North State Journal Vol. 9, Issue 44

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 44 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

NSJONLINE.COM

J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE / AP PHOTO

Merry Christmas!

The Capitol Christmas tree is illuminated in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 19.

the

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW: LEGISLATURE

BRIEF

NCGA overrode 10 vetoes in ’24

this week

New damage delays I-40 reopening closed by Helene Waynesville The reopening of a section of Interstate 40 in western North Carolina that collapsed during Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding has been delayed after more asphalt from eastbound lanes fell last week, the state Department of Transportation said last Friday. The primary road connection between North Carolina and eastern Tennessee was severed in late September as flooding in the Pigeon River gorge washed away more than 1 mile of I-40’s eastbound lanes. Transportation crews and contractors had focused initially on reopening the westbound lanes in Haywood County to two-way traffic during the first week of January. The new damage will keep it closed until engineers determine the area is safe enough for drivers in such a narrow pattern in the gorge, according to NCDOT.

Government shutdown avoided with last-minute passage Washington, D.C. The Senate rushed through final passage early Saturday of a bipartisan plan that will temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, dropping President-elect Donald Trump’s demands for a debt limit increase into the new year. The House approved Speaker Mike Johnson’s new bill overwhelmingly, 366-34.

The Senate worked into the night to pass it, 85-11, just after the deadline, and Biden signed the measure into law Saturday. The slimmeddown package will fund the government at current levels through March 14 and add $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance to farmers.

$2.00

The legislature passed 58 laws, including three Hurricane Helene relief bills

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW: EDUCATION

School choice, policy, Helene highlight year in education Reading achievement improved under outgoing Superintendent Catherine Truitt

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — A new superintendent, reading achievement, school choice gains, pol-

icy changes and a hurricane all affected North Carolina education in 2024.

Outgoing state Superintendent Catherine Truitt faced a pandemic at the start of her term and dealt with the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene near its end.

With schools shuttered at See EDUCATION, page A2

most recent round was more than $244 million in Senate Bill 382. During the 2023 session, the body passed 151 laws.

Gov. Roy Cooper issued 29 vetoes during the 2023-24 sessions, 10 of which were made

By A.P. Dillon during 2024. The General AsNorth State Journal sembly overrode all 29. Over RALEIGH — The North his two terms, Cooper vetoed Carolina General Assembly 104 bills, 52 of which were overridden by the Republisaw moderate activcan-led legislature. ity during the 2024 Other laws of consession during an sequence passed this election year where year included modifyRepublicans saw ing the Raise the Age gains nationally law to send violent teen but lost their superAge of Rep. offenders to superimajority in the state Destin Hall, or court instead of julegislature.

While Donald who in 2025 will venile court, a conferTrump won the state become the first ence committee budget bill that included reand reclaimed the millennial to White House, state serve as speaker quiring sheriffs to cooperate with U.S. ImRepublicans mainof the N.C. migration and Customs tained control of the House.

Enforcement, and more legislature but came funding for the Opporup one seat short of holding onto their veto-proof tunity Scholarship program.

Around 16 laws took efsupermajority.

Lawmakers enacted 58 bills fect in 2024, spanning everyin 2024, including three rounds thing from changes in election of Hurricane Helene relief totaling over $1.1 billion. The See NCGA, page A3

U.S. House passes measure recognizing Lumbee Donald Trump promised recognition of the North Carolina tribe in 2020

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The U.S. House passed a measure to recognize North Carolina’s Lumbee Indian Tribe last week, inching closer to fulfilling a campaign promise made by President-elect Donald Trump in September and when he campaigned in 2020.

Congressman David Rouzer (N.C.-7th) introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act earlier this year.

The measure has the support of the North Carolina

Congressional delegation in both chambers of Congress.

“The Lumbee people are an integral part of our Southeastern North Carolina community,” Rouzer said in a press release. “They are our neighbors and our friends. We attend church together. Our children go to school together. But for generations, the Lumbee Tribe has been denied full federal recognition and tribal sovereignty.”

Rouzer said he was proud the House passed his bill to “ensure the Lumbee people have the same rights and benefits as the other federally-recognized tribes across the country.”

Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery thanked Rouzer See LUMBEE, page A8

“This is a great step towards Congress rectifying the 1956 Lumbee Act and ensuring that the remains of the Indian Termination Era policy continues to be dismantled.”

John Lowery, Lumbee tribal chairman

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

THURSDAY

12.26.24

the word | The First Noel

#469

“State of Innovation” Visit us online nsjonline.com

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:10-11

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Cory Lavalette Senior Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Jordan Golson Locals Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Thursday

by North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 919-663-3232

or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

This week, we celebrated Christmas and the hope, peace, joy and love that came into this world as the result of Christ’s birth. With its timeless melody and humble narrative, “The First Noel” stands as one of our most beloved Christmas carols, inviting worshippers to contemplate the miracle of Christ’s birth through the eyes of shepherds and kings.

The carol has its roots in the oral traditions of England and was first documented in the “Hutchens manuscript” in Cornwall, England; it was published by Davies Gilbert in his 1823 collection “Some Ancient Christmas Carols.” A decade later, William Sandys included both words and music in his influential “Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern” (1833), helping establish the carol in Victorian England’s

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“The Nativity” by Federico Barocci (1597) is a painting in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid.

renewed Christmas traditions.

The word “Noel”— still written as “nowell” in some hymnals — comes from Old Norman-French, which was ultimately derived from the Latin “nasci,” meaning “to be born.” Thus, it is a fitting declaration for a song celebrating Christ’s birth. Through its verses, the carol weaves together accounts from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, beginning with the angel’s announcement to the shepherds and continuing through the journey of the Magi following the mysterious star.

“The first Nowell, the angel

did say, Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay...” opens the narrative, painting a picture of that extraordinary night.

The recurring refrain — “Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel!” — serves as a joyful proclamation and an invitation to join in celebration.

The melody we sing today owes much to Sir John Stainer, who arranged the traditional tune with Sir Henry Ramsden Bramley for their collection “Christmas Carols New and Old” (1878). Music historians note the original tune was likely composed of various musical elements, a common practice in folk music of the time.

The carol gained further prominence when it was selected as the final processional hymn for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge, in 1918. This service, broadcast worldwide since 1928, helped carry the carol’s message to countless listeners.

“The First Noel” reminds us that Christ’s birth transcends all social boundaries. Its message remains as relevant today as when it first echoed across Cornwall’s hills: good tidings of great joy, meant for all people.

Whether sung in grand cathedrals or small parish churches, this ancient carol continues to invite each new generation to join in proclaiming, “Born is the King of Israel!”

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW: IN MEMORIAM

American political figures who died in 2024 Remembering former senators, members of Congress and Civil Rights icons

By Bernard McGhee The Associated Press SEVERAL INFLUENTIAL and noteworthy American political figures died in 2024.

Dexter Scott King, 62, on Jan. 22. He dedicated much of his life to shepherding the civil rights legacy of his parents, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.

Jean Carnahan, 90, on Jan. 30. She became the first female senator to represent Missouri when she was appointed to replace her husband following his death.

Joe Lieberman, 82, on March 27. The former U.S. senator of Connecticut nearly won the

vice presidency on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in the disputed 2000 election and almost became Republican John McCain’s running mate eight years later.

William D. Delahunt, 82, on March 30. The longtime Massachusetts congressman was a Democratic stalwart who postponed his retirement from Washington to help pass former President Barack Obama’s legislative agenda.

The Rev. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, 94, on April 5. An influential pastor and civil rights leader who used his tenure at one of Los Angeles’ oldest churches to uplift the predominantly black neighborhoods following one of the country’s worst race riots.

Bob Graham, 87, on April 16. A former U.S. senator and two-term Florida governor who gained national prominence as chairman of the Senate Intelli-

gence Committee in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks and as an early critic of the Iraq war.

Pete McCloskey, 96, on May 8. A pro-environment, anti-war California Republican who cowrote the Endangered Species Act and co-founded Earth Day. Ralph Kennedy Frasier, 85, on May 8. The last surviving member of a trio of African American youths who were the first to desegregate the undergraduate student body at UNC Chapel Hill in the 1950s.

The Rev. James Lawson Jr., 95, on June 9. An apostle of nonviolent protest who schooled activists to withstand brutal reactions from white authorities as the Civil Rights Movement gained traction.

George Nethercutt, 79, on June 14. The former U.S. congressman was a Spokane lawyer with limited politi-

EDUCATION from page A1 the start of her tenure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her initial thoughts were the situation “was untenable.”

Just as things were getting back to normal following the pandemic, Hurricane Helene hit the western part of the state in late September, impacting 459 local public schools in 28 districts and 24 public charter schools.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s legislative funding requests following Helene included $16 million for school nutrition staff and $150 million in repairs and renovations, school nutrition, equipment, supplies, and technology losses not covered by insurance.

Democrat Maurice “Mo” Green won the race to replace Truitt and will take the reins while dealing with the ramifications of Hurricane Helene.

Green is just one of a few new faces in top spots for North Carolina K-12 education.

Gov. Roy Cooper appointed former Wake County Public Schools Superintendent Catty Moore to the state Board of Education in early October, filling the vacancy left by former Charlotte-Mecklenburg educator James Ford, another Cooper appointee.

PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Brittnye Leonard of Clayton signs her name to a petition during the “Keep Your Promise” Rally on July 31 in Raleigh.

New teacher and principal of the year awards were handed out in April and May, respectively.

Heather Smith, a math teacher from Haywood County Schools, was named the 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year. She takes over for the current teacher of the year, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools English teacher Kimberly Jones.

Principal Beckie Spears was named the 2024 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year. Spears is the principal of

Wilkesboro Elementary School, and she takes over for Principal Donna Bledsoe of Surry County.

School choice saw big growth and big wins this year, particularly the Opportunity Scholarship program (OSP).

The OSP was expanded to all students in the state in 2023, and there were a record 72,000 new applications for the program in 2024.

Due to the considerable number of new applicants this year, the established funding quickly ran out. The result was a 56,000-

cal experience when he ousted Democratic Speaker of the House Tom Foley as part of a stunning GOP wave that shifted national politics to the right in 1994.

Jim Inhofe, 89, on July 9. A powerful fixture in Oklahoma politics for over six decades, the Republican U.S. senator was a conservative known for his strong support of defense spending and denial that human activity is responsible for the bulk of climate change.

Tommy Robinson, 82, on July 10. A former U.S. congressman who gained notoriety as an Arkansas sheriff for tactics that included chaining inmates outside a state prison to protest overcrowding.

Sheila Jackson Lee, 74, on July 19. The longtime congresswoman from Texas helped lead federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and

recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday.

Jim Sasser, 87, on Sept 10. He served 18 years in the U.S. Senate for Tennessee and six years as ambassador to China.

Tim Johnson, 77, on Oct. 8.

The former U.S. senator was the last Democrat to hold statewide office in South Dakota and was adept at securing federal funding for projects back home during nearly three decades in D.C. Ethel Kennedy, 96, on Oct. 10. The wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter.

Fred Harris, 94, on Nov. 23.

A former U.S. senator from Oklahoma, presidential hopeful and populist who championed Democratic Party reforms in the turbulent 1960s.

Jim Leach, 82, on Dec. 11. A former congressman who served 30 years as a politician from eastern Iowa and later headed the National Endowment for the Humanities.

deep backlog that was resolved

by House Bill 10, but Cooper vetoed the legislation.

The legislature ended its regular short session without addressing the backlog, which sparked a July 1 rally by families demanding lawmakers “Keep Your Promise” to fund the scholarships.

By September, a deal was struck between the House and Senate for $463.5 million in additional OSP funding. Cooper held a press conference around the same time, attacking the legislature for “returning to Raleigh to siphon hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars out of public schools and give it to the wealthy through private school vouchers.”

In November, the legislature overrode Cooper’s veto of House Bill 10, and by early December, the North Carolina Education Assistance Authority started notifying waitlisted families about how to receive their scholarship funding.

Public charter schools in the state continued to grow in 2024.

Charter schools also had big waitlists, with 169 charter schools reporting 85,551 waitlisted students at the start of the 2023-24 school year.

There were also policy changes in 2024.

At its November meeting, the state Board of Education

amended a policy removing the ability to take nonelective core courses required for graduation using a pass/fail grading method. The policy amendment, which takes effect this year, addresses the pass/fail option that some districts were allowing students enrolled in credit recovery programs to use in order to graduate.

Changes to teacher license discipline policies included new rules allowing greater flexibility in acting on a license in question and being able to impose wider disciplinary sanctions “instead of just suspending or revoking a license,” as well as being able to “summarily suspend” a license when necessary.

The changes to teacher license disciplinary actions dovetail with the “Protect Our Students Act,” which gave the board authority to adopt temporary rules regarding disciplinary action against teacher licenses and amend the Standards of Professional Conduct.

Under that law, which took effect this month, the crimes of sexual activity with a student and taking indecent liberties were raised to a Class G felony from a Class I felony. Education officials failing to report a teacher engaged in misconduct to the state Board of Education can face a Class I felony charge.

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

ELECTION 2024 IN NORTH CAROLINA

PHOTOS BY PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Left, Donald Trump made North Carolina a priority during his campaign, holding rallies — like this one on Oct. 22 in Greensboro — throughout the battleground state. Trump pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in American political history, reclaiming the White House four years after he was voted out of office. Right, Attorney General Josh Stein, pictured at a Sept. 18 campaign stop in Pittsboro, defeated Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in North Carolina’s gubernatorial race and will succeed Roy Cooper.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, pictured at a campaign stop at Raeford Airport on Oct. 20, saw his campaign unravel after CNN published a report linking him to antisemitic and controversial posts on the message board of a pornography site.

JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP PHOTO

JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Young supporters listen as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a Nov. 2 campaign rally at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte.

NC’s 16 electoral votes cast for Donald J. Trump and JD Vance Daniel Barry was selected as president of the state’s 59th Electoral College

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — On Dec. 17, the members of North Carolina’s 59th Electoral College convened at the State Capitol in Raleigh to cast the state’s 16 official votes for President-elect

Donald J. Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.

Congress will certify the results received from the states on Jan. 6, 2025.

North Carolina’s elections are a “winner takes all” with Trump and Vance defeating Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

The state’s 16 electoral votes, which represent one vote each for its two U.S. senators and

one for each of the 14 representatives in the U.S. House, therefore go to Trump and Vance.

As the winning party, the North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) selects the electors.

“North Carolina delivered for President Trump a third time this year,” NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons said in a statement. “It is our honor to formally cast our state’s 16

NCGA from page A1 laws to a license plate reader program, as well as changes to the time period for holding a teen license and raising criminal penalties for certain sex offenses against K-12 students.

Two state constitutional amendments passed: citizen-only voting and requiring that voter ID be presented by all voters. State voters passed the citizen-only voting measure by more than 77% during the November 2024 election. The voter ID question will go to the voters of the state during the 2026 election cycle.

Near the end of 2024, lawmakers also passed House Resolution 151, applying to Congress for an Article V Convention of States in order to propose a constitutional amendment to place term limits on members of Congress.

New leadership positions for 2025 were announced by the House and Senate in mid-November.

In the House, 37-year‑old Rep. Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) was elected as North Carolina’s next speaker of the House, replacing Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain), who is headed to Washington, D.C., after winning North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District. Hall will be the first millennial to lead one of the two chambers of the General Assembly after making history in 2021 by being the first to serve in a top House leadership spot as chair of the powerful House Rules Committee.

Other notable changes in the House include Rep. Brendan Jones (R-Robeson) replacing

GARY D. ROBERTSON / AP PHOTO

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain), right, and Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Eden), left, guided the Republican-led legislature with a veto-proof majority in 2024.

Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne) as majority leader. Bell will succeed Hall as the chair of the House Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee in 2025. Rep. Steve Tyson (R-Craven) will be the deputy majority leader, which is the position Jones currently holds. Rep. Mitchell Setzer (R-Catawba) will serve as speaker pro tem, replacing Rep. Sarah Stevens (R-Surry), who has held that spot since 2017.

Sen. Phil Berger (R-Eden) was reelected as Senate leader, a position he has held since 2011. Other positions announced included Sen. Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus) continuing as Senate majority leader, Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) reelected as deputy president pro tempore, and two majority whips: Sen. Amy Galey (R-Alamance) and Sen. Todd Johnson (R-Union).

There were multiple resigna-

tions this year: five in the House and one in the Senate.

Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) was the first, resigning in April after more than a decade at the General Assembly. Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir) left effective July 2 after previously announcing in December 2023 that he wouldn’t run for reelection in 2024. Rep. Ashton Clemmons (D-Guilford) also resigned in July to take a job in the University of North Carolina System.

Rep. Jason Saine (R-Lincoln), a 13-year veteran who was the House Conference chair and Senior Appropriations chair, surprised everyone by announcing he was leaving in August. In late November, it was announced he would be joining the Raleigh office of The Southern Group, an influential Florida-based lobbying group.

Ahead of the end of his

electoral votes for President Trump and Senator Vance.”

Former U.S. House candidate Daniel Barry was selected by the members as the president of North Carolina’s 59th Electoral College.

The members were sworn in

by North Carolina Chief Justice Paul Newby.

The ceremony can be viewed on PBC North Carolina’s YouTube Channel at tinyurl.com/ nsj-electors.

term, Rep. Jeffrey Elmore (R-Wilkes) resigned in September. He had held the seat since 2013 but did not seek a seventh term this year; instead, he ran unsuccessfully in the March primary for lieutenant governor.

Also resigning in September was Rep. John Faircloth (R-Guilford). The 85-year-old Faircloth had served for seven terms in the House.

Rep. Kelly Alexander (D-Mecklenburg) died Sept. 6, nearly three weeks after his 76th birthday.

Oversight hearings and inquiries were held throughout 2024 by the House Oversight and Reform Committee, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), the State Board of Elections (NCSBE) and the Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR).

NCDMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin was brought in for three hearings over the agency’s driver’s license contract, compliance with state laws, and service abilities, long wait times and modernization issues, all of which Sen. Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow) believes can be solved by privatizing the agency.

The committee also sent letters to NCSBE Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell and NCSBE Chair Alan Hirsch in July questioning why the board was blocking certain political party presidential candidates from the November 2024 ballot. The NCSBE initially attempted to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (We The People Party) and Cornel West (Justice for All Party) off the presidential ballot. Kennedy, who dropped out of the race and endorsed

N.C.’s 59th Electoral College District 1: Kimberly Cotton-West District 2: Susan Phillips District 3: Stephanie Broughton District 4: Thomas Glendinning District 5: Deanna Marie De’Liberto District 6: David Gleeson District 7: Helen Pannullo District 8: Daniel Barry District 9: Rick Smith District 10: Leisa Rowe District 11: Roxanne Wenzel District 12: Ernest Wittenborn Jr. District 13: Michael Magnotta District 14: Byron Smith At Large: NCGOP chair Jason Simmons At Large: NCGOP Vice chair Susan Mills Alternate electors: Joyce Cotton, Dale Cline

Trump, then asked to be taken off North Carolina’s ballot just before absentee ballot printing was to commence. The request was rejected by the NCSBE as “impractical” for ballot reprinting reasons.

Lawmakers on the Committee grilled NCORR’s Director Laura Hogshead over the slow progress in getting Hurricanes Matthew and Florence victims back into permanent housing. Pryor Gibson, the governor’s legislative counsel sent in last year by Cooper to monitor the agency, also testified.

Hogshead was questioned on several issues, with lawmakers dubious about whether NCORR can handle Hurricane Helene’s recovery given the agency’s past.

Just days after the meeting, at which lawmakers had called for her resignation, the Department of Public Safety announced Hogshead was no longer with NCORR and that Gibson would be taking over.

The House Oversight Committee also held a hearing looking into the operations of NCInnovation, a nonprofit that received $500 million from the legislature in two $250 million endowments to fund and support the commercialization of public university research conducted in the state.

In other legislative committee news, a House Select Committee on Hurricane Helene was created and convened for the first time in December. Additionally, the legislative America 250 Committee, which is handling celebration planning and events for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, met multiple times this year.

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 27, 2023

o Manteo Murphy to

Jones & Blount Jones & Blount

Murphy t Manteo

New Year’s Eve celebrations New Year’s Eve celebrations abound in abound in big cities and small towns

NC Supreme Court sides

Repairs to NC Executive with restaurants, Mansion reach $4.5M bars

RALEIGH ACORN

Welcomingaanew newyear year Welcoming

in COVID-19 lawsuit

BLACK CREEK HEART

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

MARION NUGGET

big cities and small towns throughout the

MOUNT OLIVE PICKLE

nights and light shows to all kinds of and all kindsextravaganzas, of downtownfamilies extravaganzas, downtown families will be able to celebrate the new will be able to celebrate the new year together with special traditions from year together with special traditions from Murphyto toManteo.

Manteo. Wherever Murphy Whereveryou you are, are, there are likely some unique there are likely some unique andand festive festive opportunities nearby to ring in with opportunities nearby to ring in 2024 2024 with family and friends.

Happy family and friends. Happy New Year!

New Year!

CHARLOTTE CROWN

BEAUFORT PIRATE EASTOVER FLEA MOREHEAD CITY CRAB

BURGAW BLUEBERRY

WEST WEST

PIEDMONT PIEDMONT

Grandson of pastor charged with Missing girl found safe, father embezzling $470k from church

Tow truck company helps 8 Amazon drivers in 1 day

Lincoln County

killed after attacking deputies the Catawba-Lincoln County line last Gaston County Animal shelter faces Police believe a pastor’s grandson may have Haywood County violations for operating Haywood County deputies say Michael Road, near Gates Drive, just before 9 p.m. without license Shope, 42, of Fletcher, was approached reported it to Jordan Shortridge last week bypolice. a deputy after a call about has been arrested and charged with felony a suspicious person near Harmon larceny and embezzling funds dating Den Horse Camp. The report saysback to 2018 from the church Shope was armed withhisa grandfather knife and

attacked the deputy, who was wearing

in 2021, the church accounting department a protective vest.

The deputy then ordered an audit after discovering missing shot and Shope as unknown the attack money, andkilled the audit found continued. and Shope and hismade 9-yearwithdrawals payments through old daughter, Altanisomeone “Ali” Dotsikas, PayPal that indicated was were reported missing Dec. 3. The embezzling church money.on The police girl was found safe, according to thethe chief says they’re still investigating why church waited years to come forward to detectives.

NSJ QUEEN CITY NEWS

Man wanted for stealing $4K of Legos from Walmart

Iredell Memorial restricts visitors Gaston County with RSV on the rise A man police believe is behind a string

Iredell County of thefts totaling more than $4,000 in Area hospitals have implemented visitor restrictions respiratory illness continue the GastonasCounty wanted list.

The

suspect reportedly had a unique

Dec. 21, children ages 13 and younger are method over multiple visits: He went not permitted to visit patients at Iredell

to the toy section, selected a large box,

Children in that age limit should only Lego sets.

He then resealed the box, visit the hospital if they are seeking scanned it at self-checkout left the medical attention, according toand Iredell

store. While he did appear to pay for the large box, the LEGO kitssuch inside made in special circumstances, as are

visiting a family member who is in endof-life care, but must be arranged with theNSJ patient’s care team, a news release stated.

“Restrictions like this are necessary to help

Cleveland County A Cleveland County animal shelter was

home, and that the children were pulled out from a window. rescue According was made operating without“The a license. actually handed the children out to other Extravaganza in Kings Mountain is

facing more than a dozen violations

standing Fire Welfare Chief of state by,” lawSherrills and theFord Animal Rick Davis said.

Family members said Act. The animal rescue organization the children are 6-year-old Kaleigh and 4-year-old Khloe. Investigators said the

year for hosting more than 10 dogs

shelter license. The organization, led

by Cleveland County CommissionerWBTV Debra Hardin, claims it didn’t know it needed to register the property where it is rescuing and adopting animals out of with the state. It has been a rule since 1999 thatchase anyoneends housing more Multi-county with than assault 10 cats orand dogsdrug on their property DWI, charges must register as an animal shelter.

Cabarrus County The rescue organization is located on property owned by Tammy Freeman, enforcement agenciesvice converged last the organization’s chair. Freeman week chase began Freeman in Cabarrus also after livesaon the that property.

County ended in the westproperty Charlotte.

Deputies was in the told reporters process of becoming a licensed shelter.

participated in the chase, which ended WBTV near the I-77 bridge. The Cabarrus County that the chase began after 11 p.m. on Wednesday when deputies attempted to pull the suspect car, a black Acura, over pulled over, but as a deputy approached it,

visitors,” Pam Gill, director of infection prevention for Iredell Health System, said in a statement. Similar visitor restrictions have been announced for Novant Health

foot. CMPD’s helicopter then followed the car until the two suspects inside got out and ran. Deputies said 33-year-old Jonathan Allen Moore and 22-year-old Savannah Diann Fleetwood were arrested on multiple charges including assault,

COVID-19 and RSV cases.

methamphetamine.

NSJ

High Points sets aside $150K for veterans housing

under investigation Randolph County Guilford County Woman’s car stolen According to national data, thewith number Last week, EZ Towing and Recovery Randolph County ofchildren’s homeless veterans jumped more than presents inside manager Rico Gonzalez and his team The High Point Fire Department 7% across the country this year, and the had to tow eight Amazon delivery Forsyth County in the Triad. The number is increasing trucks throughout the Triad. During the A woman’s car was stolen from High Point City Council has announced busiest holiday travel weekend of the year, near the 1000 block of Porter anaallocation of $154,000 in grant money construction site in WinstonGonzalez told local reporters the drivers Street. toSalem Tiny House Community Development last week, reportedly with her he’s had to help have all had common reports thick black smoke theit area tochildren’s help them,Christmas local outletsgifts report.

The hidden issues.

“Airofpressure in their tires in with of the address, and when crews arrived inside.

Tabitha Jones told local outlets being cold. It’s throwing a lot of things solely forbig-ticket veterans. “It kind at the scene, they found a car junkyard development the gifts were the items The of shows High Point and the community what can be built on what was just Gonzalez said. “Drivers getting stuck blighted lots,” Executive Director Scottand bringing in packages. This is probably the gifts, her 2005 gold Yukon GMC Jones told reporters. According to Open all-time high this year,” Gonzalez said. her boyfriend’s tools and wallet were Door Ministries, there are 25 homeless under investigation.

Whether you’re a delivery driver or not, veterans who are sheltered and 52 who Gonzalez recommends having your vehicle NS

accidental due to an electrical issue.

WLOS

caution drivers to be especially aware of the Move Over law during the busy holiday travel season. This means when you see Greensboro emergency vehiclesseeing and even success tow trucks on the side of the road, you’re required to slow with new public ordinance down and switch lanes if you can.

Guilford County An update to a Greensboro city WGHP ordinance makes it illegal to lie down and sleep on public streets and sidewalks, which will impact Greensboro franchise those who areHooters experiencing homelessness. GPD Assistant Chief MJ Harris told local outlets that “we Guilford County The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity

with what we call compassion and be considerate of others’ situations.” that Black and dark-skinned servers at a The city said the changes arefaced meant Hooters location in Greensboro racial to address complaints fromand thethat discrimination from managers community safety the restaurant about rehiredhealth almostand exclusively whileand also connectingservers peopleinwith white light-skinned the community resources that can help.

says about 51%, or roughly 22 of those WGHP servers, were Black or had dark skin tones.

Hooters of America argued that “skin tone is subjective, relative and not capable of objective determination.” Hooters of America denies the allegations, according to court records, that the restaurant primarily recalled “light-skinned” employees as the location reopened. The EEOC argues that Hooter’s handling of the rehiring amounts to a violation of the Civil Rights Act 1964.

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broad daylight where her boyfriend

works. Community The car waswill stolen while it was Veterans be comprised of left running as he was unloading tools four one-bedroom tiny homes, two twoand building from car. bedroom family supplies homes and two the threeJones said she her boyfriend bedrooms used asand assisted living space.work paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet. She said what she needs now NSJ is a Christmas miracle. “It had a lot of presents in there, and money, and his tools,” she said. “The tools he uses to work with. We’re going to have to buy

locate missing person

Christmastime?

Alamance County That’s the worst.”

According to the Alamance County

WXII

rural area of the county about a missing person last week. The caller said they hadn’t heard from an older relative since earlier this month and had gone to their were dispatched to help search. After searching the area on foot with no success, the ACSO launched two drones and began searching for the missing resident by air.

About twenty minutes later, an hour an a half after the initial call, the pilots spotted what seemed like a person lying in tall grass around 600 feet from the missing outlets that the person had fallen and spent a cold night outside unable to move, but was evaluated and sent home safely from the hospital the next day.

A7

EAST EAST

Durham to host inaugural LEGO competition

Residents can request extra Santa’s reindeer granted patrols under new program

permission to enter N.C.

Durham County

his team of reindeer entry into North

ever from June 1-2, inLEGO U.S. convention for copper thieves 2024. The Durham Brick Convention Cumberland/Harnett will arrive at the Durham Counties Convention Center with overtheft two million LEGO Copper cable is on the rise across bricks under oneand roof.

The event will Cumberland Harnett counties. support Creations for Charity with a portion of the proceeds going to targeting ground terminals and cable

Pitt County Families in some parts of Eastern North Wake County Carolina leaving homeDr. for Mike the holidays State Veterinarian Martin may be worried about leaving their house says the house check and itof Carolina, the N.C.program Department

Sandhills a top spot

Agriculture and Consumer Services announced. That means all of Santa’s and what to expect when they visit your magical reindeer — Dasher, Dancer, poles. They leave behind hundreds home. Sergeant Lee Darnell with the Pitt Creations for Charity is an Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, release, of sliced cable lines after stealing organization that buys new LEGO sets Blitzen and Rudolph — will be allowed the copper from the wires, knocking outlets that during the holidays it’s nice forout underprivileged children around the to enter the state on Christmas Eve. phone and internet service for to know your house will be safe if you’re “Santa’s reindeer areOther magical and pose Brightspeed Internet customers. celebrating elsewhere. counties say the event is being organized by no health threatDuplin to ourand native deer,” including Onslow, Halifax Investigators said some thieves are 23-year-old LEGO fan and entrepreneur Martin said. “We look forward to impersonating cablestarted crews college by wearing Greyson J. Riley. Riley at welcoming them to North Carolina.” hardhats and safety vests to cut the 11-years-old, wrote a book that teaches To sign up for the house checks, Sgt. NSJ cables, and they thenatsell history through LEGO 13, the andcopper startedto metal recycling plants.

According to organizing large-scale LEGO fan Brightspeed, the Sandhills is one of the conventions at 14-years-old. hardest hit areas in the country. Since the required information.

NSJ 2023, Brightspeed has reported nearly Rescue organization sendsWCTI 200 copper cable thefts in Cumberland help from ENC to WNC and Harnett counties. It is costing the company around $3 million to repair Durham County Fayetteville the damage. buses It’s also homeless impacting people’s The Durham Rescue Mission brought residents to Durham shelter ability to call 911 and even keeping Mattamuskeet girl wins national a tractor-trailer loaded with toys to businesses from using credit card photo contest Cumberland County AC Reynolds High School last week Fourteen homeless people boarded a bus after organizers said they were moved Hyde County are also taking away resources from to help children ingrader Buncombe County A Hyde County sixth recently customer service needs. at other the Durham Rescue Mission last week. this yearinafter seeing the photos of competed and won a national WNCN A representative with the Fayetteville Helene’s devastation.

“Every yearawe photo contest for Red Ribbon Week, Police Department secured the bus do the same thing in Durham when we competition that raises awareness of to take those individuals to Durham, give away toys the children in the drug overdoses in to America.

The contest according to local press reports. For days, required Jonna Williams decorate Triangle area, and we to just thought, ‘I herbet front door, fence with those folks in or themailbox Asheville area are unhoused community, promising them thegonna double-looped red ribbon, raise need something liketothis too.’” a better life at Durham Rescue Mission. awareness about Rescue living drug free. “If youRob Mission CEO said Durham As that group of people from Fayetteville doTart. drugs, you’re not really having a good works to make Durham their new home, life,” Williams told local news outlets.

NSJ Durham leaders raised concern to the

had to also incorporate this year’s theme, “Be kind to your mind. Live drug free.”

Williams was in a competitive region with nearly 18 million students eligible, and she won. Jonna winning her region as a sixth grader is special, winning an iPad and $1,000 for her school to use towards drug prevention.

WGHP

press over the situation, reportedly brought to their attention by local reporters. Mayor Leonardo Williams said he’d like to ensure that those from Fayetteville get sustained support, so they don’t end up on Durham’s streets, over 300 homeless people.

NSJ

’Tis the season for treats NSJ

Management listed repairs of $3.263 million labeled

North State Deli“People’s and insurance company. The ruling remands as “Executive Residence RALEIGH — The other entities sued case back down to the appeals court Foundation,the Envelope, House,” otherwise knownthe as then to the trial court, which had Cincinnati Insurance Company and Systemand Renovation.” the North Carolina Executive previously The governor’s retreatsided and with the businesses. residence in the part case involving Inwestern a companion of the state the alsoclothing was cited retailer Cato, the court in the memo as needing site structure renovations costing $512,000. the North State Deli case resulted in people of North — Carolina RALEIGH The North receivedruling by still do not know how that a favorable for the businesses, Carolina Supreme Court issued a Documents North Statethe Journal in earlywas rejected because Cato lawsuit unanimous ruling in a COVID-19 2023 put the total atpolicy over explicitly spent. itsnew insurance insurance coverage dispute $4.1 million. Another $1.645 The skyrocketing dollar tag excluded ”viral contamination” as a involving 15 bars and restaurants in the million was announced that has received little attention covered cause of loss. state. summer for a new round of beyond North State Journal’s On Oct.awarded 22, the Supreme Court heard The court sided withfrom North State repairs in a contract reporting, a vast change oral arguments in the North State Deli and attention 14 other businesses to CT Wilson Construction the media former against Deli andthe Cato lawsuits, as well as two CincinnatiGov. Insurance Company, Company, bringing new Republican Pat McCrory pandemic closure cases: Lannan determining that their commercial total to overcollege $4.5 million. received for requesting Board of Governors of UNC and property in insurance policies $230,000 renovations of coveredA Feb. 8,v.2023, Dieckhaus losses from government-mandated “Project Funding and v. Board of Governors of six bathrooms in the mansion UNC. obtained by COVID shutdowns. that had not had work done on Costs” document The following high “direct North State Journal showedday, the court themThe since thecourt earlyinterpreted 1970s. taxpayerThe bathrooms neverruling did thattwo also heard arguments in four other physical loss” broadly, theNorth Carolina funded for thecases money; get their refurbishment, pandemic that could be impacted temporary closures andasrestrictions on sources $1.239 million from the State Deli and Cato McCory dropped the request by the North Renovations and Repairs inunder October It is not rulings.

Those cases include N.C. Bar the2013. policy’s terms.

(R&R) Fund and known those bathroom and Tavern Association v. Cooper, TheifSupreme Court’s unanimous 24-General $3.326 million from StateHappel v. Guilford repairs and refurbishments Howell v. the Cooper, page ruling, authored by Associate Capital and Infrastructure are now part of the over $4.5 County Board of Education and Land v.

Justice Anita Earls, overturned a Court Fund under Cooper million spentdecision Whitley. of Appeals that sided with the(SCIF).

Throughout North State due to the Department of Journal’s pursuit of the Administration refusing to repair costs to the Executive turn over a list of repairs.

Mansion, the NCDOA has North State Journal refused to furnish a list of began reporting on repair repairs or a list of contractors information on the Executive Mansion in 2020, however, the conducting the work. This is, again, a vast change from investigation began in 2018.

A records request for repairs the DOA’s actions under the McCrory administration for the Executive Mansion in which turned over such Raleigh was sent to the N.C. Department of Administration information to media outlets when bathroom repairs were (NCDOA) in 2018 but it would requested. be over two years before The requests for details of the repairs were denied that request. The response by two separate directors of communications for NCDOA. 2020, after 820 days, after the law: dozens of follow-up requests • The facts constituting the details to North Stateare Journal and email exchanges. The cost violation known to the State claiming “security concerns,” ascertained at that time was Board or county board with

By A.P. Dillon yet the NCDOA failed to over $2.1 million. jurisdiction.

North State Journal respond when asked for a copy

By September 2022, the • The of a policy, email, or facts memoconstituting the cost had risen to over $2.5 violation canof beour determined from the RALEIGH — Outgoing Lt. that supported its denial million, however, an April public record.

Gov. Markissued Robinson records request.

2022 memo by theowes more Mansion where Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper resides, has seen over $4.5 million spent

By A.P. Dillon onNorth renovations and repairs State Journal

Robinson campaign after settlement

than $36,000 in campaign

to a settlement agreement recently released by the NC State Board of Elections.

The settlement agreement states the Friends of Mark Robinson Committee owes $36,065 due to campaign contributions and expenditures that violate state campaign laws. The violations were between July 1, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2020.

The agreement was not public due to changes in state law made in 2018. that says such investigations “shall be no investigation can be initiated more than four years from the earliest date

• The complainant knew or should have known of the conduct upon which the complaint is based.

A related compliance investigation memo such as cash withdrawal issues, expensed items, missing data, and omissions or use of incorrect forms.

The 19-page compliance memo lists contributions over the limit that were not corrected and contributions from committees not registered with the North Carolina State Board of Elections. The largest contributions from groups registered with the Federal Elections Commission but not registered with the state included the “Huck PAC” and “Gun Owners of America,” which each donated $5,400.

WNCN NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The North Carolina Executive Mansion undergoing exterior repairs is shown in this Aug. 16, 2023 photo.

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A4

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

THE CONVERSATION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

The people thing of the people The Great American Experiment is still very much a work in progress on the political canvas of history.

SOME PEOPLE on the far left think we live in a pure democracy. We don’t.

Others think we live in a pure republic. We do not.

We live in a (take your pick) democratic republic, representative democracy or a selfelected self-government.

The derivation of our two major political parties comes from the first official political party, the Democratic-Republican Party formed under Thomas Jefferson. He fervently championed pure federalism (a confederation) and state’s rights but succumbed to the practicality of singular rule when he authorized the purchase of the Louisiana Territory without consulting Congress first.

What does this mean to us today as 21stcentury Americans, and why does it matter at all?

The Great American Experiment is still very much a work in progress on the political canvas of history. The United States of America is entering its semiquincentennial year after the first shots were fired at Concord and Lexington ― and we are still trying to get it right as well.

We get trapped into thinking there are two teams out there: the red team, or the Republicans, and the blue team, the Democrats.

The truth is the root words and etymology for both terms mean essentially the same thing.

We should remember that despite our sometimes-virulent differences.

The word “democracy” is derived from the ancient Greek word dēmokratia. Demos meant “common people,” and -kratos meant “rule” or strength ― rule by, for and of the people.

There were no elected representatives or, God forbid, senators in ancient Athens, starting 500 years before Christ. Men, free men only, would vote on the issues of the day in the common

open-area amphitheater and decide, by majority rule, which roads to build, which wars to undertake and, most importantly, how to pay for it all with their taxes, not anyone else’s.

Those who owned land were also expected to own military equipment such as shields, swords and spears so they could confront the Spartans or the Persians whenever they sought to invade Greece or any of its allies in the Peloponnesian peninsula and isthmus.

On the other hand, the word “republic” was never used in ancient Athens, Sparta or Persia.

Greeks would have had no idea of what the word meant since it wasn’t invented and used until the Romans established their version of a “republic” around the same time, 500 B.C. It wasn’t until Julius Caesar took over in 44 B.C. that the Roman Empire was established and became known as an empire run by a strongman single rule, albeit with the concurrence of many times a feckless, cowering Senate.

Our modern word “republic” got its start as “respublica” which was the Latin word meaning matters (res) of the people (publica).

The idea connoted by its etymology was that of a nontyrannical state where people would participate in the governance of themselves as a peaceful entity by electing consuls to hash out problems and disagreements in a rational manner.

Toward the end of the Roman Republic, the Senate — made up mostly of wealthy patricians or descendants from the first senators under Romulus — sought to curry favor with the common folk of Rome and came up with the slogan “Senatus Populusque Romanus” — SPQR or “The Senate and People of Rome.”

There was the assumption government power ultimately came from the people of Rome.

However, with such a powerful Senate making most of the important decisions, ancient Rome could hardly be considered a “democratic republic” in the true American sense.

It was just “the thing” ancient Romans adopted to live together about the same time Athens was in a pitched battle with the Spartans and then the Persians from 430 B.C. to 403 B.C. in the first true world war, the Peloponnesian War. Fortunately for us Americans, the gentlemen who assembled not only in Philadelphia in 1787 to write the Constitution but also in 1776 to draft the Articles of Confederation were highly educated men who not only knew the histories of ancient Greece and Rome, but they had studied the characteristics of the two very different forms of government in the original Greek and Latin.

Over a period of 15 years, they proposed, debated, argued and ultimately came to a conclusion that blended the concepts of direct participation in the form of voting (democracy) and election of representatives (republic).

It has been quite a unique and remarkable journey. In many ways, the American Democratic Republic was once again saved in the 2024 election.

As Mrs. Powel heard from Benjamin Franklin at the close of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, it is up to us to keep it ― if we can.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Looking back on Donald Trump’s remarkable 2024 It was only by a chance turn of Trump’s head that the bullet missed its target.

IT’S HARD TO KNOW where to start when talking about how remarkable 2024 turned out to be for President-elect Donald Trump, so we’ll begin in June because that’s when things really kicked into high gear.

In late June, to be exact, the then-GOP presidential nominee participated in what turned out to be a game-changing presidential debate with President Joe Biden.

Not only did Trump look and sound like he was tanned, rested and ready to lead America in a second term, but Biden — who had publicly pushed for the earlier-than-usual debate — was taken off his game very early on by the former president.

Biden looked so lost and out of it that it sent Democrats, leftist Hollywood elitists and their media allies into a full-blown panic, which culminated in Biden shockingly bowing out of the presidential race nearly a month later.

Roughly two and a half weeks after Biden’s disastrous debate performance, Trump was giving a campaign speech in Butler, Pennsylvania, on a sunny July Saturday afternoon when a deranged individual attempted to assassinate him.

It was only by a chance turn of Trump’s head that the bullet missed its target, instead grazing Trump’s right ear and causing it to bleed.

As people of all political stripes would agree, the imagery was some of the most iconic America will ever see. The bullet that hit Trump traveling through the air. A bloodied

Trump appearing again behind the lectern and raising his fist defiantly to the crowd, with no words uttered beyond “fight, fight, fight!” as the meaning of that look on his face was crystal clear.

“I’m still here. I’m alive, and I’m not going any damn where,” it said.

It was such an unbelievably powerful moment and one that will stay with us for decades to come.

Amazingly, just two days later, Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin as it was getting underway, with him walking around with a bandage on his ear and the utmost confidence, as though the assassination attempt didn’t faze him.

Though he had a minor setback during the September presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, who Democrats chose to replace Biden in the race, Trump rebounded from that as well, hitting his stride in late September and never looking back as he continued to make his case to the American people, especially those who felt abandoned and/or ignored by the Biden-Harris administration for four years.

On Election Day, Trump defied the odds stacked against him, resoundingly winning not only the Electoral College but also the national popular vote. Included in that were all seven swing states — including Joe Biden’s home state of Pennsylvania, a particularly stunning blow

to the Harris campaign, which dropped tens of millions of the more than $1 billion she raised into the Keystone State only to fail in the end.

Along with that, the Senate flipped to Republican control by comfortable margins, and the House remains in GOP hands, all things that should enable Trump to get much of his agenda passed in the new year.

As far as the court cases against him go, as George Washington University law school professor Jonathan Turley noted, Trump appears to be “running the table in these lawfare cases.” Relatedly, Trump recently outright won a defamation case against ABC News in the form of a $15 million settlement, to be donated to the Trump presidential library.

While it’s hard to predict what the future holds for Trump, one thing that remains certain is that his 2024 political comeback is one that he — and many Americans — will never forget.

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.

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

COLUMN

Free speech: Why a tech titan backed Trump WHY DID MARC ANDREESSEN — inventor of the first internet web browser and perhaps the prime venture capitalist in Silicon Valley today — switch from his longstanding support of the Democratic Party and back President-elect Donald Trump this year?

Because, in his view, the Democrats who claim to be the great scourge of “disinformation” are threatening to embed disinformation in the bedrock of society. At least that’s my interpretation of Andreessen’s comments in a wide-ranging interview with The Free Press cofounder Bari Weiss.

“My concern is that the censorship and political control of AI is a thousand times more dangerous than censorship and political control of social media — maybe a million times more dangerous,” Andreessen, a prime innovator of artificial intelligence, told Weiss. “The thing with AI is, I think AI is going to be the control layer for everything in the future — how the health care system works, how the education system works, how the government works.

“So that if AI is woke, biased, censored, politically controlled, you are in a hyper-Orwellian, China-style, social credit system nightmare.”

Like fellow tech titan Elon Musk, Andreessen has come to see the Democrats as “the ones who are trying to silence free speech.” However, unlike many Trump supporters, he does not fasten upon the obvious partisan example: Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s 2020 campaign enlistment of 51 current or former intelligence officials to depict Hunter Biden’s laptop as bearing “the hallmarks of Russian disinformation.”

That Democratic disinformation operation suppressed facts about Biden family corruption during the campaign year, but not forever, as President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son showed.

Andreessen is concerned less about transitory partisan finagling and more about possibly permanent suppressions of truth. An example he cites is the claim that “the COVID lab leak hypothesis was ‘misinformation’ and broadly censored on social media.”

I have written often about the lab leak hypothesis and how denigration of it was concocted by former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci and former National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins.

Starting in February 2020, they conspired to get colleagues who considered the lab leak likely to write a paper disparaging that theory and endorsing the idea that the virus came from a live animal market. No evidence of such transmission has been found, and presumably, Fauci and Collins’ control over millions of dollars in research funding helped persuade the authors to change their minds. After publication, Fauci airily referred the article to the press as if he had nothing to do with it.

Establishment press outfits were happy to play along, characterizing the lab leak theory as “already debunked” (The Washington Post) or a “fringe theory” (The New York Times). The latter outlet’s lead COVID-19 reporter offhandedly referred to its “racist roots.” Facebook and pre-Musk Twitter, now X, followed the cues and suppressed the lab leak theory even as they suppressed criticism of masking protocols and school closures.

By March 2023, the Energy Department joined the

FBI in concluding that the virus likely resulted from a lab leak. They were bolstered by multiple articles by former Times science writer Nicholas Wade, and by Matt Ridley and Alina Chan’s book, “Viral.”

Finally, this month, a detailed report by the House Oversight Committee not only endorses the lab leak theory as the most likely explanation of the virus but also, as Ridley wrote in The Telegraph, “lays out in gobsmacking detail just how much senior officials allegedly have schemed to prevent information emerging.”

What they were covering up, it becomes plain now, is that Fauci was commissioning the Wuhan laboratory to conduct gain-of-function research, making the virus more contagious to humans, presumably to develop means of defense. The report explains in painstaking detail how Fauci, in testimony before Sen. Rand Paul (RKy.), used a misleading definition when he vehemently denied authorizing gain-of-function research.

One can argue the attempted cover-up by Fauci and others ultimately failed.

One can argue further that, unlike the Hunter Biden laptop cover-up, this was not necessarily a partisan operation: It began during the Trump presidency and was uncovered in part by actions of the Biden administration.

However, one must also add that the scientists who led the cover-up retained the capacity to shape pandemic policy, pressing successfully for measures that proved to be harmful or unnecessary, such as school closures, masking for children and vaccine requirements for those with natural immunity from previous infection.

Another thing one must add: The press and social media billionaires who went along with the scientists’ speech suppression acted on the assumption that they were frustrating the intentions of Trump and his supporters, whom they continued — and continue — to regard as something like Hitler and Nazis. Any evidence in favor of things the Trump side was for, the media outlets felt an obligation to suppress.

For Andreessen, the key moment came after Jon Stewart went on Stephen Colbert’s show for an eightminute segment in which he pointed out that it “literally cannot be a coincidence that you have the Wuhan institute of bat viruses,” as he told Weiss.

After that, he said, “I was in a discussion at one of the big internet companies, where the discussion was like, ‘Did you see the Jon Stewart thing? Ha ha. That was really funny. I guess we should stop censoring the lab leak theory now. Ha ha.’ And literally, they stop censoring it that day.”

So his theory seems to be that if you want free expression and exchange of ideas in an AI world, it’s better to install a president such as Trump, whom the great establishments of government, journalism and academe will strive to rebut, rather than a Democrat whose comforting presence will leave them inclined to accept any convenient untruth.

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.”

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

Biden the tyrant PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN is the authoritarian threat the left claims Donald Trump will be. Just look at his pardon of Hunter Biden.

Over Thanksgiving weekend, Biden gave his son, who was facing sentencing for gun and tax charges, a “get out of jail free” card. Joe Biden didn’t just pardon Hunter Biden for those crimes. It was a blanket immunity for any crime Hunter committed from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024. Hunter Biden joined the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma in 2014.

Hmmmm.

Biden had repeatedly vowed that he wouldn’t do this.

“I said I’d abide by the jury decision. I will do that. And I will not pardon him,” President Biden said in June after a jury convicted Hunter on federal gun charges.

There was one humorous part of this scandal. It was amusing to watch Democrats and the propaganda press act shocked over something conservatives have long known was coming. Throughout his political career, Biden’s family members leveraged his position to enrich themselves. There’s strong evidence Biden did so as well.

Of course, he was going to pardon Hunter.

This pardon is especially noteworthy because Democrats have long claimed that Trump poses a unique threat to the country.

Vice President Kamala Harris dubbed him a “petty tyrant” and a “wannabe dictator.” Biden claimed repeatedly that he “threatens the very foundations of our republic.” In October, The Atlantic deemed Trump “the tyrant George Washington feared.”

Consider what the left could be worried about.

Perhaps it’s that Trump would use his office to pardon his derelict children and enrich himself. Oh wait. Biden did that. Trump’s net worth dropped by more than $1 billion during his time in office.

Perhaps it’s that Trump would weaponize the Department of Justice and prosecute his political opponents on trumped-up charges. Oh wait. Biden did that. The public elected Trump despite the myriad

bogus court battles and convictions he had to endure.

Perhaps it’s that Trump would impose a mandate that would require 100 million people to be vaccinated or lose their jobs. Oh wait. Biden did that. Trump has said he wants to bring back service members fired over vaccine requirements and give them back pay.

Perhaps it’s that Trump would institute an artificial limit on gas-powered car production. Oh wait. Biden did that. Trump wants to rescind those regulations.

Perhaps it’s that Trump would pressure social media companies to censor information that government bureaucrats don’t approve of. Oh wait. Biden did that.

Trump’s pick to run the FCC, Brendan Carr, said he wants to “smash this censorship cartel.”

Perhaps it’s that Trump would unconstitutionally forgive student loans. Oh wait. Biden did that. Trump said that was “unfair” and wants to roll back Biden’s handouts. Trump has even said he wants to eliminate the Department of Education, which oversees student loans.

Perhaps it’s that Trump would give men access to women’s locker rooms and endanger women’s sports. Oh wait. Biden did that. Trump called it “so ridiculous.”

Perhaps it’s that Trump would dole out hundreds of billions of dollars to politically favored industries under the guise of reducing inflation. Oh wait. Biden did that.

Trump has tapped Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head the Department of Government Efficiency. Its goal is “to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies,” Trump said in a statement.

This is what America’s Chicken Little elites missed when they scare-mongered about Trump being an authoritarian threat to the country. Tyrants seek to consolidate power and limit people’s freedom while enriching their family and friends.

It’s Biden, not Trump, who has consistently done that.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas ReviewJournal.

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

Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com

HARRINGTON SHAW

Who guides Carolina?

The influence of the UNC Board of Trustees DETRACTORS ignore the explicit role of the University’s governing board.

Few entities at Carolina have received greater public and media scrutiny than the Board of Trustees. UNC has undergone significant changes since the COVID pandemic, many of which were catalyzed by the board. Thus, examining its role — both its statutory mandate and its recent actions — adds valuable context to the often-heated discourse surrounding the university’s political and academic trajectory.

The university was chartered by the state legislature in 1789 to fulfill the North Carolina Constitution’s mandate that it is the “duty of the State to guard and maintain” the people’s “right to the privilege of education.” The Board of Trustees, tasked by the legislature with starting the University, still acts as the institution’s guide, tethered to the people the University serves by their elected representatives.

State law grants UNC’s Board of Trustees the power to “promote the sound development of the institution…aiding it to perform at a high level of excellence in every area of endeavor.” The Board serves as advisor to the chancellor and Board of Governors on “the management and development of the institution.” The chancellor, in turn, is “responsible for carrying out policies of the Board of Governors and of the board of trustees.”

As an advisory body, the board must identify areas of concern and opportunity for the university and recommend solutions. Among today’s challenges are free speech, academic freedom and viewpoint diversity. According to James G. Martin Center President Jenna Robinson, the board has been “proactive and effective” in this area by adopting the Chicago Statement on Free Expression, committing to institutional neutrality, and supporting civil discourse on campus.

Others at Carolina, however, have criticized the trustees’ actions, arguing that they have reached beyond their rightful powers. The Coalition for Carolina Foundation and UNC faculty council, for example, criticized the trustees’ call for the accelerated development of the School of Civic Life and Leadership (SCiLL).

Mimi Chapman, a co-founder of the Coalition and former faculty chair, told the Chronicle of Higher Education that the trustees were overstepping by “trying to insert themselves into the running of the campus and the development of the curriculum.” While she cites deviations from the board’s past engagement, she does not point to any statutory overreach. Neither Chapman nor current faculty chair Beth Moracco responded to my requests for comment.

Mark McNeilly, a professor at UNC, argues that the trustees have positively impacted the school by “adopting institutional neutrality, supporting the formation of SCiLL, and taking other actions.”

McNeilly notes the board’s role in representing North Carolina’s taxpayers, stating that the trustees “cannot be a rubber stamp in the shared governance process but need to engage with the university in a dialogue to bring in that outside voice.”

In response to detractors such as those from the faculty council, McNeilly states that the board’s greater engagement in its advisory role in recent years “is a change from the past, so it’s not surprising that some faculty are unhappy.”

Furthermore, Chapman’s insinuation that the school was created by board fiat is contradicted by the fact that plans for the new school preceded the trustees’ involvement.

The trustees’ SCiLL resolution followed conversations between faculty and administrators regarding the expansion of the Program for Public Discourse. Former Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz stated that the expansion followed “planning, conversations, discussions with faculty leaders, and site visits dating back to February 2018.” However, regardless of which campus constituency first conceived of SCiLL, the trustees are within their statutory authority to suggest how campus leaders might address pressing issues, such as the lack of open discourse on campus.

UNC’s trustees are right to be concerned.

Recent data from FIRE shows that 58% of UNC students feel somewhat or very uncomfortable expressing their views on controversial topics in class. At the same time, public confidence in higher education has dropped precipitously.

Statistics like this paint a dark picture for an institution whose mission requires the open dissemination of knowledge and the free exchange of ideas. As the voice of North Carolina’s citizens at UNC, the Board of Trustees should advocate for programs, schools or other means of remedying threats to the university’s mission — both to regain public trust and to promote the “sound development of the institution.” Without such oversight, the people’s university could spiral out of control in the hands of a faculty increasingly aligned in viewpoint.

After the trustees recommended the acceleration of SCiLL, it became the role of the administration and faculty to determine whether and how to construct such a program. In the time since, the new school has garnered national attention for offering courses pertinent to current issues and assembling a talented faculty focused on open discourse and the pursuit of truth. In this regard, the new free-speech-focused school epitomizes shared governance.

Harrington Shaw is the managing director of the UNC Alumni Free Speech Alliance and an economics and philosophy graduate of UNC Chapel Hill.

A8

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

NATION & WORLD

Younger generations swap holiday traditions for self-expression Green and red are out; pastels, feathers and fur are in

By Anne D’Innocenzio The Associated Press NEW YORK — Whether dressed in black, mimicking bare branches or decked out with enough bows for a Taylor Swift concert, the Christmas trees in some U.S. homes this year display an unconventional streak.

They beckon visitors to behold the decorator’s personality, not a mere symbol of Yuletide cheer.

The new-fashioned approach to holiday decorating doesn’t end there. A demographic that ranges from teenagers up to adults shy of middle age is ditching the dominant green and red of Christmases past for pastel pink and blue palettes, going glam with faux fur, lamé and feather details, and investing in wacky or whimsical outdoor displays, according to retail and design experts.

“In a way, holiday décor for Gen Z and millennials is less about tradition and more about self-expression. It’s their own take on a season that’s all about warmth and joy, but with a thoroughly modern twist,” said Eric Goranson, an interior designer and host of the nationally syndicated radio show and podcast “Around the House.”

U.S. retailers, including Michaels, National Tree Co. and Home Depot, the nation’s largest home improvement retailer, have encouraged the trend by bringing out Instagram-ready holiday collections they think will resonate with younger customers and glow especially bright on social media. Some trees can be programmed with a cellphone app to play music and flash customized lighting effects.

Seasonal home decor company Balsam Brands, which sells Christmas decorations under the Balsam Hill brand, increased its assortment of artificial twig trees embellished with fairy lights, faux crystal and pearl garlands, and bows, including metallic and glitter versions.

“They want to stand out,” Jen Derry, Balsam Brands’ chief merchandising officer, said of the customers who are putting a nontraditional spin on tree trimming. “They want to be a little different and put their own point of view out there. And then they want to share with the world.”

Michaels, based in Irving, Texas, presented customers with plenty of choices, stocking pink, blue, black and orange artificial trees as well as unusually shaped varieties such as an upside-down tree and a tree shaped like Santa Claus.

The crafts and art supply chain also launched four themed holiday collections. The first, which made its debut in September, was a candy-themed collection featuring gumdrop wreaths and tabletop trees, gingerbread knickknacks and flocking that

LUMBEE from page A1 and the co-sponsors for passage of the act before the Christmas holiday break.

“This is a great step towards Congress rectifying the 1956 Lumbee Act and ensuring that the remains of the Indian Termination Era policy continues to be dismantled,” said Lowery. “To our allies in Congress and Indian Country, continue to push forward and let us see this bill adopted by the Senate and finally finish what our ancestors began almost 140 years ago.”

The Lumbee Tribe was recognized by the state of North Carolina in 1885 and has sought federal recognition since 1888.

