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shirley A. Allen and Annie P. McKoy (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Shirley A. Allen and Annie P. McKoy, Heirs of Annie P. McKoy: Shirley A. Allen a/k/a Shirley Annette Allen, Larry Lee Allen a/k/a Larry Lee Allen, Sr.; Heirs of Larry Lee Allen a/k/a Larry Lee Allen, Sr.: Alice Allen, Shykila Allen, Makaiyah Allen, Kalaiyshia Alexander, Larry Allen, Jr., Antione Allen, Dontae Allen) to Charles R. Cunningam, Trustee(s), dated March 21, 2000, and recorded in Book No. 1918, at Page 693 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the

UNION 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

WAKE Notice to Creditors 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY 22 SP 644 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Michael J. Finnegan, in the original amount of $31,650.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., dated June 30, 2006 and recorded on July 6, 2006 in Book 12050, Page 1472, Wake County Registry.

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

19-106302 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 19SP1749 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MAY SADAK AND SHAFIC SADAK DATED AUGUST 21, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 12715 AT PAGE 2209 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 AT BOOK 16544, PAGE 279 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 1390 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Gina Smith to Becky C. Medlin, Trustee(s), dated the 17th day of August, 2006, and recorded in Book 012121, Page 02731-02738, in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in the City of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on August 15, 2022 and will

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 22SP1207 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JANICE HODGES AND JOSEPH HODGES DATED JANUARY 19, 2016 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 16271 AT PAGE 2657 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 669 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Christopher D. Smith (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Christopher Smith) to Constance R. Stienstra, Trustee(s), dated August 8, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 12697, at Page 276 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 294 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Arthur Allen Gomez (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Arthur Allen Gomez, Heirs of Arthur Allen Gomez a/k/a Arthur A. Gomez: Monica Fletcher, Sarah Wiley, Amber Gomez, Isabela Sabin-Gomez a/k/a Isabela Gomez) to The McCall Law Firm PC, Trustee(s), dated August 25, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 016887, at Page 02237 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Mary Lou Bryant (2022-E-2946), 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 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.

This the 10th day of August 2022

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.

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 Wake County, North Carolina, at 2:00 P.M. on August 18, 2022, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 5, Section 1, Brookstone Subdivision, as shown on a map recorded in Book of Maps 1989, Page 764, Wake County Registry.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 6621 Walnut Cove Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Tax ID: 0180134 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

Kristin Bryant Gragg Executor of the Estate of Mary Lou Bryant c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446

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: 6229 - 27242

114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication North State Journal: 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17/2022)

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

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 Michael J. Finnegan.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina

General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to

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

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee 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

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 Wake County courthouse at 10:00AM on August 24, 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 May Sadak and Shafic Sadak, dated August 21, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $205,000.00, and recorded in Book 12715 at Page 2209 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty

is intended.

Address of property: 2 1 0 5 Yorkgate Dr, Raleigh, NC 27612 Tax Parcel ID: 0052444 Present Record Owners: May Sadak The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are May Sadak.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such

condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any 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.

The date of this Notice is July 7, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 19-106302

sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the City of Raleigh, in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: ALL THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND IN THE CITY OF RALEIGH, WAKE COUNTY, STATE OF NC, AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN BOOK 9674 PAGE 1684 ID # 70956, BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT 127, KINGWOOD FOREST, SECTION 4-A FILED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1970 AT PAGE 317.

BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED BY FEE SIMPLE DEED FROM PETER GREIJN AND DIANA GREIJN HUSBAND AND WIFE TO GINA SMITH, DATED 10/10/2002 RECORDED ON 10/21/2002 IN BOOK 9674, PAGE 1684 IN WAKE COUNTY RECORDS, STATE OF NC. A.K.A. 1213 ARMSTRONG CIRCLE RALEIGH, NC 27610 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars

($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

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

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

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP P.O. Box 12497 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 315 Charlotte, North Carolina 28210 Phone No: (704) 362-9255 Case No: 1324054 (CFC.CH)

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 19, 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 Janice Hodges and Joseph Hodges, dated January 19, 2016 to secure the original principal amount of $165,600.00, and recorded in Book 16271 at Page 2657 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 227 Mediate Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603

Tax Parcel ID: 0699978878 Present Record Owners: J a n i c e Hodges The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Janice Hodges.

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

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

Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any 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.

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 August 1, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 22-113272

customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on August 15, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 39, Phase 1, MACADIE PARK, as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 2006, Pages 2087-2090, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5344 Cowan Lane, Raleigh, North Carolina.

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on August 15, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Apex in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 13 in Wedgewood Square Subdivision as shown on plat recorded in Book of Maps 1986, Page 72, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3617 Vandam Drive, Apex, North Carolina.

Parcel ID: 0153048 Tax/Map ID: 0770052435 Property Address: 3617 Vandam Drive, Apex, NC 27539 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This the 10th day of August 2022 Myra T. Hightower

This the 10th day of August 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)

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing

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: 1999 - 4183

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: 2338 - 5307

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From August 3, 2022

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 24 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2022 | RANDOLPHRECORD.COM

THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randolph record

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Setting up for the season

Molly Smith of Southwestern Randolph’s volleyball team sets the ball during Saturday’s multi-team scrimmage at Wheatmore High School. Prep sports for the fall season kick into gear with competitions next week. For more local sports, see Pages 5-6.

COUNTY NEWS Libraries to offer countywide dementia caregiving training The Dementia Alliance of North Carolina is inviting caregivers for people experiencing dementia are invited to participate in hands-on, multi-disciplinary training workshops at three Randolph County Public Libraries on August 30 and 31.

Interested parties can attend the “Accept the Challenge” training at the Archdale Public Library (August 30 at 3 pm), Liberty Public Library (August 30 at 6 pm), or at the Asheboro Public Library (August 31 at 10 am). Each session will be conducted by Melanie Bunn, RN MS GNP of the Dementia Alliance, and are free and open to all caregivers and potential caregivers. No registration is required for participation. For further information, call the Community Navigators at “ (336) 318-6825 or email them at navigators@randolphlibrary.org.

Captain Tom’s Seafood and Steaks closed due to roof collapse As of last Saturday, Captain Tom’s Seafood and Steak is closed until further notice due to damages from a collapsed roof. Fortunately, no one in the restaurant was hurt, but the business’ kitchen did suffer considerable damage. Though the cause of the roof collapsing is still unknown, it is believed that inclement weather could have played a decisive role in the accident, as the county experienced heavy winds and rainfall last weekend.

According to the owner, Jimmy Anagnostopoulos, the restaurant plans to reopen as soon as possible.

5

20177 52016 $1.00

8

Asheboro Council to engage with Piedmont Triad Regional Council for support on two projects Council approves contract for turf at Zoo City Sportsplex

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal ASHEBORO — The Asheboro City Council met Thursday and authorized engagement with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, the annexation of property into city limits, and the approval of a contract for turf on the Zoo City Sportsplex.

The council approved authorization to engage the Piedmont Triad Regional Council for two different projects.

The first project is for grant services related to the construction of the David and Pauline Jarrell Center City Garden.

“At the last council meeting, I informed the council of our intention to work with the Regional Council to pursue grant funds

for the construction of the Jarrell Center City Garden,” said Community Development Director Trevor Nuttall. “There’s a community involvement part of this, a permitting part of this, and they will help us manage any subcontractors that are necessary as we go through the final planning and design process.”

The second project is to provide strategic management assistance to the city for a potential waterline extension project.

“We have been in communication with Randolph County Economic Corporation since the beginning of May concerning a potential project going on at the Chatham Advanced Manufacturing Site on the Randolph County-Chatham County line,” said Water Resources Director Michael Rhoney. “Their request to us is if we’d be willing to extend certain water services to that site. The state budget was approved with a large sum of money granted for po-

tential development there, and that was granted to the City of Asheboro to provide that service. With that, it’s a big undertaking for us, and there are several jurisdictions involved, so we have gone to the Piedmont Triad Regional Council to seek their guidance.”

The council then approved a $3,897,216.41 contract with Field Turf for the installation of turf fields and all appurtenances on Fields 5, 6, 7, and 8 at the Zoo City Sportsplex.

Along with this, the council needed to approve a budget amendment to the general fund to appropriate $2,181,790 in fund balance to transfer to the Zoo City Sportsplex fund for the new turf expense.

The council also held two public hearings, both for annexation requests into the city limits of Asheboro, the first being a request for approximately 7 acres of land at 923 Meadowbrook Road and the other be-

New Asheboro AD sees grand potential Berrier calls Blue Comets athletics ‘a sleeping giant’

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO — Wes Berrier’s view of athletics at Asheboro High School is one of great potential.

He’d like to see the Blue Comets’ programs return to prominence.

“A sleeping giant,” the new athletics director said. “I feel I’m coming in at a great time. I’m expecting big things as far as our athletics.”

Berrier officially became the athletics director this summer, though he filled that role for the final couple of months of the 202122 school year upon the retirement of Steve Luck.

Berrier had been Asheboro’s wrestling coach until taking this new assignment. He remains a business teacher at the high school.

It has been a turbulent time for Asheboro athletics because of an ongoing campus construction project that has displaced most of the teams. They’ve been without the simple comforts of team locker rooms. Some of the challenges that existed in 2021-22 will remain at

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Wes Berrier, the new athletics director for Asheboro High School, checks out the first day of football practice last week. least for a few more months.

“Just being out of the school has made it tough for everybody. Kids like a routine,” Berrier said. “We’ve made it work. It hasn’t been fun.

Things are going to be better.”

For 2021-22, Asheboro finished fifth out of six schools in the Mid-Piedmont Conference in the Wells Fargo Cup standings, indi-

cating the overall ranking of each school’s teams for a school year.

“I think the morale will be improved where we can turn this ship around,” Berrier said. “Get everything built back up.”

Berrier, who turned 54 this summer, said it’s important to See BERRIER, page 2

ing a request for approximately 20 acres of land in the Timber Ridge Subdivision along East Allred Street.

The council approved both annexation requests after no comments were brought forth during the public hearing periods.

The council then heard a request from William C. Burrow for city waterline connection authorization for property outside the city and not contiguous to the primary city limit lines. “[The applicant] is wanting to connect to a city water main,” said City Attorney Jeff Sugg. “He does not fit under the normal exception, which is that you have to be adjoining an existing line.

His situation is that he’s submitted documents from the Randolph County Health Department showing that the water is not safe to drink on that particular property. He’s not asking for access to a city sewer main; he’s See COUNCIL, page 2

Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 21, 2021

2 22

Randolph Record for Wednesday, August 10, 2022 Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 7, 2021

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY

7.21.21 7.7.21 8.10.22 #3

WEEKLY FORECAST

Rabid foxes create concerns in Archdale

WEEKLY FORECAST

#1

By Bob Sutton WEDNESDAY Randolph Record

WEDNESDAY

JULY JUNE 30 21

“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 AUG 10

♦ Jonathan Edward Ferree, 50, of Black Mountain, formerly of Asheboro, died July 11, 2021.

HI 90

♦ Mildred Mae Cozart Poole, LOW 70 age 85, of Asheboro, died July PRECIP 35% See OBITS, page 7 9, 2021.

THURSDAY AUG 11 See OBITS, page 7

HI 84 LOW 65 PRECIP 57%

THURSDAY

THURSDAY

JULY 1JULY 22

FRIDAY

JULY 2

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

JULY 23 JULY 3

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

JULY 24 JULY 4

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JULY 25 5 JULY

Randolph

Guide MONDAY TUESDAY

JULY JULY 26 6

TUESDAY

JULY 27

The Randolph Guide is a ARCHDALE — Randolph HI78° 86° 84° HI HI HI 87° HI 88° officials HI 88° HIput out HI a91°no- 88° 86° HI HI89° 81°HI 88° HI look at 89° HI County 91° HI quick what’s going LO 66° LO68° 62°LO 65° LO 67° LOtice 70° three 70° in 67° LO 69° 62° LO LO LO LO 69° LO 69° LO about 67° LOrabidLOfoxes 69° on in Randolph County.

Archdale late last week as a15% pre- 5% PRECIP 57% PRECIP 43% PRECIP 32% 17% PRECIP 24% PRECIP PRECIP 20% PRECIPPRECIP 24% 24% PRECIP PRECIP 24% PRECIP 24% PRECIP15% 13% PRECIPPRECIP caution, county health director Tara Aker said.

“We don’t know if there’s any relationship with these three cases,” Aker said. “Do we have a Red Cross Blood Drive RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE group of foxes, and they have the same den?”

2-6pm According to information from Randolph County Public The American Red Cross Health, the foxes were killed afis currently experiencing ter biting people last month in a shortage of blood Archdale. donations. Come out to Flag The people bitten have been

By Bob Sutton sion, there’s enrollment of 915. before those classes start. treated. The cases stemmed Springs United Methodist Randolph Recordon Fernwood Williams said there’s an ef- That’s off slightly from the usual from incidents Church in Asheboro to fort to bolster enrollment. He cit- number that ranges up to 1,000, “There has never been a Drive, Kreamer Drive, and West AP PHOTO donate.

ASHEBORO — Enrollment ed the RCC Commitment Grant, Williams said.

White Drive. better opportunity to attend said the bites happenedCol-A red fox in Waitsfield, undated file photo.

Traditional enrollment numa program designedVt, as isa pictured funding in this atAker Randolph Community within a 4-mile lege isn’t likely tostretch, bounce with back to mechanism to fill the gap that’s bers have flattened, but it’s the RCC and not have to worry two of those closelevels to each other. pre-pandemic right away not covered by federal or state aid number of high school students about how to pay for it.” and two foxes. for dual enor lingering in a resi- three skunks They occurred within a 30-day in programs designed to students. despite a school official pointingstrangely most setting, Aker said.been Fox-a bet-In Randolph window. rollment County, that hasthe dropped, has never out unprecedented financial in-dential“There president Dr. Robert common “We’re rabies just casenot in seeing recentthe level likely totoattack if RCC “We wanted peoplestudents. to be es are RuffRCC Love Rescue Golf ter more opportunity attend centives for potential years involved foxes, skunks, they’re rabid. aware of that,” Aker said.

“We Tournament Chad Williams, vice president and not have to worry about how of engagement that we had seen,” Shackleford Jr. she said. awareness, Ran- and just want people to at pay attenWilliams said. to heighten pay for it,” RCC president Dr. raccoons, for student services RCC, said a To are ways the break County Animal Services tion.”

12-3pm heldto areduce one-week Robert Shackleford Jr. said. “WeThere RCC decline in high school students indolph chances of rabid animals comhas distributed informational Usually, the health departdual enrollment has been the big- meet students exactly where they earlier this month amid the summent doesn’t issue a press re- flyers in the area where the fox ing too close to people. One way Come out to the Pinewood are and help them go as far as they mer semester, which began May gest reason for a dip. is for residents to feed their pets lease if there are random cases. bites took place.

Country Club to help 24 and concludes July 26. Late “Overall, we’re still seeing a de- can possibly go.”

With three rabid foxes, that’s indoors when possible, accordThese incidents might signal a registration for the fall semester raise funds for Ruff Love!

Beginning with the fall semescline in enrollment comparing to more than the last two years ing to health department inforlarger problem. runs through Aug. 10, with classter, qualifying full-time students previous years prior to the panRegistration starts at “Only time is going to tell combined in Randolph Coun- mation. es beginning 16. rewill be to $1,000Randolph demic,” CountyAug. officials saideligible for the for lastup reportwith that,”Williams Aker said.said. “I don’tty. Aker 10:30 am. The entry fee is Stillcitizens dealing report with adjustments know if we’ll get we’veing per all year,semester. the only rabies case in- quest that If residents seeto anumbers fox, they $75 per player. For more made because of the sercoronavirus makes seen in previous fall concerned semesters. …volvedThat stray animals to the animal a skunk.

The attending year prior RCC shouldn’t be overly information, call Kim Brady pandemic, not all 2021 fall semesthe most We’re reaching out to vices department. there enticing were fivefrom casesa–finanunless the animal is every actingstu-to that, at (336) 362-3981. dent we can in every way we can.” cial standpoint in the 16 years ter classes will be in person. Some A fall semester at the two-year Williams has been at the school, will use a hybrid model with a school in Asheboro would often he said. He previously worked in mixture of face-to-faces sessions and virtual sessions. Many classhave 2,600 to 3,000 students en- RCC’s financial aid office. with the confirmed case options provide students with “There’s never a better timevidual to es rolled. At the beginning of this lives in County. onRandolph how to attend and She participate, week, that number stood at about go back to college,” he said. said it’sWilliams a “very recent” said. confirmed For the current summer ses1,900 with about a month to go Field Day at North case.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG Asheboro Park Randolph County Public Health is working with the 10am-1pm ♦ Williams, Denishia Lorren North Carolina Department of (B /F/30) Arrest on chrg of WEEKLY CRIME Health and Human Services in The City of Asheboro 1) Pwimsd Marijuana (F), 2) LOG “At this time, the risk of mon- response to this case, Aker said.

By Bob Sutton Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs Cultural and Recreation Randolph County Public keypox transmission remains Randolph Record X (f) (F), 3) Possess Services Department ♦ Whitehead, Georgeis Alan (M, 52), 176 E. Salisbury St, Asheboro, on Arrestsaid, on charge of that Resisting ♦ Boggs, Matthew Harrison (M, 39),low,” Aker encourage testnoting the Health officials hosting its final Field Days ing for anyone experiencing close department’s ASHEBORO —of Misdemeanor Randolph healthPublic Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor 07/13/2021.

Officer, 321communiKings Ridge Rd, Arrest on charge disease teamon is07/14/2021. monitoring contact with someone diagnosed County hasatits first confirmed of Schedule Larceny, 2587 Wayne White Rd,cable Randleman, of Fun Possession in the Summer SunIV CS, Millikan, Bobby (M, 33), with ♦monkeypox or Wayne anyone case of monkeypox.

Possession of Stolen motor Pleasant Garden, on 07/14/2021. the situation closely. event this Saturday at North Arrest on charge Assault on a bumps,ofsores, ♦ Hazelwood, Elizabeth (F, 44), Monkeypox is an infectious vi- with unexplained After Monday’s announcevehicle, imporoper use of a dealer Asheboro Park. All Field Day or pimples. ral disease can occur in hu- blisters, Female, ment, Tara AkerJames of Randolph at 8300 Curtis Power Rd, Arrestthat on chage of Misdemeanor ♦ Bolton McKee, Henry tag, failure to deliver title, failure to events are free to the public Vaccines are available to proand someatother animals.

It County Public Health said,of “so mans Larceny, Bennett, NC, on 07/14/2021.

Hoover Hill Rd/Slick (M, 47), Arrest on charge appear on felony, at I-85 Exit 111, tect against monkeypox.

In typically involves flu-like sympfar,Possession it’s an isolated case.” with noonneed to pre-register.

Rodk Mtn, on 07/14/2021. of Stolen Goods, at 07/13/2021.

Carolina, there’s a limited The unidentified individual is ontoms, swelling of the lymph North ♦ Passmore, Casey Lynn, Arrest on 6469 Clyde King Rd, Seagrove, vaccines for monkeyand rash withLamont bumps(M, ini-40),supply ofcharge isolating at home, though no oth- nodes, of possession of marijuana ♦ Cheek, Helenia Spinks (F, 64), ♦ Lynch, Detrick 07/15/2021. pox, andup eligibility criteria priorfluid. of Misdemeanor er information will be disclosed, tially filled to 1/2 oz., at Randolph Arrestwith on charge Arrest on charge of Assault by with or Aker said she of didn’t have VI in-CS, itizes individuals with the Robert health Daniel department Courthouse, onknown 7/13/2021.

Possession Schedule ♦ Pugh, (M, 39),citpointing a gun, Discharging a suspected exposure to the virus. formation about where the indiingArrest patient privacy.

Possessiong of Stolen Motor on charge of Simple firearm to cause fear, Reckless ♦ Roark, Justin Steven (M, 30), Ramseur Town Vehicle, at I-85 Exit 111, on Assault (M), at 139 Drum St, driving to endanger, Seagrove, on Arrest on charge of Possession Council Meeting 07/13/2021.

Asheboro, on 07/14/2021.

07/12/2021. of Meth, Possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute6:30pm ♦ McQueen, James Allen Jr (M, 35), ♦ Richardson, Erwin Quint Jr (M, ♦ Helms, Chad Lee (M, 37), Arrest possession Arrest on charge of Possession 31), Arrest on charges of Felony on charge of Felony Sexual BERRIER from page 1 coach,Simple the Blue Comets of able to meet coaches across the wrestlingheroin, The Town of Ramseur Board Schedule II, III, IV CS, Maintaining of Marijuana up to 1/2 oz., Larceny and Possession of Stolenathletics Exploitation of a minor in the had eight state championships (7 department. of Commissioners Place, Possession of Drug Possession of drug paraphernalia, Goods, at 5471 Needhams Trail, male, 1 female) earned to go with Berrier had to step down as have a bridge between the high second degree meets (10 counts), 727 Paraphernalia, at 1029 High Point Failure to appeal onoffelony, failure Seagrove, 07/14/2021. the third Tuesday of each NC, on 13 total state place finishes.

During coach because the city school and theon community.

Among wrestling McDowell Rd, Asheboro, on 7/13/2021. appear on misdemeanor, season, nine Blue Comets policy that pre-at the past Rd, his goals is to help build a stronger schooltodistrict’s month07/12/2021. at 6:30 pm at the ♦ Seibert, booster club.Sarah Elizabeth (F, 32), vents the athletics director from received All-Mid-Piedmont ConTown Municipal Building. ference honors, and Berrier was He said he had been encour- being a head coach.

The new AD’s son, Jake Berrier, the league’s Coach of the Year. aged by the interest in the incomBecause of the uncertainty of ing freshman class, with up to 150 will move from assistant coach to potential athletes coming into the head coach for the wrestling team. the on-campus facilities, Asheboro “He’s definitely ready for it,” his withdrew its bid to be the host high school. He oversaw a physical school for a Class 3-A wrestling renight for the newcomers and a ses- father said.

DEATH NOTICES In Wes Berrier’s eight seasons as gional in 2023. sion where middle schoolers were

August 11

RCC pushes more MEETfor THE STAFFstudents as numbers lag PJ Ward-Brown Matt Lauren Frank Cory Who is “Editor?”

August 12

August 13

First monkeypox case confirmed in Randolph Co.

August 16

WWE leaves virtual reality behind in 1st tour since 2020 FRIDAY AUG 12

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

COUNCIL from page 1

HI 83 LOW 60 PHILADELPHIA — Triple H asking only for access to a wawalked with his arms crossed PRECIP 13% like ter main. Since he’s outside the an X — his signature Degeneration X symbol — with his 7-foot tag-team partner, Joel Embiid, to SATURDAY 13 month ring a ceremonialAUG bell last before a Philadelphia 76ers playoff game.

His theme music blared HI 84 through the arena, and near60 from the ly 19,000 fansLOW hanging 4% rafters roaredPRECIP when the wrestler hoisted his bad-guy weapon-ofchoice sledgehammer and struck the bell.

SUNDAY AUG 14 Sure, the setting wasn’t WrestleMania — though Triple H lost a match in the same building when HI 84 the event was held there in 1999 — but for the superstar-turned-exLOW 63 ecutive, the frenzied atmosphere PRECIP 9% was a reminder of what WWE lost during the 16 months it ran without live events and raucous MONDAY AUG 15 crowds.

“It was a fun opportunity to get back into an arena packed full of fans and have them HI 84go nuts,” said Triple H, known these days as LOW 65Levesque.

WWE executive Paul PRECIP 19% “That adrenaline rush, there’s nothing like it.”

WWE hasn’t been the same without its “Yes!” chants or “This TUESDAY AUG 16 is Awe-some!” singsongs once the pandemic relegated the company to running empty arena matchHI with 83 a piped-in es every week soundtrack and virtual LOW 65fans.

No more. PRECIP 41% With most American sports leagues settled in to their old routines, WWE ditched its stopgap home in Florida and resumed touring last Friday night with “Smackdown” from Houston, a

city, the city would not extend the line, would not pay the cost to do so, and would not pro-

cure an easement. However, under the city code, the council has the authority to grant him an exemption and allow him to connect to the water main based on the peculiar facts, that being unsafe drinking water.”

The council approved the request as the applicant is taking the necessary steps to procure a private easement and pay for and maintain the line.

The City of Asheboro Council will next meet September 8.

♦ Calvin Leon Overman, ageple 93cheering of Siler over City,him, diedor booing over him or going into different August 4, 2022 at Siler directions over him,” have benefitCityed, Center.

Levesque said. “But that’s the beauty of what we do, to go be en♦ Janice Marie Greene, tertained, however you want to agebe81entertained. of Asheboro, As a performer, died August 2022, at sometimes 8, that’s difficult.”

Woodland Hill Center in on USA WWE’s July 5 “RAW” Network hit 1.472 million viewers, Asheboro the lowest in the 28-plus year his-

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ Adkins, Freddy Joe Jr (M, 47), Arrested on charge of B&E w/ Intent Terror/ Injure Occupant, Injury to Real Property, on 8/3/22, at RCJ. ♦ Baker, Robert Dontell (M, 37), Arrested on charge of 1st Dgree Sex Offense Child, Sex Act: Sub Parent/ Custodian, on 8/3/22, at RCJ.

of AWDW Serious Injury, Assault on a Female, on 8/4/22, at 3338 Old Lexington Rd.

♦ Kennedy, Johnny Ray (M, 26), Arrested on charge of Financial Card Theft, on 8/3/22, at RCJ.

♦ Caviness, Chanderica Yvette Andre (F, 35), Arrested on charge of Possession of Stolen Goods, Misdemeanor Larceny, on 8/3/22, at Randolph Co Courthouse.

♦ Sykes, John Christopher (M, 41), Arrested on charge of Obtain Property False Pretense, Possession of Stolen Goods, on 8/2/22, at Randolph Co Courthouse.

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tory ofLouise the show. ♦ Brenda Levesque, WWE EVP of globCouncilman Britt, age al talent strategy and develop80 of Asheboro, died ment, said the company would August 2022,look” at at how it can “take 6, a hard Atrium Health Pineville in product attract more fans to the each week. WWE can only hope Charlotte. the combination of live crowds

♦ Erica Graham, andRenae the return of box office attracsuch as Becky Lynch, Goldagetions 32 of Denton, died berg, andAugust Cena can Thursday, 4,ignite interest and grow ratings during the build 2022. to the marquee Aug. 21 Summer-

Slam at“Tommy” the home of the Las Ve♦ Thomas gas Raiders.

Wesley 80 of Levesque “It Miller, never isage one thing,” Asheboro, died August said. “We see this as a moment in 3, 2022, Alpine Health I think time toatshift everything. ♦ Cockman, Jason Howard you’ll see it in just and Rehabilitation the in layout of ev(M, 35), Arrested on charge erything, the set designs, the way Asheboro. of two counts Injury to PHOTO BY WILLY SANJUAN/INVISION/AP

♦ Hicks, Nicole Anne (F, ♦ Beavers, Rufus Wade (M, 27), Arrested on charge of 37), Arrested on charge of Breaking and or Entering, it’s presented. There’s a greater Personal Property, on Possess Meth, on 8/3/22, Larceny after Break/Enter, emphasis onWhiteside, utilizing the spacIn this Jan. 9, 2018, file photo, Paul “Triple H” Levesque participates in the “WWE Monday Night ♦ Aggie Moses 7/31/22, at RCJ. at US 311 @ Branson Davis on 8/3/22, at Randolph Co that we have and the TV aspect Raw: 25th Anniversary” panel during the NBCUniversal Television Critics Association Winter Press agees61 of Ashtabula, Rd. in Pasadena, Calif.

