North State Journal - Vol. 1, Issue 9 by North State Journal

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 9

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

WWW.NSJONLINE.COM

the Sunday NEWS BRIEFING Tax Freedom Day is April 24 Washington, D.C. Tax Freedom Day falls on April 24, or 114 days into the year. It marks the first day of the year in which the country as a whole has earned enough money to pay off its $5 trillion tax bill. Americans will collectively spend more on taxes in 2016 than they will on food, clothing and housing combined.

Change for the $20 bill Washington, D.C. African-American abolitionist Harriett Tubman will replace seventh president Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Jackson’s image will move to the back of the bill to go with an image of the White House. The design for the new currency comes in time for the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted the women’s right to vote.

Wildfires threaten western and eastern N.C. Englehard, N.C. A 14,000-acre brush fire is raging through parts of Hyde and Dare County this week, causing a 30-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 264 to be shut down, according to the North Carolina Forestry Service. Flames are in an undeveloped area where people and communities were not threatened. Air Quality officials issued an advisory for pollution in Eastern North Carolina telling residents from Elizabeth City to Washington, New Bern and Havelock they are at risk for unhealthy air quality. In the west, firefighters are reining in a more than 1,000-acre fire in the Cherokee National Forest. They hope to have that one contained by the end of the weekend.

MADELINE GREY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Whirligig sculptures created by Vollis Simpson in the park currently under construction in Wilson, N.C., on April 7. Simpson started to build the sculptures after he retired and spent 30 years creating the pieces out on his farm. Now the town of Wilson is restoring the pieces which will provide the basis of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park.

NORTH

STATE

JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

OPIOIDS

From addiction to recovery By Laura Ashley Lamm North State Journal RALEIGH — Sitting in the middle of four cold cement walls, Daeqwon Currie realized he was alone in a county jail with no one to bail him out. His body was reacting to heroin withdrawals and his life was crumbling. “I was homeless. I drove away my family and burned bridges. All of my friends were users or dealers. I realized I had

INSIDE

Who will Panthers, Redskins take in 2016 NFL Draft? B4

hit rock bottom when I was sitting in jail,” said Currie. At the age of 16, Currie started smoking marijuana and consuming alcohol. Eventually time lent itself to using cocaine, prescription pain medications and heroin. It would be 10 years before Currie would celebrate sobriety. For Currie and many others with drug addictions, what began as an addiction to pain pills

GOVERNOR BUDGET PROPOSAL

McCrory’s budget to focus on teacher raises, surplus By Liz Moomey North State Journal RALEIGH — Gov. Pat McCrory and State Budget Director Andrew Heath unveiled the 201617 executive branch’s budget Friday. The plan highlights what the budget proposal will do for education systems, how the Connect NC bond will be used, and how the surplus revenues will be saved. McCrory emphasized his plan to vet the budget with the legislature while praising them for working with him in previous years. “I want to compliment the leg-

islature in the past three years for taking our budget very seriously and basically following those budget recommendations,” McCrory said. “We have given them a strong number of what we think the spending cap should be, which I think is a very strong, efficient message of what we are giving them. We also look forward to working with both the Senate and the House as they deliberate, fulfill their responsibly of the legislative branch. This is us — the executive branch — fulfilling our See BUDGET, page A3

THE BUSINESS OF ACTIVISM Protest organizers Tina Haver Currin, center, and Grayson Haver Currin, left, of Raleigh, use handpowered air horns during a protest against H.B. 2.

See OPIOIDS, page A2 EAMON QUEENEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Andrew Vernon bellydances to big league. B6 Sports

Airhorn protest organizers march to their own beat

A colorful guide to Wilkes Community College’s Merlefest 2016. C3 the good life

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Daeqwon Currie, a recovering heroin addict, sits by his grandmother’s grave in his hometown of Wilson, N.C.

RALEIGH — Grayson and Tina Haver Currin know it’s strange — even silly — to organize a group of 100 protesters outside the Exective Mansion to blare air horns, play band instruments and blow vuvuzelas and kazoos across Blount Street every Wednesday to protest and raise the noise level, and ire, at

Gov. Pat McCrory and the North Carolina General Assembly. That’s kind of the point. “What I think is coming out of this place right here is ridiculous,” Grayson Haver Currin said, pointing to the gated mansion on the other side of the road. “I think it’s a stream of nonsense. It doesn’t compute for me. By holding up air See PROTEST, page A8

EXCLUSIVE NSJ POLL

Inside look at tax policy, Berger previews short session On Murphy to Manteo, page A5

20177 52016 $2.00

If the general election for governor were held today, would you vote for Republican Pat McCrory or Democrat Roy Cooper or Libertarian Lon Cecil or are you undecided? Undecided 15.62% Lon Cecil 1.99%

Roy Cooper 41.77%

Pat McCrory 40.62%

If the general election was held today, in a contest between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Ted Cruz, who would you vote for? Undecided 13.54%

Ted Cruz 37.11%

Hillary Clinton 49.35%

If the general election was held today, in a contest between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump, who would you vote for? Undecided 15.64%

Donald Trump 36.53%

Hillary Clinton 47.83%

See POLL, page A3

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

NS J datebook

April 25, 7 p.m. Raleigh

THE BACKSTORY Breakdown: Presidential candidate tax plans STATE

N.C. General Assembly gavels in for short session

$48,151

$6,410

9.3 percent

16 West Jones St.

is the median household income predicted for 2017 in North Carolina

is what a family of four at the average N.C. household income would pay

is the current tax rate at the average N.C. household income

April 26, 6 p.m. Wilson, N.C.

Presidential candidate tax rate

Business Essentials Seminar

Donald Trump

6.9 percent

N.C. Dept. of Revenue offers guidance for small business owners

Ted Cruz

8.7 percent

Wilson Community College

Hillary Clinton

9.3 percent

April 28, 8 a.m. Asheville

Bernie Sanders

16.7 percent

Economic Development Coalition meeting for Asheville and Buncombe County

April 30, 10 a.m. Fayetteville, N.C. Young Entrepreneurs Academy Entrepreneurs age 11-18 present their investor-funded businesses Cross Creek Mall

FEDERAL

$54,292

$8,490

11.5 percent

is the median household income predicted for 2017 in the U.S.

is what a family of four at the average U.S. household income would pay

is the current tax rate at the average U.S. household income

Presidential candidate tax rate WE STAND CORRECTED To report an error or a suspected error email corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

Donald Trump

8.1 percent

Ted Cruz

10.3 percent

Hillary Clinton

11.5 percent

Bernie Sanders

19 percent $5,510 more

Visit North State Journal online! nsjonline.com jonesandblount.com nsjsports.com carolinabrewreview.com chickenbonealley.com

INFOGRAPHIC BY LIZ MOOMEY

Poll: Clinton leads; McCrory, Cooper in dead heat By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

North State Journal ISSN: 2471-1365 Neal Robbins Publisher Donna King Managing Editor Drew Elliot Opinion Editor Will Brinson Sports Editor Jennifer Wood Features Editor Published each Sunday by North State Media, LLC 819 W. Hargett Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27603 Inquiries: 866-458-7184 Annual Subscription Price: $250.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North State Journal, 819 W. Hargett St., Raleigh, N.C. 27603.

OPIOIDS from page A1 lead to heroin. Heroin is purchased at a lower cost and creates an instant high upon injection while prescription pain pills can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour for the user to feel the effects. “From prescription pain medications to heroin, things began to take a drastic turn. Drugs take a toll on your body. You need it. Your immune to life without it. You can’t function without it and you are always in search of that fix,” said Currie. “You’re using because you’re trying to escape — emotions, pain, problems — and the need to feel the numbness of escape constantly, that’s the addictive nature,” he added. Currie lost four friends to overdoses, but his addiction was so strong even their deaths couldn’t curb his desire to use. It would take his own willpower and a complete change in his environment and lifestyle to become drug-free.

RALEIGH — Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton leads Republican rivals Donald Trump and Ted Cruz in North Carolina, and Attorney General Roy Cooper is in a statistical tie with sitting Gov. Pat McCrory in the state’s gubernatorial race, according to an exclusive statewide poll for the North State Journal. The poll shows former Secretary of State Clinton has an 11-point lead over Trump and a 12-point edge on Cruz. More than 15.6 percent of likely North Carolina voters are undecided in a Clinton-Trump matchup, compared to 13.5 percent undecided in a Clinton-Cruz tilt. Clinton showed a 67-21 advantage over Trump with African-American voters, who made up nearly a quarter (24.06 percent) of the poll (which uses the 2012 election model). Clinton also holds a significant lead over Cruz with African-American voters (68-26).

On Feb. 5 at the age of 26, Currie celebrated his first year of sobriety. Currie was able to overcome his addiction, but for many across the state of North Carolina, they are still battling addiction or their lives have ended prematurely due to overdoses. It’s an epidemic state legislators are targeting with plans to provide additional resources to help combat the issue. “We need to convince the public of the incredible challenges we have in this state and nation,” said Gov. Pat McCrory. “We need to educate the public on the mental health and addiction issues.” Without discussing the issues publicly and finding ways to battle against the rise of drug use, society leaves itself open for an increase in criminal activity, drug abuse and self-destructive behaviors, said McCrory. To help, McCrory has allocated $30 million of his recently proposed budget toward implementing recommendations from the Governor’s Taskforce on Mental

In the race for governor, McCrory trailed Cooper with 41.77 percent of poll respondents favoring the Democrat Cooper to 40.62 percent with the Republican incumbent McCrory. While McCrory and Cooper have similar numbers of voters who have a favorable opinion of them (35.34 percent and 38.97 percent, respectively), more than twice as many voters have an unfavorable opinion of McCrory (40.99 percent) compared to Cooper (20.22 percent). However, more than 40 percent of respondents said they had no opinion of Cooper while less than 24 percent of likely voters said they had no opinion of McCrory. When it comes to the issues, 30.32 percent of likely voters said jobs and the economy was their biggest concern. National security (21.28 percent) and education (21.15 percent) were the second-and third-most important issue, respectively. Immigration (9.9 percent), budget and spending (9.73 percent), the 2nd Amendment (3.95 percent) and abortion (3.67 percent) were the other options available in the poll.

In other statewide races, U.S. Senator Richard Burr and former state representative Deborah Ross were separated by less than 0.3 percent in a statistical tie. Burr was the favorite of 41.93 percent of likely voters while Ross held 41.7 percent and 16.36 percent were undecided. State senator Buck Newton led former state senator Josh Stein 35.22 percent to 33.12 percent with 31.66 percent undecided. Newton’s lead is within the poll’s margin of error. Incumbent Democrat Secretary of State Elaine Marshall leads GOP challenger Michael LaPaglia 44.58 percent to 30.06 percent, while three-term incumbent Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler leads his Democrat challenger, Walter Smith, by more than 15 percent (44.62 to 29.09). The North State Journal poll was conducted April 19, and the margin of error among the 800 likely North Carolina voters surveyed is plus-minus 3.5 percentage points. For more information and to see the full poll results, visit www.jonesandblount.com.

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Daeqwon Currie, a recovering heroin addict, flips through his Bible before a prayer session at Farmington Heights Church of God in Wilson, N.C.

Health and Substance Abuse. Nine million dollars will be allocated for medication-assisted treatment, specifically access to Naloxone, a medication used to block effects

of opioids, especially in overdose situations. Opioids, which are primarily prescription pain relievers and heroin, are the main driver of

overdose deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioids were involved in 28,647 deaths in the Unites States in 2014, with 1,358 of those overdose deaths in North Carolina alone. “Expanded access to Naloxone, which counteracts opioids, will assist law enforcement officers responding to cases of overdoses,” said Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck, a member of the Governor’s Taskforce. Some law enforcement agencies around the state currently carry Naloxone kits in their vehicles to administer to overdose patients on the scene. In 2015, Carteret General Hospital addressed 260 overdoses. Buck added, “Mental health and opioid addiction issues are so prevalent in our society. Heroin has comeback strongly in our state and nation because of opioid addiction. Prescriptions for pain medications, overdoses, addictions and deaths have increased.”

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

BUSINESS & ECONOMY the DASHBOARD LYNN MINGES

2,000

up to $100 mil

number of pork producers in North Carolina

Overtime rules hamstring the hospitality industry ORTH Carolina’s hospitality industry N is powered by employees

attracted by the flexible scheduling and opportunities restaurants and lodging properties offer. For those who find a 9-to-5 schedule is not realistic — such as college students or parents juggling childcare routines — the hospitality industry offers a wealth of good, consistent jobs. But new overtime regulations proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) threaten to undermine the most desirable aspects of working in hospitality, and threaten the health of the industry as a whole. Common-sense changes are needed to the federal overtime rule, but a one-sizefits-all approach hurts the people the DOL is trying to help: our employees. Under the proposed revisions, the threshold for requiring employers to pay overtime would go up drastically, from the current $23,660, or $455 a week, to $50,440, or $970 a week. That will cause labor costs to go up dramatically, and will have an extreme, negative impact on businesses and employees alike.

A one-size-fits-all approach hurts the people the DOL is trying to help: our employees.

Reaching the management level and earning a salary, as opposed to being paid hourly, is typically a milestone in an employee’s career. The DOL overtime rule will create tough conversations between employers and employees by forcing businesses to determine whether managers will continue to be salaried or shift to hourly employees as a result of the new rule. Hospitality businesses run on slim margins, and labor is one of our greatest costs. Under these proposed regulations, employees would have fewer opportunities to qualify as exempt salaried workers, leading to less flexibility, fewer opportunities for advancement, and no guarantee of more income. The DOL estimates that of the 4.7 million workers employed in the salary range impacted “only 931,000 are expected to become overtime eligible and be paid the overtime premium.” In other words, new regulations are being proposed for a situation that impacts only “19.9 percent of [the 4.7 million] affected” workers. So while fewer than a million workers might see some benefit, 3.5 million workers will likely be demoted from salaried positions, a blow to the career opportunity path they would otherwise have. Policy makers should take another look at these unnecessary regulations on small business and work with employers to consider the potentially negative fallout from this proposal. Lynn Minges is an NCRLA President & CEO.