Congress recognized the Lumbee as an Indian Tribe when they enacted the Lumbee Act in 1956, but that legislation

Florida agriculture suffers $190M losses from Milton St. Petersburg, Fla. Florida agriculture suffered more than $190 million in losses from Hurricane Milton, making it the costliest for farmers and ranchers of three cyclones that pummeled the state in 2024, according to University of Florida researchers.

When all the data is in, the university’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) estimates the losses from Milton could reach over $642 million, compared to $170 million from Hurricane Debby and $162 million from Hurricane Helene. The storm impacted more than 5.7 million acres of agricultural land, much of it used for cattle and other livestock grazing.

Judge: 3 black men lynched 100-plus years ago innocent

JESS DRUEY VIA AP

Jess Druey decorated her skinny artificial tree with retro big holiday ornament balls in primary colors in reds and blues.

Red velvet stockings get a personal touch by adding patches and pins.

JESS DRUEY VIA AP

mimicked cotton candy. Others included a woodland theme with black and cool-toned wood accents, and a predominantly pink collection with ornaments inspired by “The Nutcracker” ballet.

Home Depot, meanwhile, hoped to replicate the social media buzz it received after introducing a 12-foot plastic skeleton for Halloween in 2020, now affectionately known to fans across the internet and globe as “Skelly.” Last year, the retailer presented an oversized Santa as a lawn decoration, and this year, it brought out a reindeer and a nutcracker. The resin characters range in height from 8 feet to 8½ feet and cost $249 to $299, according to the company’s website.

“You’re not just showing it off to your neighbors or your family,” Lance Allen, a senior mer-

denied the Lumbee federal services and benefits. The current act amends the 1956 recognition to include “all services and benefits provided by the Federal Government to federally recognized Indian tribes.”

The tribe’s membership is 55,000, spanning Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland and Scotland counties.

Congress has put forth bills to recognize the tribe more than 30 times, with the House passing such measures six times.

Most recently, Rep. Richard Hudson (N.C.-9th) introduced bills to recognize the tribe in 2020 and again in 2021. Both passed the House but did not receive a vote in the Senate.

North Carolina Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd reintroduced the Lumbee Recognition Act in 2021 to no avail.

chant in Home Depot’s decorative holiday division, referring to the larger-than-life outdoor decorations. “You’re showing it to all your followers, all the friends you grew up with, even if you live hundreds of miles away.”

Another generational shift, according to Allen: Younger consumers want to put a holiday tree of some kind in every room, while Baby Boomers and members of Generation X tend to favor the custom of having one big primary tree in the living room or den.

Experts say the move toward unorthodox holiday decor began during the heart of the coronavirus pandemic as people cocooned in their homes. U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average of $71.36 on seasonal decorations this year compared to $60.95 in 2019, according to the National Retail Federation,

the nation’s largest retail trade group.

But those born in 1980 or after were expected to spend more: an average of $91.62 for the 35to-44 age group, $88.44 for consumers ages 25 to 34, and $77.11 for young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, the trade group said.

Jess Druey, 27, founder of the colorful wine brand Whiny Baby, said that moving from Los Angeles to a more spacious apartment in Bakersfield, California, allowed her to be more creative with her holiday decorating. Taking cues from TikTok and Etsy, she bought a skinny artificial green tree that she hung with red and blue retro-style baubles and topped with an oversized gold bow her friend helped fashion.

“I think that my taste is very much own,” Druey said. “And I’ve always had an affinity for maximalism and eclectic. But there’s definitely been a rise this year.”

Claire Reyhle, 16, of Denver, Colorado, said TikTok videos showing pink trees and bows inspired her to decorate her bedroom in a bigger way this year.

She bought a pink Christmas tree from Amazon and decorated her shelves with pink bows.

“My mom likes the minimalistic style, but more neutral,” the teenager said. “I generally like big and colorful and vibrant. So we do definitely have different styles when it comes to holidays.”

Culpeper, Va. Three black men who were lynched by mobs in Virginia during the 1800s and early 1900s have been declared innocent by a judge. The Washington Post reported last Friday that the men were Charles Allie Thompson, William Thompson and William Grayson. Each was killed in rural Culpeper County, which is about 75 miles from Washington, D.C. Circuit Court Judge Dale B. Durrer on Monday found that the men “were and remain to this day innocent of their charges” because they were denied due. Two were accused of rape and one of murder, but none received a trial.

8 convicted in 2020 beheading of French teacher Paris France’s anti-terrorism court on Friday convicted eight people of involvement in the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty outside his school near Paris four years ago, a horrific death that shocked the country. Paty, 47, was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school on Oct. 16, 2020, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.

The assailant, an 18-year-old Russian of Chechen origin, was shot to death by police.

Those who have been on trial on terrorism charges at a special court in Paris since the end of November were accused, in some cases, of providing assistance to the perpetrator and, in others, of organizing a hate campaign online before the murder took place.

Zambian police arrest 2 in plot to bewitch president

DAVID YEAZELL / AP PHOTO

Abigail Blue, a member of the Lumbee Tribe, walks by the stage during an October campaign event in support of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in Red Springs.

Lusaka, Zambia Two people have been arrested for allegedly plotting to harm Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema using witchcraft, police said last Friday. The two suspects, Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, 42, and Leonard Phiri, 43, were allegedly hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of fugitive lawmaker Jay Banda, to bewitch the president. “The suspects were found in possession of assorted charms, including a live chameleon, and are alleged to be practicing witchdoctors,” according to police.

nsstrophe about when A7 normal

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

to this get back to norm The comfo How Chinawe willbegin payThe for COVID-19 3 big questionsc A9

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024 WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at China lied about the origin of the ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after thisthanks COVID-19 virus cavalierofmanner orders to local ordissipates state governments,The a majority Americ THIS WEEK, virus, according to members tried to tell the world there were only “THIS ISo around the globe and in the United States, China will pay for this covered up its spr are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.” and state and local governments, Ameri orldwide panic, economic collapse and in it” (Psalm catastrophe one way or another.

3,341 related Some of these orders extend at least through the end deaths of this ha mo or stay-at-home fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus thetoneed the curve in the novel coronavirus outbrtn yace being thrown out of work.

I know Inand order put the crisis causedVirginia’s

by Chinastay-at-home in perspective, zero millions of Americans orders go into June. rity of at Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask — after all, trends canhas easily payer least $2.4 trillion in added working fro worldwide pandemics can trace their source to theCarolina, Unitedmuted States over costreve the Here in North Democratic Gov.The Roycrisis Cooper stated du walnormal.” questions back to have abided by recommendations and or Reserve backup liquidity to the about the data, and when things can start getting be glad” as our 231-year history. At least fourainrecent the 20th century alone be that “we debt plus trillions coronavirus press can briefing just don’t know more yet” i end of this month. are treated in some circles with contempt. to flu,” stay 1977 at home; they’ve practiced socialth the U.S. dollar were notnormal the reserve dad, directly traced to China: flu,” 1968 “Hong orders Kong markets financial o state’s stay-at-home will extend into May. andand Since when1957 did “Asian They’re treated as though we as a society simply must accept without they’ve donned masks. o fund any of these emergency have to be “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak.

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

1918 questioning “Spanish flu” pandemic also had for its origins in China. measures justification it. And the answers should not be vague onesimme like COVID-19 n’t know yet” if the process of returning back to normalcy. transparency According to the University of Washingt For me, m seasons government There is 100% agreement, outside of do China, thatofCOVID-19 depreciation. must 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 c rant ways and decisions through making.

As and honesty originated in at Wuhan Province probably from the has pay for t provide a China all levels It will need tocompletely be explained in detail to the people ofto this state e asked as to the And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over and the unsanitary wet markets.

Trump administration, theand expected nee Diplomacy has obviouslyquestions. not worked Corinthian Chernobyl. unregulated Some believe it came out of a economic financial from our are being told to remain jobless and at home message offor an undetermined become a ague likecentury “we health, country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, peak outbreak was revised down by over worldones of 21st hygiene affliction, biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to we bring China into the scientific experts amount of time why models predicting hundreds thousands ofs hope that willof bad thing? thethe more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the num munist regimes never take blame affliction, Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade. Totalitarw are reliable.

— we need to once again enjoy sincere e of this state who when will demand August by nearly 12,000. morse, because that is not whatthey can get back to providing for their families,their God.” That is what food safety and health protocols, American business has nowhat otherthe state or express To know date, what I’ve gone has asked andregre then they along with undetermined answers.

Here’s the problem: We still don’t kno sporting events, ey take advantage of every weakness If you ar choice than tofree build redundant manufacturing plants elsewhere purely totalitarian governmen citizens mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions a of cases at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they know, what they questions that will allow the economy tot p thousands pushing until they win orLeaders the reflect on concerts, family for national security and safety reasons as well supply andleaders delivery they find in adversaries the data.

StateasRepublican have, too. as living in a free can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but concerns. answer First, what is the true coronavirus fata God’sback. exam don’t and when reliability adversaries gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get push asked, there AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with society were skedhappens and then with details that give their statements believability. important because it determines whethe vent such as the Chernobyl this difficu The most direct way to make China “pay”hope for this is to offer That is, unless an exo they to disaster corruption. The financial squeeze resulting sometimes a disturbing tendency among people to treat tho church some services adbelieve questions about We should to do what we can to keep our families, be open or closed,meltdown whether we oughtSom to w p that event, not the Star Warsall continue confident supposed from COVID-19 offers opportunities for a U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of their in 1986. know what theythe data and asking simply questioning when we can start getting Russia acquires and many more Sponsored by ourselves, and our communities safe.

But we should also still continue more liberalized society that presumes w Sponsored by to the dissolution of the Soviet Union In this sa bit of remediation. Let’s first examine what production back in the States.

There is though approximately programor of are Reagan, led to do, lastUnited I to normal they are$120 conspiracy theorists people w from while reasonable don’t.as afterdown our own et asked, there to of ask questions aboutcomponents the data, because stay-at-home ought to lock further. neighbors h mightisbe the root academic corruption, billion worth of American direct investment in plants and equipment in 1989. otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick.

Texas Instruments checked. s. title of a recent study, ple 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 — Conco the nu temporary Chernobyl.

In inexpiration China. Chinese billion by case fatality Perhaps COVID-19 Since when did questioning government at all levels become aisb through front “Academic and to theAmericans, North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, n starttalking getting backGrievance ThisStudies is all new and itcompanies is not normal. Not in any way, the number of identified COVID-19 case ready about the possibility money to b sacrifices are comparison.

Senators in Washingt thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supp in Hong Kong Corruption of Scholarship.”

The study was are people who shape, or form.

So while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, at and the denominator are likely wrong.

W nr debt we owe them as one way to get health care An investment tax credit of 30% U.S. investment in China over. of China forgiving $1.2 toon do,half lastof I checked. done by Areo, an opinion and analysis sey sick. same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “newbillion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing people have actually died coronavirus have caused US. the Don’t hold your today, or $60 China to of “pay” d digitalthe magazine.

By the way, Areo is short My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, isfor mythe fam els become a bad normal.” number has been overestimated, given t bilee” to happen but ask your elected n for Areopagitica, a speech delivered by investment to the U.S. would costworried the U.S.about Treasury $18 billion in breath waiting for a Chi them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. Af By Aamer Madhani ety were supposed Not one little bit. of death, particularly among elderly pati countable in tangible financial ways for John Milton in defense of free speech. tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion lost revenue hold suffering fromin the H1N1 virusis(swine flu) representatives during the 2009topande n.

Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. and Josh Boak sources suggest the number is dramatica decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this disaster.

I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brin Press the pseudonym Sister Toldjah Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has thatThe rse, is my family.

Stacey Matthews alsoAssociated written under manyas people are dying home. ted 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 way too memories of a painful experience I’d prefer to ar something has gone drastically wrong rried I will. After and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

Even more importantly, we have no cl nation. past. the world like any other WASHINGTON, D.C. But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone in academia, especially within certain e 2009 pandemic, actually have coronavirus. Some scientis China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American fields within the humanities. They call — The Commerce Departall of this brings up of identified ment’s efforts to curb China’s business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that theycases could be an order of m these fields “grievance studies,” where Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronav senio and Russia’s access to Ameriprefer notscholarship toNEW repeat. number of people who have had YORK — is not so much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and most everyone hastruth Discount chain Big Lots finding but upon attending to can-made advanced computer replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. social grievances.

Grievance scholars chips have been “inadequate” is conducting going-outand will need more funding to s’ bully students,sales administrators and other of-business at its stymie their ability to manudepartments into adhering to their remaining locations after a facture advanced weapons, acworldview. The worldview they promote is Jason sale of the company didn’t cording to a report published n neither scientific nor rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS materialize. se studies consist of disciplines such as last Wednesday by the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on The Columbus, Ohiosociology, anthropology, gender studies, Investigations. basedstudies, retailer, whichand critical race COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer sexuality The Biden administration studies. sells furniture, home In 2017 2018,items, authors Pluckrose,imposed export controls to decor andand other EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO limit the ability of China and Lindsay and Boghossian filed for Chapter 11 started Russia to access U.S.-made Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called on Commerce to take immediate action and submitting bogus academic papers to bankruptcy protection in chips after Russia’s invasion of crack down on the companies allowing U.S.-made semiconductors to power Russian academic journals in cultural, queer, earlygender, September said studies Ukraine nearly three years ago. weapons and Chinese ambition. race, fat andand sexuality The agency’s Bureau of Inprivate equity firm Nexus to determine if they would pass peer “THIS IS THEfallen DAYinto the lord has mad he seriousness of and the virus and the Capital Management LPneed review be accepted for publication.dustry and Security, accordWITHthat MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home place.

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Howe as a societylow simply must accept without last Thursday, the chain U.S. retary Gina Raimondo last tarily complying with the rules.

Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

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“Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity That is what on this message and be comforte ments believability.

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Through faith and by safe. But we should and also still discounts of up tocontinue 50% the data.

State Republican have, too. ourselves, and our comm ComBoth of those countries of products. Currently, military equipment leaders BIS’s budget, aboutin$191 mil- Russian church services living a free accepted for publication by Affilia, a confident we will emerge out of this pan because while reasonable stay-at-home were being offered on the has only to 11 ask export con- about t homeofto front companies the illicit diversion of certain its aretypes essentially and Unfortunately, when questions get asked, merce there is questions s feminist journal for social workers. Thelion, has remained and many more society were trol officers spread around the understan known to assist Russia into ac-treat products to Russia.

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“Rape and Queer Performativity money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic omfortable with this so-called “new “WeCulture all have worked sacrifices are otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick. the same time checked.

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But to the dog rapeand safeguard U.S. national se- rized,” the company said in a ated “vast, barely disguised including Congress allocating havedog-on-dog taken every step thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were more supposed Not one little bit. money for hiring addismuggling networks which en“If we find evidence paper eventually forced Boghossian, curity,” Commerce Department statement. complete a going concern tional personnel to enforce exable it to continue to harness indicating product diversion, spokesperson Charlie Andrews to do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out controls, larger U.S. technology,” subcomand takeas action.” said in a statement in response we investigate n under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah sale,” Bruce Thorn, BigJournal writer My first concern we go along in all this, ofthe course, is myport family.

I’m imposing Stacey Matthews has al themselves.

A Wall Street fines on companies report asserts.

It’s not about just Texas edState and Legal Insurrection.

Lots’ president andthey CEO, had figured out what were doing. to the report. worried them Instrucatching mittee the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After andthat is aviolate regular contrib Washington has been grad- controls and requiring periodic that’s the issue. The subsaid in apapers statement.

“While Some accepted for publication Andrews added that with ments suffering in from the H1N1 virusually (swine flu) during 2009 pandemic, reviews of advanced chip comexpanding thethe number September pub“necessary resources from Con- committee in journals advocated weacademic remain hopeful that we training I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this panies’ brings export up control plans by of companies affected by such lished a report that found gress” the agency would be men like dogs punishing white male can close anand alternative way too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat. outside entities. export controls in China, as aggregated exports from four “better equipped to address the college students for historical slavery by going concern transaction, But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has asking them to sit in silence on the floor in in order to protect the n chains during class and to be expected to valuefrom of the Lots estate, learn theBig discomfort.

Other papers we have made the difficult ty celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life decision begin the GOB privately choice andto advocated treating conducted process.”masturbation as a form of d sexual against Big violence Lots said it is women. Typically, as academic journal editors send submitted continuing to serve papers out to referees for review. In customers in-store and for publication, recommending acceptance online and will provide many reviewers gave these papers glowing updates as available. praise.

Big Lotsscientist has said that Political Zach Goldberg ranGeorgia farmers haven’t s certain grievance studies concepts through high inflation and interest been able to drill new d the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often rates have hurt its business “What we’re going to do irrigation wells to the they appeared in our press over the years. as consumers have is make it more efficient, He found huge increases in the usages Floridian aquifer pulled back on their home of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” make it more equitable and seasonal product g “critical race theory” and “whiteness.” and make it fairer.” purchases, two categories All of this is being taught to college By Jeff Amy The Associated Press the chainmany depends on become for students, of whom primary Flint Riverkeeper . and secondarypart school who then a significant ofteachers its Gordon Rogers ATLANTA — Jason Cox, indoctrinate ourcompany young people. revenue. The who grows peanuts and cotn I doubt whether thewith coronavirushas also struggled ton in southwest Georgia, says caused financial crunch will give college increased competition la-Chattahoochee-Flint system would be economically o? and university administrators, who arefarming a and the Alabama-Coosa-Tallimpossible without water to irfrom the likes of Walmart crossbreed between a parrot and jellyfish, apoosa system, which flows out rigate his crops. and warehouse clubs like the guts and backbone to restore academic of Georgia to drain much of Al“I’d be out of business,” said Walmart, Sam’s Club andthey get much respectability.

Far too often, abama. Georgia also won vicof their political Costco, which support have allfrom campus Cox, who farms 3,000 acres ELLIOTT MINOR / AP PHOTO tories guaranteeing that metaround Pelham. grievance people are members of the sharpened theirwho pricing ro Atlanta had rights to water For more than a decade, Water swirls through the Georgia Power Co. dam on the faculty and diversity and multicultural and merchandise. from the Chattahoochee River’s farmers in parts of southwest Flint River north of Albany, Georgia. administrative offices.

At the end of 2023, Big Lake Lanier to quench its thirst.

Georgia haven’t been able to The best hope lies with boards of Georgia officials say new wadrill new irrigation wells to the Lots operated 1,400 trustees, though nearly many serve as yes-men ter withdrawals won’t disregard join to become the ApalachicoFlint River starting April 1.

Floridian aquifer, the groundstores in 48 states.

A more for the university president. I think that a Jeff Cown, the division’s di- la River. But a unanimous U.S. conservation. No new withwater nearest the surface. That’s recent store count good start would be towasn’t find 1950s or 1960s because Georgia put a halt to rector, said in a statement that Supreme Court in 2021 reject- drawals from streams or lakes catalogs.

Look at the course offerings at immediately available. farmers drilling wells or taking things have changed since 2012. ed the lawsuit, saying Florida will be allowed. And new wells a time college graduates knew how Big when Lots currently additional water from streams The moratorium was imposed hadn’t proven its case that wa- will have to stop sucking up wato read, write and compute, and make operates 66 locations amid a parching drought and ter use by Flint River farmers ter from the Floridian aquifer and lakes in 2012. them today’s curricula. Another helpful in North Carolina, all of when a drought gets too bad, the collapse of the once-prolific was at fault.

Farmers like Cox, though, tool would be to give careful consideration That was one lawsuit in de- in part to protect water levels will get a chance to drill new oyster fishery in Florida’s Apalawhich will close unless to eliminating all classes/majors/minors cades of sprawling litigation in the Flint, where endangered the company changes its such as wells beginning in April. chicola Bay. containing the word “studies,” The state of Florida sued that mostly focused on the fear freshwater mussels live. New plans. Asian, black or queer studies. Gov. Brian Kemp announced women,

business & economy Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

FACTS

Big Lots conducts going-out-ofbusiness sales

Report: Effort to curb Chinese, Russian access to chips ‘inadequate’ A6

Approved Logos

north STA

VISUAL VOICES

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

After water war victory, Georgia will let Florida farmers drill new irrigation wells

I’d bet that by restoring the traditionalWednesday that Georgia’s Environmental Protection Diviacademic mission to colleges, they would THE ASSOCIATED PRESS put a serious dent into the COVID-19 sion will begin accepting applications for new agricultural budget shortfall. wells in areas along the lower Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University.

in 2013, arguing that Georgia’s overuse of water from the Flint was causing negative impacts downstream where the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers

that Atlanta’s ever-growing population would suck up all the upstream water and leave little for use downstream. The suits include the Apalachico-

wells will also be required to be connected to irrigation systems that waste less water and can

See WATER, page A11

A10

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

Grubhub to pay $25M in deceptive practices settlement Springfield, Ill. Grubhub Inc. will pay $25 million to settle a dispute over alleged deceptive business practices with the Illinois attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul said Tuesday that consumer complaints prompted the investigation with the FTC. Chicago-based Grubhub is an online food ordering and delivery platform which uses contract drivers to make deliveries. Raoul and FTC chairperson Lina Khan said Grubhub misled customers about delivery costs and the benefits of a Grubhub subscription, deceived drivers about the amount of money they could make and listed restaurants without their knowledge or consent.

DOJ files complaint against CVS for opioid sales Woonsocket, R.I. The Justice Department has unsealed a civil complaint alleging CVS Pharmacy Inc. and various subsidiaries filled unlawful prescriptions in violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act. Last Wednesday’s complaint also alleges CVS sought reimbursement from federal health care programs for unlawful prescriptions in violation of the False Claims Act. CVS is the largest pharmacy chain in the U.S..

Amazon investing $10B in Ohio data centers Columbus, Ohio Amazon Web Services will invest another $10 billion to bolster its data center infrastructure in Ohio. The company and Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced the plan last Monday. The new investment will boost the amount it has committed to spending in Ohio by the end of 2029 to more than $23 billion.

AWS launched its first data centers in the state in 2016. It currently operates campuses in two counties in central Ohio. The new investment will allow AWS to expand its data centers to new sites across the state, but the company says those locations have not been determined yet.

EPA grants Calif. new gas cars ban by 2035 The action faces reversal

by President-elect Donald Trump

By Matthew Daly The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Environmental Protection Agency last Wednesday granted two requests from California to enforce strict standards for vehicle emissions, including a rule aimed at banning sales of new gasoline-powered cars in the state by 2035. The incoming Trump administration is likely to try to reverse the action.

The California rule is stricter than a federal rule adopted this year that tightens emissions standards but does not require the sale of electric vehicles.

The EPA said its review found that opponents of the two waivers did not meet their legal burden to show how either the EV rule or a separate measure on heavy-duty vehicles was inconsistent with the federal Clean Air Act. “California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. “Today’s actions follow through on EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change.”

The new waiver is important not only to California but to more than a dozen other states that follow its nation-leading standards on vehicle emissions.

Even so, the waiver is likely to be short-lived. President-elect Donald Trump has said he will move to revoke all California waivers as part of an industry-friendly approach that includes boosting production of fossil fuels and repealing key parts of a landmark 2022 climate law.

Trump rescinded California’s authority on emissions in 2019, only to be reversed three years later by the Biden EPA, which restored the state’s authority in 2022.

KEVIN WOLF / AP PHOTO

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan granted requests from California to enforce strict standards for vehicle emissions.

Any effort by the new administration is likely to spawn a new set of legal challenges that could delay any action.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who often touts California’s leadership on climate policy, said the EPA’s approval of the advanced clean-cars rule was a vote of confidence in California’s accomplishments in “protecting our people by cleaning our air and cutting pollution.”

“Naysayers like President-elect Trump would prefer to side with the oil industry over consumers and American automakers, but California will continue fostering new innovations in the market,” Newsom said.

Ford, Honda, Volkswagen and other major automakers are meeting current California emission standards, but some major car companies questioned the latest EPA waiver.

Most of the Democratic-leaning states that have adopted California’s rules — clustered along the West Coast and in the Northeast — are not selling anywhere near the 35% level of EV sales required next year and are unlikely to meet the 2035 target of 100% EV sales, according to the Alliance for Automo-

tive Innovation, a large industry group.

“Achieving the sales mandates under current market realities will take a miracle. There needs to be balance and some states should exit the (California) program,’’ said John Bozzella, the group’s CEO. Automakers are producing electric vehicles, Bozzella said, “but there’s a huge gap between these EV sales mandates and a customer’s reasonable expectation they can still choose what kind of vehicle to drive.” He expects Trump to revoke the California waiver next year.

Scott Vazin, a spokesman for Toyota in North America, said approval of the California waiver “will distort the auto industry as companies funnel zero-emission vehicles to the states that have adopted California’s rules.”

If a customer in a state that follows California can’t afford an EV “or it doesn’t meet their needs, there may not be a nonelectric vehicle on the lot to purchase for their mobility needs,’’ Vazin said.

Environmental groups hailed the Biden administration’s action.

“EPA’s approval is a criti-

Musk considers funding Farage’s populist party The move could shake up U.K. politics

By Jill Lawless The Associated Press

Applications for unemployment benefits down Washington, D.C. The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell markedly last week following a big increase the week before. Jobless claim applications declined by 22,000 to 220,000 for the week of Dec. 14, the Labor Department reported last Thursday. That’s fewer than the 229,000 analysts were forecasting. Continuing claims, the total number of Americans collecting jobless benefits, fell by 5,000 to 1.87 million for the week of Dec. 7. That was also fewer than analysts had projected. The four-week average of weekly claims, which quiets some of the week-to-week volatility, rose by 1,250 to 225,500.

NCDOT CASH REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING DEC.19

Beginning Cash

$2,495,954,667 Receipts

$130,158,708 Disbursements

$171,396,918 Cash Balance

$2,454,774,127

cal step forward in protecting our lungs from pollution and our wallets from the expenses of combustion fuels,” said Paul Cort, director of Earthjustice’s Right To Zero campaign. “The gradual shift in car sales to zero-emissions models will cut smog and household costs while growing California’s clean energy workforce.”

Kathy Harris, director of clean vehicles at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the decision shows respect for California and other states.

“California decided that transitioning to cleaner, zero-emission vehicles is the best way to address the unique (air pollution) burdens it faces,” she said.

“This is exactly how our system of federalism should work.

If other states don’t like California’s approach, they don’t need to follow it. But no one should object to the longstanding authority of states to act to protect their residents.”

The EPA’s action comes as the Supreme Court said last week that it will take up a business-backed appeal challenging an earlier California waiver issued by the Biden administration.

LONDON — It’s a photo that sent a tremor through British politics: Elon Musk flanked by British politician Nigel Farage and a wealthy backer in front of a gilt-framed painting of a young Donald Trump.

Taken this week at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, the image suggested that Musk, a key player in the incoming U.S. administration, could soon turn his disruptive attention to the U.K. Farage, Trump’s highest-profile British champion, confirmed talks are underway about Musk making a hefty donation to Farage’s party Reform U.K. The Times of London reported it could be as much as 100 million pounds ($127 million), which would be far and away the largest political donation in U.K. history.

The reports have sparked calls for Britain’s rules on political donations to be tightened — quickly.

“We did discuss money,” Farage told broadcaster GB News after the meeting with Musk. “That’s a negotiation we will go back and have again. He is not against giving us money.

He hasn’t fully decided whether he will.”

Britain has strict limits on how much political parties can spend on elections, but they can accept unlimited donations as long as the donors are U.K. voters or companies registered in Britain. Musk’s social network X has a British arm, Twitter U.K. Ltd., with a registered address in London.

Critics say that is a loophole that allows foreign influence in U.K. politics. The voting watchdog the Electoral Com-

YUKI IWAMURA / AP PHOTO

Reform U.K. leader Nigel Farage confirmed talks are underway about Elon Musk making a hefty donation to his party. mission is calling for changes, including limiting the amount a company can donate so that it can’t put in more money than it earns in Britain.

“It’s crucial that U.K. voters have trust in the financing of our political system,” the commission’s chief executive Vijay Rangarajan told The Guardian. “The system needs strengthening, and we have been calling for changes to the law since 2013, to protect the electoral system from foreign interference.”

Britain’s center-left Labour Party pledged during the summer election campaign to tighten the rules on political donations, though legislation is not scheduled in the coming year. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesman, Dave Pares, said Wednesday that work is already underway to “reinforce existing safeguards” against “impermissible proxy donations.”

Both the Labour govern-

ment and the right-of-center opposition Conservatives are trying to figure out how to deal with Musk, who has taken a keen interest in the U.K. — and seemingly formed a strong dislike for Starmer.

Musk often posts on X about the U.K., retweeting criticism of Starmer and the hashtag TwoTierKeir — shorthand for an unsubstantiated claim that Britain has “two-tier policing,” with far-right protesters treated more harshly than pro-Palestinian or Black Lives Matter demonstrators. Musk has compared British attempts to weed out online misinformation to the Soviet Union, and during summer anti-immigrant violence across the U.K. tweeted that “civil war is inevitable.”

Farage has echoed some of those themes in his own social media output and his party’s anti-“woke” agenda, which includes pledges to slash immigration, scrap green-energy targets and leave the European

Convention on Human Rights.

Founded in 2021, Reform U.K. is the latest in a string of small hard-right parties led

by Farage that have had limited electoral success but an outsized influence on British politics. Farage’s opposition to the European Union helped push the country toward voting in 2016 to leave the bloc, a seismic political and economic break with the U.K.’s nearest neighbors.

Reform U.K. won just five of the 650 seats in the House of Commons in July’s election but came second in dozens more and secured 14% of the vote. Now it is pushing for fast growth, trying to professionalize its previously ramshackle organization and holding gatherings around the U.K. to recruit new members.

Farage, a strong communicator who has embraced TikTok and other platforms, aims to emulate Trump’s success in using the power of personality and social media to reach the “bro vote” — young men traditionally less likely to turn out at election time.

Farage told GB News that Musk has “already given me considerable help — understanding the process from start to finish, reaching disaffected communities who frankly feel there’s no point voting for anybody.”

The electoral power of social media was on display recently in Romania, where far-right candidate Călin Georgescu came from nowhere to win the first round of the presidential election in November, aided in part by a flood of TikTok videos promoting his campaign.

Amid allegations that Russia had organized the social media campaign to back Georgescu, Romania’s Constitutional Court canceled the presidential election runoff two days before it was due to take place.

A11

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

WATER from page A9 be monitored electronically, according to a November presentation posted by the environmental agency.

In a statement, Cown said the plans “support existing water users, including farmers, and set the stage to make room for new ones. We look forward to working with all water users as they obtain these newly, developed permits.”

Georgia had already been taking baby steps in this direction by

crops but said data he’s seen show there wouldn’t have been many days over the last 10 years when he would have been barred from irrigating, and that most of those days wouldn’t have been during peak watering times for his crops.

Three years ago, Cox drilled a well for some land into a deeper aquifer, but he said even spending $30,000 or more on a shallower well would boost the productivity and value of his land.

“It would enhance my property if I had a well myself,” Cox said.

telling farmers they could withdraw water to spray vulnerable crops like blueberries during freezing temperatures.

Flint Riverkeeper Gordon Rogers, who heads the environmental organization of the same name, said Georgia’s action is “good news.” He has long contended that the ban on new withdrawals was “an admission of failure,” showing how Georgia had mismanaged water use along the river. But he said investments in conservation are paying off: Many farmers are

installing less wasteful irrigators, and some agreed to stop using existing shallow wells during drought in exchange for subsidies to drill wells to deeper aquifers that don’t directly influence river flow.

“What we’re going to do is make it more efficient, make it more equitable and make it fairer,” Rogers said. “And we’re in the middle of doing that.”

A lawyer for Florida environmental groups that contend the Apalachicola River and Bay are being harmed declined to com-

ment in an email. Representatives for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and state Attorney General Ashley Moody did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Cox, who lives about 165 miles south of Atlanta, said he’s interested in drilling a new well on some land he owns. Right now, that land relies on water from a neighboring farmer’s well.

He knows the drought restrictions would mean there would be times he couldn’t water his

CABARRUS COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF: Determination of Ownership of Surplus Funds Paid to the Clerk of Court in Special Proceeding, 16 CVD 3465 STEPHEN LONGSTREET, JR.; and ANGELA LONGSTREET, Petitioners, vs.

THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, Creditor; SHANE LONGSTREET; and MARK D. BARDILL, Commissioner,

Respondents.

Shane Longstreet Formerly of 918 Bostwood Lane Concord, NC 28025 Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Plaintiff in the above entitled action has filed on August 19, 2024, a Petition for

HUTCHENS LAW FIRM Payment of Surplus Funds, Affidavit and BY: ________________________________ Affidavit of Title for surplus funds. ____ JOHN A. MANDULAK

Attorney for Plaintiff You are required to make defense to such

4317 Ramsey Street pleading no later than January 28, 2025, or

Post Office Box 40 days from December 19, 2024, said date 2505 being the date of first publication notice and Fayetteville, NC upon your failure to do so the party seeking 28302 service against you will apply to the Court for

Telephone: (910) the relief sought.

864-6888 This the 12th day of December, 2024.

county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 8, 2025 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 88, HARRISBURG TOWN CENTER RESIDENTIAL MAP 4, AS SHOWN ON MAP RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 42, PAGE 3, CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 3822 Carl Parmer Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075.

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.

Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are George Loring Carlson Jr. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties

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

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

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

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the 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 File No.: 24-22204-FC01

auction at the usual place of sale at the Cabarrus County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 8, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Robert G. Hartsell, dated October 24, 2003 to secure the original principal amount of $78,989.89, and recorded in Book 4951 at Page 333 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 820 Waterbury Rd, Midland, NC 28107 Tax Parcel ID: 5533828380000 The Present Record Owners: Estate of Robert G. Hartsell, Jr. The record owner(s) of the property,

according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Robert G. Hartsell, Jr. 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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 December 12, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

55298330490000 ADDRESS: 3036 PARADE LN SW CONCORD, NC 28025 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ELIZABETH N. DAVIDSON, DECEASED THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF CABARRUS, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 9898, PAGE 15 AS FOLLOWS: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE CITY OF CONCORD, NUMBER ELEVEN (11) TOWNSHIP, CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

30490000 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.

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 HAVE 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. Samantha J. Kelley ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee P.O. Box 160 Jacksonville, NC 28541-0160 Telephone: (470) 321-7112

Deeds, is/are Estate of James Fitzgerald C/O Shirley Ford, administrator and Norma Fitzgerald and Kenneth Fitzgerald and Mary Williams and Heirs of Ernest Fitzgerald and Herlena Fitzgerald and Charlie E Fitzgerald and Unknown Heirs of James R. Fitzgerald and Subrana B Thompson.

unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law.

After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid.

The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

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.

TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS

BY PUBLICATION IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24 SP 430 NORTH CAROLINA

24SP000446-120 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CABARRUS COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by George Loring Carlson, Jr. to Heather Lovier, Trustee(s), which was dated February 22, 2022 and recorded on February 24, 2022 in Book 15869 at Page 0124, Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina.

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

23-116550 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 23sp000559-120 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ROBERT G. HARTSELL DATED OCTOBER 24, 2003 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4951 AT PAGE 333 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 24SP000349-120 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed

by ELIZABETH N. DAVIDSON DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2012 IN THE AMOUNT OF $93,800.00 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 9898 AT PAGE 15 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA, by Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, in Book 16987, Page 0158, 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 Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on January 8, 2025 at 11:00am, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S):

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 23SP000595-120 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CABARRUS IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JAMES R. FITZGERALD DATED MAY 3, 2001 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 3221, AT PAGE 351 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the

CUMBERLAND 24SP000761-250 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH COUNTY

CAROLINA,

CUMBERLAND

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Max B Lucas a/k/a Max Lucas to Adam B. Newman, Trustee(s), which was dated May 18, 2021 and recorded on May 19, 2021 in Book 11127 at Page 0756, 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

LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF CONCORD, NUMBER ELEVEN (11) TOWNSHIP, CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND BEING ALL OF LOT NUMBER ONE HUNDRED FIVE (105) OF SOUTHERN CHASE AS SURVEYED AND PLATTED, A COPY OF WHICH PLAT IS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR CABARRUS COUNTY IN MAP BOOK 31, PAGE 65, TO WHICH MAP BOOK AND PAGE REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION THEREOF BY METES AND BOUNDS. ASSESSOR’S

PARCEL

NO:

5529

83

Cabarrus County courthouse at 1:00 PM on December 30, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by James R. Fitzgerald, dated May 3, 2001 to secure the original principal amount of $59,160.00, and recorded in Book No. 3221, at Page 351 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry.

The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

TO:

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

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

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be

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 January 8, 2025 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 16, Block “L” in a subdivision known as Cottonade Section Four, according to the plat of the same duly recorded in Plat Book 27, Page 46, Cumberland County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 6421 Newcastle Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303.

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.

Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are American Dream Stays LLC. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor

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

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this

Address of property: 212 Shannon Dr, Concord, NC 28025 Tax Parcel ID: 56208308870000

23-116550

The date of this Notice is 4th day of December, 2024.

Grady I. Ingle, Attorney for Substitute Trustee Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717 Ingle Case Number: 22471-35010

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 File No.: 24-25618-FC01

A12

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND 24SP000494-250 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH COUNTY

CAROLINA,

CUMBERLAND

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Natasha S. Hollingsworth and Wilfred D. Hollingsworth Jr. to Patricia A. Sherwood and Jack Hampton Lane Jr., Trustee(s), which was dated June 28, 2019 and recorded on June 28, 2019 in Book 10532 at Page 372, 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 24SP001862-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MARY B. MCMILLIAN DATED APRIL 30, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7574 AT PAGE 442 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 22sp001018-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WENDELL GLOVER AND SELMA GLOVER DATED AUGUST 11, 1995 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4354 AT PAGE 777 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 24SP000576-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed

by SYLVIA CROSSLEY DATED DECEMBER 26, 2006 IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,750.00 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7464 AT PAGE 331 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA,

by Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Cumberland County, North Carolina, in Book 12004, Page 0505, 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 Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on December 30, 2024 at 11:00am and will sell to

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 23sp995 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ZACHARY L. JOHNSON DATED DECEMBER 20, 2017 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 10226 AT PAGE 132 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 654 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Anthony D. McNeill and Charity B. McNeill (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Anthony D. McNeill and Charity B. McNeill) to Lynde Seldon, Trustee(s), dated November 9, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 10201, at Page 236 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 December 30, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Eastover in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

Being all of Lot 480, in a subdivision known as HARRIS PLACE, SECTION TWO, PHASE TWO, according to a plat of the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 102, Page 34, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 820 Zadock Drive, 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. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Wilfred Hollingsworth and

spouse Natasha Hollingsworth.

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.

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

conducting the sale, or their agent”.

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the 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 File No.: 24-15774-FC01

sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 10:30AM on January 6, 2025, 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 Mary B. McMillian, dated April 30, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $78,463.91, and recorded in Book 7574 at Page 442 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: 4414 Cameo Court, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Tax Parcel ID: 0520-60-5627 Present Record Owners: Mary B. McMillian

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Mary B. McMillian.

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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 December 10, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

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 January 6, 2025, 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 Wendell Glover and Selma Glover, dated August 11, 1995 to secure the original principal amount of $53,571.00, and recorded in Book 4354 at Page 777 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.

6545 Address of property: Celestial Pine Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348 Tax Parcel ID: 0432-51-0493 Wendell Present Record Owners:

Leroy Glover The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Wendell Leroy Glover.

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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 December 10, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 0406-13-7198 ADDRESS: 6435 WORTHINGTON DRIVE FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28304 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): UNKNOWN HEIRS OF SYLVIA CROSSLEY THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 7464, PAGE 331 AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT NUMBER 9 OF THE TYSOR PROPERTY, PROPERTY OF BROADWELL LAND COMPANY SUBDIVISION, AND THE SAME BEING DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 49 AT PAGE 68, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. PARCEL ID: 0406-13-7198 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.

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 HAVE 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. Samantha J. Kelley ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee P.O. Box 160 Jacksonville, NC 28541-0160 Telephone: (470) 321-7112

place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 7, 2025, 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 Zachary L. Johnson, dated December 20, 2017 to secure the original principal amount of $121,300.00, and recorded in Book 10226 at Page 132 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: 4430 Trimble Ln, Fayetteville, NC 28312 Tax Parcel ID: 0475-25-1435 Present Record Owners: The Estate of Zachary L. Johnson The record owner(s) of the property,

according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Zachary L. Johnson.

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required

from the highest bidder and must be tendered 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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 October 30, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

3631 Wind Sock Ct, Eastover, NC 28312 0468-76-8484 TRACT ONE: BEING all of Lot 45-5 as shown on a plat entitled “RECOMBINATON PLAT FOR EASTOVER AIR RANCH” duly recorded in Plat Book 117, Page 172, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry.

TRACT TWO: BEGINNING at an iron stake set in the western margin of the Eastover Air Ranch Homeowners Association, (Air Run Way), as shown in Deed Book 4410 Page 462 and in Plat Book 89, Page 158 of the Cumberland County Registry; Said iron stake set being located N 36 degrees 07” 16” E 51.14 feet from an existing iron pipe located at the Southeast corner of Lot # 42-5, as shown on plat entitled “Recombination Survey for John Wesley Bowen, III and Amy Michele Bowen” and being recorded in Plat Book 109, Page 151 of the Cumberland County Registry; And runs thence from said beginning iron stake with a new line N 61 degrees 23’ 10” E 16.72 feet to an iron stake set; thence N 28 degrees 36’ 59” W 7.89 feet to an iron stake set in the western margin of the Eastover Air Ranch Homeowners Association, (Air Run Way); thence S 36 degrees 07’ 16” W 18.49 feet to the point of beginning and containing 66 square feet.

The above tract being shown on plat entitled “Recombination Survey for John Wesley Bowen, III and Amy Michele Bowen” and being recorded in Plat Book 109, Page 151 of the Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3631 Wind Sock Court, Eastover, 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.

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 January 8, 2025 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:

24-118899

21-112134

23-116846

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: 2319 - 5229

2024’s top newcomer: Sports betting, B2 North State Journal’s 2024 Play of the Year: NC State guard Michael O’Connell (12) shoots over Virginia guard Isaac McKneely (11) to tie the game 58-58. State would win in overtime and continue their postseason run for another five wins, reaching the Final Four.

NICK WASS / AP PHOTO

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

2024 PLAY OF THE YEAR

Michael O’Connell’s shot saves NC State’s season

Wake Forest hires Washington State’s Dickert as next football coach Winston-Salem Wake Forest hired Washington State’s Jake Dickert to become the Demon Deacons’ next football coach.

The school announced the move two days after Dave Clawson resigned unexpectedly following 11 seasons that included regular bowl bids and an Atlantic Coast Conference division title. Dickert has guided the Cougars to 20 wins in three full seasons since taking over that program after a stint as the interim coach in 2021.

UCF hires Grinch as its defensive coordinator Orlando, Fla. Alex Grinch is a defensive coordinator again as he joins new UCF coach Scott Frost’s staff after spending this season coaching Wisconsin’s safeties. Grinch previously worked as a defensive coordinator at Washington State (2015-17), Oklahoma (2019-21) and Southern California (2022-23). Grinch was a safeties coach and co‑defensive coordinator at Ohio State in 2018. He was a two-time semifinalist for the Broyles Award given to college football’s top assistant coach.

NASCAR

23XI, Front Row can compete in 2025 as chartered teams in legal victory Charlotte The two teams suing NASCAR over an antitrust complaint were granted a preliminary injunction allowing them to compete as chartered teams in the 2025 season. 23XI Racing, owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and threetime Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign take-it-or-leave it revenue sharing offers from NASCAR just before the start of the playoffs.

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

NICK WASS / AP PHOTO

NC State guard Michael O’Connell (12) celebrates with teammates after defeating Virginia in overtime in the ACC Tournament semifinals.

WHEN THE CLOCK hits zero and the horn sounds, the ball is not visible.

Michael O’Connell’s desperation heave as time runs out on NC State’s season had such a steep trajectory that the ball arced out of the top margin of the TV broadcast picture.

By the time it appears, an instant later, falling as if dropped from the rafters, O’Connell is leaning to his right, trying to will the ball in with his body. A few steps away, coach Kevin Keatts leans way back, following the ball’s descent, wondering if his tenure as Wolfpack coach is

over or has at least five minutes left.

The Wolfpack’s run had already been improbable and would be talked about for years to come. They arrived in D.C. losers of four straight, by an average of nearly 10 points.

The season was over. State was 17-14, in 10th place in the ACC. Dennis Parker Jr., who had played in 29 of State’s 31 games, was not suiting up for the tournament due to illness.

Big man Mohamed Diarra was fasting until sundown each day in observation of the holy month of Ramadan. By all accounts, it would be a short stay at the conference tourney, and then Keatts, who had made the NCAA Tournament just once in his time as State coach, would be dismissed.

State gave itself a stay of execution, beating league doormat Louisville on the tournament’s first day, then scoring a mild upset over Syracuse the following See PLAY, page B4

2024 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Sharpshooting Curry owns Olympic stage Four-time NBA champion Steph Curry added yet another piece of hardware to an already illustrious career this summer in Paris

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal NORTH CAROLINA’S own Steph Curry had perhaps one of the greatest performances in sports this year.

The four-time NBA champion added perhaps the final piece to his Hall of Fame career as he helped lead Team USA to yet another gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer.

“It’s special,” Curry said in an interview with NBC Sports following the championship game. “Two years ago, when we won our last championship, I knew this was going to be on the horizon as something that I was excited to go after. Anything you sign up for, any mission that you take on, you give everything you have. For me to get a gold medal is insane, and I thank God for the opportunity to experience it.”

Shockingly, these past Olym-

MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO

Team USA’ Stephen Curry reacts after a 3-point basket helped put France to sleep in the men’s gold medal basketball game at the Summer Olympics. pics were Curry’s first. He was passed over in 2012 — just his third year in the league — and he withdrew from consideration in 2016 due to health concerns and 2020 due to the pandemic.

And with Curry set to be 40 when the 2028 cycle came around, this was perhaps his last chance to go for gold.

“I’ve been imagining what this will feel like forever, really,” Curry said in his first press conference in Paris.

With four NBA MVPs on the roster, the U.S. Nation-

al Team was very reminiscent of the Dream Team of old as the world’s greatest shooter teamed up with some of the other greatest talent of the era such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant to help America capture its fifth consecutive gold in men’s basketball.

“You compete against guys and (Durant and I) have history as teammates and have won at a high level,’ Curry said. “First is just the respect of what everyone has done in their careers. When you compete against people, play with

them and see them in different aspects throughout your NBA journey, you learn a lot about people. And that familiarity only helps us in this situation because you know everybody is going to approach it the right way, prepare themselves mentally and physically to hoop, and come in with the right energy just trying to win.”

While Curry was a solid player early on in the tournament, it was the end where he really shined.

In the final two games against Serbia and France, Curry ended with 60 points, shooting 17 for 26 from beyond the arc.

The Americans almost didn’t even make it to the gold medal match as during the semifinals, they were staring down a 17-point deficit to Nikola Jokic and the Serbians.

But Curry wasn’t going to be denied. On top of nailing the go-ahead 3 that night, his 36-point performance was the second most ever by a U.S. men’s player in Olympic history.

“That was one of the best games I’ve ever been a part of,” See CURRY, page B4

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

2024 NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Legalized sports gambling makes splash in NC The industry arrived in N.C. in March and quickly became part of the state’s sports fabric

By Shawn Krest North State Journal IT WAS the perfect storm.

Sports betting became legal in North Carolina on March 11, the day before March Madness began with the tipoff of the ACC Tournament.

Yes, Gov. Roy Cooper placed the state’s first bet, on the Carolina Hurricanes, and lost. Yes, the Hornets played on the evening of the 11th, and lost. And yes, Davidson played in the A-10 Tournament earlier in the day on the 12th, and lost. But school teachers never borrowed the television cart from the library so the class could watch the Hornets or the A-10.

The ACC was college basketball in North Carolina, even when it’s tournament was being held in Washington, D.C., and college basketball is sports in North Carolina.

So if a fan, flush with hundreds of dollars worth of free bets from creating an account with an online sports book or seven, placed a $100 moneyline bet on the first of the state’s teams to tip off in the ACC Tournament, they’ve have won about $20 profit when NC State beat Louisville.

They would be literally playing with free house money, so why not let it ride and keep playing the State moneyline until the Wolfpack’s run was done? State would, of course, go on to pull upsets over Syracuse, Duke, Virginia and UNC over the next four days, which would have turned that initial $100 into $16,800. By the time the Pack cut down the nets to

ERIK VERDUZCO / AP PHOTO

The DraftKings Bubba Wallace Cup Series car is displayed outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame during an event celebrating the launch of mobile and online sports wagering across North Carolina on March 11. reach the Final Four, that $100 wager would have turned into $725,000.

Now, it’s unlikely that the sports books would have taken such large bets with a new customer, so getting nearly three-quarters of a million dollars from a $100 bet probably didn’t happen for any North Carolinians. But if someone had kept betting $100 on NC State and pocketing the profit, they’d have pulled in $1,833 over the month.

FanDuel, Draft Kings and the rest of the online sports books couldn’t have imagined a better promotional offer to start the gambling era in the state than to have a popular, scrappy underdog go on a once-in-alifetime run, and many North Carolinians spent the rest of the

$725,000 Value of a $100 moneyline bet on NC State after the Pack won the ACC Tournament and made the Final Four year making bets off of that initial boost to the bankroll that State’s run provided.

Much like a rivalry game between Big Four teams, sports gambling’s much-anticipated debut in North Carolina more than lived up to the hype. That’s what made the legalization of it our Newcomer of the Year for 2024.

It also should give the state the industry’s rookie of the year

award. North Carolinians wagered $456 million of their own money, to go with $202 million in promotional cash, in the last 21 days of March. By November, that figure was still over $650 million, but the introductory offers were over, and $638 million came from paid wagers. That figure has increased in each of the last five months. For the year heading into December, North Carolina had bet $4.35 billion of their own money and a total handle (including promotions) of $4.79 billion. The state is on pace to top $5 billion for the year, which would have ranked it fourth in the U.S. last year, ahead of New York.

Of course, it’s the oldest adage in the state’s newest industry: The house always wins.

State’s run ended in the Final

Four, and it provided a windfall to the sports books. According to the New York Daily News, nationally, 93% of all moneyline bettors on the NC State-Purdue game in the Final Four picked the Wolfpack — and lost. About three-quarters of all point spread bettors also took the Pack — and lost.

Still, thanks to State’s run of upsets, there were fans in Glendale, Arizona, that day who financed their trip to watch the Pack in the Final Four with their gambling winnings.

Despite the initial hit to the sports books from State’s success, North Carolina bettors have consistently lost, creating $547 million in revenue.

While there are legitimate concerns about North Carolinians losing more than $50 million a month gambling, the extra tax revenue from the new industry will put more than $30 million into North Carolina’s coffers this year. It also provides extra revenue to the athletics departments of the state’s schools.

Despite the concerns over problem gambling and other moral issues — such as the potential for game fixing — associated with sports betting, the industry’s growth is accelerating.

In March, North Carolina was the 30th state to become legal.

That number is now up to 38.

While the sports establishment used to consider gambling the one unforgivable offense, most of the state’s teams and venues have partnered with a sports book. That includes the Panthers, Hurricanes, Hornets, NASCAR, Charlotte Motor Speedway, the PGA and a host of golf courses.

It appears that sports gambling is here to stay, thanks in part to a big opening push from one of the madder Marches in recent memory.

2024 COLLEGE TEAM OF THE YEAR

Wolfpack silence the doubters in Final Four run

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal AFTER FINISHING its 2022-23 campaign 20-12, including being upset by Princeton in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the NC State women’s basketball team entered the 2023-24 season unranked.

“Last year we were probably a little bit more inconsistent than we’re used to,” NC State coach Wes Moore said at the 2023 ACC Tip-off prior to last season. “I like rides, but a roller coaster’s not one of them.”

Another tough road to the Big Dance with powerhouses and a grueling ACC slate as obstacles lied in the Wolfpack’s horizon the following season.

This time, however, the ride encountered fewer bumps and a smoother finish in NC State’s second ever Final Four appearance, earning the Wolfpack NSJ’s honors as the 2024 College Team of the Year.

Throughout last season, NC State had to beat the giants to become one.

In just the second game of the regular season, the Wolfpack hosted No. 2 UConn after taking a 91-69 beating from the Huskies at their place the year before.

NC State had its hands full with star guard Paige Bueckers and forward Aaliyah Edwards pouring in 27 and 21 points, respectively, but they were no match for guard Saniya Rivers, who broke out for a career-high 33 points in the Wolfpack’s 92-81 win. The Wolfpack also received double-digit scoring outputs from Aziaha James, Madison Hayes and Zoe Brooks, showcasing their depth and a preview of the team’s full potential.

Proving the win over UConn wasn’t a fluke, or just another up-and-down roller coaster of Moore’s fears, NC State took on a hot No. 3 Colorado squad at the Paradise Jam on Nov. 25, 2023, and won in

NC State guard Madison Hayes, left, talks with forward Mimi Collins as they celebrate after the Wolfpack beat Texas to reach the Women’s Final Four.

JENNY KANE / AP PHOTO

a statement fashion 78-60. The Wolfpack jumped out to a 22-6 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, as it was graduate forward River Baldwin who led the way with 24 points.

“We’ve been underestimated because nobody knew what to think of us coming into this year,” Baldwin said after the win over the Buffaloes. “We’re just here to prove everybody wrong.”

“Everybody” definitely applied to the AP poll voters. The Monday after the win over Colorado, the Wolfpack jumped from being the No. 10 team in the county to No. 5.

Throughout its regular season ACC slate, NC State picked up five more wins over ranked opponents, including two overtime wins over No. 22 Flori-

da State and No. 19 Syracuse, and victories over No. 24 UNC, No. 15 Louisville and No. 16 Notre Dame.

The Wolfpack finished the regular season second in the ACC after being predicted to finish eighth. NC State fell to Notre Dame in the conference tournament final, but it earned the third seed in a stacked Portland 4 bracket in the NCAA Tournament.

Placed in a bracket featuring top-seeded Texas, the Big 12 Conference Tournament champion, second-seeded Stanford, sixth-seeded Tennessee and seventh-seeded Iowa State, NC State once again had a tough mountain to climb if it wanted to make a deep run.

In the 79-72 second round win over Tennessee, NC State

nearly gave up an 18-point halftime lead to Rickea Jackson and company, leading by just two with four minutes left to play. James provided some key fourth quarter buckets to keep the Wolfpack afloat, sending them on to their 16th Sweet 16 appearance.

NC State took care of Stanford 77-67 after a 29-point performance from James and a defensive effort that held star forward Cameron Brink to just 13 points. That momentum carried into the 76-66 Elite Eight win over Texas in which James once again played out of her mind with seven made 3s and 27 points.

Now a well-proven and battle-tested team at that point, NC State just had to hurdle the largest obstacle of the season,

Dawn Staley and her undefeated South Carolina squad.

NC State ran step by step with the Gamecocks in the first half, trailing just 32-31 at halftime. However, the usual third quarter ambush from South Carolina got the best of the Wolfpack as they were outscored 29-6 coming out of the break.

The season ended in a 78‑59 loss to the eventual national champions and a 31-7 final record for the Wolfpack, but even in defeat, the 2023-24 season was a sweet one given it was everything little people thought it would be.

“We’ve had an unbelievable season,” Moore said after the Final Four loss. “I’m proud of these young ladies and the run we’ve been on.”

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

B3

2024 COACH OF THE YEAR

Duke’s Manny Diaz dominates all phases in debut season with Blue Devils

By Shawn Krest North State Journal WHEN DUKE hired Manny Diaz to replace Mike Elko, the decision was questioned in some circles. Most notably, the sports staff at a North Carolina newspaper, who like to think they know something about football, opined that the decision had the potential for disaster.

Replacing the plain-spoken, aw shucks Elko with Diaz, the son of a former mayor of Miami who learned the art of political charm growing up, seemed like a poor fit. Diaz, opined one writer who likes to think he’s clever, seemed like the type of coach who would use your first name three times in the first sentence he speaks after meeting you — clearly a departure from the lineage of Cutcliffe and Elko that rebuilt Duke football.

Consider this a retraction.

And an apology. And an announcement that Manny Diaz is the North State Journal’s 2024 Coach of the Year.

With a Gator Bowl matchup against Ole Miss still to play, Diaz has already topped Elko’s win total from last season — which earned him the Texas A&M head coaching job — and matched Elko’s winningest year at Duke. Cutcliffe only had two seasons with as many wins.

He’s matched the highest single-season win total of the stadium namesake — Hall of Famer Wallace Wade — and he’s won more games in a season than Steve Spurrier, Bill Murray or Eddie Cameron ever did.

With a win in the Gator Bowl, Diaz will give Duke just its second 10-win season ever.

Diaz did it with his specialty

LYNNE SLADKY / AP PHOTO

Duke head coach Manny Diaz watches during the second half of a game at Miami.

— defense. The longtime coordinator took over a D that was one of the league’s best under Elko and brought it to another level. Duke is second in the nation in tackles for loss and turnovers forced. The Blue Devils rank in the top five in fumbles recovered, sacks and blocked punts while leading the ACC in pass defense and red zone defense.

That doesn’t mean Diaz shirked the offense. Duke has an explosive big-play ability not seen in recent Blue Devils teams. Quarterback Maalik Murphy, brought in by Diaz via the transfer portal, set a team record for touchdown passes in a season.

Getting the talent is one

“We want everyone to come in and never rest laurels on what you’ve done in the past. The past doesn’t matter. What’ll you do in the future? Who are you today?”

Manny Diaz thing. Getting them to all play together is another thing entirely. Diaz’s Blue Devils showed a toughness and fight that were often the difference in winning and losing. Duke won six games by one score or

less, breaking an 86-year-old school record. The Blue Devils also tied a school record with four comeback wins after trailing in the fourth quarter or overtime.

“Our guys believe that’s our quarter,” Diaz said after one such win. “We can catch you.

You can’t catch us.”

The season-defining comeback was from 20-0 down against UNC — the largest second-half rally in school history.

“I told them at halftime, ‘We have a chance to do something legendary,’” Diaz said. “But it would require all of our belief in ourselves and each other. Especially since there wasn’t a lot of evidence in the first half that we were capable of that. … I

thought we could dominate the fourth quarter. I thought we got stronger as the game went on, and they went in the other direction.”