Courthouse. of it while still engaging the fans.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

OPINION

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Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Building a better future

The left’s erosion of American stability extends beyond the economy, as their policies have also weakened the safety and security of communities nationwide.

“THE BEST PREPARATION for the future is the present well seen to, and the last duty done.”

This quote by the theologian George MacDonald reminds us that building a better future for ourselves and our children begins by laying a sturdy foundation for growth, security, and individual freedom in the present.

Unfortunately, Democrats in Washington have largely failed to bolster this foundation or, in some cases, have caused it to erode.

Today, due to misguided policy decisions by the Biden administration and Congressional Democrats, our nation finds itself in a grim state. And sadly, this condition has come to touch nearly every aspect of your life.

Inflation is a tax on all Americans, and our economy continues to spiral due to out-of-control government spending and policy miscues by Washington Democrats. According to the latest figures, our economy shrunk by 2.5% over the last two quarters signifying that America has entered a recession. Inflation remains at a 41-year high. In North Carolina alone, inflation increased 13.7% from January 2021 to June 2022. This cost every household an average of $641 more a month just to buy daily essentials and an extra $7,691 annually. Additionally, the cost of fuel has devastated families across the country and remains near record highs.

Yet, Washington Democrats have continued to prioritize a leftist agenda over the well-being of you and your family. This is perhaps most evident in Congressional Democrats’ efforts to push through their “Build Back Broke” package that will raise taxes, and throw money at woke climate and social programs that won’t work — including $369 billion in “Green New Deal” initiatives — as well as worsen the inflation crisis. American families are already paying for Washington Democrats’ previous financial missteps, and this new package will only make the current situation worse.

The left’s erosion of American stability extends beyond the economy, as their policies have also weakened the safety and security of communities nationwide. The “Biden Border Crisis” continues to rage. Since President Joe Biden changed to an open border policy, over 3.1 million migrants have attempted to enter our country illegally, including 207,416 in June alone.

Additionally, crime in American cities remains out of control thanks to the left’s soft-on-crime and anti-police rhetoric and policies. Homicide rates across the country are up nearly 50% compared to 2020 and six major cities,

including New York City and Washington D.C., are on pace to surpass the historic violent crime levels we saw last year.

While some Washington Democrats have sought to change course on the issue of law enforcement, their newfound concern seems more likely due to fear of facing the voters than actual public safety.

Just over a week ago, House Democrats passed a so-called “assault weapons” ban similar to the one imposed back in 1994. This ban did not stop violent crime and severely limited the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. This new ban would be no different. I took on Speaker Pelosi to lead the debate(link is external) on the House floor. I made it clear that her ban is unconstitutional and that Pelosi and her friends on the extreme left just want to exploit your fear and the pain of victims to achieve their goal of taking away our guns.

The policy missteps by Washington Democrats are not only making your situation more difficult now but also have the potential to undermine it for years to come. If we are to alter our nation’s course for the better, we must make swift and decisive changes.

First, we must take genuine steps to fix our economy. This begins by stopping needless government spending and tax increases like those included in “Build Back Broke” and creating an economic environment that increases take-home pay, lowers costs, and encourages innovation. We must also lower energy costs, which can be done simply by pursuing an all-of-the-above approach and fully unleashing American energy.

Beyond the economy, we must also take concrete steps to improve the security of our communities. This starts by utilizing proven solutions to secure our border, including reinstating the “remain in Mexico” policy, maintaining Title 42 authority, giving Customs and Border Patrol the resources and support it needs, and finishing the wall. We must also fully support law enforcement and end soft-on-crime rhetoric and policies in our cities. Finally, Congress must not inhibit your ability to defend yourself and your family by allowing unconstitutional gun control regulations to become law. I will always lead the fight for your Second Amendment rights.

The future of our nation depends on the foundation we lay today. As your congressman, I am committed to building one that promotes long-term economic prosperity, public safety, and the protection of your rights.

As a final note, I ask that you please join Renee and me this week in praying for the family and friends of my friend Rep. Jackie Walorski and the other victims of last week’s tragic auto accident. Jackie was a tireless public servant, conservative warrior, beloved wife to Dean, and a friend to so many.

She will be dearly, dearly missed.

COLUMN | DENNIS PRAGER

Why are so many young Americans irreligious?

Contemporary Western countries and countries such as Japan whose identities are not Western, but which are culturally part of the West are the most secular societies in recorded history.

FEWER YOUNG AMERICANS affiliate with any organized religion than ever before in American history.

This means, therefore, that the children — and certainly the grandchildren — of millions of faithful Christians have abandoned Christianity. The same holds true for Jews, but that decline began somewhat earlier. Until the 20th century, nearly all Jews were religious (which nearly always meant Orthodox). Today about 15% of Jews are Orthodox, while most Conservative and Reform Jews have the same values as the secular Left, and very few of their children attend synagogue.

Why have so many Jews and Christians abandoned religious commitment and even a religious identity (many Jews retained an ethnic identity, an option not available to those who abandoned Christianity, as there is no Christian ethnic identity, Christianity being a religion, not an ethnicity as well as a religion)?

Two reasons predominate: the dominant secular culture and the failure of religious Jews and Christians to explain their respective religions.

Contemporary Western countries (and countries such as Japan whose identities are not Western, but which are culturally part of the West) are the most secular societies in recorded history.

In America, every public institution has been rendered God-free, that is, devoid of God. From the age of 5, and sometimes before that, children attend schools that make no reference to God or the Bible. Indeed, schools generally hold God and the Bible in intellectual and moral contempt.

American children are told at school that neither God, nor the Bible, nor religion is necessary — in fact, these are held to be impediments to moral progress. For example, virtually every student is taught the secular mantra that “more people have been killed by religion — or ‘in the name of God’ — than by anything else.” The implied reference is, of course, to Christians alone. (Examples of historic Islamic violence are ignored, and mention of them is deemed bigotry, and the same holds true of Native American and non-Western violence.)

This secular doctrine regarding more violence by Christians than by anyone else is intellectually dishonest and, with regard to the 20th century, patently false.

It is intellectually dishonest insofar as it ignores the fact that prior to the Enlightenment, virtually everyone in the West was Christian.

Therefore, by definition, virtually all violence was committed by Christians. Who else in the West could commit violence? The tiny number of Jews? The tiny number of atheists?

It is also intellectually dishonest in that only evils committed in the Christian world are mentioned — evils, such as slavery, which were nearly all universal. But the moral achievements of the Christian world — all unique to the Christian West — are ignored. Where else were countries committed to universal human rights — i.e., equal rights for every

individual of every ethnicity, race and religion? Where else was the status of women elevated to the status of men? Where else was liberty achieved to anywhere near the extent it has been in the Western world? What other civilization figured out ways to elevate billions from poverty or to eradicate diseases?

And the charge is patently false in that the bloodiest century in history was the 20th century and nearly every one of the more than 100 million civilians — that is, noncombatants — who were murdered were killed by non-Christian, usually anti-Christian, secular regimes. Assuming your secular child or grandchild even knows about the genocides of the 20th century, ask him or her this question: “Who is responsible for the genocides of the 20th century — religious or secular regimes?”

In American life, the only national holiday with religious meaning is Christmas, and that has not only been largely secularized, but even in its secular form has increasingly been removed from the national vocabulary.

Americans are expected to say the word “Christmas” as rarely as possible.

No more “Merry Christmas,” but “Happy Holidays.” Companies no longer have “Christmas parties,” but “holiday parties.” Schools no longer have “Christmas vacations” or a “Christmas break,” but “winter vacations” or a “winter break.”

Anyone who derives his moral values from the Bible is essentially forbidden from using those values to shape societal norms. You can cite Ibram X. Kendi or “White Fragility” or your heart as the source of your social values, but if you cite a biblical book, you are told that violates the alleged “separation of church and state.”

So, then, for about 60 years, the entire world outside of the home (and increasingly inside the home) of most young Americans has been secular and anti-religious.

That the post-Christian age has been the bloodiest in history, that the French and Russian Revolutions, both fiercely anti-religious, produced bloody despotic regimes, while the pro-religion, God-based American Revolution produced the freest country in the world — both these facts are unknown to most young Americans. So, too, young people don’t know that religious Americans are happier, commit less suicide, give more charity and volunteer more time than irreligious Americans.

Swimming in a secular sea and ignorance of the disparate moral records of secular and Judeo-Christian regimes and institutions constitute one of the two reasons for the religious apathy among young Americans. The other, as I’ll chronicle in a future column, has been the failure of religious institutions to explain themselves.

Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host and columnist. His latest books, published by Regnery, are “The Rational Passover Haggadah” (March 2022) and “The Rational Bible,” a commentary on the book of Genesis (May 2019).

Randolph Record for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NBA

Durant reiterates desire to be traded

by Brooklyn Brooklyn Kevin Durant has again told Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai that he wants to be traded, reiterating a request he first made nearly six weeks ago. A source told The Associated Press that Durant also told Tsai that he has concerns about the Nets’ direction under coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks. Tsai tweeted Monday night that he supports the team’s front office and coaching staff.

Durant averaged 29.9 points in 55 games last season.

NFL

NFL: Rodgers’ use of ayahuasca didn’t violate drug policy Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ use of the hallucinogenic drink ayahuasca during an offseason retreat isn’t considered a violation of the NFL’s drug policy.

Rodgers discussed on “The Aubrey Marcus Podcast” last week how he went on an ayahuasca retreat to Peru in 2020. Ayahuasca is defined as a psychoactive beverage native to South America and is often used for religious, ritualistic or medicinal purposes. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy says it wouldn’t have triggered a positive test result on either the substance abuse or performance-enhancing substance policies collectively bargained by the NFL and its players’ association.

WNBA

Mercury’s Taurasi out for rest of season with quad injury Phoenix Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi will miss the remainder of the season with a quadriceps strain. Taurasi missed the last two games with the injury and the team now says the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer will not be available as the Mercury fight for a 10th straight playoff appearance. The five-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA champion averaged 16.7 points and 3.9 assists this season, her 17th in the WNBA. Phoenix signed Yvonne Turner to a hardship contract to fill Taurasi’s roster spot.

MLB

Hall of Famer Eckersley to leave Red Sox booth after season Boston Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley said Monday that he will be leaving the Boston Red Sox broadcasts at the end of the season, his 50th in Major League Baseball. Eckersley pitched 24 seasons as both a 20win starter and a 50-save reliever for Cleveland, Boston, the Cubs, Oakland and the Cardinals. He won the AL Cy Young and MVP awards in 1992 while playing for the Athletics.

The 67-year-old joined NESN after a career in which he was a six-time All-Star who went 197-171 with a 3.50 ERA with 100 complete games as a starter and 390 saves.

AP PHOTO

Kevin Harvick celebrates after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at the Michigan International Speedway.

Kevin Harvick ends 65-race drought with win at Michigan It’s the Stewart-Haas Racing driver’s sixth career win at the track The Associated Press BROOKLYN, Mich. — Kevin Harvick got his groove back, fittingly at one of his favorite tracks.

Harvick ended a 65-race winless drought that lasted nearly two years with his sixth victory at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday.

“Good timing, for sure,” he said.

Harvick’s win shakes up the playoff race with just three races remaining in the regular season, leaving little time for drivers to earn a spot in the 16-car postseason, and it gives a boost for a veteran that entered the weekend No. 17 in points.

“Everybody that doubted us

doesn’t know us,” he said.

NASCAR has had 15 different Cup winners this season. If there are two new winners over the last three races, a driver with one win will be eliminated from the 16-car playoff with a tiebreaker based on points. Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. are top-10 drivers in points, but they have not won a race, putting their postseason positioning in peril.

Harvick’s No. 4 Ford pulled away from Bubba Wallace and the rest the field following a restart with 35 laps to go at the FireKeepers Casino 400. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver took advantage of clean air, helping him coast to his 59th victory, including five wins since 2018 on the two-mile oval in the Irish Hills region of southern Michigan.

Harvick had not won since claiming a NASCAR Cup Series postseason race on Sept. 19,

“It’s been a while.

Michigan has been a great place for us.”

Kevin Harvick 2020, at Bristol Motor Speedway.

“It’s been a while,” he acknowledged. “Michigan has been a great place for us.”

Wallace finished second in his No. 23 Toyota — 2.9 seconds behind Harvick — followed by Denny Hamlin in his No. 11 Toyota.

“Second’s not good enough for the playoffs,” said Wallace, who needs to win one of the final three regular-season races to earn a spot in the postseason.

Austin Cindric, who won the Daytona 500 for his first career victory, started the day No. 15 in

points and finished last in the 37car race after his No. 2 Ford hit the wall head-on in a nine-car crash that knocked Kyle Busch out of the competition.

“It was a complete mess,” he said.

Wallace won his first career pole Saturday, becoming the only driver to break 190 mph in the Next Gen car during qualifying this season and went even faster early in the race after a 90-minute rain delay.

Wallace, driving for 23XI Racing formed by Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin in 2020, stayed out front until he made a pit stop after 21 laps — two shy of his career high — and the decision that cost him track position due to a crash soon thereafter that included one-fourth of the field.

Wallace blamed himself for letting Harvick pull away after the last pivotal restart.

“I’ll wear this one on my heart for a while,” he said, choking back tears. “I failed everybody.”

NASCAR shifts to Richmond Raceway in Virginia, one of the last three races of the regular season. Hamlin won at Richmond in April.

NFL hopes to reduce head injuries with helmet experiment Panthers tackle Wyatt Miller warms up at the team’s training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, last Thursday.

Guardian Caps are mandatory for all players during training camp The Associated Press THE MUSHROOM-LIKE contraptions NFL players are wearing on their helmets during training camp may look strange, but they’re a part of an ongoing safety experiment the league hopes will lead to a reduction in head injuries.

They’re called Guardian Caps, and they’re now mandatory for all 32 NFL teams through the second preseason game — the time when the league says head injuries are most prevalent.

“There’s a density of exposure, and a density of injury, at the beginning of training camp and the competition committee has been looking for ways to change that,” said Jeff Miller, executive vice president for NFL player health and safety.

The league said laboratory research indicates the 12-ounce Guardian Caps result in at least a 10% reduction in severity of impact to a player’s brain. It says that number climbs to at least 20% if both players involved in a collision are wearing them.

Miller said mitigating those forces “will have a cumulative effect for the betterment of health and safety of the player.”

Not everyone, however, is convinced Guardian Caps are the answer.

AP PHOTO

Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, is “more than a little skeptical” that the extra padding helps prevent head injuries — and wonders if it could be doing more harm than good.

“Adding weight to a helmet can make things worse for the brain when it comes to rotational impacts,” said Nowinski, who previously served as a co-director of the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.

“Adding size to the helmet does

the same thing. It’s very difficult to recreate this in a lab. We aren’t sure if this will be a net positive or a net negative.”

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver isn’t seeing the benefits of the caps either.

Oliver said the padded shells “aggravate” him, making him feel like “a bobblehead” on the field.

“It’s just heavy,” Oliver said. “I like the way my helmet feels without it. I have been playing without it for this long, I just don’t like it.”

Despite the skepticism, Miller said the feedback from most play-

ers has been positive — even if they feel the Guardian Caps look a little funny.

“I wouldn’t say they’re aesthetically pleasing, and I think we look a little goofy,” said Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert. “But they’re there for good reason. They did studies with them. Anything to keep us safer, why not do it?

“Obviously you only get one brain. May as well keep it as best you can.”

The league announced in February there were 187 concussions during practice and games in 2021.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

PREP SPORTS

Early showdowns dot prep schedules

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO — High school sports games and matches for the 2022-23 school year begin next week with competitions that count on the records.

For most sports in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, the first date for competition comes Monday (Aug. 15).

Here are a few notable events on early schedules: • On Aug. 15, Southwestern Randolph travels to Central Davidson in the first boys’ soccer game with Jimmy Walker back in charge as coach of the Cougars. He founded the program and returned to the coaching role this summer for his third different stint in charge of the program.

• Also, on Aug. 15, Trinity visits Asheboro in a matchup of two of the stronger boys’ soccer teams from Randolph County based on the 2021 season.

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These teams held a combined record of 26-9-4 last year, but they didn’t meet. A rematch is scheduled for Aug. 24 at Trinity.

• Also, in the second week of the boys’ soccer season, Asheboro has a non-conference home game with Western Alamance on Aug. 22. Western Alamance is the reigning Class 3-A state champion. Asheboro won 3-0 last August at Western Alamance.

• On Aug. 17, Southwestern Randolph’s volleyball team opens its season at Asheboro. There are numerous storylines there.

For reigning Class 2-A state champion Southwestern Randolph, it’s the season debut.

It’s supposed to be the third match for Asheboro since the return of Kim Black, who’s also a former Southwestern Randolph coach, as the Blue Comets coach.

That match is at North Asheboro Middle School, where the Blue Comets are playing again this season because of renovations on campus.

Asheboro starts the season Aug. 15 at home and goes the next night to Randleman.

Southwestern Randolph has its first home match Aug. 23 vs.

Oak Grove.

• In girls’ tennis, Wheatmore was unbeaten in Piedmont Athletic Conference play last season.

The Warriors open this season Aug. 15 at East Davidson. The PAC slate starts with a visit from neighboring Trinity on Aug. 22.

• The Aug. 19 football openers include just one matchup involving two teams from Randolph County. That’s when Randleman goes to Asheboro.

Logan Sawyer

A year ago, Asheboro secured its only victory by winning its opener at Randleman.

Other Aug. 19 football openers for county teams are Jordan-Matthews at Southwestern Randolph, East Davidson at Providence Grove, Eastern Randolph at Eastern Alamance, Trinity at Chatham Central, West Davidson at Wheatmore.

Coley Shiflet is bound to be a key player again for Southwestern Randolph’s volleyball team.

FILE PHOTO

Logan Sawyer of Uwharrie Charter Academy had a strong senior season on the baseball field.

Uwharrie Charter Academy,

baseball

FILE PHOTO

Cougars eager to see impact of changes Southwestern Randolph gears up for volleyball season after 2021 state title

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO — Southwestern Randolph’s volleyball team has a few different components this season.

There will be a new offensive make-up and a key transfer with the Cougars.

But one thing they don’t want to change is the rate of success.

“There’s a lot of excitement in our gym,” coach Darby Kennedy said.

“They want to hold onto the title and defend that title.”

Southwestern Randolph is the reigning Class 2-A state champion.

Kennedy said that the core of the defensive unit has been in place since a year ago, but there will be shifting responsibilities from an offensive standpoint.

“It’s interesting because we went from having a strong offensive structure for the past few years,” she said. “Now the ball is going to be shared a lot more.”

The first match of the season

comes Aug. 17 in a non-league encounter at Asheboro.

It’s a matter of Southwestern Randolph putting the pieces together, and there’s a good foundation for that.

Junior Coley Shiflet, the Most Valuable Player of the state final, is the libero. She’s joined by defensive specialist Carleigh Whitson, a senior.

Sophomore middle blocker Riley Key might show an upgraded offensive side, while outside hitter Madelyn Smith is a reliable factor. Sophomore outside hitter Gracie Hodgin, an All-Piedmont Athletic Conference selection last year and the daughter of school principal Brian Hodgin, has transferred from Wheatmore and provides good power along with solid service receptions.

“We’re young in the middle,” Kennedy said. “We’ve got some kids who are a little less experienced at some key positions.”

Payton Shiflet and Josie Allred, who were seniors on last season’s 28-5 team, sparked much of the offense.

More responsibilities could fall on the setters in the restructured offense.

“Our strategy has to change so we can be successful all the way

around,” Kennedy said. “The more they work on that, I think they’ll gain that confidence and make sure they’re building that chemistry.

We’re working on finding that consistency in a new offensive structure.”

The list of potential difference makers also includes senior Julie Johnston and junior Alyssa Harbor.

With such a strong foundation, Southwestern Randolph could be a team capable of another season of excellence.

“We’ve had a lot of conversations about that you win a state championship, and that’s exciting,” Kennedy said. “You get back in the gym and have to start over. We’re always had girls who are willing to work.

They’ve been putting their time in.

Now it’s a matter of connecting it all together.”

The Cougars ought to learn more this weekend in a multi-team scrimmage in Raleigh that will also include the 2021 Class 3-A and Class 4-A state champions and several other established teams.

Closer to home, the Cougars will be aiming to regenerate the level of enthusiasm that built throughout last season.

“The games ought to be exciting with people flying all over the place,” Kennedy said.

Sawyer, a senior infielder, wrapped up his final baseball season with Uwharrie Charter Academy in the spring. He landed a spot on the All-Piedmont Athletic Conference team.

The Eagles finished the season with a 1015 record after winning three games in the Class 1-A state playoffs. Their postseason run came to an end with a loss to eventual state runner-up Cherryville.

During his senior year, Sawyer committed to play baseball at Division III Brevard College. He played this summer for the High Point Hushpuppies in the Old North State League, which is a summer circuit for college players.

AREA SPORTS BRIEFS

Charlotte golfer wins Asheboro tourney Randolph Record staff ASHEBORO — Neel Ladde of Charlotte won the Junior Amateur golf tournament during the weekend at Asheboro Municipal Golf Course.

Ladde posted a total of 107 for 27 holes in the tournament, which was reduced because of weather interference. He had rounds of 36 and 71.

Second place went to Lexington’s Steele Fischer (38-78) with 116, and third place went to Eastern Randolph’s rising senior Connor Carter (41-76) with 117.

The 13-18-year-old age group had seven entrants, marking it the largest group in the tournament. Some golfers completed 12 holes before storms suspended play Saturday, so only the first nine holes were counted.

In the 9-11 tournament, Trace Fischer of Lexington won with 90 (52-38) as two ninehole rounds were contested. Tucker McNeil of Seagrove was second with 107 (57-50).

The 6-8 class played four holes Saturday and five holes Sunday, with Anna Kathryn Skeen the winner (24-27) with 51 and Anika Ladde (26-29) next with 55.

Caraway Speedway card nixed by downpours

FILE PHOTO

Coach Darby Kennedy will hope to direct the Cougars to another special season.

At Sophia, the “Crashin’ Hackett’s Night of Destruction” was called off Saturday night because of heavy rains, with the event rescheduled to be part of the Aug. 20 activities at the speedway.

Qualifying had started for Challengers when rain created issues. The racing card also was supposed to include Mini Stocks, UCARs, bus races, and a demolition derby.

Rain checks from Saturday will be honored Aug. 20, which had been a scheduled off-night at the track.

More Golf: Steven Kidd of Liberty shot 81 in U.S. Senior Amateur qualifying last week at High Point Country Club’s Willow Creek course.

A 70 or better was needed to advance.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

6

For full reports on Randolph County Post 45’s games in the Southeast Regional, visit www.randolphrecord.com

Season fizzles on Post 45 in elimination loss

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL

Early success fades in Southeast Regional for Randolph County

FULL COVERAGE

Wednesday’s results Camden, S.C. 10, Owensboro, Ky. 0 Evans, Ga. 5, Columbia, Tenn. 0 Belleview, Fla. 8, Wilmington 5 Randolph County 14, Rock Hill, S.C. 8 Thursday’s results Wilmington 9, Owensboro 4 (Owensboro eliminated) Rock Hill 11, Columbia 3 (Columbia eliminated) Camden 9, Belleview 7 Randolph County 3, Evans 2, 8 innings Friday’s results Rock Hill 7, Belleview 3 (Belleview eliminated) Wilmington 18, Evans 0, 5 innings (Evans eliminated) Camden 12, Randolph County 7 Saturday’s results Wilmington 15, Randolph County 5, 5 innings (Randolph County eliminated) Rock Hill 3, Camden 2 Sunday’s results Rock Hill 5, Wilmington 4, 10 innings (Wilmington eliminated) Camden 7, Rock Hill 5 (Rock Hill eliminated)

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO — This Randolph County Post 45 baseball team seemed built for big things.

Too many big innings for opponents became the undoing for the host team in the American Legion’s Southeast Regional.

“I definitely think we could have had a better season than this,” left fielder Adam Cole said.

The end came with a 15-5 loss to Wilmington Post 10 in an elimination game Saturday at McCrary Park. The game was reduced to five innings by the mercy rule, with Wilmington racking up the final 15 runs.

With back-to-back losses, Post 45 (31-13) was finished. That left three other teams from the original eight-team field left to determine the qualifier for next week’s American Legion World Series.

“I thought we were going to run through this,” Randolph County center fielder/pitcher Braylen Hayes said. “It’s all about how you play as a team.”

Just like the state tournament a week earlier, Post 45 began with two victories and then exited with losses in its next two games.

“A tough two weeks,” Post 45 manager Ronnie Pugh said. “With all the injuries, it’s pretty remarkable really that we were able to come out and win a couple of games (in each tournament).”

The ailments had piled up, with a pitching staff reduced by injuries, shortstop Tanner Marsh limping around all week, Blake Marsh dealing with a sore wrist, and catcher Alex Martinez hampered by a bashed finger.

Yet the most unpredictable development involved Post 45’s Trey Way, who had played five positions in the field across the first three days of the regional and was slated to be the catcher Saturday.

Hayes caps Post 45 drama

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Grant Little came on in relief for a clutch performance for Randolph County Post 45 during the American Legion’s Southeast Regional.

Hours before the game, Way became ill because of an allergic reaction. He was held out of the lineup and then departed during the second rain delay for additional care.

Even with that, it started well for Post 45. Randolph County scored two runs before the first out, beginning the game with three singles and notching the first run on a wild pitch. Cole drove in a run with a single, but Hayes was thrown out at the plate on the play. Martinez roped a two-out, two-run single, and Tyler Parks followed with an RBI single.

A 9-minute rain delay preceded starting pitcher Robert Garner throwing his first pitch in the bottom of the inning. Wilmington’s Logan Ponnett hammered a two-run homer in the bottom of the first before an out was recorded. After five Post 10 batters took their turns, there was a 53-minute halt.

Connor Kane’s grand slam on an 0-2 pitch from Garner with two outs in the bottom of the second inning gave Wilmington its first lead.

Post 10 scored in every inning.

“We came in here lacking pitching,” Hayes said.

Still, Post 45 was stacked. There were veteran players along with

Troutman transfers out of UCA

BURLINGTON — One of the most highly recruited boys’ basketball players in Randolph County in the upcoming senior class will no longer will be playing for a school in the county.

Ashton Troutman is transferring from Uwharrie Charter Academy to The Burlington School.

He said he’s looking for more exposure and a higher level of competition.

“Just being in a basketball environment and for a good team,” Troutman said. “I would have never flirted with the idea of leaving if it wasn’t for basketball.”

Troutman, a 6-foot-7½, 205-pound post player, was the centerpiece of the Eagles’ Piedmont Athletic Conference Tournament championship last winter.