196.1

Uber settles two lawsuits with Uber drivers in California and Massachusetts, keeping them as independent contractors

persons per square mile in North Carolina

Raising taxes on higher earners hurts small business By Jeff Moore North State Journal

NEW STUDY from the University of Miami School of Business Administration, in conjunction with researchers from the University of Chicago and the University of North Carolina, found raising taxes in households that earn above the median income of $52,000 will hurt the economy as it stifles small-business activity and the jobs associated with it. The study looked at 30 years of tax data from all 50 states, 1979 through 2008, to see what effect progressive income tax proposals aimed at reducing income inequality have on the economy. The study finds that while income inequality is compressed by such taxation, it comes at a cost to the economy overall. However, the authors conclude it’s not the contraction in income inequality itself that is to blame, but rather the direction where the gap is closed. Reducing incomes of those above the median hurts the economy, while expanding incomes of those below the median has a positive effect, the study finds. “We find that reducing income inequality between below-median and median households encourages labor supply on the extensive margin and encourages small businesses growth. However, reducing income inequality through taxation between above median-income households and median income households reduces labor supply on both extensive and intensive margins, reduces job creation by

small businesses and reduces consumption expenditure growth rate.” Many small businesses file taxes as S corporations, paying personal income tax rates on business income. The study found that “for establishments with 5-to 19 employees, the above-median contraction factor has a negative impact on establishment growth, while the belowmedian contraction factor has a positive impact on establishment growth.” The correlation remained intact for businesses with up to 49 employees. The study also noted that a 1 percent increase in minimum wage correlates with a decline in the per capita GDP growth rate. With the exception of Sen. Bernie Sanders, tax plans unveiled by 2016 presidential contenders so far aim to reduce tax burdens on lower and middle incomes, which should boost the economy, according to this study. Republican plans, however, cut taxes for high earners, a move the authors find would boost small-business activity and hiring. Democrat proposals raise taxes on the rich in particular, a policy this study suggests would hurt jobs and wages. North Carolina lawmakers in recent years have reduced tax rates for top earners, while also increasing the standard deduction, a ceiling for non-taxable income. At a press conference Wednesday, North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, said lawmakers will consider further raises to the standard deduction when the General Assembly convenes for session April 25.

Taxation at different points of the income distribution has asymmetric impacts on households’ incentives to engage in small business activity, supply labor, and consume.

the

BRIEF Nation’s largest insurer drops out of NC healthcare exchange Raleigh UnitedHealthcare Group, the nation’s largest health insurer, will exit North Carolina’s healthcare exchange in 2017 along with most of the 34 states where it participated last year. Senior executives at the insurer made that announcement this week during a call with investors releasing their quarterly earnings. UnitedHealthcare currently operates in 77 North Carolina Counties through the exchange with 563,819 enrollees. CEO Stephen Hensley said Tuesday that he estimates the company will post around $1 billion in losses on the plans it offered through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces in 2015 and 2016. More than $525 million of those losses have occurred in 2016 as they’ve found enrollees signing up for the plans have worse health than was predicted, raising care costs.

Barton College paves a bold path to the future By Donna King North State Journal ARTON COLLEGE is preparing to lead a bold trail forward into a new era with B plans to strategically enhance the academics,

affordability and environment of the campus community. Established in 1902 as Atlantic Christian College, Barton College is a private, four-year, liberal arts college in eastern North Carolina. As it celebrates more than 100 years of education, the college is poised to move in new direction under the leadership of Dr. Douglas N. Searcy. Searcy began as the institution’s 12th president in July 2015 and was formally installed April 15. His first year as president centered on developing a bold strategic plan for the college’s future. “We have inherited a beautiful campus, a solid academic program, an accomplished faculty and a history of which to be proud,” remarked Searcy. “We boldly commit to our next steps.” The next steps come as part of the BartonBold Strategic Plan, which includes

five themes of focus: deepening academic excellence and learning; expanding the campus environment; increasing growth; developing campus design and infrastructure; and maintaining financial affordability. The BartonBold plan was unveiled during the Presidential Inauguration. Now that the plan is in place, Searcy will lead the campus in the implementation of initiatives to support Barton’s priorities as outlined and advance the campus community. Barton College has already established a reputation for engaged learning opportunities, and with the new plan the college plans to expand on its experiential learning programs in undergraduate research, study abroad, internships and service learning. Building upon Barton College’s ideals of student learning, faculty are poised to provide students with a campus environment that is intellectually stimulating by focusing on “emotionally intelligent design” — a unique way of educating students with a thought-provoking approach. “Research suggests that 80 percent of success comes from focusing on skills that come through emotional intelligence — problem solving, personal responsibility,

BUDGET from page A1 responsibilities and submitting a recommendation to the state legislature.” Shortly after the budget announcement, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) issued a press release stating the Senate is eager to work together on the proposed budget, although the House is expected to unveil their proposed budget first. “Gov. McCrory’s balanced budget proposal sets the right tone for controlling the growth of government spending, bolstering the state’s rainy day fund and prioritizing teacher pay — all without raising taxes,” Berger said. “The Senate looks forward to reviewing the governor’s plan in greater detail and building on our shared priorities as we work through the appropriations process.” Last year, the state budget negotiations resulted in the longest legislative session in nearly 10 years. One priority of the budget this year is the rainy day fund, a reserve in case of economic crises. “This doesn’t get me a lot of political points, but it is the most important, because it protects future generations, future governors and future teams, and that is going to ensure the state has a safety net for future economic swings,” McCrory said. “We can never predict when the next upswing or downswing is going to be. If we do have another downswing in this country, in our world or even in our state, I am going to make sure we have a

KEITH TEW FOR THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

critical thinking and understanding and responding to the connectedness of work and relationships,” said Searcy. In the coming months, the college will continue to expand and implement the priorities established in its strategic plan as it makes a bold path toward a future of continued educational excellence.

sufficient rainy day fund.” McCrory said the budget would provide an average bonus for teachers of 3.5 percent, and raise average teacher pay to more than $50,000 a year. While creating the budget, his team was in constant communication with education leaders across the state, McCrory said. “The main correspondence at this point in time has been with all the executive branch offices and also the university system, the community college system and the K-12 in developing this budget, because this budget is basically for departments who are executing the laws that the legislature passed,” McCrory said. McCrory also addressed concerns about the possible economic impact H.B. 2 could have on the budget. Due to the size of North Carolina’s economy, businesses deciding to leave the state as a result of the law will not have much impact, McCrory explained. “You have to look at the $22 billion budget over 200,000 businesses and 10 million people in North Carolina, so it is pretty massive budget,” McCrory said. Further budget details will be made available by the governor April 27. “We have been working together through every line of the budget,” McCrory said. “We still have numbers still coming in as we speak.” Legislators convene to begin negotiating budget proposals Monday.

$237 million in projected surplus

$22.3 billion is the proposed budget totals

$15 billion will be allocated to pay state employees’ benefits and salaries

$426 million in new funding for teacher pay raises, raising teacher pay by an average of 5 percent, bringing the average teacher pay to more than $50,000or mental health priorities

$300 million will go to the rainy day fund for future economic crises

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

Murphy

Scuppernong

Top 10 N.C. Books for Summer N.C. Department of Cultural Resources

Manteo

“Blue Yodel”

Page After Page Bookstore

by Ansel Elkins Yale University Press, 2015

“Phenomenal: A Hesitant Adventurer’s Search for Wonder in the Natural World”

GREENSBORO, N.C.

Sunrise Books HIGH POINT, N.C.

by Leigh Ann Henion Penguin Press, 2015

“Land of Enchantment”

DURHAM, N.C.

Flyleaf Books CHAPEL HILL, N.C.

PITTSBORO, N.C.

Page 158 Books Quail Ridge Books RALEIGH, N.C.

Malaprop’s Bookstore ASHEVILLE, N.C.

Syracuse University Press, 2015

Main Street Books DAVIDSON, N.C.

“27 Views of Greensboro: The Gate City in Prose & Poetry”

The Fountainhead Bookstore HENDERSONVILLE, N.C.

The Country Bookshop

Eno Publishers, 2015

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

“The Girl in the Road” by Monica Byrne

Broadway Books, 2015

“Hotel Worthy”

by Valerie Nieman Press 53, 2015

“Under Magnolia: A Southern Memoir” by Frances Mayes

Broadway Books, 2015

“Amazing Place: What North Carolina Means to Writers” UNC Press, 2015

“Steal Away”

by Shelby Stephenson

Independent Bookstore Day April 30

Behind the curtain INFOGRAPHIC BY LAUREN ROSE

by Aimee Parkison

Starcherone Books, 2014

Wildfires leap from Tennessee into western NC Madison County Fires that have burned thousands of acres in Tennessee crossed over into Western Carolina, firefighters say. The flames lept into Madison County on Wednesday, causing nearly 100 acres to burn along U.S. 70. The fires have been slowly coming under control over the past few days. “So far its consumed 98 acres,” said Danny Carswell with the N.C. Forest Service. The Service predicted a total of 13,000-14,000 acres are at risk across the state. Burke County and surrounding areas are under a high danger of fire and Bumcombe County has issued a fire ban. THE NEWS HERALD

WCU Chancellor diagnosed with brain tumor Cullowhee, N.C. Western Carolina University Chancellor David Belcher emailed the campus community Thursday with news that he has been diagnosed with a small brain tumor, which at the moment is affecting his speech

PIEDMONT Deborah Ross kicks off college affordability tour Greensboro, N.C. Democratic senate candidate Deborah Ross launched a statewide tour of college campuses this week reaching out to younger voters with her campaign messages on college affordability and student loan debt. She kicked off the tour at UNCGreensboro on Thursday.

Man steals children’s donation box at Zebulon Walmart Zebulon, N.C. Jared Michael Pressel, 27, was arrested Thursday after being charged with stealing a donation box for the Children’s Miracle Network at a Walmart in Zebulon that contained about $200. He is also charged with threatening a clerk with a knife and for stealing a pack of cigarettes WTVD-TV

ASHEVILE CITIZEN-TIMES

New 82-acre public shooting range opens

Inmate breaks out of Raleigh prison, caught 2 hours later

Raleigh Chamber of Commerce calls for repeal of H.B. 2

Shelby, N.C. North Carolina’s largest public shooting range, one of the largest in the Southeast, opened April 19 near Shelby with rifle, pistol, shotgun and 3-D archery ranges. The $3.5 million, 82-acre Foothills Public Shooting Complex will have a 250-yard rifle range, five 50-yard pistol ranges, two skeet/trap courses for shotguns and a 3-D archery range for bows and arrows.

Raleigh Keith Fitzgerald Bradley, 38, escaped from the Wake Correctional Center and enjoyed roughly two hours of freedom before being recaptured. Assigned to nighttime janitorial services, Bradley reportedly used a bucket and a mop to get over the fence. He was serving a sentence at the minimum-security facility after being charged in February for gun possession by a felon, heroin and methamphetamine possession, and other drug charges.

Raleigh The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce released a statement on Tuesday, saying it “opposes HB2 and calls for its immediate repeal.” The organization tallied up several financial losses directly stemming from various companies’ opposition to the legislation, including $44 million and 400 jobs lost from PayPal, $9 million and 250 jobs from Deutsche Bank, as well as the potential loss of $27.6 million from Braeburn Pharmaceuticals, among many others.

SHELBY STAR

for married couples filing jointly.” Berger agreed with Gov. Pat McCrory’s goal of getting teacher pay to $50,000 annually, announcing that “Senate Republicans are committed to passing an additional teacher raise this year.” Also on the to-do list is passing another regulatory reform bill, and enforcement of last year’s legislation aimed at making sanctuary cities start enforcing federal immigration law. Berger said, “This year we’ll work on the penalties for those who choose not to follow the law.” In the press conference Berger was repeatedly asked about calls to repeal H.B 2. He said the Senate will not make any changes that allow for men in women’s bathrooms. “No. I do not support repealing the bathroom safety bill.” Berger said. “The vast majority of North Carolinians we’ve heard from understand and support this reasonable, common-sense law.” Lawmaker convene on Monday, April 25.

WILMINGTON, N.C.

“The Petals of Your Eyes”

and expression. “At this point, I do not have many specifics to share; however, I am optimistic and in the process of engaging with medical specialists to learn more,” Belcher wrote to faculty, staff and students. He also said that he will continue to fulfill his charge as chancellor of the university with the assistance of Provost Alison Morrison-Shetlar, who will represent him when he is unavailable. Belcher has been in the role since 2011 and oversees the campus of 9,400 students and 1,400 faculty and staff.

Berger says teacher raises and more tax reform top agenda for short session

Pomegranate Books

Just as North Carolinians make lists for summertime beach must-reads and Mother’s Day gifts, more than 300 independent bookstores nationwide are offering special events to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day. Fifteen bookstores across North Carolina participate in the occasion, bringing readers back into community shops and the printed word.

Jacar Press, 2014

WEST

jonesandblount.com @JonesandBlount

RALEIGH — Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger set the priorities of the short legislative session that kicks off Monday, saying a balanced budget and teacher raises take top billing. “Our principle order of business during the short session is making modifications to and passing another balanced budget that funds North Carolina’s key priorities while continuing to make government smarter and more efficient,” Berger said in a press conference at the legislative building in Raleigh. Berger explained that in the view of Senate leadership, a responsible budget will increase spending by 2 percent. “During this short session we will look for additional ways to reduce the tax burden on our hardworking middle class,” Berger said, adding that the legislature has “been reviewing proposals on raising the amount of tax-free income to $17,500

WAKE FOREST, N.C.

ASHEVILLE, N.C.

by Liza Wieland

Jones& Blount By Jeff Moore North State Journal

DURHAM, N.C.

The Regulator Bookshop

McIntyre’s Books

Spellbound Children’s Bookshop

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C.

Letters Bookshop

Scuppernong Books

EAST Cherry Point infrastructure focus of U.S. Senate hearing Cherry Point, N.C. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) questioned Marine Corps officials during the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee hearing on the urgency for the Marine Corps to prioritize infrastructure projects at Cherry Point. Vice-Admiral Paul Grosklags, commander of Naval Air Systems, reported the F-35 Lift Fan Repair Facility was of critical importance.