So Diaz can build tough teams with stout defenses and explosive offenses. He can win close games. There’s also the recruiting trail, and that’s where his slick, political side you might have read about comes in handy.

When Murphy left following the regular season to seek a better deal in the transfer portal, Diaz had his next quarterback on campus within days, and shortly after hanging out with the Cameron Crazies at a basketball game — a visit Diaz also made immediately after his hire — Tulane’s Darian Mensah signed on to replace Murphy.

Diaz also worked the traditional recruiting trail, signing a 27-man class in December that included a trio of four-star recruits — one he flipped from Clemson and another he beat out Penn State to sign. Diaz landed a class just outside of the national top 30 and the best of any North Carolina school.

By many measures, it might be the best signing day in Duke football history.

Of course, whether it’s signing day accolades, coach of the year awards or just proving a wisenheimer media critic wrong, don’t look for Diaz to dwell on his success.

“We want everyone to come in and never rest laurels on what you’ve done in the past.,” he said. “The past doesn’t matter. What’ll you do in the future? Doesn’t matter if you’re the quarterback, left guard or will linebacker. Who are you today?”

2024 PRO TEAM OF THE YEAR

Charlotte FC takes leap forward in third season

By Jesse Deal North State Journal WHILE THIS PAST year marked another series of disappointments for some North Carolina professional sports teams, the state’s newest pro squad managed to reel off its most successful season to date.

Charlotte FC took a step forward in its third campaign as first-year coach Dean Smith guided the club to a fifth-place spot in the Eastern Conference standings while securing a berth in the Major League Soccer Cup Playoffs.

Although The Crown’s postseason ended prematurely in the first round after a penalty shootout loss to Orlando City at the conclusion of a best-of-three series, Charlotte FC (14-11-9, 51 points) showed improvement in 2024 under its new coach, tallying a franchise-record 51 points and 46 goals scored.

The club jumped four spots in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, moving from ninth in 2023 to fifth this season, and finished second in the league with just 37 goals allowed.

In November, Croatian shotgoalie Kristijan Kahlina was named the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, marking the first time a Charlotte FC player had earned an individual year-end award.

The 32-year-old, who impressively garnered 121 saves and 12 shutouts during the season, signed a contract extension with the club a month prior, keeping him in the Queen City through the 2026 season with an option for 2027.

“All season, I think I played really, really good, on a high level,” Kahlina told reporters following the announcement of his award. “It’s incredible because who can say at the end of the last year that we would be one of the best defensive teams in MLS? The biggest change was Dean

KEVIN KOLCZYNSKI / AP PHOTO

Charlotte FC forward Karol Świderski, center, is congratulated by teammate forward Liel Abada (11) and midfielder Djibril Diani, left, after scoring against Orlando City during the first round MLS Cup playoff series.

Smith, who changed our style and how we played defensively.”

Kahlina was the only keeper in the MLS to rank top five in saves and goals against average (1.09), while also ranking top five in save percentage (75.63%) and minutes played (3,060).

Forwards Patrick Agyemang and Karol Swiderski also had strong showings for The Crown, with the former leading the club with 10 goals and the latter coming on late in the season to score seven of his own.

On the other side of the field, captain Ashley Westwood, defender Adilson Malanda, and midfielder Brandt Bronico — a 29-year-old former Charlotte 49er — each had their own moments of glory as they solidified one of the league’s top burgeoning defenses.

The club’s ability to regularly stop opposing offenses proved to be a defining feature that separated it from its previous two seasons.

Charlotte FC earned its first MLS Cup Playoffs berth in team history in 2023, but fell short in the wild card round to the New York Red Bulls. Former coach Christian Lattanzio was ultimately fired two weeks after the playoff loss, bringing on the Smith era as owner David Tepper signaled a change in the club’s direction.

After this recent season, Smith addressed the club’s supporters and thanked the fan base for providing a consistent presence in Bank of America Stadium, which ranked second in attendance within the MLS. “It’s been extraordinary,”

Smith said. “We’ve had what we believe is a really good season. Unfortunately, we didn’t get as far as we wanted to go in the playoffs, but your support has been tremendous for us and has driven us on. Kahlina getting the goalkeeper of the season is from the support of you. Us becoming the best defensive record in the Eastern Conference is also because of you all, so a massive thank you to all of you for season 2024.”

With expiring player contracts looming, options have been exercised and declined as the next incarnation of Charlotte FC shapes up during this offseason.

The club revealed last month that it had declined to make midfielder Pep Biel’s loan deal a permanent transfer, opening up a designated player spot for Char-

lotte’s winter window. It was an ambitious move that signals the club could be in the market for a superstar if it wants to gamble and go that route.

During the MLS SuperDraft 2025 on Dec. 20, teams selected 90 players from college soccer and other avenues. Charlotte drafted Connecticut defender Mikah Thomas with the ninth selection in Round 1, followed by Cornell defender Andrew Johnson in Round 2 (No. 47), and Mercer forward Barzee Blama in Round 3 (No. 77).

Charlotte FC is set to travel to Seattle to open the 2025 season against Seattle Sounders FC on Feb. 22, returning to Charlotte on March 1 against Eastern Conference rivals Atlanta United FC for their home opener.

B4

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

2024 COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Necas blossoming into true star for Hurricanes The Czech winger has been one of the league’s top scorers and a key piece for Carolina this season

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal DID ANYBODY see this type of season coming for Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas?

Through 31 games, the Czech winger was comfortably leading the Hurricanes in every scoring category with 14 goals and 44 points. Not only that, but he was also sitting seventh overall in total league scoring just behind former MVPs Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid.

Necas has been a prolific scorer for Carolina this season, already with multiple fourpoint nights and 14 multipoint games in total. His performances have left even his teammates speechless.

“Unreal. He’s ... no words.

No words,” said forward Jack Roslovic.

“He’s really hot and just a special player,” said forward and frequent linemate Eric Robinson.

“Oh my gosh, it’s unbelievable,” said goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov.

While teammates and Hurricanes fans alike have been able to savor Necas’ breakout season, the reality is that this emergence almost happened somewhere else entirely.

After a disappointing 2023‑24 campaign where the 2017 firstround pick had just 53 points in 77 games, the writing looked to be on the wall for the supposedly disgruntled Czech who seemed all but traded heading into the summer.

It was obvious the forward had talent, namely worldclass speed and skating ability, but it just seemed that all of the promising aspects of his game could never quite fall into place. Turnovers were prevalent and a lack of backchecking and defensive effort saw his overall impact crater when he wasn’t producing.

As the summer progressed, his return to Raleigh seemed

“He’s certainly driving the ship for us, there’s no doubt about it, pretty much on a nightly basis here.”

Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour on Martin Necas unlikely as reports surfaced that teams were calling on the speedy forward and that multiple times, things had progressed far enough that Necas had to be broached about possible extensions in other markets, but nothing ever got across the line.

And eventually, Carolina general manager Eric Tulsky and the Hurricanes’ front office agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with Necas — a contract that has immediately paid dividends for both sides.

“I always believed in myself,” Necas said. “When your whole team is playing good, your linemates, the power play’s clicking, then it’s way easier to get points.”

Necas was actually the first player in the NHL to 40 points this season, and that — along with a 13-game point streak — helped make him the NHL’s Player of the Month for November. He was just the sixth player in franchise history to earn that honor.

“Obviously when things are going your way, you’re in the zone,” Necas said. “That’s what I’m feeling, and I’m trying to get there and stay there as long as I can. Just like we talk about with consistency. Just try to bring it each night.”

If not for Necas, who through 31 games was on pace for 116 points — which would be the most ever by a player in a single season in franchise history — there’s no telling where the Hurricanes would be in the standings.

The team has had to wade through prevalent 5-on-5 scoring issues with several of its top players, but luckily for them, Necas has consistently stepped up.

“He’s certainly driving the ship for us, there’s no doubt about it, pretty much on a nightly basis here,” said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour. “Very, very good to see.

So what’s been different?

If you ask Necas, really not much other than another year of experience and maturity.

“Obviously it feels better than what I’ve been used to, but I’ve

always been confident in myself,” Necas said. “I have a great team and great linemates. I kind of figured out the way we play, built some chemistry and it’s been great. Same with the power play. It’s always fun to play this way.”

His coach doesn’t think there’s much difference either.

“I don’t think anybody could have expected the points, maybe, but you watch him play and he’s always stood out,” Brind’Amour said. “That always happened. Now we’re just getting a lot more standouts on goals and assists and things like that. Puck’s going in the net when he’s touching it. But the talent’s always been there, the skating ability, the kind of wild card factor when you watch him play. That’s always stood out.”

For Necas, the hot start is great, but it isn’t anything for him to hang his hat on just yet.

He’s talked at length about how there’s still plenty more season to go, including — most importantly — the playoffs.

“I want to be more of a leader,” Necas said. “I’m still pretty young, but not what I used to be. I feel like I have some experience now, and I’ve been with this group for a long time. We still have a tight core together, and I feel like we can do some special things. I feel like I can step up even more and continue to help this team.”

KARL B. DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (88) celebrates a goal with teammate Sebastian Aho during a November game against Dallas.

CURRY from page B1 Durant said. “Steph Curry, he had the best night out of anybody in the whole tournament.

It was so incredible to watch him knock down shots to keep us afloat. It was just a regular Steph game. It was God talking through him tonight.”

And as if that performance wasn’t enough, Curry stayed

PLAY from page B1 day. That earned the Wolfpack a date with Duke in the quarterfinals. The No. 11 Blue Devils had beaten the Pack by 15 at PNC Arena just 10 days earlier, but State pulled off a five-point upset win to earn a spot in school lore and live one day longer.

It was a fun run, but as any observer of ACC basketball over the last decade will attest, the University of Virginia was where fun went to die. The Cavaliers’ slow pace and excruciating defense ground down many an opponent, and, throughout the second half of their game, it appeared State would be the latest victim to UVA’s war of attrition. UVA led for 15 minutes and nine sec-

hot against France as he nailed shot after shot after shot.

Double team, off-the-dribble, nearly half-court. It didn’t matter, Curry was making everything.

“It’s right up there with all of the greatest games of his career,” Team USA and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr told NBC Sports following the gold medal win. “The

shot-making was just incredible. But under the circumstances — on the road, in Paris, against France, for a gold medal — this is storybook stuff.

But that’s what Steph does. He likes to be in storybooks.”

Curry finished the game with 24 points, all coming off of 3-pointers, and half came in the final 2:43 of the tense contest.

Not only did Curry score the game-sealing basket, but with just 35 seconds to go, Curry hit his final 3 and clasped his hands together on the side of his face, telling all of France that it was time to go “night, night.”

It was a fitting close for the greatest shooter of all time, one who has revolutionized the game as we know it, to deliver

a signature “Chef Curry” performance and finally add that final piece of hardware to an already illustrious career.

“That was an unbelievable moment,” Curry said. “I’ve been blessed to play basketball at a high level for a very long time. This ranks very, very high in terms of the excitement and the sense of relief getting to the finish line.”

onds of the second half, including from the 7:19 mark all the way until the final horn had sounded.

However, the game wasn’t over when the horn sounded.

The ball still had to fall from the sky.

Michael O’Connell’s arrival in that moment was a journey just as improbable as the rest of Wolfpack March. He originally committed to the University of Maryland coming out of high school — to play lacrosse.

He changed sports and time zones, playing basketball at Stanford instead, before transferring to State for his final year of eligibility.

“I’m still living it, so it’s hard to grasp the whole journey and what exactly has gone on,” he

said during State’s postseason run. “After the season is done, I’ll be able to sit back and look back on it and enjoy it. But right now it’s a little surreal, so it’s hard to put into words.”

UVA led, 58-55. Casey Morsell missed a potential game-tying 3 with 8 seconds left, and UVA got the rebound. O’Connell committed the desperation foul to send Virginia’s Isaac McKneely to the line. There were 5.3 seconds on the clock. A free throw would put the game out of reach.

He missed. Thanks to UVA’s glacial pace, State hadn’t committed enough fouls to put Virginia into the double bonus, so the ball was live after it caromed off the rim. Morsell grabbed

the rebound, dribbled once and passed to O’Connell, who was speeding up the left side of the court. He caught the pass two steps shy of midcourt. There were 3.9 seconds left.

He dribbled once, twice, then gave his UVA defender a crossover to create some space. The clock was at 1.1 seconds.

He went up, shot, and the ball disappeared. The horn sounded.

The red light behind the backboard lit up, signifying game over.

On the other side of the court, Jaden Taylor raised his hands to the sky as O’Connell released the shot, then slowly let them fall to his sides. In the middle of the floor, Morsell took two steps toward the basket to get in re-

bounding position, then stopped, realizing there was no time for second-chance points.

The ball smacked against the backboard, rolled around the rim, once, twice.

Then it fell in. O’Connell flexed. Keatts threw an air punch. Morsell jumped. Taylor slowly strolled back to the bench.

There was still an overtime to play, an ACC title to win the following day, and a Final Four to reach.

“I had a little space and room, and I just rose up and shot it,” O’Connell said. “It went in. When you let it go, you’re sitting there waiting for it to go in. You’re not thinking you’re going to miss.

“Definitely pretty cool I was able to keep winning alive.”

B5

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File# 24E2966 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County of Cumberland Administrator’s/Executor’s The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Johnny E. Wade, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 26th day of March, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first Publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 26th day of December, 2024.

Johnny R Poe Administrator /Executor 604 Mallard Drive Address Jacksonville, N. C. 28540 City, State, Zip Of the Estate of Johnny Eugene Wade, Deceased

NOTICE NORTH STATE JOURNAL NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA Cumberland County IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24E002872-250 Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Durney John Andrews, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Durney John Andrews to present them to the undersigned on or before the 26th day of March 2025 or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 19th day of December 2024.

Natasha Montgomery 12829 Valleyhill St. Woodbridge, VA 22192 Administrator of the Estate of Durney J. Andrews, deceased December 26th, 2024, and January 2nd, 9th, and 16th of 2025

NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE #2024-E-002826 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Elisabeth Piller Blakney, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 4916 Clinton Road, Fayetteville, NC, 28312, on or before March 25, 2025, 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. Dated this the 19th day of December 2024. Robin Black, Administrator of the Estate of Elisabeth Piller Blakney. Address 4916 Clinton Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND The undersigned, Catheryn Ann Baxley and Robert Durant Carver, having qualified as Co-Executor’s of the Estate of Dorothy L. Carver aka Dorothy Leggett Carver, Deceased , late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, herby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned in care of the undersigned’s Attorney at their address on or before March 6, 2025 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- named Co-Executor’s.

This the 5th day of December, 2024.

Catheryn Ann Baxley and Robert Durant Carver, CoExecutor’s Estate of Dorothy L. Carve aka Dorothy Leggett Carver Justin N. Plummer, Esq. Law Offices of Cheryl David 528 College rd.

Greensboro, NC 27410 Telephone:(336)547-9999 Facsimile:(336)547-9477 December 5,12, 19 and 26, 2024.

NOTICE Deborah Clayton has qualified as Administrator of the Estate of John David Clayton, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present their claims to the undersigned on or before 5th day of March, 2025, (which is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 5th day of December, 2024.

Deborah Clayton, Administrator 137 Cloud Avenue Hamlet, North Carolina 28345 Estate of John David Clayton

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In the General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 24E002833-250 Administrator’s/Executrix’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator/ Executrix of the Estate of Jeannette Faye Horne, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all Persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present a claim to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of March 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 2nd day of December 2024 Wendy Ann Rogers 6025 Kingsland Drive Fayetteville NC 28306 Of the Estate of Jeannette Faye Horne, Deceased

NOTICE Estate file # 24E002879-250 Having qualified as executor of the estate of Margaret Huss Martin, late of Cumberland 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 at 1464 Paisley Avenue, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28304 on or before March 5, 2025 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. Dated December 5, 2024.

Jonathan Martin executor of the estate of Margaret Huss Martin 1464 Paisley Avenue, Fayetteville North Carolina 28304

NOTICE

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County of Cumberland In The General Court Of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File # 24E002852-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of James A Jackson, Jr. deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before 19 day of March, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the cecedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 19 day of December, 2024.

Jennifer J. Arno Administrator/Executor 10403 Colliers Chapel Church Road Linden, NC 28356 Of the Estate of James A Jackson Jr., Deceased

All persons firms and corporations having claims against James Michael Rogers, deceased of Cumberland County, NC are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before March 19, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 19 day of December, 2024. Dalton Osborn Brunson, executor, 8014 Kalmia Lane, Hope Mills, NC 28348

NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Ina Jernigan Davis, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 19th day of March, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 10th of December, 2024.

Robert A. Davis, Executor of the Estate of Ina Jernigan Davis 244 Sowing Oak Drive San Marcos, TX 78666

NOTICE ESTATE OF IRIS WILLIAMS DARDEN Cumberland County, North Carolina Estate file # 24E002917-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Iris Williams Darden, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claims to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of March, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 12th day of December, 2024.

David Kenneth Darden, Jr., Executor 3983 Final Approach Drive Eastover, NC 28312 Of the Estate of Iris Williams Darden, Deceased

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County of Cumberland In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File#24EOO2877-250 ADMINISTRATOR’S/EXECUTORS NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Dorothy Joyce Livingston, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons,firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of March,2025(which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice)or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.This 13th day of December, 2024.

John ALAN LIVINGSTON 368 Windermere Drive Fayetteville, NC 28314 Of the Estate of Dorothy Joyce Livingston, Deceased.

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court Of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File# 24E1499 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undefined having qualified as Administrator of the estate of Jerome Hope Manning, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 19th day of March 2025 (which date is 3 months after the date of the first publication notice or this notice) will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 19th day of December 2024.

Natasha Manning – Administrator 705 Keystone Park Drive Unit 40 Morrisville, NC 27560 Of the Estate of Jerome Hope Manning, Deceased

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as the Administrator of the Estate of George Truitt Nunnery, decedent, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to present them to the Administrator named below on or before March 07th, 2024. Or, this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate, please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 5th day of December, 2024.

James Douglas Nunnery 5125 Pondwood Drive Stedman, NC 28391 Published on December 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th, 2024.

NOTICE In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #23 E State Of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Fred Edward Nowling August 28, 2024 deceased, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of March , 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Marsha M Melvin 2111 Mannington Drive Fayetteville N.C 28306

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 24E1172-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Administrator CTA of the Estate of Calvin Shipman, late of Cumberland 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 at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before March 5, 2025, 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. Dated this 5th day of December, 2024.

Calvin V. Shipman, Administrator CTA of the Estate of Calvin Shipman NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR ADMINISTRATOR CTA

ADMINISTRATOR/EXECUTOR NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the estate of Patricia Denise Smith, deceased, late of Cumberland county, hearbynotifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersignedon or before march 20, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are required to make immediate payment to the undersigned, this 19th day of december, 2024 Executor: Jessica C. Bohnert Address: 1084 Runick st. Fayetteville N.C. 28306 Of the estate of Patricia Denise Smith, Deceased Estate File # 24E002803-250

NOTICE ESTATE OF ANNIE TEAGUE WARREN Cumberland County, North Carolina Estate file #24E002937-250 Executor’s Notice Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Annie Teague Warren, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claims to the undersigned on or before the 19th day of March, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this day the 19th day of December, 2024.

Linda Devore Executor of the Estate of Annie Teague Warren 2616 Dartmouth Drive Fayetteville, NC 28304

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 24E 001606 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Annie Doris McLeod Administrator’s NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the estate of Annie Doris McLeod, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 26th day of March, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 26th day of December, 2024.

Faye McLeod 248 Livermore Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28314 Administrator of the estate of Annie Doris McLeod,deceased

In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #24E002881-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of George Ray Yourgal, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claims to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of March, 2025, (which date is three months after day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 2nd day of December, 2024 Robert Eugene Yourgal (Executor) 408 Wildey Road Seaford, VA. 23696 Of the Estate of George Ray Yourgal, Deceased

NOTICE

MOORE

State Of North Carolina In The General Court Of Justice County OF Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File #19E000722-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The Undersigned having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Diane Hurtt Rowell, deceased, Late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 26 day of March 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are request to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 17 day of December 2024 Gwendolyn B. Seymoure, Administrator/Executor 1613 Gatekeeper Ln. Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 Of the Estate of Diane Hurtt Rowell, Deceased

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF Felicia Rose Flanigan MOORE County Estate File No. 24 E 756 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Felicia Rose Flanigan, deceased, of Moore County, North Carolina, are notified to present their claims to Joseph T. Tesoriero, Executor, at 10206 Caldwell Forest Dr., Charlotte, NC 28213, on or before the 13th day of March, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above.

This the 4th day of December, 2024 Joseph T. Tesoriero Executor of the Estate of Felicia Rose Flanigan Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: December 12, December 19, December 26, 2024 and January 2, 2025

NEW HANOVER NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Lisa Bradfield, having qualified on the 4th day of December 2024, as Executor of the Estate of Barbara Bostelman (2024-E-1409), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 24th day of March, 2025, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address.

This 19th day of December 2024.

Lisa Bradfield

Executor

ESTATE OF BARBARA BOSTELMAN David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: December 19, 2024 December 26, 2024 January 2, 2025 January 9, 2025

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Mark Winton Johnson II, having qualified on the 3rd day of December 2024, as Administrator of the Estate of Stephany Del Re’ (2024-E1662), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 24th day of March, 2025, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address.

This 19th day of December 2024.

Mark Winton Johnson II

Administrator

ESTATE OF STEPHANY DEL RE’ David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: December 19, 2024 December 26, 2024 January 2, 2025 January 9, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against INA M. KING, deceased, of New Hanover County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before (March 6, 2025), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This December 5, 2024.

CAMERON KING 304 Gatefield Dr., Wilmington, NC 28412 Dec 5,12,19,26

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, BETTY R. WALKER, having qualified as the Executorof the Estate of LUCILLE WALKER MURRILL , Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said BETTY R. WALKER, at the address set out below, on or before March 25, 2025, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below.

This the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2024.

BETTY R. WALKER Executor OF THE ESTATE OF LUCILLE WALKER MURRILL c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, S&T BANK, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of RALPH L. WINGROVE, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said S&T BANK, at the address set out below, on or before March 27, 2025, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below.

This the 16th day of December, 2024 S&T BANK Executor of the Estate of RALPH L. WINGROVE c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

B6

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001887-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Paul Bowen, Jr. (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Paul Bowen, Jr.) to CB Services Corp., Trustee(s), dated August 14, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 7694, at Page 0695 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on August 28, 2023, in Book No. 11809, at Page 304 , 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001848-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by GD3 Investments LLC (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): GD3 Investments LLC) to First American Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated December 8, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 11633, at Page 0875 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 December

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001869-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Tiana Marie Smith and Jesse Oliver Smith, Jr. (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Tiana Marie Smith and Jesse Oliver Smith, Jr.) to Joel S. Jenkins, Jr. Attorney, Trustee(s), dated July 29, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 10833, at Page 0039 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

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP001115-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by James Edward Haddock, Jr. and Ashley D. Haddock (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): James Edward Haddock, Jr. and Ashley D. Haddock) to John B. Third, Trustee(s), dated August 31, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 10863, at Page 0521 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001870-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Tasia Nicole McClain (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Tasia Nicole McClain) to Black, Slaughter & Black, PA, Trustee(s), dated December 20, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 10423, at Page 0151 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on August 22, 2019, in Book No. 10570, at Page 0823 A Loan Modification recorded on December 30, 2022, in Book No. 11645, at Page 0384 A Loan Modification recorded on February 21, 2024, in Book No. 11912, at Page 521, 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

DAVIDSON 24 SP 504 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 Walter David McDaniel III a/k/a Walter D. McDaniel to Jovetta Woodard and Patricia Robinson, Trustee(s), which was dated March 29, 2016 and recorded on April 19, 2016 in Book 2218 at Page 1869, 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

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.

courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 6, 2025 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 parcel of land lying and being situated in the County of CUMBERLAND, State of NC, to-wit BEING ALL OF LOTS 7 AND 8, BLOCK “A” OF CALLA VILLA, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF SAME DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 16, PAGE 84, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY OF DEEDS. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2502 Nobie Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Tax Map Reference: 0415-28-9936 Being the same property Devised to PAUL BOWEN, JR., from the Personal Representative for the estate of PAUL BOWEN, SR, date of death 10/06/2004, Estate Package/Probate Roll # 04-E- 1320, final decree status 10/10/2005, all of which is recorded in the CUMBERLAND County, NC Public Registry.

Being that parcel of land conveyed to PAUL BOWEN, JR from MELVIN COOPER, EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF PAUL

BOWEN, DECEASED by that deed dated 10/11/2005 and recorded 10/11/2005 in deed book 7035, at page 645 of the CUMBERLAND County, NC Public Registry.

30, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN IS SITUATED IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: Being all of Lot No. 12, Sandy Pines West Subdivision, Section Three, Part Three, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Book of Plats 102, Page 194, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 605 Feature Court, Hope Mills, North Carolina.

APN: 0413-43-3950 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 605 FEATURE COURT, HOPE MILLS, NC 28348 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

location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 6, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 11 in the subdivision known as VICTORIA PLANTATION according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Plat Book 69, Page 75, Cumberland County, NC, Registry.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1305 Sandhill Road, Hope Mills, 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. the property be Should 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

foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 6, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 11, in a subdivision known as Hillendale, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 24, Page 44, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3516 Clearwater Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Parcel ID: 0439-03-8978 Property Address: 3516 Clearwater Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311 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

indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on December 30, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: being all of lot 26 as shown on the plat entitled “teakwood forest, phase 2 lots 1349” duly recorded in plat book 139, page 147, Cumberland County, North Carolina registry, which plat is incorporated herein by reference and made a part thereof for greater certainty of description and location of said premises.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 505 Sheila Street, Hope Mills, 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

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 January 6, 2025 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 Lot 17 of Clarks Acres Subdivision as shown on map recorded in Plat Book 16, Page 46, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Davidson County, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 284 Meadowdale Drive, Denton, NC 27239.

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

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.

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.

Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Richard Aaron McDaniel and Walter David McDaniel, IV. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this

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: 23270 - 114915

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: 22297 - 109048

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: 21868 - 113286

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: 17090 - 80449

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: 15710 - 114474

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 File No.: 24-11561-FC02

B7

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

DAVIDSON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY 24 SP 409 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jessica Lee Streb and Terry Richardo Gunter, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $255,343.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, Mortgagee, dated July 17, 2023 and recorded on July 17, 2023 in Book DE 2608, Page 1200, as instrument number 2023012358, Davidson County Registry.

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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 24sp481 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ANGELA TUSSEY RHODES AND WILLIAM RHODES DATED AUGUST 1, 2014 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2151 AT PAGE 404 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 482 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Justin Powers (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Justin Powers) to Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated November 10, 2020, and recorded in Book No. DE 2440, at Page 1218 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 496 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Gail Denise Parnell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Gail Denise Parnell) to , Trustee(s), dated March 22, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 1774, at Page 1717 in Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on January 22, 2013, in Book No. 2087, at Page 1501 , 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 January 8, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and

FORSYTH IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000700 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF FORSYTH IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JAMES ROBERT WILLIAMS AND AMANDA WILLIAMS DATED JULY 14, 2023 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 3763, AT PAGE 1376 IN THE FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

JOHNSTON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 24SP000576-500 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY THOMAS PAILES, A SINGLE PERSON DATED APRIL 19, 2022 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6238 AT PAGE 135 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to

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.

Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Davidson County, North Carolina, at 10:00AM on January 7, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 37, Raven Ridge Phase 2 Section B”, per plat and survey thereof recorded in Plat Book 85, Page 23, Davidson County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 109 Bunting Drive, Lexington, NC 27295 Tax ID: 11321K0000037 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 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 owner(s) of the property are Jessica Lee Streb and Terry Ricardo Gunter.

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.

for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Davidson County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 8, 2025, 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 Angela Tussey Rhodes and William Rhodes, dated August 1, 2014 to secure the original principal amount of $128,061.00, and recorded in Book 2151 at Page 404 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.

2292 W Address of property: US Hwy 64, Lexington, NC 27295 Tax Parcel ID: 1800300000055 Angela Present Record Owners: Tussey Rhodes

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Angela Tussey Rhodes.

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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 December 5, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

11:30 AM on January 8, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Denton in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lot A, survey for Pam Russell as recorded in Plat Book 47, Page 67 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 190 North Main Street, Denton, North Carolina.

“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 McAnally Land Surveying, P.C. Rt. 5, Box 537, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27107 (919-7884698) dated May 20, 1992, and being shown as job S-169, a copy of which is attached hereto as an exhibit and incorporated herein by reference. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 132 Hoy Long Road, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

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.

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 12th day of December, 2024.

Grady I. Ingle, Attorney for Substitute Trustee Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717 Posted: __________________ __________________ By: Ingle Case Number: 29257-47533

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. the property be Should 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

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

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

Beginning at an iron pipe placed in the rightof-way of Hoy Long Road (S.R. # 1806), said beginning point being a common corner with the property of Tony Gray Berrier (see Deed Book 599, Page 372, Davidson county registry) ; thence along the common boundary line with Henry T. McGee and wife, Alpha L. McGee (see Deed Book 680, Page 312, Davidson county registry) South 68 degrees, 11 minutes, 10 seconds East, crossing an iron found at 50.92 feet and continuing for a total distance of 851.80 feet, to an iron found; thence along the common boundary line with Linda C. Darr and Clark L. Darr 9see 76 E 93, Davidson county clerk office) North 88 degrees 25 minutes, 42 seconds West, 965.71 feet to an iron pipe placed in the rightof-way of Hoy Long road (S.R. 1806) ; thence along the center line of said Hoy Long road North 27 degrees, 00 minutes, 00 seconds East, 248. 16 feet, to an iron pipeplaced in the center of the said Hoy Long Road; thence North 41 degrees, 55 minutes, 09 seconds East, 92.63 feet, to the beginning containing 3.3348 acres (145282.225 square feet) more or less, according to a survey map prepared by William Frnaklin Tatum (L-3163)

the property be Should 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

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Forsyth County courthouse at 10:00 AM on January 7, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by James Robert Williams; Amanda Williams, dated July 14, 2023 to secure the original principal amount of $208,587.00, and recorded in Book No. 3763, at Page 1376 of the Forsyth 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.

3170 Address of property: Anderson Drive, Winston Salem, NC 27127 Tax Parcel ID: 6834-30-1827.000 The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are James Robert Williams and Amanda Williams.

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

disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

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

perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Johnston County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 7, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Thomas Pailes, A Single Person, dated April 19, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $309,533.00, and recorded in Book 6238 at Page 135 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 120 Keith Ct, Willow Spring, NC 27592 Tax Parcel ID:

13E04009P Present Record Owners: Thomas Pailes The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Thomas Pailes.

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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was

Address: 132 Hoy Long Rd.; Winston Salem, NC 27107 Tax Map or Parcel ID No.: 1302800000040 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.

SPECIAL

NOTICE

FOR

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee David Neill, NCSB #23396 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) dneill@mtglaw.com

22-113088

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: 22658 - 111287

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: 19513 - 93128

LEASEHOLD

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 December 4, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By: 23-117595

B8

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

JOHNSTON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 24SP000352-500 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WILLIAM R PERRY AND SUSAN D KELLY DATED FEBRUARY 28, 2001 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2023 AT PAGE 732 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001706-910 (WAKE COUNTY) AND 24SP000430-500 (JOHNSTON COUNTY) Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Easy Homes, LLC (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Easy Homes, LLC) to Trustee Services, Inc., Trustee(s), dated the 26th day of July, 2021, and recorded in Book 18630, Page 134, Wake County Registry and Recorded in Book 6666, Page 573, in Johnston 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, Hutchens Law Firm LLP 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 Office of the Register of Deeds of 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 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 p.m. on January 6, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Begin at an iron stake, the southwest corner of Lot #110 in Stewarts Ridge S/D (MB 1986 PG 1138). Located in the eastern R/W of Chestnut Ridge of Stewarts Ridge S/D; thence as the southern property line of Stewarts Ridge S/D N88-18-48E 822.90 feet to an iron pipe; thence continue as the Chestnut Ridge property Line N88-09-29E 133.75 feet to an iron pipe, a corner with Clinton Vaughan (DB 16014 PG 2045 and

MOORE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001211-620 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shirley J. Patterson (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Shirley J. Patterson) to Brady & Kosofsky, Trustee(s), dated March 21, 2012, and recorded in Book No. 4003, at Page 101 in Moore 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 Moore 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 Carthage, Moore County,

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001195-620 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Elizabeth A. Gingerich (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Elizabeth A. Gingerich) to Kirsten E. Foyles, Esq., Trustee(s), dated December 21, 2011, and recorded in Book No. 3962, at Page 14 in Moore County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on March 22, 2019, in Book No. 5103, at Page 500, 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 Moore 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 Carthage, Moore County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001207-620 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Gregory Holley and Lashon D. Holley (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Gregory Holley and Lashon D. Holley) to Dennis F. Hardiman of Bristol County, RI, Trustee(s), dated February 10, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 2974, at Page 420 in Moore 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 Moore 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 Carthage, Moore County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on January 9, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Aberdeen in the County of Moore, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain Lot or Parcel of land lying and being in Sandhill Township, Moore County,

payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Johnston County courthouse at 10:00AM on January 7, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed William R Perry and Susan D Kelly, dated February 28, 2001 to secure the original principal amount of $136,070.00, and recorded in Book 2023 at Page 732 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 125 Tast Drive, Wendell, NC 27591

Tax Parcel ID: 16K03030K Present Record Owners: William Perry The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are William Perry.

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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the

purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 December 4, 2024.

DB 9077 PG 2258) thence the following courses and distances; S02-20-57W 339.83 feet, S02-20-28W 279.16 feet and S02-2209W 275.09 feet to an iron pipe in the Wake/ Johnston County line; thence as the Vaughan line S02-21-59W 24.93 feet and S89-01-05E 71.21 feet to an iron pipe, a corner with Larry Johnson (DB 5147 PG 173); thence as the Johnson line S36-18-21 W 67.46 feet and S3618-21W 86.34 feet to an iron pipe, a corner with the Paul White Heirs tract (DB 14785 PG 429 and DB 920 PG 359); thence as the White Heirs line S89-49-44W 205.32 feet to a stake in the Johnston/Wake County line; thence as White Heirs line S89-50-12W 1884.79 feet to an iron stake; a corner of Lot 72 in the Vineyards at Tuscan (Phase 1- Plat Book 2008, page 1255); thence as the eastern line of Lot 72 N12-05-51 E 258.53 feet, N4522-28E 142.91 feet and N06-50-08W 70.00 feet to an iron stake in a stream, a corner of Lot 73; thence as the centerline of said stream the following courses and distances:

radius of 450.00 feet, a chord bearing of N8814-41 W and a chord distance of 29.96 feet to an iron stake, thence continue as the line of Lot 75 N11-10-44W 216.68 feet and N02-4849E 82.91 feet to an iron stake in a stream; thence as the centerline of said stream N60-33-55E 17.08 feet, S60-0544E 41.68 feet, N63-23-29E 37.26 feet, N30-10-00W 34.75 feet, N46-28-49E41.55feet,S83-58-54E67.61feet, N32-14-23E 56.12 feet, S86-34-S1E 40.01 feet, S84-18-41E 55.20 feet, N31-57-07E 33.46 feet, N31-57-07E 43.43 feet, N79-28-49E 15.51 feet, N21-28-53E 24.37 feet, N0044-14W 45.43 feet, N21-26-23E 13.43 feet, N21-26-23E 52.08 feet, N43-28-54E 53.96 feet, N50-26-37E 26.27 feet, to an iron stake in the western R/W line of future Chestnut Ridge 50’ public R/W; thence as said R/W MB 2008 PG 1255) the following course and distances: N26-5147W 30.46 feet chord and 275.00 radius to an iron stake; thence N68-09-49W 35.03 feet and 25.00 radius to an iron stake; thence crossing the future Chestnut Ridge R/W and running parallel with the centerline of Beau View Drive N67-21-39E 75.80 feet to an iron stake in the eastern R/W of Chestnut Ridge 50’ right-of-way; thence as said eastern R/W of Chestnut Ridge N0940-40W 62.53 feet chord and 225.00 feet radius to an iron stake, the southwest corner of Lot 110 of Stewarts Ridge S/D (MB 1986 PG 1138), the point and place of beginning.

Together with improvements thereon, said property located at 0 Beau View Drive, Wendell, NC 27591

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.

N 62-41-58E 13.08 feet, N06-1448W 25.04 feet, S88-15-55E 26.22 feet, N03-29-36E 30.05 feet, N70-44-53E 53.14 feet, S30-5221E 10.50 feet, S30-52-21E 34.75 feet, N33-30-04E 15.54 feet, S54-00-51E 17.44 feet, N53-57-16E 37.05 feet, S77-21-38E 19.99 feet, N36-50-51E 29.74 feet, N63-15-30E 22.83 feet, N84-3136E 50.93 feet, N37-36-11E 40.93 feet, S45-50-33E 59.34 feet, N75-46-01E 21.10 feet, S71-52-05E 21.54 feet, S71-51-25E 35.87 feet to an iron stake, a corner of Lot 74 (BM 2013 PG 308); thence as the line of Lot 74 S 13-4122W 256.24 feet to an iron stake; thence as the line of Lot 74 along a circular curve having a radius of 35.00 feet, a chord bearing of S6736-10E and a chord distance of 26.84 feet to an iron stake; thence S89-50-52W 171.23 feet to a iron stake; a corner of Lot 75 (BM 2013 PG 308); thence as the line of Lot 75 S89-5052W 87.67 feet to an iron stake; thence as the line of Lot 75 along a circular curve having a

Containing 35.16 AC+/- and recorded in Wake and Johnston County as noted below.

BM 1986 PG 1138 Wake County ROD BM 2004 PG 1573

BM 2008 PG 1255

BM 2013 PG 308 Johnston County ROD - PB 67 PG 304

Property Address: View Drive, Wendell,

NC

0

Beau 27591

Parcel ID: 0058639 (Wake County) Parcel ID: No Separate Parcel No., Property taxed fully in Wake County (Johnston County) 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.

Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com 24-118425

HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 315 Charlotte, North Carolina 28210 Phone No: (704) 362-9255 Case No: 1370188 (CFC.CH)

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on January 9, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in West End in the County of Moore, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of New Lot 3B containing 10.502 acres as shown on Plat entitled “Survey for Shirley Patterson” prepared by Lloyd A. Kirk, PLS, dated August 29, 2011, appearing of record in the Office of the Register of Deeds in Plat Cabinet 15, Slide 474, to which record reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 529 Speight Road, West End, North Carolina.

This conveyance is subject to: (i) the Declaration of Restrictions and Covenants, if any, as the same may have been amended; (ii) such matters, provisions and reservations as are shown on the above plat, if any; (iii) the lien for ad valorem taxes or other assessments for the year of closing or conveyance; and (vi) utility easements of record.

Parcel ID # 20110286 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.

on January 2, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Foxfire in the County of Moore, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Unit Number 418 of Foxkroft Villas East Condominiums as described and designated in the Declaration of Condominiums under North Carolina Unit Ownership Act covering Foxkroft Villas East Condominiums as described and recorded in Deed Book 489, Page 669 and in Unit Ownership Book 9, Pages 18-22 of the Moore County Registry, reference to such declaration and the plans and specifications being hereby made for a more specific description of said Unit, together with the Unit’s undivided interest in and to the common areas and facilities as described and set forth in said Declaration and the plans, drawings and descriptions attached thereto, reference to which Declaration and the attachments thereto is specifically made for a more detailed description of said common areas and facilities. Including the Unit located thereon; said Unit being located at 418 Foxcroft Circle, Foxfire, 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. the property be Should 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.

North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: A certain tract or parcel of land in Sandhill Township, Moore County, NC fronting on the East side of Pee Dee Road about 230 yards North of the intersection of Pee Dee Road and N.C. Highway No. 211, and lying about 120 yards Southwest of the Aberdeen Rockfish Railroad, near the town of Aberdeen, North Carolina, Described as follows: Beginning at an iron stake in the East line of Pee Dee Road, said iron stake being the Northwest corner deeded to Mr. J. Mason; running thence from the beginning as the East line of Pee Dee Road, North 3 deg. 59’ West 65.00 feet to an iron pipe, a corner of H.M. Moss’ 15.34 acre tract; Thence continuing as the East line of Pee Dee Road, North 6 deg. 24’ West 35.00 feet to an iron stake in the East line of Pee Dee Road; Thence as the South line of the 60 foot road right of way, North 83 deg. 36’ East 95 feet to a point in the curve of said road right of way; Thence with the curve as it curves to the right, having a radius of 182 feet, an arc distance of 155.72 feet, a chord of South 72 deg. 00’ East 151 06 feet to an iron stake, Thence South 56 deg.

29’ West 84.51 feet to an iron stake, South 84 deg. 01’ West 160.00 feet to the Beginning, and Being the same tract or parcel of land as shown on a map entitled “Property of H. M. Moss, Sandhill Township, Moore County, Aberdeen, NC”, dated November 4, 1977,

Drawn from an actual survey C.H. Blue & Associates. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 110 Pee Dee Road, Aberdeen, North Carolina.

Being the same property conveyed to Gregory Holley and his wife, Lashon D. Holley by deed from Hurley E. Thompson, Jr., Substitute Trustee recorded 01/28/1999 in Deed Book 1469, Page 358, in the Register of Deeds Office of Moore County, North Carolina.

TAX ID: 8570-19-62-5100 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. the property be Should 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

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: 23273 - 114918

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: 22657 - 111286

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: 11121 - 113131

B9

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

NEW HANOVER 24 SP 437 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY

NEW

HANOVER

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Carus Brown to Glenn O’Keith Fisher, Attorney at Law, Trustee(s), which was dated August 10, 2021 and recorded on August 11, 2021 in Book RB 6479 at Page 2486, New Hanover 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

24 SP 468 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY

NEW

HANOVER

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kim R McLammy a/k/a Kim R McClammy to Trste, Inc, Trustee(s), which was dated May 14, 2004 and recorded on May 26, 2004 in Book 4340 at Page 930, New Hanover 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 January 7, 2025 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in New Hanover County, North Carolina, to wit:

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION NEW HANOVER COUNTY 18SP554 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WILLIAM E. SETZER, III AND BEVERLY G. SETZER DATED MARCH 28, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5163 AT PAGE 625 AND MODIFIED

BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JUNE 19, 2014, IN BOOK 5820, PAGE 2942, AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED OCTOBER 17, 2014, IN BOOK 5846, PAGE 239 IN THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP000365-640 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Carolina South Development, LLC (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Carolina South Development, LLC) to Ned M. Barnes, Attorney and Counselor at Law, Trustee(s), dated June 1, 2023, and recorded in Book No. RB 6643, at Page 496 in New Hanover 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 New Hanover 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 Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at

RANDOLPH IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 24SP000292-750 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JAMES KENNETH WIRTH DATED OCTOBER 13, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1995 AT PAGE 547 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 24SP000275-750 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SHAWNA RAY DATED OCTOBER 31, 2023 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2882 AT PAGE 988 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in 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

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 January 7, 2025 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in New Hanover County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 16B, Phase One, Section Six, Williamsburg Place, as shown on Map entitled “Williamsburg Place, Phase One, Section Six,” recorded in Map Book 38 at Page 322 of the New Hanover County Registry reference to which is made for a more particular description.

Having Tax Parcel Identification Number R02611-006-036-000; and being a portion of the lands described in Deed recorded in Book 5000, Page 1311 in said Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 3308 Belmont Cir, Wilmington, NC 28405.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks)

ALL THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY SITUATED IN THE CITY OF WILMINGTON IN THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AND STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN A DEED DATED 04/18/2003 AND RECORDED 05/14/2003 IN BOOK 3788 PAGE 828 AMONG THE LAND RECORDS OF THE COUNTY AND STATE SET FORTH ABOVE. And being more particularly described by metes and bounds according to said Deed as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the Western line of Sixteenth Street one hundred and eighteen and eight-tenths (118.8) feet south of the southern line of Nun Street, and running thence southwardly along the said western line of Sixteenth Street thirty-nine and sixtenths (39.6) feet; thence westwardly and parallel with Nun Street one hundred and ten (110) feet to the eastern line of a fifteen (15) foot alley; thence northwardly along the eastern line of said alley and parallel with Sixteenth Street thirty-nine and six-tenths (39.6) feet; thence eastwardly and parallel with Nun Street one hundred ten (110) feet to the western line of Sixteenth Street, the Beginning, the same being part of Lots 2 and 3, in Block 504, according to the official plan

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. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are CARUS BROWN.

of the City of Wilmington.

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

Said property is commonly known as 408 S 16th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

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. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior

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.

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

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 Kim R McClammy.

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 File No.: 24-24322-FC01

may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the 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

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale

File No.: 24-21457-FC01

perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the New Hanover County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 9, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in New Hanover County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed William E. Setzer, III and Beverly G. Setzer, dated March 28, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $200,000.00, and recorded in Book 5163 at Page 625 of the New Hanover 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: 213 Country Place Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409 Tax Parcel ID: R07914-006-003-000

Present Record Owners: William Edgar Setzer, III and Beverly Griffin Setzer The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are William Edgar Setzer, III and Beverly Griffin Setzer.

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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 November 7, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

12:00 PM on December 31, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Carolina Beach in the County of New Hanover, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to is described as follows:

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

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement

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

the property be Should 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

agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 8, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed James Kenneth Wirth, dated October 13, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $76,000.00, and recorded in Book 1995 at Page 547 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

1389 Address of property: Deerrun Dr, Randleman, NC 27317 Tax Parcel ID:

7774138009 Present Record Owners: James Kenneth Wirth The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are James Kenneth Wirth.

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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was

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 December 19, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

public auction at the usual place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse at 10:00AM on January 8, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Shawna Ray, dated October 31, 2023 to secure the original principal amount of $240,562.00, and recorded in Book 2882 at Page 988 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 4227 Fox Street, Randleman, NC 27317 Tax Parcel ID: 7765571807 Present Record Owners: Shawna Ray

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Shawna Ray. 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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 December 19, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

BEING ALL of Lot 19, Pleasure Cay Subdivision, Section 1. as shown on map of same recorded in Map Book 18, at Pages 74 and 74A of the New Hanover County Registry, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 206 Teakwood Drive, Carolina Beach, North Carolina.

Property address is commonly known as: 206 Teakwood Dr. Carolina Beach. NC 28428 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.

16-084809

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: 21299 - 103301

23-115905

24-118733

B10

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

RANDOLPH AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 24 SP 23 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed by BUDDY JUNIOR NETTLES AND PAMELA S. NETTLES payable to AMERICAN FINANCIAL RESOURCES, INC, A NEW JERSEY CORPORATION, lender, to TIMIOS INC., Trustee, dated March 22, 2013, and recorded in Book RE2331, Page 1502 of the Randolph County Public Registry by Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anthony Maselli or Genevieve Johnson, either of whom may act, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Randolph County, North Carolina, in Book 2894, Page 817, 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 Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 12:00pm, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 7783707683 ADDRESS: 1333 NEVIT LN., FRANKLINVILLE, NC 27248

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 24sp000244-750 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MICHAEL R. HARDEN AND LARONDA D. MAJETTE DATED JANUARY 6, 2021 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2735 AT PAGE 1064 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the

ROBESON 24 SP 160 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jonathan Gage to Eric West Attorney At Law, PLLC, Trustee(s), which was dated October 3, 2022 and recorded on October 6, 2022 in Book D 2370 at Page 869, Robeson 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 January 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit: All that certain tract or parcel of land lying about 7 miles east of the center of the City of Lumberton, N.C., west of and adjacent

24 SP 214 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Billy Carl Walters, a single man to Joel S. Jenkins Jr., Trustee(s), which was dated February 10, 2022 and recorded on February 11, 2022 in Book 2331 at Page 164, Robeson 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,

24 SP 0188 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Rosie Lee Leach to Hutchens & Senter, Trustee(s), which was dated May 23, 2006 and recorded on June 5, 2006 in Book D 1540 at Page 51, Robeson 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 January 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ROBESON IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY FERRELL E. RICHARDSON DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2003 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 1289, AT PAGE 723 IN THE ROBESON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000224 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 therein contained

PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): PAMELA S. NETTLES THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF RANDOLPH, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK RE2331, PAGE 1502 AS FOLLOWS: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN FRANKLINVILLE TOWNSHIP, RANDOLPH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, WHICH IS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT AN IRON PIN SET IN THE WESTERN LINE OF THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF NEVIT LANE, WHICH POINT IS LOCATED NORTH 18 DEGREES 1 MINUTES 31 SECONDS WEST APPROXIMATELY 1,316.1 FEET FROM THE INTERSECTION OF NEVIT LANE AND N. C. S. R. 2226, KNOWN LOCALLY AS CEDAR FALLS ROAD; AND RUNNING THENCE SOUTH 32 DEGREES 21 MINUTES 54 SECONDS WEST 750.61 FEET TO AN IRON PIN AT THE MOUTH OF A BRANCH IN THE EASTERN BANK OF BUSH CREEK; THENCE UP THE VARIOUS COURSES OFBUSH CREEK THE FOLLOWING COURSES AND DISTANCES; NORTH 42 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 36 SECONDS WEST 164.28 FEET; NORTH 62 DEGREES 45 MINUTES 41 SECONDS WEST 39.97 FEET; SOUTH 79 DEGREES 57 MINUTES 12 SECONDS WEST 105.74 FEET; NORTH 46 DEGREES 37 MINUTES 42 SECONDS WEST 328.04 FEET; NORTH S5 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 50 SECONDS WEST 150.55 FEET; NORTH 35 DEGREES 18 MINUTES 30 SECONDS WEST 112.09 FEET; NORTH 34 DEGREES 4 MINUTES 42 SECONDS WEST 153.74 FEET TO A POINT NOT SET IN THE EASTERN BANK OF BUSH CREEK AND THE SOUTHERN LINE OF THE GROVER LUCK PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN BOOK 1150, PAGE 838; THENCE SOUTH 88 DEGREES 43 MINUTES 18 SECONDS EAST 162.27 FEET TO AN IRON

PIN IN THE LINE OF THE JEFFREY SCOTT PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN BOOK 1323, PAGE 824; THENCE SOUTH 88 DEGREES 40 MINUTES 13 SECONDS EAST 197.82 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE SOUTH 88 DEGREES 41 MINUTES 53 SECONDS EAST 201.22 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE SOUTH 88 DEGREES 41 MINUTES 21 SECONDS EAST 211.6 FEET TO AN IRON PIN, THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE DORIS J. MANESS PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN BOOK 668, PAGE 469; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 40 MINUTES 12 SECONDS EAST 393.87 FEET TO THE POINT AND PLACE OF THE BEGINNING, CONTAINING 9.332 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION IS TAKEN FROM A PLAT PREPARED FOR RANDOLPH INDUSTRIES BY TRITECH CIVIL ENVIRONMENTAL, PC, DATED JULY 13, 1998, AND DESIGNATED AS JOB NO. 98523 TOGETHER WITH A MANUFACTURED HOME WITH MODEL NUMBER MANSION, DEMENSIONS 58X27, AND SERIAL NUMBER - 49995500328290 PARCEL: 7783707683; BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO BUDDY (NMN) NETTLES, JR. AND WIFE, PAMELA S. NETTLES BY DEED FROM RANDOLPH INDUSTRIES, INC., A NORTH CAROLINA CORPORATION RECORDED 06/07/1999 IN DEED BOOK 1611 PAGE 284, IN THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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 SingleFamily Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the

county in which the property is sold.

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

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

THIS 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 HAVE 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.

secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse at 1:00PM on January 8, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Michael R. Harden and Laronda D. Majette, dated January 6, 2021 to secure the original principal amount of $191,818.00, and recorded in Book 2735 at Page 1064 of the Randolph County Public Registry.

The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 1427 Tory Lane, Asheboro, NC 27205 Tax Parcel ID: 37935

Present Record Owners: Michael R. Harden The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Michael R. Harden.

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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the

purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 December 20, 2024. __________________________________ ___ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com

to SR 2101 (Mercer Mill Road) (60’ R/W) and adjoining the lands of Danny Kinlaw (1668/526) on the west, a Cemetery on the north, Jimmy Kelly (800/658) and Archie McLean, et.al. (703/714) on the south and being more particularly described as follows:

57 minutes 52 seconds East 372.87 feet to a found concrete monument; thence South 85 degrees 34 minutes 03 seconds East 448.45 feet to a point in the branch; thence with said branch North 62 degrees 08 minutes 07 seconds East 35.37 feet; thence North 09 degrees 39 minutes 53 seconds West 65.18 feet; thence North 24 degrees 22 minutes 53 seconds West 39.20 feet; thence North 47 degrees 39 minutes 53 seconds West 25.55 feet; thence leaving said branch South 84 degrees 18 minutes 11 seconds East 69.14 feet to a point in the cemetery’s western line; thence with said line South 00 degrees 56 minutes 06 seconds West 22.20 feet to the point of beginning containing 6.26 acres, more or less.

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.

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

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the 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 File No.: 24-14260-FC01

Samantha J. Kelley ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee P.O. Box 160 Jacksonville, NC 28541-0160 Telephone: (470) 321-7112

24-118628

BEGINNING at a found concrete monument, the southwest corner of a Cemetery, said found monument being located South 00 degrees 51 minutes 06 seconds West 165.00 feet from a found iron rod, the northwest corner of a Cemetery, said found monument also being located South 00 degrees 51 minutes 06 seconds West 75.95 feet from a found iron rod in said line, a common corner with Kinlaw; thence from said Beginning and with said Cemetery’s southern line South 89 degrees 10 minutes 53 seconds East 264.05 feet to a found nail in the centerline of SR 2101 (Mercer Mill Rd); thence with said centerline South 00 degrees 56 minutes 36 seconds West 202.97 feet to a found spike in said centerline; thence leaving said road and with Kelly line North 89 degrees 02 minutes 59 seconds West 226.40 feet to a found iron rod; thence to an with a ditch South 05 degrees 44 minutes 59 seconds East 186.04 feet to a point; thence with said ditch South 19 degrees 14 minutes 43 seconds East 110.12 feet to a found iron rod at bend of ditch; thence with Archie Mclean’s northern line North 85 degrees 12 minutes 51 seconds West 656.86 feet to a found concrete monument, a common corner with Danny Kinlaw; thence with said Kinlaw line North 09 degrees

LESS AND EXCEPT that 1.37 acre +/- tract of land more particularly described in Deed Book 694, Page 340.

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

Said property is commonly known as 6.26acre parcel adjacent to 785 Mercer Mill Rd, Lumberton, NC 28358.

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.

Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are JONATHAN GAGE. 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

or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 6, 2025 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 4, in a subdivision known as Catherine R. Scarborough, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 13, Page 43, Robeson County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 1302 Carthage Road, Lumberton, NC 28358.

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.

Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Billy Carl Walters.

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.

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

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the 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 File No.: 24-24032-FC01

described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE CITY OF LUMBERTON, LUMBERTON TOWNSHIP ROBESON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING LOT NUMBER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (122), AS SHOWN ON A MAP OF MANSFIELD MILLS AS SURVEYED AND PLATTED BY PAUL KING, C.E., SEPTEMBER 24, 1948, AND SAID MAP BEING OF RECORD IN THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF ROBESON COUNTY, IN MAP BOOK 7, AT PAGE 129-A, 129-B, AND 129-C, REFERENCE TO WHICH MAP IS HEREBY MADE FOR A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION. FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: THE APN IS SHOWN BY THE COUNTY ASSESSOR AS 323906017; SOURCE OF TITLE IS BOOK 844, PAGE 39 (RECORDED 09/14/94) Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 122 Orange Street, Lumberton, NC 28358.

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.

Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current

owner(s) of the property is/are ROSIE LEE LEACH AND WALTER LEACH AND OSAIE LEACH. 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.

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of

sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the 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 File No.: 24-17826-FC01

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 Robeson County courthouse at 11:00 AM on January 2, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Robeson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Ferrell E. Richardson, dated February 24, 2003 to secure the original principal amount of $80,733.00, and recorded in Book No. 1289, at Page 723 of the Robeson 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: 887 Stevens Rd, Lumberton, NC 28358 Tax Parcel ID: 03110101010 The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Ferrell E. Richardson.

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

all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

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 3rd day of December, 2024.

Grady I. Ingle, Attorney for Substitute Trustee Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717 Ingle Case Number: 22796-35643

And being a portion of that certain 7.72 acre tract of and shown in Map Book 25, page 72 Robeson County Registry.

B11

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

UNION IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24-CVS-1432 NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION 3815 RICHARD COFFEY LANE WAXHAW, NORTH CAROLINA 28173 U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as TRUSTEE for BAYVIEW ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES TRUST SERIES, 2008-10, ASSET BACKED SECURITIES SERIES 2008.10, Plaintiff,

1381603 24SP000574-890 NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY, PERSONAL PROPERTY, CONTRACTS, LICENSES, PERMITS AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain North Carolina Purchase Money Deed of Trust (hereinafter “Deed of Trust”) executed and delivered by NC BioGas, LLC (hereinafter “Borrower”) dated May 21, 2021 and filed on May 21, 2021 and recorded in Book 8110 at Page 132 that certain Security Agreement described in the Deed of Trust and that certain Collateral Assignment of Contracts, Licenses, Permits and Development Rights (hereinafter “Collateral Assignment”) filed on May 21, 2021 and recorded Book 8110 at Page 152 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Union County, North Carolina; and because of the default in the payment of the indebtedness secured thereby and failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust and Collateral Assignment, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will place for sale, at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the Union County Courthouse, 400 North Main Street, Monroe, North Carolina on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2025 AT 2:00 O’CLOCK P.M., all of Borrower’s right, title and interest in and to the following:

WAKE 24SP000905-910 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Heuston L. Hall and Melanie S. Hall to BB&T Collateral Service Corporation, Trustee(s), which was dated August 9, 2022 and recorded on August 23, 2022 in Book 019126 at Page 01969, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

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

24SP000781-910 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Tylisha Satkunam to Gold Law, PA., Trustee(s), which was dated April 13, 2020 and recorded on April 13, 2020 in Book 17821 at Page 2306, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 24SP001077-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JAMES CURTIS LEMON DATED OCTOBER 20, 2023 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 19461 AT PAGE 2243 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 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 22sp001314-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JONATHAN H. MARKLE DATED OCTOBER 3, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 11643 AT PAGE 189 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 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

v.