For weeks, Troutman has been the recipient of constant praise based on his performances on the summer travel circuit with Raleigh-based Garner Road Basketball Club. He has been lauded for his toughness around the basket and the ability to play through contact.

Despite coming back from a

Little comes up big The game barely started, and Post 45 needed big help on the first day of the Southeast Regional.

That came from Grant Little, who hadn’t pitched in more than a month.

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

newcomers Hayes and Way, who were standouts on Randleman’s second consecutive Class 2-A state championship team from the high school season. North Carolina recruit Tyler Parks was available for the postseason, Blake Marsh and Tatum Marsh had been in college programs, and Pugh could field a team with all-star credentials at about every position.

“We won 30-some games,” Pugh said. “Stuff hit at times. Maybe we were a couple of arms short.”

Blake Marsh and Cole both had two hits in the finale.

Much of the core of the team is eligible to return. Players have called it a positive experience.

“I loved it,” Hayes said of American Legion baseball. “Every second was fun for me.”

Here are abbreviated recaps of earlier Post 45 games:

Hayes wanted the chance to end Thursday night’s game. The center fielder didn’t miss on that.

“It works at the end. That’s all that matters,” Hayes said. “I knew (it was the winning hit) because Blake (Marsh) can move pretty good. He’s going to score.”

Hayes belted a double off the wall in left field with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning, allowing Marsh to score from first base with the winning run in the 3-2 victory against Evans (Ga.) Post 192.

It was another showcase for Post 45’s Tanner Marsh, who has hobbled around the field for two games and produced an alarming rate.

Hampered by an ailing left hamstring, he drove in Randolph County’s first two runs and ended up as the winning pitcher with three innings of relief.

Slow start yields first loss On the third day, it didn’t start well for Post 45. Then it got worse Friday night.

“It’s an eye-opener,” Martinez said after the 12-7 loss to Camden (S.C.) Post 17.

Randolph County pitchers gave up 15 hits and five walks and were dinged by the team’s three fielding errors. On offense, three Randolph County innings ended with base-running blunders.

“I don’t think I want to really replay that one,” Pugh said of the game. “When we’re on, we’re good. But we were sure bad (in this game).”

ZooKeepers coach departs after two seasons

Ashton Troutman of Uwharrie Charter Academy dunks last season against Wheatmore.

Basketball standout heads to private school for senior season

Little calmed things down for Post 45 before the offense clicked in what became a 14-8 victory against Rock Hill (S.C.) Post 34 in Wednesday’s nightcap.

“We realize what we’re playing for,” Post 45 shortstop Tanner Marsh said.

Little gave up one run across 3 2/3 innings – until a misplayed popup on the first batter after he was lifted resulted in two more runs.

But what Little accomplished was big by putting a halt to Rock Hill’s momentum.

The offensive highlights were numerous for Post 45, which rallied from a five-run deficit. Josh Meadows drove in four runs, Blake Marsh and Tanner Marsh both rapped three hits, and Cole was on base five times and scored three runs – just to list a few.

broken fibula that caused him to miss a couple of months since the high school season, Troutman’s stock grew this summer.

“July was huge for him,” said George Marshall, the new coach and athletics director at The Burlington School (previously named The Elon School), which is a private school with a growing basketball reputation. “It’s really a credit to his grit and toughness. He’s in a place where his confidence is sky high.”

Troutman, 18, will commute from his Asheboro home to Burlington. He said he felt some pressure last summer to transfer, considering Greensboro Day School as several private schools reached out to him. But he said he wanted another go-around with UCA, which is a Class 1-A school, as it entered a new conference.

Now, he’s taking a different approach for his last high school season. He said he expects more challenging academic requirements, but that will be worth it.

“Coach Marshall and a couple of other guys hit me up,” he said.

“They’re going to put me in situations to be seen by (more colleges).”

The Burlington School, a member of the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association, is a four-time state champion in boys’ basketball. The Spartans are the reigning Class 2-A state champions in that organization af-

ter securing back-to-back titles. In the regular season, recent teams have played in several high-profile events, though the Spartans are now an independent and no longer in a conference.

Marshall said Troutman should fit in well. NCAA Division I and Division II teams have been in contact with Troutman in recruiting. The player said he has yet to receive scholarship offers.

“He has played really competitive basketball throughout the course of his career,” said Marshall, who spent the previous five seasons at Henderson Collegiate.

“We are really excited to have him as a student and a player.”

Troutman’s 20.9 points and ten rebounds per game as a junior came after as a sophomore – in the pandemic-abbreviated season – he led the Eagles with 16.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while shooting 68 percent from the field.

He held a team-best 8.9 points per game on 56 percent shooting from the field and 4.8 rebounds per outing as a freshman.

With Troutman, the Eagles’ record went from 10-13 as a freshman to 10-4 as a sophomore and 19-7 last season.

Prior to last season, UCA lost guard Zane Caudle as a transfer to Providence Grove, which won the PAC regular-season title. Caudle was named the PAC Player of the Year.

ASHEBORO — Jeremy Knight has stepped away from his roles with the Asheboro ZooKeepers.

After guiding the Coastal Plain League baseball team for two seasons, he decided to resign as head coach and co-general manager.

“It was becoming too much with two kids,” he said, calling it a family decision. “This year wore me out.”

Knight’s record with the college summer team was 37-56, including a league-worst 14-33 mark this season.

He’s returning to a teaching position at Southern Alamance High School.

“It wasn’t because we didn’t have a great season,” Knight said of the change.

Knight, 37, has been a regular with college summer baseball, including time in the Virginia-based Valley Baseball League before joining the then-Asheboro

Copperheads (before the nickname change).

“It’s time to be a dad a little bit more,” said Knight, who lives with his wife and two children in Whitsett.

Knight was supposed to be an assistant coach for the 2020 Asheboro team, but that season was canceled because of the pandemic. Then he became the head coach for the past two seasons, also holding administrative duties.

He wrapped up his time with the ZooKeepers during the past weekend, aiding operations for the American Legion’s Southeast Regional at McCrary Park.

He’ll remain involved in baseball at Southern Alamance, returning to a role as an assistant coach that he held in the past.

He’ll also be back in a role as a teacher for exceptional children.

Southern Alamance coach Jason Smith is the father to Maddux Smith, a Davidson pitcher who was on this year’s ZooKeepers team.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Jeremy Knight decided to give up his job with the Asheboro ZooKeepers.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

7

obituaries

Caroline Brown Livingston

April 9, 1932 — August 4, 2022 Caroline Brown Livingston, age 90, of Asheboro passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Randolph Hospital.

Mrs. Livingston was born in Ft. Bragg, NC on April 9, 1932 to Benjamin Franklin and Bertha Swindler Brown. She was employed as a caretaker for several years and formerly drove a transfer truck with her husband. In addition to her parents, Caroline was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Watson and 10 siblings. Caroline had a close relationship with Jesus. She loved her family, especially all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She loved to walk and drive her Nissan Frontier truck.

She is survived by her daughters, Carla Ann Scott of Asheboro, Patricia Elaine Arrington and Dara Sharon Watson both of Georgia, and Mickie Carol Featherston of Pigeon Forge, TN; son, Billy Lee Watson of Asheboro; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Cindy Sanders Redding

September 4, 1957 — August 3, 2022 Cindy Sanders Redding, age 64, of Sophia passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at High Point Medical Center.

Ms. Redding was born in Randolph County on September 4, 1957 to Fred and Margaret Thomas Sanders. She was formerly employed as a CNA with Cross Road Retirement Community. In addition to her parents, Cindy was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Sanders. Cindy loved being in the pool and sun tanning. She enjoyed collecting gems.

She is survived by her son, Rob Redding and his wife Hannah; daughter, Margaret Lindsey Redding; sisters, Linda Zenns, Jean Huffman, Jane Johnson, and Kathy Trogdon; her canine companion, Bear, whom she loved very much; and her grand dogs, Wallie and Scout.

Darryl Todd Martinez

July 25, 1966 — August 2, 2022 Darryl Todd Martinez passed away far too soon on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer. He was 56 years young.

He was born to parents Leonard and Margaret Martinez on July 25, 1966 in Thomasville, NC. Todd is survived by his mother Margaret, his sister Donna, sister Diane, brother David, sister Carolyn, sister, Rhonda, and daughter Lee Ann McKinney (Jordan). He is also survived by his 3 “grand babies” Jolee, Conner and Cora.

He also leaves behind his beloved nephews Kevin, Kane and Michael Lee Martinez. Todd was preceded in death by his loving father Leonard Martinez and brother Lenny.

Todd’s love of music was evident.

Music brought him comfort and provided what was needed at the time, whether it was a smile or a tear.

He was rarely seen without a guitar.

He loved golfing, and had played at almost every course in the state. Somehow, he even found it entertaining to watch golf on TV. He also loved the sport of racing, and met many friends that became like family through his passion along the way.

June 27, 1937 — July 31, 2022 Benjamin "Ben" Renny Harding, age 85, of Asheboro passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Randolph Hospice House.

Mr. Harding was born in Yadkin County on June 27, 1937 to Thomas Leonard Harding and Ruth Hudspeth Harding. Ben was a 1958 graduate of UNC-CH. While at UNC-CH he played baseball as a left-handed pitcher, Captain/CoCaptain, and first base coach. Ben was employed with Randolph Bank & Trust, as a commercial lending officer, for many years. He attended Neighbors Grove Wesleyan Church and was a former member and President of the Asheboro Lion's Club. In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Harding, and sister, Elizabeth Moss. Ben was an avid golfer.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Charlene Parrish Harding; daughter, April Childers (Berl, Jr.) of Yadkinville, NC; step grandson, Berl Childers III (Ashley) of Maiden, NC; step great grandchildren, Lawton, Emelyn, and Warner; niece Connie Garceau; his favorite feline companion, Missy; and brothers, Malcolm Harding (Georgann) of Chappell Hill, TX and Thomas L. Harding of Yadkinville, NC.

Douglas Ross Carter, age 82, of Troy, passed away on August 6, 2022 at Autumn Care.

Douglas was born on January 8, 1940 in Scotland County to James Wallace and Letha Long Carter.

He graduated from GardnerWebb University and was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Colonel John B. Palmer Camp #1946, an Amateur Ham Radio operator and an avid gold prospector.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Davis Carter, and brothers Jimmy Carter and William Carter.

He is survived by his sons Fred Carter (Roxanne) of Apex, Kevin Carter of Troy; daughter Kathy Hillard of Troy. Grandchildren Nicole Hillard, Anna Carter, Dillion Hillard, Kasey Carter, and Rachel Carter; great grandchildren Raeanna Parsons and Sara Hillard.

Marvin Boyd Maness, 80, of Siler City, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at his home.

Mr. Maness was born on January 8, 1942 in Randolph County, the son of Lucian and Mary Dunn Maness.

Marvin was a dedicated US Army Veteran, serving in the Vietnam Conflict. For 25 years, he owned and operated Hobo Drywall. Marvin loved spending time outside fishing, and gardening. He adored spending time with all of his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Ann Maness; and siblings, Ann Dunn, Laura Taylor, Dean Maness, Sr. and Jack Maness, Sr. Marvin is survived by his wife of 42 years, Betty Myers Maness; children, Mary Whitley and husband Brett of Statesville, Mechelle Gentry of Statesville, Angela Johnson of Bear Creek, and Joseph Hash of Siler City; siblings, Rosemay Beal and husband Mike of Wilmington, Pearl Hargrove of Silk Hope, Betty Frye and husband Billy of Pittsboro, Joan Thomas and husband Jimmie of South Hill, VA, and Russell Maness, Sr. and wife Juanita of Manor, TX; 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

January 8, 1940 — August 6, 2022

January 8, 1942 — August 7, 2022

October 12, 1963 — August 4, 2022

June 23, 1943 — August 7, 2022 Annie Mae Davis Batten, age 79, of Star, passed away on August 7, 2002, at Randolph Hospice House.

Annie was born in Montgomery County on June 23, 1943 to Claude and Nonnie Alene Spivey Davis.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Charles B. Batten, sons Roy Batten and Kirk Batten, sisters Martha Noah and Nancy Greene, brothers Bobby R. Davis, Jimmy Davis and Lennie Davis.

She is survived by her son Calvin Batten (Brenda) of Thomasville; daughter Rita Bowles (Steve) of Asheboro; sisters Janie Welch of Robbins; Betty Lucas of Seagrove; and Claudine Greene of Star, brother Junior Davis of Franklinville; and daughter in law Debra Batten of Star. Grandchildren Derick Batten (Shannon), Beth Batten (Dave Sloan), Mitchell Moore ( Kayte Hughes), Justin Moore (Kimberly Potts), Pamela Nooe, Curtis Nooe (Samantha), Jessica Zahner (Tyler), Jason Fredrickson (Anne) and several great grandchildren.

Marvin Boyd Maness

Sandra Greene Holleman

Annie Mae Davis Batten

Benjamin "Ben" Renny Harding

Douglas Ross Carter

Carol Asbill Epps

May 18, 1943 — August 2, 2022 Carol Asbill Epps, age 79, of Biscoe, passed away on August 2, 2022 at Clapps Nursing Home in Asheboro.

Carol was born in Montgomery County on May 18, 1943 to William Clyde and Beatrice Brewer Asbill Sr. She worked at Springs Mill for 25 years and was a retired CNA and a member of Bethel Church of God. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband James K. Epps, sons Doug Sutton and Jamie Epps, and grandson Jody Lowdermilk.

She is survived by her daughters Michelle Lowdermilk (Jerry) of Seagrove; Christy Cruthis ( Rev. Jarod) of Sophia; brother William Asbill Jr. (Vicki) of Walburg; and sister Susan Freeman (Keith) of Biscoe. Grandchildren Cory, Levi, Noah, Chloe, Alexander and Elise; and great grandchildren Ada and Evan.

Sandra Lynn Greene Holleman, 58, of Greensboro, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022.

Sandra was born on October 12, 1963 to Robert (Bobby) and Jane Greene of Star.

She was preceded in death by her father and her husband, William (Doug) Holleman.

Survivors include, her mother, Jane Greene; sisters Beth Greene (Bob), Susan Maness (Robin) and Patty Faulkner (Keith); nieces and nephews: Will Maness, Megan Brandberg (Jake), Hannah Faulkner, Erin Faulkner and Ryan Faulkner.

Sandra was a lifelong member of Dover Baptist Church. She graduated from East Montgomery High School and UNC-Greensboro with a B.S. in nursing. She worked for more than 30 years as a labor and delivery nurse with Cone Hospital and made a special effort to be present for the births of all of her nieces and nephews, as well as many of her friends' children.

Sandra lived her life constantly expressing love to others. She gave selflessly and loved unconditionally.

She never knew a stranger, and left a lasting impression on her patients, coworkers, friends, and acquaintances. She was compassionate, brave, encouraging, quick witted, and brought smiles and laughter to all with her ability to bring humor to any situation. Her hugs were unmatched, and she had an unlimited listening ear. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed creating fresh cut flower arrangements, taking trips to the beach and spending time with friends and family, always present in the moment.

Clinton Arthur Pearce

January 10, 1933 — August 5, 2022 Clinton Arthur Pearce, 89, of Siler City passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home.

Mr. Pearce was born in Chatham County on January 10, 1933, the son of George and Sophronia Brower Pearce.

Clinton was a proud United States Army Veteran. He was a member of West End United Methodist Church, and loved his church and church family. Clinton enjoyed doing little projects, keeping bees, and piddling around. He held his family near to his heart and loved getting to spend time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley A. Pearce; grandson, Joshua; brothers, George, Neal, Frank, and Dan Pearce; and sister, Sue Phillips.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Pearce of Siler City; son, Ronald D. Pearce and wife Becky of Greensboro; grandchildren, Nicholas and wife Erin, Ryan, and Holly Pearce; and great grandchildren, Caroline and Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West End United Methodist Church, PO Box 1017, Siler City, NC 27344.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

8

STATE & NATION

Inflation weighs on back-toschool buying for many families

By Anne D’Innocenzio The Associated Press NEW YORK — To understand the impact of surging inflation on this year’s back-to-school spending, look no further than children’s rain boots with motifs like frogs and ladybugs made by Washington Shoe Co. Spending held steady for these evergreen items even after the Kent, Washington-based business was forced to pass along 15% price increases in January to its retail clients because of soaring transportation costs. But by May, as gas and food prices also surged, shoppers abruptly shifted away from the $35 higher-end rain boots to the no-frills versions that run $5 to $10 cheaper, its CEO Karl Moehring said.

“We are seeing consumers shift down,” said Moehring, noting dramatic 20% sales swings in opposite directions for both types of products. “Wages are not keeping up with inflation.”

This back-to-school shopping season, parents — particularly in the low to middle income bracket — are focusing on the basics while also trading down to cheaper stores amid surging inflation, which hit a new 40-year high in June.

Last week, Walmart noted

higher prices on gas and food are forcing shoppers to make fewer purchases of discretionary items, particularly clothing. Best Buy, the nation’s largest consumer electronics chain, cited that inflation has dampened consumer spending on gadgets. Both companies cut their profit forecasts as a result.

Such financial struggles amid the industry’s second-most important shopping season behind the winter holidays mark a big difference from a year ago when many low-income shoppers, flush with government stimulus and buoyed by wage increases, spent freely.

Matt Priest, CEO of trade group Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America, noted that last year, the group’s retail members saw a noticeable uptick in online sales mid-month when shoppers received their monthly child tax credit checks that amounted to a couple of hundred dollars.

This season, without that bump, he expects shoppers will buy fewer shoes for their children and rely on private label brands.

Inflation has squeezed household finances for Jessica Reyes, 34, who took her daughters Jalysa, 7, and Jenesis, 5, to a “Back to School Bash” event last month in the Chicago’s northside that offered free

backpacks filled with supplies for students.

“I feel like everything is going up these days,” she said at the event. “We’re a one-income household right now ... so I think it’s greatly affected us in all areas, in bills and in house necessities and school necessities.”

Multiple forecasts point to a solid back-to-school shopping season.

Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks spending across all payment forms including cash, forecasts back-to-school spending will be up 7.5% from July 14 through Sept. 5 compared with the year-ago period when sales rose 11%. For the 2020 back-toschool period, sales fell 0.8% as the pandemic wreaked havoc on schools’ reopening plans and backto-school shopping.

Still, higher prices are propping up much of the numbers.

A basket of roughly a dozen supply items showed a price increase of nearly 15% on average for this back-to-school season compared with a year ago, according to retail analytics firm DataWeave. The price of backpacks are up nearly 12% to an average of $70, for example.

Back 2 School America, an Illinois-based nonprofit that distributes back-to-school kits to

AP PHOTO

A parent shops for school supplies deals at a Target store, Wednesday, July 27, 2022, in North Miami, Fla. kids from low-income families, has seen “a significant increase in costs of supplies,” including a 10% increase from their vendor with another possible mark-up on the way, said the organization’s CEO Matthew Kurtzman. And shipping costs have also gone up.

Thanks to increased support this year, Back 2 School America will be able to cover the new costs and is on track to distribute more kits than ever before — 12,000 so far, and more than 30,000 by the end of August, Kurtzman said. But the funding isn’t guaranteed in the future as worries about a recession increase.

Retailers face big challenges to get shoppers to spend, particularly on clothing.

Walmart said last week it was

taking extra discounts on clothing to clear out inventory. Analysts believe those sales will exert more pressure on other rivals to discount more to stay competitive. However, Walmart said it’s encouraged by the early signs for sales of school supplies.

Meanwhile, Gap’s low-price Old Navy division is guaranteeing a price freeze on its denim from July 29 through the end of September.

As for Washington Shoe, Moehring said he’s shifting production away from higher priced children’s boots to more value-priced products in the months ahead. The company still sees annual sales ahead of last year, but he’s being cautious.

“I believe it is a muddy outlook, “ he said.

DeSantis suspends prosecutor over refusal to enforce laws The Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended the elected state prosecutor of Tampa for pledging not to enforce the state’s new 15-week abortion ban and for supporting gender transition treatments for minors.

The Republican governor announced the suspension of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren at a news conference in the county’s sheriff’s office.

“When you flagrantly violate your oath of office, when you make yourself above the law, you have violated your duty, you have neglected your duty and you are displaying a lack of competence to be able to perform those duties,” DeSantis said to cheers.

Warren, a Democrat, was elected as state attorney by Hillsborough County voters in 2016 and in 2020. In a statement, Warren said “the people have the right to elect their own leaders — not have them dictated by an aspiring presidential candidate who has shown time and again he feels accountable to no one.”

“The governor is trying to overthrow the results of a fair and free election, two of them actually,” he said later Thursday at a news conference. “People need to understand. This isn’t the governor trying to suspend one elected official. This is the governor trying to overthrow democracy here in Hillsborough County.”

Warren added that no cases regarding violations of the state’s new abortion law have been brought to his office.

AP PHOTO

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, surrounded by members of law enforcement, gestures as he speaks during a news conference Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. In an executive order formally suspending Warren, DeSantis focused heavily on Warren’s signing of statements where prosecutors from across the country said they won’t use their offices to pursue criminal cases against seekers or providers of abortion or gender transition treatments.

More than 90 district attor-

neys, state attorneys general and other elected prosecutors across the U.S. have signed the letter saying they don’t intend to prosecute people for seeking, providing or supporting abortions.

Some are in states with few or no restrictions on abortions. But others are in law enforcement in places where there are bans or

deep restrictions – including the counties that include Birmingham, Alabama, and Jackson, Mississippi, along with several of Texas’ biggest cities. In some cases, there might not be much to enforce because many clinics have either stopped offering abortions or have closed entirely.

Besides the statements from prosecutors, city councils in places including Nashville, New Orleans and Boise, Idaho, have introduced or adopted measures telling law enforcement agencies to make abortion-related cases low priorities.

Florida’s new abortion restriction became effective July 1. It prohibits abortions after 15 weeks, with exceptions if the procedure is necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life, prevent serious injury or if the unborn child has a fatal abnormality. It does not allow exemptions in cases where pregnancies were caused by rape, incest or human trafficking.

Violators could face up to five years in prison. Physicians and other medical professionals could lose their licenses and face administrative fines of $10,000 for each violation.

Florida has not enacted laws criminalizing gender transition treatments for minors but “these statements prove that Warren thinks he has the authority to defy the Florida Legislature and nullify in his jurisdiction criminal laws with which he disagrees,” the executive order reads.

The executive order also accuses Warren of having a “flawed and lawless understanding of his

duties as a state attorney” in his “presumptive non-enforcement for certain criminal violations, including trespassing at a business location, disorderly conduct, disorderly intoxication, and prostitution.”

“The governor’s suspension of State Attorney Warren is not political to me. It’s about law and order. It’s about ensuring our loved ones are safe. It’s about the victims and their voices,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. He said Warren has been acting as a kind of “supreme authority by reducing charges, dropping cases and singlehandedly determining what crimes will be legal or illegal in our county.”

Asked whether he’s overriding the will of the voters by suspending their choice for prosecutor, DeSantis said Warren’s conduct has fallen “below the standard of the Florida Constitution” and that he’s neglected his duty to state law.

“I don’t think the people of Hillsborough County want to have an agenda that is basically woke, where you’re deciding that your view of social justice means certain laws shouldn’t be enforced,” the governor said.

DeSantis appointed Hillsborough County Judge Susan Lopez to serve in Warren’s place during his suspension.

“I have the utmost respect for our state laws and I understand the important role that the state attorney plays in ensuring the safety of our community and the enforcement of our laws,” Lopez said.

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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 43 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2022 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal

SEAN RAYFORD | AP PHOTO

Stanly Health Board rejects motion to eliminate mask mandate Last Thursday, the Stanly County Health and Human Services Board voted 11-6 to deny a motion to exempt the county’s health departments from a mask mandate still in place from the COVID pandemic. At this time, federal guidelines still recommend that all health care workers remained masked when interacting with patients. The motion was put forward to the board by the County Manager, Andy Lucas, in an attempt address concerns regarding employee morale and the consistency of policies and procedures among county departments.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Library to host sensory lab The Stanly County Public Library announced that something entirely new is happening at the library and wants the public to come and see. The SCPL will host an open house so members of the community can come on in and check out SCPL’s Sensory Lab, a crafted environment that supports a calming and engaging space through which to explore. It features fiber optic lights, bubble tubes, and other technology that will support neuro-diverse patrons and their families. It was created using grant funds from NC State University. The open house will be at the main branch in Albemarle from 9am-5pm on August 19.

Badin Brews hosting street festival Badin Brews, located on South First Street in Albemarle, is hosting its Street Festival this Saturday, August 13. The event will feature 100 vendors and is advertised as “fun for the whole family.” It will include food trucks, axe throwing, shopping, and desserts, including Italian ice, funnel cakes, and ice cream.

In addition to adult beverages from Badin, Boba tea will also be available. Admission and parking are free.

Library hosts rinse & read Entertain the children while taking care of a timeconsuming chore. The Stanly County Library is hosting a Rinse & Read story time at the laundromat. The library’s Laundromat Family Literacy Center at the Corner Laundromat is the site, and the complimentary 30-minute sessions will be held one Friday each of the next four months.

The first is on Aug. 19, followed

by Sept. 23, Oct. 14, and Nov. 18. All of them will start at 10:00 AM.

5

20177 52016 $0.50

8

Stanly Board of Education gets update on facilities Board members make pleas for funding solutions

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Education met on Tuesday, August 2, where they discussed facility upgrades throughout the county. Two board members gave a stark impression of the reality of funding in the state and county.

The board of education was given an update on the status of some of the county’s facilities and a potential plan of action for the future.

“Our last facility meeting was July 21, and we had quite a bit of discussion,” said board member Dr. Rufus Lefler. “We discussed a few things with our facilities staff.

South Stanly High School is going to have a track resurfacing, and there’ll be new fencing at Locust and a roof and chiller at Norwood.

Albemarle High School is on the list for resurfacing too, but that will be in the future.”

Dr. Lefler also discussed how SCS would be reapplying for

grants funded from the NC Education Lottery in hopes of securing around $20 million in funding for additions and upgrades specifically to West End Middle School, Endy, East Albemarle Elementary, and West Stanly High School.

“We also discussed a 10 to 20year plan because nothing’s been done for our buildings for about 50 or 60 years. After much discussion, we decided that we’re going to look at some options, and [Director of Maintenance Todd] Bowers is looking into that with some architects. We’re thinking about possibly updating two high schools in the county because, at this time, we don’t have equal academic, athletic clubs, and stuff in our schools. And we hope to get more broad representation for all those in our school system. For this to happen, we’ll have to go before the county commissioners, and for them to fund it, there will have to be a bond passed in the county.”

The board also gave its approval for the consolidated federal program spending that Stanly County Schools has been utilizing.

“This is an annual approval process that we go through with the

“By policy, the board has to approve these fees before the beginning of the school year.”

Superintendent Dr. Jarrod Dennis board to keep you apprised of how we are utilizing federal dollars that are appropriated to us for Title I, II, III, and IV.” according to Dr. Amy Blake-Lewis.

The board then approved the 2022-23 Stanly County Schools fee.