Fort Macon plans largest re-enactment Atlantic Beach, N.C. Fort Macon State Park hosts a weekend full of activities to celebrate the 100th birthday of N.C. State Parks. In three separate re-enactments, an estimated 400 re-enactors, will act out the siege and capture of Fort Macon. Weekend events include fort tours, women’s fashions of the Victorian period, music, artillery drills, fireworks and a 2nd Marine Division Band concert

Head of Marine Fisheries gets ready for a busy season Morehead City, N.C. Braxton Davis was tapped to lead the state’s Division of Marine Fisheries. Currently the director of the Division of Coastal Management, Davis will head both divisions while the Department of Environmental Quality works to streamline both operations. “His extensive background in coastal science and management will allow him to bring these two groups together in an effective and exciting way, and enhance protection of our state’s coastal and marine resources,” said DEQ Secretary Donald R. van der Vaart. Davis was the head of the South Carolina coastal program before coming to North Carolina. in 2011. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

By Jeff Moore North State Journal RALEIGH — With the tax bill behind us and legislative short session just ahead, Jones & Blount spoke with veteran lawmaker and past senior chair of the House Finance Committee Rep. Julia Howard (R-District 79) to get an inside look at how tax policy is born and raised through the legislative process. “It begins with overall philosophy,” Howard says of tax proposals. “Proposals are made through caucus meetings, or legislators bringing ideas independently, and the next step is those ideas go to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee has to raise the amount of money for the state to operate. Appropriations [Committee] spends the money, but Finance has to know the money is there to spend.” Once tax proposals are filed, the nonpartisan staff of the General Assembly’s Fiscal Research Division are brought in at the direction of lawmakers to access the proposals fiscal impact. “The state of North Carolina is very blessed to have a very strong fiscal research staff that works with the Finance Committee,” Howard said. The Fiscal Research division is not necessarily a taxpayer watchdog, however. Howard added that “Fiscal Research only provides the answers to the questions we ask. They don’t set policy. They don’t make recommendations.” Those questions range from what impact tax changes will have on future revenues, to how much it might impact the economy. “Lots of scenarios are run,” Howard said. And if the research yields undesired results? “If projections are not going to be what was anticipated, we have made

adjustments many, many times,” Howard said, adding that sometimes proposals are abandoned entirely based on feedback from researchers. While political philosophy may represent the genesis for tax policy, Howard said it “does not dominate” the process. Once scored by the Fiscal Research Division, tax bills are debated and voted on in the Finance Committee, and then the full House. “It’s a fine line to balance. There are certain things that we must pay for, and the only way to pay for those things is with tax dollars,” Howard said. That balance is illustrated in North Carolina’s transition away from personal income taxes and toward consumption taxes, Howard said. “Right now the objective in the state of North Carolina is to literally eliminate the personal income tax. But right now we do need that money. We have a balanced budget in North Carolina, so if we eliminate the personal income tax, the move is to look at service tax,” Howard explained. Howard said she understands that tax changes, such as expanded sales taxes, affect different people in different ways. According to Howard, such major policy changes are best approached gradually, stating, “it would not be in good judgment to make one swift move.” “We’re always trying to help the taxpayers, though they may not see it,” Howard said pointing to increases in the standard deduction to help the lower and middle classes alongside cuts to personal income tax rates. “I think there’s a conscience, and I’ve tried to be that conscience on the Finance Committee,” Howard reassured. “We come to a meeting of the minds as to what is best for North Carolina.

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North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

north STATEment Neal Robbins, publisher | Drew Elliot, opinion editor | Ray Nothstine, deputy opinion editor EDITORIALS | DREW ELLIOT

Soaking the rich while drowning the rest of us If your goal is to soak the rich, hiking the tax will accomplish that. It will just do so inefficiently and with adverse effects for everyone else.

APRIL IS THE cruelest month — or at least the middle of it, when our income taxes come due. A recent compilation by the American Enterprise Institute of poll results going back to the 1930s shows that while Americans consistently don’t like paying taxes, they also consistently affirm that taxes are necessary, and most are not overly sure that the amount they pay in income tax is unfair. But what the data also shows is that consistent, overwhelming majorities believe that the taxes other people pay are not enough. Especially clear is that Americans think that either 1) federal tax policy benefits the rich, 2) the rich don’t pay enough in taxes, or both. Those sentiments make it unsurprising that Hillary Clinton has proposed a hike in the capital gains tax. When your opponent is advocating a top income tax bracket of 70 percent and the rallygoers are lapping it up, you have to say something. As silly as it is for Clinton to talk about “the rich” as if they are a group to which she doesn’t belong, it’s a tax hike that makes political sense for her. Even though about half of American households own stock these days, many middle-class families own it in retirement accounts. Since most retirement savings grow taxfree, those households don’t see an annual bill for the capital gains tax the way they do for income taxes. So she can sell the capital gains tax hike as a pain-free way to soak the rich. The problem is that raising the capital gains tax provides plenty of pain for almost no gain. Even proponents of raising the capital gains tax don’t pretend that it will help businesses, or workers, or anybody. What they say is that it is a way to make “the wealthy” pay more. And they’re right. The rich will pay a little more, for a little while. An analysis by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation of Obama’s plan to raise the capital gains tax found that “the effect on the economy would not be costless, nor would the impact be solely felt by wealthy taxpayers — all other income groups would see lower after-tax incomes.” Taking a pound of flesh from a fish will harm the whale but kill the mackerel. Taxing something, as any middle-school economics teacher will attest, results in less of it. So taxing capital results in less available (and thus more expensive) capital for businesses to buy equipment, hire workers, or do anything else. That is not an ideological viewpoint; it’s just the simple truth. The current capital gains tax rate in the United States is already higher than almost anywhere else in the developed world. Many countries, including some socialist strongholds, don’t tax capital gains at all. There are other philosophical and practical arguments against a tax on capital gains, such as the double taxation involved and the lack of accounting for inflation when calculating what constitutes a “gain,” but those are fodder for another day. If your goal is to soak the rich, hiking the tax will accomplish that. It will just do so inefficiently and with adverse effects for everyone else. But Clinton’s goal may well be entirely political — merely a campaign promise. The problem with that? Bernie Sanders is also proposing to raise the capital gains tax. If the game is to bring down the rich not matter the cost, it’s going to be mighty hard for Clinton to beat Bernie.

VISUAL VOICES

BE IN TOUCH Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@NSJonline.com or 819 Hargett St. Raleigh, N.C. 27603. Letters must be signed; include the writer’s phone number, city and state; and be no longer than 300 words. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@NSJonline.com.

EDITORIALS | RAY NOTHSTINE

From hunger to obesity back to hunger After all, a healthy lunch is only healthy if it is eaten.

THE FEDERAL school lunch program was launched after World War II because too many draftees had to be nixed because of poor nutrition. For most of its lifespan, the program was designed primarily to fight hunger, but now it aims to stamp out childhood obesity. Health standards are important, but when they are centrally planned from the nation’s capital they often lead to a plethora of unintended consequences. One of the clearest examples might be in the milk that students are drinking at school. North Carolina mirrors and sometimes exceeds the federal nutritional school lunch mandates. Simply put, the state receives much of its nutritional plan and information from Washington, D.C. Low-fat or nonfat milk has been deemed healthiest for students. However, newer studies point to evidence that whole milk may be much healthier, and that it helps to prevent Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Dairy fat may be responsible for a 50 percent reduction in diabetes cases. Additionally, the findings were validated the most in children. “It appears that children who have a higher intake of whole milk or 2 percent milk gain less weight over time,” says Mark Deboer, a pediatrician at the University of Virginia. Children drinking skim or low-fat milk may experience increased hunger, which may cause

them to eat more carbohydrates and calories. The larger point, of course, is that under bloated school lunch and breakfast programs that cost taxpayers more than $15 billion annually, it will have little to no impact on childhood obesity. While many school lunch programs have been expanded to cover the summer months, in part to provide healthier options, government will never be a primary factor for correcting any imbalances in the human condition. After all, a healthy lunch is only healthy if it is eaten. School lunch programs have probably provided some immeasurable positives for children who were hungry and suffered from food insecurity. When I was young, I found it strange and insensitive to tease kids who were on free or reduced meal programs, especially since the recipients on the military bases I grew up on had at least one parent serving their country. Much derision has been hurled at the federal government’s Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, an initiative highlighted under First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign. And possibly for good reason, considering the evidence of increased waste of fruits and vegetables paid for by the taxpayers. One study found that the food being thrown out increased by 56 percent. Half of the students at

the schools qualified for free or reduced lunch. While there has been significant blowback and uneaten lunches, the first lady deserves credit for tackling an important public health crisis. Unfortunately, little progress will be made without the cooperation of parents and clear guidance that are set in the home. Almost all aspects of health and well-being depend on the health of family life. Through its many decades, the school lunch program shows us that despite its best intentions, central planning will never achieve its desired results — inevitably prompting more calls for government intervention. Sin taxes, increased government and regulations are not only ineffective, but they ultimately teach many parents and caretakers that the nutritional health of the child is not their responsibility. Even schools that have banned vending machines and unhealthy snacks for sale are seeing no effect on childhood obesity. When it comes to school lunches, North Carolinians should have more control over the health of students, and programs should be measured by results rather than intentions.

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

GUEST OPINION | ALLISON FONKE

SAMUEL SON

Poetry and cultivating language HAT EXACTLY are we celebrating for National Poetry Month this April? W Are we trying to resuscitate poetry from its

SHUTTERSTOCK

A blind amputee competes in the Marine Corps Marathon on October 27, 2013 in Washington, D.C

Finding the right charity to support Find out where the dollars go by examining the nonprofit’s website and conducting research.

ONPROFITS are under quite a bit of scrutiny these days — especially veteran nonprofits. The recent negative press related to possible mismanagement of funds at Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has brought out skepticism in even the most generous of donors. Despite this, WWP has done an incredible amount of good for wounded veterans. They have transformed thousands of lives, most importantly providing them with hope and opportunity after debilitating wounds. Thankfully, my line of work constantly reminds me of the many people out there who want to see our veterans flourish. The response to the nonprofit that I serve as the vice president of communication for, Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW), is almost always overwhelmingly positive. We are a much smaller organization than WWP, but share many similar goals. Just to give you a scope of how much smaller we are: according to IRS returns for 2014, OEW had a total income of $168,181, while WWP had an income of $342,066,114. There are huge differences in how a company of the magnitude of WWP operates compared to a much smaller and

all-volunteer organization. These are completely different worlds in a way, but givers can educate themselves in a couple of easy ways so they can evaluate all kinds of nonprofits with a few easy tools and questions, regardless of the operation’s size. Charity evaluation websites such as Guidestar, Charity Navigator or Charity Watch are a few good examples of ways to begin evaluating the financial side of a nonprofit organization. These sites publish the IRS 990 tax form used by nonprofit organizations to show what funds were brought in during the year and what those funds were spent on. They also publish both program and financial information as well as provide a place for organizations to demonstrate increased clarity into their inner workings. This is a great way to compare, however, the sites have a drawback. They only provide information on charities that have submitted information to them, and organizations may choose to submit to only a few of the websites. So what does this mean in the grand scheme? Of course, larger organizations have more people and resources to dedicate to this kind of transparency and disclosure. For smaller organizations, the hours spent on submission to

each different site is often time consuming and a constraint of resources. Beyond assessing an organization on the financials, I encourage all donation givers to dig in and get to know the background of the organization. Find out where the dollars go by examining the nonprofit’s website and conducting research. Finding the charity that aligns with the vision of the giver is essential. For instance, Operation Enduring Warrior is about extending opportunity rather than sympathy. To us, this means creating moments where wounded veterans can go out and find the Adaptive Athlete inside. On the other hand, other organizations give tools to veterans such as funds for technology or scholarships. Still great, but it’s important to understand mission distinction. It’s up to the individual where to give, but at least find out what the goal of organization is before you do so. The bottom line is to not let this skepticism hinder a helping spirit. Educated giving is the most empowered and rewarding when it comes to transforming lives. Allison Fonke is vice president of communications for Operation Enduring Warrior in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

COLUMNIST | FRANK HILL

Black male lives matter NE OF THE MORE egregious inequities in the O federal budget is the way African-

The truly only ‘fair way’ to rectify this injustice is to transition to a private investment system for each and every person.

American males are treated by Social Security. How is that you say? Social Security was passed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt to help every older person regardless of race survive in their golden retirement years. Consider this: If you, or an AfricanAmerican, or a Hispanic, or any person who has worked during your lifetime, male or female, die five minutes before they become eligible for Social Security benefits, now at about 66 years of age, you will receive exactly $0 for all of those hard-earned dollars and cents you faithfully paid in payroll taxes every tax period, whether you liked it or not, and whether you even knew it or not. Your surviving spouse will be eligible for benefits after your death. But it will be nowhere near what it could have been had Social Security been set up as a defined contribution program similar to a 401k program or IRA that takes your hard-earned dollars and puts them in a dedicated investment plan with only your name on it, to grow through the miracle of compound interest and dividends over the years of your working career.

So why does this matter if someone is white versus AfricanAmerican or Hispanic or any other ethnicity? The General Accounting Office (GAO) recently published a report, “Shorter Life Expectancy Reduces Projected Lifetime Benefits for Lower Earners,” which sounds obvious except when you delve into the numbers and see that disproportionately high numbers of AfricanAmerican males are affected. Average life expectancy for African-American males in the United States now is about 72 years. White males can expect to live over 79 years. Everyone is living longer nowadays due to better nutrition and advances in medical breakthroughs and technology beyond the wildest dreams of people even 25 years ago. However, when you consider that the eligibility age for Social Security is 66, a fair number of African American males will not live long enough to receive one dollar of any of the Social Security payroll taxes they paid into the system over their lifetimes. The truly only ‘fair way’ to rectify this injustice is to transition to a private investment system for each and every person. Instead of receiving nothing in benefits in the case

of the African-American male mentioned above, had such a system been in place since 1980, even at a low-wage scale, his estate would have had perhaps several hundred thousand dollars in it that could be used to pay off the mortgage, pay for someone’s higher education or generally take care of his surviving spouse in a more comfortable fashion. The current Social Security system can be considered the bare minimum, “The Minimum Wage” version of what a retirement plan could look like. With a new system that uses direct investment vehicles for each and every person, at least when a person dies, his or her family could receive a lumpsum payment far in excess of any amount of Social Security benefits they could have ever received during the working partner’s lifetime. It is one major way millions of lower-income and AfricanAmerican males can help their families and generations to follow better off financially as they build wealth for the future. Black male lives matter just as much as every other working person’s lives matter. We should change Social Security to make it happen. Frank Hill is director at the Institute for Public Trust in Raleigh.

decades of cardiac arrest? Dylan Thomas had groupies shadowing him. Today, poets are lucky if they get two rows of chairs opened. The Academy of American Poets inaugurated this commemoration in 1996 to stir more readings—and purchases—of poetry. Poetry sales spike in April. It drops again in May. But has it revived poetry? Mark Edmundson, who wrote “Poetry Slam: or, The decline of American verse,” in Harpers in 2013, does not seem to think so. The decline of poetry is disconcerting when you consider how universal poetry has been throughout history. Everyone has written at least one poem in their life, not counting school assignments. Not everyone has written a novel or a short story; but everyone has written a line or two to express a thought or emotion. It is as universal as falling in love. Deep emotions make us reach for poetry because careless words will not do. This is its universality. A week ago my family ascended hanging rocks of North Carolina. On hearing the gustier wind on the summit, my 8-yearold girl blurted, “the wind is the sea of the mountains!” That is a great first line of a poem. Why is poetry desperate for a defibrillator when poetry is on the tip of everyone’s tongue? Modern poets have to own up some, writing only to impress other poets with heavy jargon. But there are other reasons that are more pernicious. We associate poetry with emotionalism of our teen years. After you fall out of love, you rip up your bromide couplet and start writing seriously. Poetry does not always help you face the harsh reality of the adult world. This dismissal goes way back to Plato. In “The Republic,” Plato counsels expelling the poets from the city since poets use their way with words to sway people to lies. The king should be a philosopher, one who seeks and expresses unadorned reality.