GRACIE M. STRAING, JIMMY L. STRAING, and SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC.Substitute Trustee Defendants.

UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain Order filed on SEPTEMBER 3, 2024, in the abovecaptioned matter and pursuant to applicable law, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. as Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) will place for sale, at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 400 North Main Street Monroe, North Carolina 28112 on JANUARY 9, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. that certain parcel of land, including improvements thereon, situated, lying and being in the County of Union, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

BEING all of Lots Nos. 91 and 92 of the WESTERN UNION PARK SUBDIVISION, also known as the WALTER & BARRETT SUBDIVISION, as shown on a plat recorded in Plat Book 4, at Page 115, Union County Registry, to which reference is hereby expressly made.

Address of property: 3815 Richard Coffey Lane Waxhaw, NC 28173 Parcel Number: 05033080 Present Record Owners: Gracie M. Straing and Jimmy L. Straing The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold to the highest bidder. The Commissioner reserves the right to require certified funds not to exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00). The successful bidder shall also be required to pay revenue stamps on the Commissioner’s Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and the tax required by N.C.G.S. Section 7A-308(a)(1) unless the

That certain real property described as follows:

Those certain contracts, licenses and permits and development rights as follows:

Being all of that 8.75 acre tract as shown on that certain plat recorded on May 7, 2021 in Cabinet P, File 852, Union County Registry, dated April 3, 2028 and entitled “Minor Subdivision – Final Plat 8.75 acres of The Sutton Timber Farm, LLC Property” by Lawrence Associates, Job No. 2040 Drawing File 2040 Minor Plat.dwg Drawing No. 18/084 being the same property acquired by NC BioGas, LLC as described in Book 8110 at Page 128 of the Union County Public Registry and known as 325 Acme Drive, Monroe, Union County, North Carolina.

All construction contracts related to the Property as described above and Improvements; All vendor contracts related to the Property as described above and Improvements; All building permits, surveys, architectural plans and specifications, governmental approvals, licenses, agreements with any utility companies and any other consents and approvals which it may now or hereafter own with respect to or in connection with the Property as described above and the Improvements; All warranties and guaranties covering any furniture, equipment, machinery, building supplies and materials, appliances, fixtures and other property now or hereafter located on or placed upon the Property as described above, including, without limitation, air conditioning, heating and other appliances and equipment; Any other governmental licenses, development rights, permits, approvals, allocations, contract rights, trade and fictitious names, and similar matters and documents obtained or to be obtained in the future which are necessary or appropriate for the operation and management of the Improvements; and All other contracts relating to the Property as described above and/or the Improvements, now in existence or which may come into existence during the life of the Loan, including, without limitation, all sales contracts and deposits thereunder (collectively, the above items are referred to as the “Contracts”).

Being a portion of Tax Parcel ID 09122001.

That certain personal property described as follows: The particular personal property security interest being foreclosed is granted in paragraph 7 of the Deed of Trust; to wit: all building materials, building supplies, fixtures, inventory and equipment (other than household goods) now owned or hereafter acquired by NC BioGas, LLC, together with all attachments, accessories and accessions thereto and replacements thereof, located at or upon or intended for use, used, or useable in the construction, occupancy, operation or maintenance of improvements constructed or to be constructed on the Property, and/ or other personal property (other than household goods) specifically made subject to the Secured Obligations (together the “Personal Property”).

person entitled to enforce the instrument is exempt from paying these sums.

The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS” and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments.

The Commissioner reserves the right to sell the real property either as a group or on an individual basis whichever will bring the highest bid(s). Other conditions will be announced at the sale. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required.

discretion, if he believes the challenge to have merit, may declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 1-339.29 against the party or parties to the proceeding in possession by the presiding judge or clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Respectfully submitted this the _____day of _________________, 2024.

If the Commissioner 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 Commissioner.

If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Commissioner, in its sole

HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff

Address of property: 325 Acme Drive, Monroe, NC 28112 Tax Parcel ID: 09122001A Present Record Owner: NC BioGas, LLC

remedy.

The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold for cash to the highest bidder. The Substitute Trustee reserves the right to require a cash deposit or a certified check not to exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00). In the event that the note holder or its intended assignee is exempt from paying the same, the successful bidder shall be required to pay revenue stamps on the Trustee’s Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and the tax required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS” and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments. Other conditions will be announced at the sale. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required.

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the Trustee.

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

___________________________________ ____ Jeffrey A. Bunda, Esq. N.C. Bar No. 34432 Post Office Box 12497 Charlotte, NC 28220 Telephone: (704) 362-9255 ext. 2359

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

William Walt Pettit Substitute Trustee 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 315 Charlotte, NC 28210 Telephone: (704) 362-9255 Email: walt.pettit@hutchenslawfirm.com

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.

Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge

and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Heuston L. Hall and Melanie S. Hall.

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.

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

bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the 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 File No.: 24-11319-FC01

Being all of Lot 49, Anderson Pointe Park, Townhomes, Phase 2, as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 2006, Pages 77778, Wake County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 351 Gilman Lane, Unit 100, Raleigh, NC 27610.

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.

Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Tylisha Janiece Satkuman.

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.

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

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the 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 File No.: 23-16146-FC02

at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 9, 2025, 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 James Curtis Lemon, dated October 20, 2023 to secure the original principal amount of $330,500.00, and recorded in Book 19461 at Page 2243 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: 8611 Brushfoot Way Unit 107, Raleigh, NC 27616 Tax Parcel ID: 0510203 Present Record Owners: Michelle C. Huang, as Trustee of Brushfoot 8611 Land Trust The record owner(s) of the property,

according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Michelle C. Huang, as Trustee of Brushfoot 8611 Land Trust.

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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 November 14, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee Jpurser@logs.com Agavin@logs.com LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 7, 2025, 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 Jonathan H. Markle, dated October 3, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $58,115.00, and recorded in Book 11643 at Page 189 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: 5914 Melbourne Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603 Tax Parcel ID: 0067711 Present Record Owners: Jonathan Markle The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of

Deeds, is/are Jonathan Markle.

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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 November 14, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee Jpurser@logs.com Agavin@logs.com LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

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 January 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: The following lands and property, together with all improvements located thereon, lying in Knightdale, Wake County, NC to wit: Being all of Lot 11, Huntsboro Subdivision, as depicted on a Plat thereof recorded in Book of Maps 1995, Page 1214, Wake County Registry.

This being the same property conveyed to Heuston L. Hall and Melanie S. Hall, a married couple, dated 10/12/2016 and recorded on 10/12/2016 in book 16565, page 1791, in the Wake County Recorders office.

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

Said property is commonly known as 920 Knotts Hill Pl, Knightdale, NC 27545.

county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: Commitment Number: 2020033051 The

Land

is

described

as

follows:

24-118185

22-112474

B12

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

PEN & PAPER PURSUITS

sudoku

solutions LAST WEEK

WAKE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 24SP001391-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY BENNIS BLUE DATED DECEMBER 14, 2023 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 19501 AT PAGE 47 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 agreements contained therein

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001810-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Andi Danielle Thurston Weber and Nicholas Richard Carl Weber (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Andi Danielle Thurston Weber and Nicholas Richard Carl Weber) to Hilton Silvers & McClanahan, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, Trustee(s), dated July 11, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 019084, at Page 02253 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,

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001706-910 (WAKE COUNTY) AND 24SP000430-500 (JOHNSTON COUNTY) Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Easy Homes, LLC (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Easy Homes, LLC) to Trustee Services, Inc., Trustee(s), dated the 26th day of July, 2021, and recorded in Book 18630, Page 134, Wake County Registry and Recorded in Book 6666, Page 573, in Johnston 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, Hutchens Law Firm LLP 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 Office of the Register of Deeds of 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 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 p.m. on January 6, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Begin at an iron stake, the southwest corner of Lot #110 in Stewarts Ridge S/D (MB 1986 PG 1138). Located in the eastern R/W of Chestnut Ridge of Stewarts Ridge S/D; thence as the southern property line of Stewarts Ridge S/D N88-18-48E 822.90 feet to an iron pipe; thence continue as the Chestnut Ridge property Line N88-09-29E 133.75 feet to an iron pipe, a corner with Clinton Vaughan (DB 16014 PG 2045 and DB 9077 PG 2258) thence the following

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 January 7, 2025, 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 Bennis Blue, dated December 14, 2023 to secure the original principal amount of $355,000.00, and recorded in Book 19501 at Page 47 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: 1600 Buffaloe Rd, Garner, NC 27529 Tax Parcel ID: 0019176 Present Record Owners: Bennis

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

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 resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was 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 October 30, 2024. __________________ ___________________ Jason K. Purser N.C. State Bar No. #28031 Aaron Gavin N.C. State Bar No. #59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee Jpurser@logs.com Agavin@logs.com LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 30, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Willow Spring in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 26, Myatt Mill Farms, as recorded in Book of Maps 1987, Page 26, Wake County Registry. See also Book of Maps 2006, Page 1112, Wake County Registry.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 7204 Westworth Drive, Willow Spring, North Carolina.

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.

Street Address: 7204 Westworth Drive, Willow Spring, NC 27592 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

courses and distances; S02-20-57W 339.83 feet, S02-20-28W 279.16 feet and S02-2209W 275.09 feet to an iron pipe in the Wake/ Johnston County line; thence as the Vaughan line S02-21-59W 24.93 feet and S89-01-05E 71.21 feet to an iron pipe, a corner with Larry Johnson (DB 5147 PG 173); thence as the Johnson line S36-18-21 W 67.46 feet and S3618-21W 86.34 feet to an iron pipe, a corner with the Paul White Heirs tract (DB 14785 PG 429 and DB 920 PG 359); thence as the White Heirs line S89-49-44W 205.32 feet to a stake in the Johnston/Wake County line; thence as White Heirs line S89-50-12W 1884.79 feet to an iron stake; a corner of Lot 72 in the Vineyards at Tuscan (Phase 1- Plat Book 2008, page 1255); thence as the eastern line of Lot 72 N12-05-51 E 258.53 feet, N4522-28E 142.91 feet and N06-50-08W 70.00 feet to an iron stake in a stream, a corner of Lot 73; thence as the centerline of said stream the following courses and distances: N 62-41-58E 13.08 feet, N06-1448W 25.04 feet, S88-15-55E 26.22 feet, N03-29-36E 30.05 feet, N70-44-53E 53.14 feet, S30-5221E 10.50 feet, S30-52-21E 34.75 feet, N33-30-04E 15.54 feet, S54-00-51E 17.44 feet, N53-57-16E 37.05 feet, S77-21-38E 19.99 feet, N36-50-51E 29.74 feet, N63-15-30E 22.83 feet, N84-3136E 50.93 feet, N37-36-11E 40.93 feet, S45-50-33E 59.34 feet, N75-46-01E 21.10 feet, S71-52-05E 21.54 feet, S71-51-25E 35.87 feet to an iron stake, a corner of Lot 74 (BM 2013 PG 308); thence as the line of Lot 74 S 13-4122W 256.24 feet to an iron stake; thence as the line of Lot 74 along a circular curve having a radius of 35.00 feet, a chord bearing of S6736-10E and a chord distance of 26.84 feet to an iron stake; thence S89-50-52W 171.23 feet to a iron stake; a corner of Lot 75 (BM 2013 PG 308); thence as the line of Lot 75 S89-5052W 87.67 feet to an iron stake; thence as the line of Lot 75 along a circular curve having a radius of 450.00 feet, a chord bearing of N8814-41 W and a chord distance of 29.96 feet to

an iron stake, thence continue as the line of Lot 75 N11-10-44W 216.68 feet and N02-4849E 82.91 feet to an iron stake in a stream; thence as the centerline of said stream N60-33-55E 17.08 feet, S60-0544E 41.68 feet, N63-23-29E 37.26 feet, N30-10-00W 34.75 feet, N46-28-49E41.55feet,S83-58-54E67.61feet, N32-14-23E 56.12 feet, S86-34-S1E 40.01 feet, S84-18-41E 55.20 feet, N31-57-07E 33.46 feet, N31-57-07E 43.43 feet, N79-28-49E 15.51 feet, N21-28-53E 24.37 feet, N0044-14W 45.43 feet, N21-26-23E 13.43 feet, N21-26-23E 52.08 feet, N43-28-54E 53.96 feet, N50-26-37E 26.27 feet, to an iron stake in the western R/W line of future Chestnut Ridge 50’ public R/W; thence as said R/W MB 2008 PG 1255) the following course and distances: N26-5147W 30.46 feet chord and 275.00 radius to an iron stake; thence N68-09-49W 35.03 feet and 25.00 radius to an iron stake; thence crossing the future Chestnut Ridge R/W and running parallel with the centerline of Beau View Drive N67-21-39E 75.80 feet to an iron stake in the eastern R/W of Chestnut Ridge 50’ right-of-way; thence as said eastern R/W of Chestnut Ridge N0940-40W 62.53 feet chord and 225.00 feet radius to an iron stake, the southwest corner of Lot 110 of Stewarts Ridge S/D (MB 1986 PG 1138), the point and place of beginning.

Containing 35.16 AC+/- and recorded in Wake and Johnston County as noted below.

BM 1986 PG 1138 Wake County ROD BM 2004 PG 1573

BM 2008 PG 1255

BM 2013 PG 308 Johnston County ROD - PB 67 PG 304 Together with improvements thereon, said property located at 0 Beau View Drive, Wendell, NC 27591

Property Address: View Drive, Wendell,

NC

0

Beau 27591

Parcel ID: 0058639 (Wake County) Parcel ID: No Separate Parcel No., Property taxed fully in Wake County (Johnston County) 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,

24-118397

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: 21884 - 106650

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.

HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 315 Charlotte, North Carolina 28210 Phone No: (704) 362-9255 Case No: 1370188 (CFC.CH)

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 52 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 919-663-3232

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN / STANLY COUNTY JOURNAL

Illuminating the season More than 250 luminaries were purchased and displayed around the Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church in Seagrove ahead of Christmas. The funds raised will allow a family stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Winston-Salem for more than a month.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Govt. puts $100B in disaster relief in yearend budget bill Washington, D.C. Congress is allocating more than $100 billion in emergency aid to address extensive damage caused by hurricanes and other disasters. The money is in a bill passed early Saturday

by Congress after last week’s scramble to find consensus on a government spending bill. The money is being provided after back-to‑back hurricanes slammed into the Southeast. But the funding will go to much more than just Helene and Milton recovery. There’s also disaster assistance for farmers, money for damaged roads and highways, and money for block grants administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Boost to Social Security for public sector retirees Washington, D.C. The Senate passed legislation to boost Social Security payments for millions of people. The bill is a longtime priority for former public employees. The bipartisan bill next heads to President Joe Biden. It will eliminate longtime reductions to Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million people who receive pensions because they worked in federal, state and local government, or public service jobs like teachers, firefighters and police officers. Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decadesold disparity, though it will also further strain Social Security Trust Funds.

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YEAR IN REVIEW

New livestock arena at Agri-Civic Center opens doors in Albemarle The venue has already hosted multiple annual events

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — After a decade of planning, the Stanly County Farm Bureau Livestock Arena finally opened its doors this past year.

A groundbreaking for the new livestock arena at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, located at 26130 Newt Road in Albemarle, was held back in April 2023.

While weather delays slowed down the construction process, the building — built to showcase the agricultural community and lifestyle in the county —

became ready for the public over a year later.

The arena’s inaugural events were the second-annual Carolina Wildlife Classic on Aug. 3 and the official grand opening two weeks later that was combined with the yearly Agri-Civic Day festivities; both featured hunting, fishing and camping vendors, along with food trucks and family activities.

Back in March, Stanly County announced its new leader for both the livestock arena and the Agri-Civic Center.

Chris Lambert, formerly the executive director of the Stanly Convention and Visitors Bureau, was named the county’s new event facilities director and began his new role in April.

See ARENA, page A2

COURTESY STANLY COUNTY AGRI-CIVIC CENTER

The 10-year project now known as the Stanly County Farm Bureau Livestock Arena was completed in 2024.

Albemarle approves sale of former police department headquarters Victas Agency LLC is purchasing the building

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle City Council recently wrapped up 2024 by finalizing plans for its former police department headquarters building that has been vacant for the past five years.

Located at 203 N. 2nd St., the building has remained empty since the Albemarle Police Department moved its headquarters to 155 W. South St. It was constructed in 1940 and first used as a U.S. Post Office before the APD moved into it in 1969.

On Dec. 2, the Albemarle City Council held a public

hearing and approved an incentive grant of $100,000 to facilitate the sale of the building to commercial developer Victas Agency LLC — registered in Charlotte and owned by an Albemarle native — who will now repurpose the facility for its own usage.

Lindsey Almond, Albemarle’s economic development director, presented Incentive Resolution 24-31 to the council prior to a unanimous vote in favor of the motion.

“This initiative includes a business development grant worth $100,000, which reflects a reduction in the property sale price based on its appraised value,” Almond said.

“In return, the company has committed to investing at least a million dollars into the property and creating four new jobs within the next two years.”

“It’s another jewel that’s going to be in the crown of Albemarle.”

Benton Dry, Albemarle City Council member Almond provided a brief overview of the recent timeline for the sale, reminding the council that the city of Albemarle has solicited for redevelopment proposals twice in the past three years for this property.

The last solicitation for proposals were received and scored by a six-panel committee, which recommended the highest scoring proposal for the redevelopment project.

“The city of Albemarle will

recover the cost from the new property in sales and sales tax revenue, and the public will benefit from the vibrancy of the redevelopment of commercial historic property and the simulation of the overall economy with expanded employment opportunities,” added Almond.

The appraised property value is $350,000, and the sale price is $250,000 with the business development grant included.

Council member Benton Dry expressed his gratitude that the sale of the building had finally been initiated after a long period of stagnation.

“I just want to thank you for the hard work that you’ve done,” Dry said. “This police station has been sitting empty for a long time.

“Thank you for the hard work of bringing this to fruition. It’s another jewel that’s going to be in the crown of Albemarle.”

The Albemarle City Council is set to meet again on Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

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Stanly County Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

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North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Dan Reeves, Features Editor Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager Published each Thursday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 919-663-3232 STANLYJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, NC and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

ARENA from page A1 “We spared no expense, and you should definitely come check it out,” Lambert said of the arena in preparation for the Carolina Wildlife Classic. “We’re really excited for you to see what we have to offer. We’ve got a 5-foot by-10-foot pixel wall and a stateof-the-art sound system. The livestock arena itself is 200-feet-by120-feet with a 7,500-square-foot exhibit hall. The facility is brand new and absolutely beautiful.”

Under his new job title, Lambert assisted in the process of helping the facility open while organizing the inaugural events for the arena. The estimated cost of the facility and site preparation for the project was $3.5 million, according to a resolution passed by the Stanly County Board of Commissioners in March 2023.

After the opening round of festivities in August, the Farm Bureau Livestock Arena continued to host more scheduled events as the fall went on. In late October, the arena was the home of the two-day New Classic Pro Rodeo competition.

“We’re having an awesome rodeo,” Lambert said. “It will feature bronco riding, bull riding, mutton busting, roping, barrel racing, literally everything. It will be a full professional rodeo. We’re excited to utilize this new facility and can’t wait to bring our first rodeo to Albemarle in this place.”

A month later, the Farm Bureau Livestock Arena hosted the “A Holly Jolly Christmas Show,” presented by Sunny Day Markets in partnership with the Agri-Civic Center.

Many vendors and organizers have been highly complimentary of the new arena’s capabilities as a go-to venue for events within the county, expanding the services that were already offered by the Agri-Civic Center over the years.

“We’re so excited for you to see this place,” said John MacPherson, owner of 704 Outdoors and the lead promoter for the Carolina Wildlife Classic. “This is the new home for 704 Outdoors’ future events. The Carolina Coyote Classic will be held right here.

And if you guys want to hold an event for yourself, you want to scope this place out for sure.”

With the area opening up in the second half of this past year, 2025 will present an opportunity for the facility to host a full year’s worth of events.

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Farmers still reeling months after Hurricane Helene ravaged crops in South Farms were second thoughts amid the widespread devastation

Pridgen said new chicken houses will cost about $450,000 apiece. Because most of his were decades old, he expects insurance to cover just half the cost.

“I was looking at retirement, but I lost my retirement and my income in one day,” said Pridgen, 62. “It’ll be two years before we get fully operational again.

I’m basically starting over.”

By Russ Bynum The Associated Press LYONS, Ga. — Twisted equipment and snapped tree limbs still litter Chris Hopkins’ Georgia farm more than two months after Hurricane Helene made its deadly march across the South.

An irrigation sprinkler system about 300 feet long lay overturned in a field, its steel pipes bent and welded joints broken.

The mangled remains of a grain bin sat crumpled by a road. On a Friday in early December, Hopkins dragged burly limbs from the path of the tractor-like machine that picks his cotton crop six rows at a time.

“I have wrestled with lots of emotions the past two months,” said Hopkins, who also grows corn and peanuts in rural Toombs County, about 75 miles west of Savannah. “Do we just get through this one and quit?

Do we build back? It is emotionally draining.”

Hopkins is among farmers across the South who are still reeling from Helene’s devastation. The storm made landfall in Florida on Sept. 26 as a major Category 4 storm and then raced north across Georgia and neighboring states.

Experts estimate the cost to farmers, timber growers and other agribusinesses from Florida to Virginia will reach more than $10 billion. The toll includes ravaged crops, uprooted timber, wrecked farm equipment and mangled chicken houses, as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity at cotton gins and poultry processing plants.

For cotton growers like Hopkins, Helene hit just as the fall harvest was starting. Many put most cleanup on hold to try to salvage what remained of their crops.

‘Staggering’ losses to cotton, pecans and fall vegetables Georgia farmers suffered storm losses of at least $5.5 billion, according to an analysis by the University of Geor-

‘Everybody lost something’

MIKE STEWART / AP PHOTO

A cotton picker moves through Chris Hopkins’ cotton field as a round bale sits earlier this month near Lyons, Georgia. gia. In North Carolina, a state agency calculated farmers suffered $3.1 billion in crop losses and recovery costs after Helene brought record rainfall and flooding. Separate economic analyses of farm damage tallied losses of up to $630 million in Virginia, $452 million in South Carolina and $162 million in Florida.

Hopkins figures he lost half the cotton on his 1,400 acres.

“We were at the most vulnerable stage we could be,” he said.

“The lint was open and fluffy and hanging there, waiting to be defoliated or picked. About 50% of the harvestable lint ended up on the ground.”

Even with insurance, Hopkins said, he won’t recoup an estimated $430,000 in losses from his cotton crop alone.

That doesn’t include the cost of debris removal, repairing or replacing damaged machinery and the loss of two small pecan orchards uprooted by the storm.

The storm ripped through blooming cotton fields, pecan orchards laden with nuts and fields where fall vegetables like cucumbers and squash awaited picking. Hundreds of large poultry houses used to raise thousands of chickens at a time got destroyed.

Farmers far from Helene’s center weren’t spared, as tropical-storm force winds reached outward up to 310 miles.

“It was staggering,” said Timothy Coolong, a University of Georgia horticulture professor.

“This may be just too much for some folks.”

Helene was one of the deadliest U.S. hurricanes in nearly two decades, killing more than 200 people. It left more than 100,000 homes damaged or destroyed across the South.

Will aid to farmers come soon enough?

Georgia’s government in November diverted $100 million that had been set aside for construction projects or paying off existing debt to fund emergency loans to farmers and cleanup in Helene’s aftermath. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has made additional storm relief a priority for the upcoming legislative session.

But Georgia’s constitution prohibits using state funds to give direct disaster aid to individuals and private businesses.

In Congress, a spending bill passed early Saturday to avoid a government shutdown included $21 billion in disaster aid to U.S. farmers.

“We need help, but we need it quick,” said Jeffrey Pridgen, a fifth-generation farmer who raises chickens in south Georgia’s Coffee County.

Pridgen operated a dozen poultry houses, each large enough to raise up to 20,000 chickens at a time. Helene destroyed four of them, along with thousands of chickens. Only one of Pridgen’s houses remains in working condition, the others having been badly damaged.

Georgia’s poultry industry took an estimated $683 million hit, with farmers having to rebuild about 300 chicken houses and repair hundreds more.

The poultry processing plant that relies on Pridgen and other storm-impacted farmers for chickens is now operating just four days per week, he said.

“Now for at least a year, perhaps a little bit longer, we’re in rebuilding mode,” said Mike Giles, president of the Georgia Poultry Federation. “That affects production in an area for an extended period of time.”

Helene’s devastation shouldn’t have much impact on consumer prices because crops grown elsewhere can make up for most shortages, said Michael Adjemian, a University of Georgia professor of agricultural economics. Pecans are one possible exception. Georgia is responsible for roughly one‑third of U.S. production.

“In most cases, even a terrible storm like this is going to have a relatively small impact,” Adjemian said. “And maybe it’s not even noticeable, depending on the product.”

Helene cost Georgia cotton farmers roughly one-third of their crop, with direct and indirect losses valued at $560 million. Some were still recovering from Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Cotton growers also were facing low prices this harvest season of around 70 cents per pound, said Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission. That meant they needed a big yield to turn any profit.

“Times were awful, and then they got hit by a hurricane,” Sills said. “There are people who lost everything and there are people who didn’t. But everybody lost something.”

Max Muhleman, transformed seat licensing, helped bring teams to Charlotte, dead at 88 He helped the Panthers and Hornets land expansion teams

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Sports marketer Max Muhleman, who was credited with the concept of developing the permanent seat license in professional sports and helping the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets land expansion teams, has died at 88.

Muhleman died on Saturday in Charlotte peacefully after battling some heart-related issues, his son Lee Muhleman told The Associated Press.

Muhleman worked closely with Panthers founder Jerry Richardson in his quest to bring an NFL franchise to the Carolinas in the early 1990s.

Muhleman delivered the closing marketing pitch at the October 1993 owners’ meetings for Richardson, who would ultimately be unanimously awarded the league’s 29th franchise.

The Panthers began playing in 1995.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize what a big role Max played in getting the expansion team,” said former Panthers director of communications Charlie Dayton. “He wasn’t out front, he preferred to be in the background. That was him. But he was as valuable as anybody in the process of getting a team. He was there every step of the way.”

Muhleman’s marketing plan for the Panthers included landing three NFL preseason games in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, and another in Columbia, South Carolina.

All three games sold out, helping prove to league owners that the Carolinas were a viable market.

Still, there was the matter of funding the expansion team.

Richardson didn’t want to use taxpayer money, and the league was worried at the time about him taking on any additional debt.

That is when Muhleman invented the concept of the PSL, where fans could pay a one-time fee for the annual right to buy season tickets.

The Panthers sold more than 55,000 PSLs, and the millions raised from that venture were used to build the 72,000-seat Bank of America Stadium in downtown Charlotte.

The stadium continues to serve as home of the Panthers and Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC.

Tamera Green, who worked with Muhleman for more than a decade and now serves as the senior vice president and communications officer with the Panthers, said Muhleman was an incredibly talented and creative man.

“He had some really cool ‘firsts’ in sports,” Green said.

“The idea of the PSL almost came out of desperation at the time. It was like a Hail Mary.

And it worked.”

Several other professional sports franchises have since adopted the idea of PSLs as a means of funding private stadiums and arenas.

The Panthers still use PSLs. Earlier in his career, Muhleman worked alongside then-Hornets owner George Shinn to develop the strategy and pitch that would help Charlotte land the NBA expansion Hornets in 1988.

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Stanly County Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

THE CONVERSATION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | CONNIE LOVELL

Magician’s choice

“When you own all the cards, erasing faith is easier than you might think.

All you have to do is erase the mind it inhabits.”

David James Duncan, “The Brothers K”

IN SEPTEMBER 2024, the Federal Communications Commission cut a deal to rescue Audacy Inc. from bankruptcy. Bypassing decades of protocol and procedure, the FCC accepted a $415 billion offer made by Soros Fund Management.

The “Soros Shortcut” allows Audacy to continue broadcast service to 46 media markets in the U.S. Audacy is the second largest radio content provider in the United States, reaching 165 million American listeners.

Audacy filed for Chapter 11 in January 2024, citing debt of $1.5 million, a decline in advertising revenue and tough competition from streaming services. Sensing weakness, George Soros and partners made an offer the FCC could not refuse.

The audacious play for control of the public radio market was met with sharp resistance by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Chairman James Comer (RKy.) published a press release saying the normal process for reviewing a transaction by a foreign entity had been breached. The intent to fast track this takeover was seen by many as a grab to gain control of the political narrative to influence the 2024 national election.

Also in September 2024, the FCC quietly tabled the Biden-Harris scheme to provide internet service to all rural America. The celebrated Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD), with $42 billion in funding, vanished under a pile of red tape.

At the time, Elon Musk’s Starlink grant to expand broadband service to 640,000 rural homes and businesses was canceled. This was a blatant act of “digital discrimination” to let

the FCC micromanage pricing and control the buildout of services.

Recall it was Starlink that provided the connectivity to thousands of victims stranded in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Free.

Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha and America’s favorite investor, is in the process of rescuing SiriusXM from serious debt. Once the wealthiest man in America, active in the communications business, he was attracted to the “management style, the subscription model and the Sirius Sinatra channel.” In addition, “SiriusXM has a monopoly on satellite radio in the U.S. and holds a solid spot in the podcast game,” Buffett told Benzinga News.

The domination of public radio and subscription broadcast services by two of the most liberal philanthropic enterprises revealed the next tactic in the contest for the American mind. Debate raged, pitting “hate speech” against the inalienable right to free speech. But the bidding war between the First Amendment and “content moderation” has been trumped.

Beginning January 20, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission will have a new leader. Brendan Carr, one of two Republicans on the five-person commission will take the table and change the stakes.

Carr, a commissioner since 2017, has been the voice of dissent during the Biden administration, calling out the lack of transparency and overreach of the commission.

His scrutiny exposed the hypocrisy of the “60 Minutes” Kamala Harris interview and the unlawful television appearance of Harris on “Saturday Night Live” in the final desperate days of the presidential election.

He has effectively become the gatekeeper

of the FCC mission to protect the “basic tenet of national communications policy: that the widest possible dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources is essential to the public’s welfare,” said Eugene Volokh, senior fellow at the Hoover Institute.

Climate spokesman John Kerry recently schooled the titans at the World Economic Forum, saying, “It’s really hard to govern anymore. … People self-select where they go for their news. It’s much harder to build consensus.”

Indeed. The Soros-controlled Global Disinformation Index employs its own special brand of discrimination to identify and disrupt any business model deemed too risky for investment due to the “ever-changing disinformation landscape.” Controversial subjects deemed too unpleasant may be modified before entering the public domain.

For example, a rounding error of 818,000 job losses could go unreported. Or publishing the true number of illegal immigrants entering the U.S. as felons (425,000) could be scrubbed as disinformation. Governing would certainly be easier; consensus attainable.

A Magician’s Choice is a technique used to deceive the unsuspecting patsy into thinking he has successfully selected the right card, not knowing that the deck is stacked against him.

Americans must protect the right to receive a “wide dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources.” The Federal Communications Commission must honor the First Amendment principle of free speech.

Americans want their information dealt from the top of the deck, not the bottom.

Connie Lovell lives in Pinehurst.

COLUMN | REP. WAYNE SASSER

North Carolina is proof of private capital’s importance to health care

Urgent care is an area where private capital is proving its worth.

PRIVATE CAPITAL HAS INVESTED nearly $1 trillion in U.S. health care since 2006.

These investments have funded critical research into devastating diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and revolutionized medical recordkeeping.

Despite the clear benefits private capital brings to health care, some state and federal policymakers are pushing to restrict how private capital can be deployed in the health care sector.

As a pharmacist and retiring state representative — the only pharmacist to serve in North Carolina’s legislature during my tenure — I believe such restrictions would be a mistake. Not only does private capital fund crucial medical innovation and research into new treatments, but it’s also expanding access to quality care in our state.

Across all sectors of the economy, North Carolina is among the top 10 recipients of private capital, with 600 businesses backed by private investors. Many of these recipients are in health care and making a difference for patients today.

While dozens of privately backed North Carolina health care entities are worth highlighting, three recent success stories in the news illustrate why funding from private capital is essential.

The first success is Tryon Medical Partners in Charlotte. This practice demonstrates the power of private investment in physician care.

The practice serves 200,000 patients in 10 clinics throughout the Charlotte area.

In October, the practice announced that it was teaming with private investors to access new

capital that would be used to run the business side of its practice and to provide resources to expand services.

Private capital will also help Tryon compete in a market increasingly controlled by a few big actors, including the third-largest tax-exempt hospital system in the U.S., Advocate Health.

For Tyron and many other practices nationwide, consolidation presents a big problem. Private capital helps practices remain independent and compete with the most prominent industry players.

Another success story is Charlotte Radiology, which was recently featured at an event in Washington, D.C. Charlotte Radiology shows how private investment can transform and expand access to specialty care.

This practice received funding from private capital in 2018. New resources have helped it grow from 30 centers in Charlotte to more than 175 imaging centers in 13 states. In addition to helping the practice reach more patients, private capital enables it to improve care by adding tools like artificial intelligence to its arsenal.

Some critics argue for restrictions on private capital in health care, suggesting that private investments lead to diminished patient care.

Charlotte Radiology tells a different story. The company reports that its patient satisfaction rates approach 98%.

The final example is American Family Care, an urgent care leader recently expanding into Lee County. American Family Care started with a single location in 1982. Access to private capital has since helped it expand to more than 350

locations nationwide, including more than 10 in the Tarheel State.

Urgent care is an area where private capital is proving its worth. However, accessing health care is extremely difficult in too many rural areas. For example, 11 rural hospitals in North Carolina have either shut down or stopped providing inpatient care since 2005, and many more are at risk.

Urgent care clinics can help fill in the gaps in rural communities, and private capital can help make sure the resources exist to open more centers where patients need them.

Tryon Medical Partners, Charlotte Radiology and American Family Care demonstrate why responsible private investment must remain part of our health care system. It enables physician independence, drives technological innovation and maintains health care access in underserved areas.

In North Carolina, we are fortunate to have leaders who understand the vital role of private capital in health care. Sen. Thom Tillis, for example, has correctly characterized the funding as a “very important part of the ecosystem.”

As discussions about private investment in health care continue and perhaps even reach the halls of Congress, we will need him and others to share stories from North Carolina and stand up for private capital’s positive role in our healthcare system.

Rep. Wayne Sasser is chairman of the North Carolina House Health Committee and represents Montgomery and Stanly counties.

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Stanly County Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

Canada’s Trudeau reshuffles Cabinet Opponents are calling on the prime minister to resign amid discontent

By Rob Gillies The Associated Press TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s chances of staying in power have become more tenuous after the opposition party that backed his government for years announced it will vote no confidence in the government when Parliament resumes.

An embattled Trudeau reshuffled his Cabinet last Friday — but whether he will step aside in the coming days or weeks remains an open question.

Trudeau participated in the swearing-in ceremony and will chair a meeting with his new Cabinet later in the afternoon.

He is not expected to speak publicly Friday as he mulls his future.

“He told us he had a difficult choice to make and that is the choice that he is facing at this time,” said Rachel Bendayan, the official languages minister.

Trudeau is facing rising discontent over his leadership, and the abrupt departure of his finance minister last Monday could be something from which he can’t recover.

Parliament is now shut for the holidays until late next month, and a “no confidence” vote could be scheduled sometime afterward.

Because Trudeau’s Liberals do not hold an outright ma-

SEAN KILPATRICK /THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives at a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa last Friday. jority in Parliament, they have for years depended on the support of the leftist New Democratic Party to pass legislation and stay in power. But that support has vanished — NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has called on Trudeau to resign — and he made clear last Friday the NDP will vote to bring down the government.

“No matter who is leading the Liberal Party, this government’s time is up. We will put forward a clear motion of non-confidence

“It might simply appear as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.”

Daniel Béland, political science professor at McGill University, on Trudeau’s Cabinet changes in the next sitting of the House of Commons,” Singh said in a letter released just before Trudeau

was to reshuffle his Cabinet.

The Liberals could delay Parliament’s return if Trudeau decides to not run in the next year’s election and allows for a party leadership race.

New Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Thursday that Trudeau has the “full support of his Cabinet” but acknowledged a rising number of Liberal members of Parliament want Trudeau to leave.

He said Trudeau told them he is reflecting.

Lawmaker Rob Oliphant became the latest member of Parliament from Trudeau’s Liberal party to call for him to step aside. Oliphant said there should be a “robust, open leadership contest.”

“Our leader has become a key obstacle preventing many progressive voters who have supported our work from doing so again in the next election,” he said in a letter released Friday.

Trudeau replaced ministers who aren’t running again. And some ministers ended up having two roles after others suddenly left the Cabinet.

“I understand there is going to be a short runway. I’m not blind to that,” said Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Canada’s new housing minister.

Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said a reshuffle was necessary because of recent Cabinet departures.

“It might simply appear as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic,” Béland said.

Trudeau, who has led the country for nearly a decade, has become widely unpopular in recent years over a wide range of issues, including the high cost of living and rising inflation.

The political upheaval comes at a difficult moment for Canada.

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods if the government does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and drugs in the United States — even though far fewer of each cross into the U.S. from Canada than from Mexico, which Trump has also threatened.

TSVANGIRAYI MUKWAZHI / AP PHOTO

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, pictured during his inauguration ceremony in 2023, announced a new land policy last week.

Zimbabwe launches new land policy The plan aims to empower black farmers with direct ownership

By Farai Mutsaka The Associated Press HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday launched a new policy that will allow beneficiaries of land taken from white people under contentious land reforms to sell it and to be able to borrow from banks using it as collateral.

This marks a major shift in Zimbabwe’s land policy. Previously, the resettled farmers couldn’t transfer ownership of land.

However, ownership of the land can only be transferred between “Indigenous Zimbabweans,” a reference to black Zimbabweans, and will need government approval under the new policy.

Tens of thousands of black people took over white-owned farms after then-President Robert Mugabe initiated the land reforms in 2000. Mugabe, who died in 2019, justified the reforms as being necessary to redress some of the wrongs of colonialism that put most of Zimbabwe’s fertile land in the hands of a few white people.

But the new black farmers weren’t allowed to sell or transfer ownership of the land,

4,500

Approximate number of white farmers who were removed from their farms in the early 2000s which was deemed to belong to the state. As a result, banks were reluctant to advance loans to the resettled farmers, who couldn’t use their land as collateral.

Last Friday, a handful of farmers, including Mnangagwa, received title deeds to the farms they are occupying.

Mnangagwa also announced

a technical committee to spearhead the process for other resettled black farmers.

Speaking at an event held at his farm near Kwekwe city in central Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa said the policy would help “unlock the value” of the land and make it “bankable and transferable.”

At the turn of the centurt, about 4,500 white farmers who owned the majority of prime farmland were removed from their farms, often forcibly, by violent mobs led by veterans of the country’s 1970s independence war.

Some farmers and their workers died or were seriously injured in the violence, which included beatings and rape,

according to Human Rights Watch.

The land seizures badly impacted commercial farming, forcing a country that was a key regional food producer and exporter to rely on assistance from donors. Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector has rebounded in recent years, but droughts are now the main challenge.

Securing finance has been another problem that Mnangagwa hopes could be solved by the new policy of issuing title deeds to black farmers.

Secure land tenure means “our farmers can access credit facilities” and “lifts many out of poverty into prosperity,” Mnangagwa said.

In October, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said that Zimbabwe would compensate local and foreign white farmers who lost land and property in the farm seizures.

STANLY SPORTS The East team, captained by Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, hoists the trophy after defeating the West 211-186 in the 2023 NBA All‑Star Game in Indianapolis.

First look at new NCHSAA athletic conferences Where schools in the readership area are headed in reclassification Stanly County Journal staff

DARRON CUMMINGS / AP PHOTO

NBA announces All-Star tournament plan for this season The showcase will feature four teams and three games in one night

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press LAS VEGAS — The NBA ‘s All-Star Game is going to be an All-Star tournament this season, with the league announcing on Tuesday that it has finalized plans to use a different format for the upcoming midseason showcase in San Francisco.

And scoring is sure to be down — way, way, way down.

This season’s format is a fourteam, three-game, one-night tournament, three teams of eight All-Stars apiece and the fourth team being the winner of the Rising Stars challenge for first- and second-year players. The winning team in all games will be the first to score 40 points.

It’ll happen Feb. 16 at the home of the Golden State Warriors. The Rising Stars event is there Feb. 14, headlining All‑Star Friday.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has wanted a more competitive All-Star event for some time, and this change comes after the teams combined to score a record 397 points — 211-186 was the final — in last season’s game in Indianapolis.

The teams combined to take 289 shot attempts in last year’s game, 94% of those being either inside the paint or beyond the 3-point line.

“Obviously, with the elephant in the room being us competing, them trying to shake things up is expected and makes sense,” said Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a likely All-Star selection this season for the third time. “At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to whether the players want to go at it, and I would love to see that.

Love to be a part of that for sure, and hopefully it happens.”

There have been other All‑Star format shakeups in recent years.

After the first 66 All-Star Games were basically played like a normal game — Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference, four quarters, 12 minutes apiece — the league switched to a format where the leading vote-getters from each conference served as captains who got to draft their teams.

LeBron James served as one of the captains all six times, with Giannis Antetokounmpo the other captain three times, Kevin Durant twice and Stephen Curry once.

In four of the captain’s-pick years, All-Star Games used a target score at the end of games, ensuring that the winner was

decided on a made shot. Fourth quarters were untimed and the winner was the first team to reach whatever the leading team’s score was after three quarters, plus 24 points — the 24 being a nod to Kobe Bryant’s last jersey number.

It went back to the East vs.

West format last year and saw a record point total, along with Luka Doncic trying a 70‑foot jumper, Donovan Mitchell throwing a 50-foot underhand inbounds pass, Bam Adebayo inbounding the ball to himself by tossing it off Nikola Jokic’s backside, Tyrese Haliburton trying and making five 3-pointers in a 92-second span, and Damian Lillard capping the night with a 44-foot jumper — which wasn’t even his longest shot of the game.

“I think something could be done about it,” Lillard said after his MVP-winning performance in last year’s game. “I’m not sure what, but I think there’s a way to make it a more competitive game.”

The league hopes it has found the answer.

TNT analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith will draft teams from the 24-player All-Star pool on Feb. 6.

The teams will bear their names — Team Shaq, Team Charles and Team Kenny.

These 3 new sports dramas punch above their weight Inspirational coaches highlight three films about the fight game

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press NEW YORK — The sports movie can easily fall victim to overly familiar story beats.

An underdog challenger. A big match.

But a trio of new movies brings some original moves, and a few curveballs, to a genre where tried-and-true formula often reigns supreme. Each, curiously enough, is a directorial debut by an industry veteran. And each features an inspirational coach.

“Day of the Fight” Jack Huston’s “Day of the Fight,” currently playing in theaters, stars Michael Pitt as down-and-out middleweight boxer “Irish” Mike Flannigan.

He is, like some battered boxers before him, seeking redemption. Flannigan’s once-promising career was long ago derailed by a fatal drunk driving accident. But on this day, he’s preparing for an unlikely opportunity: an undercard bout at Madison Square Garden.

“Day of the Fight” culminates in the Madison Square Garden match, but the movie is largely about the preamble to the fight.

The movie follows Flannigan on a series of poignant errands.

“I wanted to make a film

where you didn’t necessarily need the boxing match,” Huston says. “The boxing match became icing.”

Cornerman: Ron Perlman.

Though “Day of the Fight” is graced by a several father figures (Joe Pesci, Steve Buscemi), the one that really stands out is Perlman’s coach.

“Unstoppable” William Goldenberg, the Oscar-winning editor (“Argo,” “Heat”) directs this based-ona-true-story drama about the life of NCAA champion wrestler Anthony Robles, played by Jharrel Jerome. The film, which arrives Jan. 16 on Prime Video, chronicles Robles’ constant hardships, not the least of which is that he was born without his right leg.

It’s less about Robles’ overcoming one challenge than it is about his perseverance through constant adversity. Jennifer Lopez co-stars as his mother, with Bobby Cannavale as an abusive stepfather.

“It was a constant battle,” says Robles. “That’s kind of how I felt going through my life, whether it was on a mat against a fleshand-blood opponent or it was in my family life or the world.

There was always something I was fighting against.”

Cornerman: “Unstoppable” is the rare sports drama to give you not just one excellent coach but two. Because it spans Robles’ wrestling career in high school and college, we first get

Michael Peña as his most devoted supporter, and later, Don Cheadle as his initially more skeptical coach in college.

“The Fire Inside” “The Fire Inside,” directed by decorated cinematographer Rachel Morrison (“Fruitvale Station,” “Mudbound”), is also about a real champion, the Olympic gold medal winner Claressa Shields (played by Destiny Ryan).

The first half of “The Fire Inside,” which opens Dec. 25, is somewhat conventional. It charts her rise as a female boxer leading up to the 2012 Olympics. Once she’s won gold, you might even glance at your watch and wonder why they wrapped things up so quickly.

But the film then turns into something else. Shields’ glory is short-lived. A tough black woman in a bloody sport who makes no apologies for her interest in knocking out her opponent is unappealing to marketers. As “The Fire Inside” continues in its thought-provoking third act, it asks questions less about who wins and more about who gets to be deemed “an American hero.”

Cornerman: Brian Tyree Henry plays Shields’ devoted cornerman Jason Crutchfield.

Henry, a tender and soulful actor, is more of a co-star than a supporting player. Of all the coaches in these three films, he’s the one you’d most want cheering you on.

THE NCHSAA’S reclassification of North Carolina schools took another step forward this week.

For the first time, the state’s high schools will be divided into eight different classifications, based on enrollment, with the largest 32 schools placed in the top classification, and the rest divided up evenly with about 60 schools in each division.

The NCHSAA released its draft of the eight classifications last month.

Now, North Carolina schools get their first look at their potential conference placement. The NCHSAA released its first draft of conferences for the 2025-29 period. Schools can still raise issues and provide feedback that may result in changes, but here’s a look at where area schools are slotted.

STANLY COUNTY North Stanly: Current Conference — 1A/2A Yadkin Valley; New Conference — 1A/2A/3A Conference A For the most part, the NCHSAA kept the gang together when it came to three of the four Stanly County Schools. North Stanly, South Stanly and Albemarle are together in the Yadkin, and, despite North getting bumped up to 3A, they’re staying together in the new three-classification conference.

South Stanly: Current Conference — 1A/2A Yadkin Valley; New Conference — 1A/2A/3A Conference A In addition to keeping the Stanly schools together, the NCHSAA also kept most of the Yadkin intact. Joining North, South and Albemarle in the Conference A are current Yadkin members Union Academy and Gray Stone Day. Albemarle: Current Conference — 1A/2A Yadkin Valley; New Conference — 1A/2A/3A Conference A

River members Anson, Monroe, Parkwood, Forest Hills and Central Academy. The only change is that Piedmont is gone, replaced by former Yadkin Valley member Mount Pleasant.

FORSYTH COUNTY East Forsyth, West Forsyth, R.J. Reynolds, Reagan and Parkland: Current Conference — 4A Central Piedmont; New Conference — 7A/8A Conference B. These five schools stay together in their new conference. West is the only one of the five to place in the 8A classification. The others are classified as 7A. They are joined by Southwest Guilford and Northwest Guilford but lose Central Piedmont rivals Mount Tabor, Davie and Glenn.

Mount Tabor, Glenn, North Forsyth, Atkins: Current Conference — 4A Central Piedmont (Mount Tabor and Glenn), 2A Mid-State (North Forsyth), 3A Mid-State (Atkins); New Conference — 5A/6A Conference E This conference took four county schools from three existing conferences, reclassifying all of them at one of the new levels. Mount Tabor and Glenn go from 4A to 6A, North Forsyth from 2A to 5A and Atkins from 3A to 5A. The other two schools in this league are Oak Grove and North Davidson.

Walkertown: Current Conference — 2A Mid‑State; New Conference — 3A/4A Conference D Walkertown gets separated from current conference rival North Forsyth. West Stokes is the only current conference member that moved with Walkertown. They are joined in the new league by East Surry, Mount Airy, Surry Central and North Surry.

Carver: Current — 1A Northwest Piedmont; New Conference — 3A/4A Conference B

The only changes to the current Yadkin that the new reclassification brings is the departure of Mount Pleasant and the addition of Bonnie Cone and North Rowan.

Carver gets bumped up from 1A to 4A and is separated from current conference rival W-S Prep. The new conference is packed with new rivals: Bartlett Yancey, McMichael, Cummings, Graham, Morehead and Reidsville.

West Stanly: Current Conference — 2A/3A Rocky River; New Conference — 4A/5A Conference C

Winston-Salem Prep: Current — 1A Northwest Piedmont; New Conference — 1A/2A Conference E

The Colts got bumped up from 2A to 4A. Like the other three Stanly schools and the current Yadkin Valley Conference, West Stanly and the Rocky River were left pretty much intact. Making the move to the new conference with West are current Rocky

While Carver got sent to a new conference, W-S Prep retains a Northwest Piedmont partner in Bishop McGuinness. Also in the new conference are College Prep and Leadership, North Stokes, South Davidson and South Stokes.

North Stanly and West Stanly players clash under the basket during a game last year. Both schools are on the move as the NCHSAA reclassification plan unveiled their new conference affiliations.

SETH MABRY FOR STANLY COUNTY JOURNAL

B2

Stanly County Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

Wake Forest hires Washington State’s Dickert as football coach The Demon Deacons replaced Dave Clawson two days after his resignation

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press WAKE FOREST MOVED quickly in reaching across the country to find its next football coach.

The school hired Washington State’s Jake Dickert, two days after Dave Clawson resigned unexpectedly following 11 seasons that included regular bowl bids and an Atlantic Coast Conference division title.

“Coach Dickert’s approach to building a program — through evaluation and development of talent with a plan rooted in detail, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete development — reminds me of what made Dave Clawson so successful during his 11-year transformational tenure as our head football coach,” athletic director John Currie said in a statement.

“Jake’s philosophy of fostering personal growth, cultivating trust within the team, and relentlessly competing for championships embodies the principles we hold dear.”

Dickert, 41, had been the defensive coordinator when he took over during the 2021 season as the Cougars’ interim coach after Washington State fired Nick Rolovich for refus-

YOUNG KWAK / AP PHOTO

Washington State head coach Jake Dickert stands on the sideline during the first half of a game against Northern Colorado. ing a state mandate that all employees get vaccinated against COVID-19. Dickert led the team to a 3-3 finish to earn the permanent job, then went 20-17 in the three seasons since.

“We will have a clear focus on retaining our current ros-

fect place for our family and our program only strengthened.”

Washington State went 8-4 this year, the first since the Pac12 fell apart, with the majority of its schools scattering to the ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten. Now Dickert is back in a power con-

ter while adding valuable pieces that fit our program and Wake Forest University,” Dickert said in a statement. “Additionally, I am excited to immerse myself in this special community as throughout this process my belief that this is the per-

ference again, nine days before his Cougars are set to play No. 22 Syracuse in the Holiday Bowl (Dec. 27).

Dickert arrived at Washington State after a three-year run at Wyoming in a career with stops at the Division II level, though those generally were at schools in the central part of the country or further west. A job at Southeast Missouri State in 2012 was his farthest east.

He’ll relocate to the Eastern Seaboard for the job at Wake Forest, one of the smallest undergraduate enrollments in the Bowl Subdivision ranks. It comes as the Demon Deacons have had consecutive 4-8 seasons, a product of a changing landscape in college sports that hindered Wake Forest’s formula of retaining and developing players to compete with schools featuring four- and five-star prospects.

In Wake Forest’s case, the Demon Deacons had an 11‑win season that included a trip to the ACC title game in 2021, as well as brief stints in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 in 2021 and 2022 amid a run of seven straight bowl appearances before the two four-win seasons.

In an emotional news conference last Tuesday, Clawson said he “just felt like it was time” to step aside to let Wake Forest take a fresh approach to the changes, which include the looming arrival of revenue sharing with athletes.

“I think there’s things I can help with (in) the transition,” Clawson said. “But I don’t want to be the old coach in the office that’s overlooking you or second-guessing you. … If the new coach says, ‘Dave, stay the hell away, it’s my program,’ I will stay the hell away and do nothing but support him.”

MLB study: Velocity, max efforts likely causing pitching injuries; rule changes should be considered Findings quantify the increase in pitcher velocity and injury rates

By Ronald Blum The Associated Press NEW YORK — A yearlong study by Major League Baseball concluded rising velocities, pitch shaping and emphasis on maximum effort are the likely causes of the vast increase in pitcher injuries and recommended exploring rules changes to address the problem.

The 62-page report said the trends extended to high school and youth baseball because of the incentive to get noticed by professional scouts. The study said there is no evidence linking the pitch clock to injuries.

The report was based on interviews with more than 200 people that included players, front office executives, orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, biochemists, major league, college and independent coaches, and international trainers.

Major league pitcher IL placements increased from 212 in 2005 to 485 this year and days on the IL rose from 13,666 to 32,257.

GREGORY BULL / AP PHOTO

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove exits the game during the fourth inning in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series in October.

“The most significant causes are likely the increased velocity of pitches, the emphasis on optimizing ‘stuff’ (a term referencing the composite movement characteristics of pitches, including horizontal and vertical break and spin rate), and the modern pitcher’s focus on exerting maximum effort while pitching in both game and non-game situations,” the report said.

The report said experts recommend MLB consider rules changes to “increase the value of pitcher health and durability and decrease the value of short-duration, max-effort pitching.”

“For instance, playing rules could be adjusted or designed to encourage or require starting pitchers to preserve enough energy to allow them to pitch deeper into games,” the report said.

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“These incentives could be supported by roster rules that more appropriately regulate the availability of pitchers on a roster or in a team’s bullpen for a given game, including potential changes to the number and frequency of transactions that allow clubs to replace pitchers on their rosters.”

Among the data points: • Tommy John surgeries for major and minor league players increased from 104 in 2010 to a peak of 314 in 2020 and declined to 281 this year.

• Since 2008, average mph velocity in the major leagues has risen from 91.3 to 94.2 for four‑seam fastballs, 82.8 to 84.6 for sliders, 75.7 to 79.5 for curveballs and 81.7 to 85.5 for changeups. During that period, fastball usage declined from 60% to 48%.

By comparison, fastball velocity in Nippon Professional Baseball was 91.1 this year.

• IL days for pitcher elbow injuries rose from 3,940 in 2005 to 12,185 this year and for shoulder injuries increased from from 2,634 to 5,445.

• IL placements from spring training through opening day rose from 61 in 2017 to 112 this year, and from day two through the end of the

regular season from 303 to 352.

• Starts of five or more innings dropped from 84% to 70% in the majors from 2005 to 2024 and from 68.9% to 36.8 in the minors.

• Thirty-five players selected in the top 10 rounds of this year’s amateur draft had Tommy John surgery, up from four in 2005.

• Prospects who threw 95 mph or higher at the Perfect Game National Showcase increased from three in 2018 to 36 this year.

• UCL surgeries among youth and high school pitchers at the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center rose from 10% of all UCL surgeries in 1995 to 52% in 2021.

• Pitchers per team during the season averaged 15.1 in 1980, rose to 34.4 in 2021 and declined to 32.5 this year.

• International players had more UCL surgeries than domestic counterparts in 2023 for the first time since 2010.

• Average innings over the previous season for college starting pitchers selected in the first three rounds of the amateur draft dropped from 1011/3 in 2012 to 74 this year.

• Pitchers selected in the first three rounds of the draft fell from 73.3% in 2014 to 41.7% this year.

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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 18, 2023 Stanly County Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

obituaries obituaries

Catherine Mae Barbara Jean Mills Veatch (Taylor) Drye

Oct. 8, 1932 – Dec. 19, 2024 April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Deborah Dwight Farmer Kay Mauldin January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, Huneycutt 2023

Feb. 12, 1952 – Dec. 20, 2024 Catherine Mae Mills Veatch, Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, 92, of Albemarle passed away on Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Norwood died Sunday morning, Deborah Kay Mauldin Thursday, December 19, 2024, in of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

Huneycutt, 72, of Albemarle her home.

Her funeral service will January 14, 2023 at her home.

Dwight was born January 24, passed away on Friday, be 3 p.m. onborn Sunday, Barbara was AprilDecember 17, 1936 1939 in Stanly20, County toin the late December 2024, her home.

22, 2024, at Union Chapel in North Carolina to the late Robert Walter Virgil and Martha Her funeral service willAdkins be at 2 Methodist Church with Pastor Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Farmer.

HeMonday, was a 1957 graduate23, p.m. on December Monty Clark and Pastor Jay Watts Taylor. of Norwood High School and was 2024, at Friendship Methodist Weemhoff family She was alsoofficiating. preceded inThe death a United Army Veteran.

ChurchStates with Pastor Dean Martin will receive friends from 2 until by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Heofficiating. was a member ofwill Cedar Grove Burial follow in the 2:45 p.m. at theRobert churchLee prior to Drye, and brothers, United Methodist Church where will he church cemetery.

The family the service.

A graveside service Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth had served as church treasurer and receive friends from 1 until 1:45 will be held at Baldwin Memorial Taylor. choir member.

He began histocareer p.m. at the church prior the Gardens include in Milledgeville, Survivors children,GA with the Stanly County Sheriff’ s hour of the service. conducted by Moore’s Funeral Debbie (Mike) Williams of Department moving 12, to the Norwood Born February 1952, in Home of Milledgeville.

Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry Police Department andshe retiring as Stanly County, NC was the Born October 8, 1932, in of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Chief of Police the George Town ofT. daughter of with the late Washington County, GA, she Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Norwood years service.

Mauldinafter and many Louise FurrofMauldin. was the daughter of the late Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Dwight an avid gardener, She waswas a retired Lab Tech Fincher Homer Mills and Evelyn Samantha (Destiny) Smith of bird watcher and Carolina with the Stanly County fan.

Health Mills Mills. She retired as the Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, He is survivedShe by his wife Hilda Department. was a member Chief Financial Officer at Baldwin Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Farmer;Methodist one son D. Church.

Britten of Friendship County Hospital in Milledgeville, Whitley Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterJr. (Mary) of McLeansville, Mrs. Huneycutt loved cooking GA. She was a member of Union Farmer in-law, Beatrice Goodman; many NC; one daughter Farmer and traveling toSharon the beach.

Her Chapel Methodist Church. niecesMrs. and nephews; and her beloved Lowe (David) of Norwood; one grandchildren were her life.