“By policy, the board has to approve these fees before the beginning of the school year,” said Superintendent Dr. Jarrod Dennis. “We compiled these from all the different principals. You also have to set, by policy, the tuition for the year. Every year the tuition may change based on the ADM and the appropriation from the county. This year it’s going to go up a little bit based on what they think our allotment is going to be

County commissioners allocate opioid settlement funding to Gateway of Hope

By Jesse Deal North State Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted at its August 8 meeting to continue the allocation of opioid settlement federal funding to the Gateway of Hope program in New London and the Legacy Sober House program in Locust.

Created by pastor Larry Wilkins, Gateway of Hope is the county’s first long-term addiction rehabilitation facility, and Legacy Sober House is composed of four sober houses in downtown Locust.

The Opioid Settlement Special Revenue Fund grant for both transitional housing support nonprofits

— given by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration — was scheduled to expire on August 31, 2022, but will now be renewed for an additional $60,000 between the dates of September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023, as recommended by the Stanly County Health and Human Services Board.

According to county manager Andy Lucas, the county originally secured a $1 million federal HRSA grant in mid-2019 to address the opioid misuse disorder issue in the community, and the county will continue to pass appropriation resolutions for a special revenue fund.

To date, Stanly has received $179,380 from the national opioid settlement, and it is anticipat-

ed that the county will receive another $394,490 in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023. The total estimation is that $4.668 million from the settlement funds will be granted over an 18-year period.

“These houses are transitional housing for those who are in recovery, and they’re really an important cog in the wheel of this whole mitigation strategy around opioid misuse disorder,” Lucas told the board. “These resolutions are important because we have to submit them to a database so that everyone knows specifically how every county in North Carolina is spending the funding per our memorandum of agreement.”

Wilkins told SCJ that his vision

as far as the state goes. If you do those calculations, the per person cost for this coming year will be $1,613.82.”

Finally, the board approved a $137,196 budget amendment to the contract with Court One for the South Stanly High School track resurfacing project.

“We are redoing South Stanly’s track, however, the initial number we thought was not what it cost due to inflation and things like that,” said Dennis.

In final comments, board members Bill Sorenson and Anthony Graves aired their frustrations and laid out the reality of the state of funding for local North Carolina schools.

“People don’t realize how bad it is in North Carolina,” Sorenson said. “What’s really going to happen is that everybody in this room’s property tax is going to go up.

They’re going to have to go up because every year, the state changes the formula, and they change the amount of funding that they send downstream to us, while also maintaining the same requirements of the counties. Eventually, you reach a point where to meet the constitutional obligations and to provide free and equitable education, the county is going to have to raise taxes.

“We were ranked by EdWeek. org 47th in the USA for public school funding, again. EdWeek is a think tank that does criteria-based rankings for the state’s school sysSee BOE, page 2

for Gateway of Hope is to combat Stanly County’s consistent ranking as one of the state’s highest-rated areas of opioid overdoses by giving people the extended assistance they need.

“Programs that last 28 days can serve a purpose, but for the impact that we want to have, we’re looking for a lasting commitment from our end to help them,” Wilkins said.

“Another aspect of what we want to do out here is a jail-diversion program working with the courts — instead of a judge sending you to jail for the fifth time in two years, you could have the option of going to rehab for your sentence.”

Per the agreement between Wilkins and the county, both Gateway of Hope and Legacy Sober House will be required to provide the county with updated information on how the funding is being used throughout the programs; the county will subsequently report those details to HRSA department heads on an annual basis.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

2 WEDNESDAY

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8.10.22 #249

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WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ BURCHFIELD, TIFFANY ANN (W /F/30), FELONY LARCENY, 08/08/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ COLSON, CHRISTINA ANN (W /F/40), MISDEMEANOR LARCENY, 08/08/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ EUDY, FELICIA GAIL (W /F/30), SIMPLE ASSAULT, 08/08/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ KIDD, CHRISTIAN DAKOTA (W /M/29), BREAKING AND OR ENTERING (F), 08/08/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ ROSEMAN, WALTER CHAD (W /M/51), DOMESTIC CRIMINAL TRESPASS, 08/08/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ RUSH, FREDRICK DOUGLAS (B /M/32), POSSESS STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE, 08/08/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ THOMAS, KAREN JEAN (W /F/56), FALSE FIRE ALARM, 08/08/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ LIBEAU, RICHARD WAYNE (W /M/48), RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER, 08/06/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

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Study suggests they may snooze like humans

resting states, Roessler said. That includes testing whether they respond more slowly — or not at all — to triggers that would normally set them off.

Critters like the jumping spider are very far from humans on the evolutionary tree. Jerry Siegel, a sleep researcher who was not involved with the study, said he’s doubtful that the spiders can really experience REM sleep.

“There may be animals that have activity in quiet states,” said Siegel, of the UCLA Center for Sleep Research. “But are they REM sleep?

It’s hard to imagine that they could be the same thing.”

But Barrett Klein, an entomologist at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse who was also not involved with the study, said it was exciting to find REM-like signs in such a distant relative. Many questions remain about how widespread REM sleep is and what purpose it might serve for species, he said.

REM sleep is “still very much a black box,” Klein said.

Gabby Petito’s mother Nichole Schmidt speaks during an interview with The Associated Press, Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, in New York.

The Associated Press NEW YORK — It’s a question that keeps some scientists awake at night: Do spiders sleep?

Daniela Roessler and her colleagues trained cameras on baby jumping spiders at night to find out.

The footage showed patterns that looked a lot like sleep cycles: The spiders’ legs twitched and parts of their eyes flickered.

The researchers described this pattern as a “REM sleep-like state.” In humans, REM, or rapid eye movement, is an active phase of sleep when parts of the brain light up with activity and is closely linked with dreaming.

Other animals, including some birds and mammals, have been shown to experience REM sleep.

But creatures like the jumping spider haven’t gotten as much attention so it wasn’t known if they got the same kind of sleep, said Roessler, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Konstanz in Germany.

Their findings were published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Roessler and her team dug into the sleep question after she discovered the spiders hanging at night from threads of silk in their lab containers. She had recently scooped up some jumping spiders to study, a common species with a furry brown body and four pairs of big eyes.

“It was just the most unusual

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thing I’ve ever seen,” Roessler said of the suspended spiders.

The research showed the spiders’ overnight movements looked a lot like REM in other species, she said — like dogs or cats twitching in their sleep. And they happened in regular cycles, similar to sleep patterns in humans.

Many species similar to spiders actually don’t have movable eyes, which makes it hard to compare their sleep cycles, explained study co-author Paul Shamble, an evolutionary biologist at Harvard University.

But these jumping spiders are predators that move their retinas around to change their gaze while they hunt, Shamble said. Plus, the young spiders have a see-through outer layer that gives a clear window into their bodies.

“Sometimes as a biologist, you just get really, really lucky,” Shamble said.

The researchers still have to figure out if the spiders are technically sleeping while they’re in these

AP PHOTO

Do spiders sleep?

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panding the hotline’s “Hope Can’t Wait” initiative.

Investigators believe Petito’s boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, killed her in late August last year while the couple were on a cross-country trip in a van.

Petito’s disappearance launched a massive search. Amateur sleuths scoured social media for clues. It also again brought scrutiny of authorities and the news media, both of which have been criticized for focusing more attention on missing white women than on women

The Associated Press

from the same period last year.

The big increase in calls has led to a longer wait time for a counselor, going from 7 minutes to more than 17 minutes, according to Katie Ray-Jones, the hotline’s chief executive officer.

“That is a substantial increase really overwhelming our services,” Ray-Jones said. “We need to increase the number of advocates.”

The Petito Foundation’s donation, as well as a $200,000 gift from another family, will go toward reducing wait times and ex-

AUG 16

of color.

“We were seeing a lot of media coverage about a young white woman who had gone missing,” Ray-Jones acknowledged during a joint interview with Schmidt. But she said public response came from diverse groups, including from some families of color.

Laundrie killed himself in a Florida swamp, leaving behind a notebook that authorities said contained a confession.

Earlier this year, an independent investigation found that police in Moab, Utah, made “several unintentional mistakes” when they came across Petito and Laundrie during a traffic stop last summer.

Officers investigated a fight between the couple but ultimately let them go under the agreement they spend the night apart.

In the report, police said it was very likely that Petito “was a longterm victim of domestic violence, whether that be physically, mentally, and/or emotionally.”

Schmidt said she still has so many unanswered questions about what went wrong.

“Looking back, I didn’t really see any signs. I think the only two people that will ever know what happened in that relationship was Gabby and Brian. And we can guess and we can make assumptions but we don’t really know what happened,” she added. “Most likely the scenario ended that way because something was happening for a while.”

For now, she said, the work goes on to help others survive domestic violence.

“I know that I can use this tragedy to help save so many,” Schmidt said. “It’s her legacy.”

Gabby Petito’s legacy: $100K for domestic violence hotline NEW YORK — Even in hindsight, Nichole Schmidt can’t be sure if anything could have been done to save her daughter Gabby Petito from a messy and violent relationship that ended in murder nearly a year ago in the western wilderness.

But there is work to do, she said, to keep alive the memory of her daughter, who was found strangled last September in the outskirts of Wyoming’s Grand Tetons after a cross-country trip turned into a high-profile missing person’s case, then into tragedy and grief.

Through a $100,000 donation from the Gabby Petito Foundation, Schmidt is now partnering with the National Domestic Violence Hotline to help others survive turbulent and violent relationships.

“I think Gabby’s story touched a lot of people and she’s saving lives.

I get people messaging me all the time that they were inspired by her to get out of a relationship,” Schmidt said during an interview with The Associated Press.

The anti-violence hotline takes calls from thousands of people each year, most of them women looking for help leaving physically or emotionally abusive relationships.

To date this year, more than 440,000 callers have sought help from the hotline — up about a third

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This photo provided

by Daniela C. Roessler in August 2022 shows a jumping spider (E. arcuata) exhibiting leg curling during a REM sleeplike state.

♦ OLTON, DUVON MAURICE (B /M/39), POSSESSION OF STOLEN FIREARM, 08/05/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ SHINE, GARY CARLOS (B /M/38), ASSAULT

BY STRANGULATION, 08/05/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ HALES, MARION ROY (W /M/35), PWIMSD METHAMPHETAMINE, 08/04/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ HENDRYX, SERENITY AMANDA (W /F/32), PWIMSD METHAMPHETAMINE, 08/04/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ WHITESIDE, EVAN LEWIS (W /M/24), STAT SEX OFF WITH CHILD <= 15, 08/04/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office ♦ PUGH, AMANDA LYNN (W /F/37), LARCENY OF MOTOR VEHICLE (F), 08/03/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office

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BOE from page 1 tems. It’s the 20th to 30th time that our public school funding got an F. Our student achievement got a C. What that tells me is that our teachers, our administrators, and our local school systems are overachieving. We’re paying for a hamburger, and we’re getting champagne and caviar.”

“Our school system and the

school systems in North Carolina are in a funding crisis at the state level,” Graves said. “It’s a crisis. We are having difficulty attracting and retaining staff, and the county needs to be prepared for what happens when we don’t have people to fill these classrooms. Qualified, competent teachers, assistants, and professional staff across the board like bus drivers. Students are going to have substitutes...

that may not be qualified to teach them in the subject that they are in. We are likely to be put in that position. We’re already struggling.

The superintendent, the staff, and the central office are struggling to try and fill those vacancies, and it’s only going to get worse. We’re going to have to come together in Stanly County, and we’re going to have to talk to the elected officials.

“The commitment to local edu-

cation in North Carolina has just been… there is no commitment anymore. I hate it for everybody that’s in this profession, having to deal with this, but we are certainly grateful for all the hard work and effort you’re putting in on behalf of the education of the children of Stanly County.”

The Stanly County Board of Education will next meet September 6.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

OPINION

3

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Building a better future

The left’s erosion of American stability extends beyond the economy, as their policies have also weakened the safety and security of communities nationwide.

“THE BEST PREPARATION for the future is the present well seen to, and the last duty done.”

This quote by the theologian George MacDonald reminds us that building a better future for ourselves and our children begins by laying a sturdy foundation for growth, security, and individual freedom in the present.

Unfortunately, Democrats in Washington have largely failed to bolster this foundation or, in some cases, have caused it to erode.

Today, due to misguided policy decisions by the Biden administration and Congressional Democrats, our nation finds itself in a grim state. And sadly, this condition has come to touch nearly every aspect of your life.

Inflation is a tax on all Americans, and our economy continues to spiral due to out-of-control government spending and policy miscues by Washington Democrats. According to the latest figures, our economy shrunk by 2.5% over the last two quarters signifying that America has entered a recession. Inflation remains at a 41-year high. In North Carolina alone, inflation increased 13.7% from January 2021 to June 2022. This cost every household an average of $641 more a month just to buy daily essentials and an extra $7,691 annually. Additionally, the cost of fuel has devastated families across the country and remains near record highs.

Yet, Washington Democrats have continued to prioritize a leftist agenda over the well-being of you and your family. This is perhaps most evident in Congressional Democrats’ efforts to push through their “Build Back Broke” package that will raise taxes, and throw money at woke climate and social programs that won’t work — including $369 billion in “Green New Deal” initiatives — as well as worsen the inflation crisis. American families are already paying for Washington Democrats’ previous financial missteps, and this new package will only make the current situation worse.

The left’s erosion of American stability extends beyond the economy, as their policies have also weakened the safety and security of communities nationwide. The “Biden Border Crisis” continues to rage. Since President Joe Biden changed to an open border policy, over 3.1 million migrants have attempted to enter our country illegally, including 207,416 in June alone.

Additionally, crime in American cities remains out of control thanks to the left’s soft-on-crime and anti-police rhetoric and policies. Homicide rates across the country are up nearly 50% compared to 2020 and six major cities,

including New York City and Washington D.C., are on pace to surpass the historic violent crime levels we saw last year.

While some Washington Democrats have sought to change course on the issue of law enforcement, their newfound concern seems more likely due to fear of facing the voters than actual public safety.

Just over a week ago, House Democrats passed a so-called “assault weapons” ban similar to the one imposed back in 1994. This ban did not stop violent crime and severely limited the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. This new ban would be no different. I took on Speaker Pelosi to lead the debate(link is external) on the House floor. I made it clear that her ban is unconstitutional and that Pelosi and her friends on the extreme left just want to exploit your fear and the pain of victims to achieve their goal of taking away our guns.

The policy missteps by Washington Democrats are not only making your situation more difficult now but also have the potential to undermine it for years to come. If we are to alter our nation’s course for the better, we must make swift and decisive changes.

First, we must take genuine steps to fix our economy. This begins by stopping needless government spending and tax increases like those included in “Build Back Broke” and creating an economic environment that increases take-home pay, lowers costs, and encourages innovation. We must also lower energy costs, which can be done simply by pursuing an all-of-the-above approach and fully unleashing American energy.

Beyond the economy, we must also take concrete steps to improve the security of our communities. This starts by utilizing proven solutions to secure our border, including reinstating the “remain in Mexico” policy, maintaining Title 42 authority, giving Customs and Border Patrol the resources and support it needs, and finishing the wall. We must also fully support law enforcement and end soft-on-crime rhetoric and policies in our cities. Finally, Congress must not inhibit your ability to defend yourself and your family by allowing unconstitutional gun control regulations to become law. I will always lead the fight for your Second Amendment rights.

The future of our nation depends on the foundation we lay today. As your congressman, I am committed to building one that promotes long-term economic prosperity, public safety, and the protection of your rights.

As a final note, I ask that you please join Renee and me this week in praying for the family and friends of my friend Rep. Jackie Walorski and the other victims of last week’s tragic auto accident. Jackie was a tireless public servant, conservative warrior, beloved wife to Dean, and a friend to so many.

She will be dearly, dearly missed.

COLUMN | DENNIS PRAGER

Why are so many young Americans irreligious?

Contemporary Western countries and countries such as Japan whose identities are not Western, but which are culturally part of the West are the most secular societies in recorded history.

FEWER YOUNG AMERICANS affiliate with any organized religion than ever before in American history.

This means, therefore, that the children — and certainly the grandchildren — of millions of faithful Christians have abandoned Christianity. The same holds true for Jews, but that decline began somewhat earlier. Until the 20th century, nearly all Jews were religious (which nearly always meant Orthodox). Today about 15% of Jews are Orthodox, while most Conservative and Reform Jews have the same values as the secular Left, and very few of their children attend synagogue.

Why have so many Jews and Christians abandoned religious commitment and even a religious identity (many Jews retained an ethnic identity, an option not available to those who abandoned Christianity, as there is no Christian ethnic identity, Christianity being a religion, not an ethnicity as well as a religion)?

Two reasons predominate: the dominant secular culture and the failure of religious Jews and Christians to explain their respective religions.

Contemporary Western countries (and countries such as Japan whose identities are not Western, but which are culturally part of the West) are the most secular societies in recorded history.

In America, every public institution has been rendered God-free, that is, devoid of God. From the age of 5, and sometimes before that, children attend schools that make no reference to God or the Bible. Indeed, schools generally hold God and the Bible in intellectual and moral contempt.

American children are told at school that neither God, nor the Bible, nor religion is necessary — in fact, these are held to be impediments to moral progress. For example, virtually every student is taught the secular mantra that “more people have been killed by religion — or ‘in the name of God’ — than by anything else.” The implied reference is, of course, to Christians alone. (Examples of historic Islamic violence are ignored, and mention of them is deemed bigotry, and the same holds true of Native American and non-Western violence.)

This secular doctrine regarding more violence by Christians than by anyone else is intellectually dishonest and, with regard to the 20th century, patently false.

It is intellectually dishonest insofar as it ignores the fact that prior to the Enlightenment, virtually everyone in the West was Christian.

Therefore, by definition, virtually all violence was committed by Christians. Who else in the West could commit violence? The tiny number of Jews? The tiny number of atheists?

It is also intellectually dishonest in that only evils committed in the Christian world are mentioned — evils, such as slavery, which were nearly all universal. But the moral achievements of the Christian world — all unique to the Christian West — are ignored. Where else were countries committed to universal human rights — i.e., equal rights for every

individual of every ethnicity, race and religion? Where else was the status of women elevated to the status of men? Where else was liberty achieved to anywhere near the extent it has been in the Western world? What other civilization figured out ways to elevate billions from poverty or to eradicate diseases?

And the charge is patently false in that the bloodiest century in history was the 20th century and nearly every one of the more than 100 million civilians — that is, noncombatants — who were murdered were killed by non-Christian, usually anti-Christian, secular regimes. Assuming your secular child or grandchild even knows about the genocides of the 20th century, ask him or her this question: “Who is responsible for the genocides of the 20th century — religious or secular regimes?”

In American life, the only national holiday with religious meaning is Christmas, and that has not only been largely secularized, but even in its secular form has increasingly been removed from the national vocabulary.

Americans are expected to say the word “Christmas” as rarely as possible.

No more “Merry Christmas,” but “Happy Holidays.” Companies no longer have “Christmas parties,” but “holiday parties.” Schools no longer have “Christmas vacations” or a “Christmas break,” but “winter vacations” or a “winter break.”

Anyone who derives his moral values from the Bible is essentially forbidden from using those values to shape societal norms. You can cite Ibram X. Kendi or “White Fragility” or your heart as the source of your social values, but if you cite a biblical book, you are told that violates the alleged “separation of church and state.”

So, then, for about 60 years, the entire world outside of the home (and increasingly inside the home) of most young Americans has been secular and anti-religious.

That the post-Christian age has been the bloodiest in history, that the French and Russian Revolutions, both fiercely anti-religious, produced bloody despotic regimes, while the pro-religion, God-based American Revolution produced the freest country in the world — both these facts are unknown to most young Americans. So, too, young people don’t know that religious Americans are happier, commit less suicide, give more charity and volunteer more time than irreligious Americans.

Swimming in a secular sea and ignorance of the disparate moral records of secular and Judeo-Christian regimes and institutions constitute one of the two reasons for the religious apathy among young Americans. The other, as I’ll chronicle in a future column, has been the failure of religious institutions to explain themselves.

Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host and columnist. His latest books, published by Regnery, are “The Rational Passover Haggadah” (March 2022) and “The Rational Bible,” a commentary on the book of Genesis (May 2019).

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NBA

Durant reiterates desire to be traded

by Brooklyn Brooklyn Kevin Durant has again told Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai that he wants to be traded, reiterating a request he first made nearly six weeks ago. A source told The Associated Press that Durant also told Tsai that he has concerns about the Nets’ direction under coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks. Tsai tweeted Monday night that he supports the team’s front office and coaching staff.

Durant averaged 29.9 points in 55 games last season.

NFL

NFL: Rodgers’ use of ayahuasca didn’t violate drug policy Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ use of the hallucinogenic drink ayahuasca during an offseason retreat isn’t considered a violation of the NFL’s drug policy.

Rodgers discussed on “The Aubrey Marcus Podcast” last week how he went on an ayahuasca retreat to Peru in 2020. Ayahuasca is defined as a psychoactive beverage native to South America and is often used for religious, ritualistic or medicinal purposes. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy says it wouldn’t have triggered a positive test result on either the substance abuse or performance-enhancing substance policies collectively bargained by the NFL and its players’ association.

WNBA

Mercury’s Taurasi out for rest of season with quad injury Phoenix Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi will miss the remainder of the season with a quadriceps strain. Taurasi missed the last two games with the injury and the team now says the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer will not be available as the Mercury fight for a 10th straight playoff appearance. The five-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA champion averaged 16.7 points and 3.9 assists this season, her 17th in the WNBA. Phoenix signed Yvonne Turner to a hardship contract to fill Taurasi’s roster spot.

MLB

Hall of Famer Eckersley to leave Red Sox booth after season Boston Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley said Monday that he will be leaving the Boston Red Sox broadcasts at the end of the season, his 50th in Major League Baseball. Eckersley pitched 24 seasons as both a 20win starter and a 50-save reliever for Cleveland, Boston, the Cubs, Oakland and the Cardinals. He won the AL Cy Young and MVP awards in 1992 while playing for the Athletics.

The 67-year-old joined NESN after a career in which he was a six-time All-Star who went 197-171 with a 3.50 ERA with 100 complete games as a starter and 390 saves.

AP PHOTO

Kevin Harvick celebrates after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at the Michigan International Speedway.

Kevin Harvick ends 65-race drought with win at Michigan It’s the Stewart-Haas Racing driver’s sixth career win at the track The Associated Press BROOKLYN, Mich. — Kevin Harvick got his groove back, fittingly at one of his favorite tracks.

Harvick ended a 65-race winless drought that lasted nearly two years with his sixth victory at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday.

“Good timing, for sure,” he said.

Harvick’s win shakes up the playoff race with just three races remaining in the regular season, leaving little time for drivers to earn a spot in the 16-car postseason, and it gives a boost for a veteran that entered the weekend No. 17 in points.

“Everybody that doubted us

doesn’t know us,” he said.

NASCAR has had 15 different Cup winners this season. If there are two new winners over the last three races, a driver with one win will be eliminated from the 16-car playoff with a tiebreaker based on points. Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. are top-10 drivers in points, but they have not won a race, putting their postseason positioning in peril.

Harvick’s No. 4 Ford pulled away from Bubba Wallace and the rest the field following a restart with 35 laps to go at the FireKeepers Casino 400. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver took advantage of clean air, helping him coast to his 59th victory, including five wins since 2018 on the two-mile oval in the Irish Hills region of southern Michigan.

Harvick had not won since claiming a NASCAR Cup Series postseason race on Sept. 19,

“It’s been a while.

Michigan has been a great place for us.”

Kevin Harvick 2020, at Bristol Motor Speedway.

“It’s been a while,” he acknowledged. “Michigan has been a great place for us.”

Wallace finished second in his No. 23 Toyota — 2.9 seconds behind Harvick — followed by Denny Hamlin in his No. 11 Toyota.

“Second’s not good enough for the playoffs,” said Wallace, who needs to win one of the final three regular-season races to earn a spot in the postseason.

Austin Cindric, who won the Daytona 500 for his first career victory, started the day No. 15 in

points and finished last in the 37car race after his No. 2 Ford hit the wall head-on in a nine-car crash that knocked Kyle Busch out of the competition.

“It was a complete mess,” he said.

Wallace won his first career pole Saturday, becoming the only driver to break 190 mph in the Next Gen car during qualifying this season and went even faster early in the race after a 90-minute rain delay.

Wallace, driving for 23XI Racing formed by Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin in 2020, stayed out front until he made a pit stop after 21 laps — two shy of his career high — and the decision that cost him track position due to a crash soon thereafter that included one-fourth of the field.

Wallace blamed himself for letting Harvick pull away after the last pivotal restart.

“I’ll wear this one on my heart for a while,” he said, choking back tears. “I failed everybody.”

NASCAR shifts to Richmond Raceway in Virginia, one of the last three races of the regular season. Hamlin won at Richmond in April.

NFL hopes to reduce head injuries with helmet experiment Panthers tackle Wyatt Miller warms up at the team’s training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, last Thursday.

Guardian Caps are mandatory for all players during training camp The Associated Press THE MUSHROOM-LIKE contraptions NFL players are wearing on their helmets during training camp may look strange, but they’re a part of an ongoing safety experiment the league hopes will lead to a reduction in head injuries.

They’re called Guardian Caps, and they’re now mandatory for all 32 NFL teams through the second preseason game — the time when the league says head injuries are most prevalent.

“There’s a density of exposure, and a density of injury, at the beginning of training camp and the competition committee has been looking for ways to change that,” said Jeff Miller, executive vice president for NFL player health and safety.

The league said laboratory research indicates the 12-ounce Guardian Caps result in at least a 10% reduction in severity of impact to a player’s brain. It says that number climbs to at least 20% if both players involved in a collision are wearing them.

Miller said mitigating those forces “will have a cumulative effect for the betterment of health and safety of the player.”

Not everyone, however, is convinced Guardian Caps are the answer.

AP PHOTO

Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, is “more than a little skeptical” that the extra padding helps prevent head injuries — and wonders if it could be doing more harm than good.

“Adding weight to a helmet can make things worse for the brain when it comes to rotational impacts,” said Nowinski, who previously served as a co-director of the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.

“Adding size to the helmet does

the same thing. It’s very difficult to recreate this in a lab. We aren’t sure if this will be a net positive or a net negative.”

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver isn’t seeing the benefits of the caps either.

Oliver said the padded shells “aggravate” him, making him feel like “a bobblehead” on the field.

“It’s just heavy,” Oliver said. “I like the way my helmet feels without it. I have been playing without it for this long, I just don’t like it.”

Despite the skepticism, Miller said the feedback from most play-

ers has been positive — even if they feel the Guardian Caps look a little funny.

“I wouldn’t say they’re aesthetically pleasing, and I think we look a little goofy,” said Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert. “But they’re there for good reason. They did studies with them. Anything to keep us safer, why not do it?

“Obviously you only get one brain. May as well keep it as best you can.”

The league announced in February there were 187 concussions during practice and games in 2021.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Moultrie proud of stand she took to play in NWSL The 16-year-old phenom is the youngest to play and score in the women’s soccer league

5

Former North Stanly pitcher garners collegiate awards Rhett Lowder named 2022 ACC Pitcher of the Year

By Anne M. Peterson The Associated Press

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

PORTLAND, Ore. — It’s been a little more than a year since Olivia Moultrie signed with the Portland Thorns after suing to join the National Women’s Soccer League at just 15 years old.