Deep emotions make us reach for poetry because careless words will not do. This is its universality.

Poetry is for kids, not for politicians. I disagree, and in this election cycle we would be better off if more politicians were poets. For poets, the good ones at least, respect words and do not see them as mere tools to manipulate the masses. “The love of language is the love of truth,” says Garrison Keillor, a poet and a podcaster who reads a poem a day for the mother changing a diaper and the CEO before a meeting on a merger. Those who honor words dare not misuse them. So, Keillor continues, what makes “all good poems matter, is that they offer a truer account than what we’re used to getting.” With politicians abusing words to force it to say what they want to say, we need more poetry. And I do not mean sitting through a reading of a published poet, or memorizing a classic, although they will sharpen our ears to how words work or manipulate. But I mean taking up writing poems again, reading them to our friends, hearing them, then challenging the false clichés and rhetoric that sneak into our words. Certainly we will not all write poems our progenitors will recite, but we do not pick up a guitar to be Bruce Springsteen. A few decently played chords gather us around a campfire with songs, forming a bond and a memory. Poetry gives us a chance to share our deep emotions and empathize with others. At the least, poetry reading is a welcome respite from all the rhetoric of blame and false promises, the politicizing of our language, all leading to more incivility in our conversations. William Stafford says in his poem, “A Ritual To Read To Each Other,” “If you don’t know the kind of person I am / And I don’t know the kind of person you are / A pattern that others made may prevail in the world / And following the wrong god home we may miss our star.” This month, host a poetry reading in your living room. There is nothing more democratic. Samuel Son is a teaching pastor at New Life Triangle church in Raleigh and a leader in Micah Groups, a leadership formation ministry focused on justice, a part of the Lloyd Ogilvie Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary.

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

NEWS IN IMAGES

NATION& WORLD

YANNIS BEHRAKIS | REUTERS

Greek actress Katerina Lehou, playing the role of High Priestess, lights a torch from the sun’s rays reflected in a parabolic mirror during the dress rehearsal for the Olympic flame lighting ceremony for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the site of ancient Olympia in Greece.

MIKE BLAKE | REUTERS

Prince performs during the halftime show of the NFL’s Super Bowl XLI football game between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts in Miami, Florida, February 4, 2007. Prince has died at the age of 57, according to news reports.

JOHN STILLWELL | REUTERS

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth walks through Windsor on her 90th Birthday, in Windsor, Britain April 21.

Supreme Court hears arguments on DACA, DAPA immigration case By Liz Moomey North State Journal WASHINGTON, D.C — The Supreme Court began hearing arguments Monday in the case of United States vs. Texas, which challenges President Barack Obama’s executive order to suspend deportation of certain immigrant children and parents who are in the country illegally. Across the country, Latinos and activists protested the lawsuit Monday, including outside of the executive mansion in downtown Raleigh. In 2012, Obama and his administration created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program, which defers deportation for people who entered the country illegally, entered before age 16, or were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012. In 2014, through an executive action, he initiated Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, which created a deferred-deportation and work-authorization policy for immigrants who have been living in the U.S. since 2010 illegally whose children are U.S. citizens or are lawful permanent residents. Will Saenz, the communications coordinator at Raleigh’s El Pueblo, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the Latino community and promoting cross-cultural understanding, said the executive order doesn’t mean a path to citizenship for individuals who entered the country illegally. “With regards to what the president did with this executive action, it’s not the end all be all,” Saenz said. “For us, it is a positive step to improving the situation.” In the same year, Texas sued the Obama administration, and 25 states, including North Carolina, signed on to the lawsuit. In 2015, Gov. Pat McCrory signed House Bill 318 which prohibited any county from obtaining information about the citizenship or immigration status of any individual. In an interview on Fox News, Gov. McCrory explained, “If we are going to deal with ISIS, if we are going to deal with terrorism, if we are going to deal with illegal immigration, we all got to be working out of the same handbook, and at this point and time we’re not.” Iliana Santillan, of Raleigh who is the El Pueblo, Inc. community organizer, was one of the people protesting the lawsuit and also H.B. 318. “Today there were millions of people outside of the Supreme Court and all over the nation, so it is a matter of continue to put pressure, continuing to send

PROTEST from page A1 horns and blasting them that way, we’re doing the exact same thing. To me we’re matching a very stupid signal with another very stupid, nonsensical symbol.” Unsurprisingly, the Currins are motivated by House Bill 2, a bill passed by the General Assembly and signed March 23 by McCrory that has set off concert cancellations and big business threats to North Carolina because of claims the bill discriminates against the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender community. “I would say this is our fun project, which doesn’t involve a ton of organization,” Tina Haven Currin said of the Air Horn Orchestra. “A lot of the people who are here have been instrumental in helping organize things.” “Humor is definitely a part of it,” Grayson Haver Currin added. “I think it’s almost changing the conversation that is really important to us.” What is a bit surprising is Grayson Haver Currin, who is a longtime music writer, is also the current managing editor of Indy Week, the Triangle’s weekly alternative publication. His involvement in the anti-H.B. 2 strategy does raise the question of whether or not having the managing editor of a local publication organizing protests presents a conflict of interest. “If I probably worked at North State Journal or if I worked at News & Observer, there would probably be a pretty active conversation; I’d probably lose my job,” he said. “The Independent has never been shy about its mission. ... One of the core tenants, a huge piece of the mission statement, is social jus-

the right message — we contribute to the economy, we contribute to the society,” Santillan said. Jorge Ramos, an 18-year-old immigrant of Raleigh, said he supported DACA, because it provided him the opportunity to go to college. “The reason we are out here today is due to this lawsuit that these states formed against DACA and DAPA, which is very disheartening and disappointing,” Ramos said. “The most infuriating thing is that people are so against it, but it not even a pathway to citizenship or residency. It would not give anyone any other extra rights other than not being at risk of being deported from their family.” The ruling is expected to come out at the end of June, which may be split 4-4 due to the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Santillan explained she is also concerned about the timing of the decision, since President Obama’s term is ending in January, and the next president may not agree with DACA and DAPA. “We are hopeful that if the Supreme Court rules in favor, the process will be fast and smooth, and families will be able to at least apply for it, and whoever is the next president will uphold DACA and DAPA and maybe put some improvements here and there, so that people have an opportunity to not just be deferred from deportation for a couple of years,” Santillan said. “But we want a path to citizenship.”

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Miguel Rodriguez, 7, of Raleigh, holds a sign during a gathering of immigration activists to bring attention to the Supreme Court hearings about DACA and DAPA outside the Governor’s Mansion in Raleigh.

tice.” Indy Week is owned by Mark Zusman and Richard Meeker. The pair bought the publication, then called The Independent, in 2012. Meeker does have Triangle connections: he is the brother of former Raleigh mayor Charles Meeker. Indy Week’s Editorial Code of Ethics, which is posted on the publication’s website, states: “Indy editorial employees and freelancer (sic) should always avoid any conflict of interest, perceived or real.” Grayson Haver Currin sees no conflict between his work for Indy Week and his activism. “Yeah, that piece of the code of ethics — I don’t think really applies to this,” he said. “There’s no conflict, actually. Everyone I work with knows this is part of what I do, and they are supportive.” In a statement, Indy Week publisher Susan Harper backed Grayson Haver Currin and the publication’s status as a left-leaning voice. “The INDY has been an unabashed champion of progressive causes, seeking to effect change through journalism that, while striving to be fair, makes no pretense at objectivity,” she said in a statement. “We do this openly and transparently. To that end, we permit and encourage our employees to become activists when their consciences so dictate. Seeing as how House Bill 2 is both morally indefensible and demonstrably destructive to the state’s economy, Grayson’s activism… aligns perfectly with this newspaper’s mission and does not, in our view, run afoul of our ethics guidelines or present a conflict of interest.” Grayson Haver Currin said he plans to

ANDY RAIN | REUTERS

Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron (R) and US President Barack Obama (L) attend a press conference at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in central London on April, 22, 2016.

Obama calls for H.B. 2 overturn during London visit By Donna King North State Journal LONDON — President Obama weighed in on North Carolina’s H.B. 2 bathroom bill in London on Friday during the first of his three day visit to the U.K. “The people of North Carolina and Mississippi are wonderful people, they are hospitable people. ... And you are wrong, you should come and enjoy yourselves,” Obama said at a news conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron when asked about a travel warning issued by the British Foreign Office to LGBT travelers. “I also think that the laws that are passed there are wrong and should be overturned,” Obama said. Obama also reminded people that the United States allows states to make their own laws.

carry on, hoping to get “a thousand people” to come to the Air Horn Orchestra soon while also working to keep musical acts and performers coming to North Carolina through another venture, North Carolina Needs You. The organization is focused on keeping musical acts from canceling their shows in protest to H.B. 2. The couple asks bands to come to North Carolina and donate profits to organizations sympathetic to the group’s cause, in addition to speaking out against the law. “My preference would be for everyone to come,” Grayson Haver Currin said. “That’s for a few reasons. I think we can raise money and awareness if people actually come. And I think cultural events are a good place to have conversations about how we feel about certain ideas, certain events, and sort of confront feelings.” The Currins did support Bruce Springsteen’s decision to cancel his show in Greensboro, but feel, for the most part, acts are better served coming to the state rather than boycotting. “When Tina and I first started this, we said the three people whose boycotts would be incredibly effective were Bruce, [U2 singer] Bono and Beyoncé,” Grayson Haver Currin said. “Bruce canceled, Bono doesn’t have any plans [in North Carolina], and Beyoncé ... we’ll find out.” Beyoncé is scheduled to play Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh May 3 and the Currins have reached out to her representatives to gauge the pop star’s plans in light of H.B. 2. “We want to influence her to come to her show and to donate some proceeds and to make a statement, make a stand,” he said.

“We believe that we should be trying to use law to end discrimination,” said British Prime Minister David Cameron at the joint news conference with Obama. The comments follow a travel advisory issued by the British Foreign Office that warns members of the LGBT to be aware of the laws when traveling to the United States. The online advisory linked to the Human Rights Campaign website.

“Not every father has the luxury of secret service agents protecting his daughters’ right to privacy in the girls’ bathroom.” — N.C. Senate Leader Berger

(R- Rockingham)

“But also if she cancels and makes a very effective statement, I think that that does have an impact.” The Currins spent time with both Mumford & Sons and Duran Duran during each group’s recent visit to North Carolina, and both bands made statements at their respective Charlotte shows regarding their decision to play in opposition of H.B. 2. Mumford & Sons donated the proceeds from their show to a local LGBT charity. “I think that music still has that power. I think that all culture still has that power. I think music is really accessible form of that,” Grayson Haver Currin said. “So that excites me; that we might be able to keep some of these shows here that do end up changing someone’s life. ... I think that it’s a nonconfrontational thing that people can take something away from, and to give people that opportunity is, to me, very powerful.”

EAMON QUEENY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Kim Andersen, of Raleigh, plays a trumpet during an air horn protest against House Bill 2 at the governor's mansion in Raleigh.

the Sunday SIDELINE REPORT

WAKE FOREST FOOTBALL

1. Panthers rescinded $14M franchise tag on cornerback Josh Norman. 2. Philadelphia Eagles traded up for the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft, giving the Browns five picks to move up. 3. North Carolina forwards Kennedy Meeks and Justin Jackson will enter the 2016 NBA Draft but not hire agents, keeping the door open for their return. 4. Duke forward Amile Jefferson granted extra year of eligibility after missing all but nine games in 2015-16. 5. UT-Martin head coach Heath Schoyer accepted a position as an assistant coach on Mark Gottfried’s staff at NC State.

@ochocinco: Browns fans are you excited yet or still don’t understand what Hue is getting ready to do? @HammelTime39: So if my math is correct we should expect another #NoNo from @JArrieta34 middle of June right? @Cubs #consistent #domination #ChasingNolan

MARK DOLEJS | USA TODAY SPORTS

Wake Forest linebacker Brandon Chubb (48) tackles Duke Blue Devils quarterback Thomas Sirk (1) at Wallace Wade Stadium.

SPORTS CAROLINA PANTHERS

By R. Cory Smith North State Journal ALEIGH, N.C. — Brandon Chubb got to experience something few football players do on Saturday, visiting R Carter-Finley Stadium and watching his brother play in

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

North Carolina names Trubisky starting QB North Carolina coach Larry Fedora named Mitch Trubisky the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels’ season opener against Georgia on Sept. 3. “I thought Mitch did a good job this spring and didn’t just assume he was going to be the starter. He worked extremely hard and earned it,” Fedora said of the Ohio native.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

NC State beefs up future schedule NC State announced three new home-and-home series for the future schedule. The Wolfpack will play Texas Tech (2022 in Raleigh, 2027 in Lubbock) and Vanderbilt (2026 in Nashville, 2028 in Raleigh) in an effort to add Power Five foes to the future schedule. NC State also announced a series with UConn for 2022-23.

NHL

KYLE TERADA | USA TODAY SPORTS

Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) reacts on the bench after the game against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. The Broncos won 24-10.

Here’s why the Panthers dumped Josh Norman By Shawn Krest North State Journal

The Carolina Hurricanes re-signed forward Joakim Nordstrom to a two-year deal that will pay him $1.25 million next season and $1.3 million in 2017-18. Nordstrom, 24, recorded career-highs in goals (10), assists (14) and games played (71) for the Hurricanes in 2015-16.

he Panthers surprised everyone when GM Dave Gettleman rescinded the franchise tag on cornerback Josh Norman, making the top player in the Carolina secondary an unrestricted free agent. Teams quickly lined up to woo Norman. He was in Washington on Friday, and a half dozen other teams were trying to bring him to town for wining and dining. Here’s a quick rundown of the “why’s” and “what next’s” for the Panthers:

NASCAR

Rent-a-player

Hurricanes re-sign Nordstrom

Tony Stewart fined upon return to action NASCAR fined Tony Stewart $35,000 for criticizing the rule on lug nuts on the same day the controversial driver and co-owner announced his plans to return for the Richmond race after an eight-week absence for a back injury.