Veatch was preceded in cats, Bo and Garfield. sisterMrs. Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two Huneycutt was preceded death by her husband Herbert Barbara was a member of grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” in death by her husband Jimmy Veatch in 2021. She is survived Oakboro Baptist Church over MD Farmer Huneycutt. is survived III andShe Whitley Rose Hui by a son Dr. Philip D. for Veatch, 60 years.

SheNancy workedofover 30 yearsand Lowe. by her sons Jason Huneycutt and wife Albemarle at Stanly Knitting Mills. justof (Brandi) of Albemarle andby He was preceded in death daughter Vickie LynnAfter Veatch twoAlbemarle, years of retirement, she began Huneycutt (Erin) of and hisJamie son Alex, brothers, Tommy five grandchildren managing the Oakboro Senior Asheville, two sisters Diane Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Jennifer Allen (Jeremy), Center andStone did that for 18 years Collie ofGlennie Albemarle and Annabell, Mae, andLynn Betty.

Karen (Patrick), Jeremy until this past week.

Barbara was Forrest (Richard) Albemarle, Memorials may beofmade to Cedar Veatch (Christina), Michael known for her good cooking and daughter-in-law Ashley Carter Grove United Methodist Church, Veatch (Amber), and Emily always taking care of others. also Cemetery (Matt) of orAlbemarle, Choir Fundand c/o Pam Shockley (Bryce), and 17She greatloved going on day long seven grandchildren Neleh, 36071 Rocky River Springs grandchildren.

Sheshopping was preceded Smith trips she could out andVashti out Alex,Norwood, Lannah, Levi, Ella Grace, Road, NC 28128. in death by two walk sisters, shop people halfHelen her age.

She kept Meredith, and Easton, as well as Lyster and West. her mind andofbody activethe through sister-in-law Judy Clayton (Billy) In lieu flowers, family gardening, word and of Albemarle. She was preceded requests thatsearches, memorials various otherto hobbies. in death by a brother, David be made Union Chapel Mauldin.

Methodist Church, 24325 S. Memorials may be made to Business 52 Hwy, Albemarle, Friendship Methodist Church, NC 28001, Shepherd’s 24696 NC 73 Hwy, Albemarle, Chapel Church, 352 N. NC 28001.

First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 or Tillery Compassionate Care, tillerycompassionatecare. org.

Shearon James VanRoseboro Efird

June ~ January 10,2024 2023 July23, 24,1967 1942 – Dec. 19, James Arthur Shearon VanRoseboro, Efird, 82, 55, of of Albemarle, away Tuesday, Albemarlepassed passed away on January 10, 2023 at Anson Health December 19, 2024, in The and Rehab.

Greens at Cabarrus. His funeral Mr. Roseboro was service will be at 11 born a.m. on on June 23, 1967 to the late28, Robert Saturday, December 2024, at and Delena Shipp Roseboro.

He Saint Martin’s Lutheran Church graduated from South with Pastor Rev. Phil Stanly Thorsen High School Burial and was employed officiating. will follow inby Triangle Brick.

He enjoyed watching the church cemetery.

The family football and basketball, especially will receive friends at Stanly the Carolina and Miami.

Funeral TarHeels and Cremation Care of In addition to his parents he is Albemarle on Friday evening preceded in death by his brothers from 6 until 8 p.m. andBorn sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, July 24, 1942, in Stanly Dorothy Roseboro, County,Brown, NC, heVerna was the son of Henrietta Ingram, and Harold the late Lexter Lee Efird and Ida Roseboro.

Ree Mabry Efird. He was a retired He is survived his sisters: financial advisorbywith Woodbury Helen (James) Financial andRoseboro a formerEdwards manager ofofAlbemarle, Roseboro Stanly AceMary Hardware.

Shearon ofwas Washington DC, Marion a member of and the NC Air Morrison Albemarle; Nationalof Guard 263rdbrothers: Combat Thomas D. Roseboro Charlotte, Squadron.

He was aofgraduate of Robert Roseboro (Patricia) Endy Highschool, class ofof1960 Norwood, and Van a special and a graduate ofHorne; King’s College friend over 40inyears, Michelle with aofdegree accounting and McLendon of the home; retail management.

Hespecial was a nieces: Nybrea Knya UNC Fan and Montague, loved to watch Little, andBasketball.

Laquanza Crump; special Carolina nephews: Robert Desmond Mr. Efird wasJr., preceded in death by and his wife Lynda Nance Roseboro, Marcus Lilly; and Efirddaughter, in 2002.Daphne He is survived God Johnson; and by his friends, daughter Elizabeth Allenand special Vetrella Johnson Efird of the home, a brother Ben McLendon.

Charles David Marbry

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Submit Charles David Marbry, 90,obituaries and death of Albemarle, passed away on notices to be published in SCJ at Monday, December 16, 2024, in his home. His funeral service will obits@stanlyjournal.com be at 11 a.m. on Friday, December May 26, 1934 – Dec. 16, 2024

20th, 2024 at Union Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Jeremy Blake officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 until 11 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Born May 26, 1934, in Stanly County, NC, he was the son of the

Betty Davis Doris Jones Bowlin Coleman

July 27, 1931 – Dec. 18, 2024 October 11, 1944 - January 10, Betty Jane Davis Bowlin, 2023

93, of Monroe passed away on

Oct. 23, 1964 – Dec. 18,a2024 community where he drove school December 18, 2024, in Brookdale Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, bus and worked at the local gas Monroe Square.

Her funeral went into God’ s presence on Katherine McClellan station during“Kat” his High School years. servicehome will be 11 a.m. on Monday, January 10 after a sudden illness and White, 60, of Albemarle passed He graduated from Millingport December 23, 2024,fight at Mount a valiant week-long in ICU. away Wednesday, High peacefully in 1954 andon entered into Pleasant Church with 11, DorisBaptist was born on October December at her service with18, the2024, US Airforce Rev. Jason Myers. Burial will 1944, in the mountains of Marion, home surrounded by her family. immediately afterward.

Upon follow in Lakeland Memorial NC while her father was away Graveside services will be held return from the service, he and his Park. The family will receive fighting in the US Navy during at 1 p.m. on sweetheart Monday, December high school Julie were friends at the church from 10 World War II. Raymond Jones was 30, 2024, at Brookhill Memorial married in 1956. He graduated from a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to the so proud to return after the war and Gardens Rockwell, NC. Thelater in hour NashvilleinAuto Diesel College of the service. meet his little girl! Doris grew up in family willbegan receive from 1959 and hisfriends career as a diesel Born July 27, 1931, in Union Durham, NC and graduated from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Monday, mechanic at Mitchell Distributing County, NC she was the daughter Durham High School. She furthered December 30, 2024, at Stanly Company, moving his growing of the late Walter DeClyde Davis her studies at Watts Hospital Funeral Cremation family toand Charlotte whereCare, they lived and Nellie Presson Davis. She School of Nursing in Durham and Albemarle, NC. until their retirement. retired as a secretary in the graduated as a Registered Nurse in Katherine born onhis first When Johnwas purchased insurance industry and also 1966.

October 23, 1964, in Rowan worked as an insurance agent.

Model A Ford at the age of 17, he married Dr. Ted County late Jimmy Mrs.Doris Bowlin loved Rev. crafting, said thattohethe took the car to White the Coleman in 1966 and had two and Sis Kimbel. She is survived she community mechanic when he had especially needlepoint, and daughters Amy and Laura.

Doris by her husband William White. a small problem.The mechanic told also enjoyed reading and her Those also left to cherish her raised Amy and Laura in North him that if he was going to keep the cats. memory are daughters, Angela Augusta, SC. is survived by her Mrs. Bowlin car, he needed to learn to work on Fleming and her husband Robert DorisRichard was an incredible neonatal husband Hope “Nick” it. This is when John’s passion for of Albemarle and Erica White intensive care nurse for most of her Bowlin. Other survivors include Model A Fords began and how he of Salisbury, grandchildren, career, Ray and this was her passion.

Davis (Joyce) of spent his happiest days with his best brother Joshua Moneymaker, Anna The Augusta did a feature Gilead,Chronicle sisters-in-law friends from around the globe for the Mount Moneymaker, Kaylee Rhinehardt, on herDavis in 1985.

She was a clinical Shirley and Hazeline Davis rest of his life!

Myra Harold, and Chyanne nurse in Augusta, Georgia of manager Monroe and a number of At age 50, after years as a Detroit both Rayfield, brother Jimmy Locklear at University Hospital NICU and nieces, nephews and friends.

Diesel Mechanic he and Julie and sister, Deloris Carter. worked for 20donations years. During In lieu there of flowers, decided to take the plunge and Katherine was preceded in thisbe time, Doris young may made to mentored Mount Pleasant open a full Model A Restoration death by her daughter Sara nurses and assisted in saving the Baptist Church Building Fund, Shop. They thrived at their shop in White. lives of so many babies.

She also Delane Efird and wife Debbie of 2528 Stack Road, Monroe, NC Cornelius, NCwas until Katherine a their care retirement giver by worked for Pediatrician Dr. William Charlotte and a nephew Troy 28112. in 1998 when they moved back to trade but took care of everyone.

A.Davis Wilkes in Augusta forFuneral several Efird and wife Ariel of Charlotte Chapel - Stanly Cabarrus County.

John again She always offered heronce home years prior to her NICU career.

Doris and their children Landon and and Cremation Care of Monroe is setanyone up shopininneed. his back yard garage to Katherine retired from the mother/baby area at Grant. Also surviving are two serving the Bowlin family. where he attracted a loyal group was a loving wife, mother and of Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 sisters-in-law, Brenda King friends who visited almost daily. grandmother and will be missed years of nursing. and husband Dick and Sarah While on the farm in She Goldalso Hill, by all who knew her.

Doris was a gentle and sweet Horne and three special nieces John also began a lifelong love with loved the beach and mountains. spirit and loved her Lord. She never Stephanie Gray, Meredith Alis tractors after he In Chalmers lieu of flowers, memorials met a stranger, and she always left Marchena, and Amanda Roath restored his Dad’ s tractor and began may be made in her name to you feeling uplifted after talking and their families. He was amassing his collection of tractors Stanly Funeral and Cremation with her. She would often claim that preceded in death by brothers as well.

Care. she had “adopted” friends into her Billy Efird and Earl Efird.

John restored cars of Stanly Funeralmany and Cremation immediate family, and honestly, she The family requests that his own and had the crowning Care of Albemarle is serving the never made a distinction between memorials be made to the achievement White family.of winning the most the two. Positivity radiated from her Michael J. Fox Foundation for prestigious award from MARC, The Parkinson’s Research, PO Box Henry for a restoration that garnered like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her 5014, Hagerstown, MD, 21741 top points. He was also presented lifetime she was an active member or to Saint Martin’s Lutheran with the Ken Brady Service Award Church, 16592 St. Martin Road, of First Baptist Church of Durham, the highest award given to members Albemarle, 28001.

The family First Baptist Church of Augusta, January 7,NC 1973 ~ January 8, at the national level. wishes to express Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church 2023special thanks This is what John’s Model A to Keeley Caudle and Anita in Augusta, and Palestine United Community had to say upon Thompson for the love and care Methodist Church in Albemarle.

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, learning of his death: they showed Mr.Sunday, Shearon Van She especially loved helping at entered eternalto rest, January He was an active member of church with older adults, youth, and 8,Efird.

2023, Albemarle, North Carolina.

Wesley Chapel Methodist Church children.

Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly where he loved serving as greeter on She was especially talented County, North Carolina, Darrick was Sunday mornings. He also belonged at sewing from a young age and the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. to the United Methodist Men. made gifts for friends, Christmas and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin.

John is survived by his wife ornaments, Halloween Costumes, Darrick enjoyed life, always kept Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom things lively and enjoyed making of the home. He is also survived dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, others smile. His presence is no by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) outfits for Amy and Laura, and longer in our midst, but his memory of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Christening gowns for each of her will forever live in our hearts.

Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and grandchildren.

He was educated in the Stanly Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; Doris was preceded in death by County public schools and attended three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz her father Arthur Raymond Jones, Albemarle Senior High School, Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, NC her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Albemarle.

John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) Jones, and her sister Maryanne He was a great conversationalist of Asheville, NC and Seth William Jones Brantley. and loved meeting people. Darrick McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; Survivors include her two never met a stranger and always five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, precious daughters: Amy Cameron showed love and compassion for his Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal fellowman. He also loved his dog, Ronan. John is also preceded in Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Rocky. death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio He is survived by his father, Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal and loving group of brothers and grandchildren: Cameron (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Celebrate the life of your loved seven ones. sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Submit obituaries and death notices be published Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia toLuca Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard host of other relatives and friends. A Fowler Kluttz. in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, limb has fallen from our family tree. nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved We will not grieve Darrick’s death; ones. we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

Darrick Baldwin

late Roy Marbry and Bernice Furr Marbry. He was the owner and operator of D & M Meat Packing for 40 years. Mr. Marbry also owned David’s mobile homes in Norwood for a number of years.

David was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church and held a Doctor of Theology degree, and was an active member of the Gideons, when his health permitted. He was a veteran of the US Army and served in the Army Security Agency. In his youth, David was an Eagle Scout and continued his contribution to scouting by serving as the Leader of Scout Troop 80.

Mr. Marbry is survived by his wife, Doris Ellen Ingold Marbry, of the home. Other survivors include sister Paulette Marbry of Eden, NC, stepdaughter Charlotte Poplin of Albemarle, 9 grandchildren, and 15 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by sons Dennis Robert Marbry and Charles David “Chuck” Marbry Jr., brother Roy Henderson “Hink” Marbry, sister Joan Marbry Best, and stepdaughter Wilma Howard.

Katherine John B. Kluttz “Kat” March 23, 1935 - January 9, McClellan 2023 White John grew up in the Millingport

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Stanly County Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

STATE & NATION White House scrapping pending regulations on transgender athletes, student loan debt President Joe Biden speaks in April about student loan debt in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Biden administration seeks to slow Trump’s contrasting policies

By Collin Binkley and Chris Megerian The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden is abandoning his efforts to provide some protections for transgender student athletes and cancel student loans for more than 38 million Americans, the first steps in an administration-wide plan to jettison pending regulations to prevent President-elect Donald Trump from retooling them to achieve his own aims.

The White House expects to pull back unfinished rules across several agencies if there isn’t enough time to finalize them before Trump takes office. If the proposed regulations were left in their current state, the next administration would be able to rewrite them and advance its agenda more quickly.

Even as the Biden administration moves to pull back the rules, it pushed ahead with cancellation through other avenues on Friday.

The Education Department said it was clearing loans for another 55,000 borrowers who reached eligibility through a program known as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which was created

by Congress in 2007 and expanded by the Biden administration.

As the pending Biden regulations are withdrawn, nothing prevents Trump from pursuing his own regulations on the same

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

issues when he returns to the White House, but he would have to start from scratch in a process that can take months or even years.

“This isn’t the way I wanted it to end,” said Melissa Byrne, an activist who has pushed for student debt cancellation. “Unfortunately, this is the most prudent action to take right now.”

She blamed Republicans for putting the Biden administration in this position. “It’s a bummer that we have a GOP that is committed to keeping working-class Americans in debt,” Byrne said.

In documents withdrawing the student loan proposals, the Education Department insisted it has the authority to cancel the debt but sought to focus on other priorities in the administration’s final weeks. It said the administration would focus on helping borrowers get back on track with

payments following the coronavirus pandemic when payments were paused.

“The department at this time intends to commit its limited operational resources to helping atrisk borrowers return to repayment successfully,” the agency wrote.

For the regulation on transgender students, the department said it was withdrawing the proposal because of ongoing litigation over how Title IX, the landmark law preventing sex discrimination, should handle issues of gender identity. In addition, the department said there were 150,000 public comments with a range of feedback, including suggestions for modifications that needed to be considered.

At this point, the department wrote, “We do not intend for a final rule to be issued.”

Karoline Leavitt, a spokes-

person for Trump, accused the White House of “adding more red tape and making it more difficult for him to govern.”

“President Trump will not be deterred by their dirty tricks and will use every lever of power to reverse the damage Biden has done and implement his America First agenda,” Leavitt said.

Kate Shaw, who served in the White House counsel’s office under President Barack Obama, said it’s not unusual for administrations to speed up or slow down rulemaking. It’s more typical, she said, for the federal government to race to finalize regulations during a transition period, but that can be difficult when there’s a time crunch.

“If you haven’t started it early enough, you’re not going to be able to wrap it up,” she said.

An administration official, speaking on the condition of an-

Europe latest threatened with Trump tariffs The president-elect has already taken aim at Canada and Mexico

By Josh Boak and Raf Casert The Associated Press WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump last Friday added the 27 countries that make up the European Union to the list of trade partners he’s threatening with tariffs — unless the group takes steps to import more U.S. goods.

“I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large scale purchase of our oil and gas,” Trump posted shortly after 1 a.m. on social media. “Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!”

In 2023, the United States’ trade imbalance with the EU on goods was $209 billion, according to the Census Bureau.

ALLISON ROBBERT / AP PHOTO

President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a Nov. 13 meeting with the House GOP conference in Washington, D.C. There were $576 billion in imports from Europe and $367 billion in exports from the United States.

Trump’s transition team did not respond to questions seeking greater clarity on the message.

When Trump threatened Canada and Mexico with 25%

tariffs in November, the leaders of both countries spoke with him to try and resolve any tensions. But the European Union lacks a single figure who can make the purchase commitments of natural gas and oil on behalf of its 27 member states that Trump is seeking.

EU Commission spokesman Olof Gill said in reaction to Trump’s post that “we are ready to discuss with President-elect Trump how we can further strengthen an already strong relationship, including by discussing our common interests in the energy sector.”

Gill noted that the EU is already “committed to phasing out energy imports from Russia and diversifying our sources of supply. We’re not going to go into any details about what that might entail in the future, given that the new administration isn’t even in place yet.”

Scott Lincicome, a vice president at the libertarian Cato Institute, said it was difficult to parse what Trump was trying to

say relative to European trade, given that natural gas exports to the continent are already up after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“What we really need to chalk all of this up to is Trump laying the groundwork for future negotiations,” Lincicome said.

“This is, for better or worse, a lot of what we’re going to see for the next four years.”

While there is a $209 billion trade imbalance, a more complicated relationship lies beneath those numbers. A company such as German automaker BMW can import parts needed to assemble vehicles at its factory in South Carolina, such that the trade totals also reflect the flow of goods within European companies that employ U.S. workers.

More than half of the liquified natural gas imported by the EU and the United Kingdom in 2023 came from the United States, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The volume of the gas

onymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the administration still supports the goals of its regulatory proposals. However, the process can be lengthy because it requires legal reviews and collecting input from the public.

Federal agencies are now analyzing which rules to finish and which to pull back before the end of Biden’s term, the official said.

In recent years, presidents have tended to rely more on executive orders and federal regulations to sidestep gridlock in Congress. However, the rulemaking process can be less durable than legislation, leaving policies more vulnerable to shifts between administrations.

There are dozens of other pending regulations across the Education Department and other agencies, ranging from relatively trivial updates to sweeping policies that carry weighty implications for the nation’s schools and businesses.

If a rule has already gone through a public feedback process under Biden, Trump could simply replace it with his own proposal and move straight to enacting the policy, effectively bypassing the comment period.

The pair of student loan proposals expected to be withdrawn Friday represented Biden’s second attempt at widespread debt cancellation after the Supreme Court rejected his first plan.

Biden’s rule on transgender sports was proposed in 2023 but was delayed multiple times. It was supposed to be a follow-up to his broader rule that extended civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ students under Title IX.

going to the EU and UK has tripled since 2021.

On Tuesday, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm issued a statement based on a new study that unfettered exports of liquified natural gas could increase prices domestically and increase carbon emissions. Trump ran for president on the idea that increased oil and natural gas production would reduce costs for U.S. voters who were left frustrated by a 2022 inflationary spike that still lingers.

Trump’s demands on Europe to buy more oil and natural gas were not especially new.

He also made them during his initial term as president and in 2018 reached a deal with JeanClaude Juncker, then-president of the European Commission, to sell more liquified natural gas to Europe.

The problem with that agreement, as noted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, is that the U.S. “cannot force companies to send products to a specific region or country,” and the EU cannot force its members to buy American fossil fuels.

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THE FORSYTH COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN / TWIN CITY HERALD

Illuminating the season More than 250 luminaries were purchased and displayed around the Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church in Seagrove ahead of Christmas. The funds raised will allow a family stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Winston-Salem for more than a month.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Govt. puts $100B in disaster relief in year-end budget bill Washington, D.C. Congress is allocating more than $100 billion in emergency aid to address extensive damage caused by hurricanes and other disasters. The money is in a bill passed early Saturday by Congress after last week’s scramble to find consensus on a government spending bill. The money is being provided after backto‑back hurricanes slammed into the Southeast. But the funding will go to much more than just Helene and Milton recovery. There’s also disaster assistance for farmers, money for damaged roads and highways, and money for block grants administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Boost to Social Security for public sector retirees Washington, D.C. The Senate passed legislation to boost Social Security payments for millions of people. The bill is a longtime priority for former public employees. The bipartisan bill next heads to President Joe Biden. It will eliminate longtime reductions to Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million people who receive pensions because they worked in federal, state and local government, or public service jobs like teachers, firefighters and police officers. Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decadesold disparity, though it will also further strain Social Security Trust Funds.

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Commissioners deny rezoning request for potential subdivision expansion off Furman Drive The request would have opened up nearly 50 acres of property for development

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald WINSTON-SALEM — The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners met for the final time this year, Dec. 19, with two different property matters on the agenda for discussions.

The board held two public hearings with the first being a rezoning request for approximately 40 acres of property located at the terminus of Furman Drive from Agricultural (AG) to Residential (R20)

and continued from November.

However, there were a lot of complaints brought up from residents about potential traffic concerns and the fact an additional subdivision would share just a single place of ingress/ egress onto NC 109.

“Being a general use request, if this were approved and they were to bring through a subdivision plan, NCDOT will not require any improvements of the intersection because it is not part of the subject request,” said Planning Director Chris Murphy. “If this were to be withdrawn and resubmitted as a special-use district request going through the site plan and review process, there are some mechanisms in the ordinance

that would allow us to look at a broader area to determine if there are broader impacts with the development that would cause further problems.”

The applicant didn’t wish to withdraw the request and submit a special-use request though, so following the hearing, the commissioners voted to deny the request due to those potential traffic impacts.

The second hearing was a rezoning request by NCCL 6220 40 80 Clementine Dr, LLC for 5.5 acres of property located at the intersection of Clementine Drive and Clover Drive from Limited Industrial (LI) to General Industrial - Special Use (GI-S) to allow for the internal storage of

chemicals (concrete additives).

Following the hearing, the board approved the rezoning request.

“I share the concerns about the lack of transparency with regard to the way this petition developed,” said Commissioner Gray Wilson. “Nobody likes to work with a moving target. At the same time, given the limited nature of the proposed use at this point and understanding that it is in an industrial area and with apparently a flawless safety record as I understand it on behalf of this company and the fact that the production itself would happen in an encapsuSee BOARD, page A2

Wisconsin police chief overseeing school shooting probe named to Seattle job Chief Shon Barnes previously worked in Greensboro and Salisbury

By Scott Bauer and Todd Richmond The Associated Press MADISON, Wis. — Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes was named as the chief of police in Seattle on Friday, five days after he was thrust into the national spotlight because of a shooting at a religious school in Wisconsin that killed a teacher and student.

Barnes’ departure comes as Madison police are still in the early days of their investigation into what motivated 15-year‑old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow to open fire

at Abundant Life Christian School, killing teacher Erin West and 14-year-old freshman Rubi Patricia Vergara.

Rupnow killed herself, authorities said.

In a statement announcing the decision, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said Barnes has demonstrated “impressive leadership capabilities” during the school shooting investigation.

Barnes was known to be a finalist for the Seattle job before the shooting. He has served as the chief of police in Wisconsin’s capital city since 2021. He also was a finalist to become chief of police in Chicago in 2023 and San Jose, California, in October.

Barnes did not mention the shooting in the statement from

“My family and I are excited about the opportunity to integrate into Seattle’s vibrant community, known for its diversity, innovation and resilience.”

Incoming Seattle PD Chief Shon Barnes

Harrell’s office. “My family and I are excited about the opportunity to integrate into Seattle’s vibrant community, known for its diversity, innovation and resilience,” Barnes said.

The Seattle mayor’s office

office said Barnes was chosen over two other finalists, an assistant police chief in Montgomery County, Maryland, and a deputy chief in Los Angeles.

Harrell, Seattle’s mayor, reassigned former police Chief Adrian Diaz in May over allegations that Diaz discriminated against women and people of color. Diaz was fired this week after an investigation found he had an intimate relationship with a former television news anchor before he hired her as his chief of staff.

Barnes had long been rumored to be looking to leave the job in Madison, which has a population of about 280,000.

Seven months into the position, he told the news outlet See CHIEF, page A2

A2

Twin City Herald for Thursday, December 26, 2024

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WEEKLY FORECAST

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“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Dan Reeves, Features Editor Ryan Henkel, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager Published each Thursday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 919-663-3232 NSJONLINE.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, NC and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

BOARD from page A1 lated environment, I will move to support it.”

The board also approved three budgetary items: • An amendment to the FY 2024-25 Budget Ordinance in order to appropriate $1 million from reserved fund balance for economic development projects (S.G. Atkins Shared-Use Kitchen Expansion and hangar improvements at 3820 North Liberty Street).

• An amendment to the 2023 Housing Grant Projects Ordinance to appropriate an additional $108,000 for additional single-family unit rehabilitation.

• The acceptance of a $6,000 grant from The Winston-Salem Foundation to be used for the removal of all Boxwood shrubs at the Arboretum due to them being infected with Boxwood Blight, the installation of a fence to enclose the plant nursery and the purchase of new shrubs.

The board then approved six contractual matters: • An interlocal agreement with the City of Winston-Salem for the shared use of $240,000 in Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant funds for continued coverage of the FUSUS by Axon software platform utilized by the Real-Time Intelligence Center.

•A contract with NAI Piedmont Triad for brokerage services in the sale of the Hall of Justice.

• A contract amendment with Farragut Systems in order to allocate additional funding for legal mandate updates and enhancements for its Property Tax System Software.

• A $132,000 contract with Carahsoft Technology Corporation for the purchase of cameras for the Highland Avenue Center.

• An amendment to the GMP agreement — increase of $30,000 — with Frank L. Blum Construction Company for the relocation of playground equipment at the Highland Avenue Park Project.

• An amendment to the agreements with Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem, Support Systems of Forsyth County Transportation and The Shepherd’s Center of Kernersville to allocate additional NCDOT, ROAP and EDTAP funds for transportation assistance for elderly and disabled residents.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will next meet Jan. 16.

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SUNDAY DEC 29 HI LO PRECIP

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MONDAY DEC 30 HI LO PRECIP

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TUESDAY DEC 31 HI LO PRECIP

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WEDNESDAY JAN 1 HI LO PRECIP

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MrBeast’s new Prime video show already faced controversy; its new giveaway partner may bring more Jimmy Donaldson is partnering with payday lender MoneyLion

By James Pollard The Associated Press NEW YORK — MrBeast’s ambitious reality show, which the YouTube megastar hopes will expand his giant online reach and turn the corner on recent controversies, is already raising questions from consumer advocates over a partnership with a fintech company.

Prime Video’s Thursday premiere of the record-setting “Beast Games” capped off a tumultuous year for Jimmy Donaldson and his production company. Shortly after reaching never-before-seen YouTube subscriber totals, MrBeast began facing heightened scrutiny over past “inappropriate content,” the channel’s philanthropic efforts, its workplace culture and allegations of dangerous on-set conditions that Donaldson has denied.

As MrBeast’s loyal following tunes in to watch 1,000 contestants compete for $5 million on “Beast Games,” they are invited to scan a QR code for a shot at winning their own life-changing money. It’s a $4.2 million sweepstakes run by fintech company MoneyLion, an app that sends cash advances — often for a fee to workers living paycheck to paycheck.

The collaboration is billed as a way for MrBeast, who has sought to regain brand trust in recent interviews with alternative media personalities, to give back to his fanbase while presenting them with MoneyLion’s personal finance tools. But consumer advocates warn MoneyLion’s early payments — which are also promoted to giveaway entrants — operate as payday loans that could trap needy users in earnings-depleting borrowing cycles with additional fees.

Watchdogs find that those services are not recommendable for younger audiences, making it an unusual partner for MrBeast to introduce to his persuadable fandom.

“These types of high-cost, fintech payday loans, wrapped up in fancy apps, just put people in a debt trap where they have to borrow this week’s pay to pay last week’s loan and (it) sets them back in their financial goals,” said Lauren Saunders, a director at the National Consumer Law Center

CHIEF from page A1 Isthmus that despite the rumors he was in the job “for the long haul.” Barnes’ three children and wife continued to live in Illinois, where he previously worked, while he rented an apartment in Madison, Isthmus reported.

Barnes has taken center stage responding to the school shooting with mixed results.

His department initially reported that five people had been killed.

Barnes also said at a news conference that the first 911 call came from a second grade student. A day later, Barnes said it had in fact come from a second grade teacher.

Barnes has done many interviews with local and national media outlets this week while defending not releasing more details about the shooter’s motivation or whether her

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

Jimmy Donaldson, the popular YouTuber who goes by MrBeast, wears a Lionel Messi jersey as he stands in a sideline box at the start of an MLS soccer match between Inter Miami and CF Montreal, in Fort Lauderdale, Floirda, last March. who specializes in small dollar lending.

“Beast Games” marks Donaldson’s crossover into television entertainment. The North Carolina native has already captured online attention spans with his highly-produced, fast-paced YouTube videos that often feature absurd stunts and massive cash sums; “Beat Ronaldo, Win $1,000,000” recently pit professional athletes against amateurs in their respective sports.

He’s now testing the broad appeal of those viral spectacles as the host of a competition series that promises “nail-biting, physical, mental, and social challenges” similar to Netflix’s fictional survival drama “Squid Game.”

The $5 million prize is believed to be the largest in reality television history. Donaldson posted recently that he spent $14 million alone “building a city in a field” for the contestants remaining after an initial series of tests.

He gave away $2 million alone in the first episode of the 10-part series, which largely consisted of mental trials as he bribed players to eliminate themselves or their entire teams with cash rewards up to a hundred grand.

The sweepstakes was placed prominently during a supersized game of team cup pong in the second episode. A link also appears in the YouTube description from Thursday’s upload of the preliminary Beast Games round in Las Vegas.

“For a limited time only, one person watching this right now also has a chance to win $250,000 in the MoneyLion Beast Games Giveaway,” Donaldson said as a QR code and

parents may be charged, citing the ongoing investigation.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway on Friday congratulated Barnes on his new job and praised his handling of the shooting.

“I’m grateful that the Madison Police Department responded to this unthinkable crisis with the utmost professionalism and compassion,” Rhodes-Conway said in her own statement.

Barnes is a former U.S. Marine who began his law enforcement career in 2000 with the Greensboro Police Department. He left to become deputy chief of police in Salisbury from 2017 to 2020. He worked as the director of training and professional development with Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability starting in August 2020 before coming to Madison as chief in February 2021.

URL flashed across the screen.

MoneyLion’s partnership will bring “fans closer to the action than ever before,” according to a company press release. More than 1,000 prizes will be awarded to MoneyLion accountholders across eight drawings over the next year. Additional entries can be earned through daily log-ins on the MoneyLion app, where users are promised exclusive, behind-the-scenes content from the series. Consistent with sweepstakes law, participants must be legal U.S. residents ages 18 or older.

Upon entering the giveaway, a pop-up asks, “Want more ways to get money?” with an invitation to borrow money through MoneyLion’s loan services. Consumer watchdogs say cash advancements can come with steep costs despite casting themselves as “no interest” loans.

Users must pay a sliding “turbo” fee to get their “Instacash” advancements “within minutes” instead of waiting the 2-5 days that MoneyLion estimates it would otherwise take to hit an external checking account. The company charges $8.99 for the maximum advance of $100.

That makes MoneyLion one of the “more expensive options in this market,” according to Center for Responsible Lending Senior Policy Counsel Andrew Kushner. Considering the products are geared toward cash‑strapped people who need money now, Kushner said most users end up paying the fees.

These apps create a “cycle of borrowing” as financially vulnerable users try to keep up with

the “extremely high cost of the loan relative to the size,” according to Kushner. The Center for Responsible Lending found that users of these apps experienced a 56% increase in checking account overdrafts. Borrowers who use these “earned wage access” services withdrew 36 times a year, according to a 2021 California Department of Financial Protection report.

A 2022 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lawsuit alleges that MoneyLion misled users to believe they could easily end monthly memberships necessary to access some installment loans but then refused to cancel those with outstanding loans.

A representative for MrBeast declined to comment. In an emailed statement, a Money­Lion spokesperson said the company pairs financial tools and products to support “long-term financial health and stability” — all of which will be promoted to Beast Games Giveaway participants.

MoneyLion said it will “continue to collaborate with regulatory bodies” including CFPB, according to the spokesperson, and focus on ensuring its products are “accessible, fair, and designed to create the best outcomes for our customers.”

Its “Instacash” fees are “clearly disclosed,” the spokesperson wrote, and the service helps workers “break the traditional payroll cycle” to “meet unexpected financial obligations.”

“The Beast Games Giveaway is designed exclusively for an 18+ audience and represents a groundbreaking way to combine engaging content with accessible financial education,” the spokesperson said. “Through this collaboration, participants gain exposure to MoneyLion’s diverse marketplace of financial products, tools, and content.”

Saunders, the consumer protection lawyer, said some lenders provide financial wellness tools that are really just “sugarcoating” their high-cost loans.

It’s “concerning,” according to Kushner, to advertise such a service toward younger adults who are still developing their sense of financial responsibility and are more susceptible to “the slick marketing of this industry.”

“You can see at 18 (years old) how that could be a really exciting thing to have in front of you,” Kushner said. “But it can really have negative consequences once you go down the pathway of using it.”

NAM Y. HUH / AP PHOTO

Madison Police chief Shon F. Barnes speaks at a news conference Dec. 17 in Madison, Wisconsin, following a shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School last Monday.

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Twin City Herald for Thursday, December 26, 2024

THE CONVERSATION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | CONNIE LOVELL

Magician’s choice

“When you own all the cards, erasing faith is easier than you might think.

All you have to do is erase the mind it inhabits.”

David James Duncan, “The Brothers K”

IN SEPTEMBER 2024, the Federal Communications Commission cut a deal to rescue Audacy Inc. from bankruptcy. Bypassing decades of protocol and procedure, the FCC accepted a $415 billion offer made by Soros Fund Management.

The “Soros Shortcut” allows Audacy to continue broadcast service to 46 media markets in the U.S. Audacy is the second largest radio content provider in the United States, reaching 165 million American listeners.

Audacy filed for Chapter 11 in January 2024, citing debt of $1.5 million, a decline in advertising revenue and tough competition from streaming services. Sensing weakness, George Soros and partners made an offer the FCC could not refuse.

The audacious play for control of the public radio market was met with sharp resistance by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Chairman James Comer (RKy.) published a press release saying the normal process for reviewing a transaction by a foreign entity had been breached. The intent to fast track this takeover was seen by many as a grab to gain control of the political narrative to influence the 2024 national election.

Also in September 2024, the FCC quietly tabled the Biden-Harris scheme to provide internet service to all rural America. The celebrated Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD), with $42 billion in funding, vanished under a pile of red tape.

At the time, Elon Musk’s Starlink grant to expand broadband service to 640,000 rural homes and businesses was canceled. This was a blatant act of “digital discrimination” to let

the FCC micromanage pricing and control the buildout of services.

Recall it was Starlink that provided the connectivity to thousands of victims stranded in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Free.

Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha and America’s favorite investor, is in the process of rescuing SiriusXM from serious debt. Once the wealthiest man in America, active in the communications business, he was attracted to the “management style, the subscription model and the Sirius Sinatra channel.” In addition, “SiriusXM has a monopoly on satellite radio in the U.S. and holds a solid spot in the podcast game,” Buffett told Benzinga News.

The domination of public radio and subscription broadcast services by two of the most liberal philanthropic enterprises revealed the next tactic in the contest for the American mind. Debate raged, pitting “hate speech” against the inalienable right to free speech. But the bidding war between the First Amendment and “content moderation” has been trumped.

Beginning January 20, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission will have a new leader. Brendan Carr, one of two Republicans on the five-person commission will take the table and change the stakes.

Carr, a commissioner since 2017, has been the voice of dissent during the Biden administration, calling out the lack of transparency and overreach of the commission.

His scrutiny exposed the hypocrisy of the “60 Minutes” Kamala Harris interview and the unlawful television appearance of Harris on “Saturday Night Live” in the final desperate days of the presidential election.

He has effectively become the gatekeeper

of the FCC mission to protect the “basic tenet of national communications policy: that the widest possible dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources is essential to the public’s welfare,” said Eugene Volokh, senior fellow at the Hoover Institute.

Climate spokesman John Kerry recently schooled the titans at the World Economic Forum, saying, “It’s really hard to govern anymore. … People self-select where they go for their news. It’s much harder to build consensus.”

Indeed. The Soros-controlled Global Disinformation Index employs its own special brand of discrimination to identify and disrupt any business model deemed too risky for investment due to the “ever-changing disinformation landscape.” Controversial subjects deemed too unpleasant may be modified before entering the public domain.

For example, a rounding error of 818,000 job losses could go unreported. Or publishing the true number of illegal immigrants entering the U.S. as felons (425,000) could be scrubbed as disinformation. Governing would certainly be easier; consensus attainable.

A Magician’s Choice is a technique used to deceive the unsuspecting patsy into thinking he has successfully selected the right card, not knowing that the deck is stacked against him.

Americans must protect the right to receive a “wide dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources.” The Federal Communications Commission must honor the First Amendment principle of free speech.

Americans want their information dealt from the top of the deck, not the bottom.

Connie Lovell lives in Pinehurst.

COLUMN | REP. WAYNE SASSER

North Carolina is proof of private capital’s importance to health care

Urgent care is an area where private capital is proving its worth.

PRIVATE CAPITAL HAS INVESTED nearly $1 trillion in U.S. health care since 2006.

These investments have funded critical research into devastating diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and revolutionized medical recordkeeping.

Despite the clear benefits private capital brings to health care, some state and federal policymakers are pushing to restrict how private capital can be deployed in the health care sector.

As a pharmacist and retiring state representative — the only pharmacist to serve in North Carolina’s legislature during my tenure — I believe such restrictions would be a mistake. Not only does private capital fund crucial medical innovation and research into new treatments, but it’s also expanding access to quality care in our state.

Across all sectors of the economy, North Carolina is among the top 10 recipients of private capital, with 600 businesses backed by private investors. Many of these recipients are in health care and making a difference for patients today.

While dozens of privately backed North Carolina health care entities are worth highlighting, three recent success stories in the news illustrate why funding from private capital is essential.

The first success is Tryon Medical Partners in Charlotte. This practice demonstrates the power of private investment in physician care.

The practice serves 200,000 patients in 10 clinics throughout the Charlotte area.

In October, the practice announced that it was teaming with private investors to access new

capital that would be used to run the business side of its practice and to provide resources to expand services.

Private capital will also help Tryon compete in a market increasingly controlled by a few big actors, including the third-largest tax-exempt hospital system in the U.S., Advocate Health.

For Tyron and many other practices nationwide, consolidation presents a big problem. Private capital helps practices remain independent and compete with the most prominent industry players.

Another success story is Charlotte Radiology, which was recently featured at an event in Washington, D.C. Charlotte Radiology shows how private investment can transform and expand access to specialty care.

This practice received funding from private capital in 2018. New resources have helped it grow from 30 centers in Charlotte to more than 175 imaging centers in 13 states. In addition to helping the practice reach more patients, private capital enables it to improve care by adding tools like artificial intelligence to its arsenal.

Some critics argue for restrictions on private capital in health care, suggesting that private investments lead to diminished patient care.

Charlotte Radiology tells a different story. The company reports that its patient satisfaction rates approach 98%.

The final example is American Family Care, an urgent care leader recently expanding into Lee County. American Family Care started with a single location in 1982. Access to private capital has since helped it expand to more than 350

locations nationwide, including more than 10 in the Tarheel State.

Urgent care is an area where private capital is proving its worth. However, accessing health care is extremely difficult in too many rural areas. For example, 11 rural hospitals in North Carolina have either shut down or stopped providing inpatient care since 2005, and many more are at risk.

Urgent care clinics can help fill in the gaps in rural communities, and private capital can help make sure the resources exist to open more centers where patients need them.

Tryon Medical Partners, Charlotte Radiology and American Family Care demonstrate why responsible private investment must remain part of our health care system. It enables physician independence, drives technological innovation and maintains health care access in underserved areas.

In North Carolina, we are fortunate to have leaders who understand the vital role of private capital in health care. Sen. Thom Tillis, for example, has correctly characterized the funding as a “very important part of the ecosystem.”

As discussions about private investment in health care continue and perhaps even reach the halls of Congress, we will need him and others to share stories from North Carolina and stand up for private capital’s positive role in our healthcare system.

Rep. Wayne Sasser is chairman of the North Carolina House Health Committee and represents Montgomery and Stanly counties.

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Canada’s Trudeau reshuffles Cabinet Opponents are calling on the prime minister to resign amid discontent

By Rob Gillies The Associated Press TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s chances of staying in power have become more tenuous after the opposition party that backed his government for years announced it will vote no confidence in the government when Parliament resumes.

An embattled Trudeau reshuffled his Cabinet last Friday — but whether he will step aside in the coming days or weeks remains an open question.

Trudeau participated in the swearing-in ceremony and will chair a meeting with his new Cabinet later in the afternoon.

He is not expected to speak publicly Friday as he mulls his future.

“He told us he had a difficult choice to make and that is the choice that he is facing at this time,” said Rachel Bendayan, the official languages minister.

Trudeau is facing rising discontent over his leadership, and the abrupt departure of his finance minister last Monday could be something from which he can’t recover.

Parliament is now shut for the holidays until late next month, and a “no confidence” vote could be scheduled sometime afterward.

Because Trudeau’s Liberals do not hold an outright ma-

SEAN KILPATRICK /THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives at a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa last Friday. jority in Parliament, they have for years depended on the support of the leftist New Democratic Party to pass legislation and stay in power. But that support has vanished — NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has called on Trudeau to resign — and he made clear last Friday the NDP will vote to bring down the government.

“No matter who is leading the Liberal Party, this government’s time is up. We will put forward a clear motion of non-confidence

“It might simply appear as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.”

Daniel Béland, political science professor at McGill University, on Trudeau’s Cabinet changes in the next sitting of the House of Commons,” Singh said in a letter released just before Trudeau

was to reshuffle his Cabinet.

The Liberals could delay Parliament’s return if Trudeau decides to not run in the next year’s election and allows for a party leadership race.

New Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Thursday that Trudeau has the “full support of his Cabinet” but acknowledged a rising number of Liberal members of Parliament want Trudeau to leave.

He said Trudeau told them he is reflecting.

Lawmaker Rob Oliphant became the latest member of Parliament from Trudeau’s Liberal party to call for him to step aside. Oliphant said there should be a “robust, open leadership contest.”

“Our leader has become a key obstacle preventing many progressive voters who have supported our work from doing so again in the next election,” he said in a letter released Friday.

Trudeau replaced ministers who aren’t running again. And some ministers ended up having two roles after others suddenly left the Cabinet.

“I understand there is going to be a short runway. I’m not blind to that,” said Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Canada’s new housing minister.

Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said a reshuffle was necessary because of recent Cabinet departures.

“It might simply appear as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic,” Béland said.

Trudeau, who has led the country for nearly a decade, has become widely unpopular in recent years over a wide range of issues, including the high cost of living and rising inflation.

The political upheaval comes at a difficult moment for Canada.

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods if the government does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and drugs in the United States — even though far fewer of each cross into the U.S. from Canada than from Mexico, which Trump has also threatened.

TSVANGIRAYI MUKWAZHI / AP PHOTO

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, pictured during his inauguration ceremony in 2023, announced a new land policy last week.

Zimbabwe launches new land policy The plan aims to empower black farmers with direct ownership

By Farai Mutsaka The Associated Press HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday launched a new policy that will allow beneficiaries of land taken from white people under contentious land reforms to sell it and to be able to borrow from banks using it as collateral.

This marks a major shift in Zimbabwe’s land policy. Previously, the resettled farmers couldn’t transfer ownership of land.

However, ownership of the land can only be transferred between “Indigenous Zimbabweans,” a reference to black Zimbabweans, and will need government approval under the new policy.

Tens of thousands of black people took over white-owned farms after then-President Robert Mugabe initiated the land reforms in 2000. Mugabe, who died in 2019, justified the reforms as being necessary to redress some of the wrongs of colonialism that put most of Zimbabwe’s fertile land in the hands of a few white people.

But the new black farmers weren’t allowed to sell or transfer ownership of the land,

4,500

Approximate number of white farmers who were removed from their farms in the early 2000s which was deemed to belong to the state. As a result, banks were reluctant to advance loans to the resettled farmers, who couldn’t use their land as collateral.

Last Friday, a handful of farmers, including Mnangagwa, received title deeds to the farms they are occupying.

Mnangagwa also announced

a technical committee to spearhead the process for other resettled black farmers.

Speaking at an event held at his farm near Kwekwe city in central Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa said the policy would help “unlock the value” of the land and make it “bankable and transferable.”

At the turn of the centurt, about 4,500 white farmers who owned the majority of prime farmland were removed from their farms, often forcibly, by violent mobs led by veterans of the country’s 1970s independence war.

Some farmers and their workers died or were seriously injured in the violence, which included beatings and rape,

according to Human Rights Watch.

The land seizures badly impacted commercial farming, forcing a country that was a key regional food producer and exporter to rely on assistance from donors. Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector has rebounded in recent years, but droughts are now the main challenge.

Securing finance has been another problem that Mnangagwa hopes could be solved by the new policy of issuing title deeds to black farmers.

Secure land tenure means “our farmers can access credit facilities” and “lifts many out of poverty into prosperity,” Mnangagwa said.

In October, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said that Zimbabwe would compensate local and foreign white farmers who lost land and property in the farm seizures.

Forsyth SPORTS

First look at new NCHSAA athletic conferences

The East team, captained by Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, hoists the trophy after defeating the West 211-186 in the 2023 NBA All‑Star Game in Indianapolis.

Where schools in the readership area are headed in reclassification Stanly County Journal staff

DARRON CUMMINGS / AP PHOTO

NBA announces All-Star tournament plan for this season The showcase will feature four teams and three games in one night

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press LAS VEGAS — The NBA ‘s All-Star Game is going to be an All-Star tournament this season, with the league announcing on Tuesday that it has finalized plans to use a different format for the upcoming midseason showcase in San Francisco.

And scoring is sure to be down — way, way, way down.

This season’s format is a fourteam, three-game, one-night tournament, three teams of eight All-Stars apiece and the fourth team being the winner of the Rising Stars challenge for first- and second-year players. The winning team in all games will be the first to score 40 points.

It’ll happen Feb. 16 at the home of the Golden State Warriors. The Rising Stars event is there Feb. 14, headlining All‑Star Friday.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has wanted a more competitive All-Star event for some time, and this change comes after the teams combined to score a record 397 points — 211-186 was the final — in last season’s game in Indianapolis.

The teams combined to take 289 shot attempts in last year’s game, 94% of those being either inside the paint or beyond the 3-point line.

“Obviously, with the elephant in the room being us competing, them trying to shake things up is expected and makes sense,” said Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a likely All-Star selection this season for the third time. “At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to whether the players want to go at it, and I would love to see that.

Love to be a part of that for sure, and hopefully it happens.”

There have been other All‑Star format shakeups in recent years.

After the first 66 All-Star Games were basically played like a normal game — Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference, four quarters, 12 minutes apiece — the league switched to a format where the leading vote-getters from each conference served as captains who got to draft their teams.

LeBron James served as one of the captains all six times, with Giannis Antetokounmpo the other captain three times, Kevin Durant twice and Stephen Curry once.

In four of the captain’s-pick years, All-Star Games used a target score at the end of games, ensuring that the winner was

decided on a made shot. Fourth quarters were untimed and the winner was the first team to reach whatever the leading team’s score was after three quarters, plus 24 points — the 24 being a nod to Kobe Bryant’s last jersey number.

It went back to the East vs.

West format last year and saw a record point total, along with Luka Doncic trying a 70‑foot jumper, Donovan Mitchell throwing a 50-foot underhand inbounds pass, Bam Adebayo inbounding the ball to himself by tossing it off Nikola Jokic’s backside, Tyrese Haliburton trying and making five 3-pointers in a 92-second span, and Damian Lillard capping the night with a 44-foot jumper — which wasn’t even his longest shot of the game.

“I think something could be done about it,” Lillard said after his MVP-winning performance in last year’s game. “I’m not sure what, but I think there’s a way to make it a more competitive game.”

The league hopes it has found the answer.

TNT analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith will draft teams from the 24-player All-Star pool on Feb. 6.

The teams will bear their names — Team Shaq, Team Charles and Team Kenny.

These 3 new sports dramas punch above their weight Inspirational coaches highlight three films about the fight game

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press NEW YORK — The sports movie can easily fall victim to overly familiar story beats.

An underdog challenger. A big match.

But a trio of new movies brings some original moves, and a few curveballs, to a genre where tried-and-true formula often reigns supreme. Each, curiously enough, is a directorial debut by an industry veteran. And each features an inspirational coach.

“Day of the Fight” Jack Huston’s “Day of the Fight,” currently playing in theaters, stars Michael Pitt as down-and-out middleweight boxer “Irish” Mike Flannigan.

He is, like some battered boxers before him, seeking redemption. Flannigan’s once-promising career was long ago derailed by a fatal drunk driving accident. But on this day, he’s preparing for an unlikely opportunity: an undercard bout at Madison Square Garden.

“Day of the Fight” culminates in the Madison Square Garden match, but the movie is largely about the preamble to the fight.

The movie follows Flannigan on a series of poignant errands.

“I wanted to make a film

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where you didn’t necessarily need the boxing match,” Huston says. “The boxing match became icing.”

Cornerman: Ron Perlman.

Though “Day of the Fight” is graced by a several father figures (Joe Pesci, Steve Buscemi), the one that really stands out is Perlman’s coach.

“Unstoppable” William Goldenberg, the Oscar-winning editor (“Argo,” “Heat”) directs this based-ona-true-story drama about the life of NCAA champion wrestler Anthony Robles, played by Jharrel Jerome. The film, which arrives Jan. 16 on Prime Video, chronicles Robles’ constant hardships, not the least of which is that he was born without his right leg.

It’s less about Robles’ overcoming one challenge than it is about his perseverance through constant adversity. Jennifer Lopez co-stars as his mother, with Bobby Cannavale as an abusive stepfather.

“It was a constant battle,” says Robles. “That’s kind of how I felt going through my life, whether it was on a mat against a fleshand-blood opponent or it was in my family life or the world.

There was always something I was fighting against.”

Cornerman: “Unstoppable” is the rare sports drama to give you not just one excellent coach but two. Because it spans Robles’ wrestling career in high school and college, we first get

Michael Peña as his most devoted supporter, and later, Don Cheadle as his initially more skeptical coach in college.

“The Fire Inside” “The Fire Inside,” directed by decorated cinematographer Rachel Morrison (“Fruitvale Station,” “Mudbound”), is also about a real champion, the Olympic gold medal winner Claressa Shields (played by Destiny Ryan).

The first half of “The Fire Inside,” which opens Dec. 25, is somewhat conventional. It charts her rise as a female boxer leading up to the 2012 Olympics. Once she’s won gold, you might even glance at your watch and wonder why they wrapped things up so quickly.

But the film then turns into something else. Shields’ glory is short-lived. A tough black woman in a bloody sport who makes no apologies for her interest in knocking out her opponent is unappealing to marketers. As “The Fire Inside” continues in its thought-provoking third act, it asks questions less about who wins and more about who gets to be deemed “an American hero.”

Cornerman: Brian Tyree Henry plays Shields’ devoted cornerman Jason Crutchfield.

Henry, a tender and soulful actor, is more of a co-star than a supporting player. Of all the coaches in these three films, he’s the one you’d most want cheering you on.

THE NCHSAA’S reclassification of North Carolina schools took another step forward this week.

For the first time, the state’s high schools will be divided into eight different classifications, based on enrollment, with the largest 32 schools placed in the top classification, and the rest divided up evenly with about 60 schools in each division.

The NCHSAA released its draft of the eight classifications last month.

Now, North Carolina schools get their first look at their potential conference placement. The NCHSAA released its first draft of conferences for the 2025-29 period. Schools can still raise issues and provide feedback that may result in changes, but here’s a look at where area schools are slotted.

STANLY COUNTY North Stanly: Current Conference — 1A/2A Yadkin Valley; New Conference — 1A/2A/3A Conference A For the most part, the NCHSAA kept the gang together when it came to three of the four Stanly County Schools. North Stanly, South Stanly and Albemarle are together in the Yadkin, and, despite North getting bumped up to 3A, they’re staying together in the new three-classification conference.

South Stanly: Current Conference — 1A/2A Yadkin Valley; New Conference — 1A/2A/3A Conference A In addition to keeping the Stanly schools together, the NCHSAA also kept most of the Yadkin intact. Joining North, South and Albemarle in the Conference A are current Yadkin members Union Academy and Gray Stone Day. Albemarle: Current Conference — 1A/2A Yadkin Valley; New Conference — 1A/2A/3A Conference A

River members Anson, Monroe, Parkwood, Forest Hills and Central Academy. The only change is that Piedmont is gone, replaced by former Yadkin Valley member Mount Pleasant.

FORSYTH COUNTY East Forsyth, West Forsyth, R.J. Reynolds, Reagan and Parkland: Current Conference — 4A Central Piedmont; New Conference — 7A/8A Conference B. These five schools stay together in their new conference. West is the only one of the five to place in the 8A classification. The others are classified as 7A. They are joined by Southwest Guilford and Northwest Guilford but lose Central Piedmont rivals Mount Tabor, Davie and Glenn.

Mount Tabor, Glenn, North Forsyth, Atkins: Current Conference — 4A Central Piedmont (Mount Tabor and Glenn), 2A Mid-State (North Forsyth), 3A Mid-State (Atkins); New Conference — 5A/6A Conference E This conference took four county schools from three existing conferences, reclassifying all of them at one of the new levels. Mount Tabor and Glenn go from 4A to 6A, North Forsyth from 2A to 5A and Atkins from 3A to 5A. The other two schools in this league are Oak Grove and North Davidson.

Walkertown: Current Conference — 2A Mid‑State; New Conference — 3A/4A Conference D Walkertown gets separated from current conference rival North Forsyth. West Stokes is the only current conference member that moved with Walkertown. They are joined in the new league by East Surry, Mount Airy, Surry Central and North Surry.

Carver: Current — 1A Northwest Piedmont; New Conference — 3A/4A Conference B

The only changes to the current Yadkin that the new reclassification brings is the departure of Mount Pleasant and the addition of Bonnie Cone and North Rowan.

Carver gets bumped up from 1A to 4A and is separated from current conference rival W-S Prep. The new conference is packed with new rivals: Bartlett Yancey, McMichael, Cummings, Graham, Morehead and Reidsville.

West Stanly: Current Conference — 2A/3A Rocky River; New Conference — 4A/5A Conference C

Winston-Salem Prep: Current — 1A Northwest Piedmont; New Conference — 1A/2A Conference E

The Colts got bumped up from 2A to 4A. Like the other three Stanly schools and the current Yadkin Valley Conference, West Stanly and the Rocky River were left pretty much intact. Making the move to the new conference with West are current Rocky

While Carver got sent to a new conference, W-S Prep retains a Northwest Piedmont partner in Bishop McGuinness. Also in the new conference are College Prep and Leadership, North Stokes, South Davidson and South Stokes.

North Stanly and West Stanly players clash under the basket during a game last year. Both schools are on the move as the NCHSAA reclassification plan unveiled their new conference affiliations.

SETH MABRY FOR STANLY COUNTY JOURNAL

the better pa ing to earn a stitutions,” U don’t know w now.”

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Twin City Herald for Thursday, December 26, 2024

SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Elon’s Yurk named All-American Elon Elon punter Jeff Yurk was the only player from a North Carolina school to make The Associated Press FCS All-America first team. The All‑America team is selected for the AP by a panel of sports information directors and sports writers who cover the FCS. The junior from Southern Pines earned the honor. His teammate, Chandler Brayboy, a senior from Pembroke, was named to the second team as an all-purpose player. Western Carolina sophomore Jordy Lowery was a second-team defensive back. Davidson offensive lineman Malik McDaniel was named honorable mention.

YOUNG KWAK / AP PHOTO

Wingate’s Fleming makes DII All-American Wingate Wingate defensive lineman Marquise Fleming is among four players who were repeat first-team selections to The Associated Press Division II All-America team. Joining Fleming were Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski, Augustana (South Dakota) defensive back Peyton Buckley and Colorado Mines punter Blake Doud. The All‑America team is selected by a panel of sports information directors representing the four Division II super regions. Other players from the state on the team are Johnson C. Smith senior linebacker Benari Black, of Charlotte, who made the first team, and Virginia Union receiver Reginald Vick Jr., of Wendell, who made second team.

Vick accepts head coaching job at Norfolk State Norfolk, Va. Michael Vick agreed to become the head coach at Norfolk State in a return to football for the former NFL star, who has never coached at any level. The 44-year-old Vick announced on Facebook that he has accepted the job. He grew up in nearby Newport News. Vick starred in college at Virginia Tech and was a four-time Pro Bowler in 13 seasons for Atlanta, Philadelphia, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh. He served 18 months in federal prison in the prime of his career after pleading guilty to his role in a dogfighting ring.

NHL

Jets sign He, making him first China-born player with NHL deal Winnipeg, Manitoba The Winnipeg Jets have signed Kevin He to a three year, entry-level contract. He is the first China-born player to sign an NHL contract. Winnipeg selected the 18-year-old forward in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. He became the second player from China selected after Andong Song by the New York Islanders in 2015. Song never signed with the team. He was born in Beijing and moved to Canada with his family when he was 6. He is in his third season with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League.

Washington State head coach Jake Dickert stands on the sideline during the first half of a game against Northern Colorado.