For Moultrie, the lasting lesson of her legal odyssey is that women should have the same opportunities to reach the top tier of U.S. professional soccer as men — even if they’re still teenagers.

“The message was, first of all, that men and women should have equal opportunities. I was fighting for it because the MLS (Major League Soccer) is not dealing with this. They have their homegrown rule, they have a way to implement players. The women didn’t have that,” Moultrie said. “And also, just in general, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. That was the whole statement.”

Moultrie has since become the youngest player ever to play — and score — in the NWSL. And she’s currently in Costa Rica to play for the United States in the under-20 World Cup. The national team opens the tournament Thursday against Ghana.

Moultrie filed her lawsuit in May 2021 challenging the NWSL’s rule against signing players under the age of 18. The suit alleged that the rule violated antitrust law and hindered Moultrie’s career development and chances of reaching the U.S. national team.

NEW LONDON — Two years ago, Rhett Lowder used his talent to help the North Stanly Comets during the abbreviated COVID-19 season.

He’s now moved on to even bigger and better things as a sophomore starting pitcher for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Lowder became the first Wake Forest player to be named Atlantic Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year this season, and the righthander was named an All-American, earned his university’s Arnold Palmer Award (Male Athlete of the Year), made the All-ACC Academic Team and earned a spot on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.

Starting as a member of the Stars and Stars Training Camp at the USA Baseball’s home facilities, Lowder made the final cut for Team USA’s roster.

On July 15, Team USA defeated Japan 4-3 to secure the bronze medal in the Honkbalweek Haarlem International Tournament in The Netherlands. Lowder — a 2023 MLB Draft prospect — allowed one run and three hits in three innings in a 3-2 loss to Curacao on June 14.

His sophomore season at Wake Forest has been heralded as one of the best by a Demon Deacons pitcher.

The Albemarle native led the ACC in wins while posting an 11-3 record and ranked second in both ERA (2.61) and innings pitched (93) while finishing third in strikeouts (98). He concluded the regular season with a complete-game performance against NC State to become the first Demon Deacons pitcher since 2017 to go all nine innings in a win.

Lowder was the only pitcher to rank in the top three in wins, strikeouts and ERA in ACC play.

He held the lowest ERA (2.60) and pitched the most innings (65.2) in addition to earning the second-most wins (six) and fourth-most strikeouts (63) in conference play.

PHOTO VIA AP

Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie, left, takes a shot on goal during a coed charity match with Thorns and Portland Timbers players in April.

Moultrie, who signed a sponsorship deal with Nike when she was 13, wasn’t able to play overseas because of prohibitive FIFA policies, meaning the NWSL was really the only pro league available to her.

A judge sided with her and granted a preliminary injunction that cleared the way for Moultrie to sign with an NWSL team. The Thorns acquired her rights from OL Reign.

She made her debut for Portland on July 3, 2021.

Despite her youthful appearance, Moultrie has the confidence of an athlete far beyond her years.

She doesn’t mince words when she states her goal to become the best player in the world.

“Liv has been working hard for many years. She fought hard to become a professional at a young age and she continues to work really hard to earn the right to play,” Thorns coach Rhian Wilkinson said. “And when she does, she’s re-

ally starting to quickly find the pace of the game and play her way.”

Moultrie’s experience set the stage for 17-year-old Jaedyn Shaw to sign with the San Diego Wave last month. Shaw scored in her NWSL debut, a 1-0 Wave win over the Red Stars.

Shaw had decided to skip college and was training with the Washington Spirit when the league granted her an exception to the age rule.

San Diego had her discovery rights.

While Moultrie’s path hasn’t been traditional, she insists she has no regrets.

“Obviously, I’m having fun. I wouldn’t have been fighting for it if I didn’t think this is what I wanted.

And so I’m just continuing now to work with my team to win championships. That was my goal all along, to win trophies,” she said. “A lot of things have happened, and it’s just gotten better. I’ve learned a lot about myself.”

11-3 Rhett Lowder’s record this past season with Wake Forest

AP PHOTO

Bruins centers Patrice Bergeron (37) and David Krejci (46) both signed one-year deals to return to Boston for the 2022-23 season.

Bruins bring back captain Bergeron, Krejci The Boston captain signed a one-year deal, while the 36-year-old returns after a year playing in Czechia

By Jimmy Golen The Associated Press BOSTON — The Boston Bruins are getting the gang back together, signing captain Patrice Bergeron and center David Krejci — both members of their 2011 Stanley Cup championship team — to one-year deals on Monday.

Almost three months after he left the ice without any certainty that he would return, Bergeron

signed a one-year deal with the Bruins. A few hours later, the team announced that Krejci, who played last season in his native Czechia, will also be back for the 2022-23 season.

“Obviously, we’re great friends and we go way back,” Bergeron said in a video conference with reporters. “I’m super excited to get going with him and also the rest of the guys.”

Bergeron got a $2.5 million deal with $2.5 million in incentives, and Krejci gets $1 million with the potential for $2 million more. Bergeron is fourth on the Original Six franchise’s all-time scoring list with 982 points, and Krejci is ninth with 730.

“I’m super excited to get going with him and also the rest of the guys.”

Patrice Bergeron, Bruins captain “Obviously, I wanted to play.

But I wanted to play with the Boston Bruins and that’s because I believe in this team,” Bergeron said. “A historical team is the only motivation you need, to leave this jersey in a better place.”

Bergeron, 37, and Krejci, 36, led the Bruins to the 2011 NHL championship and two other trips

to the Stanley Cup Final. Boston was eliminated in the first round of this year’s playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes on May 14 and fired coach Bruce Cassidy three weeks later.

Jim Montgomery was hired to replace Cassidy, and the new coach said at his introductory news conference that Bergeron, a five-time Selke Trophy winner, was his first call. Team CEO Charlie Jacobs said Bergeron, who was unsigned and contemplating retirement, was expected to return.

“So, fingers crossed,” he said in July.

It worked.

“The fire, desire and passion were too strong for me to take that path right now,” Bergeron told reporters. “I’m not ready, I guess, for the next step of my life. I still have some in the tank, something to give.”

Bergeron has 400 goals and 582 assists in 18 seasons — all with the Bruins, who selected him in the second round of the 2003 draft. Since then, he has established himself as the league’s dominant two-way forward and one of the most respected players in the game.

Bergeron is third in Bruins history with 1,216 games played, and fourth in goals, assists and points.

He is second all-time for the Bruins with 47 playoff goals and 123 points.

Krejci has 215 goals and 515 assists in 15 years in the NHL — also all with Boston — and led the Bruins in scoring during the 2011 Stanley Cup run with 12 goals and 11 assists in 25 games. Playing for HC Olomouc in his homeland last year, he led the team with 20 goals, 26 assists and 46 points in 51 games.

6

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Forecasters trim hurricane season outlook a bit, still busy The Associated Press RALEIGH — This hurricane season may be a tad quieter than initially projected, but it is still likely to be busier than normal, government forecasters and others say.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last week trimmed their hurricane season outlook from a 65% chance for above normal activity to 60% and increased the odds of a normal season from 25% to 30% because of uneven sea surface temperature, including a patch of cooler water off Portugal.

Parts of the Atlantic are warmer than normal, but the variability had forecasters “backing off on the higher end” of their predictions, said lead hurricane outlook forecaster Matthew Rosencrans.

The weather agency now predicts 14 to 20 named storms instead of its May forecast which was 14 to 21. The predicted number of hurricanes remains the same at six to 10 while those storms that hit major category of at least 111 mph are now forecast to be three to five instead of three to six. The forecast includes the three tropical storms that formed in June and early July, about average for this time of year, but quieter than the last few years.

An average season has 14 named storms with seven becoming hurricanes and three of those being majors, according to NOAA. There were 21 named storms last year, a record 30 in 2020 and 18 in 2019.

“While the tropics have been relatively quiet over the last month, remember that it only takes one landfalling storm to devastate a community. This is especially critical as we head into what the team here anticipates is

AP PHOTO

Debris is piled up along a waterfront dock following the effects of Hurricane Isaias in Southport, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. likely to be a busy peak of the season,” Rosencrans said in a press briefing.

A persistent La Nina — the natural cooling of parts of the Pacific that changes weather worldwide — weak trade winds and some warmer than normal Atlantic water temperatures still point to a busy season, Rosencrans said. But the patches of cool water, with temperatures closer to normal than originally predict-

ed in some places, “could kind of tamp down on activity,” he said.

Colorado State University, which pioneered hurricane season forecasts, also dialed back its predictions for the season compared to what it said in April. The school now predicts 18 named storms, down from 19, with eight becoming hurricanes, down from nine. Colorado State predicts four major hurricanes, same as it forecast in April.

“I don’t think the season is going to be a dud, but it’s taking its sweet time getting going,” said Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach, head of the school’s forecast team.

Klotzbach said this year with its strong La Nina and nearer to average water temperatures seems similar to 1999, 2000, 2011 and last year, which featured a devastating Hurricane Ida that

hit Louisiana and sloshed into the Northeast with heavy rain, causing many deaths in the New York-New Jersey region.

“Hopefully, we’ll have no Idas this year, but the overall environment is very similar,” Klotzbach said.

About 90% of Atlantic storms happen from August on. Hurricane season peaks from mid-August to mid-October with the season ending on Nov. 30.

In wake of floods, typical barbs at Kentucky political event

By Bruce Schreiner The Associated Press FANCY FARM, Ky. — While Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was consoling families displaced by historic flooding in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, Republicans at the state’s premier political event on the other side of the state were campaigning to oust him from office in 2023.

GOP candidates speaking at the Fancy Farm picnic in western Kentucky bashed the Democratic governor’s record earlier in this term, especially his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. But they also offered support for recovery efforts that Beshear is leading in the wake of historic flooding and tornadoes.

While his challengers aimed zingers at him, Beshear spent the day meeting with families displaced by flash flooding that swamped the Appalachian region more than a week ago, killing 37.

“Today I’m at our state parks, spending time with our eastern Kentucky families who have been displaced from the catastrophic flooding,” Beshear posted on social media. “These Kentuckians have been through the unimaginable. My priority is being there for them.”

Living up to the event’s reputation for edgy attacks, Republicans wanting to unseat Beshear took aim at restrictions that the governor imposed on businesses and gatherings in response to the

PHOTO VIA AP

Kelley Paul, left, wife of Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), speaks with Representative James Comer (R-Ky.), right, before the start of the program at the Fancy Farm Picnic at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Fancy Farm, Ky., Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.

COVID-19 pandemic. The governor has said his actions saved lives at a perilous time when vaccines were not available. The state’s GOP-dominated legislature reined in the governor’s virus policymaking power in a case settled by the state’s Supreme Court.

GOP gubernatorial hopeful Ryan Quarles referred to Beshear as the “shutdown governor.”

“He shut down our economy,” said Quarles, the state’s agriculture commissioner. “He shut down our ‘mom and pop’ stores. He

killed countless jobs and kept the big box stores open.

“Folks, just because we lived through a global pandemic doesn’t mean that our rights, our freedoms and liberties should be tossed out the window,” he added.

In his speech, Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Colmon Elridge came to the defense of Beshear, who consistently receives strong approval ratings from Kentuckians in polls. Elridge praised Beshear’s efforts in leading recovery efforts in tornado-ravaged

western Kentucky and said he’ll do the same for flood victims in the state’s Appalachian region.

Beshear was already a committed no-show for the state’s premiere political event. The governor initially planned a visit to Israel that coincided with the Fancy Farm picnic. He canceled that trip after the massive flooding hit eastern Kentucky.

The Fancy Farm stage was dominated by Republican officeholders — reflecting the GOP’s electoral dominance. The event is a rite of passage for statewide candidates, who are tested in stump-style speeches in the August heat while facing taunts and shouts from partisans from the other party.

The political attacks were punctuated by calls for continued public support for people rebuilding from tornadoes and facing the same daunting task in flood-ravaged areas.

“We might be sharing a few laughs today, but whether we’re Republican or Democrat, know that we are with you,” said GOP gubernatorial hopeful Daniel Cameron. “When natural disasters strike, we take off our partisan hats and we root for each other. We help repair and we help rebuild.”

Cameron then shifted into promoting his candidacy. He touted his endorsement from former President Donald Trump and his work as the state’s attorney general in defending Kentucky’s anti-abortion laws and fighting Biden

administration policies in court.

“I am the best candidate and the only candidate that can beat Andy Beshear next fall,” Cameron said.

Two other GOP gubernatorial candidates also made pitches to the crowd and a statewide television audience that watched — state Auditor Mike Harmon and state Rep. Savannah Maddox.

The still-emerging 2023 governor’s race already is overshadowing the state’s top-of-the-ticket race this year — the contest between Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and Democratic challenger Charles Booker. Paul was unable to attend the picnic because of Senate duties.

Also missing from the political speaking Saturday was Kentucky’s most powerful Republican, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell. A picnic mainstay for decades, McConnell relishes the verbal combat but also missed the event because of Senate duties. In a Senate speech Saturday, McConnell said the federal role in the long recovery for flood-damaged areas in his home state will grow once the rebuilding begins.

“Soon I’ll visit the region myself to meet with flood victims and listen to their concerns,” McConnell said. “Then I’ll take what I hear from my constituents back to Washington and ensure we stand by their side as we rebuild bigger and better than before.”

Biden declared a federal disaster to direct relief money to hardhit Kentucky counties.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

7

obituaries

Daniel Richard Oke

October 25, 1948 ~ August 7, 2022 Daniel Richard Oke, 73, of Albemarle, NC passed away Sunday, August 7, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

Dan was born October 25, 1948 in Port Huron, Michigan to the late Verdon "Bud" Henry Oke and the late Pauline Edith Marion Park Oke. He is survived by his is beloved wife of 51 years, Rebecca Jean Ray Oke of the home; children, Leah Oke of Albemarle, NC, Benjamin (Carrie) Oke of Raleigh, NC, Rachel (Matthew) Hoover of Albemarle, NC; sister, Barbara Oke of Marysville, MI; and five grandchildren, Grace, Penelope, Isley, Amos, and Ayrton.

Dan was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His top priority was always his family.

He had an adventurous spirit and loved creating memories with his family all over the country.

Dan had a charismatic and spontaneous personality and always loved a good joke. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Rita Mae Heatherly

January 1, 1966 ~ August 6, 2022 Rita Mae Heatherly, 56, of Albemarle, passed away Saturday, August 6, 2022, at her home in Albemarle.

Rita was born January 1, 1966, in Ohio to the late Richard Reed Martin and Loretta Mae Martin.

Rita was an incredibly loving wife, mother (and dog mom to Dottie Dew Drop, her fierce protector), daughter, sister, grandmother. Rita cherished being a Grammy to her precious grandson, Remington, who brought so much light to her life. Rita’s life calling was with Charlotte Pediatric Clinic and she took great pride in serving her clients and their families. If you’ve ever interacted with Rita for even just a few minutes, you know how beautiful of a soul she was. Rita was the human embodiment of sunshine and goodness in the world. She was always looking for ways to help others and make this world a better place- one interaction at a time.

Survivors include husband, Jeff Heatherly of Albemarle, NC; mother, Loretta Mae Martin of Locust, NC; son, Wade (Melinda) Robinson of Locust, NC and daughter Jessica (Haeley) Robinson of Albemarle, NC; stepdaughters, Ashlyn Heatherly and Ally Heatherly; grandson, Remington Robinson; sisters, Leigh Ann Martin, Shelly Bowling, Susan DeFazio, and brother Chauncey Smith of Simi Valley, California; nieces, Karrie Lambert, Jordan DeFazio, Tiana Driver, and great-niece Ariana Cooper.

Jerry Wayne Boone Sr.

February 13, 1948 - August 6, 2022 Cecil Douglas Barbee went to be with the Lord on August 6, 2022.

Cecil was born in Oakboro, North Carolina on February 13, 1948, to the late Matthew and Flora Barbee.

Cecil enjoyed 56 years of marriage to Gwendolyn Sue Barbee. He is lovingly remembered by his son, David Barbee (Meredith), of Signal Mountain, TN, his sisters Marie Stogner (Henry), of Norwood, NC, and Katherine Eudy (Hal), of Ridgecrest, NC, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Julia Ferguson.

Cecil graduated from West Stanly High School in 1966 and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Stanly Technical College. He retired from 30 years as calibration meteorologist for Duke Power at the McGuire Nuclear Station in 2010. He was a United States Army Veteran.

Cecil was a life-time member of Red Cross Baptist Church. He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and loyal friend.

Raymond Boyd Parnell

October 24, 1937 - August 5, 2022 Raymond Boyd Parnell peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family at Atrium Health Cabarrus on August 5, 2022 at the age of 84.

Ray was a kind soul who was always looking out for others, helping and supporting in many ways.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Judy Parnell.

He is lovingly remembered by his son, Todd Parnell (Tonia) of Richmond, VA, and daughters Nancy Nicewonger (Dan) of Landenberg, PA and Joy Johnson (Rob) of Concord; Grandchildren Haley and Sophia Johnson, Joseph and Rayann Nicewonger, Madison Parker, Lindsay and Samantha Parnell; Brother Jerry Parnell and sister Dawn Lemmons (Clarence). Ray is predeceased by his parents, Filmore and Beulah Parnell, his brother Wayne Parnell and sisters Iris Haywood and Janice Fowler.

Ray was born in Troy, NC on October 24, 1937. He graduated Mt. Gilead High School in 1956 and went on to earn a Business Administration degree from King’s College. Ray served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1960 to 1966. He worked for Sealtest Foods in Charlotte where he met his wife, Judy. From 1979 to 1992, Ray and Judy served as missionaries with Christian Literature Crusade, serving the Lord and others.

Ray loved his family, church, close friends and Philadelphia sports- Phillies and Eagles.

Marie Amberson Deese

January 25, 1949 - August 5, 2022 Jerry Wayne Boone, Sr, 73, of Albemarle passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2022 in his home.

Born January 25, 1949 in Stanly County, NC, he was the son of the late Charlie W. Boone and Clara Frances Smith Boone.

He was retired from Alcoa and a member of Prospect Baptist Church. He loved hunting, fishing, horses and all animals, especially his beloved Roxie. He was a Veteran of the US Army during the Vietnam War during which he received the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star among other honors.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cheryl Stallings Boone of the home, daughter Jerri-Anne Jenkins (Jonathan) of New London, son Jerry Wayne Boone, Jr (Marsha) of Albemarle, a brother Timothy Mark Boone of Wadesboro, five grandchildren Carlee-Anne Boone, Henderson Boone, Mikayla Doney, Matthew Boone, and Nathaniel Boone. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his brother Johnny Boone.

Cecil Douglas Barbee

Penny Denise Wilson

December 26, 1965 ~ August 6, 2022 Penny Denise Wilson, 56, of Norwood, passed away Saturday, August 6, 2022 at McWhorter Hospice House in Monroe.

Penny was born December 26, 1965 in Stanly County to late James "Sonny" Wilson and the late Mary "Eloise" Wilson.

Survivors include sisters, Theresa Wilson Blayton (Wally) of Norwood, NC, Lisa Wilson Loflin (Curt Howell) of Norwood, NC, Paula Wilson Bailey (David "Mike") of Norwood, NC; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Union County Hospice at 700 Roosevelt Blvd Monroe, NC 28110.

December 11, 1950 - August 5, 2022

Kirk was born in Berlin, NH, but moved with his family at age 7 in 1958 to Albemarle where his father, Charles Dustin, was an executive in Wear Knitters, a textile company. Kirk attended Albemarle schools, worked various jobs locally as a teenager, entered the US Army in the Vietnam war and returned to the Carolinas, where he worked in bricklaying, construction, nursery plant sales and lifeguard industries. Twelve step fellowships really helped pull him toward Christ. He came to know and love Jesus in the late 80’s, after several years of wayward living. In 1994 he met and married Sharon Herdman, and founded Ranger and Associates, a roofing, siding, and guttering company which enabled the couple to help support her three children living in Ohio. Many good laborers helped him be successful.

During 2020, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and entered chemotherapy and radiation treatment. With only 20% of proposed treatment completed, he decided to stop that type of intervention, firmly believing Jesus would either heal him on earth, or in the kingdom to come.

Markla Gist Curlee January 25, 1937 - August 4, 2022

June 2, 1952 - August 1, 2022

Marie Ellen"Ellie Mae" Amberson Deese, 70, of Stanfield passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022 at her home. Her memorial service will be held at 7PM on Friday, August 12, 2022 in the Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care Chapel in Locust.

Mrs. Deese was born June 2, 1952 in Mecklenburg County, she was the daughter of the late William Amberson and Mary Maxine Ritch Amberson. Ellie Mae loved her family dearly and they meant everything to her.

Ellie Mae is survived by her husband of 42 years, Thomas Michael "Mike" Deese of the home; son Joseph (Joe) Safley (Christina) of Stanfield, NC; grandchildren: Huntley and Hannah; great-grandchildren: Legend and Kashton; sister: Brenda Joyce Walker of Concord, NC; several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her twin sister: Marion Alice Lagasse and Elizabeth Ervin; brothers: Jerry, Bobby, Gene, and Jimmy Amberson.

Kirk Alan Dustin

Patricia Mauldin July 8, 1946 ~ August 3, 2022

Patricia Thompson Mauldin, 76, of Norwood, passed away, Wednesday night, August 3, 2022 at her home.

Patricia was born July 8, 1946 in Stanly County to the late Clarence Willard and Nola Singleton Thompson. She was a LPN and retired from Stanly Regional Medical Center.

She was a member of South Albemarle Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Larry Jan Mauldin and brother, Ralph Thompson.

She is survived by her son, Timothy Mauldin(Emily) of Norwood and daughter, Susan Mauldin Cole of Albemarle; five grandchildren, Alexus, Dorian, Toby, Claire and Natalie Mauldin.

We celebrate the life of Markla Gist Curlee who peacefully surrendered her earthly body to the Lord for a new eternal and heavenly body on Thursday, August 4th 2022.

Born January 25, 1937 in Stanly County, NC she was the daughter of the late George Hoyt Gist and Lessie McPherson Gist.

Mrs. Curlee was a member of Mineral Springs Baptist Church.

She loved photography, singing, managing the church library, and she especially loved to talk.

She was preceded in death by her husband James Lloyd Curlee, and son David Thomas Haire.

Survivors include daughter Tina Carter (Wayne) of Albemarle and son Anthony Haire of Badin, four grandchildren Justin Carter (Suzanne), Holly Williams (Derek), Heather Shaver (Jeremy) and Christy Pickler (Sean), and 12 great-grandchildren Noah, Bronx, Cash, and Grace Carter, Carter and Beckham Williams, Willow and Ivy James Shaver, and Mason, Reese, Miles and Russell Pickler.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

8

STATE & NATION

Inflation weighs on back-toschool buying for many families

By Anne D’Innocenzio The Associated Press NEW YORK — To understand the impact of surging inflation on this year’s back-to-school spending, look no further than children’s rain boots with motifs like frogs and ladybugs made by Washington Shoe Co. Spending held steady for these evergreen items even after the Kent, Washington-based business was forced to pass along 15% price increases in January to its retail clients because of soaring transportation costs. But by May, as gas and food prices also surged, shoppers abruptly shifted away from the $35 higher-end rain boots to the no-frills versions that run $5 to $10 cheaper, its CEO Karl Moehring said.

“We are seeing consumers shift down,” said Moehring, noting dramatic 20% sales swings in opposite directions for both types of products. “Wages are not keeping up with inflation.”

This back-to-school shopping season, parents — particularly in the low to middle income bracket — are focusing on the basics while also trading down to cheaper stores amid surging inflation, which hit a new 40-year high in June.

Last week, Walmart noted

higher prices on gas and food are forcing shoppers to make fewer purchases of discretionary items, particularly clothing. Best Buy, the nation’s largest consumer electronics chain, cited that inflation has dampened consumer spending on gadgets. Both companies cut their profit forecasts as a result.

Such financial struggles amid the industry’s second-most important shopping season behind the winter holidays mark a big difference from a year ago when many low-income shoppers, flush with government stimulus and buoyed by wage increases, spent freely.

Matt Priest, CEO of trade group Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America, noted that last year, the group’s retail members saw a noticeable uptick in online sales mid-month when shoppers received their monthly child tax credit checks that amounted to a couple of hundred dollars.

This season, without that bump, he expects shoppers will buy fewer shoes for their children and rely on private label brands.

Inflation has squeezed household finances for Jessica Reyes, 34, who took her daughters Jalysa, 7, and Jenesis, 5, to a “Back to School Bash” event last month in the Chicago’s northside that offered free

backpacks filled with supplies for students.

“I feel like everything is going up these days,” she said at the event. “We’re a one-income household right now ... so I think it’s greatly affected us in all areas, in bills and in house necessities and school necessities.”

Multiple forecasts point to a solid back-to-school shopping season.

Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks spending across all payment forms including cash, forecasts back-to-school spending will be up 7.5% from July 14 through Sept. 5 compared with the year-ago period when sales rose 11%. For the 2020 back-toschool period, sales fell 0.8% as the pandemic wreaked havoc on schools’ reopening plans and backto-school shopping.

Still, higher prices are propping up much of the numbers.

A basket of roughly a dozen supply items showed a price increase of nearly 15% on average for this back-to-school season compared with a year ago, according to retail analytics firm DataWeave. The price of backpacks are up nearly 12% to an average of $70, for example.

Back 2 School America, an Illinois-based nonprofit that distributes back-to-school kits to

AP PHOTO

A parent shops for school supplies deals at a Target store, Wednesday, July 27, 2022, in North Miami, Fla. kids from low-income families, has seen “a significant increase in costs of supplies,” including a 10% increase from their vendor with another possible mark-up on the way, said the organization’s CEO Matthew Kurtzman. And shipping costs have also gone up.

Thanks to increased support this year, Back 2 School America will be able to cover the new costs and is on track to distribute more kits than ever before — 12,000 so far, and more than 30,000 by the end of August, Kurtzman said. But the funding isn’t guaranteed in the future as worries about a recession increase.

Retailers face big challenges to get shoppers to spend, particularly on clothing.

Walmart said last week it was

taking extra discounts on clothing to clear out inventory. Analysts believe those sales will exert more pressure on other rivals to discount more to stay competitive. However, Walmart said it’s encouraged by the early signs for sales of school supplies.

Meanwhile, Gap’s low-price Old Navy division is guaranteeing a price freeze on its denim from July 29 through the end of September.

As for Washington Shoe, Moehring said he’s shifting production away from higher priced children’s boots to more value-priced products in the months ahead. The company still sees annual sales ahead of last year, but he’s being cautious.

“I believe it is a muddy outlook, “ he said.

DeSantis suspends prosecutor over refusal to enforce laws The Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended the elected state prosecutor of Tampa for pledging not to enforce the state’s new 15-week abortion ban and for supporting gender transition treatments for minors.

The Republican governor announced the suspension of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren at a news conference in the county’s sheriff’s office.