Wake’s Chubb channels chip to chase NFL dream

The franchise tag would have kept Norman a Panther for 2016 at a salary of about $14 million. The tag gives a team time to negotiate a long-term contract with a player. If negotiations don’t work out, it basically postpones unrestricted free agency by a year. “After a number of conversations with Josh’s agent, we realized that a long-term deal was not attainable,” Gettleman said in a statement from the team on Wednesday.

Gettleman also appeared to be worried about the impact of a lame-duck Norman—fiery and outspoken on a good day—in the locker room. Team chemistry was a strength this season, and a loud and unhappy Norman was a bad apple the GM didn’t want. “We want people who are all in,” Gettleman said in a Thursday press conference. “When we decided to place the franchise tag on Josh, we were fine with him signing it and then working out a long-term deal. As we got deeper in conversations, we realized there was a significant difference in our thoughts and theirs. The intervening weeks gave us additional time to evaluate where we are going as a franchise. With the realization that a deal was not going to get done, our internal conversations kept leading us to the fact that the one-year deal was becoming less and less attractive.” Pay the hog mollies Un-tagging Norman gave the Panthers an additional $14 million in salary cap space for this See PANTHERS, page B6

the NC State spring game. But now the former Wake Forest linebacker has his eyes on a bigger prize. Brandon spent the last four months preparing for the 2016 NFL Draft, and the selection process finally begins on Thursday. HowevI know I’m a er, Chubb knows his name might not be third-day guy. called until well after the first round. “Look, I know I’m a third-day guy,” But I’m making Chubb said with a smile. “But I’m making sure I keep myself physically and sure I keep mentally prepared to step up when I myself physically get the chance. There’s so much more and mentally to football than how fast you can run or how high you can jump, and I’m ready in prepared to step every aspect for the NFL.” up when I get the It’s an honest and accurate assess- chance. ment of Chubb’s NFL Draft stock. He’s currently projected as a seventh-rounder Brandon Chubb by CBS Sports and NFL Draft Scout and he was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Chubb is being overlooked by the NFL, but he isn’t alone. Over the last three seasons, only one Wake Forest player has been selected in each draft. Prior to Kevin Johnson going in the first round last year, Michael Campanaro and Tommy Bohanon were selected in the seventh round. While the NFL draft selections out of Winston-Salem have been limited, all three are still on rosters. Simply getting that opportunity to be on an NFL roster is all Chubb wants this offseason. “Everybody wants that spot you’re going for,” Chubb explained. “But I’m used to being the underdog with a chip on my shoulder. I was when I was in high school and in college. See CHUBB, page B6

INSIDE

RED ROCKET PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

With the retirement of the Dos Equis spokesman, North Carolina Central pitcher Andrew Vernon is set to take his place as the most interesting man in the world. Maybe that’s a stretch, but the big-bodied flamethrower from Raleigh is making a move for the MLB Draft and his story includes a tale of belly dancing and catching a foul ball to the face. Read it all on B6.

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

NS J beyond the box score

04.24.16

POTENT QUOTABLES

Tiger Woods: Woods, inactive for the 2016 Masters, took full golf swings on the driving range during a junior event in South Carolina, generating buzz about his potential return to action. David Cutcliffe: The Duke coach will be honored and throw out the first pitch in Yankee Stadium on May 13. Kemba Walker: The Hornets’ star guard finished second in the voting for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award behind C.J. McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers. Sam Bradford: The Eagles quarterback reportedly is looking to leave Philadelphia. According to Bleacher Report, Bradford is looking elsewhere for “a team that is going to be invested in him long-term.” Tom Thibodeau: After a one-year hiatus, Thibodeau returned to the sideline as president and head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 2011 NBA Coach of the Year was fired by the Chicago Bulls in 2015 after leading the team to the playoffs five times in five years.

While addressing a group at the Associated Press Sports Editors’ commissioner meetings, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said “a

NFL Draft: The 2016 NFL Draft begins Thursday night in Chicago. Chyna: Joan Laurer, known professionally as the WWE star Chyna, died this week at the age of 45.

ADAM SILVER CLARIFIES H.B. 2 STANCE

change in the law is necessary” for the NBA to hold “a celebratory” event like the 2017 All Star Game in North Carolina. BOB DONNAN | USA TODAY SPORTS

“With the realization that a deal was not going to get done, our internal conversations kept leading us to the fact that the one-year deal was becoming less and less attractive.” Panthers GM Dave Gettleman on the decision to rescind Josh Norman’s franchise tag

BOB DONNAN | USA TODAY SPORTS

JAKE ARRIETA NO-HITTER

STARS ON THE DIAMOND

DUKE HOOPS

115

The number of games played by Amile Jefferson during his Duke career (with 68 starts). HOME RUN DERBY

15-3 ECU blasted NC State 15-3 on Tuesday in Greenville. Turner Brown, Bryce Harman and Zach Mozingo each hit home runs in the meeting of in-state rivals and nationally ranked foes. The Pirates and the Wolfpack will tangle again Monday night in Raleigh.

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL DAVID KOHL | USA TODAY SPORTS

Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta recorded the first nohitter of the 2016 season in a 16-0 win against the Cincinnati Reds. Arrieta threw 119 pitches and six strikeouts in what was the second no-hitter of his career.

UNC pitcher J.B. Bukauskas, Wake Forest infielder Will Craig, UNCW catcher Nick Feight (above), and ECU pitcher Evan Kruczynski made the midseason watchlist for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the nation’s top amateur.

PIRATES POUNCE ON PACK East Carolina baseball players celebrate after scoring a run against NC State in a 15-3 win at Clark-LeClair Stadium in Greenville, N.C., on Tuesday.

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

CAROLINA MUDCATS

Above: Shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) sits in the dugout before the Mudcats’ game against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on April 15 in Zebulon.

PHOTOS BY MADELINE GRAY | THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Below: Mudcats shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) jumps over Myrtle Beach Pelicans shortstop Gleyber Torres (11) during the game on April 15 in Zebulon.

Dansby Swanson finds new home with Mudcats in Braves system By R. Cory Smith North State Journal

to play the position. All I can control is how I approach everything and my training. Every day I’m trying to prove myself and show that I deserve that role.

EBULON, N.C. — Dansby Swanson has yet to play a full Z professional baseball season,

but has already been traded to a new organization. Months after being taken No. 1 overall by the Diamondbacks in the 2015 MLB draft, the Marietta, Ga., native was dealt to his hometown team in Atlanta. Currently working his way through the system, Swanson landed in Zebulon with the Carolina Mudcats where he spoke to the North State Journal about life as a top prospect.

What was the first purchase you made when you got that $6.5 million bonus on your rookie contract? Well, my first purchase was dinner at some really nice place in Arizona. Like, it was really nice. (Laughs) I don’t remember the name of it, though. My first substantial purchase, though, was a truck. A Ford Platinum. You haven’t always had the long locks. What made you start growing out the hair?

North State Journal: Growing up as a Braves fan in Marietta, Ga., how great of an opportunity is it to be home?

Oh, god. (Laughs) So, my sophomore year I was rooming with Jared Miller, Adam Ravanelle and Carson Fulmer. They all had really long hair and they all kept telling me to grow it out. They said, “If you’re going to be in this room, you should grow out your hair.” It was just funny then, but it’s become a part of who I am now.

Dansby Swanson: Being home is a good thing, but there are ups and downs about it. People don’t always see the negatives of it. From a playing standpoint, though, it’s a great opportunity. Whenever I’m able to wear that “Braves” across your chest, it’s a pretty unique feeling. I can’t wait for that moment. Which player did you grow up idolizing? Honestly, the player I grew up on was Nomar Garciaparra. I had this video called “Superstar Shortstops” I’d watch when I was young and he stood out to me. I wanted to be like him. There was just something about how he played that made me want to be a shortstop. What was the process like coming back from being hit in the face by a baseball before your pro career ever started? Well, I got hit and I don’t remember much after it. I remember standing in the box with blood streaming down my face after being knocked out. I figured, “Oh, that’s not good.” But I’m just a stubborn prick, I guess, and told everyone to get me out of here. They kept telling me to lay down and I said, “No, seriously. I’m leaving.” The worst part wasn’t being hit in the face. The concussion was awful. What did you learn from being a multisport athlete (Swanson also played basketball in high school)? OK, this is going to be my moment to preach to all

Dansby Swanson the young kids. (Laughs) So everybody thinks that if you specialize in a sport, you’re going to be so much better at it. That’s completely not true. Not in the least bit. Being able to compete in two different environments helped shape me. I went to an all-black high school and learned so much about diversity and adversity. I was able to see different sides of the community because I played basketball. I know that I wouldn’t be who I am and where I’m at today because of basketball. John Manuel of Baseball America called you “the best prospect for the Mudcats since Miguel Cabrera.” How big of an honor is that, and what is it like to play with that type of pressure? Thanks, John. Really appreciate that. (Laughs) But seriously, that’s a tremendous honor. I don’t feel like I’m anywhere near Miguel Cabrera because of what he’s achieved. I mean, the man won the Triple Crown. That’s something that probably won’t be done again for a long time. He’s one of the best hitters of

Age: 22 Hometown: Kennesaw, Ga. College: Vanderbilt Draft Position: 1st overall (2015) Original Team: Diamondbacks Favorite Player: Nomar Garciaparra Favorite Sport: Basketball Twitter: @LieutenantDans7

our generation, so that’s a huge honor. Pressure? No, I think pressure to me is a self-created thing because you have doubt about your abilities. That pressure’s not there because I have confidence in myself and my teammates have confidence in me. How much talk was there in the offseason about a position change with Ozzie Albies [Braves’ No. 3 prospect] also battling for Atlanta’s starting shortstop position? There wasn’t really that much talk about it. Look, we’re both shortstops and we both want

So what’s the secret to it? People always think I do special stuff to my hair. I literally wake up, take a shower and put a hat on. That’s my life, man. I will not wash it with just Head & Shoulders or something like that. I can’t do that weak stuff. What was the biggest shock to the system being in the minors? I guess the biggest difference is that in college, every time we hit the field we expected to win. I went to a pretty successful college and we won a lot. Not that we don’t want to win here, but it’s obviously more about development at this level. You really have to get used to that. What are your overall expectations this season and moving forward? Honestly, just to be the best player I can be. I know it’s overused, but I take everything one day at a time and one moment at a time. Right now this interview is the most important thing to me. Then after that I prepare for the game, eat dinner and play baseball. That’s how I’ve learned to approach life. It seems to be working.

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

NFL DRAFT PREVIEW

5 possible picks for Panthers in first round By Tyler Everett | For the North State Journal PHOTOS FROM USA TODAY SPORTS

arolina Panthers General Manager Dave Gettleman now C has three drafts under his belt in Charlotte and one thing is clear: he’s willing to go against the grain with his first-round selections. Gettleman went back-to-back with defensive tackles in his first year, taking Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short with first- and second-round picks in 2013. Those moves paid dividends down the road, but at the time choosing a pair of

Kevin Dodd

Emmanuel Ogbah

Clemson, DE

Oklahoma State, DE

Dodd being available at 30 is a stretch but not impossible. And if he’s there, he would make for a strong addition. Last year was his only season of extensive playing time with the Tigers, but Dodd made the most of it, recording 23.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. That limited experience is one of the first things pointed out by both his skeptics and his biggest supporters. Those who question Dodd do so due partly to the lack of tape they’ve seen of him. If he needs time to grow into an everydown lineman in the NFL, Carolina has enough players at defensive end that it can be patient while he develops. What Dodd accomplished on the field in 2015, especially against Alabama in the national title game, showed he already can be a playmaking force. Dodd was dominant in his team’s biggest game of the season, recording 5 TFLs, including three sacks. At 6-foot-5, 277 pounds, he possesses the frame to hold up as an NFL defensive end. Thirtieth overall would be a steal after his breakout season.

Unlike Dodd, Ogbah provided plenty of tape for scouts to pore over during his time with the Cowboys. The 6-foot4, 273-pounder won Big 12 defensive lineman of the year as a sophomore in 2014 and was named the AP’s Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year as a junior. With 28 sacks in his career, Ogbah showed a consistent ability to get to the quarterback. His stock only improved following his performance at the NFL Combine. After his 4.63-second 40 time and vertical leap of 35.5 inches, there’s no questioning Ogbah’s athleticism. Players with that combination of on-field production and athletic ability are rarely available where the Panthers are picking in the draft. Ogbah is another enticing — and much more realistic — option if Carolina wants to add a pass rusher. In a draft with few true edge rushers, Ogbah could see his stock rise on draft day. He’ll be a popular target late in the first round, if available.

defensive tackles left many people scratching their heads. The Panthers’ last two first-round picks — wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and linebacker Shaq Thompson — prove few possibilities should be ruled out when it comes to their top selection. Here are five possible fits for Carolina to take with the 30th overall pick in the draft.

Mackensie Alexander

Derrick Henry

West Virginia, S

Clemson, CB

Alabama, RB

Joseph’s strong play for the Mountaineers through his first three seasons made him one of the country’s top DBs entering his senior season, but a torn ACL sidelined him after four games in 2015. Despite missing most of last year, Joseph’s resume includes a number of stats that jump off the page, including five interceptions prior to his season-ending injury in the fall. He tallied 92 tackles in 2014, and before that, he started every game as both a freshman and sophomore. Joseph’s tape is even more impressive than his numbers, and it shows that he plays much bigger than his listed height of 5-foot-10. He has tremendous speed and is a vicious hitter who plays the position the way imposing tacklers like John Lynch and Brian Dawkins did several years ago. It’s easy to picture him flying around and making plays behind Carolina’s stout front seven. The biggest question mark with Joseph is his health, but despite those concerns, he’s considered one of the top pure safeties in the draft.

The Panthers are much thinner at cornerback after letting Josh Norman go. Bene Benwikere and free-agent signing Brandon Boykin, who is expected to be the team’s nickelback, now top the depth chart. But with little proven depth behind those players it would make sense for the Panthers to add another athlete in the secondary. Though Alexander stands just 5-foot-10 and did not intercept a pass in his two seasons in Clemson, he is an elite prospect for a couple reasons. His lack of interceptions had a lot to do with quarterbacks often avoiding his side of the field. His confidence is well-documented, and he received a lot of attention for his comments at the combine, when he called himself the best cornerback in the draft. Carolina’s secondary has featured plenty of trash-talkers in the past, and adding another brash young talent to Thieves Avenue would probably mesh with the attitude the secondary already created.