Wake Forest hires Washington State’s Dickert as football coach The Demon Deacons replaced Dave Clawson two days after his resignation

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press WAKE FOREST MOVED quickly in reaching across the country to find its next football coach.

The school hired Washington State’s Jake Dickert, two days after Dave Clawson resigned unexpectedly following 11 seasons that included regular bowl bids and an Atlantic Coast Conference division title.

“Coach Dickert’s approach to building a program — through evaluation and development of talent with a plan rooted in detail, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete development — reminds me of what made Dave Clawson so successful during his 11-year transformational tenure as our

head football coach,” athletic director John Currie said in a statement.

“Jake’s philosophy of fostering personal growth, cultivating trust within the team, and relentlessly competing for championships embodies the principles we hold dear.”

Dickert, 41, had been the defensive coordinator when he took over during the 2021 season as the Cougars’ interim coach after Washington State fired Nick Rolovich for refusing a state mandate that all employees get vaccinated against COVID-19. Dickert led the team to a 3-3 finish to earn the permanent job, then went 2017 in the three seasons since.

“We will have a clear focus on retaining our current roster while adding valuable pieces that fit our program and Wake Forest University,” Dickert said in a statement. “Additionally, I am excited to immerse myself in this special community as throughout this process my belief that this is the perfect place

for our family and our program only strengthened.”

Washington State went 8-4 this year, the first since the Pac-12 fell apart, with the majority of its schools scattering to the ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten. Now Dickert is back in a power conference again, nine days before his Cougars are set to play No. 22 Syracuse in the Holiday Bowl (Dec. 27).

Dickert arrived at Washington State after a three-year run at Wyoming in a career with stops at the Division II level, though those generally were at schools in the central part of the country or further west. A job at Southeast Missouri State in 2012 was his farthest east.

He’ll relocate to the Eastern Seaboard for the job at Wake Forest, one of the smallest undergraduate enrollments in the Bowl Subdivision ranks.

It comes as the Demon Deacons have had consecutive 4-8 seasons, a product of a changing landscape in college sports that hindered Wake Forest’s

formula of retaining and developing players to compete with schools featuring four- and five-star prospects.

In Wake Forest’s case, the Demon Deacons had an 11‑win season that included a trip to the ACC title game in 2021, as well as brief stints in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 in 2021 and 2022 amid a run of seven straight bowl appearances before the two four-win seasons.

In an emotional news conference last Tuesday, Clawson said he “just felt like it was time” to step aside to let Wake Forest take a fresh approach to the changes, which include the looming arrival of revenue sharing with athletes.

“I think there’s things I can help with (in) the transition,” Clawson said. “But I don’t want to be the old coach in the office that’s overlooking you or second-guessing you. … If the new coach says, ‘Dave, stay the hell away, it’s my program,’ I will stay the hell away and do nothing but support him.”

MLB study: Velocity, max efforts likely causing pitching injuries; rule changes should be considered Findings quantify the increase in pitcher velocity and injury rates

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove exits the game during the fourth inning in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series in October.

By Ronald Blum The Associated Press NEW YORK — A yearlong study by Major League Baseball concluded rising velocities, pitch shaping and emphasis on maximum effort are the likely causes of the vast increase in pitcher injuries and recommended exploring rules changes to address the problem.

The 62-page report said the trends extended to high school and youth baseball because of the incentive to get noticed by professional scouts. The study said there is no evidence linking the pitch clock to injuries.

The report was based on interviews with more than 200 people that included players, front office executives, orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, biochemists, major league, college and independent coaches, and international trainers.

Major league pitcher IL placements increased from 212 in 2005 to 485 this year and days on the IL rose from 13,666 to 32,257.

“The most significant causes are likely the increased velocity of pitches, the emphasis on optimizing ‘stuff’ (a term referencing the composite movement characteristics of pitches, including horizontal and ver-

GREGORY BULL / AP PHOTO

tical break and spin rate), and the modern pitcher’s focus on exerting maximum effort while pitching in both game and nongame situations,” the report said.

The report said experts recommend MLB consider rules changes to “increase the value of pitcher health and durability and decrease the value of short-duration, max-effort pitching.”

“For instance, playing rules could be adjusted or designed to encourage or require starting pitchers to preserve enough energy to allow them to pitch deeper into games,” the report said. “These incentives could be supported by roster rules that more appropriately regulate the availability of pitchers on a roster or in a team’s bullpen for a given game, including potential changes to the number and fre-

quency of transactions that allow clubs to replace pitchers on their rosters.”

Among the data points: • Tommy John surgeries for major and minor league players increased from 104 in 2010 to a peak of 314 in 2020 and declined to 281 this year.

• Since 2008, average mph velocity in the major leagues has risen from 91.3 to 94.2 for four‑seam fastballs, 82.8 to 84.6 for sliders, 75.7 to 79.5 for curveballs and 81.7 to 85.5 for changeups. During that period, fastball usage declined from 60% to 48%. By comparison, fastball velocity in Nippon Professional Baseball was 91.1 this year.

• IL days for pitcher elbow injuries rose from 3,940 in 2005 to 12,185 this year and for shoulder injuries increased from from 2,634 to 5,445.

• IL placements from spring training through opening day rose from 61 in 2017 to 112 this year, and from day two through the end of the regular season from 303 to 352.

• Starts of five or more innings dropped from 84% to 70% in the majors from 2005 to 2024 and from 68.9% to 36.8 in the minors.

• Thirty-five players selected in the top 10 rounds of this year’s amateur draft had Tommy John surgery, up from four in 2005.

• Prospects who threw 95 mph or higher at the Perfect Game National Showcase increased from three in 2018 to 36 this year.

• UCL surgeries among youth and high school pitchers at the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center rose from 10% of all UCL surgeries in 1995 to 52% in 2021.

• Pitchers per team during the season averaged 15.1 in 1980, rose to 34.4 in 2021 and declined to 32.5 this year.

• International players had more UCL surgeries than domestic counterparts in 2023 for the first time since 2010.

• Average innings over the previous season for college starting pitchers selected in the first three rounds of the amateur draft dropped from 1011/3 in 2012 to 74 this year.

• Pitchers selected in the first three rounds of the draft fell from 73.3% in 2014 to 41.7% this year.

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Twin City Herald for Thursday, December 26, 2024

the gift of giving

MARK BETTIS VIA AP

The Mark Bettis Gallery in Asheville is a staple of the city’s thriving arts scene.

Handcrafted items from North Carolina support hurricane recovery Buying these gifts will help businesses affected

by Hurricane Helene

By Travis Loller The Associated Press NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The city of Asheville, known for its artists and restaurants, is a tourist destination and the economic hub of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountain communities. In September, it was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Helene.

Even businesses not physically damaged suffered weeks without power and water, and Asheville was essentially closed to tourists during its busiest season.

Now, besides hoping that visitors will return for the holidays, Asheville’s artists and small businesses are pitching their handcrafted goods as gifts online to speed recovery.

The heavily damaged River Arts District lets artists sell directly through its website. And the tourism authority Explore Asheville has set up a site called “Love Asheville from Afar.”

“There’s definitely been some confusion about whether people should travel to Asheville,” says Katie Button, chef at the Spanish tapas restaurants Curate Bar de Tapas and La Bodega by Curate. “Absolutely! We are open, and downtown — the rest of the businesses and things — are really needing people to come travel here.” La Bodega remains closed because there are not enough visitors to keep both open.

Here’s a small sampling of giftable online offerings that will help the city’s small businesses and artists while also filling your stockings.

Button’s dream of opening an authentic Spanish tapas restaurant in the United States culminated in the James Beard award-winning Curate Bar de Tapas. That was followed by a cafe, wine bar and retail space, La Bodega by Curate. You can support both the restaurant and local artist Lori Theriault by purchasing one of Curate’s signature handmade ceramic pigs.

They come as Christmas ornaments ($38) or toothpick holders ($29).

Dan Rattigan and Jael Skeff-

STEPHAN PRUITT / EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM VIA AP

A row of handblown glass ornaments by Small Batch Glass gallery is on display in Asheville.

QUENTIN BACON / CURATE AT HOME LLC VIA AP

Curate Bar de Tapas in Asheville sells a signature ceramic pig toothpick holder. ington started French Broad Chocolate in their home kitchen, selling their confections at local farmers markets. The business has grown to include a downtown retail space and a large factory and tasting room by the French Broad River. The factory space is currently closed to the public, but their delicious bonbons, hot chocolate mixes and peppermint bark ($35) are available online.

The building where the Asheville Tea Company works its magic was a total loss in the flood. They have limited ability to ship teas, but when you preorder a gift box, the recipient

will receive a card letting them know their gift is on the way.

The Let it Snow gift box features the blends “Pisgah Breakfast,” “Snow Day” and “Asheville Grey.” ($45.95) Ginger Frank started Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn with the idea of using real ingredients and creating fun, original flavors, like dill pickle and oatmeal cookie. In the beginning, she was slapping labels onto Ziploc bags. Ten years later, her business has expanded to sell popcorn across the country.

The “Asheville Mix Artist Bag” ($7.25) supports not only Poppy Popcorn and its workers, but $2

from each bag goes to helping other Asheville entrepreneurs rebuild. It comes in an adorable bag featuring drawings by local artist Annie Riker.

For the art lover, Asheville’s River Arts District encompasses 26 historic industrial buildings converted into studios, galleries and classrooms for more than 700 local artists. Flooding destroyed a majority of that space, with some artists losing entire bodies of work. While some parts of the district suffered less damage and have reopened for business, other spaces must be completely rebuilt. In the meantime, many of the artists are offering their wares directly.

Moonlight Makers was born when Claire Watson moved next door to Nicole Hairfield. The two moms found themselves spending more than 50 hours a week together while their young children played, so they decided to make the most of that time.

They are currently offering a line of Asheville-themed products like scented candles and T-shirts, and are donating 100% of profits to local hurricane relief efforts. All of their gifts are designed and screen-printed in Asheville by a staff of 10.

For more gift ideas, visit “Love Asheville from Afar,” a website from the local tourism development authority, Explore Asheville.

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Twin City Herald for Thursday, December 26, 2024

STATE & NATION White House scrapping pending regulations on transgender athletes, student loan debt President Joe Biden speaks in April about student loan debt in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Biden administration seeks to slow Trump’s contrasting policies

By Collin Binkley and Chris Megerian The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden is abandoning his efforts to provide some protections for transgender student athletes and cancel student loans for more than 38 million Americans, the first steps in an administration-wide plan to jettison pending regulations to prevent President-elect Donald Trump from retooling them to achieve his own aims.

The White House expects to pull back unfinished rules across several agencies if there isn’t enough time to finalize them before Trump takes office. If the proposed regulations were left in their current state, the next administration would be able to rewrite them and advance its agenda more quickly.

Even as the Biden administration moves to pull back the rules, it pushed ahead with cancellation through other avenues on Friday.

The Education Department said it was clearing loans for another 55,000 borrowers who reached eligibility through a program known as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which was created

by Congress in 2007 and expanded by the Biden administration.

As the pending Biden regulations are withdrawn, nothing prevents Trump from pursuing his own regulations on the same

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

issues when he returns to the White House, but he would have to start from scratch in a process that can take months or even years.

“This isn’t the way I wanted it to end,” said Melissa Byrne, an activist who has pushed for student debt cancellation. “Unfortunately, this is the most prudent action to take right now.”

She blamed Republicans for putting the Biden administration in this position. “It’s a bummer that we have a GOP that is committed to keeping working-class Americans in debt,” Byrne said.

In documents withdrawing the student loan proposals, the Education Department insisted it has the authority to cancel the debt but sought to focus on other priorities in the administration’s final weeks. It said the administration would focus on helping borrowers get back on track with

payments following the coronavirus pandemic when payments were paused.

“The department at this time intends to commit its limited operational resources to helping atrisk borrowers return to repayment successfully,” the agency wrote.

For the regulation on transgender students, the department said it was withdrawing the proposal because of ongoing litigation over how Title IX, the landmark law preventing sex discrimination, should handle issues of gender identity. In addition, the department said there were 150,000 public comments with a range of feedback, including suggestions for modifications that needed to be considered.

At this point, the department wrote, “We do not intend for a final rule to be issued.”

Karoline Leavitt, a spokes-

person for Trump, accused the White House of “adding more red tape and making it more difficult for him to govern.”

“President Trump will not be deterred by their dirty tricks and will use every lever of power to reverse the damage Biden has done and implement his America First agenda,” Leavitt said.

Kate Shaw, who served in the White House counsel’s office under President Barack Obama, said it’s not unusual for administrations to speed up or slow down rulemaking. It’s more typical, she said, for the federal government to race to finalize regulations during a transition period, but that can be difficult when there’s a time crunch.

“If you haven’t started it early enough, you’re not going to be able to wrap it up,” she said.

An administration official, speaking on the condition of an-

Europe latest threatened with Trump tariffs The president-elect has already taken aim at Canada and Mexico

By Josh Boak and Raf Casert The Associated Press WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump last Friday added the 27 countries that make up the European Union to the list of trade partners he’s threatening with tariffs — unless the group takes steps to import more U.S. goods.

“I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large scale purchase of our oil and gas,” Trump posted shortly after 1 a.m. on social media. “Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!”

In 2023, the United States’ trade imbalance with the EU on goods was $209 billion, according to the Census Bureau.

ALLISON ROBBERT / AP PHOTO

President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a Nov. 13 meeting with the House GOP conference in Washington, D.C. There were $576 billion in imports from Europe and $367 billion in exports from the United States.

Trump’s transition team did not respond to questions seeking greater clarity on the message.

When Trump threatened Canada and Mexico with 25%

tariffs in November, the leaders of both countries spoke with him to try and resolve any tensions. But the European Union lacks a single figure who can make the purchase commitments of natural gas and oil on behalf of its 27 member states that Trump is seeking.

EU Commission spokesman Olof Gill said in reaction to Trump’s post that “we are ready to discuss with President-elect Trump how we can further strengthen an already strong relationship, including by discussing our common interests in the energy sector.”

Gill noted that the EU is already “committed to phasing out energy imports from Russia and diversifying our sources of supply. We’re not going to go into any details about what that might entail in the future, given that the new administration isn’t even in place yet.”

Scott Lincicome, a vice president at the libertarian Cato Institute, said it was difficult to parse what Trump was trying to

say relative to European trade, given that natural gas exports to the continent are already up after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“What we really need to chalk all of this up to is Trump laying the groundwork for future negotiations,” Lincicome said.

“This is, for better or worse, a lot of what we’re going to see for the next four years.”

While there is a $209 billion trade imbalance, a more complicated relationship lies beneath those numbers. A company such as German automaker BMW can import parts needed to assemble vehicles at its factory in South Carolina, such that the trade totals also reflect the flow of goods within European companies that employ U.S. workers.

More than half of the liquified natural gas imported by the EU and the United Kingdom in 2023 came from the United States, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The volume of the gas

onymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the administration still supports the goals of its regulatory proposals. However, the process can be lengthy because it requires legal reviews and collecting input from the public.

Federal agencies are now analyzing which rules to finish and which to pull back before the end of Biden’s term, the official said.

In recent years, presidents have tended to rely more on executive orders and federal regulations to sidestep gridlock in Congress. However, the rulemaking process can be less durable than legislation, leaving policies more vulnerable to shifts between administrations.

There are dozens of other pending regulations across the Education Department and other agencies, ranging from relatively trivial updates to sweeping policies that carry weighty implications for the nation’s schools and businesses.

If a rule has already gone through a public feedback process under Biden, Trump could simply replace it with his own proposal and move straight to enacting the policy, effectively bypassing the comment period.

The pair of student loan proposals expected to be withdrawn Friday represented Biden’s second attempt at widespread debt cancellation after the Supreme Court rejected his first plan.

Biden’s rule on transgender sports was proposed in 2023 but was delayed multiple times. It was supposed to be a follow-up to his broader rule that extended civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ students under Title IX.

going to the EU and UK has tripled since 2021.

On Tuesday, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm issued a statement based on a new study that unfettered exports of liquified natural gas could increase prices domestically and increase carbon emissions. Trump ran for president on the idea that increased oil and natural gas production would reduce costs for U.S. voters who were left frustrated by a 2022 inflationary spike that still lingers.

Trump’s demands on Europe to buy more oil and natural gas were not especially new.

He also made them during his initial term as president and in 2018 reached a deal with JeanClaude Juncker, then-president of the European Commission, to sell more liquified natural gas to Europe.

The problem with that agreement, as noted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, is that the U.S. “cannot force companies to send products to a specific region or country,” and the EU cannot force its members to buy American fossil fuels.

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Randolph record THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Illuminating the season More than 250 luminaries were purchased and displayed around the Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church in Seagrove ahead of Christmas. The funds raised will allow a family stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Winston-Salem for more than a month.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Govt. puts $100B in disaster relief in yearend budget bill Washington, D.C. Congress is allocating more than $100 billion in emergency aid to address extensive damage caused by hurricanes and other disasters. The money is in a bill passed early Saturday

by Congress after last week’s scramble to find consensus on a government spending bill.

The money is being provided after back-to‑back hurricanes slammed into the Southeast.

But the funding will go to much more than just Helene and Milton recovery. There’s also disaster assistance for farmers, money for damaged roads and highways, and money for block grants administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Boost to Social Security for public sector retirees Washington, D.C. The Senate passed legislation to boost Social Security payments for millions of people. The bill is a longtime priority for former public employees. The bipartisan bill next heads to President Joe Biden. It will eliminate longtime reductions to Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million people who receive pensions because they worked in federal, state and local government, or public service jobs like teachers, firefighters and police officers.

Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decades-old disparity, though it will also further strain Social Security Trust Funds.

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Uwharrie Ridge focusing on post-secondary career readiness Uwharrie Ridge 6-12 updated its vision statement in hopes of attracting more students who want the opportunity to prepare for careers out of high school

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record ASHEBORO — At its Dec. 9 regular business meeting, the Randolph County Schools Board of Education was given an update on a new vision and focus for Uwharrie Ridge.

“One of the challenges we’ve been working through as a leadership team, Uwharrie Ridge is a unique place being

that it’s a 6-12 school, so it has middle and high school grade levels,” said Superintendent Stephen Gainey. “We’ve been continuing to look for ways of what can make Uwharrie Ridge 6-12 stand out and continue to attract students to it.

It is an application school. You can go if that’s your assignment based on your address, but you can also apply to go there. We have a beautiful facility there, and we’re looking for ways to make programming there unique.”

With the new focus, all students will be immersed in “an extensive career-focused 7-year program, coupled with post-secondary placement opportunities.”

The plan is to provide stu-

“We’ve been continuing to look for ways of what can make Uwharrie Ridge 6-12 standout and continue to attract students to it.”

Superintendent Stephen Gainey dents with both targeted career-based trips, which will be provided by the school, and employability skills training that are focused on three schools of choice: public service, design/ technology and leadership/ communication.

Uwharrie-Ridge will be partnering with the RCSS CTE Department, Randolph Community College and Communities in Schools to help achieve this.

“We’re really upping the partnership between our CTE Department and Uwharrie Ridge more so than any other school in the system,” Gainey said.

Uwharrie-Ridge already offers a few paths, such as light-duty diesel and agriculture, but it will also be adding early childhood education, Adobe academy and public safety this school year, and next year it will be adding three post-secondary focuses including plumbing, See SCHOOLS, page A4

YEAR IN REVIEW

Politics, sadness and projects surface in 2024 Political overtones were apparent in Randolph County as the election drew high interest

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO — Politics tended to dominate much of the conversation in Randolph County during 2024.

Even the presidential campaign made inroads in the county.

There was an August campaign event featuring Donald Trump, who was voted back into office in November.

The November results weren’t only favorable for Trump among Republicans. The party maintained its stronghold on local politics.

That included the Randolph

County Board of Commissioners, which remained dominated by Republicans. Lester Rivenbark was elected to become a newcomer on the board.

There were heavy voter turnouts in Randolph County, pretty much mirroring what was happening around the state and in other parts of the country.

Also in political circles, David Smith said he won’t run in 2025 for the Asheboro’s mayor seat he has held for four terms.

Tragedy strikes youth The year was also accompanied by grief for some school communities.

Prior to the school year beginning in late summer, two Eastern Randolph High School students were killed in

an automobile accident. Mario Lara and Tyler Franklin died as a result of the wreck not far from the school.

Later this fall, Southwestern Randolph student Adrian Jimenez Alvarado, 15, died from injuries stemming from an automobile accident.

Last spring, the killing of Southwestern Randolph student Pedro Ortiz-Perez resulted in great sadness and then spawned an outpouring of support from pockets of the community. He died in Asheboro from a gunshot wound in an incident in Asheboro. A teenager faces charges in the case.

Ortiz-Perez was a member of the Southwestern Randolph boys’ soccer team. Months after his death, the team put together a strong season and came one victory shy of win-

ning the Class 2A state championship in November.

Projects peak From a business and development standpoint, there were ongoing projects.

One that seemed to reach a form of completion came with the formal opening of the Zoo City Sportsplex. That was a yearslong project that was spearheaded by the City of Asheboro.

Plus, the Greensboro-Randolph megasite is often in the news as the sprawling Toyota Battery Manufacturing plant impacts the Liberty area in particular.

As part of an offshoot of that facility and the increased traffic stemming from it was the designation of U.S. Highway 421 as future Interstate 685.

A2

Randolph Record for Thursday, December 26, 2024

THURSDAY

12.26.24

“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Dan Reeves, Features Editor Bob Sutton, Randolph Editor Ryan Henkel, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager Published each Thursday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 919-663-3232 RANDOLPHRECORD.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, NC and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

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Farmers still reeling months Randolph Guide after Hurricane Helene ravaged crops in South Farms were second thoughts amid the widespread devastation

By Russ Bynum The Associated Press LYONS, Ga. — Twisted equipment and snapped tree limbs still litter Chris Hopkins’ Georgia farm more than two months after Hurricane Helene made its deadly march across the South.

An irrigation sprinkler system about 300 feet long lay overturned in a field, its steel pipes bent and welded joints broken. The mangled remains of a grain bin sat crumpled by a road. On a Friday in early December, Hopkins dragged burly limbs from the path of the tractor-like machine that picks his cotton crop six rows at a time.

“I have wrestled with lots of emotions the past two months,” said Hopkins, who also grows corn and peanuts in rural Toombs County, about 75 miles west of Savannah. “Do we just get through this one and quit? Do we build back? It is emotionally draining.”

Hopkins is among farmers across the South who are still reeling from Helene’s devastation. The storm made landfall in Florida on Sept. 26 as a major Category 4 storm and then raced north across Georgia and neighboring states.

Experts estimate the cost to farmers, timber growers and other agribusinesses from Florida to Virginia will reach more than $10 billion. The toll includes ravaged crops, uprooted timber, wrecked farm equipment and mangled chicken houses, as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity at cotton gins and poultry processing plants.

For cotton growers like Hopkins, Helene hit just as the fall harvest was starting. Many put most cleanup on hold to try to salvage what remained of their crops.

‘Staggering’ losses to cotton, pecans and fall vegetables

CALL OR TEXT 336-629-7588

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Georgia farmers suffered storm losses of at least $5.5 billion, according to an analysis by the University of Georgia. In North Carolina, a state agency calculated farmers suffered $3.1 billion in crop losses and recovery costs after Helene brought record rainfall and flooding. Separate economic analyses of farm damage tallied losses of up to $630

million in Virginia, $452 million in South Carolina and $162 million in Florida.

Hopkins figures he lost half the cotton on his 1,400 acres.

“We were at the most vulnerable stage we could be,” he said. “The lint was open and fluffy and hanging there, waiting to be defoliated or picked.

About 50% of the harvestable lint ended up on the ground.”

Even with insurance, Hopkins said, he won’t recoup an estimated $430,000 in losses from his cotton crop alone.

That doesn’t include the cost of debris removal, repairing or replacing damaged machinery and the loss of two small pecan orchards uprooted by the storm.

The storm ripped through blooming cotton fields, pecan orchards laden with nuts and fields where fall vegetables like cucumbers and squash awaited picking. Hundreds of large poultry houses used to raise thousands of chickens at a time got destroyed.

Farmers far from Helene’s center weren’t spared, as tropical-storm force winds reached outward up to 310 miles.

“It was staggering,” said Timothy Coolong, a University of Georgia horticulture professor. “This may be just too much for some folks.”

Helene was one of the deadliest U.S. hurricanes in nearly two decades, killing more than 200 people. It left more than 100,000 homes damaged or destroyed across the South.

Will aid to farmers come soon enough?

Georgia’s government in November diverted $100 million that had been set aside for construction projects or paying off existing debt to fund emergency loans to farmers and cleanup in Helene’s aftermath. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has made additional storm relief a priority for the upcoming legislative session.

But Georgia’s constitution prohibits using state funds to give direct disaster aid to individuals and private businesses.

In Congress, a spending bill passed early Saturday to avoid a government shutdown included $21 billion in disaster aid to U.S. farmers.

“We need help, but we need it quick,” said Jeffrey Pridgen, a fifth-generation farmer who raises chickens in south Georgia’s Coffee County.

Pridgen operated a dozen poultry houses, each large enough to raise up to 20,000 chickens at a time. Helene de-

stroyed four of them, along with thousands of chickens.

Only one of Pridgen’s houses remains in working condition, the others having been badly damaged.

Pridgen said new chicken houses will cost about $450,000 apiece. Because most of his were decades old, he expects insurance to cover just half the cost.

“I was looking at retirement, but I lost my retirement and my income in one day,” said Pridgen, 62. “It’ll be two years before we get fully operational again. I’m basically starting over.”

‘Everybody lost something’ Georgia’s poultry industry took an estimated $683 million hit, with farmers having to rebuild about 300 chicken houses and repair hundreds more.

The poultry processing plant that relies on Pridgen and other storm-impacted farmers for chickens is now operating just four days per week, he said.

“Now for at least a year, perhaps a little bit longer, we’re in rebuilding mode,” said Mike Giles, president of the Georgia Poultry Federation. “That affects production in an area for an extended period of time.”

Helene’s devastation shouldn’t have much impact on consumer prices because crops grown elsewhere can make up for most shortages, said Michael Adjemian, a University of Georgia professor of agricultural economics. Pecans are one possible exception. Georgia is responsible for roughly one‑third of U.S. production.

“In most cases, even a terrible storm like this is going to have a relatively small impact,” Adjemian said. “And maybe it’s not even noticeable, depending on the product.”

Helene cost Georgia cotton farmers roughly one-third of their crop, with direct and indirect losses valued at $560 million. Some were still recovering from Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Cotton growers also were facing low prices this harvest season of around 70 cents per pound, said Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission. That meant they needed a big yield to turn any profit.

“Times were awful, and then they got hit by a hurricane,” Sills said. “There are people who lost everything and there are people who didn’t. But everybody lost something.”

A cotton picker moves through Chris Hopkins’ cotton field as a round bale sits earlier this month near Lyons, Georgia.

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SUNDAY DEC 29

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MONDAY DEC 30

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Dec. 26-28 25th Annual Bank OZK JV Holiday Classic 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (each day) This JV High School Basketball Tournament for both JV Boys and JV Girls is open to any public, private or charter school. All schools play three games, and there is no entry fee charged. Teams are divided into brackets based on school size and talent level. Price: $18, three-day Adult Pass; $15, Student Pass; Daily, $7 Adult & $6 Student. Contact: 336‑953‑2344.

343 N.C. Highway 42 N. Asheboro

Dec. 26-31 Holiday Tours at Linbrook Hall 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Come join us for our most popular event of the year, guided tours of Linbrook Hall decorated for the holiday season!

Guided tours of the 36,000-square‑foot Linbrook Hall include seeing all three floors immaculately decorated for Christmas, complete with more than 30 Christmas trees and thousands of Christmas lights. There will be three tours per day: 10 a.m. to noon, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

506 Parks Crossroads Church Road Ramseur

Jan. 4 The Liberty Showcase Theater Presents The Lovin’ Spoonful 7-9 p.m.

The Lovin’ Spoonful were America’s answer to the Beatles! The band, led

by John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Joe Butler and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first seven singles soaring onto Billboard’s top-10 charts virtually overnight.

Ticket prices from $50-80 each.

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Jan. 7

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Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Randolph County:

City of Randleman Board Meeting 6-9 p.m.

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A3

Randolph Record for Thursday, December 26, 2024

THE CONVERSATION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | CONNIE LOVELL

Magician’s choice

“When you own all the cards, erasing faith is easier than you might think.

All you have to do is erase the mind it inhabits.”

David James Duncan, “The Brothers K”

IN SEPTEMBER 2024, the Federal Communications Commission cut a deal to rescue Audacy Inc. from bankruptcy. Bypassing decades of protocol and procedure, the FCC accepted a $415 billion offer made by Soros Fund Management.

The “Soros Shortcut” allows Audacy to continue broadcast service to 46 media markets in the U.S. Audacy is the second largest radio content provider in the United States, reaching 165 million American listeners.

Audacy filed for Chapter 11 in January 2024, citing debt of $1.5 million, a decline in advertising revenue and tough competition from streaming services. Sensing weakness, George Soros and partners made an offer the FCC could not refuse.

The audacious play for control of the public radio market was met with sharp resistance by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Chairman James Comer (RKy.) published a press release saying the normal process for reviewing a transaction by a foreign entity had been breached. The intent to fast track this takeover was seen by many as a grab to gain control of the political narrative to influence the 2024 national election.

Also in September 2024, the FCC quietly tabled the Biden-Harris scheme to provide internet service to all rural America. The celebrated Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD), with $42 billion in funding, vanished under a pile of red tape.

At the time, Elon Musk’s Starlink grant to expand broadband service to 640,000 rural homes and businesses was canceled. This was a blatant act of “digital discrimination” to let

the FCC micromanage pricing and control the buildout of services.

Recall it was Starlink that provided the connectivity to thousands of victims stranded in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Free.

Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha and America’s favorite investor, is in the process of rescuing SiriusXM from serious debt. Once the wealthiest man in America, active in the communications business, he was attracted to the “management style, the subscription model and the Sirius Sinatra channel.” In addition, “SiriusXM has a monopoly on satellite radio in the U.S. and holds a solid spot in the podcast game,” Buffett told Benzinga News.

The domination of public radio and subscription broadcast services by two of the most liberal philanthropic enterprises revealed the next tactic in the contest for the American mind. Debate raged, pitting “hate speech” against the inalienable right to free speech. But the bidding war between the First Amendment and “content moderation” has been trumped.

Beginning January 20, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission will have a new leader. Brendan Carr, one of two Republicans on the five-person commission will take the table and change the stakes.

Carr, a commissioner since 2017, has been the voice of dissent during the Biden administration, calling out the lack of transparency and overreach of the commission.

His scrutiny exposed the hypocrisy of the “60 Minutes” Kamala Harris interview and the unlawful television appearance of Harris on “Saturday Night Live” in the final desperate days of the presidential election.

He has effectively become the gatekeeper

of the FCC mission to protect the “basic tenet of national communications policy: that the widest possible dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources is essential to the public’s welfare,” said Eugene Volokh, senior fellow at the Hoover Institute.

Climate spokesman John Kerry recently schooled the titans at the World Economic Forum, saying, “It’s really hard to govern anymore. … People self-select where they go for their news. It’s much harder to build consensus.”

Indeed. The Soros-controlled Global Disinformation Index employs its own special brand of discrimination to identify and disrupt any business model deemed too risky for investment due to the “ever-changing disinformation landscape.” Controversial subjects deemed too unpleasant may be modified before entering the public domain.

For example, a rounding error of 818,000 job losses could go unreported. Or publishing the true number of illegal immigrants entering the U.S. as felons (425,000) could be scrubbed as disinformation. Governing would certainly be easier; consensus attainable.

A Magician’s Choice is a technique used to deceive the unsuspecting patsy into thinking he has successfully selected the right card, not knowing that the deck is stacked against him.

Americans must protect the right to receive a “wide dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources.” The Federal Communications Commission must honor the First Amendment principle of free speech.

Americans want their information dealt from the top of the deck, not the bottom.

Connie Lovell lives in Pinehurst.

COLUMN | REP. WAYNE SASSER

North Carolina is proof of private capital’s importance to health care

Urgent care is an area where private capital is proving its worth.

PRIVATE CAPITAL HAS INVESTED nearly $1 trillion in U.S. health care since 2006.

These investments have funded critical research into devastating diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and revolutionized medical recordkeeping.

Despite the clear benefits private capital brings to health care, some state and federal policymakers are pushing to restrict how private capital can be deployed in the health care sector.

As a pharmacist and retiring state representative — the only pharmacist to serve in North Carolina’s legislature during my tenure — I believe such restrictions would be a mistake. Not only does private capital fund crucial medical innovation and research into new treatments, but it’s also expanding access to quality care in our state.

Across all sectors of the economy, North Carolina is among the top 10 recipients of private capital, with 600 businesses backed by private investors. Many of these recipients are in health care and making a difference for patients today.

While dozens of privately backed North Carolina health care entities are worth highlighting, three recent success stories in the news illustrate why funding from private capital is essential.

The first success is Tryon Medical Partners in Charlotte. This practice demonstrates the power of private investment in physician care.

The practice serves 200,000 patients in 10 clinics throughout the Charlotte area.

In October, the practice announced that it was teaming with private investors to access new

capital that would be used to run the business side of its practice and to provide resources to expand services.

Private capital will also help Tryon compete in a market increasingly controlled by a few big actors, including the third-largest tax-exempt hospital system in the U.S., Advocate Health.

For Tyron and many other practices nationwide, consolidation presents a big problem. Private capital helps practices remain independent and compete with the most prominent industry players.

Another success story is Charlotte Radiology, which was recently featured at an event in Washington, D.C. Charlotte Radiology shows how private investment can transform and expand access to specialty care.

This practice received funding from private capital in 2018. New resources have helped it grow from 30 centers in Charlotte to more than 175 imaging centers in 13 states. In addition to helping the practice reach more patients, private capital enables it to improve care by adding tools like artificial intelligence to its arsenal.

Some critics argue for restrictions on private capital in health care, suggesting that private investments lead to diminished patient care.

Charlotte Radiology tells a different story. The company reports that its patient satisfaction rates approach 98%.

The final example is American Family Care, an urgent care leader recently expanding into Lee County. American Family Care started with a single location in 1982. Access to private capital has since helped it expand to more than 350

locations nationwide, including more than 10 in the Tarheel State.

Urgent care is an area where private capital is proving its worth. However, accessing health care is extremely difficult in too many rural areas. For example, 11 rural hospitals in North Carolina have either shut down or stopped providing inpatient care since 2005, and many more are at risk.

Urgent care clinics can help fill in the gaps in rural communities, and private capital can help make sure the resources exist to open more centers where patients need them.

Tryon Medical Partners, Charlotte Radiology and American Family Care demonstrate why responsible private investment must remain part of our health care system. It enables physician independence, drives technological innovation and maintains health care access in underserved areas.

In North Carolina, we are fortunate to have leaders who understand the vital role of private capital in health care. Sen. Thom Tillis, for example, has correctly characterized the funding as a “very important part of the ecosystem.”

As discussions about private investment in health care continue and perhaps even reach the halls of Congress, we will need him and others to share stories from North Carolina and stand up for private capital’s positive role in our healthcare system.

Rep. Wayne Sasser is chairman of the North Carolina House Health Committee and represents Montgomery and Stanly counties.

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Randolph Record for Thursday, December 26, 2024

Canada’s Trudeau tries reshuffling Cabinet Opponents are calling on the prime minister to resign amid discontent

By Rob Gillies The Associated Press TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s chances of staying in power have become more tenuous after the opposition party that backed his government for years announced it will vote no confidence in the government when Parliament resumes.

An embattled Trudeau reshuffled his Cabinet last Friday — but whether he will step aside in the coming days or weeks remains an open question.

Trudeau participated in the swearing-in ceremony and will chair a meeting with his new Cabinet later in the afternoon.

He is not expected to speak publicly Friday as he mulls his future.

“He told us he had a difficult choice to make and that is the choice that he is facing at this time,” said Rachel Bendayan, the official languages minister.

Trudeau is facing rising discontent over his leadership, and the abrupt departure of his finance minister last Monday could be something from which he can’t recover.

Parliament is now shut for the holidays until late next month, and a “no confidence” vote could be scheduled sometime afterward.

Because Trudeau’s Liberals do not hold an outright majority in Parliament, they have for years depended on the support of the leftist New Democratic Party to pass legislation and stay in power. But that support has vanished — NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has called on Trudeau to resign — and he made clear last Friday the NDP will vote to bring down the government.

“No matter who is leading the Liberal Party, this government’s

SCHOOLS from page A1 photography and collision/repair technology.

High school students enrolled at Uwharrie Ridge 6-12 will each day be transported to and from RCC, where they will spend a few hours on these post-secondary programs before returning to campus for the remainder of their generic high school courses.

Upon completion of the programs, students may participate in RCC’s graduation ceremony and earn an industry-aligned certificate or credential.

“You can’t make this feel like just another class,” said board member Tracy Boyles. “If you make it feel like another class, you’re going to fail. I’ve heard

SEAN KILPATRICK /THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives at a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa last Friday. time is up. We will put forward a clear motion of non-confidence in the next sitting of the House of Commons,” Singh said in a letter released just before Trudeau was to reshuffle his Cabinet.

The Liberals could delay Parliament’s return if Trudeau decides to not run in the next year’s election and allows for a party leadership race.

New Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Thursday that Trudeau has the “full support of his Cabinet” but acknowledged a rising number of Liberal members of Parliament want Trudeau to leave.

He said Trudeau told them he is reflecting.

Lawmaker Rob Oliphant be-

it from the students, I’ve heard it from staff members, and I’ve heard it from parents.”

The board also swore in four members — Gary Cook, Sharon Farlow and Tracy Boyles, who were all reelected to new terms on the board — as well as Todd Cutler, who took over the seat formerly occupied by Phillip Lanier.

Following the swear-ins, the board also reelected Gary Cook as chairman and Sharron Farlow as vice chair.

“I do appreciate the confidence, and I do enjoy working with you guys,” Cook said.

“I’ve been with several different boards, and I’ve been lucky.

I’ve always had good boards, but this is one of the best boards.

came the latest member of Parliament from Trudeau’s Liberal party to call for him to step aside. Oliphant said there should be a “robust, open leadership contest.”

“Our leader has become a key obstacle preventing many progressive voters who have

supported our work from doing so again in the next election,” he said in a letter released Friday.

Trudeau replaced ministers who aren’t running again. And some ministers ended up having two roles after others suddenly left the Cabinet.

“I understand there is going to be a short runway. I’m not blind to that,” said Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Canada’s new housing minister.

Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said a reshuffle was necessary because of recent Cabinet departures.

“It might simply appear as rearranging the deck chairs

on the Titanic,” Béland said.

Trudeau, who has led the country for nearly a decade, has become widely unpopular in recent years over a wide range of issues, including the high cost of living and rising inflation.

The political upheaval comes at a difficult moment for Canada.

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods if the government does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and drugs in the United States — even though far fewer of each cross into the U.S. from Canada than from Mexico, which Trump has also threatened.

We probably have the most open conversations of any board that I’ve ever been on. I love the fact that we talk about it here and that we work it out.”

The board then recognized the Endowment Teacher Grant Award recipients.

“This grant program is made possible through a partnership with the North Carolina Community Foundation,” said Public Information Officer Amber Ward. “Recipients are selected by the RCSS Endowment Committee.”

Recipients included Jenna Lineberry, Wendy Baldwin, Lisa Phillips , Crystal Simpson, Kelsey Overton, Yuliya Skeen, Jennifer Snotherly, Tina Reeder, Gwen Hall, Pamela Hull, Carrie

Reid, Amanda Quinn, Andrea Isley, Lisa Andreoli, Lib Keeter, Angela Hall, Joshua Wood, Angela Davis, Dylan Smith, James Price, Gloria Wilson, Sherry Allen, Kelli Gilchrist, Julie Lindsay, Laura Simpson, Sherry Vestal and Cindy Neal.

The total amount disbursed was just over $6,500.

The board also recognized CTE students who had competed at the national level.

“Seven members of the Providence Grove FFA Hunter Safety Team competed at the Central Regional Youth Hunter Education Challenge on July 24 to July 27 in Bentonville, Arkansas,” Ward said. “This challenging competition is one of the two national hunter safety com-

petitions in the United States.”

Senior team members included Christian Swaim, Austin Williams, Jacob Bowman, Troy Blakley, Cooper Wright, Will Coble and Amelia Lackey, along with adviser Amy Kidd.

Awards included second place team rifle, first place individual rifle (Austin Williams), first and second place individual pistol (Jacob Bowman and Austin Williams), second place team shotgun and third place team hunter safety test In addition, eighth grader Tyler Williams from Northeastern Randolph Middle School placed for junior pistol.

The Randolph County Board of Education will next meet Jan. 13.

“It might simply appear as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.”

Daniel Béland, political science professor at McGill University, on Trudeau’s Cabinet changes

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Randolph Record for Thursday, December 26, 2024

A5

obituaries

Mary Kay Lippert

James Lester Trogdon

Jane Bouldin Strother

William Vernon Holloway

Dec. 5. 1945 – Dec. 19, 2024

May 9, 1947 – Dec. 19, 2024

Nov. 24, 1952 – Dec. 18, 2024

Dec. 19, 1928 – Dec. 19, 2024

Feb. 8, 1964 – Dec. 18, 2024

Mary Kay Lippert, 79, wife of the late Charles “Chuck” Lippert, died Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Hospice of Randolph.

Kay was born December 5, 1945, in Williamsburg County, SC, the daughter of Leon Tanner and Eva “Jake” Dennis.

Surviving are son, Kevin “KC” Cribb and grandson, Jesse Cribb of Jackson Creek, NC; granddaughter, Josie Alexander of Sydney, Australia; brother, Dennis Tanner (Kathi) of Georgetown County, SC; niece, Chawn Weatherly (Scott) of Palm Beach, FL and grandnephew, Trevor Thompson; nephew, Ace Tanner and his children, Hank and Alice; niece, Chrystal Cribb (Woody) and their children, Jace and Landyn; niece, Alex Cribb (Ethan) and their children, Eli and Tanner; sisters-in-law, Linda Lippert MacCartney, Diane “Ditter” Lippert, and Pamela Lippert Miller.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Kay was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy “Dottie” Williamson and Lenora “Winky” Gaster, niece, Nicole Thompson, and nephew, Ron Gaster.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203 or Randolph Cancer Center, 373 N. Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the Lippert family.

James Lester Trogdon, Jr., 77, of Randleman was called home by his Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

He was born May 9, 1947, in Wilmington, NC to James Lester Trogdon, Sr. and Evelyn Hinshaw Trogdon.

Jim was a graduate of Randleman High School class of 1965 where he met the love of his life, Linda Herrin. Married for 57 years, he and Linda created a wonderful life in Randleman. Jim graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1969 and went on to become President of Salem Neckwear.

He loved camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Jim followed the Lord’s call to serve as an usher, Deacon, and Sunday school teacher, and fulfill other roles within his church.

He was a devoted member of Asheboro First Assembly and Sunset Avenue Church of God. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Linda Trogdon of the home; sons, James Lester Trogdon, III of Asheboro and Randall Trogdon of Randleman; daughter, Cynthia Hardister (James) of Randleman; grandchildren, Chayton Roberts, Cole Trogdon, Knox Trogdon, Tanner Hardister, Gavin Hardister; brother, Rene Trogdon (Mana) of Randleman. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James, Sr. and Evelyn.

Jim will lie in repose on Sunday, December 22, 2024, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home in the Eddie Pugh Memorial Chapel, 600 S. Main St. Randleman, NC. A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Randolph Memorial Park in Asheboro, NC. Reverend Boyd Byerly will officiate.

Pugh Funeral Home is honored to serve the Trogdon family.

Jane Bouldin Strother, age 72, of Asheboro passed away on December 18, 2024, at Randolph Hospice House.

Mrs. Strother was born in Oxford, NC on November 24, 1952, to Joseph and Avis Keene Bouldin. Jane was a graduate of East Carolina University and Campbell University. She taught History at Central Carolina Community College and later at Campbell University. She was very tech-savvy, pioneering online classes and directing distance education programs. Jane found a lot of purpose in her work and was beloved by her students. She was a member of Pleasant Plains Community Church in Buies Creek, NC where she served as choir director, pianist, and taught Sunday School. After moving to Asheboro, she became a member of Cross Road Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Curtis Strother, and sisters, Lillian Wrench and Bonnie Bouldin.

She was a wonderful grandma and loved spoiling her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Donald Worley Strother; daughter, Litha Charles Carpenter (Scotty); grandchildren, Hannah, Leah, Luke, Chloe, and Abigail; sisters, Sarah Webb and Ruth Gill; many nieces and nephews; and aunt, Mary Keene.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 10-11 a.m. at Cross Road Baptist Church, 1566 Old Cox Road in Asheboro. A memorial service will follow on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Justin Curry and Dr. John S. Rogers officiating. A burial service will be led by Scotty Carpenter on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Buies Creek Cemetery in Buies Creek, NC Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the Strother family.

William Vernon Holloway, 96, of Asheboro, died Thursday, December 19, 2024, at his home.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

William was born in Alleghany County, NC on December 19, 1928, the son of the late Claude Emerson Holloway and Carrie Joines Holloway. He graduated from Sparta High School in 1948.

William proudly served in the US Army with the Second Infantry Division in Korea during 1951 and 1952. He moved to Randolph County, NC in 1960 and married Alice Morgan of Asheboro, who died on March 18, 2020. William was a loving husband and father.

He was a lifelong Methodist and Republican. For most of his life, William worked as a bricklayer and stone mason and later retired from Chandler Concrete.

He enjoyed gardening and woodcrafts.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Morgan Holloway, and his sister, Kathleen H. Walker.

Surviving are his daughter, Emily H. Moss of Browns Summit; son, Jon M. Holloway of Kings Mountain; brother-inlaw, Paul Foust of Asheboro; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank, 3330 Shorefair Drive, WinstonSalem, NC 27105; or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Cross Road Retirement Community for all the care and friendship shown to their father.

Norma Jean Parker Lanier, 60, of Asheboro, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at her home.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

Norma was born on February 8, 1964, in Guilford Co., the daughter of the late Willie Hudson Parker and Dora Martin Parker. She enjoyed going on beach trips, singing, and being silly. She will be remembered as being a good-spirited and kind-hearted person who loved making people smile. She loved her family and her dog “Gator.”

In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her brothers, Curtis Parker, Timothy Parker, sisters, Sherrie Parker, and Sandra Foy. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Sammy Lanier; brother, Dale Parker (Katrena); mother-in-law, Jean Lanier; and several nieces and nephews.

Max Muhleman, transformed seat licensing, helped bring pro sports to Charlotte, dead at 88 He helped the Panthers and Hornets land expansion teams

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Sports marketer Max Muhleman, who was credited with the concept of developing the permanent seat license in professional sports and helping the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets land expansion teams, has died at 88.

Muhleman died on Saturday in Charlotte peacefully after battling some heart-related issues, his son Lee Muhleman told The Associated Press.

Muhleman worked closely with Panthers founder Jerry Richardson in his quest to bring an NFL franchise to the Carolinas in the early 1990s.

Muhleman delivered the closing marketing pitch at the October 1993 owners’ meetings for Richardson, who would ultimately be unanimously awarded the league’s 29th franchise.

The Panthers began playing in 1995.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize what a big role Max played in getting the expansion team,” said former Pan-

thers director of communications Charlie Dayton. “He wasn’t out front, he preferred to be in the background. That was him. But he was as valuable as anybody in the process of getting a team. He was there every step of the way.”

Muhleman’s marketing plan for the Panthers included landing three NFL preseason games in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, and another in Columbia, South Carolina.

All three games sold out, helping prove to league owners that the Carolinas were a viable market.

Still, there was the matter of funding the expansion team.

Richardson didn’t want to use taxpayer money, and the league was worried at the time about him taking on any additional debt.

That is when Muhleman invented the concept of the PSL, where fans could pay a onetime fee for the annual right to buy season tickets. The Panthers sold more than 55,000 PSLs, and the millions raised from that venture were used to build the 72,000-seat Bank of America Stadium in downtown Charlotte.

The stadium continues to serve as home of the Panthers and Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC.

“The idea of the [Personal Seat License] almost came out of desperation at the time. It was like a Hail Mary. And it worked.”

Carolina Panthers executive Tamera Green

Tamera Green, who worked with Muhleman for more than a decade and now serves as the senior vice president and communications officer with the Panthers, said Muhleman was an incredibly talented and creative man.

“He had some really cool ‘firsts’ in sports,” Green said. “The idea of the PSL almost came out of desperation at the time. It was like a Hail Mary. And it worked.”

Several other professional sports franchises have since adopted the idea of PSLs as a means of funding private stadiums and arenas.

The Panthers still use PSLs. Earlier in his career, Muhleman worked alongside then-Hornets owner George Shinn to develop the strategy and pitch that would help Charlotte land an NBA expansion team in 1988.

“Max was instrumental in leading the NBA’s expansion efforts to Charlotte and establishing the Hornets franchise,” the team post on social media Thursday, calling him a “renowned sports marketing legend.”

He also advised Rick Hendrick when he was looking into becoming a NASCAR team owner.

“Rick has always said Hendrick Motorsports would not have happened without Max Muhleman, who approached him about starting a NASCAR team more than 40 years ago,” wrote former NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, who now serves as vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports.

Lee Muhleman said his father’s greatest quality might have been his ability to develop and maintain personal relationships.

“He loved sports,” he said.

“What he was able to do, because of his background as a top-notch sports journalist, was make people he spoke to feel important and liked. He made them feel that they wanted to do business with him. It was the cultivation of not just clients, but friends. And he went on to sustain relationships with all of his clients.”

Norma Jean Parker Lanier

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Randolph Record at obits@ randolphrecord.com

A6

Randolph Record for Thursday, December 26, 2024

STATE & NATION White House scrapping pending regulations on transgender athletes, student loan debt President Joe Biden speaks in April about student loan debt in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Biden administration seeks to slow Trump’s contrasting policies

By Collin Binkley and Chris Megerian The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden is abandoning his efforts to provide some protections for transgender student athletes and cancel student loans for more than 38 million Americans, the first steps in an administration-wide plan to jettison pending regulations to prevent President-elect Donald Trump from retooling them to achieve his own aims.

The White House expects to pull back unfinished rules across several agencies if there isn’t enough time to finalize them before Trump takes office. If the proposed regulations were left in their current state, the next administration would be able to rewrite them and advance its agenda more quickly.

Even as the Biden administration moves to pull back the rules, it pushed ahead with cancellation through other avenues on Friday.

The Education Department said it was clearing loans for another 55,000 borrowers who reached eligibility through a program known as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which was created

by Congress in 2007 and expanded by the Biden administration.

As the pending Biden regulations are withdrawn, nothing prevents Trump from pursuing his own regulations on the same

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

issues when he returns to the White House, but he would have to start from scratch in a process that can take months or even years.

“This isn’t the way I wanted it to end,” said Melissa Byrne, an activist who has pushed for student debt cancellation. “Unfortunately, this is the most prudent action to take right now.”

She blamed Republicans for putting the Biden administration in this position. “It’s a bummer that we have a GOP that is committed to keeping working-class Americans in debt,” Byrne said.

In documents withdrawing the student loan proposals, the Education Department insisted it has the authority to cancel the debt but sought to focus on other priorities in the administration’s final weeks. It said the administration would focus on helping borrowers get back on track with

payments following the coronavirus pandemic when payments were paused.

“The department at this time intends to commit its limited operational resources to helping atrisk borrowers return to repayment successfully,” the agency wrote.

For the regulation on transgender students, the department said it was withdrawing the proposal because of ongoing litigation over how Title IX, the landmark law preventing sex discrimination, should handle issues of gender identity. In addition, the department said there were 150,000 public comments with a range of feedback, including suggestions for modifications that needed to be considered.

At this point, the department wrote, “We do not intend for a final rule to be issued.”

Karoline Leavitt, a spokes-

person for Trump, accused the White House of “adding more red tape and making it more difficult for him to govern.”

“President Trump will not be deterred by their dirty tricks and will use every lever of power to reverse the damage Biden has done and implement his America First agenda,” Leavitt said.

Kate Shaw, who served in the White House counsel’s office under President Barack Obama, said it’s not unusual for administrations to speed up or slow down rulemaking. It’s more typical, she said, for the federal government to race to finalize regulations during a transition period, but that can be difficult when there’s a time crunch.

“If you haven’t started it early enough, you’re not going to be able to wrap it up,” she said.

An administration official, speaking on the condition of an-

Europe latest threatened with Trump tariffs The president-elect has already taken aim at Canada and Mexico

By Josh Boak and Raf Casert The Associated Press WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump last Friday added the 27 countries that make up the European Union to the list of trade partners he’s threatening with tariffs — unless the group takes steps to import more U.S. goods.

“I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large scale purchase of our oil and gas,” Trump posted shortly after 1 a.m. on social media. “Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!”

In 2023, the United States’ trade imbalance with the EU on goods was $209 billion, according to the Census Bureau.

ALLISON ROBBERT / AP PHOTO

President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a Nov. 13 meeting with the House GOP conference in Washington, D.C. There were $576 billion in imports from Europe and $367 billion in exports from the United States.

Trump’s transition team did not respond to questions seeking greater clarity on the message.

When Trump threatened Canada and Mexico with 25%

tariffs in November, the leaders of both countries spoke with him to try and resolve any tensions. But the European Union lacks a single figure who can make the purchase commitments of natural gas and oil on behalf of its 27 member states that Trump is seeking.

EU Commission spokesman Olof Gill said in reaction to Trump’s post that “we are ready to discuss with President-elect Trump how we can further strengthen an already strong relationship, including by discussing our common interests in the energy sector.”

Gill noted that the EU is already “committed to phasing out energy imports from Russia and diversifying our sources of supply. We’re not going to go into any details about what that might entail in the future, given that the new administration isn’t even in place yet.”

Scott Lincicome, a vice president at the libertarian Cato Institute, said it was difficult to parse what Trump was trying to

say relative to European trade, given that natural gas exports to the continent are already up after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“What we really need to chalk all of this up to is Trump laying the groundwork for future negotiations,” Lincicome said.

“This is, for better or worse, a lot of what we’re going to see for the next four years.”

While there is a $209 billion trade imbalance, a more complicated relationship lies beneath those numbers. A company such as German automaker BMW can import parts needed to assemble vehicles at its factory in South Carolina, such that the trade totals also reflect the flow of goods within European companies that employ U.S. workers.

More than half of the liquified natural gas imported by the EU and the United Kingdom in 2023 came from the United States, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The volume of the gas

onymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the administration still supports the goals of its regulatory proposals. However, the process can be lengthy because it requires legal reviews and collecting input from the public.

Federal agencies are now analyzing which rules to finish and which to pull back before the end of Biden’s term, the official said.

In recent years, presidents have tended to rely more on executive orders and federal regulations to sidestep gridlock in Congress. However, the rulemaking process can be less durable than legislation, leaving policies more vulnerable to shifts between administrations.

There are dozens of other pending regulations across the Education Department and other agencies, ranging from relatively trivial updates to sweeping policies that carry weighty implications for the nation’s schools and businesses.

If a rule has already gone through a public feedback process under Biden, Trump could simply replace it with his own proposal and move straight to enacting the policy, effectively bypassing the comment period.

The pair of student loan proposals expected to be withdrawn Friday represented Biden’s second attempt at widespread debt cancellation after the Supreme Court rejected his first plan.

Biden’s rule on transgender sports was proposed in 2023 but was delayed multiple times. It was supposed to be a follow-up to his broader rule that extended civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ students under Title IX.

going to the EU and UK has tripled since 2021.

On Tuesday, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm issued a statement based on a new study that unfettered exports of liquified natural gas could increase prices domestically and increase carbon emissions. Trump ran for president on the idea that increased oil and natural gas production would reduce costs for U.S. voters who were left frustrated by a 2022 inflationary spike that still lingers.

Trump’s demands on Europe to buy more oil and natural gas were not especially new.

He also made them during his initial term as president and in 2018 reached a deal with JeanClaude Juncker, then-president of the European Commission, to sell more liquified natural gas to Europe.

The problem with that agreement, as noted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, is that the U.S. “cannot force companies to send products to a specific region or country,” and the EU cannot force its members to buy American fossil fuels.

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Eastern Randolph’s Timothy Brower tries to launch a shot between Randleman’s Chase Farlow, left, and Tyshaun Goldston at the end of last week’s game.

Randleman boys pass key test The Southwestern Randolph’s girls’ team made a statement by beating reigning champs Randolph Record staff RAMSEUR — Tyshaun Goldson scored 22 points as Randleman prevailed 47-45 for a Piedmont Athletic Conference road victory at Eastern Randolph last week in Piedmont Athletic Conference boys’ basketball.

Eastern Randolph’s Timothy Brower racked up 21 points against Randleman.

Randleman then fended off host Southwestern Randolph

61-39 to end the week. The Tigers also topped visiting Oak Grove 60-49 last week.

Eastern Randolph got back on track Friday night as Brower tallied 38 points in an 85‑40 hammering of visiting Wheatmore.

• Parker Kines racked up 20 points as Wheatmore defeated visiting Trinity 52-42. Finley Bryant added 14 points and five assists for the Warriors.

Nazir Staton had 18 points for Trinity.

• Providence Grove defeated host Southwestern Randolph 52-48 by overcoming Brayden Chapman’s 23 points.

Providence Grove received 20 points and seven assists

Games early on the PAC schedules have resulted in notable outcomes from Andrew Thomas in a 72‑62 home victory against East Davidson.

Will Dabbs tallied 25 points and Thomas had 17 in the Patriots’ 74-57 road loss to North Stanly.

• Chapman posted 17 points when Southwestern Randolph beat visiting Jordan-Matthews 64-18.

• Uwharrie Charter Academy won 82-43 against visiting

Holiday tourney presents new challenges for defending champs There are different teams in the Asheboro tournament brackets from a year ago

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO — The defending champions in the Sports­ Tone.net Christmas Invitational will have different challenges if those basketball teams take paths back to titles this week.

Asheboro’s boys and Southwestern Randolph girls will aim to repeat, though the field of teams is different from a season ago.

There are eight-team brackets for both the boys and girls.

Games will be held Thursday through Saturday at Asheboro High School.

New entrants are Burlington Williams, Chatham Charter, Lexington (girls) and Thomasville (boys).