“When you flagrantly violate your oath of office, when you make yourself above the law, you have violated your duty, you have neglected your duty and you are displaying a lack of competence to be able to perform those duties,” DeSantis said to cheers.

Warren, a Democrat, was elected as state attorney by Hillsborough County voters in 2016 and in 2020. In a statement, Warren said “the people have the right to elect their own leaders — not have them dictated by an aspiring presidential candidate who has shown time and again he feels accountable to no one.”

“The governor is trying to overthrow the results of a fair and free election, two of them actually,” he said later Thursday at a news conference. “People need to understand. This isn’t the governor trying to suspend one elected official. This is the governor trying to overthrow democracy here in Hillsborough County.”

Warren added that no cases regarding violations of the state’s new abortion law have been brought to his office.

AP PHOTO

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, surrounded by members of law enforcement, gestures as he speaks during a news conference Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. In an executive order formally suspending Warren, DeSantis focused heavily on Warren’s signing of statements where prosecutors from across the country said they won’t use their offices to pursue criminal cases against seekers or providers of abortion or gender transition treatments.

More than 90 district attor-

neys, state attorneys general and other elected prosecutors across the U.S. have signed the letter saying they don’t intend to prosecute people for seeking, providing or supporting abortions.

Some are in states with few or no restrictions on abortions. But others are in law enforcement in places where there are bans or

deep restrictions – including the counties that include Birmingham, Alabama, and Jackson, Mississippi, along with several of Texas’ biggest cities. In some cases, there might not be much to enforce because many clinics have either stopped offering abortions or have closed entirely.

Besides the statements from prosecutors, city councils in places including Nashville, New Orleans and Boise, Idaho, have introduced or adopted measures telling law enforcement agencies to make abortion-related cases low priorities.

Florida’s new abortion restriction became effective July 1. It prohibits abortions after 15 weeks, with exceptions if the procedure is necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life, prevent serious injury or if the unborn child has a fatal abnormality. It does not allow exemptions in cases where pregnancies were caused by rape, incest or human trafficking.

Violators could face up to five years in prison. Physicians and other medical professionals could lose their licenses and face administrative fines of $10,000 for each violation.

Florida has not enacted laws criminalizing gender transition treatments for minors but “these statements prove that Warren thinks he has the authority to defy the Florida Legislature and nullify in his jurisdiction criminal laws with which he disagrees,” the executive order reads.

The executive order also accuses Warren of having a “flawed and lawless understanding of his

duties as a state attorney” in his “presumptive non-enforcement for certain criminal violations, including trespassing at a business location, disorderly conduct, disorderly intoxication, and prostitution.”

“The governor’s suspension of State Attorney Warren is not political to me. It’s about law and order. It’s about ensuring our loved ones are safe. It’s about the victims and their voices,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. He said Warren has been acting as a kind of “supreme authority by reducing charges, dropping cases and singlehandedly determining what crimes will be legal or illegal in our county.”

Asked whether he’s overriding the will of the voters by suspending their choice for prosecutor, DeSantis said Warren’s conduct has fallen “below the standard of the Florida Constitution” and that he’s neglected his duty to state law.

“I don’t think the people of Hillsborough County want to have an agenda that is basically woke, where you’re deciding that your view of social justice means certain laws shouldn’t be enforced,” the governor said.

DeSantis appointed Hillsborough County Judge Susan Lopez to serve in Warren’s place during his suspension.

“I have the utmost respect for our state laws and I understand the important role that the state attorney plays in ensuring the safety of our community and the enforcement of our laws,” Lopez said.

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 45 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2022

Twin City Herald

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROLINA CLASSIC FAIR

Fireworks explode over the 2021 Carolina Classic Fair. Tickets are now available for this year’s edition of the annual Winston-Salem tradition.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Officials: Explosive material improperly stored at plant Forsyth County Hundreds of tons of a potentially explosive fertilizer ingredient was improperly stored at a plant when it was destroyed by a fire that burned for days earlier this year, a state investigation found. The North Carolina Department of Labor levied $5,600 in fines on Winston Weaver Co. based on information from interviews with company employees. The massive fertilizer plant fire that started on Jan. 31 and the threat of explosion forced thousands of area residents from their homes. The potential for what Winston-Salem Fire Chief Trey Mayo feared could be “one of the worst explosions in U.S. history” prompted responders to retreat.

In a citation issued July 18, the agency reported 500 tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive substance used as an ingredient in fertilizer, was exposed to water leaking into the building. Investigators also found wooden storage bins weren’t adequate to keep ammonium nitrate from escaping or other substances from entering. The investigation into ammonium nitrate storage remains open, and the company has the option to appeal the citations and fines. Last week, officials announced the damage was so severe that investigators had been unable to determine the cause or origin of the blaze.

The Department of Environmental Quality approved plans last month to test soil and groundwater for contamination at the site.

A contractor will spend up to four months collecting and analyzing hundreds of samples for potentially hazardous materials left behind from the fire.

AP

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Advance discounted tickets available for 2022 Carolina Classic Fair New for 2022: Hanes Mall Store to Open Late August for Information and Ticket Purchases

Twin City Herald staff THE CAROLINA Classic Fair— North Carolina’s second-largest agricultural fair—will return September 30 through October 9, 2022. The Carolina Classic Fair has a fresh theme for 2022: Ridin’ Rockin’ Livestockin’ to reflect the diverse offerings available for guests. Advance tickets are now available at a discount: Buy now and save up to 33% on admission tickets and up to 25% off unlimit-

ed ride vouchers.

Discounted admission tickets and Strates Ride vouchers are available through Ticketmaster, the Fair’s website at CarolinaClassicFair.com, the Fairground’s Box Office located in the Annex on Deacon Boulevard, Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased at the new Hanes Mall Store location beginning in late August. The Carolina Classic Fairground Box Office will offer extended hours the week of September 26 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) leading up to the Fair opening day. All online advance ticket sales will end at midnight on September 29.

“The Carolina Classic Fair’s biggest and best savings are now

available and include significant discounts on both admission tickets and ride wristband vouchers,” Carolina Classic Fair Director Cheryle Hartley said. “Act soon to make sure your family and friends will save money, avoid lines onsite, and have a Ridin’ Rockin’ Livestockin’ good time at this fall’s Carolina Classic Fair—we’re only weeks away from opening night!

“Be sure to purchase authentic Carolina Classic Fair tickets and ride wristbands by going online to Ticketmaster, ordering directly through our website or in person at the Fairground’s Box Office,” Hartley added. “Another reason to purchase advance tickets is that admission and ride tickets can be accessed via mobile ticket-

ing, eliminating the need to stand in ticket lines at the Fair.”

Advance Ticket prices are $8 for adults (regularly $10 for ages 12 and older) and $3 for children (regularly $5 for ages 6-11). Children under age 5 and senior adults (age 65+ with an ID) are free. Advance Sale Strates Ride Vouchers are $30 ($40 if purchased on site) for unlimited ride weekday use and $50 for weekend use.

Ticketmaster has exclusively eliminated its order processing fee for Carolina Classic Fair goers. Online fees for tickets will be $0.50 for tickets, and $0.75 for ride vouchers. Advance Tickets can be purchased with no convenience charges at the Fairgrounds Box Office.

Single tickets for all Winston-Salem Symphony 2022–23 season concerts on sale August 1

Board of Commissioners votes to continue discussion of proposed residential development

New bottling line set to be installed at WinstonSalem production facility; create new jobs

Needed election help gets board approval

Twin City Herald staff SINGLE TICKETS for the Winston-Salem Symphony’s 2022-23 season went on sale Monday, August 1. They can be purchased online at wssymphony.org and via phone by calling 336.464.0145. Please refer to the 2022-23 Season Calendar on the Symphony’s website for the full concert schedule.

To celebrate the Symphony’s 75th Anniversary in 2022 and the upcoming start of the season, the Symphony is offering a special 75-hour “Buy One, Get One Free” sale running through Wednesday, August 3. The sale

offer is valid for purchases made online at wssymphony.org with discount code WSS75 for the first two programs of the season: Mendelssohn’s Muse on September 17 and 18 and The Chevalier on October 2. Mendelssohn’s Muse features guest violinist Simone Porter and conductor Andrew Grams performing music by Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, and Mussorgsky. The Chevalier, written and directed by Bill Barclay, is a play with music that tells the story of 18th-century Black composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

The Winston-Salem Symphony’s 2022-23 season features six Classics Series programs, each of which will feature a conductor who is contending for the See TICKETS, page 2

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal WINSTON-SALEM — The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners met Thursday, Aug. 4, where they held a lengthy discussion on a proposed planned residential development as well as passed multiple budgetary items.

The board held a public hearing on the zoning petition of RS Parker Development, LLC, for three rezoning requests to construct a 537 unit planned residential development with a mixed use of multi-family homes and townhomes on the property.

“This is a request of C&M Family Limited Partnership, Cecil Hash and Margaret Armfield to rezone

approximately 319 acres on the west side of Idols Road, south of Mallard Trail from YR, AG and RS30 to YRS, RS15-S and RM5-S,” said City/ County Planning Chris Murphy.

“The overall average density for 537 units is 1.68 units per acre.”

“Hopefully, with DOT scheduled to have a meeting with Clemmons on the 18th, and hopefully, we can all reach a level of comfort,” said Vice Chair Don Martin. “Potentially addressing the issues of what’s really possible on the sewer line force main, what that kind of will look like for the property owners that are adjacent there and I think if we could get that information, at least I’d be ready to vote.”

The board held a second public hearing to consider the submission of an application to the North Carolina Department of Commerce See BOC, page 2

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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COLUMN | DENNIS PRAGER

Why are so many young Americans irreligious?

Publisher Neal Robbins

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.

(704) 269-8461 INFO@TWINCITYHERALD.COM TWINCITYHERALD.COM TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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TICKETS from page 1

role of Music Director. The community will have numerous opportunities to interact with the finalists and will play a key role in helping the Symphony decide who ultimately assumes the baton to lead the Winston-Salem Symphony into the future. The 2022-23 Music That Pops Series is comprised of four concerts, including A Carolina Christmas featuring the acrobats from Cirque de la Symphonie, the music of Genesis and Phil Collins, a symphonic exploration of R.E.M. with founding member Mike Mills and violinist Robert McDuffie, and a Star Wars concert with the music of John Williams. Additional offerings include: the Ignite Family Series with three concerts, the Symphony Chorus performing music by Dan Locklair and J.S. Bach, Handel’s Messiah conducted by former Winston-Salem Symphony Music Director Robert Moody, and more.

DEATH NOTICES ♦ John Michael Andrews, 69, of Winston-Salem, died Aug. 4. ♦ Ira Joel Citron, 88, of WinstonSalem, died Aug. 3.

FEWER YOUNG AMERICANS affiliate with any organized religion than ever before in American history.

This means, therefore, that the children — and certainly the grandchildren — of millions of faithful Christians have abandoned Christianity.

The same holds true for Jews, but that decline began somewhat earlier. Until the 20th century, nearly all Jews were religious (which nearly always meant Orthodox). Today about 15% of Jews are Orthodox, while most Conservative and Reform Jews have the same values as the secular Left, and very few of their children attend synagogue.

Why have so many Jews and Christians abandoned religious commitment and even a religious identity (many Jews retained an ethnic identity, an option not available to those who abandoned Christianity, as there is no Christian ethnic identity, Christianity being a religion, not an ethnicity as well as a religion)?

Two reasons predominate: the dominant secular culture and the failure of religious Jews and Christians to explain their respective religions.

Contemporary Western countries (and countries such as Japan whose identities are not Western, but which are culturally part of the West) are the most secular societies in recorded history.

In America, every public institution has been rendered God-free, that is, devoid of God. From the age of 5, and sometimes before that, children attend schools that make no reference to God or the Bible. Indeed, schools generally hold God and the Bible in intellectual and moral contempt.

American children are told at school that neither God, nor the Bible, nor religion is necessary — in fact, these are held to be impediments to moral progress. For example, virtually every student is taught the secular mantra that “more people have been killed by religion — or ‘in the name of God’ — than by anything else.” The implied reference is, of course, to Christians alone. (Examples of historic Islamic violence are ignored, and

BOC from page 1

Rural Economic Development Division to apply for and accept, if awarded, a rural building reuse grant to support the expansion of Frank L. Blum Construction Company’s Office Headquarters in Forsyth County.

“Frank L. Blum is a provider of construction management, design build, general contracting and special projects for higher education, healthcare, senior living, K-12 schools, commercial and other industries based in Winston-Salem,” said Community and Economic Development Director Kyle Haney.

“They currently have 218 part-time and full-time employees here in Forsyth County. This project would relocate their company headquarters, invest $3.4 million in capital and create up to 35 new jobs.”

As part of an incentive package, the state has proposed up to $350,000 in incentives in the form of a forgivable loan through the local government, although no funding will actually have come from

mention of them is deemed bigotry, and the same holds true of Native American and nonWestern violence.)

This secular doctrine regarding more violence by Christians than by anyone else is intellectually dishonest and, with regard to the 20th century, patently false.

It is intellectually dishonest insofar as it ignores the fact that prior to the Enlightenment, virtually everyone in the West was Christian.

Therefore, by definition, virtually all violence was committed by Christians. Who else in the West could commit violence? The tiny number of Jews? The tiny number of atheists?

It is also intellectually dishonest in that only evils committed in the Christian world are mentioned — evils, such as slavery, which were nearly all universal. But the moral achievements of the Christian world — all unique to the Christian West — are ignored. Where else were countries committed to universal human rights — i.e., equal rights for every individual of every ethnicity, race and religion? Where else was the status of women elevated to the status of men?

Where else was liberty achieved to anywhere near the extent it has been in the Western world? What other civilization figured out ways to elevate billions from poverty or to eradicate diseases?

And the charge is patently false in that the bloodiest century in history was the 20th century and nearly every one of the more than 100 million civilians — that is, noncombatants — who were murdered were killed by nonChristian, usually anti-Christian, secular regimes. Assuming your secular child or grandchild even knows about the genocides of the 20th century, ask him or her this question: “Who is responsible for the genocides of the 20th century — religious or secular regimes?”

In American life, the only national holiday with religious meaning is Christmas, and that has not only been largely secularized, but even in its secular form has increasingly been removed from the national vocabulary. Americans are expected to say the word “Christmas” as rarely as possible. No more “Merry Christmas,” but

the county’s budget.

The board then went through and quickly voted to approve multiple budgetary items.

Two of the items were for budget amendments, one to the FY 22-23 budget ordinance to increase revenues and appropriations for the Forsyth County Department of Public Health for Women’s and Children’s Health Section/Nutrition Services Branch funding from the NC Department of Health and Human Services and the other amendment to the 2020 Motor Vehicles and Mobile Equipment Replacement Capital Projects Ordinance.

Four of the items were contract agreements. One with Twin City Harm Reduction Collective to provide services for Forsyth County that expand harm reduction efforts surrounding opioids and other substances, one for construction of fiber optic infrastructure at Tanglewood Park, one with Southdata Inc., for printing services, another with Seth Palmiter of Motivated Metal for the design, creation and installation of an outdoor sculp-

“Happy Holidays.” Companies no longer have “Christmas parties,” but “holiday parties.”

Schools no longer have “Christmas vacations” or a “Christmas break,” but “winter vacations” or a “winter break.”

Anyone who derives his moral values from the Bible is essentially forbidden from using those values to shape societal norms. You can cite Ibram X. Kendi or “White Fragility” or your heart as the source of your social values, but if you cite a biblical book, you are told that violates the alleged “separation of church and state.”

So, then, for about 60 years, the entire world outside of the home (and increasingly inside the home) of most young Americans has been secular and anti-religious.

That the post-Christian age has been the bloodiest in history, that the French and Russian Revolutions, both fiercely anti-religious, produced bloody despotic regimes, while the pro-religion, God-based American Revolution produced the freest country in the world — both these facts are unknown to most young Americans. So, too, young people don’t know that religious Americans are happier, commit less suicide, give more charity and volunteer more time than irreligious Americans.

Swimming in a secular sea and ignorance of the disparate moral records of secular and Judeo-Christian regimes and institutions constitute one of the two reasons for the religious apathy among young Americans.

The other, as I’ll chronicle in a future column, has been the failure of religious institutions to explain themselves.

Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host and columnist. His latest books, published by Regnery, are “The Rational Passover Haggadah” (March 2022) and “The Rational Bible,” a commentary on the book of Genesis (May 2019).

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.”

ture for the Forsyth County Public Library’s Clemmons Branch, and one with the WSFCS Board of Education for the provision of SRO services.

Within the budgetary approvements, the board also approved three software services and subscriptions, one with Benevate, Inc. for the purpose of providing housing and maintenance services for the neighborly software application, another with Presidio Networked Solutions LLC to provide Secure Endpoint Patch and Management Solution Services and one with Eplus Technology, Inc., to provide secure access service edge solution services.

The board also authorized the acceptance of multiple funding sources, one being supplemental grant funds from the United States EPA for enhanced monitoring of fine particulate matter air pollution levels in Forsyth County, another from the US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, FY 2020 State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Funds for correc-

tional purposes and one with the State of North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services for behavioral health services.

The final action item the board approved was an agreement between the Forsyth County Board of Elections and The Resource Company Inc., to provide temporary employment services for one-stop early voting and elections response at the board of elections.

“Due to the challenges that we’re facing with respect to the timing of the upcoming election, I proposed to the Board of Commissioners a Plan B where we’d receive approval for a contract with The Resource Company to get us through this election and then conduct a formal bid process after the election for temporary staffing needs going forward,” said Director of Elections Tim Tsujii.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will next meet Aug. 25.

♦ Greene, David Alan (W /M/39) Arrest on chrg of Vand-personal Prop, M (M), at 5140 Vogler Rd, Pfafftown, NC, on 8/4/2022 17:36.

at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 8/4/2022 10:00.

♦ Joseph Francis Cronin, 56, of Winston-Salem, died Aug. 4. ♦ Edward Albert Fisher Jr, 85, died Aug. 4.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ Betty Ogburn Flynn, 92, died Aug. 5.

♦ ALLEN, BRIANNA DESTINY was arrested on a charge of MV THEFT at 400 BLK BROAD ST on 8/6/2022

♦ Meris Carolyn Teague Gormley, 87, of WinstonSalem, died Aug. 5.

♦ ANDREWS, TARANA ANN was arrested on a charge of B&E-VEHICLE at 400 W FOURTH ST on 8/8/2022

♦ Dahlia Elizabeth Parnell Meadows, 96, of Kernersville, died Aug. 3.

♦ BALDWIN, RAKEY JAMES was arrested on a charge of AFFRAY at 1241 N PATTERSON AV on 8/4/2022

♦ DANIELS, JONA was arrested on a charge of CONCEALING MDSE at 3599 PARKWAY VILLAGE CR/ STAFFORD VILLAGE BV on 8/4/2022

♦ Betty Bowen Mikles, 81, of Forsyth County, died Aug. 3.

♦ BLACKWELL, JOSEPH DEWAYNE was arrested on a charge of BREAKING/LARC-FELONY at 3616 TECH AV on 8/3/2022

♦ ENNIS, CYNTHIA RENEEFRAZIER was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 1522 N LIBERTY ST on 8/3/2022

♦ BRYANT, BRUCE ESMEND was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at WB 40/E CLEMMONSVILLE RD_WB 40 RA on 8/3/2022

♦ GAMBLE, DAQWAN MALMONTIZE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 601 PETERS CREEK PW on 8/4/2022

♦ Marian Nagel, 92, of Clemmons, died Aug. 4. ♦ Carl Spencer Phipps, MD, 87, of Winston-Salem, died Aug. 6. ♦ Ascension Pico, 84, died Aug. 3. ♦ Richard Donald “Butch” Rutgerson, 85, of Oak Ridge, died Aug. 3. ♦ Nella Silverspear, 90, died Aug. 4. ♦ Ruth Ann Simons, 89, of Winston-Salem, died Aug. 3.

♦ Buckner, Tammey Renae (W /F/49) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking/larcfelony (F) and 2) Larceny After B&e (F), at 3727 Indiana Av, Winstonsalem, NC, on 8/4/2022 09:30. ♦ Clifford, Kevin James (W /M/50) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking/larcfelony (F) and 2) Larceny After B&e (F), at 3727 Indiana Av, Winston-

salem, NC, on 8/4/2022 09:30. ♦ COCKERHAM, DOMINIQ DOUGLAS was arrested on a charge of ASLT ON HANDICAP PER at 1447 CLARK AV on 8/7/2022

♦ GAMBLE, DAQWAN MALMONTIZE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 601 PETERS CREEK PW on 8/2/2022 ♦ GIBSON, KERWIN KIANTE TRAVELLE was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 3799 HIGH POINT RD/RIDGEWOOD RD on 8/7/2022

♦ HARRIGAN, JANINE FRANCES was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 100 W FIFTH ST on 8/3/2022

♦ Long, Tyree Ray (B /M/25) Arrest on chrg of 1) Aslt Leo/inflic Injury (F) and 2) Malicious Conduct By Prisoner (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 8/4/2022 18:32.

♦ HENDRICKS, MICHELLE MONIQUE was arrested on a charge of LARC BY EMPLOYEES at 1516 JASPER LN on 8/3/2022

♦ Love, Dontez Deonza (B /M/45) Arrest on chrg of Fail To Register - Sex Offender Registration (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 8/3/2022 08:48.

♦ HOLE, RANDALL WADE was arrested on a charge of DV PROTECTIVE ORDER VIOL at 3198 PETERS CREEK PW/W CLEMMONSVILLE RD_SB PETERS C RA on 8/8/2022

♦ Mays, Amanda Dawn (W /F/36) Arrest on chrg of 1) Fail To Appear/ compl (M) and 2) Probation Violation (M), at 201 N Church St, Winstonsalem, NC, on 8/6/2022 04:52.

♦ KENNELLY, DONALD was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 1499 NEW WALKERTOWN RD on 8/4/2022

♦ MILLER, RAYQUAN MIQUEL was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 1490 S BROAD ST on 8/5/2022

♦ LAWRENCE, KENROY RODCLIFFE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 607 DENNY DR on 8/7/2022

♦ ONEAL, RAYMOND HENRY was arrested on a charge of SHOPLIFTING CONCEALMENT GOODS at 201 N CHURCH ST on 8/6/2022

♦ Lewis, Theresa Ann (B /F/54) Arrest on chrg of Harassing Phone Calls (M),

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

SPORTS

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SIDELINE REPORT NBA

Durant reiterates desire to be traded

by Brooklyn Brooklyn Kevin Durant has again told Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai that he wants to be traded, reiterating a request he first made nearly six weeks ago. A source told The Associated Press that Durant also told Tsai that he has concerns about the Nets’ direction under coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks. Tsai tweeted Monday night that he supports the team’s front office and coaching staff.

Durant averaged 29.9 points in 55 games last season.

NFL

NFL: Rodgers’ use of ayahuasca didn’t violate drug policy Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ use of the hallucinogenic drink ayahuasca during an offseason retreat isn’t considered a violation of the NFL’s drug policy.

Rodgers discussed on “The Aubrey Marcus Podcast” last week how he went on an ayahuasca retreat to Peru in 2020. Ayahuasca is defined as a psychoactive beverage native to South America and is often used for religious, ritualistic or medicinal purposes. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy says it wouldn’t have triggered a positive test result on either the substance abuse or performance-enhancing substance policies collectively bargained by the NFL and its players’ association.

WNBA

Mercury’s Taurasi out for rest of season with quad injury Phoenix Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi will miss the remainder of the season with a quadriceps strain. Taurasi missed the last two games with the injury and the team now says the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer will not be available as the Mercury fight for a 10th straight playoff appearance. The five-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA champion averaged 16.7 points and 3.9 assists this season, her 17th in the WNBA. Phoenix signed Yvonne Turner to a hardship contract to fill Taurasi’s roster spot.

MLB

Hall of Famer Eckersley to leave Red Sox booth after season Boston Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley said Monday that he will be leaving the Boston Red Sox broadcasts at the end of the season, his 50th in Major League Baseball. Eckersley pitched 24 seasons as both a 20win starter and a 50-save reliever for Cleveland, Boston, the Cubs, Oakland and the Cardinals. He won the AL Cy Young and MVP awards in 1992 while playing for the Athletics.

The 67-year-old joined NESN after a career in which he was a six-time All-Star who went 197-171 with a 3.50 ERA with 100 complete games as a starter and 390 saves.

AP PHOTO

Kevin Harvick celebrates after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at the Michigan International Speedway.

Kevin Harvick ends 65-race drought with win at Michigan It’s the Stewart-Haas Racing driver’s sixth career win at the track The Associated Press BROOKLYN, Mich. — Kevin Harvick got his groove back, fittingly at one of his favorite tracks.

Harvick ended a 65-race winless drought that lasted nearly two years with his sixth victory at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday.

“Good timing, for sure,” he said.

Harvick’s win shakes up the playoff race with just three races remaining in the regular season, leaving little time for drivers to earn a spot in the 16-car postseason, and it gives a boost for a veteran that entered the weekend No. 17 in points.

“Everybody that doubted us

doesn’t know us,” he said.

NASCAR has had 15 different Cup winners this season. If there are two new winners over the last three races, a driver with one win will be eliminated from the 16-car playoff with a tiebreaker based on points. Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. are top-10 drivers in points, but they have not won a race, putting their postseason positioning in peril.

Harvick’s No. 4 Ford pulled away from Bubba Wallace and the rest the field following a restart with 35 laps to go at the FireKeepers Casino 400. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver took advantage of clean air, helping him coast to his 59th victory, including five wins since 2018 on the two-mile oval in the Irish Hills region of southern Michigan.

Harvick had not won since claiming a NASCAR Cup Series postseason race on Sept. 19,

“It’s been a while.

Michigan has been a great place for us.”

Kevin Harvick 2020, at Bristol Motor Speedway.

“It’s been a while,” he acknowledged. “Michigan has been a great place for us.”

Wallace finished second in his No. 23 Toyota — 2.9 seconds behind Harvick — followed by Denny Hamlin in his No. 11 Toyota.

“Second’s not good enough for the playoffs,” said Wallace, who needs to win one of the final three regular-season races to earn a spot in the postseason.

Austin Cindric, who won the Daytona 500 for his first career victory, started the day No. 15 in

points and finished last in the 37car race after his No. 2 Ford hit the wall head-on in a nine-car crash that knocked Kyle Busch out of the competition.

“It was a complete mess,” he said.

Wallace won his first career pole Saturday, becoming the only driver to break 190 mph in the Next Gen car during qualifying this season and went even faster early in the race after a 90-minute rain delay.

Wallace, driving for 23XI Racing formed by Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin in 2020, stayed out front until he made a pit stop after 21 laps — two shy of his career high — and the decision that cost him track position due to a crash soon thereafter that included one-fourth of the field.

Wallace blamed himself for letting Harvick pull away after the last pivotal restart.

“I’ll wear this one on my heart for a while,” he said, choking back tears. “I failed everybody.”

NASCAR shifts to Richmond Raceway in Virginia, one of the last three races of the regular season. Hamlin won at Richmond in April.

NFL hopes to reduce head injuries with helmet experiment Panthers tackle Wyatt Miller warms up at the team’s training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, last Thursday.