Henry was a force of nature for the Crimson Tide, but his unique size and style make it unclear whether he will be a first rounder. Many teams are wary of taking the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner because of the workload he shouldered last season. The flip side of that is how durable Henry appeared for Nick Saban’s championship squad, as he did a lot of his best work late in games. Few teams in the NFL place more of an emphasis on physicality at every position than the Panthers, and few runners in recent memory have shown Henry’s power at the college level. While this might not be the most likely choice, it’s certainly a wild-card possibility. The presence of Jonathan Stew art, who was solid last year, will be highlighted by many as a reason why this is unlikely. Gettleman, however, has already shown a willingness to use a high pick at a position where the cupboard is far from bare.

Karl Joseph

5 possible picks for Redskins in first round By Sean Labar | North State Journal PHOTOS FROM USA TODAY SPORTS

n today’s NFL landscape, good teams are built through the IDemarcus draft. You can win through free agency (see: Peyton Manning, Ware and the Broncos). But consistently successful teams nail multiple picks on an annual basis. The Washington Redskins haven’t done that often, but hope things change as general manager Scot McCloughan continues to put his stamp on this roster. In his second year, McCloughan is still looking to develop toughness onto this roster and is slowly setting the infrastructure for the biggest and best skyscraper in the nation’s capital.

“I preach and preach and preach and I’ll never change: you build through the draft,” McCloughan said to Redskins.com recently. “You identify your own — who can play, but not just from a talent standpoint, but from a personality standpoint, character standpoint, a passion standpoint, a competitive standpoint where you know, ‘This guy fits what we’re looking for. We can build on these guys.’ And they teach younger guys how to do it.” Washington owns the 21st overall pick in next week’s NFL Draft. Here are five possible players McCloughan could target:

A’Shawn Robinson

Robert Nkemdiche

Eli Apple

Laquan Treadwell

Derrick Henry

Alabama, DT

Ole Miss, DT

Ohio State, CB

Ole Miss, WR

Alabama, RB

Skins defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s group is in desperate need of a dominating presence along the front seven. Ryan Kerrigan paired with a healthy Junior Galette on the outside could be a dangerous duo, but Washington needs to be able to generate pressure from the middle and have a guy doubling down as a run stuffer. At 6- 4, 307 lbs, Robinson has the size and physical skill set to make an immediate impact as a starter in the NFL. As one of the leaders for Alabama’s top-rated defense in 2016, he racked up 46 tackles, 7.5 for a loss and 3.5 sacks. McCloughan doesn’t always chase the big name, but instead searches for “good football players.” There’s no question Robinson fits that description.

There’s no question Nkemdiche has the tools to thrive at the next level. He is a freakish athletic specimen, but carries plenty of baggage. A lackluster outing last season in which the former Ole Miss standout only recorded 2.5 sacks and a marijuana charge right before his squad’s bowl game have raised plenty of red flags. McCloughan likes high-character players, but has also shown he’s not scared to bring in a guy that has a shady past (Galette was signed last offseason in the midst of an assault allegation right after being released by the Saints for alleged locker room issues.) This is a risky play by Washington if they go this route.

Washington finished the 2015-16 campaign 25th against the pass, giving up 258 yards through the air per game. Baushaud Breeland has cemented himself as a quality corner, but the supporting cast is subpar. Chris Culliver hasn’t been able to stay healthy as a reliable second corner, while Will Blackmon is more of a role player that can be plugged in specialty packages. Washington has been linked as a major player in the recent Josh Norman sweepstakes. If they land Norman, there’s no chance they take a corner in the first round. If not, Apple is a likely choice. The redshirt sophomore was a two-year starter in Columbus, playing a huge part in Ohio State finishing No. 6 nationally in pass efficiency defense last season.

Washington has a decent corps right now. Pierre Garcon, Desean Jackson and second-year speedster Jamison Crowder are reliable weapons for Kirk Cousins. But both Garcon and Jackson are playing in their final year of their respective contracts, and Washington has yearned for a big-bodied redzone receiving threat. Treadwell is that dude. It wouldn’t be farfetched to bring him in under a rookie contract, and part ways with Garcon or Jackson in 2017 to clear cap space. In addition to leading the SEC in receiving yards (1,153) and receiving touchdowns (11), Treadwell is one of the best run blockers in the country at his position. He’s the total package at wide receiver if the Redskins want to shake things up at wide receiver.

Monday morning quarterbacks love to harp on the idea that the running back has lost a ton of value in today’s NFL, but that’s not always true. Skins head coach Jay Gruden needs a reliable option in the backfield to take the load of Cousins as he plays under the franchise tag. Henry is a rare talent, a workhorse back at Alabama and a Heisman Trophy winner. McCloughan loves these kinds of bruisers, regardless of the position. Remember, he took a guard with the 5th overall pick a season ago. As of now, Washington is counting on second-year RB Matt Jones, who was inconsistent last year. Henry could be a sleeper pick for the Skins.

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

NFL DRAFT PREVIEW

Top NFL Draft prospects from North Carolina schools By Brian Geisinger and R. Cory Smith | North State Journal *All rankings courtesy of CBS Sports NFL prospect rankings unless otherwise noted. PHOTOS FROM USA TODAY SPORTS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Ronald Blair Appalachian State, DE

Projected Round: 6-7 Height: 6’2 Weight: 284

Ugonna Awuruonye DE, Campbell

Projected Round: 6-7 Height: 6’4 Weight: 252

The Sun Belt Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year might not tbe slotted at the top of the draft, but he certainly made a statement in 2015. Ronald Blair made his way onto the national scene after an eight-tackle, two-sack performance against the ACC champion Clemson Tigers. Blair recorded 71 tackles and 7.5 during his final campaign up in Boone. At the NFL Combine, the App State prospect threw up 32 reps of 225 pounds, which was tied for second most. What the experts say: “Unique ability to rush the passer and play the run. Was not a highly recruited player but showed up well against very good competition. Has a ton of ability. Ideal size and ability for the position.” — Bryan Broaddus, DallasCowboys.com

Campbell fell one win short of its first winning season under coach Mike Minter, but that may just be the start of things for Ugonna Awuruonye, who could become the first Camels player drafted in the history of the program. Awuruonye, an all-state prep player at First Assembly Christian in Charlotte, led the Camels in 2015 with 6.5 sacks. What the experts say: “While Awuruonye can land a heavy blow and has decent strength to handle his responsibilities as a runstopper, his lack of athleticism makes him too much of a small area defender.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com PHOTO: BENNETT SCARBOROUGH VIA CAMPBELL

Jeremy Cash Duke, S

Projected Round: 2 Height: 6’0 Weight: 212

Bryce Williams East Carolina, TE

Projected Round: 3-4 Height: 6’6 Weight: 257

Jacoby Brissett North Carolina State, QB

Projected Round: 7-FA Height: 6’4 Weight: 231

Landon Turner North Carolina, G

Projected Round: 2-3 Height: 6’4 Weight: 330

Brandon Chubb Wake Forest, LB

Projected Round: 7-FA Height: 6’0 Weight: 235

Ryan Smith North Carolina Central, CB/KR

Projected Round: 5-7 Height: 5’11 Weight: 189

Cash is currently ranked as the top strong safety by CBS Sports, coming off an outstanding senior season in Durham. He recorded 100 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year. With Cash projected to go in the second round, that would mark the fifth Duke player drafted in the last four years. What the experts say: “I like Cash a lot. He’s one of those guys where the ball finds him, and I see him more in the box, and whether you call him a safety, which he’s a strong safety that tackles well, he can line up with some tight ends. If he fits what today’s NFL is, he’s a — he’s almost the exact height and weight of Deone Bucannon, who’s done such a great job as a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals, and more and more teams are looking for safeties with size and tackling ability that can play three downs.” — Mike Mayock, NFL Network Draft analyst

The Winston-Salem native was one of the bright spots during an offensively-challenged season down in Greenville. He racked up 558 yards receiving and four touchdowns in 2015, but his blocking ability really stood out. Williams bulked up during his time at East Carolina, which helped him improve his stock and perform well at the combine, where he racked up 19 reps of 225 and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.94 seconds. He has the measuables to become a starting NFL tight end. What the experts say: “There’s no doubt he catches the ball well. He’s detached or flexed almost all the time. I had a real problem trying to figure out if he’ll block anybody because they rarely ask him to, so that’s a question I have about him. But he’s more like a lot of the tight ends today. He’s probably going to go somewhere in the fourth, fifth, sixth rounds, and teams are going to look for him to catch the football.” — Mike Mayock, NFL Network Draft analyst

2015 was a year to forget for Jacoby Brissett and NC State football, but the transfer from Florida still finds himself on draft boards. The team regressed, but Brissett completed more passes (237), had a higher completion percentage (60.0) and more passing yards (2,662) than 2014. The senior signal-caller struggled running the ball in 2015: his yards per carry dropped to a measly 2.7 (in 2014 he averaged 4.3 yards per carry). Brissett participated in the draft combine and the Reese’s Senior Bowl. What the experts say: “Jacoby Brissett from North Carolina State has gained a lot of momentum. Brissett is 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds. He can throw the football. He’s got a strong arm, and he’s athletic. He’s raw, but he’s got talent.” — Mel Kiper, ESPN NFL Draft analyst

Drawing a comparison to Laken Tomlinson from Duke a year ago, Landon Turner is one of the best offensive linemen entering the 2016 NFL Draft. Ranked No. 73 overall and fourth at offensive guard, Turner departs Chapel Hill after four seasons as a starter. Turner, who was the first Tar Heel to attend the combine in two years, has the strength and skills to excel as a run-blocker in the NFL. What the experts say: “Landon Turner is a very easy evaluation in my estimation because his strengths and weaknesses are so obvious. Turner is a road grader deluxe whose size and power will have teams who covet those traits licking their chops.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Brandon Chubb comes from one of the best football families — cousin Nick Chubb plays for Georgia, brother Bradley Chubb plays for NC State. Following two straight seasons with 90-plus tackles and more than 6.5 sacks, Chubb has a shot to go in the seventh round or be picked up in free agency. Coming from a 3-4 scheme, Chubb has a shot to crack an NFL roster as an interior or outside linebacker. What the experts say: “He plays faster than he times with relentless pursuit to chase down ballcarriers, keeping his head on a swivel at all times. Chubb is a well-rounded player with the toughness needed to play at the NFL level.” — Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

It’s been quite the transformation for Ryan Smith since he arrived on NCCU’s campus in 2011. He’s added 30 pounds, moved from safety to cornerback and became the first Eagle to attend the combine since 1989. What Smith lacks in height, he makes up for in speed and strength, two areas he tested well in at the combine. His 168 career solo tackles are best in school history. Smith, who has the makings of a slot cornerback, could become the first NC Central player drafted since 2007. What the experts say: “Smith has cover skills and the short area footwork to challenge for a roster spot matching up against full-time slot receivers. Smith doesn’t have great size and doesn’t appear to have the speed or twitch that teams look for, but his tape shows a player with enough skill to warrant a look.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

B6 NC CENTRAL

Baseball to belly dancing: the Andrew Vernon story “It’s just something where he’s going to have more of a chance to make an impact in a game. He’s just been that dominant.” NCCU baseball coach Jim Koerner

By Brooke Pryor North State Journal URHAM, N.C. — Andrew Vernon is a great belly dancer. DThe obscure talent isn’t prom-

inently featured in most scouting reports for the 6-4, 240-pound N.C. Central pitcher, but you can’t fault the big right-hander, currently leading the MEAC in strikeouts, for having a lot of pride in his abilities. “I’m a big boy, but I can belly dance,” Vernon said. “That’s a hidden talent that I’m real proud of. I don’t know how that happened. I’ve still got an ab line from it, thank the Lord.” It’s not a skill that has a lot of use on the mound, but the dance moves are a testament to how hard the Raleigh native worked and how far he’s come in his four seasons with the Eagles. Vernon tipped the scales at nearly 300 pounds during his junior year at Knightdale (N.C.) and his accuracy on the mound struggled as a result with Vernon issuing more than 80 walks in just 34 innings. “When you walk everyone and their mother in the state of North Carolina, something had to change,” Vernon said. “And it took about a month for the weight to start going, and once that happened I just stuck with it and realized I could do this.” With a combination of workouts on the elliptical and stair climber and a strict diet of chicken strip salads, he shed a ridiculous 40 percent of his bodyweight in a year and a half. The newly svelte Vernon earned a spot on NCCU’s roster and eventually opened his freshman season at 180 pounds. With the excess weight stripped away, he discovered a knack for replicating Shakira-like moves. “When I was thin, it was like waves,” Vernon said. “And they just kept going. It’s not like I break it out all the time, but it’s there.” Getting rid of the extra pounds was a crucial first step in developing his game — and dance moves. The next step, at least for his baseball career, was gaining strength in the weight room, but a broken jaw derailed his baseball career for six months. It was a freak accident, a very wrong place at the absolute worst time situation. Rolling out a teammate’s cramping back during the final weekend of the regular season, Vernon was in the direct path of a ball as it crow-hopped into the open dugout. The ball, hit by a teammate, popped up and hit the then-freshman square in the jaw. As soon as he reached up to pull out a supposedly permanent retainer, Vernon knew something was wrong. But it wasn’t until he got to the emergency room that he realized the gravity of his injury. “I really didn’t think it was broken until we got to the hospital and I couldn’t talk anymore,” he said. “That’s when it kind of

CHUBB from page B1 I’m ready to go toe-to-toe with NFL players and prove I can be a starter.” The two-year captain carved out a role in the middle of the Deacs’ defense. He wrapped up his senior campaign with 107 tackles and two passes defended for a group that was ravaged by opposing offenses — including allowing more than 37 points to North Carolina, NC State and Duke. While the first two years for Dave Clawson haven’t gone as smoothly as planned, Chubb said he was happy to lead the defense for the new coaching staff. In fact, he’s upset he only got two years. “Clawson is a great coach and has a recipe for success. I’ve seen that brewing for the last two years I’ve been with him,” Chubb said of the Wake Forest coach. “I’m kind of mad I only got two years with him. He was handed a program that was toward the bottom and is stepping up to the challenge. “I can’t wait to see what he’s able to accomplish for the team.