The Asheboro boys and Southwestern Randolph girls

will open with tournament newcomers.

Asheboro’s boys and Southwestern Randolph’s girls both meet their counterparts from Chatham Central on Thursday.

Also on the first day, Burlington Williams will take on the Asheboro girls, while Burlington Williams faces the Southwestern Randolph boys.

Those matchups will be renewals of what were conference clashes in the four-year cycle from 2017-21.

No longer in the tournament are Providence Grove, West Brunswick and North Carolina Leadership Academy.

Other tournaments Wheatmore teams are set to participate in the Ledford Panther Christmas Classic on Thursday through Saturday.

Providence Grove teams will be in the North Carolina Leadership Academy Tournament on Friday and Saturday in Kernersville.

SportsTone.net Christmas Invitational At Asheboro GIRLS Dec. 26 Trinity vs. Lexington, 10 a.m.

Randleman vs. Eastern Guilford, 1 p.m.

Southwestern Randolph vs. Chatham Charter, 4 p.m.

Burlington Williams vs. Asheboro, 7 p.m.

Dec. 27 Consolation games: 10 a.m., 1 p.m.

Semifinals: 4 p.m., 7 p.m.

Dec. 28 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m.

BOYS Dec. 26 Trinity vs. Thomasville, 11:30 a.m.

Randleman vs. Eastern Guilford, 2:30 p.m.

Southwestern Randolph vs. Burlington Williams, 5:50 p.m.

Chatham Charter vs. Asheboro, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 27 Consolation games: 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m.

Semifinals: 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 28 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.

Trinity as Jaxon Mabe scored 18 points.

• Jalial Timmons poured in 27 points as Asheboro defeated host UCA for the second time this season.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Southwestern Randolph went into Christmas week with an 8-0 record, and the last of those victories seemed significant.

The Cougars beat visiting Randleman 42-25 on Friday night, ending the Tigers’ unbeaten string in PAC play that‑had lasted for parts of four seasons.

Randleman (5-4, 2-1) was unbeaten at 12-0 in each of the

last three seasons in PAC regular-season games.

Jordin George’s 18 points led the Cougars (3-0 PAC) vs.

Randleman.

George and Maddie Strider both scored 15 points as the Cougars defeated visiting Providence Grove 68-42.

Strider’s 23 points came in a 64-18 romp past visiting Jordan-Matthews.

• Randleman notched a PAC victory against host Eastern Randolph 42-26 earlier last week.

The Tigers avenged a nonconference loss to Oak Grove by winning 37-31 at home in the rematch as Katie Green scored 10 points.

• Wheatmore’s 51-24 victory against visiting Trinity was fueled by Brianna Hill’s 16 points.

Hill and Kaelyn Whitehart See BASKETBALL, page B2

Conference draft could spread out county schools New league alignments within the NCHSAA will be coming by summer

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record RANDOLPH COUNTY schools will be spread out when it comes to conference affiliations based on an initial draft sent to schools from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

Schools can provide feedback on the drafts before those are finalized, likely in January. The new alignments, which are developed to be in place for four years, begin next summer.

The NCHSAA is expanding from four classifications to eight, so there are bound to be different combinations when it comes to conference set-ups. The drafts reveal more split conferences (leagues with

schools from more than one classification).

Eastern Randolph will be in Class 3A and pegged with soonto-be Class 4A schools Southwestern Randolph and Uwharrie Charter Academy. Based on the draft, those schools would be aligned with North Moore (3A), Northwood (3A) and Jordan-Matthews (4A).

Randleman is also tagged for Class 4A, but the Tigers would be grouped with other Class 4A schools Central Davidson, Ledford, Lexington and High Point Andrews, plus Class 5A schools High Point Central and Montgomery Central.

In Class 3A, Providence Grove, Trinity and Wheatmore would be packaged with East Davidson, Thomasville and West Davidson.

These drafts would be mark major changes for the seven See NCHSAA, page B2

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Randolph Record for Thursday, December 26, 2024

PIEDMONT ATHLETIC CONFERENCE ALL-CONFERENCE

BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Finley Bryant

HOME PLATE MOTORS

Wheatmore’s Finley Bryant tries to make a play in the lane earlier this season in a nonconference game against visiting East Davidson.

Randolph Record staff HERE’S A LIST of the Piedmont Athletic Conference’s major award winners and all-conference selections for fall sports.

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY Runner of the Year: Freddie Mercado (Randleman) Coach of the Year: Dennis Lewis (Providence Grove)

All-conference Providence Grove: Meshack Butler, Colin Duval, Aiden Shelton, Caleb Ward Randleman: Jedidiah Dake, Freddy Mercado Uwharrie Charter Academy: Austin Luck, Chris White Wheatmore: Tyler McCormick Trinity: Tommy Smithers Southwestern Randolph: Andrew Ormond

GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY Runner of the Year: Laurel Bernhardt (Providence Grove) Coach of the Year: Will Benner (Wheatmore)

All-conference

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Wheatmore, boys’ basketball Bryant is trying to help the Warriors to a resurgence this season.

He’s the team’s leader in assists and steals more than one-third of the way through the schedule.

The senior guard has given the backcourt a boost for a team that has a blend of veterans and emerging younger players.

The Warriors have already eclipsed last season’s win total.

By defeating Trinity last week, it gave Wheatmore its first Piedmont Athletic Conference victory in three years. That result, which was aided by Bryant’s 14 points and five assists, also snapped Wheatmore’s nine-game losing streak in the series with neighboring Trinity.

BASKETBALL from page B1 both had 17 points when the Warriors won 53-32 at Eastern Randolph.

• Uwharrie Charter Academy won three games, including by 56-26 against visiting Trinity as Nevaeh Staples scored 14 points.

UCA trounced visiting Asheboro 52-18, aided by Lainey Thomas’ 14 points in the non-

NCHSAA from page B1 schools — all from Randolph County — that currently comprise the Piedmont Athletic Conference.

Significant change will be coming for Asheboro if the drafts are adopted. The Blue Comets will be in Class 6A. That draft puts Asheboro with

conference game. In another nonleague game, UCA benefitted from Naimah Al-Arif’s 12 points in a 53-28 home victory against Chatham Charter.

• Jada Nixon’s 25 points led the way for Providence Grove’s 44-32 victory against visiting East Davidson in non-conference action. Laurel Bernhardt had 19 points when the Patriots defeated host North Stanly 38-33.

other Class 6A schools Eastern Guilford, Northern Guilford and Southeast Guilford, plus Class 5A schools Northeast Guilford and Southern Guilford.

For Asheboro, that would mean it wouldn’t be in a conference with any of the other current Mid-Piedmont Conference members with which it shares membership.

Wheatmore: Olivia Hildreth, Scarlett Hildreth, Lydia Madison, Emmie Messner Providence Grove: Laurel Bernhardt, Lyndsay Browder Randleman: Callie Wood, Layla York Uwharrie Charter Academy: Jazmin Palma Trinity: Kayla Franklin, Madison Hill

FOOTBALL Offensive Player of the Year: Lucas Smith (Eastern Randolph) Defensive Player of the Year: DeSean Shamberger (Eastern Randolph) Coach of the Year: Burton Cates (Eastern Randolph)

All-conference Eastern Randolph: Jackson Bare, Julian Brooks, Maddox Carson, Eber Castano, James Combs, Aiden Goodman, Caden McCallum, DeSean Shamberger, Lucas Smith, Will Stalker, Kobe Walker, Rayen West Randleman: Tate Andrews, Dylan Atkins, Ashton Dillow, Chase Farlow, Tyshaun Goldston, Johnk Kirkpatrick, Christian McLeod, Ty Moton, Jonathan Sampson, Jonathan Stokes Southwestern Randolph: Jose Flores, Easton Gravely, Asher Perkins, Kempton Reed, Victor Rodriguez, Brody Sheppard,

THADD SANDERS FOR RANDOLPH RECORD

Senior running back Lucas Smith of Eastern Randolph runs against Randleman during a game this fall. Smith was named the PAC’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Noah Stills, Owen Whalen Providence Grove: Brady Collins, Bobby Gibson, Carson Jones, Jackson Laver, Jase Locke, Jackson Rhyne, Andrew Thomas Wheatmore: Ashtin Bennett, Danny Craig Jr., Dominic Hittepole, Johnathan Kelly, Josh Lowe Trinity: Noah Bradley, Cam Nelson, Daniel Rogers, Leyland White, Zorn Williams

GIRLS’ GOLF Golfer of the Year: Megan Oakley (Providence Grove) Coach of the Year: Allie Nelson (Providence Grove)

All-conference Providence Grove: Aubrie Goodman, Anna Holloway, Megan Oakley Wheatmore: Kyndal Kindley, Emily Juarez Trinity: Pheobe McCall Southwestern Randolph: Dani Jaeck, Lucy York

BOYS’ SOCCER Offensive Player of the Year: Fernando Hernandez (Southwestern Randolph) Defensive Player of the Year: Dilan Chavero (Randleman) Coach of the Year: Sean Fitzgibbon (Randleman)

All-conference Southwestern Randolph: Daniel Arellano, Aaron Avina, Noah Freeman, Fernando Hernandez, Jonathan Lopez, Brydon Tyl Randleman: Mitchell Carranza, Dilan Chavero, Owen Leonard, Chris Lopez, Mario Martinez, Francisco Vences Trinity: Andrew Cox, Zack Cox, Riley Foster, Gio James, Cayden Pugh Eastern Randolph: Josue

Cruz, Anthony Diaz, Danilo Perez Providence Grove: Bryan Carbajal, Saul Cortes, Eric Gonzalez Uwharrie Charter Academy: Jaydon DeNamur, Victor Nino Wheatmore: Sawyer St. Clair

GIRLS’ TENNIS Player of the Year: Deanna Cobb (Trinity) Coach of the Year: Rick Thomas (Providence Grove)

All-conference Providence Grove: Abby Greeson, Audrey Frazier, Caroline Tidwell Trinity: Deanna Cobb, Kayla Neam, Karla Rios, Jacey Wilson Uwharrie Charter Academy: Delamey Aldrich, Macie Epps, Ashleigh Page Wheatmore: Tatum Wagner Southwestern Randolph: Caroline Farlow, Larson Kelly

VOLLEYBALL Most Valuable Player: Camden Scott (Randleman) Defensive Player of the Year: Sadie Upchurch (Uwharrie Charter Academy) Coach of the Year: Lee Kennell (Uwharrie Charter Academy)

All-conference Randleman: Kadie Green, Haley Hinshaw, Camden Scott, Camryn Vickery Uwharrie Charter Academy: Kayden Faglier, Emory Johnson, Sadie Upchurch, Caroline Way Southwestern Randolph: Gracie Hodgin, Jade Matias Trinity: Karrington Batten, Kaitlyn McCoy Providence Grove: Mailey Way Eastern Randolph: Kenly Whitaker

MID-PIEDMONT CONFERENCE ALL-CONFERENCE Randolph Record staff HERE’S A LIST of the Mid-Piedmont Conference’s major award winners plus Asheboro’s all-conference selections for fall sports.

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY Runner of the Year: Luke Vannoy (Oak Grove) Coach of the Year: Shawn Loggins (Oak Grove) Asheboro: None

GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY Runner of the Year: Jillian Parks (Central Davidson) Coach of the Year: Shawn Loggins (Oak Grove) Asheboro: None

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Offensive Player of the Year: Karson Williams (Oak Grove) Defensive Player of the Year: Bradley Byrd (Oak Grove) Lineman of the Year: Daniel Hunneycutt (Oak Grove) Coach of the Year: Cody Bowman (North Davidson) Asheboro: Offense – Logan Laughlin, Connor Brinton, Chris Spivey, Dallas Brinton; Defense – Jewel BarrettRiggins, Cole Trogdon, Luke Hughes, Israel Saunders

GIRLS’ GOLF Golfer of the Year:

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Asheboro’s Cam Letterlough was the top offensive player for boys’ soccer in the Mid-Piedmont Conference.

Addison Sage (Ledford) Coach of the Year: Brett Sides (Central Davidson) Asheboro: None

BOYS’ SOCCER Offensive Player of the Year: Cam Letterlough (Asheboro) Defensive Player of the Year: Braulio Gutierrez (Asheboro) Coach of the Year: Alan Reavis (Central Davidson) Asheboro: Cam Letterlough, Braulio Gutierrez, Giovanni Nunez, Daniel Gutierrez, Ozmar Martinez, Cristian Reygadas, Diego Bustamante, Andres Valladares

GIRLS’ TENNIS Player of the Year: Blair Thomas (Asheboro) Coach of the Year: Jennifer Cayer, Central Davidson Asheboro: Blair Thomas, Malaika Khan, Charlotte Smith

VOLLEYBALL Player of the Year: Madison Henderson (Central Davidson) Defensive Player of the Year: Savannah Tiler (Oak Grove) Coach of the Year: Stefanie Panzer (Montgomery Central) Asheboro: Lia George, Emma Kate Forester

Randolph Record for Thursday, December 26, 2024

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pen & paper pursuits this week in history Texas joined the union, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, YMCA was founded The Associated Press

DEC. 26 1908: Jack Johnson became the first black boxer to win the world heavyweight championship as he defeated Canadian Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia.

1991: The USSR was formally dissolved through a declaration by the Supreme Soviet.

2004: A 9.1-magnitude earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean triggered a tsunami with waves up to 100 feet high, killing an estimated 230,000 people.

DEC. 27 1904: James Barrie’s play “Peter Pan: The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up” opened at the Duke of York’s Theater in London.

1932: New York City’s Radio City Music Hall opened to the public.

1979: Soviet forces seized control of Afghanistan.

1985: American naturalist Dian Fossey, 53, who had studied mountain gorillas in Africa for nearly 20 years, was found murdered in her cabin in Rwanda.

DEC. 28 1908: A major earthquake followed by a tsunami devastated the Italian cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria, killing at least 70,000 people.

1945: Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance.

1973: The Endangered Spe-

cies Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon.

1981: Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American “testtube” baby, was born in Norfolk, Virginia.

DEC. 29 1170: Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was slain in Canterbury Cathedral by knights loyal to King Henry II. 1812: During the War of 1812, the American frigate USS Constitution engaged and severely damaged the British frigate HMS Java off Brazil.

1845: Texas was admitted as the 28th state.

1851: The first Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in the United States was founded in Boston.

1890: The Wounded Knee massacre took place in South Dakota as an estimated 300 Sioux Indians were killed by U.S. troops sent to disarm them.

DEC. 30 1813: British troops burned Buffalo, New York, during the War of 1812.

1853: The United States and Mexico signed a treaty under which the U.S. agreed to buy some 45,000 square miles of land from Mexico for $10 million in a deal known as the Gadsden Purchase.

1922: Vladimir Lenin proclaimed the establishment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which lasted nearly seven decades before dissolving in December 1991.

2015: Bill Cosby was charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004.

AP PHOTO

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863.

DEC. 31 1879: Thomas Edison first publicly demonstrated his electric incandescent light in Menlo Park, New Jersey.

1904: New York’s Times Square saw its first New Year’s Eve celebration.

JAN. 1 1863: President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that slaves in rebel states shall be “forever free.”

1892: The Ellis Island Immigrant Station in New York formally opened.

1942: The Rose Bowl was played in Durham instead of Pasadena, California, because of security concerns in the wake of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.

1953: Hank Williams Sr., among the most important singers and songwriters in country music history, was discovered dead at age 29.

1954: NBC broadcast the first coast-to-coast color TV program.

1959: Fidel Castro and his revolutionaries overthrew Cuban leader Fulgencio Batista.

AP PHOTO

The Ellis Island Immigrant Station in New York, pictured in 1905, opened on Jan. 1, 1892.

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Randolph Record for Thursday, December 26, 2024

Cruise gets US Navy honor for boosting military in screen roles The actor was given the Distinguished Public Service Award

By The Associated Press LONDON — The world’s most famous fictional Top Gun is now a decorated naval hero.

Tom Cruise was awarded the U.S. Navy’s top civilian honor last Tuesday for “outstanding contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps” with “Top Gun” and other films.

Cruise, who has been working in the U.K., was given the Distinguished Public Service Award by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro in a ceremony at Longcross Studios near London.

The 62-year-old actor said he was proud to receive the “extraordinary acknowledgement,” which came with a medal and a certificate.

“I admire all of the servicemen and women,” Cruise said.

“I know in life, something that is very true to me, is that is to lead is to serve. And I know that to my core. And I see that in the servicemen and women.”

The Navy said Cruise had “increased public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.”

“Top Gun,” the smash hit 1986 movie about Cold War flying aces, made Cruise a star and drove a spike in military enlistment. The Navy even set up

recruitment tables in theaters.

Interest was renewed with the 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick,” in which Cruise’s character mentored a new generation of elite aviators.

The Navy said the sequel “brought nostalgia to older audiences and reinvigorated the minds of newer audience members, which effectively targeted a younger audience’s interest into the skill sets and opportunities the Navy can provide.”

Cruise was also commended for his roles in “Born on the Fourth of July,” “A Few Good Men” and the “Mission: Impossible” movies.

Cruise’s next on-screen adventure, “Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning,” is due for release in May 2025.

SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

KIN CHEUNG / AP PHOTO

Tom Cruise poses with the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award on Dec. 17 in England.

Online dating, love, death in Pek’s new mystery, ‘The Rivals’ Pek writes with wit and AI savvy

By Kendal Weaver The Associated Press CLAUDIA LIN, an online dating detective in the age of AI, is hunting once again through a dark cybersphere of tech systems in “The Rivals,” the second novel in a new mystery series by Jane Pek. Pek, who introduced Claudia in her 2022 debut book, “The Verifiers,” has given the mystery genre fresh trappings — a vivid New York City landscape of chatbots and apps that can create chaos or sniff out fraud, and a delightfully plucky new sleuth, who is in her mid-20s, Asian American and gay.

In “The Rivals,” Claudia and Becks Rittel are the co-owners of the fact-checking firm Veracity. It’s a tiny business — it only has one other employee, the unkempt gamer Squirrel — that helps clients of giant matchmaking platforms make sure the strangers they meet for dates are not unscrupulous liars or worse.

“The Rivals” opens with a couple of customers from online meet-up sites seeking different kinds of assistance.

One wants Veracity to make sure his new lady friend, the charming Amalia Suarez, is all she claims to be. The other, Pradeep Mehta, anxiously asks for help taking down a false

KNOPF VIA AP

“The Rivals” is the second novel in a new mystery series

by Jane Pek. online gay-dating profile that could ruin his life.

Claudia takes on both projects despite Becks’ protests and disparagement. A curt, tough-minded colleague in her mid-30s, Becks is nicknamed the “Blonde Assassin.” In short order, both cases present Claudia with false turns, odd developments and scary possibilities. These twists make “The Rivals” a modern mystery unfolding amid synthetic culprits — cyberworld bots known as “synths” — that can wreck real lives.

Pek adds a few vital human ingredients to the story’s digital

mix. One is Claudia’s striving but dysfunctional family. Her siblings, Charles and Coraline, and their irritable mother are introduced in an early chapter as they gather in the West Village for a meal celebrating the Chinese New Year. Coraline’s beau is there, too. Their father is out of the picture. A celebration the meal is not, but the Lin family fracas adds sparks to the narrative throughout.

Pek also makes neighborhoods and go-to sites of Manhattan, Brooklyn and other city environs an integral and appealing part of the story. Claudia, for example, plays Ultimate Frisbee in Prospect Park and takes the reader on her many rendezvous, from the touristy High Line to a bike path through Fort Washington Park.

Claudia’s sexuality is not a central tug-of-war plot issue.

But it does give an edgy lift to the storyline when Claudia, as the novel’s narrator, notes the inner romantic tingles set off in her by others.

Pek writes with wit and AI savvy. At times, “The Rivals” unfolds with so much techheavy dialogue that it can be hard to follow. But Claudia is a winning new entry in the field of modern serial detectives.

“The Rivals” hints that she has more work in store. With the freshness of Pek’s staging of online love and death, a third entry in the series will be welcome.

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famous birthdays this week David Sedaris turns 68, Denzel Washington is 70, Marianne Faithfull is 78, Grandmaster Flash hits 67 The Associated Press

DEC. 26 RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins turns 87 on Tuesday.

“America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh is 79. Humorist David Sedaris is 68. Funk musician George Porter Jr. (The Meters) is 77. Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith is 70.

DEC. 27 Basketball Hall of Fame coach Nolan Richardson is 83. Rock musician Mick Jones (Foreigner) is 80. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Bill Self is 62. TV journalist Savannah Guthrie is 53.

DEC. 28 ROBERT E. KLEIN / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Singer-songwriter Patti Smith, pictured with her band at the Orpheum Theater in Boston in 2019, celebrates 78 on Monday.

SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

Actor Denzel Washington is 70. TV personality Gayle King is 70. Hockey Hall of Famer Ray Bourque is 64. Linux creator Linus Torvalds is 55. Political commentator Ana Navarro is 53. TV host-comedian Seth Meyers is 51.

Actor Joe Manganiello is 48. Musician John Legend is 46.

DEC. 29 Actor Barbara Steele is 88. Actor Jon Voight is 86. Singer Marianne Faithfull is 78. Actor Ted Danson is 77.

DEC. 30 MILLIE TURNER / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Actor Denzel Washington turns 70 on Saturday.

Singer Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary is 87. Singer Patti Smith is 78. Musician Jeff Lynne is 77. TV host Meredith Vieira (“Today,” “The View”) is 71.

Actor-comedian Tracey Ullman is 65. TV host Sean Hannity is 63.

DEC. 31 Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is 87. Actor Sir Ben Kingsley is 81.

Actress Bebe Neuwirth is 66.

Singer Paul Westerberg is 65. Author Nicholas Sparks is 59.

JAN. 1 EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Author, humorist and Raleigh native David Sedaris turns 68 on Thursday.

Actor Frank Langella is 87.

Comedian Don Novello (Father Guido Sarducci) is 82. Actor Rick Hurst (“The Dukes of Hazzard”) is 79. Rapper Grandmaster Flash is 67.

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Randolph Record for Thursday, December 26, 2024

the gift of giving

MARK BETTIS VIA AP

The Mark Bettis Gallery in Asheville is a staple of the city’s thriving arts scene.

Handcrafted items from North Carolina support hurricane recovery Buying these gifts will help businesses affected

by Hurricane Helene

By Travis Loller The Associated Press NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The city of Asheville, known for its artists and restaurants, is a tourist destination and the economic hub of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountain communities. In September, it was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Helene.

Even businesses not physically damaged suffered weeks without power and water, and Asheville was essentially closed to tourists during its busiest season.

Now, besides hoping that visitors will return for the holidays, Asheville’s artists and small businesses are pitching their handcrafted goods as gifts online to speed recovery.

The heavily damaged River Arts District lets artists sell directly through its website. And the tourism authority Explore Asheville has set up a site called “Love Asheville from Afar.”

“There’s definitely been some confusion about whether people should travel to Asheville,” says Katie Button, chef at the Spanish tapas restaurants Curate Bar de Tapas and La Bodega by Curate. “Absolutely! We are open, and downtown — the rest of the businesses and things — are really needing people to come travel here.” La Bodega remains closed because there are not enough visitors to keep both open.

Here’s a small sampling of giftable online offerings that will help the city’s small businesses and artists while also filling your stockings.

Button’s dream of opening an authentic Spanish tapas restaurant in the United States culminated in the James Beard award-winning Curate Bar de Tapas. That was followed by a cafe, wine bar and retail space, La Bodega by Curate. You can support both the restaurant and local artist Lori Theriault by purchasing one of Curate’s signature handmade ceramic pigs.

They come as Christmas ornaments ($38) or toothpick holders ($29).

Dan Rattigan and Jael Skeff-

STEPHAN PRUITT / EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM VIA AP

A row of handblown glass ornaments by Small Batch Glass gallery is on display in Asheville.

QUENTIN BACON / CURATE AT HOME LLC VIA AP

Curate Bar de Tapas in Asheville sells a signature ceramic pig toothpick holder. ington started French Broad Chocolate in their home kitchen, selling their confections at local farmers markets. The business has grown to include a downtown retail space and a large factory and tasting room by the French Broad River. The factory space is currently closed to the public, but their delicious bonbons, hot chocolate mixes and peppermint bark ($35) are available online.

The building where the Asheville Tea Company works its magic was a total loss in the flood. They have limited ability to ship teas, but when you preorder a gift box, the recipient

will receive a card letting them know their gift is on the way.

The Let it Snow gift box features the blends “Pisgah Breakfast,” “Snow Day” and “Asheville Grey.” ($45.95) Ginger Frank started Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn with the idea of using real ingredients and creating fun, original flavors, like dill pickle and oatmeal cookie. In the beginning, she was slapping labels onto Ziploc bags. Ten years later, her business has expanded to sell popcorn across the country.

The “Asheville Mix Artist Bag” ($7.25) supports not only Poppy Popcorn and its workers, but $2

from each bag goes to helping other Asheville entrepreneurs rebuild. It comes in an adorable bag featuring drawings by local artist Annie Riker.

For the art lover, Asheville’s River Arts District encompasses 26 historic industrial buildings converted into studios, galleries and classrooms for more than 700 local artists. Flooding destroyed a majority of that space, with some artists losing entire bodies of work. While some parts of the district suffered less damage and have reopened for business, other spaces must be completely rebuilt. In the meantime, many of the artists are offering their wares directly.

Moonlight Makers was born when Claire Watson moved next door to Nicole Hairfield. The two moms found themselves spending more than 50 hours a week together while their young children played, so they decided to make the most of that time.

They are currently offering a line of Asheville-themed products like scented candles and T-shirts, and are donating 100% of profits to local hurricane relief efforts. All of their gifts are designed and screen-printed in Asheville by a staff of 10.

For more gift ideas, visit “Love Asheville from Afar,” a website from the local tourism development authority, Explore Asheville.

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 44 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024 | HOKE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM

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HOKE COUNTY THE HOKE COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Illuminating the season More than 250 luminaries were purchased and displayed around the Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church in Seagrove ahead of Christmas. The funds raised will allow a family stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Winston-Salem for more than a month.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Govt. puts $100B in disaster relief in year-end budget bill Washington, D.C. Congress is allocating more than $100 billion in emergency aid to address extensive damage caused by hurricanes and other disasters. The money is in a bill passed early Saturday

by Congress after last week’s scramble to find consensus on a government spending bill.

The money is being provided after back-to‑back hurricanes slammed into the Southeast.

But the funding will go to much more than just Helene and Milton recovery. There’s also disaster assistance for farmers, money for damaged roads and highways, and money for block grants administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Boost to Social Security for public sector retirees Washington, D.C. The Senate passed legislation to boost Social Security payments for millions of people. The bill is a longtime priority for former public employees. The bipartisan bill next heads to President Joe Biden. It will eliminate longtime reductions to Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million people who receive pensions because they worked in federal, state and local government, or public service jobs like teachers, firefighters and police officers.

Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decades-old disparity, though it will also further strain Social Security Trust Funds.

$2.00

Farmers still reeling months after Hurricane Helene ravaged crops Farms were second thoughts amid the widespread devastation

By Russ Bynum The Associated Press LYONS, Ga. — Twisted equipment and snapped tree limbs still litter Chris Hopkins’ Georgia farm more than two months after Hurricane Helene made its deadly march across the South.

An irrigation sprinkler system about 300 feet long lay overturned in a field, its steel pipes bent and welded joints

broken. The mangled remains of a grain bin sat crumpled by a road. On a Friday in early December, Hopkins dragged burly limbs from the path of the tractor-like machine that picks his cotton crop six rows at a time.

“I have wrestled with lots of emotions the past two months,” said Hopkins, who also grows corn and peanuts in rural Toombs County, about 75 miles west of Savannah. “Do we just get through this one and quit?

Do we build back? It is emotionally draining.”

Hopkins is among farmers across the South who are still reeling from Helene’s devasta-

tion. The storm made landfall in Florida on Sept. 26 as a major Category 4 storm and then raced north across Georgia and neighboring states.

Experts estimate the cost to farmers, timber growers and other agribusinesses from Florida to Virginia will reach more than $10 billion. The toll includes ravaged crops, uprooted timber, wrecked farm equipment and mangled chicken houses, as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity at cotton gins and poultry processing plants.

For cotton growers like Hopkins, Helene hit just as the fall

harvest was starting. Many put most cleanup on hold to try to salvage what remained of their crops.

‘Staggering’ losses to cotton, pecans and fall vegetables Georgia farmers suffered storm losses of at least $5.5 billion, according to an analysis by the University of Georgia. In North Carolina, a state agency calculated farmers suffered $3.1 billion in crop losses and recovery costs after See FARMERS, page A2

Scandals, some changes in public perception highlighted the year for sports betting Gambling on games could top $130 billion in 2024

By Kyle Hightower The Associated Press IN THE SIX YEARS since the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for states to offer sports betting, each successive year has set a record for the amount of money wagered legally.

Another new high-water mark of close to $130 billion is expected by the end of 2024. It coincides with what has been a year of reckoning rocked by high-profile scandals.

The bad publicity included former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA after a league investigation found he disclosed confidential information to bettors and faked ailments in games to fix proposition bets related to his own performance. There was also the case of Ippei Mizuhara, the former

interpreter for Shohei Ohtani who pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud in a case in which prosecutors said he stole nearly $17 million from the Japanese baseball star to pay off illegal gambling debts.

Ohtani was cleared of any wrongdoing, but his proximity to such malfeasance heaped negative attention on baseball’s biggest name.

“When you have people betting on sports, you have people trying to corrupt sports — they go hand in hand,” said John Holden, an associate professor at Indiana University who conducts research on gambling and college athletics policy. “So, these were things that were going to happen. I think it’s opening people’s eyes that the legalization of sports betting in the U.S. wasn’t going to be the exception to the problems that come with sports betting everywhere else in the world.”

Porter was on a two-way contract at the time of his vio-

“It was staggering. This may be just too much for some folks.”

Timothy Coolong, Horticulture professor lations, which meant he could bounce back and forth between the Raptors and their G League affiliate. His salary was $410,000, and a standard NBA contract would have been more than $2 million. In pleading guilty to federal conspiracy charges in July, Porter acknowledged wrongdoing, saying he did it “to get out from under large gambling debts.”

“Certainly, prop bets, depending on how precise they are, lend themselves to more shenanigans than other kinds of bets,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in May. In light of Porter’s banishment, BetMGM Sportsbook

said in October that it would not take NBA prop bets on players on two-way or 10-day contracts. It joined several others taking this action, including U.S. sportsbook giants DraftKings and FanDuel, as well as ESPN BET. Still, Andrew Brandt, the executive director of Villanova’s Moorad Center for Sports Law, said it’s hard to know what kind of lasting impact these scandals will have.

“Porter was an ‘easy’ ban as he was a low-level player that could be sent away as a message to other players,” Brandt said.

“The Ippei-Shohei relationship seems to be less about gambling than an issue of trust. ... We will see.”

Tough terrain for new states The Porter and Mizuhara incidents could also have played See BETTING, page A2

A2 THURSDAY

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COLUMN | SUPERINTENDENT KENNETH SPURLOCK

End of year reflections North State Journal

TUESDAY DEC 31

AS I LOOK BACK on my first year as Superintendent of Hoke County Schools, I wish to express my gratitude to the community for your support and partnership. After 22 years working in Illinois and Indiana, it has been a joy to return home to the Sandhills where I have been welcomed with warmth and open arms.

Hoke County truly is home, and I am deeply honored to serve in this role.

Over the past year, I’ve been inspired by the support and encouragement of our community. Together, we’ve celebrated milestones and achievements that demonstrate the extraordinary potential of our students and schools. I want to thank our teachers, staff, administrators and Board of Education members for their dedication and hard work, and I extend my gratitude to every family, community leader and partner who has supported our schools. As a community, we have embodied Team Hoke, and I know that with the support of this

community we will continue to add to our success.

We have much to be proud of, including: • Hosting our first community-wide Back to School Bash and Superintendent’s Night Out, bringing families, schools, and the community together.

• Celebrating two state championships at Hoke County High.

• Establishing new stakeholder groups like the Parent Advisory Council.

• Receiving a $300,000 Renew America energy grant and the prestigious Purple Star Award for our support of military‑connected families.

• Recognizing the exceptional efforts of staff, like Mr. Davis, who was honored for having the program of the year at the international dropout prevention conference.

• Ten of our schools gained recognition by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction for achieving or exceeding expected growth.

We know there are challenges ahead.

We continue to recruit bus drivers, highly skilled teachers and top-notch school staff to support our growth.

Looking ahead, my vision for the next year is clear: We will strive to make Hoke County Schools a superpower of academic excellence. We have exciting plans on the horizon, including capital improvements, enhanced communication tools and community engagement events.

Your involvement — whether through volunteering, attending events, or sharing your ideas — is essential to our success.

The possibilities for our district are boundless when we unite as a community.

We remain a student-focused district, and every decision we make from the district level to the classroom keeps the success and safety of our students as our main priority.

Thank you for your trust, encouragement, and commitment to our schools. As we close this year and prepare for the next, let’s continue working together to create opportunities and celebrate the achievements of every student and staff member in Hoke County.

Wishing you and your families a joyful and peaceful holiday season.

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BETTING from page A1 a factor in the slim margin by which Missouri voters approved sports betting legalization in November, with 50.05% voting in favor of the ballot measure after legislation had repeatedly stalled in the state Senate. DraftKings and FanDuel spent heavily on what turned out to be a Missouri ballot initiative record $43 million campaign.

Longtime industry insider Matt Para believes that, along with an oversaturation of advertising and lower than anticipated tax benefits in the 38 states that currently allow betting, has contributed to what is an ongoing moral “reboot” surrounding the public’s attitude toward the industry.

“I would say the public has soured on sports betting as a whole,” said Para, a consultant who has more than 20 years’ experience working in online gambling. “I think they’re upset that they can’t watch sporting events with their kids without seeing gambling pop up. ... There’s a cap, I think. And we’ve reached that point to what the public is willing to accept.”

Next year isn’t likely to see any additional states enter the sports betting fray.

That includes potentially lucrative markets like Texas and California.

In 2022, California voters defeated two rival proposals to legalize sports betting after interest groups spent roughly $450 million either promoting or opposing the measures.

The Texas Legislature meets every two years and will be back in session in 2025, but so far it hasn’t seemed to have an appetite for getting into sports gambling. While Texas has been a state generally opposed to all forms of gambling, the biggest barrier currently is Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has great influence over what bills are put up for a vote. He isn’t sold

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

that the tax benefits, that he’s previously said would pay for about half a day of Texas’ yearly budget, are worth it.

Money talks According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, most states tax sports gambling at between 5% and 20%. But tax revenues have varied vastly because only 15 states collect at least 10% of every dollar wagered.

Studies by the Sports Betting Alliance, a lobbying consortium made up of sportsbooks and Texas professional sports teams, as well one by an independent law firm, have estimated the state could make upward of $250 million in tax revenue yearly from betting. But Texas spends $125 billion a year and currently has a budget surplus.

The estimates also would depend on Texas setting taxes on gambling that would be among the highest in the nation, as well as wagers generating record overall gambling revenue.

California, along with states like Oklahoma, also would likely have to work out some sort of revenue sharing deal with the Native American tribal entities that currently have legal gaming rights.

In California’s case, such a compromise seems likely at some point because of the additional revenue in a state that already garners $9 billion from its casinos. But legalization almost certainly would come through a statewide referendum, which could only come in an even-numbered year.

“I sort of think that of the remaining states there might be a shocker here or there that pops up one year or another,” Holden said. “There are obstacles in place. So, I think this is one of these things where we aren’t going to see four states happen in a year again.”

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A3

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

THE CONVERSATION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | CONNIE LOVELL

Magician’s choice

“When you own all the cards, erasing faith is easier than you might think.

All you have to do is erase the mind it inhabits.”

David James Duncan, “The Brothers K”

IN SEPTEMBER 2024, the Federal Communications Commission cut a deal to rescue Audacy Inc. from bankruptcy. Bypassing decades of protocol and procedure, the FCC accepted a $415 billion offer made by Soros Fund Management.

The “Soros Shortcut” allows Audacy to continue broadcast service to 46 media markets in the U.S. Audacy is the second largest radio content provider in the United States, reaching 165 million American listeners.

Audacy filed for Chapter 11 in January 2024, citing debt of $1.5 million, a decline in advertising revenue and tough competition from streaming services. Sensing weakness, George Soros and partners made an offer the FCC could not refuse.

The audacious play for control of the public radio market was met with sharp resistance by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Chairman James Comer (RKy.) published a press release saying the normal process for reviewing a transaction by a foreign entity had been breached. The intent to fast track this takeover was seen by many as a grab to gain control of the political narrative to influence the 2024 national election.

Also in September 2024, the FCC quietly tabled the Biden-Harris scheme to provide internet service to all rural America. The celebrated Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD), with $42 billion in funding, vanished under a pile of red tape.

At the time, Elon Musk’s Starlink grant to expand broadband service to 640,000 rural homes and businesses was canceled. This was a blatant act of “digital discrimination” to let

the FCC micromanage pricing and control the buildout of services.

Recall it was Starlink that provided the connectivity to thousands of victims stranded in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Free.

Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha and America’s favorite investor, is in the process of rescuing SiriusXM from serious debt. Once the wealthiest man in America, active in the communications business, he was attracted to the “management style, the subscription model and the Sirius Sinatra channel.” In addition, “SiriusXM has a monopoly on satellite radio in the U.S. and holds a solid spot in the podcast game,” Buffett told Benzinga News.

The domination of public radio and subscription broadcast services by two of the most liberal philanthropic enterprises revealed the next tactic in the contest for the American mind. Debate raged, pitting “hate speech” against the inalienable right to free speech. But the bidding war between the First Amendment and “content moderation” has been trumped.

Beginning January 20, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission will have a new leader. Brendan Carr, one of two Republicans on the five-person commission will take the table and change the stakes.

Carr, a commissioner since 2017, has been the voice of dissent during the Biden administration, calling out the lack of transparency and overreach of the commission.

His scrutiny exposed the hypocrisy of the “60 Minutes” Kamala Harris interview and the unlawful television appearance of Harris on “Saturday Night Live” in the final desperate days of the presidential election.

He has effectively become the gatekeeper

of the FCC mission to protect the “basic tenet of national communications policy: that the widest possible dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources is essential to the public’s welfare,” said Eugene Volokh, senior fellow at the Hoover Institute.

Climate spokesman John Kerry recently schooled the titans at the World Economic Forum, saying, “It’s really hard to govern anymore. … People self-select where they go for their news. It’s much harder to build consensus.”

Indeed. The Soros-controlled Global Disinformation Index employs its own special brand of discrimination to identify and disrupt any business model deemed too risky for investment due to the “ever-changing disinformation landscape.” Controversial subjects deemed too unpleasant may be modified before entering the public domain.

For example, a rounding error of 818,000 job losses could go unreported. Or publishing the true number of illegal immigrants entering the U.S. as felons (425,000) could be scrubbed as disinformation. Governing would certainly be easier; consensus attainable.

A Magician’s Choice is a technique used to deceive the unsuspecting patsy into thinking he has successfully selected the right card, not knowing that the deck is stacked against him.

Americans must protect the right to receive a “wide dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources.” The Federal Communications Commission must honor the First Amendment principle of free speech.

Americans want their information dealt from the top of the deck, not the bottom.

Connie Lovell lives in Pinehurst.

COLUMN | REP. WAYNE SASSER

North Carolina is proof of private capital’s importance to health care

Urgent care is an area where private capital is proving its worth.

PRIVATE CAPITAL HAS INVESTED nearly $1 trillion in U.S. health care since 2006.

These investments have funded critical research into devastating diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and revolutionized medical recordkeeping.

Despite the clear benefits private capital brings to health care, some state and federal policymakers are pushing to restrict how private capital can be deployed in the health care sector.

As a pharmacist and retiring state representative — the only pharmacist to serve in North Carolina’s legislature during my tenure — I believe such restrictions would be a mistake. Not only does private capital fund crucial medical innovation and research into new treatments, but it’s also expanding access to quality care in our state.

Across all sectors of the economy, North Carolina is among the top 10 recipients of private capital, with 600 businesses backed by private investors. Many of these recipients are in health care and making a difference for patients today.

While dozens of privately backed North Carolina health care entities are worth highlighting, three recent success stories in the news illustrate why funding from private capital is essential.

The first success is Tryon Medical Partners in Charlotte. This practice demonstrates the power of private investment in physician care.

The practice serves 200,000 patients in 10 clinics throughout the Charlotte area.

In October, the practice announced that it was teaming with private investors to access new

capital that would be used to run the business side of its practice and to provide resources to expand services.

Private capital will also help Tryon compete in a market increasingly controlled by a few big actors, including the third-largest tax-exempt hospital system in the U.S., Advocate Health.

For Tyron and many other practices nationwide, consolidation presents a big problem. Private capital helps practices remain independent and compete with the most prominent industry players.

Another success story is Charlotte Radiology, which was recently featured at an event in Washington, D.C. Charlotte Radiology shows how private investment can transform and expand access to specialty care.

This practice received funding from private capital in 2018. New resources have helped it grow from 30 centers in Charlotte to more than 175 imaging centers in 13 states. In addition to helping the practice reach more patients, private capital enables it to improve care by adding tools like artificial intelligence to its arsenal.

Some critics argue for restrictions on private capital in health care, suggesting that private investments lead to diminished patient care.

Charlotte Radiology tells a different story. The company reports that its patient satisfaction rates approach 98%.

The final example is American Family Care, an urgent care leader recently expanding into Lee County. American Family Care started with a single location in 1982. Access to private capital has since helped it expand to more than 350

locations nationwide, including more than 10 in the Tarheel State.

Urgent care is an area where private capital is proving its worth. However, accessing health care is extremely difficult in too many rural areas. For example, 11 rural hospitals in North Carolina have either shut down or stopped providing inpatient care since 2005, and many more are at risk.

Urgent care clinics can help fill in the gaps in rural communities, and private capital can help make sure the resources exist to open more centers where patients need them.

Tryon Medical Partners, Charlotte Radiology and American Family Care demonstrate why responsible private investment must remain part of our health care system. It enables physician independence, drives technological innovation and maintains health care access in underserved areas.

In North Carolina, we are fortunate to have leaders who understand the vital role of private capital in health care. Sen. Thom Tillis, for example, has correctly characterized the funding as a “very important part of the ecosystem.”

As discussions about private investment in health care continue and perhaps even reach the halls of Congress, we will need him and others to share stories from North Carolina and stand up for private capital’s positive role in our healthcare system.

Rep. Wayne Sasser is chairman of the North Carolina House Health Committee and represents Montgomery and Stanly counties.

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

Canada’s Trudeau tries reshuffling Cabinet Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives at a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa last Friday.

Opponents are calling on the prime minister to resign amid discontent

By Rob Gillies The Associated Press TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s chances of staying in power have become more tenuous after the opposition party that backed his government for years announced it will vote no confidence in the government when Parliament resumes.

An embattled Trudeau reshuffled his Cabinet last Friday — but whether he will step aside in the coming days or weeks remains an open question.

Trudeau participated in the swearing-in ceremony and will chair a meeting with his new Cabinet later in the afternoon.

He is not expected to speak publicly Friday as he mulls his future.

“He told us he had a difficult choice to make and that is the choice that he is facing at this time,” said Rachel Bendayan, the official languages minister.

Trudeau is facing rising discontent over his leadership, and the abrupt departure of his finance minister last Monday could be something from which he can’t recover.

Parliament is now shut for the holidays until late next month, and a “no confidence” vote could be scheduled sometime afterward.

Because Trudeau’s Liberals do not hold an outright majority in Parliament, they have for years depended on the support of the leftist New Democratic Party to pass legislation and stay in power. But that support has vanished

FARMERS from page A1 Helene brought record rainfall and flooding. Separate economic analyses of farm damage tallied losses of up to $630 million in Virginia, $452 million in South Carolina and $162 million in Florida.

Hopkins figures he lost half the cotton on his 1,400 acres.

“We were at the most vulnerable stage we could be,” he said.

“The lint was open and fluffy and hanging there, waiting to be defoliated or picked. About 50% of the harvestable lint ended up on the ground.”

Even with insurance, Hopkins said, he won’t recoup an estimated $430,000 in losses from his cotton crop alone.

That doesn’t include the cost of debris removal, repairing or replacing damaged machinery and the loss of two small pecan orchards uprooted by the storm.

The storm ripped through blooming cotton fields, pecan orchards laden with nuts and fields where fall vegetables like cucumbers and squash await-

SEAN KILPATRICK /THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

— NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has called on Trudeau to resign — and he made clear last Friday the NDP will vote to bring down the government.

“No matter who is leading the Liberal Party, this government’s time is up. We will put forward a clear motion of non-confidence in the next sitting of the House of Commons,” Singh said in a letter released just before Trudeau was to reshuffle his Cabinet.

The Liberals could delay Parliament’s return if Trudeau decides to not run in the next year’s election and allows for a party leadership race.

New Finance Minister Dom-

inic LeBlanc said Thursday that Trudeau has the “full support of his Cabinet” but acknowledged a rising number of Liberal members of Parliament want Trudeau to leave. He said Trudeau told them he is reflecting.

Lawmaker Rob Oliphant became the latest member of Parliament from Trudeau’s Liberal party to call for him to step aside. Oliphant said there should be a “robust, open leadership contest.”

“Our leader has become a key obstacle preventing many progressive voters who have supported our work from doing so again in the next election,”

he said in a letter released Friday.

Trudeau replaced ministers who aren’t running again. And some ministers ended up having two roles after others suddenly left the Cabinet.

“I understand there is going to be a short runway. I’m not blind to that,” said Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Canada’s new housing minister.

Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said a reshuffle was necessary because of recent Cabinet departures.

“It might simply appear as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic,” Béland said.

Trudeau, who has led the country for nearly a decade, has become widely unpopular in recent years over a wide range of issues, including the high cost of living and rising inflation.

The political upheaval comes at a difficult moment for Canada.

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods if the government does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and drugs in the United States — even though far fewer of each cross into the U.S. from Canada than from Mexico, which Trump has also threatened.

ed picking. Hundreds of large poultry houses used to raise thousands of chickens at a time got destroyed.

Farmers far from Helene’s center weren’t spared, as tropical-storm force winds reached outward up to 310 miles.

“It was staggering,” said Timothy Coolong, a University of Georgia horticulture professor.

“This may be just too much for some folks.”

Helene was one of the deadliest U.S. hurricanes in nearly two decades, killing more than 200 people. It left more than 100,000 homes damaged or destroyed across the South.

ity for the upcoming legislative session.

But Georgia’s constitution prohibits using state funds to give direct disaster aid to individuals and private businesses.

In Congress, a spending bill passed early Saturday to avoid a government shutdown included $21 billion in disaster aid to U.S. farmers.

“We need help, but we need it quick,” said Jeffrey Pridgen, a fifth-generation farmer who raises chickens in south Georgia’s Coffee County.

Pridgen operated a dozen poultry houses, each large enough to raise up to 20,000 chickens at a time. Helene destroyed four of them, along with thousands of chickens. Only one of Pridgen’s houses remains in working condition, the others having been badly damaged.

Pridgen said new chicken houses will cost about $450,000 apiece. Because most of his were decades old, he expects insurance to cover just half the cost.

“I was looking at retirement,

but I lost my retirement and my income in one day,” said Pridgen, 62. “It’ll be two years before we get fully operational again.

I’m basically starting over.”

fessor of agricultural economics. Pecans are one possible exception. Georgia is responsible for roughly one‑third of U.S. production.

“In most cases, even a terrible storm like this is going to have a relatively small impact,” Adjemian said. “And maybe it’s not even noticeable, depending on the product.”

Helene cost Georgia cotton farmers roughly one-third of their crop, with direct and indirect losses valued at $560 million. Some were still recovering from Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Cotton growers also were facing low prices this harvest season of around 70 cents per pound, said Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission. That meant they needed a big yield to turn any profit.

“Times were awful, and then they got hit by a hurricane,” Sills said. “There are people who lost everything and there are people who didn’t. But everybody lost something.”

Will aid to farmers come soon enough?

Georgia’s government in November diverted $100 million that had been set aside for construction projects or paying off existing debt to fund emergency loans to farmers and cleanup in Helene’s aftermath. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has made additional storm relief a prior-

‘Everybody lost something’ Georgia’s poultry industry took an estimated $683 million hit, with farmers having to rebuild about 300 chicken houses and repair hundreds more.

The poultry processing plant that relies on Pridgen and other storm-impacted farmers for chickens is now operating just four days per week, he said.

“Now for at least a year, perhaps a little bit longer, we’re in rebuilding mode,” said Mike Giles, president of the Georgia Poultry Federation. “That affects production in an area for an extended period of time.”

Helene’s devastation shouldn’t have much impact on consumer prices because crops grown elsewhere can make up for most shortages, said Michael Adjemian, a University of Georgia pro-

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HOKE SPORTS year in photos

First look at new NCHSAA athletic conferences Where schools in the readership area are headed in reclassification North State Journal staff

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Hoke County’s Carson Hewitt (3) and several Pinecrest players appear to be dreading the approach of the ball during a soccer game.

THE NCHSAA’S reclassification of North Carolina schools took another step forward this week.

For the first time, the state’s high schools will be divided into eight different classifications, based on enrollment, with the largest 32 schools placed in the top classification and the rest divided up evenly with about 60 schools in each division.

The NCHSAA released its draft of the eight classifications last month.

Now, North Carolina schools get their first look at their potential conference placement. The NCHSAA released its first draft of conferences for the 2025-29 period.

Schools can still raise issues and provide feedback that may result in changes, but here’s a look at where schools in North State Journal’s footprint are slotted.

CHATHAM COUNTY Chatham Central: Current Conference — 1A/2A MidCarolina; New Conference — 1A Conference 2

JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The Bucks look ready for battle in their military-inspired uniforms as they run out on the field ready to face Seventy-First.

The Bears have all new conference foes, as their Mid-Carolina rivals are scattered to other conferences. Central is now placed with Ascend Leadership, Central Carolina Academy, Chatham Charter, Neuse Charter and Southern Wake Academy.

Chatham Charter: Current — 1A Central Tar Heel; New Conference — 1A Conference Central becomes Chatham Charter’s new crosstown rival.

They also remain in the same conference as Ascend and Southern Wake but are separated from Woods Charter.

Northwood: Current Conference — 1A/2A MidCarolina; New Conference — 3A/4A Conference C The Chargers got bumped up from 2A. They remain in the same conference as Jordan-Matthews and North Moore but also get Eastern Randolph, Southwestern Randolph, Carrboro and Uwharrie Charter.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Hoke County girls’ volleyball team poses for someone else’s photo

Woods Charter: Current — 1A Central Tar Heel; New Conference — 1A Conference 3 The Wolves keep Clover Garden School and River Mill from their current conference.

They’re joined by Discovery Charter, Excelsior Classical and Falls Lake Academy.

Seaforth: Current

Conference—1A/2A MidCarolina; New Conference— 5A Conference 1.

The Hawks get a big jump up from 2A to 5A. They’re also separated from all their current conference partners, including fellow Chatham County schools Northwood and Chatham Central.

Their new rivals include Cedar Ridge, Durham School of the Arts, Orange, South Granville and Webb.

Jordan-Matthews: Current Conference — 1A/2A MidCarolina; New Conference — 3A/4A Conference C Like Northwood, the Jets got bumped up from 2A. They keep Northwood and North Moore from their current conference.

MOORE COUNTY North Moore: Current Conference — 1A/2A MidCarolina; New Conference — 3A/4A Conference C The Mustangs jump up to 3A. They remain with current Mid-Carolina foes Northwood and Jordan-Matthews.

They also get Eastern Randolph, Carrboro, Southwestern Randolph and Uwharrie Charter. The latter three schools are 4A, as is J-M. Pinecrest: Current Conference —Sandhills 3A/4A; New Conference — 7A/8A Conference A The Patriots are one of the largest 32 schools in the state and got placed in the top tier.

Hoke and Richmond make the trip to the new conference from the Sandhills along with Pinecrest. They are joined by Cape Fear, Jack Britt, Lumberton, Overhills, Pine Forest and Purnell Swett.

Union PInes: Current — Sandhills 3A/4A; New Conference — 6A Conference 1 The Vikings got bumped up to 6A, and they are now separated from Pinecrest. Southern Lee and Lee County will be familiar faces from the old conference. They’re joined by Harnett Central, Triton and Western Harnett.

HOKE COUNTY Hoke County: Current Conference — Sandhills 3A/4A; New Conference — 7A/8A Conference A Like Pinecrest, the Bucks are one of the largest 32 schools in the state and got placed in the top tier classification. They remain with current conference foes Pinecrest and Richmond but shed the rest of the old Sandhills to be paired with Cape Fear, Jack Britt, Lumberton, Overhills, Pine Forest and Purnell Swett.

Hoke and Pinecrest soccer players both go high to try to direct a loose ball.

The Bucks and Patriots will remain in the same conference after reclassification.

JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Jordan B. Palmer, a Hoke junior, follows through with a shot out of the sand trap on the 9th hole at Pinehurst #9 during the first round of the NCHSAA 4A Men’s Golf State Championship.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

NBA announces All-Star tournament plan for this season The showcase will feature four teams and three games in one night

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press LAS VEGAS — The NBA ‘s All-Star Game is going to be an All-Star tournament this season, with the league announcing on Tuesday that it has finalized plans to use a different format for the upcoming midseason showcase in San Francisco.

And scoring is sure to be down — way, way, way down.

This season’s format is a fourteam, three-game, one-night tournament, three teams of eight All-Stars apiece and the fourth team being the winner of the Rising Stars challenge for first- and second-year players. The winning team in all games will be the first to score 40 points.

It’ll happen Feb. 16 at the home of the Golden State Warriors. The Rising Stars event is there Feb. 14, headlining All‑Star Friday.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has wanted a more competitive All-Star event for some time, and this change comes after the teams combined to score a record 397 points — 211-186 was the final — in last season’s game in Indianapolis.

The teams combined to take 289 shot attempts in last year’s game, 94% of those being either inside the paint or beyond the 3-point line.

“Obviously, with the elephant in the room being us competing, them trying to shake things up is expected and makes sense,” said Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a likely All-Star selection this season for the third time. “At the end of the day, it’s going to come down

DARRON CUMMINGS / AP PHOTO

The East team, captained by Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, hoists the trophy after defeating the West 211-186 in the 2023 NBA All‑Star Game in Indianapolis. to whether the players want to go at it, and I would love to see that.

Love to be a part of that for sure, and hopefully it happens.”

There have been other All‑Star format shakeups in recent years.

After the first 66 All-Star Games were basically played like a normal game — Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference, four quarters, 12 minutes apiece — the league switched to a format where the leading vote-getters from each conference served as captains who got to draft their teams.

SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Elon’s Yurk named All-American Elon Elon punter Jeff Yurk was the only player from a North Carolina school to make The Associated Press FCS All-America first team. The All‑America team is selected for the AP by a panel of sports information directors and sports writers who cover the FCS. The junior from Southern Pines earned the honor. His teammate, Chandler Brayboy, a senior from Pembroke, was named to the second team as an all-purpose player. Western Carolina sophomore Jordy Lowery was a second-team defensive back. Davidson offensive lineman Malik McDaniel was named honorable mention.

Wingate’s Fleming makes DII All-American Wingate Wingate defensive lineman Marquise Fleming is among four players who were repeat first-team selections to The Associated Press Division II All-America team. Joining Fleming were Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski, Augustana (South Dakota) defensive back Peyton Buckley and Colorado Mines punter Blake Doud. The All‑America team is selected by a panel of sports information directors representing the four Division II super regions. Other players from the state on the team are Johnson C. Smith senior linebacker Benari Black, of Charlotte, who made the first team, and Virginia Union receiver Reginald Vick Jr., of Wendell, who made second team.

NHL

Jets sign He, making him first China-born player with NHL deal Winnipeg, Manitoba The Winnipeg Jets have signed Kevin He to a three year, entry-level contract. He is the first Chinaborn player to sign an NHL contract. Winnipeg selected the 18-year-old forward in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. He became the second player from China selected after Andong Song by the New York Islanders in 2015.

Song never signed with the team. He was born in Beijing and moved to Canada with his family when he was 6. He is in his third season with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League.

LeBron James served as one of the captains all six times, with Giannis Antetokounmpo the other captain three times, Kevin Durant twice and Stephen Curry once.

In four of the captain’s-pick years, All-Star Games used a target score at the end of games, ensuring that the winner was decided on a made shot. Fourth quarters were untimed and the winner was the first team to reach whatever the leading team’s score was after three quarters, plus 24 points — the 24 being a nod to

Kobe Bryant’s last jersey number.

It went back to the East vs.

West format last year and saw a record point total, along with Luka Doncic trying a 70‑foot jumper, Donovan Mitchell throwing a 50-foot underhand inbounds pass, Bam Adebayo inbounding the ball to himself by tossing it off Nikola Jokic’s backside, Tyrese Haliburton trying and making five 3-pointers in a 92-second span, and Damian Lillard capping the night with a 44-foot jumper — which wasn’t even his longest shot of the game.

A weekly podcast getting to the facts across the state, around the world and at home HERE in Raeford, Hoke County, NC.

NBA

ESPN says Brown’s final broadcast is scheduled for Feb. 9 Las Vegas ESPN announced 91-yearold Hubie Brown will call the final game of his broadcasting career on Feb. 9. It’ll be a fullcircle moment for Brown. The Basketball Hall of Famer’s finale will be in Milwaukee, where his professional coaching career started in 1972. The Bucks will play host to Philadelphia that afternoon. Brown will work the game on ABC alongside Mike Breen. Brown is a twotime NBA coach of the year and had stints as head coach of New York, Memphis and Atlanta. He has been with ESPN since 2004.

“I think something could be done about it,” Lillard said after his MVP-winning performance in last year’s game. “I’m not sure what, but I think there’s a way to make it a more competitive game.”

The league hopes it has found the answer.

TNT analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith will draft teams from the 24-player All-Star pool on Feb. 6.

The teams will bear their names — Team Shaq, Team Charles and Team Kenny.

Hosted by:

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

obituaries

Virginia Gay Moon Sept. 19, 1947 – Dec. 20, 2024 Virginia Gay Moon passed away peacefully on Friday, December 20, 2024. She was born in Robeson County on September 18, 1947, to the late Douglas and Dorothy McPhaul.