Guardian Caps are mandatory for all players during training camp The Associated Press THE MUSHROOM-LIKE contraptions NFL players are wearing on their helmets during training camp may look strange, but they’re a part of an ongoing safety experiment the league hopes will lead to a reduction in head injuries.

They’re called Guardian Caps, and they’re now mandatory for all 32 NFL teams through the second preseason game — the time when the league says head injuries are most prevalent.

“There’s a density of exposure, and a density of injury, at the beginning of training camp and the competition committee has been looking for ways to change that,” said Jeff Miller, executive vice president for NFL player health and safety.

The league said laboratory research indicates the 12-ounce Guardian Caps result in at least a 10% reduction in severity of impact to a player’s brain. It says that number climbs to at least 20% if both players involved in a collision are wearing them.

Miller said mitigating those forces “will have a cumulative effect for the betterment of health and safety of the player.”

Not everyone, however, is convinced Guardian Caps are the answer.

AP PHOTO

Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, is “more than a little skeptical” that the extra padding helps prevent head injuries — and wonders if it could be doing more harm than good.

“Adding weight to a helmet can make things worse for the brain when it comes to rotational impacts,” said Nowinski, who previously served as a co-director of the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.

“Adding size to the helmet does

the same thing. It’s very difficult to recreate this in a lab. We aren’t sure if this will be a net positive or a net negative.”

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver isn’t seeing the benefits of the caps either.

Oliver said the padded shells “aggravate” him, making him feel like “a bobblehead” on the field.

“It’s just heavy,” Oliver said. “I like the way my helmet feels without it. I have been playing without it for this long, I just don’t like it.”

Despite the skepticism, Miller said the feedback from most play-

ers has been positive — even if they feel the Guardian Caps look a little funny.

“I wouldn’t say they’re aesthetically pleasing, and I think we look a little goofy,” said Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert. “But they’re there for good reason. They did studies with them. Anything to keep us safer, why not do it?

“Obviously you only get one brain. May as well keep it as best you can.”

The league announced in February there were 187 concussions during practice and games in 2021.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

4

STATE & NATION

Inflation weighs on back-toschool buying for many families

By Anne D’Innocenzio The Associated Press NEW YORK — To understand the impact of surging inflation on this year’s back-to-school spending, look no further than children’s rain boots with motifs like frogs and ladybugs made by Washington Shoe Co. Spending held steady for these evergreen items even after the Kent, Washington-based business was forced to pass along 15% price increases in January to its retail clients because of soaring transportation costs. But by May, as gas and food prices also surged, shoppers abruptly shifted away from the $35 higher-end rain boots to the no-frills versions that run $5 to $10 cheaper, its CEO Karl Moehring said.

“We are seeing consumers shift down,” said Moehring, noting dramatic 20% sales swings in opposite directions for both types of products. “Wages are not keeping up with inflation.”

This back-to-school shopping season, parents — particularly in the low to middle income bracket — are focusing on the basics while also trading down to cheaper stores amid surging inflation, which hit a new 40-year high in June.

Last week, Walmart noted

higher prices on gas and food are forcing shoppers to make fewer purchases of discretionary items, particularly clothing. Best Buy, the nation’s largest consumer electronics chain, cited that inflation has dampened consumer spending on gadgets. Both companies cut their profit forecasts as a result.

Such financial struggles amid the industry’s second-most important shopping season behind the winter holidays mark a big difference from a year ago when many low-income shoppers, flush with government stimulus and buoyed by wage increases, spent freely.

Matt Priest, CEO of trade group Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America, noted that last year, the group’s retail members saw a noticeable uptick in online sales mid-month when shoppers received their monthly child tax credit checks that amounted to a couple of hundred dollars.

This season, without that bump, he expects shoppers will buy fewer shoes for their children and rely on private label brands.

Inflation has squeezed household finances for Jessica Reyes, 34, who took her daughters Jalysa, 7, and Jenesis, 5, to a “Back to School Bash” event last month in the Chicago’s northside that offered free

backpacks filled with supplies for students.

“I feel like everything is going up these days,” she said at the event. “We’re a one-income household right now ... so I think it’s greatly affected us in all areas, in bills and in house necessities and school necessities.”

Multiple forecasts point to a solid back-to-school shopping season.

Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks spending across all payment forms including cash, forecasts back-to-school spending will be up 7.5% from July 14 through Sept. 5 compared with the year-ago period when sales rose 11%. For the 2020 back-toschool period, sales fell 0.8% as the pandemic wreaked havoc on schools’ reopening plans and backto-school shopping.

Still, higher prices are propping up much of the numbers.

A basket of roughly a dozen supply items showed a price increase of nearly 15% on average for this back-to-school season compared with a year ago, according to retail analytics firm DataWeave. The price of backpacks are up nearly 12% to an average of $70, for example.

Back 2 School America, an Illinois-based nonprofit that distributes back-to-school kits to

AP PHOTO

A parent shops for school supplies deals at a Target store, Wednesday, July 27, 2022, in North Miami, Fla. kids from low-income families, has seen “a significant increase in costs of supplies,” including a 10% increase from their vendor with another possible mark-up on the way, said the organization’s CEO Matthew Kurtzman. And shipping costs have also gone up.

Thanks to increased support this year, Back 2 School America will be able to cover the new costs and is on track to distribute more kits than ever before — 12,000 so far, and more than 30,000 by the end of August, Kurtzman said. But the funding isn’t guaranteed in the future as worries about a recession increase.

Retailers face big challenges to get shoppers to spend, particularly on clothing.

Walmart said last week it was

taking extra discounts on clothing to clear out inventory. Analysts believe those sales will exert more pressure on other rivals to discount more to stay competitive. However, Walmart said it’s encouraged by the early signs for sales of school supplies.

Meanwhile, Gap’s low-price Old Navy division is guaranteeing a price freeze on its denim from July 29 through the end of September.

As for Washington Shoe, Moehring said he’s shifting production away from higher priced children’s boots to more value-priced products in the months ahead. The company still sees annual sales ahead of last year, but he’s being cautious.

“I believe it is a muddy outlook, “ he said.

DeSantis suspends prosecutor over refusal to enforce laws The Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended the elected state prosecutor of Tampa for pledging not to enforce the state’s new 15-week abortion ban and for supporting gender transition treatments for minors.

The Republican governor announced the suspension of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren at a news conference in the county’s sheriff’s office.

“When you flagrantly violate your oath of office, when you make yourself above the law, you have violated your duty, you have neglected your duty and you are displaying a lack of competence to be able to perform those duties,” DeSantis said to cheers.

Warren, a Democrat, was elected as state attorney by Hillsborough County voters in 2016 and in 2020. In a statement, Warren said “the people have the right to elect their own leaders — not have them dictated by an aspiring presidential candidate who has shown time and again he feels accountable to no one.”

“The governor is trying to overthrow the results of a fair and free election, two of them actually,” he said later Thursday at a news conference. “People need to understand. This isn’t the governor trying to suspend one elected official. This is the governor trying to overthrow democracy here in Hillsborough County.”

Warren added that no cases regarding violations of the state’s new abortion law have been brought to his office.

AP PHOTO

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, surrounded by members of law enforcement, gestures as he speaks during a news conference Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. In an executive order formally suspending Warren, DeSantis focused heavily on Warren’s signing of statements where prosecutors from across the country said they won’t use their offices to pursue criminal cases against seekers or providers of abortion or gender transition treatments.

More than 90 district attor-

neys, state attorneys general and other elected prosecutors across the U.S. have signed the letter saying they don’t intend to prosecute people for seeking, providing or supporting abortions.

Some are in states with few or no restrictions on abortions. But others are in law enforcement in places where there are bans or

deep restrictions – including the counties that include Birmingham, Alabama, and Jackson, Mississippi, along with several of Texas’ biggest cities. In some cases, there might not be much to enforce because many clinics have either stopped offering abortions or have closed entirely.

Besides the statements from prosecutors, city councils in places including Nashville, New Orleans and Boise, Idaho, have introduced or adopted measures telling law enforcement agencies to make abortion-related cases low priorities.

Florida’s new abortion restriction became effective July 1. It prohibits abortions after 15 weeks, with exceptions if the procedure is necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life, prevent serious injury or if the unborn child has a fatal abnormality. It does not allow exemptions in cases where pregnancies were caused by rape, incest or human trafficking.

Violators could face up to five years in prison. Physicians and other medical professionals could lose their licenses and face administrative fines of $10,000 for each violation.

Florida has not enacted laws criminalizing gender transition treatments for minors but “these statements prove that Warren thinks he has the authority to defy the Florida Legislature and nullify in his jurisdiction criminal laws with which he disagrees,” the executive order reads.

The executive order also accuses Warren of having a “flawed and lawless understanding of his

duties as a state attorney” in his “presumptive non-enforcement for certain criminal violations, including trespassing at a business location, disorderly conduct, disorderly intoxication, and prostitution.”

“The governor’s suspension of State Attorney Warren is not political to me. It’s about law and order. It’s about ensuring our loved ones are safe. It’s about the victims and their voices,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. He said Warren has been acting as a kind of “supreme authority by reducing charges, dropping cases and singlehandedly determining what crimes will be legal or illegal in our county.”

Asked whether he’s overriding the will of the voters by suspending their choice for prosecutor, DeSantis said Warren’s conduct has fallen “below the standard of the Florida Constitution” and that he’s neglected his duty to state law.

“I don’t think the people of Hillsborough County want to have an agenda that is basically woke, where you’re deciding that your view of social justice means certain laws shouldn’t be enforced,” the governor said.

DeSantis appointed Hillsborough County Judge Susan Lopez to serve in Warren’s place during his suspension.

“I have the utmost respect for our state laws and I understand the important role that the state attorney plays in ensuring the safety of our community and the enforcement of our laws,” Lopez said.

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MOORE COUNTY

FILE PHOTOS

In this combination photo the two candidates for North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District are shown: state Sen. Ben Clark (left) and U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (right).

COUNTY NEWS Moore County couple hits jackpot in NC Education Lottery A $3 Quick Pick ticket has made one West End couple $150,000 richer. Last Thursday, Edward Gosselin Jr. and his wife Joan picked up their jackpot winnings from the North Carolina Education Lottery. The Gosselin’s were informed of their luck over email after purchasing their ticket to win $50,000 in the July 18 drawing. Fortunately for them, their payout tripled after the Power Play multiplier hit. After taxes, the Gosselin’s walked away with $106,516, and they plan on taking a vacation to the Midwest.

Seven Lakes area discusses relaunching a Neighborhood Watch program Over 30 Seven Lakes residents met at the West Side Community Center last week to discuss relaunching a Neighborhood Watch program. The meeting, which was overseen

by Moore County’s Sheriff Deputy Monique DiLorenzo, continued a conversation already in place between Seven Lakes North and South. If the plan is approved, Seven Lakes will join about 12 other existing Neighborhood Watch programs across the county. Since the meeting, a committee has sent a recommendation to the SLWLA Board of Directors to endorse moving forward with developing a framework for a program.

Any North or Southside residents interested in joining the Neighborhood Watch can contact Gail Summers at (910) 975-2329.

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Hudson, Clark face off for new 9th District seat

By Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — Following a court-ordered redistricting process that will be in effect for 2022 only, the new 9th Congressional District runs from Randolph County down to the Sandhills, taking in all of Chatham, Lee, Hoke, Moore, and Scotland counties as well as parts of Cumberland, Harnett, and Richmond counties. The two candidates advancing from the May 17 primary are Republican U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson and Democratic state Sen. Ben Clark.

Hudson, who was first elected to Congress in 2012, found his home in Cabarrus County drawn into a district where fellow Republican Dan

Bishop was currently representing much of the area, chose instead to run in the new district containing much of the Sandhills. In a statement announcing his candidacy, he noted that through much of North Carolina’s complicated redistricting litigation, he had represented 8 of the 9 counties in the 9th District at one point or another.

“As Fort Bragg’s congressman, I have a proven track record as a conservative who knows how to get things done for our community. You can count on me to stand up to the mandates, threats to our Second Amendment, and big government socialist policies hurting our economy and your family. I look forward to remaining Fort Bragg’s congressman and again earning the support

Moore County Public Schools built up meal fund balance over pandemic Estimated $2.8 million in excess funds

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — During a recent Moore County Schools Board of Education work session, the topic of the disposition of the district’s school meals balance was raised.

Apparently, the district’s meals fund balance has built up excess funds of $2.8 million as a result of the free meals paid for by the federal government over the last two years of the pandemic.

The U.S. government pays $3.49 for qualified free and reduced lunch recipients. Moore County Schools charges around $2.50 for those who don’t qualify for those meals. That means close to $1 for each meal paid for by the federal government had apparently been going into the district’s meal fund.

According to data presented to the board, there were roughly 1.4m meals served in the district in the year prior to the pandemic and around 1.8m meals served during the pandemic.

The discussion came up during Aug. 1 work session meeting when the topic of increasing student meal prices was brought up.

Board member David Hensley told North State Journal he believes the excess fund balance should be going to create better quality meals for students qualifying for the free and reduced program.

The federal waiver provision for free meals for all students ended on June 30, 2022, and districts are now required to return to charging for meals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) reimbursement of eligible free meals in 20192020 was $5.18; $1.79 for breakfast and $3.39 for lunch. The reimbursement rate has increased in 2022-23 to $6.69; $2.26 for breakfast and $4.43 for lunch, an increase of 27% for breakfast and 30% for lunch.

The current meal cost in Moore County Schools for K-8 is $3.75; $1.25 for K-12 breakfast, and $2.50 for K-8 lunch. The total cost rises to $4.00 for grades See MEALS page 2

of the people of the new 9th District,” he said in February.

He currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and is the House Republican Conference Secretary.

A five-term incumbent, Hudson easily dispatched three challengers in the May primary, earning 79% of the vote.

His opponent, Clark, was the only Democrat to file for the seat.

After announcing he was retiring from the North Carolina General Assembly in 2021, speculation mounted that he would seek federal office. In his last term as a state senator, Clark advocated for a “Sandhills district” through the redistricting process. The new 9th would seem to fit many of Clark’s priori-

ties, although much of his Cumberland County base is in the neighboring 7th District.

A native of Fayetteville, Clark retired from a 20-year Air Force career and representing the 21st state Senate District in the General Assembly. That district encompassed all of Hoke County as well as Fort Bragg and northwestern Cumberland County. Clark earned a reputation as a potential vote for some Republican priorities in the General Assembly, including some state budget votes.

The district has a Republican lean based on previous election results. In 2020, former President Donald Trump won 53% of the vote to 45% for Joe Biden. The closest 2020 statewide result was the race for governor, as Republican Dan Forest narrowly prevailed over Gov. Roy Cooper by less than 1 percentage point. DecisonDeskHQ, a national elections website, rates the partisan lean of the district as R+6 and their current election model gives Hudson a 98% chance of victory.

Moore County Schools ends contract with Panorama; get refund End of contract follows complaints of “invasive” surveys and “socialemotional learning”

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — Moore County Public Schools has dropped its survey platform contract with Panorama Education, a company that produces “Social and Emotional Learning” data analysis, surveys, and related materials.

Moore County School Board member David Hensley posted a graphic on his official Facebook page describing efforts he and board members Robert Levy and Philip Holmes had taken, resulting in an apparent refund of $122,280.

In Spring 2021, the Moore County School Board voted 4-3 to sign and fund a three-year contract with Panorama. Hensley, Levy, and Holmes voted against it.

Sometime in the months after that vote, the district’s superintendent and an attorney with Tharrington See PANORAMA page 2

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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PANORAMA from page 1 and Smith apparently agreed and suspended all future surveys even though some of the funding had already been issued.

“Although I don’t know the mechanics, whether we paid for all three years and got a refund, or they just canceled unpaid out years, either way, Panorama isn’t charging us for the last two years,” Hensley told North State Journal.

In the past year, Panorama has also been criticized for the use of Critical Race Theory, a claim Panorama disputes.

At some point in 2021, Panorama did offer a free online workshop called “SEL as Social Justice: Dismantling White Supremacy Within Systems and Self.”

While the offering was scrubbed from the Panorama website, The Washington Examiner documented resources for the workshop, including an article called “How White Supremacy

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Lives in Our Schools,” which characterized rallies held by former President Donald Trump as being symbols of “white supremacy.”

The company also drew scrutiny after US Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a memorandum directing the FBI to investigate parents protesting at school board meetings across the country, and it was subsequently learned that Garland’s son-inlaw Alexander ‘Xan’ Tanner, sonin-law of is a co-founder, board member, and former president of Panorama.

Panorama Education had claimed that its products support “13 million students in 23,000 schools and 1,500 districts across 50 states.” The company has apparently made millions from contracts with school districts across the country since its founding, according to the watchdog, Open The Books.

According to Open The Books’ compilation of contracts span-

ning the years 2017-2020, there were over $1 million in contracts between Panorama Education and school districts in North Carolina.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initially referred to aiding students in developing personal skills like self-awareness, goal setting, and empathy.

Materials and surveys involving SEL, in particular the shift to the use of “Transformative SEL” which incorporates subjective gender identity and race-based ideologies, have seen increased criticism from parents and the public at school board meetings nationwide.

Similar complaints about invasive surveys were raised in North Carolina about surveys given in schools that invade student and family privacy were captured among the submissions to the F.A.C.T.S. task force set up

by Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson in 2021.

outlines an increase in costs for labor, consumables, supplies, and equipment over the last two years in comparison to levels seen in the 2019-20 school year. The increase in labor was 25 percent, consumables increased 17 percent, supplies increased 81 percent, and equipment increased 34 percent.

A March 2020 publication by the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that “92 percent” of school food authorities reported experiencing challenges due to supply chain disruptions. The most frequently cited challenges include limited product availability, orders arriving with missing or substituted items, and labor shortages. SFAs expect these and other issues to last into SY 202223. Public, larger, and rural SFAs, were more likely to report challenges.

“Considering the continuation of supply chain disruptions for

the 2022-2023 school year, we are forecasting additional impacts to our labor, consumables, supplies, and equipment costs,” the Child Nutrition document states.

The forecasted increases include labor at five percent, consumables at 10 percent, supplies at five percent, and equipment at 10 percent.

“The department currently has $460,000 in excess cash resources (fund balance) that have been specifically allocated for cost increases caused by supply chain disruptions,” according to the Child Nutrition document.

“This is available to apply to current year operations and will help to prevent the sticker shock that a large increase in meal prices might cause.”

According to the Child Nutrition document, the district “experienced an increase of 27% for what would have been paid meals”

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WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ GARNER, MARK THOMAS, 26, W, M, 8/8/2022, Carthage PD, Possess Schedule II CS, Simple Possess Schedule VI CS, Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Carrying Concealed Gun, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, $25,000 Secured, 10/31/22, Carthage ♦ AVERY, TONY ANTHONY, 37, B, M, 8/6/2022, Whispering Pines PD, DWI, DWLRNIRB, Communicating Threats, Assault on a Female (x4), Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Protective Order Violation, Misdemeanor Probation Violation Out of County, Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle, $84,100 Secured, 8/31/22, Fayetteville ♦ ALBRIGHT, KEVIN EUGINE, 28, W, M, 8/5/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Breaking and or Entering (x2), Larceny After Break/Enter (x2), Possess Stolen Goods/Prop (x2), Poss of Stolen Goods, $15,750 Secured, 8/22/22, Seagrove ♦ TIMBERLAKE, CASSANDRA MARIE, 32, I, F, 8/4/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Obtain Property False Pretense, Worthless Check Closed Account (x2), $10,000 Secured, 8/23/22, Raeford ♦ HEDRICK-GARNER, ASHLEY ELAIN, 29, W, F, 8/4/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Breaking and or Entering, $2,500 Secured, 8/24/22, Carthage ♦ PATRICK, ALAN DEAN, 28, W, M, 8/3/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Common Law Robbery, Simple Assault, $150,000 Secured, 8/17/22, Carthage ♦ LEWIS, RUSSELL LEON, 62, W, M, 8/3/2022, Pinehurst PD, Abuse Disable Elder Serious Injury, Possess Marijuana up to 1/2oz, Possess Drug Paraphernalia (x2), Possess Marijuana Greater than 1/2oz to 1 1/2oz, $8,000 Secured, 8/17/22, Marion ♦ HALL, JOYCE RENEE, 39, W, F, 8/3/2022, Robbins PD, Larceny of Motor Vehicle (x2), DWLRIRB (x2), Larceny of a Firearm (x2), Misdemeanor Larceny (x3),, $25,000 Secured, 8/8/22, Robbins ♦ HOLDER, CECILIA MARIE, 29, W, F, 8/2/2022, Foxfire PD, PWIMSD Schedule II CS, Simple Possess Schedule VI CS (x2), Possess Drug Paraphernalia (x3), Possess Schedule II CS (x2), Non Support of Child, $11,000 Secured, 8/17/22, Carthage ♦ CALLIHAN, MELISSA NICOLE, 28, W, F, 8/2/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Possess Methamphetamine, $7,500 Secured, 8/17/22, Bennet

MEALS from page 1 9-12 since lunch for those grades is priced at $2.75.

A proposed increase to Moore County Schools’ meal costs bumps up K-12 breakfast and lunch by 50 cents to $1.75 and $3.00, respectively. Lunch for 9-12 jumps 50 cents to $3.25.

The meals increase combined with the cash resources will fulfill operating expenditures for the upcoming 2022-23 school year.

However, another increase in the following school year may be necessary depending on federal reimbursement rate changes, per the district’s Child Nutrition documentation.

The Child Nutrition document shared during the work session states, “Moore County Schools has held the paid meal costs for breakfast and lunch at the same amount for the past six years.”

The Child Nutrition document

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happening Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Moore County:

August 11 Trivia Thursday at the Brewery 6pm Come out for Trivia at the Southern Pines Brewery!

Enjoy fun and prizes each Thursday. Southern Pines Brewing Company is located at 565 Air Tool Dr., Southern Pines, NC.

Carthage Community Meeting 6pm The Carthage community is invited to attend a town meeting to share ideas to improve Carthage and help guide future decisions. The meeting will take place at 203 McReynolds Street.

August 12 Summer Meal Program 12:30pm – 5pm Meals will be provided free of charge for those 18 and under at the Baxter Teen Center, Logan-Blake, and Trinity Units of the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills

August 13 Sandhills Farmers Market 10am Come out for the Sandhills Farmers Market in the heart of the Village of Pinehurst.

“Know your Farmer, Know your Food” The season runs from Mid-April through the first weekend in October.

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

OPINION

3

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Building a better future

The left’s erosion of American stability extends beyond the economy, as their policies have also weakened the safety and security of communities nationwide.

“THE BEST PREPARATION for the future is the present well seen to, and the last duty done.”

This quote by the theologian George MacDonald reminds us that building a better future for ourselves and our children begins by laying a sturdy foundation for growth, security, and individual freedom in the present.

Unfortunately, Democrats in Washington have largely failed to bolster this foundation or, in some cases, have caused it to erode.

Today, due to misguided policy decisions by the Biden administration and Congressional Democrats, our nation finds itself in a grim state. And sadly, this condition has come to touch nearly every aspect of your life.

Inflation is a tax on all Americans, and our economy continues to spiral due to out-of-control government spending and policy miscues by Washington Democrats. According to the latest figures, our economy shrunk by 2.5% over the last two quarters signifying that America has entered a recession. Inflation remains at a 41-year high. In North Carolina alone, inflation increased 13.7% from January 2021 to June 2022. This cost every household an average of $641 more a month just to buy daily essentials and an extra $7,691 annually.

Additionally, the cost of fuel has devastated families across the country and remains near record highs.

Yet, Washington Democrats have continued to prioritize a leftist agenda over the well-being of you and your family. This is perhaps most evident in Congressional Democrats’ efforts to push through their “Build Back Broke” package that will raise taxes, and throw money at woke climate and social programs that won’t work — including $369 billion in “Green New Deal” initiatives — as well as worsen the inflation crisis. American families are already paying for Washington Democrats’ previous financial missteps, and this new package will only make the current situation worse.

The left’s erosion of American stability extends beyond the economy, as their policies have also weakened the safety and security of communities nationwide. The “Biden Border Crisis” continues to rage. Since President Joe Biden changed to an open border policy, over 3.1 million migrants have attempted to enter our country illegally, including 207,416 in June alone.

Additionally, crime in American cities remains out of control thanks to the left’s soft-on-crime and anti-police rhetoric and policies. Homicide rates across the country are up nearly 50% compared to 2020 and six major cities,

including New York City and Washington D.C., are on pace to surpass the historic violent crime levels we saw last year.

While some Washington Democrats have sought to change course on the issue of law enforcement, their newfound concern seems more likely due to fear of facing the voters than actual public safety.

Just over a week ago, House Democrats passed a so-called “assault weapons” ban similar to the one imposed back in 1994. This ban did not stop violent crime and severely limited the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. This new ban would be no different. I took on Speaker Pelosi to lead the debate(link is external) on the House floor. I made it clear that her ban is unconstitutional and that Pelosi and her friends on the extreme left just want to exploit your fear and the pain of victims to achieve their goal of taking away our guns.

The policy missteps by Washington Democrats are not only making your situation more difficult now but also have the potential to undermine it for years to come. If we are to alter our nation’s course for the better, we must make swift and decisive changes.

First, we must take genuine steps to fix our economy. This begins by stopping needless government spending and tax increases like those included in “Build Back Broke” and creating an economic environment that increases take-home pay, lowers costs, and encourages innovation. We must also lower energy costs, which can be done simply by pursuing an all-of-the-above approach and fully unleashing American energy.

Beyond the economy, we must also take concrete steps to improve the security of our communities. This starts by utilizing proven solutions to secure our border, including reinstating the “remain in Mexico” policy, maintaining Title 42 authority, giving Customs and Border Patrol the resources and support it needs, and finishing the wall. We must also fully support law enforcement and end soft-on-crime rhetoric and policies in our cities. Finally, Congress must not inhibit your ability to defend yourself and your family by allowing unconstitutional gun control regulations to become law. I will always lead the fight for your Second Amendment rights.

The future of our nation depends on the foundation we lay today. As your congressman, I am committed to building one that promotes long-term economic prosperity, public safety, and the protection of your rights.

As a final note, I ask that you please join Renee and me this week in praying for the family and friends of my friend Rep. Jackie Walorski and the other victims of last week’s tragic auto accident. Jackie was a tireless public servant, conservative warrior, beloved wife to Dean, and a friend to so many. She will be dearly, dearly missed.

COLUMN | DENNIS PRAGER

Why are so many young Americans irreligious?

Contemporary Western countries and countries such as Japan whose identities are not Western, but which are culturally part of the West are the most secular societies in recorded history.

FEWER YOUNG AMERICANS affiliate with any organized religion than ever before in American history.

This means, therefore, that the children — and certainly the grandchildren — of millions of faithful Christians have abandoned Christianity. The same holds true for Jews, but that decline began somewhat earlier. Until the 20th century, nearly all Jews were religious (which nearly always meant Orthodox). Today about 15% of Jews are Orthodox, while most Conservative and Reform Jews have the same values as the secular Left, and very few of their children attend synagogue.