PHOTOS BY RED ROCKET PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Senior right-handed pitcher Andrew Vernon leads the conference in strikeouts this season. The Raleigh native began his career at NCCU as a closer, but he moved to the starting rotation midway through his final season with the Eagles. set in, like man, I’m going to be out awhile. And then I was put on a liquid diet. That’s when I was really like, you know what, I miss food. I really miss food.” His jaw wasn’t wired shut, but he wore an apparatus around his head that kept his jaw in place. “I didn’t go out in public a whole lot, if I did, I made sure to wear hoodies,” Vernon said. “I had a grapefruit on my chin. As soon as I took it off, my face would just fall.” Finally, after two months, Vernon got the green light to try solid food. A Chick-fil-A across from the doctor’s office was his first stop, but he soon realized it wasn’t going to be easy to get back to his old self. “I ordered two sandwiches and I ate half of one, and I was full,” he said. “I remember just sitting there packing it away and was like, ‘Well that was uneventful.’” His stomach was weak, but after a lazy summer of streaming movies and no exercise — or as Vernon called it, “a lot of Netflix and not much chill” — his muscles were even weaker. “I knew I wanted to play baseball and get back into it,” said Vernon, who has now pitched in a school-record 77 games. “I was like man, it’s going to be a long road. I came back. I was lifting like 10-, 15-pound dumbbells and they felt heavy. I couldn’t squat with a PVC pipe. “It was a very long road to recovery. I really didn’t think I’d be at the point I am now to be honest.” With just a few weeks left in

I can see the Deacs being in a bowl in year three.” Brandon may be gone, but his brother Bradley and cousin Nick, a running back at Georgia, are still carrying the torch at the college level. Bradley is viewed as a leader for the Wolfpack’s defense, while Nick is still recovering from a left knee injury after being the lead back for the Bulldogs to start 2015. Heading into a new stage of his career, Brandon knows he has to prove himself all over again like he has so many times in the past. But with two family members to set a precedent for in the future, simply making an NFL roster isn’t good enough for Chubb. “I’ve always kind of been the leader for the family with the first experience in everything,” Chubb said. “To keep setting the bar and the path for my brother and cousin is something I take seriously. I want my brother and Nick to be in the NFL, so I’m going to make sure I’m there to give them that goal to reach. “I plan on setting that bar high for them.”

A lazy summer of streaming movies and no exercise — or as Vernon called it, “a lot of Netflix and not much chill”.

his collegiate career, Vernon has worked his way to being a MLB prospect with a starting job in the Eagles’ weekend rotation. “He’s the hardest working guy I’ve ever had the opportunity to play with,” said former NCCU pitcher Jordan Quinn. “He’s a amazing pitcher, with an incredible skill set, but he’s worked for everything he’s got.” A closer for most of his career, Vernon permanently moved to the starting rotation in March because he was simply too good to keep in the bullpen. Through 13 games (and five starts) in his senior year he’s averaging an eye-popping 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings. “We just needed more innings out of him,” coach Jim Koerner said. “It’s just something where he’s going to have more of a

PANTHERS from page B1 season. Most salary-cap tracking websites had the Panthers between $17 and 18 million below the cap already. What does Gettleman plan to do with all that money? “A lot,” he said. It’s unlikely there’s a player or players still available on the freeagent market worth $30 million in salary. The Panthers may use some of the money on Norman’s replacement and other role player pickups. Most of the money, however, will likely go to current Panthers players. The members of the 2013 draft class are eligible to sign extensions to their rookie contracts this season, and teams are able to spend any unused cap money from this season to fund them. For the Panthers, that would be defensive tackles Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei. Carolina can use any additional cap money from this year to lock up the middle of its defensive line for the long term. “I struggle with our coaches developing players and letting them walk,” Gettleman said.

chance to make an impact in a game. He’s just been that dominant.” That move also helps Vernon’s chances this June of becoming the first NCCU player taken in the MLB draft. Vernon’s fastball/ slider combo regularly registers between 90-93 mph, and the more exposure he gets in front of the handful of scouts at each of his games, the better. “When the pro scouts can see him maintain his velocity for five, six innings and now he can go into pro ball as a starter, and then if that doesn’t work, they can move him to the bullpen,” Koerner said. “As opposed to going in as just a bullpen guy and if that doesn’t work then you’re pretty much out of luck. The fact that he can start now, I think that’ll help him.”

“You have to understand you can’t keep everybody. It’s impossible.” Basically, he prioritized the two tackles over the cornerback when deciding which player to let walk. Veterans available While fans and some media observers declared the sky was falling, the Panther braintrust were less concerned. “We’ve made some tough decisions before, and, quite honestly, I’m going to trust [Gettleman] on this too,” coach Ron Rivera said. “You might say Dave’s cavalier about this and yada, yada, yada. But bottom line, we don’t play until Sept. 8.” While there isn’t one free agent out there that will fill Norman’s shoes, Gettleman may find two or three who can help make up for the loss. So who’s out there that could get a piece of Carolina’s cap bonanza? The Bengals’ Leon Hall had nine passes defended, two interceptions and a pick-six last year. However, he’s 31 and will be coming back from offseason

back surgery. Alan Ball played 15 games for the Bears last year. He’s also 31 and started just three games. The Chiefs’ Marcus Cooper is 26, but he only played in 10 games last season and has never started a majority of the games in a season. Tarell Brown was limited to three games with the Patriots last year, after going on I.R. with a foot injury. His last interception was in 2012, which was also the last time he played in all 16 games. Antonio Cromartie is a free agent after being released, but the veteran can still contribute to a team. There are also two cornerbacks available that are very familiar to Gettleman. As GM of the Giants, Gettleman drafted Jayron Hosley in 2012. The 25-year-old had six pass defenses and an interception last year. One of the last players Gettleman signed for the Giants before taking the Panthers job was Trumaine McBride. The 30-year-old had three interceptions, four pass defenses, a pick-six and a forced fumble last year.

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

NBA

6 things to know from Round 1 of the NBA playoffs By Brian Geisinger North State Journal

5. LeBron being LeBron

he 2016 NBA playoffs finally started and it’s fantastic to have postseason basketball for the next six weeks, but the opening batch of games underwhelmed. Despite the poor quality of basketball, there’s more than enough to discuss. Here’s six things to know about the opening rounds so far. 1. The Heat is on The Hornets were pummeled by a red-hot Heat squad during the first two games of their series. The Heat’s evolution over the course of this season has been amazing and coach Erik Spoelstra deserves much of the of credit. Following the All-Star break, the Heat moved Luol Deng to power forward — a strategic shift to replace Chris Bosh, who is out again with another blood clot issue. Miami played smaller, faster and got more out of star center Hassan Whiteside. The results are impressive. Miami was the league’s sixthmost efficient offense in the second half of the season, scoring 109 points per 100 possessions, according to NBA.com, and averaging 97.7 possessions per game. The Heat have continued to go scorched earth in the postseason. Through two games, they’re shooting a combined 93 of 161 (57.8 percent, 66.1 true shooting percentage) and scoring 132.2 points per 100 possessions. In Game 1, Miami scored 1.43 points per possession, which was the most efficient offensive performance in the history of the franchise. This is an unsustainable clip, but the rest of the East should take serious note of what’s happening in South Beach. The Heat are dangerous. 2. Marvin Williams missing 2015-16 was a renaissance for Williams, and his steady twoway game might have been the Hornets’ most important development outside of Kemba Walker’s improvement as a threepoint shooter.

STEVE MITCHELL | USA TODAY SPORTS

Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) shoots the ball over Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs during the second quarter at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday. Williams shot better than 40 percent on 3-pointers this season, but in the playoffs, his shooting fell off a cliff. Through the first two games in the Miami series, Williams is a combined 1-for-17 from the field without a 3-pointer. His disappearance is not just coincidental. The Heat have thrown a variety of defenders his direction, including rookie Justise Winslow. Charlotte desperately needs Marvin to find his game, especially with Nicolas Batum expected to miss the remainder of the first-round series due to a left ankle sprain suffered in Game 2.

break, but he’s one of the few rookies making a significant impact for a playoff team. During the regular season, Winslow demonstrated he’s already one of the league’s elite wing defenders. Miami threw him at a full complement of wing scorers — including Paul George, Kevin Durant and LeBron James — and he didn’t back down. The Heat allowed only 99 points per 100 possessions with the rookie on the floor this season. That number jumps to 104.9 when Winslow sits on the bench.

3. Winslow starting to show the full arsenal

Heading into the playoffs, the Atlanta-Boston matchup looked as though it would turn into a competitive and compelling series. So far it’s not the case, in part because of a significant injury to Celtics guard Avery Bradley. In his third season playing under wunderkind coach Brad Stevens, Bradley blossomed and

Speaking of Winslow, it was around this time a year ago we were marveling at the brilliance of the Houston native as he helped guide Duke to another national championship. Winslow was left out of the Rising Star challenge during the All-Star

4. Avery Bradley’s injury

posted career-highs in a variety of metrics, including points, 3-pointers and win shares. But late in Game 1, Bradley strained his hamstring. Boston would lose that contest, and it’s gotten worse since. In Game 2, the Hawks, No. 2 in the NBA in defense, stifled a punchless Celtics offense. Boston could only manage a meager 72 points on 28-of-88 shooting (31.8 percent) and turned the ball over 14 times. The go-go Celtics are missing a crucial element to their perimeter-oriented offense, and far too much is falling on the plate of their All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas, who missed 11 shots in the Game 2 loss, and Marcus Smart (1-for-11 from the field for three points). Boston will be without Bradley for at least games 3 and 4, and even if the Celtics are able to extend play beyond that, the former Texas Longhorn could very well be out of the lineup for the remainder of the series.

It’s been a long season in Cleveland. The Cavaliers got the No. 1 seed in the East without much difficulty, but it wasn’t the smooth destruction many forecasted, filled with up-and-down performances and awkward passive aggression in the locker room. Good news: the Cavs have LeBron James. The league technically belongs to Steph Curry, but LeBron’s still ruler of his own universe. He was arguably the second-best player in the NBA (behind Curry) this season, and he’s set the tone for Cleveland during the playoffs. They’ve won the first two games of their series with Detroit while LeBron’s played a total of 80 minutes, scored 49 points on 35 shots, and led the team in assists. The Cavs have scored an impressive 119.5 points per 100 possession with LeBron on the court, which drops to 99.7 after he exits. Watch the Cavs to remember that LeBron is one the best in the world and that this team has a (slim) shot of knocking off a Golden State or San Antonio in the NBA Finals. 6. Shaun Livingston doing what he was always supposed to I refuse to believe Steph Curry’s recent ankle injury is anything too severe, mostly because the prognosis has been overtly positive, but also because I don’t want to start crying. Curry sat out Game 2, and it wasn’t an issue for Golden State — partially because Houston’s a complete mess at this point. It helps, though, when you’ve got my guy Shaun Livingston, the best backup point guard in the league, to fill in. Livingston was brilliant while starting in place of Steph: 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting and 6 assists. Livingston’s career was derailed back in 2007 following a horrific knee injury. His return to relevance has been long and challenging, but it was pretty cool to see him leading a team in a playoff series, even if it was for just one game.

EAST CAROLINA FOOTBALL

New coach, same light-up-the-scoreboard plan for 2016 By Shawn Krest North State Journal REENVILLE, N.C. — It didn’t take long for East CarG olina to make a statement. On

the first play of the spring scrimmage, quarterback Kurt Benkert hit Trevon Brown for a 75-yard touchdown. ECU had an explosive, big-play offense in recent years under former coach Ruffin McNeill. Now Scottie Montgomery takes over for McNeill after two years as offensive coordinator at Duke — another offense that always has an eye out for the big play. That first touchdown sent a message: it will be business as usual with the Pirates lighting up the scoreboard. Benkert took a different message from the opening snap of the spring game, however. The big play didn’t result from a wideopen offensive approach. Instead, it was an example of everyone doing their job and performing their assignments. “This offense is a lot of just taking what they give you,” Benkert said. “I’m not saying the old offense was backyard football, because it wasn’t. But there are a lot more rules in this offense — where you need to go with the ball in each situation. The previous offense was a little bit more all on the quarterback.” Montgomery would have been happy to hear his quarterback extol the virtues of knowing and following the rules. One of his priorities entering the spring was to make sure everyone on the team had the fundamentals down. “A lot of people talk about that during the spring,” Montgomery said at the start of practices in March. “But they really don’t get it done. They get so much into schematic work and trying to win against one another that the fundamentals really suffer. We’re not going to do that. We’re not going

to pay it lip service.” Another key component of Montgomery’s vision is the importance of competition. “I remember in 2010 (when Montgomery was wide receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers), we drafted both Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown.” Sanders was a third-rounder and Brown a sixth-rounder. The Steelers already had established veterans Hines Ward and Mike Wallace at receiver, meaning opportunities for the two rookies would be limited, at best. “I like to say it was two dogs, one bone,” Montgomery said. “They went at it every single day when they came to work. The position battle made them great. We thought we’d have them ready in two years. They were ready in two weeks, because of the competition within the group. If someone wants to be ordained with, ‘That’s my job,’ well, that’s not the way it goes here.” Nowhere is that clearer than at the Pirates’ quarterback position. Benkert is locked in a competition with Philip Nelson for the starting job. Both players are coming back from a rocky period in their college career. Neither has completed a pass in a game that counts since Sept. 20, 2014. Neither has thrown a college touchdown since Nov. 8, 2013. Benkert, backup to Shane Carden in 2014, was expected to fight for the starting job last year until he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason. “I haven’t been trying to worry about (the competition),” Benkert said, after throwing for 216 yards on 12-of-25 passing in the spring game. “I’ve been out injured so long, I’m just happy to be playing again.” Nelson, who went 13-of-24 for 231 yards in the game and won the team’s “Respect the Ball” award, sat out last year after transferring

EAMON QUEENEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

East Carolina running back Shawn Furlow (33) gets taken down by linebacker Ray Tillman (21) in the fourth quarter of the East Carolina Purple and Gold spring football game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, N.C. on April 16. Purple defeated Gold 17-13.

But there are a lot more rules in this offense — where you need to go with the ball in each situation Kurt Benkert

from Rutgers. He never played at Rutgers, due to off-field issues after transferring there from Minnesota. The spring did little to decide who would be taking the first snap of the season. “It’s crazy, because they’re both playing well,” Montgomery said. “One of them has a bad play, and then the other one does. One has a great play, and the other one comes back and matches it. It’s like playing horseshoes with your uncle. You finally think you’ve got him beat, and he’ll throw one right on top of you.” Helping Benkert and Nelson hit the horseshoe peg with regularity is a strong group of wide receivers. Brown, who caught the opening

touchdown, was the team’s Offensive MVP in the spring. “He’s catching whatever’s thrown to him,” Montgomery said. “We’ve had some big-time plays made at receiver.” ECU receivers had eight catches of 20-plus yards in the spring game. The defense was led by MVP DeShon Amos. The cornerback had the only turnover of the game when he returned a Benkert pick 38 yards. “He’s been our MVP of the offseason,” Montgomery said. “He’s been everywhere he was supposed to be and done everything he was supposed to do.” And that, as Montgomery has been emphasizing to his team, is the key to victory.