She was preceded in death by her husband Tony Moon; her twin brother, Tommy McPhaul; and her son, Thomas Gregory Moon.

Virginia attended Red Springs Schools, Vardell Hall, and graduated from Pembroke State University with a bachelor’s degree. She went on to become

an Elementary School teacher and taught in Hoke County for many years.

Virginia was a lifelong member of Antioch Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir and enjoyed participating in the many church activities. Virginia loved her two cats; Callie and Hoss and enjoyed sitting on her patio watching the birds.

She is survived by her son Robert Anthony Moon, one daughter-in-law, Crystal Carpenter, three aunts, Gay, Faye, and Joan Watson, and many cousins.

A service will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Antioch Presbyterian Church, 6583 Red Springs Rd, Red Springs, NC 28377 at 11 a.m. with CRE Kenneth Fore officiating. A burial will immediately follow at the Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends after the interment in the Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers please send contributions to Antioch Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be made on the Crumpler Funeral Home Website.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com

NELL REDMOND / AP PHOTO

Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte is shown during an NFL football game in September 2009. Max Muhleman’s innovative personal seat licenses were crucial to raising the funds necessary to build the stadium.

Max Muhleman, transformed seat licensing, helped bring two pro teams to Charlotte, dead at 88 He helped the Panthers and Hornets land expansion teams

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Sports marketer Max Muhleman, who was credited with the concept of developing the permanent seat license in professional sports and helping the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets land expansion teams, has died at 88.

Muhleman died on Saturday in Charlotte peacefully after battling some heart-related issues, his son Lee Muhleman told The Associated Press.

Muhleman worked closely with Panthers founder Jerry Richardson in his quest to bring an NFL franchise to the Carolinas in the early 1990s.

Muhleman delivered the closing marketing pitch at the October 1993 owners’ meetings for Richardson, who would ultimately be unanimously awarded the league’s 29th franchise.

The Panthers began playing in 1995.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize what a big role Max played in getting the expansion team,” said former Panthers director of communi-

cations Charlie Dayton. “He wasn’t out front, he preferred to be in the background. That was him. But he was as valuable as anybody in the process of getting a team. He was there every step of the way.”

Muhleman’s marketing plan for the Panthers included landing three NFL preseason games in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, and another in Columbia, South Carolina.

All three games sold out, helping prove to league owners that the Carolinas were a viable market.

Still, there was the matter of funding the expansion team.

Richardson didn’t want to use taxpayer money, and the league was worried at the time about him taking on any additional debt.

That is when Muhleman invented the concept of the PSL, where fans could pay a onetime fee for the annual right to buy season tickets. The Panthers sold more than 55,000 PSLs, and the millions raised from that venture were used to build the 72,000-seat Bank of America Stadium in downtown Charlotte.

The stadium continues to serve as home of the Panthers and Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC. Tamera Green, who worked

“The idea of the [Personal Seat License] almost came out of desperation at the time. It was like a Hail Mary. And it worked.”

Carolina Panthers executive Tamera Green

with Muhleman for more than a decade and now serves as the senior vice president and communications officer with the Panthers, said Muhleman was an incredibly talented and creative man.

“He had some really cool ‘firsts’ in sports,” Green said.

“The idea of the PSL almost came out of desperation at the time. It was like a Hail Mary.

And it worked.”

Several other professional sports franchises have since adopted the idea of PSLs as a means of funding private stadiums and arenas.

The Panthers still use PSLs. Earlier in his career, Muhleman worked alongside then-Hornets owner George Shinn to develop the strategy and pitch that would help Charlotte land an NBA expansion team in 1988.

“Max was instrumental in leading the NBA’s expansion efforts to Charlotte and establishing the Hornets franchise,” the team post on social media Thursday, calling him a “renowned sports marketing legend.”

He also advised Rick Hendrick when he was looking into becoming a NASCAR team owner.

“Rick has always said Hendrick Motorsports would not have happened without Max Muhleman, who approached him about starting a NASCAR team more than 40 years ago,” wrote former NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, who now serves as vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports.

Lee Muhleman said his father’s greatest quality might have been his ability to develop and maintain personal relationships.

“He loved sports,” he said.

“What he was able to do, because of his background as a top-notch sports journalist, was make people he spoke to feel important and liked.

“He made them feel that they wanted to do business with him. It was the cultivation of not just clients, but friends. And he went on to sustain relationships with all of his clients.”

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

STATE & NATION White House scrapping pending regulations on transgender athletes, student loan debt ment successfully,” the agency wrote.

For the regulation on transgender students, the department said it was withdrawing the proposal because of ongoing litigation over how Title IX, the landmark law preventing sex discrimination, should handle issues of gender identity. In addition, the department said there were 150,000 public comments with a range of feedback, including suggestions for modifications that needed to be considered.

At this point, the department wrote, “We do not intend for a final rule to be issued.”

Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump, accused the White House of “adding more red tape and making it more difficult for him to govern.”

“President Trump will not be deterred by their dirty tricks and will use every lever of power to reverse the damage Biden has done and implement his America First agenda,” Leavitt said.

Kate Shaw, who served in the White House counsel’s office under President Barack Obama, said it’s not unusual for administrations to speed up or slow down rulemaking. It’s more typical, she said, for the federal government to race to finalize regulations during a transition period, but that can be difficult when there’s a time crunch.

“If you haven’t started it early enough, you’re not going to be able to wrap it up,” she said.

An administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the administration

still supports the goals of its regulatory proposals. However, the process can be lengthy because it requires legal reviews and collecting input from the public.

Federal agencies are now analyzing which rules to finish and which to pull back before the end of Biden’s term, the official said.

In recent years, presidents have tended to rely more on executive orders and federal regulations to sidestep gridlock in Congress. However, the rulemaking process can be less durable than legislation, leaving policies more vulnerable to shifts between administrations.

There are dozens of other pending regulations across the Education Department and other agencies, ranging from relatively trivial updates to sweeping policies that carry weighty implications for the nation’s schools and businesses.

If a rule has already gone through a public feedback process under Biden, Trump could simply replace it with his own proposal and move straight to enacting the policy, effectively bypassing the comment period.

The pair of student loan proposals expected to be withdrawn Friday represented Biden’s second attempt at widespread debt cancellation after the Supreme Court rejected his first plan.

Biden’s rule on transgender sports was proposed in 2023 but was delayed multiple times. It was supposed to be a follow-up to his broader rule that extended civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ students under Title IX.

Europe latest threatened with Trump tariffs

going to the EU and UK has tripled since 2021.

On Tuesday, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm issued a statement based on a new study that unfettered exports of liquified natural gas could increase prices domestically and increase carbon emissions. Trump ran for president on the idea that increased oil and natural gas production would reduce costs for U.S. voters who were left frustrated by a 2022 inflationary spike that still lingers.

Trump’s demands on Europe to buy more oil and natural gas were not especially new.

He also made them during his initial term as president and in 2018 reached a deal with JeanClaude Juncker, then-president of the European Commission, to sell more liquified natural gas to Europe.

The problem with that agreement, as noted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, is that the U.S. “cannot force companies to send products to a specific region or country,” and the EU cannot force its members to buy American fossil fuels.

The Biden administration seeks to slow Trump’s contrasting policies

By Collin Binkley and Chris Megerian The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden is abandoning his efforts to provide some protections for transgender student athletes and cancel student loans for more than 38 million Americans, the first steps in an administration-wide plan to jettison pending regulations to prevent President-elect Donald Trump from retooling them to achieve his own aims.

The White House expects to pull back unfinished rules across several agencies if there isn’t enough time to finalize them before Trump takes office. If the proposed regulations were left in their current state, the next administration would be able to rewrite them and advance its agenda more quickly.

Even as the Biden administration moves to pull back the rules, it pushed ahead with cancellation through other avenues on Friday. The Education Department said it was clearing loans for another 55,000 borrowers who reached eligibility through a program known as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which was created by Congress in 2007 and expanded by the Biden administration.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks in April about student loan debt in Madison, Wisconsin.

As the pending Biden regulations are withdrawn, nothing prevents Trump from pursuing his own regulations on the same issues when he returns to the White House, but he would have to start from scratch in a process that can take months or even years.

“This isn’t the way I wanted it to end,” said Melissa Byrne, an activist who has pushed for student debt cancellation. “Unfortunately, this is the most prudent action to take right now.”

She blamed Republicans for putting the Biden administration in this position. “It’s a bummer that we have a GOP that

The president-elect has already taken aim at Canada and Mexico

By Josh Boak and Raf Casert The Associated Press WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump last Friday added the 27 countries that make up the European Union to the list of trade partners he’s threatening with tariffs — unless the group takes steps to import more U.S. goods.

“I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large scale purchase of our oil and gas,” Trump posted shortly after 1 a.m. on social media. “Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!”

In 2023, the United States’ trade imbalance with the EU on goods was $209 billion, according to the Census Bureau.

ALLISON ROBBERT / AP PHOTO

President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a Nov. 13 meeting with the House GOP conference in Washington, D.C. There were $576 billion in imports from Europe and $367 billion in exports from the United States.

Trump’s transition team did not respond to questions seeking greater clarity on the message.

When Trump threatened Canada and Mexico with 25%

is committed to keeping working-class Americans in debt,” Byrne said.

In documents withdrawing the student loan proposals, the Education Department insisted it has the authority to cancel the debt but sought to focus on other priorities in the administration’s final weeks. It said the administration would focus on helping borrowers get back on track with payments following the coronavirus pandemic when payments were paused.

“The department at this time intends to commit its limited operational resources to helping atrisk borrowers return to repay-

tariffs in November, the leaders of both countries spoke with him to try and resolve any tensions. But the European Union lacks a single figure who can make the purchase commitments of natural gas and oil on behalf of its 27 member states that Trump is seeking.

EU Commission spokesman Olof Gill said in reaction to Trump’s post that “we are ready to discuss with President-elect Trump how we can further strengthen an already strong relationship, including by discussing our common interests in the energy sector.”

Gill noted that the EU is already “committed to phasing out energy imports from Russia and diversifying our sources of supply. We’re not going to go into any details about what that might entail in the future, given that the new administration isn’t even in place yet.”

Scott Lincicome, a vice president at the libertarian Cato Institute, said it was difficult to parse what Trump was trying to

say relative to European trade, given that natural gas exports to the continent are already up after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“What we really need to chalk all of this up to is Trump laying the groundwork for future negotiations,” Lincicome said.

“This is, for better or worse, a lot of what we’re going to see for the next four years.”

While there is a $209 billion trade imbalance, a more complicated relationship lies beneath those numbers. A company such as German automaker BMW can import parts needed to assemble vehicles at its factory in South Carolina, such that the trade totals also reflect the flow of goods within European companies that employ U.S. workers.

More than half of the liquified natural gas imported by the EU and the United Kingdom in 2023 came from the United States, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The volume of the gas

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 44 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024 | MOORE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM | SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 919-663-3232

MOORE COUNTY THE MOORE COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Illuminating the season More than 250 luminaries were purchased and displayed around the Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church in Seagrove ahead of Christmas. The funds raised will allow a family stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Winston-Salem for more than a month.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Govt. puts $100B in disaster relief in yearend budget bill Washington, D.C. Congress is allocating more than $100 billion in emergency aid to address extensive damage caused by hurricanes and other disasters. The money is in a bill passed early Saturday by Congress after last week’s scramble to find consensus on a government spending bill. The money is being provided after backto‑back hurricanes slammed into the Southeast. But the funding will go to much more than just Helene and Milton recovery. There’s also disaster assistance for farmers, money for damaged roads and highways, and money for block grants administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Boost to Social Security for public sector retirees Washington, D.C. The Senate passed legislation to boost Social Security payments for millions of people. The bill is a longtime priority for former public employees. The bipartisan bill next heads to President Joe Biden. It will eliminate longtime reductions to Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million people who receive pensions because they worked in federal, state and local government, or public service jobs like teachers, firefighters and police officers. Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decades-old disparity, though it will also further strain Social Security Trust Funds.

Farmers still reeling months after Hurricane Helene ravaged crops Farms were second thoughts amid the widespread devastation

By Russ Bynum The Associated Press LYONS, Ga. — Twisted equipment and snapped tree limbs still litter Chris Hopkins’ Georgia farm more than two months after Hurricane Helene made its deadly march across the South.

An irrigation sprinkler system about 300 feet long lay overturned in a field, its steel pipes bent and welded joints broken. The mangled remains of a grain bin sat crumpled by a road. On a Friday in early December, Hopkins dragged burly

limbs from the path of the tractor-like machine that picks his cotton crop six rows at a time.

“I have wrestled with lots of emotions the past two months,” said Hopkins, who also grows corn and peanuts in rural Toombs County, about 75 miles west of Savannah. “Do we just get through this one and quit?

Do we build back? It is emotionally draining.”

Hopkins is among farmers across the South who are still reeling from Helene’s devastation. The storm made landfall in Florida on Sept. 26 as a major Category 4 storm and then raced north across Georgia and neighboring states.

Experts estimate the cost to farmers, timber growers and other agribusinesses from Florida to Virginia will reach more

‘Staggering’ losses to cotton, pecans and fall vegetables Georgia farmers suffered storm losses of at least $5.5 billion, according to an analysis by the University of Georgia. In North Carolina, a state

agency calculated farmers suffered $3.1 billion in crop losses and recovery costs after Helene brought record rainfall and flooding. Separate economic analyses of farm damage tallied losses of up to $630 million in Virginia, $452 million in South Carolina and $162 million in Florida.

Hopkins figures he lost half the cotton on his 1,400 acres.

“We were at the most vulnerable stage we could be,” he said.

“The lint was open and fluffy and hanging there, waiting to be defoliated or picked. About 50% of the harvestable lint ended up on the ground.”

Even with insurance, Hopkins said, he won’t recoup an estimated $430,000 in lossSee FARMERS, page A2

Scandals, some changes in public perception highlighted the year for sports betting Gambling on games could top $130 billion in 2024

By Kyle Hightower The Associated Press

ERIK VERDUZCO / AP PHOTO

$2.00

than $10 billion. The toll includes ravaged crops, uprooted timber, wrecked farm equipment and mangled chicken houses, as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity at cotton gins and poultry processing plants.

For cotton growers like Hopkins, Helene hit just as the fall harvest was starting. Many put most cleanup on hold to try to salvage what remained of their crops.

Guests tour the NASCAR Hall of Fame before the start of a DraftKings event celebrating the mobile and online sports wagering across North Carolina last March in Charlotte.

IN THE SIX YEARS since the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for states to offer sports betting, each successive year has set a record for the amount of money wagered legally.

Another new high-water mark of close to $130 billion is expected by the end of 2024. It coincides with what has been a year of reckoning rocked by high-profile scandals.

The bad publicity included former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA after a league investigation found he disclosed confidential information to

bettors and faked ailments in games to fix proposition bets related to his own performance. There was also the case of Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani who pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud in a case in which prosecutors said he stole nearly $17 million from the Japanese baseball star to pay off illegal gambling debts.

Ohtani was cleared of any wrongdoing, but his proximity to such malfeasance heaped negative attention on baseball’s biggest name.

“When you have people betting on sports, you have people trying to corrupt sports — they go hand in hand,” said John Holden, an associate professor at Indiana University who See BETTING, page A2

A2 THURSDAY

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

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Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

Dec. 26.

BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

Published each Thursday as part of North State Journal

7-9:15 p.m. ​ ated PG. In this holiday R classic, an angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman (Jimmy Stewart) by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Tickets are $5.00.

To order ahead of time, visit https://rebrand.ly/gv1iuyv .

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A cotton picker moves through Chris Hopkins’ cotton field as a round bale sits earlier this month near Lyons, Georgia.

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es from his cotton crop alone.

That doesn’t include the cost of debris removal, repairing or replacing damaged machinery and the loss of two small pecan orchards uprooted by the storm.

The storm ripped through blooming cotton fields, pecan orchards laden with nuts and fields where fall vegetables like cucumbers and squash awaited picking. Hundreds of large poultry houses used to raise thousands of chickens at a time got destroyed.

Farmers far from Helene’s center weren’t spared, as tropical-storm force winds reached outward up to 310 miles.

“It was staggering,” said Timothy Coolong, a University of Georgia horticulture professor. “This may be just too much for some folks.”

Helene was one of the deadliest U.S. hurricanes in nearly two decades, killing more than 200 people. It left more than 100,000 homes damaged or destroyed across the South.

Will aid to farmers come soon enough?

Georgia’s government in November diverted $100 million that had been set aside for construction projects or paying off existing debt to fund emergency loans to farmers and cleanup in Helene’s aftermath. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has made additional storm relief a priority for the upcoming legislative session.

But Georgia’s constitution

prohibits using state funds to give direct disaster aid to individuals and private businesses.

In Congress, a spending bill passed early Saturday to avoid a government shutdown included $21 billion in disaster aid to U.S. farmers.

“We need help, but we need it quick,” said Jeffrey Pridgen, a fifth-generation farmer who raises chickens in south Georgia’s Coffee County.

Pridgen operated a dozen poultry houses, each large enough to raise up to 20,000 chickens at a time. Helene destroyed four of them, along with thousands of chickens.

Only one of Pridgen’s houses remains in working condition, the others having been badly damaged.

Pridgen said new chicken houses will cost about $450,000 apiece. Because most of his were decades old, he expects insurance to cover just half the cost.

“I was looking at retirement, but I lost my retirement and my income in one day,” said Pridgen, 62. “It’ll be two years before we get fully operational again. I’m basically starting over.”

‘Everybody lost something’ Georgia’s poultry industry took an estimated $683 million hit, with farmers having to rebuild about 300 chicken houses and repair hundreds more.

The poultry processing plant that relies on Pridgen and other storm-impacted

farmers for chickens is now operating just four days per week, he said.

“Now for at least a year, perhaps a little bit longer, we’re in rebuilding mode,” said Mike Giles, president of the Georgia Poultry Federation. “That affects production in an area for an extended period of time.”

Helene’s devastation shouldn’t have much impact on consumer prices because crops grown elsewhere can make up for most shortages, said Michael Adjemian, a University of Georgia professor of agricultural economics. Pecans are one possible exception. Georgia is responsible for roughly one‑third of U.S. production.

“In most cases, even a terrible storm like this is going to have a relatively small impact,” Adjemian said. “And maybe it’s not even noticeable, depending on the product.”

Helene cost Georgia cotton farmers roughly one-third of their crop, with direct and indirect losses valued at $560 million. Some were still recovering from Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Cotton growers also were facing low prices this harvest season of around 70 cents per pound, said Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission. That meant they needed a big yield to turn any profit.

“Times were awful, and then they got hit by a hurricane,” Sills said. “There are people who lost everything and there are people who didn’t. But everybody lost something.”

MOORE CITIZENS FOR FREEDOM

MOORE COUNTY Remember that we live in the best country, the best state, and by far the best county.

MOORE COUNTY, WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines

Dec. 26, 27, 28 Moore County Historical Association: Shaw House & Property Tours 1-4 p.m.

The Moore County Historical Association’s Shaw House grounds and properties are open for tours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. The tours are free and open to all ages. Enjoy learning of the impressive history here in Moore County.

Shaw House 110 Morganton Road Southern Pines

Dec. 27 “Conclave” 7-8:20 p.m.

From director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) CONCLAVE follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope.

Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church. Tickets are $8.00. To order ahead of time, visit https://rebrand.ly/ gv1iuyv .

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines

A3

North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

THE CONVERSATION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | CONNIE LOVELL

Magician’s choice

“When you own all the cards, erasing faith is easier than you might think.

All you have to do is erase the mind it inhabits.”

David James Duncan, “The Brothers K”

IN SEPTEMBER 2024, the Federal Communications Commission cut a deal to rescue Audacy Inc. from bankruptcy. Bypassing decades of protocol and procedure, the FCC accepted a $415 billion offer made by Soros Fund Management.

The “Soros Shortcut” allows Audacy to continue broadcast service to 46 media markets in the U.S. Audacy is the second largest radio content provider in the United States, reaching 165 million American listeners.

Audacy filed for Chapter 11 in January 2024, citing debt of $1.5 million, a decline in advertising revenue and tough competition from streaming services. Sensing weakness, George Soros and partners made an offer the FCC could not refuse.

The audacious play for control of the public radio market was met with sharp resistance by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Chairman James Comer (RKy.) published a press release saying the normal process for reviewing a transaction by a foreign entity had been breached. The intent to fast track this takeover was seen by many as a grab to gain control of the political narrative to influence the 2024 national election.

Also in September 2024, the FCC quietly tabled the Biden-Harris scheme to provide internet service to all rural America. The celebrated Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD), with $42 billion in funding, vanished under a pile of red tape.

At the time, Elon Musk’s Starlink grant to expand broadband service to 640,000 rural homes and businesses was canceled. This was a blatant act of “digital discrimination” to let

the FCC micromanage pricing and control the buildout of services.

Recall it was Starlink that provided the connectivity to thousands of victims stranded in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Free.

Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha and America’s favorite investor, is in the process of rescuing SiriusXM from serious debt. Once the wealthiest man in America, active in the communications business, he was attracted to the “management style, the subscription model and the Sirius Sinatra channel.” In addition, “SiriusXM has a monopoly on satellite radio in the U.S. and holds a solid spot in the podcast game,” Buffett told Benzinga News.

The domination of public radio and subscription broadcast services by two of the most liberal philanthropic enterprises revealed the next tactic in the contest for the American mind. Debate raged, pitting “hate speech” against the inalienable right to free speech. But the bidding war between the First Amendment and “content moderation” has been trumped.

Beginning January 20, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission will have a new leader. Brendan Carr, one of two Republicans on the five-person commission will take the table and change the stakes.

Carr, a commissioner since 2017, has been the voice of dissent during the Biden administration, calling out the lack of transparency and overreach of the commission.

His scrutiny exposed the hypocrisy of the “60 Minutes” Kamala Harris interview and the unlawful television appearance of Harris on “Saturday Night Live” in the final desperate days of the presidential election.

He has effectively become the gatekeeper

of the FCC mission to protect the “basic tenet of national communications policy: that the widest possible dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources is essential to the public’s welfare,” said Eugene Volokh, senior fellow at the Hoover Institute.

Climate spokesman John Kerry recently schooled the titans at the World Economic Forum, saying, “It’s really hard to govern anymore. … People self-select where they go for their news. It’s much harder to build consensus.”

Indeed. The Soros-controlled Global Disinformation Index employs its own special brand of discrimination to identify and disrupt any business model deemed too risky for investment due to the “ever-changing disinformation landscape.” Controversial subjects deemed too unpleasant may be modified before entering the public domain.

For example, a rounding error of 818,000 job losses could go unreported. Or publishing the true number of illegal immigrants entering the U.S. as felons (425,000) could be scrubbed as disinformation. Governing would certainly be easier; consensus attainable.

A Magician’s Choice is a technique used to deceive the unsuspecting patsy into thinking he has successfully selected the right card, not knowing that the deck is stacked against him.

Americans must protect the right to receive a “wide dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources.” The Federal Communications Commission must honor the First Amendment principle of free speech.

Americans want their information dealt from the top of the deck, not the bottom.

Connie Lovell lives in Pinehurst.

COLUMN | REP. WAYNE SASSER

North Carolina is proof of private capital’s importance to health care

Urgent care is an area where private capital is proving its worth.

PRIVATE CAPITAL HAS INVESTED nearly $1 trillion in U.S. health care since 2006.

These investments have funded critical research into devastating diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and revolutionized medical recordkeeping.

Despite the clear benefits private capital brings to health care, some state and federal policymakers are pushing to restrict how private capital can be deployed in the health care sector.

As a pharmacist and retiring state representative — the only pharmacist to serve in North Carolina’s legislature during my tenure — I believe such restrictions would be a mistake. Not only does private capital fund crucial medical innovation and research into new treatments, but it’s also expanding access to quality care in our state.

Across all sectors of the economy, North Carolina is among the top 10 recipients of private capital, with 600 businesses backed by private investors. Many of these recipients are in health care and making a difference for patients today.

While dozens of privately backed North Carolina health care entities are worth highlighting, three recent success stories in the news illustrate why funding from private capital is essential.

The first success is Tryon Medical Partners in Charlotte. This practice demonstrates the power of private investment in physician care.

The practice serves 200,000 patients in 10 clinics throughout the Charlotte area.

In October, the practice announced that it was teaming with private investors to access new

capital that would be used to run the business side of its practice and to provide resources to expand services.

Private capital will also help Tryon compete in a market increasingly controlled by a few big actors, including the third-largest tax-exempt hospital system in the U.S., Advocate Health.

For Tyron and many other practices nationwide, consolidation presents a big problem. Private capital helps practices remain independent and compete with the most prominent industry players.

Another success story is Charlotte Radiology, which was recently featured at an event in Washington, D.C. Charlotte Radiology shows how private investment can transform and expand access to specialty care.

This practice received funding from private capital in 2018. New resources have helped it grow from 30 centers in Charlotte to more than 175 imaging centers in 13 states. In addition to helping the practice reach more patients, private capital enables it to improve care by adding tools like artificial intelligence to its arsenal.

Some critics argue for restrictions on private capital in health care, suggesting that private investments lead to diminished patient care.

Charlotte Radiology tells a different story. The company reports that its patient satisfaction rates approach 98%.

The final example is American Family Care, an urgent care leader recently expanding into Lee County. American Family Care started with a single location in 1982. Access to private capital has since helped it expand to more than 350

locations nationwide, including more than 10 in the Tarheel State.

Urgent care is an area where private capital is proving its worth. However, accessing health care is extremely difficult in too many rural areas. For example, 11 rural hospitals in North Carolina have either shut down or stopped providing inpatient care since 2005, and many more are at risk.

Urgent care clinics can help fill in the gaps in rural communities, and private capital can help make sure the resources exist to open more centers where patients need them.

Tryon Medical Partners, Charlotte Radiology and American Family Care demonstrate why responsible private investment must remain part of our health care system. It enables physician independence, drives technological innovation and maintains health care access in underserved areas.

In North Carolina, we are fortunate to have leaders who understand the vital role of private capital in health care. Sen. Thom Tillis, for example, has correctly characterized the funding as a “very important part of the ecosystem.”

As discussions about private investment in health care continue and perhaps even reach the halls of Congress, we will need him and others to share stories from North Carolina and stand up for private capital’s positive role in our healthcare system.

Rep. Wayne Sasser is chairman of the North Carolina House Health Committee and represents Montgomery and Stanly counties.

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

Canada’s Trudeau reshuffles Cabinet Opponents are calling on the prime minister to resign amid discontent

By Rob Gillies The Associated Press TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s chances of staying in power have become more tenuous after the opposition party that backed his government for years announced it will vote no confidence in the government when Parliament resumes.

An embattled Trudeau reshuffled his Cabinet last Friday — but whether he will step aside in the coming days or weeks remains an open question.

Trudeau participated in the swearing-in ceremony and will chair a meeting with his new Cabinet later in the afternoon.

He is not expected to speak publicly Friday as he mulls his future.

“He told us he had a difficult choice to make and that is the choice that he is facing at this time,” said Rachel Bendayan, the official languages minister.

Trudeau is facing rising discontent over his leadership, and the abrupt departure of his finance minister last Monday could be something from which he can’t recover.

Parliament is now shut for the holidays until late next month, and a “no confidence” vote could be scheduled sometime afterward.

Because Trudeau’s Liberals do not hold an outright ma-

BETTING from page A1 conducts research on gambling and college athletics policy. “So, these were things that were going to happen. I think it’s opening people’s eyes that the legalization of sports betting in the U.S. wasn’t going to be the exception to the problems that come with sports betting everywhere else in the world.”

Porter was on a two-way contract at the time of his violations, which meant he could bounce back and forth between the Raptors and their G League affiliate. His salary was $410,000, and a standard NBA contract would have been more than $2 million. In pleading guilty to federal conspiracy charges in July, Porter acknowledged wrongdoing, saying he did it “to get out from under large gambling debts.”

“Certainly, prop bets, depending on how precise they are, lend themselves to more shenanigans than other kinds of bets,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in May. In light of Porter’s banishment, BetMGM Sportsbook said in October that it would

SEAN KILPATRICK /THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives at a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa last Friday. jority in Parliament, they have for years depended on the support of the leftist New Democratic Party to pass legislation and stay in power. But that support has vanished — NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has called on Trudeau to resign — and he made clear last Friday the NDP will vote to bring down the government.

“No matter who is leading the Liberal Party, this government’s time is up. We will put forward a clear motion of non-confidence

not take NBA prop bets on players on two-way or 10-day contracts. It joined several others taking this action, including U.S. sportsbook giants DraftKings and FanDuel, as well as ESPN BET. Still, Andrew Brandt, the executive director of Villanova’s Moorad Center for Sports Law, said it’s hard to know what kind of lasting impact these scandals will have.

“Porter was an ‘easy’ ban as he was a low-level player that could be sent away as a message to other players,” Brandt said.

“The Ippei-Shohei relationship seems to be less about gambling than an issue of trust. ... We will see.”

Tough terrain for new states The Porter and Mizuhara incidents could also have played a factor in the slim margin by which Missouri voters approved sports betting legalization in November, with 50.05% voting in favor of the ballot measure after legislation had repeatedly stalled in the state Senate.

DraftKings and FanDuel spent heavily on what turned out to be

“It might simply appear as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.”

Daniel Béland, political science professor at McGill University, on Trudeau’s Cabinet changes in the next sitting of the House of Commons,” Singh said in a letter released just before Trudeau

a Missouri ballot initiative record $43 million campaign.

Longtime industry insider Matt Para believes that, along with an oversaturation of advertising and lower than anticipated tax benefits in the 38 states that currently allow betting, has contributed to what is an ongoing moral “reboot” surrounding the public’s attitude toward the industry.

“I would say the public has soured on sports betting as a whole,” said Para, a consultant who has more than 20 years’ experience working in online gambling. “I think they’re upset that they can’t watch sporting events with their kids without seeing gambling pop up. ... There’s a cap, I think. And we’ve reached that point to what the public is willing to accept.”

Next year isn’t likely to see any additional states enter the sports betting fray. That includes potentially lucrative markets like Texas and California.

In 2022, California voters defeated two rival proposals to legalize sports betting after interest groups spent roughly $450 million either promoting or opposing the measures.

was to reshuffle his Cabinet.

The Liberals could delay Parliament’s return if Trudeau decides to not run in the next year’s election and allows for a party leadership race.

New Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Thursday that Trudeau has the “full support of his Cabinet” but acknowledged a rising number of Liberal members of Parliament want Trudeau to leave.

He said Trudeau told them he is reflecting.

The Texas Legislature meets every two years and will be back in session in 2025, but so far it hasn’t seemed to have an appetite for getting into sports gambling. While Texas has been a state generally opposed to all forms of gambling, the biggest barrier currently is Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has great influence over what bills are put up for a vote. He isn’t sold that the tax benefits, that he’s previously said would pay for about half a day of Texas’ yearly budget, are worth it.

Money talks According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, most states tax sports gambling at between 5% and 20%. But tax revenues have varied vastly because only 15 states collect at least 10% of every dollar wagered.

Studies by the Sports Betting Alliance, a lobbying consortium made up of sportsbooks and Texas professional sports teams, as well one by an independent law firm, have estimated the state could make upward of $250 million in tax revenue

Lawmaker Rob Oliphant became the latest member of Parliament from Trudeau’s Liberal party to call for him to step aside. Oliphant said there should be a “robust, open leadership contest.”

“Our leader has become a key obstacle preventing many progressive voters who have supported our work from doing so again in the next election,” he said in a letter released Friday.

Trudeau replaced ministers who aren’t running again. And some ministers ended up having two roles after others suddenly left the Cabinet.

“I understand there is going to be a short runway. I’m not blind to that,” said Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Canada’s new housing minister.

Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said a reshuffle was necessary because of recent Cabinet departures.

“It might simply appear as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic,” Béland said.

Trudeau, who has led the country for nearly a decade, has become widely unpopular in recent years over a wide range of issues, including the high cost of living and rising inflation.

The political upheaval comes at a difficult moment for Canada.

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods if the government does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and drugs in the United States — even though far fewer of each cross into the U.S. from Canada than from Mexico, which Trump has also threatened.

yearly from betting. But Texas spends $125 billion a year and currently has a budget surplus.

The estimates also would depend on Texas setting taxes on gambling that would be among the highest in the nation, as well as wagers generating record overall gambling revenue.

California, along with states like Oklahoma, also would likely have to work out some sort of revenue sharing deal with the Native American tribal entities that currently have legal gaming rights.

In California’s case, such a compromise seems likely at some point because of the additional revenue in a state that already garners $9 billion from its casinos. But legalization almost certainly would come through a statewide referendum, which could only come in an even-numbered year.

“I sort of think that of the remaining states there might be a shocker here or there that pops up one year or another,” Holden said. “There are obstacles in place. So, I think this is one of these things where we aren’t going to see four states happen in a year again.”

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MOORE SPORTS year in photos

First look at new NCHSAA athletic conferences Where schools in the readership area are headed in reclassification North State Journal staff

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The rest of the Pinecrest girls’ golf team runs onto the green to join Rachel Joye, who just sank the final putt on 18 to wrap up a state 4A title.

THE NCHSAA’S reclassification of North Carolina schools took another step forward this week.

For the first time, the state’s high schools will be divided into eight different classifications, based on enrollment, with the largest 32 schools placed in the top classification and the rest divided up evenly with about 60 schools in each division.

The NCHSAA released its draft of the eight classifications last month.

Now, North Carolina schools get their first look at their potential conference placement. The NCHSAA released its first draft of conferences for the 2025-29 period.

Schools can still raise issues and provide feedback that may result in changes, but here’s a look at where schools in North State Journal’s footprint are slotted.

CHATHAM COUNTY Chatham Central: Current Conference — 1A/2A MidCarolina; New Conference — 1A Conference 2

STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Rory McIlroy reacts to a missed putt late in the U.S. Open’s final round at Pinehurst No. 2.

The Bears have all new conference foes, as their Mid-Carolina rivals are scattered to other conferences. Central is now placed with Ascend Leadership, Central Carolina Academy, Chatham Charter, Neuse Charter and Southern Wake Academy.

Chatham Charter: Current — 1A Central Tar Heel; New Conference — 1A Conference Central becomes Chatham Charter’s new crosstown rival.

They also remain in the same conference as Ascend and Southern Wake but are separated from Woods Charter.

Northwood: Current Conference — 1A/2A MidCarolina; New Conference — 3A/4A Conference C The Chargers got bumped up from 2A. They remain in the same conference as Jordan-Matthews and North Moore but also get Eastern Randolph, Southwestern Randolph, Carrboro and Uwharrie Charter.

STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Bryson DeChambeau hits the shot of his life to set up a putt to clinch the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

Woods Charter: Current — 1A Central Tar Heel; New Conference — 1A Conference 3 The Wolves keep Clover Garden School and River Mill from their current conference.

They’re joined by Discovery Charter, Excelsior Classical and Falls Lake Academy.

Seaforth: Current

Conference—1A/2A MidCarolina; New Conference— 5A Conference 1.

The Hawks get a big jump up from 2A to 5A. They’re also separated from all their current conference partners, including fellow Chatham County schools Northwood and Chatham Central.

Their new rivals include Cedar Ridge, Durham School of the Arts, Orange, South Granville and Webb.

Jordan-Matthews: Current Conference — 1A/2A MidCarolina; New Conference — 3A/4A Conference C Like Northwood, the Jets got bumped up from 2A. They keep Northwood and North Moore from their current conference.

MOORE COUNTY North Moore: Current Conference — 1A/2A MidCarolina; New Conference — 3A/4A Conference C The Mustangs jump up to 3A. They remain with current Mid-Carolina foes Northwood and Jordan-Matthews.

They also get Eastern Randolph, Carrboro, Southwestern Randolph and Uwharrie Charter. The latter three schools are 4A, as is J-M. Pinecrest: Current Conference —Sandhills 3A/4A; New Conference — 7A/8A Conference A The Patriots are one of the largest 32 schools in the state and got placed in the top tier.

Hoke and Richmond make the trip to the new conference from the Sandhills along with Pinecrest. They are joined by Cape Fear, Jack Britt, Lumberton, Overhills, Pine Forest and Purnell Swett.

Union PInes: Current — Sandhills 3A/4A; New Conference — 6A Conference 1 The Vikings got bumped up to 6A, and they are now separated from Pinecrest. Southern Lee and Lee County will be familiar faces from the old conference. They’re joined by Harnett Central, Triton and Western Harnett.

HOKE COUNTY Hoke County: Current Conference — Sandhills 3A/4A; New Conference — 7A/8A Conference A Like Pinecrest, the Bucks are one of the largest 32 schools in the state and got placed in the top tier classification. They remain with current conference foes Pinecrest and Richmond but shed the rest of the old Sandhills to be paired with Cape Fear, Jack Britt, Lumberton, Overhills, Pine Forest and Purnell Swett.

Hoke and Pinecrest soccer players both go high to try to direct a loose ball.

The Bucks and Patriots will remain in the same conference after reclassification.

PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Murphy the Bat Dog returns a bat to the dugout at a Sandhill Bogeys summer league game against the Sanford Spinners.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Elon’s Yurk named All-American Elon Elon punter Jeff Yurk was the only player from a North Carolina school to make The Associated Press FCS All-America first team. The All‑America team is selected for the AP by a panel of sports information directors and sports writers who cover the FCS. The junior from Southern Pines earned the honor. His teammate, Chandler Brayboy, a senior from Pembroke, was named to the second team as an all-purpose player. Western Carolina sophomore Jordy Lowery was a second-team defensive back. Davidson offensive lineman Malik McDaniel was named honorable mention.

Wingate’s Fleming makes DII All-American Wingate Wingate defensive lineman Marquise Fleming is among four players who were repeat first-team selections to The Associated Press Division II All-America team. Joining Fleming were Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski, Augustana (South Dakota) defensive back Peyton Buckley and Colorado Mines punter Blake Doud. The All‑America team is selected by a panel of sports information directors representing the four Division II super regions. Other players from the state on the team are Johnson C. Smith senior linebacker Benari Black, of Charlotte, who made the first team, and Virginia Union receiver Reginald Vick Jr., of Wendell, who made second team.

Vick accepts head coaching job at Norfolk State Norfolk, Va. Michael Vick agreed to become the head coach at Norfolk State in a return to football for the former NFL star, who has never coached at any level. The 44-year-old Vick announced on Facebook that he has accepted the job. He grew up in nearby Newport News. Vick starred in college at Virginia Tech and was a four-time Pro Bowler in 13 seasons for Atlanta, Philadelphia, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh. He served 18 months in federal prison in the prime of his career after pleading guilty to his role in a dogfighting ring.

NHL

Jets sign He, making him first China-born player with NHL deal Winnipeg, Manitoba The Winnipeg Jets have signed Kevin He to a three year, entry-level contract. He is the first China-born player to sign an NHL contract. Winnipeg selected the 18-year-old forward in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. He became the second player from China selected after Andong Song by the New York Islanders in 2015. Song never signed with the team. He was born in Beijing and moved to Canada with his family when he was 6. He is in his third season with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League.

YOUNG KWAK / AP PHOTO

Washington State head coach Jake Dickert stands on the sideline during the first half of a game against Northern Colorado.

Wake Forest hires Washington State’s Dickert as football coach The Demon Deacons replaced Dave Clawson two days after his resignation

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press WAKE FOREST MOVED quickly in reaching across the country to find its next football coach.

The school hired Washington State’s Jake Dickert, two days after Dave Clawson resigned unexpectedly following 11 seasons that included regular bowl bids and an Atlantic Coast Conference division title.

“Coach Dickert’s approach to building a program — through evaluation and development of talent with a plan rooted in detail, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete development — reminds me of what made Dave Clawson so successful during his 11-year transformational tenure as our

head football coach,” athletic director John Currie said in a statement.

“Jake’s philosophy of fostering personal growth, cultivating trust within the team, and relentlessly competing for championships embodies the principles we hold dear.”

Dickert, 41, had been the defensive coordinator when he took over during the 2021 season as the Cougars’ interim coach after Washington State fired Nick Rolovich for refusing a state mandate that all employees get vaccinated against COVID-19. Dickert led the team to a 3-3 finish to earn the permanent job, then went 2017 in the three seasons since.

“We will have a clear focus on retaining our current roster while adding valuable pieces that fit our program and Wake Forest University,” Dickert said in a statement. “Additionally, I am excited to immerse myself in this special community as throughout this process my belief that this is the perfect place

for our family and our program only strengthened.”

Washington State went 8-4 this year, the first since the Pac-12 fell apart, with the majority of its schools scattering to the ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten. Now Dickert is back in a power conference again, nine days before his Cougars are set to play No. 22 Syracuse in the Holiday Bowl (Dec. 27).

Dickert arrived at Washington State after a three-year run at Wyoming in a career with stops at the Division II level, though those generally were at schools in the central part of the country or further west. A job at Southeast Missouri State in 2012 was his farthest east.

He’ll relocate to the Eastern Seaboard for the job at Wake Forest, one of the smallest undergraduate enrollments in the Bowl Subdivision ranks.

It comes as the Demon Deacons have had consecutive 4-8 seasons, a product of a changing landscape in college sports that hindered Wake Forest’s

These 3 new sports dramas punch above their weight Inspirational coaches highlight three films about the fight game

“Day of the Fight” Jack Huston’s “Day of the Fight,” currently playing in theaters, stars Michael Pitt as down-and-out middleweight boxer “Irish” Mike Flannigan. He is, like some battered boxers before him, seeking redemption. Flannigan’s once-promising career was long ago derailed by a fatal drunk driving accident. But on this day, he’s preparing for an unlikely opportunity: an undercard bout at Madison Square Garden.

“Day of the Fight” culminates in the Madison Square Garden match, but the movie is largely about the pream-

is the rare sports drama to give you not just one excellent coach but two. Because it spans Robles’ wrestling career in high school and college, we first get Michael Peña as his most devoted supporter, and later, Don Cheadle as his initially more skeptical coach in college.

“The Fire Inside”

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press NEW YORK — The sports movie can easily fall victim to overly familiar story beats.

An underdog challenger. A big match.

But a trio of new movies brings some original moves, and a few curveballs, to a genre where tried-and-true formula often reigns supreme.

Each, curiously enough, is a directorial debut by an industry veteran. And each features an inspirational coach.

formula of retaining and developing players to compete with schools featuring four- and five-star prospects.

In Wake Forest’s case, the Demon Deacons had an 11‑win season that included a trip to the ACC title game in 2021, as well as brief stints in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 in 2021 and 2022 amid a run of seven straight bowl appearances before the two four-win seasons.

In an emotional news conference last Tuesday, Clawson said he “just felt like it was time” to step aside to let Wake Forest take a fresh approach to the changes, which include the looming arrival of revenue sharing with athletes.

“I think there’s things I can help with (in) the transition,” Clawson said. “But I don’t want to be the old coach in the office that’s overlooking you or second-guessing you. … If the new coach says, ‘Dave, stay the hell away, it’s my program,’ I will stay the hell away and do nothing but support him.”

SABRINA LANTOS / AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES VIA AP

Ryan Destiny stars as Claressa Shields in a scene from “The Fire Inside.” ble to the fight. The movie follows Flannigan on a series of poignant errands.

“I wanted to make a film where you didn’t necessarily need the boxing match,” Huston says. “The boxing match became icing.”

Cornerman: Ron Perlman.

Though “Day of the Fight” is graced by a several father figures (Joe Pesci, Steve Buscemi), the one that really stands out is Perlman’s coach.

“Unstoppable” William Goldenberg, the Oscar-winning editor (“Argo,” “Heat”) directs this based-ona-true-story drama about the life of NCAA champion wrestler Anthony Robles, played

by Jharrel Jerome. The film, which arrives Jan. 16 on Prime Video, chronicles Robles’ constant hardships, not the least of which is that he was born without his right leg.

It’s less about Robles’ overcoming one challenge than it is about his perseverance through constant adversity.

Jennifer Lopez co-stars as his mother, with Bobby Cannavale as an abusive stepfather.

“It was a constant battle,” says Robles. “That’s kind of how I felt going through my life, whether it was on a mat against a flesh-and-blood opponent or it was in my family life or the world. There was always something I was fighting against.”

Cornerman: “Unstoppable”

“The Fire Inside,” directed by decorated cinematographer Rachel Morrison (“Fruitvale Station,” “Mudbound”), is also about a real champion, the Olympic gold medal winner Claressa Shields (played by Destiny Ryan).

The first half of “The Fire Inside,” which opens Dec. 25, is somewhat conventional.

It charts her rise as a female boxer leading up to the 2012 Olympics. Once she’s won gold, you might even glance at your watch and wonder why they wrapped things up so quickly.

But the film then turns into something else. Shields’ glory is short-lived. A tough black woman in a bloody sport who makes no apologies for her interest in knocking out her opponent is unappealing to marketers. As “The Fire Inside” continues in its thought-provoking third act, it asks questions less about who wins and more about who gets to be deemed “an American hero.”

Cornerman: Brian Tyree Henry plays Shields’ devoted cornerman Jason Crutchfield.

Henry, a tender and soulful actor, is more of a co-star than a supporting player. Of all the coaches in these three films, he’s the one you’d most want cheering you on.

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

obituaries

Jenine Molohon Oct. 9, 1932 – Dec. 18, 2024 Jenine Molohon died on December 18, 2024, and has gone to be with the Lord.

She was born in Mankato, MN on October 9, 1932, to John Alva Bagley and Myrtle (Nordgren) Bagley Heller. Jenine graduated from high school in Mankato, MN (class of 49). She went on to enjoy a secretarial career. On November 13, 1954, she married Harvey Molohon. They were married for 65 years until he died in 2020. They resided in Mankato until 1970 when they moved to Prior Lake, MN where they lived for 28 years. In 1996 they retired to Bella Vista, AR, and lived there for 17 years. Then moved to North Carolina in 2013.

She was preceded in death by her husband and also daughter, Julie (Molohon) DeGreeff, and son-in-law, Ben DeGreeff, and a sister, LaVonne Pagelow.

Jenine is survived by three children, David Molohon (Mary), Gail Molohon and Susan Wright (Torin). She is also survived by six grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren; as well as a sister, Shirley Gregory, and a sisterin-law, Susan Bissonette, and many nieces, nephews, and three cousins.

Jenine did much volunteering and enjoyed Christian Women’s Club, Bible studies, bridge, tennis, crafts, reading and being out in nature to see the beautiful creations of God. There will be a graveside service and burial for the immediate family. She will be interred next to her husband at Woodland Hills Cemetery in Mankato, MN. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Nancy Meredith Joseph Anthony Marie Troutman April 9, 1952 – Dec. 16, 2024 Picerno Sykes Nancy Meredith, 72, of Pinehurst, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2024.

Born in Illinois, on April 9, 1952, she lived in the Chicago area for many of her early years surrounded by a large extended family and a beloved grandmother. Her family later relocated to Indiana where she completed high school.

After graduating from Purdue University, she went to work for Joseph E. Seagram & Sons in Louisville, KY. As she advanced in her Human Resources career, she transferred to Seagram’s corporate headquarters in New York City. She happily lived and worked in New York with her husband and family for many years prior to moving to Pinehurst. After their retirement, her parents also relocated to Pinehurst to be close to Nancy.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, Ken Meredith and her parents, Frank and Nadine Wokas.

She is survived by her children, Allyson Meredith (Eric Cunningham) and John Meredith (Nicole); her three grandchildren, Ryan Presley (Dalyn), Katherine Kertz (Justin) and Sarah Meredith; her two 2 greatgrandchildren, Evelyn Presley and Isla Kertz; and loving friends and family.

No services are planned at this time per Nancy’s wishes.

Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst is serving the family.

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Oct. 23, 1984 – Dec. 16, 2024

May 6, 1937 – Dec. 15, 2024

Joseph Anthony Picerno went to be with his Savior on Monday, December 16 at his home in Seven Lakes, NC. He was 40 years old.

Joey was born on October 23rd, 1984 to his loving parents Nick and Jan Picerno. He was the cutest little boy with the most beautiful curly hair, bright blue eyes and long eyelashes. In earlier years, Joey excelled in sports. He grew up on the baseball field and was selected for the Moore County allstar baseball team as a catcher.

He played on the Union Pines Golf team and loved to play alongside his dad. In his younger days, he could tear up a skateboard and BMX bike like nobody’s business. Joey was an incredible drummer and could keep the beat to any song.

In recent years, he enjoyed welding as a hobby and created many beautiful works of art. He was a science whiz and loved to work on all kinds of gadgets. He was employed by Southern Software Inc. where he applied his knack for technology and creativity. Joey had a remarkable ability to create electronics out of random objects.

It was incredible to watch. His family was amazed by his talents.

Above all of those things, Joey’s true love was his daughter Camryn Beverly. His love for her was deeper than any ocean, and their relationship was truly one of a kind. As many of his friends can testify to, Joey loved to share the knowledge of Christ with others.

Joey loved The Lord Jesus, and we can all take comfort in knowing that this world was not his home.

He is at rest in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. We will see his gorgeous smile and get one of those signature Joey hugs again in glory. We know that he would love to see you there too.

He was a precious father, son, brother, uncle and friend. Everyone who knew him described him as gentle, sweet and tenderhearted.

He has touched so many lives and he will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

Joey is survived by his beautiful daughter, Camryn Beverly Picerno; his loving parents Nick and Jan Picerno; sisters Jennifer Bowyer and Samantha Garrison (Joe); nieces Juliet Bowyer and Daisy Garrison, and nephews Brandon Bowyer II., Gabriel Garrison and Nicky Garrison.

A celebration of Joey’s life will be held at New Covenant Fellowship, 1305 Hulsey Road, Carthage, NC 28327, on Saturday December 28. Visitation will take place from 2:00pm-3:00pm with the funeral service directly after.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lifecare Pregnancy Center, 402 Monroe St, Carthage, NC. “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” -Zephaniah 3:17 Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.

Marie Troutman Sykes, 87 of Pinebluff, NC, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024 at FirstHealth Hospice House, after a short battle with cancer.

Born on May 6, 1937, in Pinebluff, NC to the late Howard H. Troutman, Sr. and Cecilia Fiddner Troutman. Marie grew up with an extensive family in the area (the Troutmans’ and Fiddners’) and worked summers in her father’s tobacco fields.

Marie enjoyed swimming at Pinebluff Lake and vacationing at Holden Beach, Sunset Beach and especially at her grandmother’s place at Windy Point. Marie attended Aberdeen High School, where she played on the Aberdeen Red Devils basketball team - which won the state championship that year.

In 1953, she married the love of her life, the late Charles Richard Sykes, Sr. of Thomasville, NC and started her family. Her husband’s Army service took her on many travels to California, France, New Mexico, Texas, Georgia and South Carolina. After Army retirement in 1971, she and Charles settled in Pinebluff, NC with their eight children and began a career in construction together. They also continued traveling in fun and exciting ways - visiting many places in the United States, as well as many foreign countries.

They always made time to visit their children and grandchildren, no matter where in the world they lived. In fact, Marie devoted her life to raising and enjoying her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening, reading and working on various projects with her husband and children. She was adored by her family and friends and will be greatly missed. This world was a better place because of her life.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother, Howard Henry Troutman, Jr, her brother-in-law Bill Amos and a baby son.

She is survived by her children Charles Richard Sykes, Jr (Lisanne), Kathleen White (Andy), Joree Sykes, Sandra Sykes, Isabel Maples (Michael), Okey Sykes (Cinthia Ann), Marshall Sykes (Cindy), Paula McKenzie (Steve), 23 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, her sister Ruth Amos, her sister-in-law Joan Troutman, and countless cousins.

A visitation will be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2024. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 2 p.m. at the Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines with burial to follow in Pinebluff Cemetery.

Please no lilies due to family allergies. Memorial contributions in Marie’s name can be made to FirstHealth Hospice House and Palliative Care at 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst NC, 28374.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

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

@BolesFuneralHomes

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North State Journal for Thursday, December 26, 2024

STATE & NATION White House scrapping pending regulations on transgender athletes, student loan debt President Joe Biden speaks in April about student loan debt in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Biden administration seeks to slow Trump’s contrasting policies

By Collin Binkley and Chris Megerian The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden is abandoning his efforts to provide some protections for transgender student athletes and cancel student loans for more than 38 million Americans, the first steps in an administration-wide plan to jettison pending regulations to prevent President-elect Donald Trump from retooling them to achieve his own aims.

The White House expects to pull back unfinished rules across several agencies if there isn’t enough time to finalize them before Trump takes office. If the proposed regulations were left in their current state, the next administration would be able to rewrite them and advance its agenda more quickly.

Even as the Biden administration moves to pull back the rules, it pushed ahead with cancellation through other avenues on Friday.

The Education Department said it was clearing loans for another 55,000 borrowers who reached eligibility through a program known as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which was created

by Congress in 2007 and expanded by the Biden administration.

As the pending Biden regulations are withdrawn, nothing prevents Trump from pursuing his own regulations on the same

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

issues when he returns to the White House, but he would have to start from scratch in a process that can take months or even years.

“This isn’t the way I wanted it to end,” said Melissa Byrne, an activist who has pushed for student debt cancellation. “Unfortunately, this is the most prudent action to take right now.”

She blamed Republicans for putting the Biden administration in this position. “It’s a bummer that we have a GOP that is committed to keeping working-class Americans in debt,” Byrne said.

In documents withdrawing the student loan proposals, the Education Department insisted it has the authority to cancel the debt but sought to focus on other priorities in the administration’s final weeks. It said the administration would focus on helping borrowers get back on track with

payments following the coronavirus pandemic when payments were paused.

“The department at this time intends to commit its limited operational resources to helping atrisk borrowers return to repayment successfully,” the agency wrote.

For the regulation on transgender students, the department said it was withdrawing the proposal because of ongoing litigation over how Title IX, the landmark law preventing sex discrimination, should handle issues of gender identity. In addition, the department said there were 150,000 public comments with a range of feedback, including suggestions for modifications that needed to be considered.

At this point, the department wrote, “We do not intend for a final rule to be issued.”

Karoline Leavitt, a spokes-

person for Trump, accused the White House of “adding more red tape and making it more difficult for him to govern.”

“President Trump will not be deterred by their dirty tricks and will use every lever of power to reverse the damage Biden has done and implement his America First agenda,” Leavitt said.

Kate Shaw, who served in the White House counsel’s office under President Barack Obama, said it’s not unusual for administrations to speed up or slow down rulemaking. It’s more typical, she said, for the federal government to race to finalize regulations during a transition period, but that can be difficult when there’s a time crunch.

“If you haven’t started it early enough, you’re not going to be able to wrap it up,” she said.

An administration official, speaking on the condition of an-

Europe latest threatened with Trump tariffs The president-elect has already taken aim at Canada and Mexico

By Josh Boak and Raf Casert The Associated Press WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump last Friday added the 27 countries that make up the European Union to the list of trade partners he’s threatening with tariffs — unless the group takes steps to import more U.S. goods.

“I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large scale purchase of our oil and gas,” Trump posted shortly after 1 a.m. on social media. “Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!”

In 2023, the United States’ trade imbalance with the EU on goods was $209 billion, according to the Census Bureau.

ALLISON ROBBERT / AP PHOTO

President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a Nov. 13 meeting with the House GOP conference in Washington, D.C. There were $576 billion in imports from Europe and $367 billion in exports from the United States.

Trump’s transition team did not respond to questions seeking greater clarity on the message.

When Trump threatened Canada and Mexico with 25%

tariffs in November, the leaders of both countries spoke with him to try and resolve any tensions. But the European Union lacks a single figure who can make the purchase commitments of natural gas and oil on behalf of its 27 member states that Trump is seeking.

EU Commission spokesman Olof Gill said in reaction to Trump’s post that “we are ready to discuss with President-elect Trump how we can further strengthen an already strong relationship, including by discussing our common interests in the energy sector.”

Gill noted that the EU is already “committed to phasing out energy imports from Russia and diversifying our sources of supply. We’re not going to go into any details about what that might entail in the future, given that the new administration isn’t even in place yet.”

Scott Lincicome, a vice president at the libertarian Cato Institute, said it was difficult to parse what Trump was trying to

say relative to European trade, given that natural gas exports to the continent are already up after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“What we really need to chalk all of this up to is Trump laying the groundwork for future negotiations,” Lincicome said.

“This is, for better or worse, a lot of what we’re going to see for the next four years.”

While there is a $209 billion trade imbalance, a more complicated relationship lies beneath those numbers. A company such as German automaker BMW can import parts needed to assemble vehicles at its factory in South Carolina, such that the trade totals also reflect the flow of goods within European companies that employ U.S. workers.

More than half of the liquified natural gas imported by the EU and the United Kingdom in 2023 came from the United States, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The volume of the gas

onymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the administration still supports the goals of its regulatory proposals. However, the process can be lengthy because it requires legal reviews and collecting input from the public.

Federal agencies are now analyzing which rules to finish and which to pull back before the end of Biden’s term, the official said.

In recent years, presidents have tended to rely more on executive orders and federal regulations to sidestep gridlock in Congress. However, the rulemaking process can be less durable than legislation, leaving policies more vulnerable to shifts between administrations.

There are dozens of other pending regulations across the Education Department and other agencies, ranging from relatively trivial updates to sweeping policies that carry weighty implications for the nation’s schools and businesses.

If a rule has already gone through a public feedback process under Biden, Trump could simply replace it with his own proposal and move straight to enacting the policy, effectively bypassing the comment period.

The pair of student loan proposals expected to be withdrawn Friday represented Biden’s second attempt at widespread debt cancellation after the Supreme Court rejected his first plan.

Biden’s rule on transgender sports was proposed in 2023 but was delayed multiple times. It was supposed to be a follow-up to his broader rule that extended civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ students under Title IX.

going to the EU and UK has tripled since 2021.

On Tuesday, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm issued a statement based on a new study that unfettered exports of liquified natural gas could increase prices domestically and increase carbon emissions. Trump ran for president on the idea that increased oil and natural gas production would reduce costs for U.S. voters who were left frustrated by a 2022 inflationary spike that still lingers.

Trump’s demands on Europe to buy more oil and natural gas were not especially new.

He also made them during his initial term as president and in 2018 reached a deal with JeanClaude Juncker, then-president of the European Commission, to sell more liquified natural gas to Europe.

The problem with that agreement, as noted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, is that the U.S. “cannot force companies to send products to a specific region or country,” and the EU cannot force its members to buy American fossil fuels.

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