Why have so many Jews and Christians abandoned religious commitment and even a religious identity (many Jews retained an ethnic identity, an option not available to those who abandoned Christianity, as there is no Christian ethnic identity, Christianity being a religion, not an ethnicity as well as a religion)?

Two reasons predominate: the dominant secular culture and the failure of religious Jews and Christians to explain their respective religions.

Contemporary Western countries (and countries such as Japan whose identities are not Western, but which are culturally part of the West) are the most secular societies in recorded history.

In America, every public institution has been rendered God-free, that is, devoid of God. From the age of 5, and sometimes before that, children attend schools that make no reference to God or the Bible. Indeed, schools generally hold God and the Bible in intellectual and moral contempt.

American children are told at school that neither God, nor the Bible, nor religion is necessary — in fact, these are held to be impediments to moral progress. For example, virtually every student is taught the secular mantra that “more people have been killed by religion — or ‘in the name of God’ — than by anything else.” The implied reference is, of course, to Christians alone. (Examples of historic Islamic violence are ignored, and mention of them is deemed bigotry, and the same holds true of Native American and non-Western violence.)

This secular doctrine regarding more violence by Christians than by anyone else is intellectually dishonest and, with regard to the 20th century, patently false.

It is intellectually dishonest insofar as it ignores the fact that prior to the Enlightenment, virtually everyone in the West was Christian.

Therefore, by definition, virtually all violence was committed by Christians. Who else in the West could commit violence? The tiny number of Jews? The tiny number of atheists?

It is also intellectually dishonest in that only evils committed in the Christian world are mentioned — evils, such as slavery, which were nearly all universal. But the moral achievements of the Christian world — all unique to the Christian West — are ignored. Where else were countries committed to universal human rights — i.e., equal rights for every

individual of every ethnicity, race and religion? Where else was the status of women elevated to the status of men? Where else was liberty achieved to anywhere near the extent it has been in the Western world? What other civilization figured out ways to elevate billions from poverty or to eradicate diseases?

And the charge is patently false in that the bloodiest century in history was the 20th century and nearly every one of the more than 100 million civilians — that is, noncombatants — who were murdered were killed by non-Christian, usually anti-Christian, secular regimes. Assuming your secular child or grandchild even knows about the genocides of the 20th century, ask him or her this question: “Who is responsible for the genocides of the 20th century — religious or secular regimes?”

In American life, the only national holiday with religious meaning is Christmas, and that has not only been largely secularized, but even in its secular form has increasingly been removed from the national vocabulary.

Americans are expected to say the word “Christmas” as rarely as possible.

No more “Merry Christmas,” but “Happy Holidays.” Companies no longer have “Christmas parties,” but “holiday parties.” Schools no longer have “Christmas vacations” or a “Christmas break,” but “winter vacations” or a “winter break.”

Anyone who derives his moral values from the Bible is essentially forbidden from using those values to shape societal norms. You can cite Ibram X. Kendi or “White Fragility” or your heart as the source of your social values, but if you cite a biblical book, you are told that violates the alleged “separation of church and state.”

So, then, for about 60 years, the entire world outside of the home (and increasingly inside the home) of most young Americans has been secular and anti-religious.

That the post-Christian age has been the bloodiest in history, that the French and Russian Revolutions, both fiercely anti-religious, produced bloody despotic regimes, while the pro-religion, God-based American Revolution produced the freest country in the world — both these facts are unknown to most young Americans. So, too, young people don’t know that religious Americans are happier, commit less suicide, give more charity and volunteer more time than irreligious Americans.

Swimming in a secular sea and ignorance of the disparate moral records of secular and Judeo-Christian regimes and institutions constitute one of the two reasons for the religious apathy among young Americans. The other, as I’ll chronicle in a future column, has been the failure of religious institutions to explain themselves.

Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host and columnist. His latest books, published by Regnery, are “The Rational Passover Haggadah” (March 2022) and “The Rational Bible,” a commentary on the book of Genesis (May 2019).

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

4

obituaries

William Flay Davidson

May 8, 1926 - August 5, 2022 William Flay Davidson, 96 of Raleigh, passed away on August 5, 2022 at his home.

Born on May 8, 1926 in Bessemer City, North Carolina to the late Esley and Tommie Davidson. Flay graduated from Milbrook High School in Raleigh.

He and his wife, Doris, owned and operated Southeastern Machine and Tool Inc., Davidson Machine and Fabrication Inc., and Magnevolt, Inc. for over 50 years. Flay enjoyed spending time and taking part in activities at their lake home at Kerr Lake.

He was a member of The Broken Anchor Boat Club from 1965. Flay proudly served in the US Army314th Infantry during WWII where he received the Bronze Star for Valor.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Doris Helen Davidson in 2014 and one sister, Floye Allers.

He is survived by loving son, William Mark Davidson and his wife Theresa of Raleigh; and two grandchildren, Kathleen Megan Davidson and William Brian Davidson.

Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Stewart August 30, 1944 - August 2, 2022

Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Stewart, age 77 of Pinehurst, NC passed on August 2, 2022, at her home.

Visitation will be held on August 16, 2022, between 10 am and 11 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinehurst. Funeral Mass to follow at 11 am.

Kathy was born August 30, 1944, in Boston to the late John and Margaret Daly. She worked as an administration assistant and spent many years volunteering for those in need. She also enjoyed visiting her friends and family in New England, NC, and Ireland.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Ronald Stewart, sister Loretta Fuller of Hope Mills, NC, sister Maureen Mangan of Abington, MA, brother John Daly of Warwick, RI, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Geralyn Downes of Roslindale, MA.

Marvin E. Lewis

April 10, 1942 ~ August 4, 2022 Marvin E. Lewis (80) was born the son of Margaret Barrett Lewis and Elliott (Slim) Lewis on April 10, 1942, in Fayetteville. Marvin passed away on August 4, 2022, following a short hospitalization.

Marvin is survived by his daughter, Ginger Snell (Mark), and his son, James (Michelle), as well as his grandsons, Joseph (Lauryn) and Andruw. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne, of Winston Salem, his sister, Elaine Van Vliet (Al) of West End, and his nieces and nephew, all of whom held special places in his heart.

Marvin had a wide assortment of cousins spread across the country from Salemburg to California, who brought him joy, particularly at family reunions. He had a special connection to Dillard the wonderdog, who misses his daily 2:00 PM shared snack.

It is impossible to remember Marvin without including his superior athletic ability; there wasn’t a ball he didn’t love. At Aberdeen High School, Marvin excelled at both basketball and baseball, once dubbed the “splendid splinter” by his coach. Marvin became an avid, talented golfer, an impressive bowler, and a nationally recognized billiards player, who wasn’t bashful about taking anyone’s dollar off the table.

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Johnathon Lee Williams

October 30, 2000 - August 1, 2022 Army Specialist at Fort Stewart Georgia, Johnathon Lee Williams passed away August 1, 2022, succumbed to his injuries from an auto accident July 23, 2022. He was born October 30, 2000 in Las Vegas Nevada.

Johnathon was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Johnny and Dallas Williams SR., maternal grandparents Peggy Hall Wise and Frank Monfredo.

He is survived by his fiancé Hayley Collins of Myrtle Beach SC. Parents Johnny and Regina Williams of Greenville SC, Brother Michael and Jessica Williams of North Charleston SC, Sister Heather Williams of Supply NC, Nephew Liam Williams, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Johnathon graduated in 2018 from Hanahan High School where he was in the ROTC program. Johnathon enlisted in the Army right after graduating and completed his basic training at Fort Jackson Columbia SC and attended AIT school at Fort Gordon Georgia, he was then stationed at Fort Stewart Georgia where he was a 25U Signal Support Systems Specialist.

Growing up in Supply NC he loved playing baseball, he was pitcher/ shortstop throwing no-hitters to walk off wins. MVP to most stolen bases in a season. Know to his friends as Johnny baseball or Johnny boy. Hanging-out with friends, a given, loving, caring, funny young man.

Tommie S. Haskins

March 13, 1924 - July 31, 2022 Tommie S. Haskins, 98, passed peacefully at Brookhaven Assisted Living in Pinehurst on Sunday, July 31st.

Born in Holmes County, Florida on March 13, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Johnny and Laura Edwards Spann. After her high school graduation, Tommie went on to serve her country in the U.S. Navy during WW II. Following her Honorable Discharge from service, she returned to Florida and married US Navy Pilot Harold Powell. His military career took the two of them from Florida to England, Ohio and California before a career with NASA brought them back to Florida. Tommie got her Realtors’ License in 1972, a career that lasted for many years (until her retirement in???). In the late 1970s, she married Jack Haskins, a Professor at the University of Tennessee. She would return to Cape Canaveral in the late 1980’s before relocating to Moore County in 2020 to be closer to her family. Tommie was a determined and strong willed woman. She lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed listening to music and loved to dance.

In addition to her parents, Tommie is predeceased by her daughter Linda Moorhead (2016) and a grandson, Troy Moorhead (1999). Tommie is survived by her daughters Sharon Williams, husband Scott, and Joanna Billington, husband, Jeff. She was the grandmother of Melody Edwards, husband Nate, and Megan Hogan, husband Patrick.

Tommie is also survived by her 5 great - grandchildren.

Lucille M. Saenz

December 25, 1942 - July 31, 2022 On 7-31-22 with both great sadness and yet peace in our hearts, we lost a wonderful soul, an international women of mystery, friend, and mother, Lucile Weber, to her courageous battle with cancer, but we know she is now in a beautiful place of no pain, comfort , and joy with our lord.

Lucile was born in a small town in France called Asnièressur-Blour to her parents who predeceased her, Charles & Elisabeth. Lucile was raised in Forbach France and interestingly went on to work for the US Military Intelligence in Kaiserslautern Germany and later was transferred to the United States at Fort Bragg NC. After Lucile retired, she continued to be involved with the US Army Special Forces and taught French until she became ill.

Lucille loved to shop, decorate, dress snazzy, jewelry, and to spend time with her k-9 pal Frank. We will never forget her wonderful smile and laugh along with her “oui ma chérie” (yes my cheri)!

Heartbreakingly missed by her daughter and son-in-law, Noelle & Ralph Hackney, all her favorite pups, Frank, Mosby, Jax, Lili, and Greta.

Laura Amy Whiteside

May 20, 1988 - August 3, 2022 Laura Amy Whiteside, 34 of Aberdeen, passed away on August 3, 2022.

She was born on May 20, 1988 in San Diego, California to David and Sharon Whiteside. An adventurous and fearless woman who had a tender heart and goofy sense of humor. She loved her family and friends deeply. Laura was very athletic and competitive in all sports. She had a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and worked as a Health and Fitness Facility Manager.

Laura was preceded in death by her mother.

She is survived by her father, David; sister, Rebecca Whiteside; brother, Paul Whiteside. She was the loving and fun aunt of Gavin, Damian, Kylee and Laila; cat mom to Eve Tank and Lando.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com.com

Proudly supporting you every step of the way on your grief journey.

CONTACT

www.bolesfuneralhome.com Email: md@bolesfuneralhome.com Locations in: Southern Pines (910) 692-6262 | Pinehurst (910) 235-0366 | Seven Lakes (910) 673-7300

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VOLUME 7 ISSUE 24 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2022 | HOKE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM

TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461

HOKE COUNTY

COURTESY PHOTO

QB Brandon Saunders looks over to the sidelines during 11 on 11 at Bucks preseason football practice last week. The Bucks are picked to finish in fifth place in the Sandhills Athletic Conference coaches and media.

COUNTY NEWS Tickets available for Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Dinner

By Hal Nunn North State Journal

The Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce has set a date for their Economic Outlook Dinner on Thursday, August 18. Tickets for the event are officially on sale for $10 a person and can be purchased at the Chamber office at 101 North Main Street. The dinner will take place at the Robert A. Wright Hoke County Agricultural Center and will be catered by Logan’s Roadhouse.

The event aims to allow local businesses and organizations to network and share news.

For additional details, please contact the Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce at (910) 875-5929.

Man arrested in connection to Hoke County shooting One individual was arrested and charged in connection to a shooting in Hoke County last week. According to deputies, the incident took place on Greentree Drive in Raeford on July 31. A victim was harmed in the shooting but was ultimately taken to the hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. During the investigation, Joe L. Nelson was detained as a suspect. He has since been charged with a felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. He was held on a $50,000 secured bond, according to deputies.

If you have any information about the incident, please contact Detective McBryde at (910) 875-5111.

5

20177 52016 $1.00

Bucks football teams hits camp, prepare for scrimmages this week

8

RAEFORD — The Hoke County High School Bucks football team hit camp last week in preparation for the upcoming high school football season in the Sandhills Athletic Conference.

“I feel good about these guys, but we are still developing talent level.

The main thing is improving our football IQ and helping them understand what their responsibilities are in terms of playing their positions and techniques,” explained Head Coach George Small. “They are learning a lot of football right now, and it’s exciting, especially on the defensive side of the ball, hearing the guys talk about formations,

“Our coaches have really stepped up teaching the guys the game, responsibilities, and football terminology.”

Coach George Small routes, and stuff like that.”

Small will be entering his fifth year as a coach with the same high school he played for back in the 1970s. After graduating, Small went to North Carolina A&T State University and eventually played professionally with New York Gi-

Preliminary plats for two major subdivisions approved Commissioners approve contract for substance abuse treatment partnership

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal RAEFORD — The Hoke County Board of Commissioners met on Monday, August 1, where they held two public hearings for the development of new subdivisions and approved a partnership contract regarding substance abuse treatment.

The board held two public hearings, each for a preliminary plan approval for a major subdivision.

The first was submitted by Averette Engineering Co. for Lumber Bridge Investment, LLC for an 18-lot, major subdivision located at St. Pauls Rd and State Road 1442, where the property is currently zoned Residential Agricultural.

The second hearing was sub-

“As you may recall, we received Opioid and COVID money last year, $440,000.”

Director Helene Edwards mitted by Double D Engineering for Wimberly for a 56-lot, major subdivision located at Aberdeen Rd, where the property is currently zoned Residential Agricultural.

“This subdivision is on a 59acre tract and 56 lots,” Double D Engineering Key Principal David Upchurch. “Parts of the tract cross the railroad track, so therefore, in this particular case, we have 31% open space, which is over and above the 10% that is normally required. We consulted with the DOT, knowing that highway 211 was going to be expanded, and we have offset the lots back enough to get out of the

ants and the Calgary Stampede as a defensive tackle. After his professional career, he coached at several colleges and universities before leaving Florida A&M to return home to Hoke County.

Coach Small mentioned that during his first year with the team, he noticed there was not a lot of communication or football knowledge.

“It gives me chills to finally hear these guys talking about football IQ stuff, formations, knowledge, and routes,” said Small. “You can’t help but get excited and finally see what you have been waiting for.”

But Small didn’t want to accept all the credit for his team’s recent development. Giving the nod to the rest of his coaching staff, he

right-of-way that NCDOT anticipates acquiring in the future.”

Both properties will be served with individual septic tanks, with the 18-lot subdivision utilizing individual wells and the 56-lot accessing public water.

The board approved both of the preliminary plats following the hearings.

The board also approved a $50,000 contractual agreement between the Hoke County Health Department and the Hoke County Sheriff Department to deliver Strategy 1B of the RFA titled Opioids and COVID: Supporting Justice-Involved Individuals with SUD during COVID. “It’s a partnership between the sheriff’s office, the health department, Tia Heart Community Recovery, and Dr. Karen Smith,” said Health Department Director Helene Edwards. “As you may recall, we received Opioid and COVID money last year, $440,000. It didn’t really work last year, but we have a plan, and we did resubmit the contract and what we will be paying for is for one officer to have training on substance use.”

According to Edwards, the agreement cements a partnership between not only the two departments but also a partnership that includes peer support and mediSee COMMISSIONERS page 2

proudly announced, “our coaches have really stepped up teaching the guys the game, responsibilities, and football terminology.”

Since the arrival of Small, the Bucks have elevated some coaches from the freshman and junior varsity, including Nate Stewart. In addition to Stewart’s promotion, the team also brought in a new JV coach, Johnathan Locklear, who played college ball at NC State and coached at Wilmington’s Hoggard High School.

Continuity will be in place on the offensive and defensive side of the ball with offensive coordinator Justin Sherrod at the helm and defensive coordinator Antonio WalSee BUCKS, page 2

North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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COMMISSIONERS from page 1 cal assistance for those struggling with substance abuse.

The board also approved two appointments to two different boards. The first was the reappointment of Chris Pusey to a

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three-year term on the Board of Health, and the second was the appointment of Crystal Blue to the Senior Services Board.

Shani Strickland was also approved as the Hoke County Youth Delegate for the North Carolina Association of County Commis-

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sioners Annual Conference.

The final actions that the board took were the approval of a declaration of surplus vehicles from the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office to surplus three vehicles: a 2015 Dodge Charger, a 2016 Dodge Charger, and a 2019 Chevy Mal-

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ibu and the approval of a resolution to authorize the advertisement of a bid for an offer to sell the surplus property off Old Farm Road.

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet August 15.

Publisher Neal Robbins

Editor Matt Mercer

BUCKS from page 1

Sports Editor

coming back, and long-time running back coach David Patterson will oversee the stable of runners.

Last season, the Bucks finished the year with a 4-7 overall record and a 2-4 conference record, ultimately placing 5th overall in the conference.

Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday

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

The Sandhills Athletic Conference consists of a split conference with 3A/4A schools, including Hoke, Lee County, Pinecrest, Richmond, Scotland, Southern Lee, and Union Pines. Last year, Richmond County went 10-2 overall and ran the conference with a 6-0 record. Pinecrest finished second at 8-3 overall and 4-1 in con-

ference play.

The Bucks will participate in their first scrimmage on Wednesday, August 10, at Pine Forest before playing in the Cumberland County High School football Jamboree on Friday, August 12. The team will play against Fayetteville’s Jack Britt High School at Cape Fear High School.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

3

OPINION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Building a better future

The left’s erosion of American stability extends beyond the economy, as their policies have also weakened the safety and security of communities nationwide.

“THE BEST PREPARATION for the future is the present well seen to, and the last duty done.”

This quote by the theologian George MacDonald reminds us that building a better future for ourselves and our children begins by laying a sturdy foundation for growth, security, and individual freedom in the present.

Unfortunately, Democrats in Washington have largely failed to bolster this foundation or, in some cases, have caused it to erode.

Today, due to misguided policy decisions by the Biden administration and Congressional Democrats, our nation finds itself in a grim state.

And sadly, this condition has come to touch nearly every aspect of your life.

Inflation is a tax on all Americans, and our economy continues to spiral due to out-ofcontrol government spending and policy miscues

by Washington Democrats. According to the latest figures, our economy shrunk by 2.5% over the last two quarters signifying that America has entered a recession. Inflation remains at a 41-year high. In North Carolina alone, inflation increased 13.7% from January 2021 to June 2022. This cost every household an average of $641 more a month just to buy daily essentials and an extra $7,691 annually. Additionally, the cost of fuel has devastated families across the country and remains near record highs.

Yet, Washington Democrats have continued to prioritize a leftist agenda over the well-being of you and your family. This is perhaps most evident in Congressional Democrats’ efforts to push through their “Build Back Broke” package that will raise taxes, and throw money at woke climate and social programs that won’t work — including $369 billion in “Green New Deal” initiatives — as well as worsen the inflation crisis. American families are already paying for Washington Democrats’ previous financial missteps, and this new package will only make the current situation worse.

The left’s erosion of American stability extends beyond the economy, as their policies have also weakened the safety and security of communities nationwide. The “Biden Border Crisis” continues to rage. Since President Joe Biden changed to an open border policy, over 3.1 million migrants have attempted to enter our country illegally, including 207,416 in June alone. Additionally, crime in American cities remains out of control thanks to the left’s softon-crime and anti-police rhetoric and policies.

Homicide rates across the country are up nearly 50% compared to 2020 and six major cities,

AP PHOTO

People walk outside the U.S Capitol building in Washington, D.C., June 9, 2022.

including New York City and Washington D.C., are on pace to surpass the historic violent crime levels we saw last year.

While some Washington Democrats have sought to change course on the issue of law enforcement, their newfound concern seems more likely due to fear of facing the voters than actual public safety.

Just over a week ago, House Democrats passed a so-called “assault weapons” ban similar to the one imposed back in 1994. This ban did not stop violent crime and severely limited the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. This new ban would be no different. I took on Speaker Pelosi to lead the debate(link is external) on the House floor. I made it clear that her ban is unconstitutional and that Pelosi and her friends on the extreme left just want to exploit your fear and the pain of victims to achieve their goal of taking away our guns.

The policy missteps by Washington Democrats are not only making your situation more difficult now but also have the potential to undermine it for years to come. If we are to alter our nation’s course for the better, we must make swift and decisive changes.

First, we must take genuine steps to fix our economy. This begins by stopping needless government spending and tax increases like those included in “Build Back Broke” and creating an economic environment that increases take-home pay, lowers costs, and

encourages innovation. We must also lower energy costs, which can be done simply by pursuing an all-of-the-above approach and fully unleashing American energy.

Beyond the economy, we must also take concrete steps to improve the security of our communities. This starts by utilizing proven solutions to secure our border, including reinstating the “remain in Mexico” policy, maintaining Title 42 authority, giving Customs and Border Patrol the resources and support it needs, and finishing the wall. We must also fully support law enforcement and end softon-crime rhetoric and policies in our cities.

Finally, Congress must not inhibit your ability to defend yourself and your family by allowing unconstitutional gun control regulations to become law. I will always lead the fight for your Second Amendment rights.

The future of our nation depends on the foundation we lay today. As your congressman, I am committed to building one that promotes long-term economic prosperity, public safety, and the protection of your rights.

As a final note, I ask that you please join Renee and me this week in praying for the family and friends of my friend Rep. Jackie Walorski and the other victims of last week’s tragic auto accident. Jackie was a tireless public servant, conservative warrior, beloved wife to Dean, and a friend to so many. She will be dearly, dearly missed.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, August 10, 2022

4

obituaries

Ellen Kate (Koonce) Parker

SPONSORED BY CRUMPLER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION

Sharon Elaine Currie

Billy Sherman Butler, Sr.

Tyler Andrew Emory Bailey

January 1, 1935 ~ August 8, 2022

July 10, 1972 ~ August 4, 2022

October 4, 1943 ~ August 2, 2022

March 3, 1992 - July 24, 2022

Mrs. Ellen Kate Koonce Parker of Fayetteville went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, August 8, 2022, at the age of 87.

Mrs. Parker was born in Hoke County on January 1, 1935, to the late LH Koonce and Treva Townsend Koonce. She was preceded in death by her husband Davis K. Parker Jr., her daughter Karen Allen and her brother Lacy Koonce. She was a Lifelong member of Galatia Presbyterian Church, serving multiple capacities within the church, and retired as Guidance Counselor from the Cumberland County School System. Mrs. Parker was on the Board of Directors of the Cumberland Community Foundation.

She is survived by a son Davis Kirkland Parker III of Fayetteville, NC, a son-in-law Richard Robinson (Bob) Allen Jr., and nine grandchildren, Kristen Allen, Katherine Allen, Alison Allen, Mary Allen, Bobby Allen, Josh Allen, John Allen, Sam Allen, and Joe Allen, a brotherin-law D.B. Parker, a sister-in-law Lillian Scarboro Koonce.

Ms. Sharon Elaine Currie of Raeford went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the age of 50.

Sharon was born in Stanly County on June 10, 1972. She was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Elaine Huneycutt Currie, and her brother, Thomas (Tommy) Leon Currie.

She is survived by her father H. Lee Currie of Bolivia, NC, a niece, Alexis L. Currie of Albermarle, NC, two aunts Brenda Currie of Raeford, NC, Nancy Huneycutt of Locust, NC and two uncles Bobby Currie of Raeford, NC, and James David Huneycutt of Stanly County, NC.

Mr. Billy Sherman Butler Sr. of Parkton formerly of Raeford, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at his home at the age of 78.

Billy was born in Hoke County on October 4, 1943, to the late Zeb Vance Butler Sr. and Nettie Mae Jackson Butler. He was preceded in death by his daughter Precyous Rose McLeroy, his brother, Ben Butler, and his sister Betty Butler Crowder.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Barnes Butler of Parkton, NC, two sons, Sherman Butler and Keith Butler, a step-daughter Paula Autry and her husband Mark, three stepsons, Mark McVickers and his wife Annie, Trent McVickers and his wife Lisa and Tony McVickers and his wife Kim, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a brother Zeb Butler Jr. and his wife Faye, a sister Eula Klutz.

Tyler worked for several years with Crumpler Funeral Home of Raeford and Red Springs. He was loved by his work family and many people in the community. Tyler is survived by his parents Mike and Artis Bailey of Hartsville, daughter Addyline Bailey of Hartsville, siblings: Amy Bailey (Jon) of Florence, Stephanie Bailey of Florence , Chelsea Bailey (Trent) of Hartsville, Christopher Bailey (Candace) of Fayetteville, and Coty Bailey of Hartsville, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held Saturday July 30, 2022 at Norton Funeral Home in Hartsville, SC.

Bobby Thompson

June 18, 1956 ~ August 3, 2022 Mr. Bobby Thompson departed this life on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Autumn Care of Raeford.

He is survived by a daughter, Brittani Pair(Eugene) of Raeford, NC and one grandaughter, Jasele Pair.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com.com

Mr. Tyler Andrew Emory Bailey, 30, of Hartsville, was born March 3rd, 1992, and suddenly left to go on to pursue better opportunities on Sunday, July 24th, 2022. We are saddened by this decision, but the world has not been too fair to him; however, we are understanding because his trip there was a once in a lifetime opportunity. He tells us the visiting hours are unending, sun is always shining, food is impeccable, perfect company, and the music selection is always great. There are live shows featuring many of his favorite artists; and sometimes, he sings a tune with them. The fish are always biting and his boots are light and made of the finest materials. His truck runs well, his mansion is designed just for him, and there are no work days. Ma and Tyler spend the days out in the garden and when he goes fishing, they do not have to clean the fish. Grandaddy and he have caught up on lost time, as if they’ve never been apart. Everyday God opens the Heavens and allows him to look at his beloved Mama; whom he loved dearly. He also looks down on his precious daughter, Addy, the light of his life. His siblings on earth are missing him, but he left pieces of himself to: Amy, Steph, Bubba, Chelsea, and Coty. He greatly missed his Ma & Grandaddy, but he is now back with them. He smiles all day and everyone thinks he is so funny, just as we did. Tyler left behind many wonderful memories as well as unending love. It was normal for him to reach out to family and friends unexpectedly to express how much he loved them; and when he said it, he meant it. His light shined for all to see despite the pain he endured on earth.

We surely miss his sweet smile and jovial personality.

Surviving are his parents, Mike & Artis Bailey of Hartsville; daughter, Addyline Artis Emory Bailey of Hartsville; siblings: Amy Bailey (Jon) of Florence, Stephanie Bailey of Florence, Chelsea Bailey (Trent) of Hartsville, Christopher (Candace) Bailey of Fayetteville, NC, and Coty Bailey of Hartsville; also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Arthur & Louise Gunn and William & Carrie Bailey; and a niece, Elyce Vivienne Reno.

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