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

B8 AUTO RACING

BK Racing owner Ron Devine kisses Matt DiBenedetto after their sixth-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 17. PHOTOS BY BARB SUTTON PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

DiBenedetto’s finish steals the show at Bristol By R. Cory Smith North State Journal

“A sixthplace finish for BK Racing? This is like a win for us.” Matt DiBenedetto on his performance at Bristol

RISTOL, Tenn. — Victory Lane belonged to Carl B Edwards, but the biggest party

in Bristol took place on pit road where Matt DiBenedetto and BK Racing exuberantly celebrated their sixth-place finish. Tony DiBenedetto, Matt’s father, ran around screaming, “Oh my god! Sixth place!” Sandy DiBenedetto, Matt’s mother, hugged everyone in sight. Then there was Matt, coming to grips with what he had just accomplished at Bristol, one of the most illustrious tracks on the NASCAR circuit. “A sixth-place finish for BK Racing? This is like a win for us,” Matt said, fighting back tears. “I apologize for being so emotional, but this is an incredible run. I’m so blessed to be here.” The emotional outpour came after DiBenedetto produced the best-ever finish for both the driver and his team, a career highlight for a 24-year-old who fought his way through nearly every level of racing just to get to this point. Despite winning his first karting championship at 6 years old and netting Rookie of the Year in Late Models at 13, Matt struggled to find backing at every rung on the ladder. His family’s sacrifice — picking up and moving from California to North Carolina for Matt’s racing career — only made having Tony, Sandy and his brother Austin on hand in the makeshift Victory Lane that much more special. “I’m so glad we got a good run with them here,” Matt said. “They have put everything into my racing career since I was young. They sacrificed everything to the point where we had to sell everything quick because we were writing checks on our home.”

Refusing to accept defeat Despite the struggles to win, despite the inability to gain financial backing and despite the resulting concerns of his family, DiBenedetto never gave up his dream. “I thought my career was over about seven times,” DiBenedetto said. “Racing is just in my blood. I’ve been competitive my whole life. It’s all I dream about. If we don’t have a good run, I can’t sleep at night. I got down, but I kept on digging deep. “I was like, ‘If I don’t give this everything I have, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.’” His relentless attitude landed him several opportunities, including seven Xfinity Series races with Joe Gibbs Racing between 2009-10. Matt then tried his hand with Vision Racing and The Motorsports Group. He never cracked the top 10. Edwards, a current Gibbs driver, had previously congratulated DiBenedetto following a top-20 finish at Phoenix in March. When the Bristol winner heard about DiBenedetto’s finish, he was borderline stunned, and more impressed than with his own win. “They finished sixth?” Edwards said. “Man, that’s unbelievable. That’s probably tougher than what we did. That’s a real testament to them. … It’s just unreal how hard everybody goes. So a good finish in this series is a real accomplishment.”

Devine also made tough decisions about his drivers: DiBenedetto is the only driver still on the BK roster from 2015 after J.J. Yeley and Jeb Burton were cut loose. That decision paid off in a huge way last Sunday. “Matt is such a special driver and it’s starting to show,” Devine said. “Our deal was to get a young talent and stay with them. We’ve tried it before and were unable to keep them. I think Matt is a loyal driver and we have a special relationship. He’s fast. He’s gutsy. He’s not scared.”

Making their own way

The payoff

Much like DiBenedetto, BK Racing has struggled to remain relevant in the Sprint Cup Series, despite owner Ron Devine estimating he’s spent more than $100 million on his team. Other top teams spend as much or more per season, but Devine has built the team with limited sponsorship.

In 362 starts before Sunday, BK Racing’s only other top-10 finish was at Talladega when Travis Kvapil finished eighth in October 2012. The 363rd was the sweetest start yet. DiBenedetto battled early in the race to simply remain on the lead lap, dodging carnage as top

Matt DiBenedetto drives the No. 83 for BK Racing at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 17. DiBenedetto finished in a career-best sixth place. drivers like Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth wrecked. With five laps remaining in the Food City 500, DiBenedetto restarted ninth and — more importantly — on the outside line. Like he’s done most of his entire career, DiBenedetto fought his way up. And after the final flag was waved and his car crossed the line, DiBenedetto was overwhelmed. “I’m not usually a real sensitive guy,” DiBenedetto said. “I was just so focused on the race track that I didn’t know or pay attention to where we were running. I was like, ‘Man! We’re really close to the front!’ When we crossed the line, it just took me a second. “They said, ‘You’re sixth.’ I just kinda lost it.” The next step is the toughest — sustaining that success. Coming off a career day for DiBenedetto and BKR, it’s a step they’re ready to take together.

NC Reps still pursuing protections for auto enthusiasts By Josh Hyatt North State Journal ALEIGH — Citizens who both make a living from R — or simply dabble in — the

aftermarket automotive racing community breathed a sigh of relief this past week. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dropped its recent proposal to ban the alteration of emissions equipment on all vehicles that were manufactured as street vehicles but had been modified for race-only use. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) has made it his mission to protect the folks involved in modi-

Hudson

fied-vehicle racing. This includes a large range of people from hobbyists, the state’s many track owners and aftermarket suppliers for racers. “The EPA’s proposed racing regulation threatened the way of life for a lot of Americans who enjoy modifying cars for competition and a billion-dollar industry of aftermarket folks who make the parts,” Hudson said in a statement. “After persistent and vocal opposition from myself, my colleagues and race car enthusiasts, I’m pleased to see that the EPA reconsidered it.” Although Hudson and his colleagues have won the battle, they don’t see this as the definite

end of possible future regulation of off-road racing from the EPA. Which is why Hudson, along with five other Congressmen, plans to continue pursuing the clarification bill they recently proposed. Known as the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016 (the RPM Act), the bill is designed to clarify what is a “motor vehicle.” “Because the EPA didn’t retract its belief that it can regulate competition vehicles under the Clean Air Act, we still think the RPM Act is necessary to give long-term certainty to the industry,” said Tatum Gibson, Hudson’s communications director. “So we’re going to contin-

ue advocating for this bill.” Supporting what the Specialty Equipment Market Association calls a “part of American heritage,” the RPM Act will clarify several issues, including confirming it has always been Congress’ intent to not include race cars in the Clean Air Act’s definition of a “motor vehicle,” make it clear it has always been legal to modify a street vehicle that is used exclusively at a track, and confirm that modifying these vehicles for exclusive track use will not be considered as tampering. R. Cory Smith contributed to the reporting in this story.

perspectives Ever wondered what the inside of a comics convention looks like? Josh Hyatt gives a glimpse at what it's like for a newcomer.

NS J SUNDAY

4.24.16

Continued on page C4

the good life IN A NORTH STATE OF MIND

playlist April 27-30 Charlotte Wine & Food Festival Charlotte This four-day extravaganza features more than 30 events, from high-end wine tastings to private in-home dinners and casual outdoor wine and food tastings. New this year is The Grand Tasting Tent in Uptown Charlotte’s Romare Bearden Park featuring wine from around the world, beer from local craft breweries, cuisine from restaurants and chefs, food demos, and live music. charlottewineandfood.org

timeless

April 27-May 1 12th Annual Beaufort Wine & Food Festival Beaufort Since 2004, Beaufort Wine & Food has been bringing topnotch chefs and award-winning wines to the Crystal Coast for their signature five-day festival. Now in its 12th year, organizers have decided to revamp the festival by adding new events and building on existing crowd favorites. beaufortwineandfood.org

PHOTOS BY MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Mel Bowen, who has been restoring whirligig sculptures by Vollis Simpson for five years, grinds stars off a piece at the studio in Wilson. Simpson started to build the sculptures after he retired and spent 30 years creating the pieces out on his farm. Now the town of Wilson is restoring the pieces which will provide the basis of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park.

The art of whirligig preservation Whimsical and wind-powered, these large-scale engineering sculptures, called whirligigs, merge design and creativity to tell the story of one man’s artistry and to serve as symbols of the surrounding world.

April 28-29 Fort Bragg Fair Fort Bragg This family event is open to the public and accessible from Bragg Boulevard via Howell Street. They'll have carnival rides and live entertainment for all to enjoy. bragg.armymwr.com/us/bragg

April 29-May 1

By Laura Ashley Lamm North State Journal

French Broad River Festival Hot Springs

OLLIS SIMPSON made and repaired machines most of his life. He was a country boy who would grow to serve his country. He spent time stationed on the island of Saipan with the Army Air Corps during World War II. There he experimented with windmill technology to find ways to power a washing machine. Later in his life, he discovered the physics of balance when he owned a house moving business. When he retired in 1985, Simpson realized he had spare time, extra mechanical parts and a few working machines. From there his journey began towards experimenting and developing large-scale windmills that brought droves of curiosity seekers to ride by his farm for a peek at the unique sculptures that would spin and swirl through the air. It was his ability to tinker, his knowledge of mechanics, and his appreciation of people and places that developed whirligigs—a unique symbol of folk art. Now, it's people of his community that have banned together to

The Annual French Broad River Festival is an active, outdoor music festival on the banks of the French Broad River in the town of Hot Springs with national and local recording artists on two stages, whitewater and mountain bike races, a kids village, arts and craft vendors, outdoor vendors, and great food. frenchbroadriverfestival.com.

See WHIRLIGIGS, page C6

Inside

Whirligig sculptures created by Vollis Simpson in the park currently under construction.

STIR IT UP

Alison Miller brings us a Seventeen Twelve Bourbon cocktail that's sure to have us off to the races in honor of the Kentucky Derby. See page C2

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

necessities thrive!

3 yoga poses you can do anywhere By Patti Mordecai For the North State Journal OGA is for every body. You do not need to change Y clothes or have a mat handy for these poses. Incorporate them into your daily routine.

Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

Your mother was right! Great posture is key to so many health benefits—looking great is just one of them. Try this version of mountain pose in line at the grocery store or anywhere. Stand tall, feeling the weight in both feet, front to back and side to side of each foot. Spread the toes and root down. Let the sense of standing on your own two feet move up through the strength in the legs, hips, and pelvis. Move the breath into the belly and feel your ribs and heart lift naturally. Shoulders soften as the neck and head relax. Take a moment to soften the eyes and jaw, then imagine lifting the crown of the head while rising into your mountain pose.

Seated Figure Four Stretch

history marked April 24, 1776

Patriots Richard Herring and John Devane founded a gun factory on the Black River north of Wilmington in what is now Sampson County. Herring and Devane got the money to build the factory, buy some of the initial materials needed, and pay the workers from the colonial government. According to records, the factory produced simple muskets of 3-foot, 8-inch barrels and 1 ½ foot long bayonets.

Warrior Three with a chair (Virabhadrasana III) Stand slightly behind the back of your chair and take a moment in mountain pose, rooting through both feet. Take hold of the top of the chair with your hands. Bring the attention and weight into the right foot. Begin to lift the left leg straight behind you and lean the torso forward with the heart leading the way. Press the heel back as toes point down, engaging the left leg and maintaining a strong core. Move back to mountain pose and then to the opposite side. Patti Mordecai owns Flow Yoga in Edenton, she is a Certified Vinyasa Yoga Teacher through Blue Lotus in Raleigh and a Certified Mindful Yoga for Cancer teacher through Duke Integrative Medicine.

Voices Contributors to this section this week include: Will Brinson Samantha Gratton Josh Hyatt Laura Ashley Lamm Cory Lavalette Alison Miller Patti Mordecai Amy Richards

Tell us Know a North Carolina story that needs telling? Drop us a line at features@nsjonline.com.

not just for

anymore

Crushed egg shells add valuable nutrients to your garden's soil. Calcium is essential for cell growth in all plants and especially important for the fast growing ones because they quickly deplete the surrounding soil of this vital nutrient. Wash and crush your egg shells before you add them to your garden, and your soil calcium level will be replenished in no time.

April 26, 1865

The largest troop surrender of the Civil War took place on the farm of James and Nancy Bennitt in what was then Orange County. The Bennitt farm was located halfway between the Union forces positioned in Raleigh and the Confederate forces encamped in and around Greensboro. Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman and Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston asked permission to use the farmhouse to conduct their meeting. The Bennitt family, having lost both of their sons and their son-in-law to the war, withdrew to their separate kitchen building and allowed the generals to use the house. Bennett Place became a State Historic Site in 1961. Information courtesy of N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

(Eka Pada Utkatasana) Move up to sit close to the edge of your chair. Root down through both feet. Lengthen your spine with a nice deep inhale. Softly exhale with the “ahh” sound. Move the right ankle onto the left knee. Stay here for 5-10 breaths, allowing for softness and ease through the hips. Move back to both feet on the ground and then repeat on the opposite side.

just a pinch

turn the page Life stories can compel us in unexpected ways, which is why biographies make such great books to read. This week's suggestions came from Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, so be sure to look for them at your local bookstore.

“You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost)” by Felicia Day

aware By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

HE MESSAGE Donate Life NC is trying to get out this April during National Donate Life Month is simple: a small heart on your driver's license could save several lives. According to Deanna Mitchell, executive director of Donate Life NC, 52.84 percent of North Carolina’s licensed drivers and stateissued ID holders have the small red heart on their license identifying them as organ donors, and 99 percent register at their local Department of Motor Vehicles office. By deciding to become an organ donor at the DMV, drivers are automatically linked to Donate Life NC's registry and agree to make their organs —including eyes and tissue — available for transplant to a waiting recipient should they die. "This is a matter of planning for the rest of your life," Mitchell said of being an organ donor. "People need to make it known to their family [that they want their organs donated]." But the easiest way to be an organ donor is to agree to do so when renewing your driver's license or ID, and Donate Life NC works with DMV offices throughout the state to train new and current employees on the best practices for asking, "Do you want to be an organ donor?" Mitchell said Donate Life NC connects every DMV office in the state with a volunteer who was either the recipient of an organ donation or a family member of someone who has benefited from a transplant. "People are more likely to ask the question if

they personally know someone who has been impacted directly," Mitchell said. The volunteers usually visit quarterly, supplying DMV employees with information and real-life connections to organ donation. Donate Life NC keeps track of how each district performs, then gives out 28 awards to the district offices with the best sign-up rates or most improvement in the last year. For the sixth straight year, Boone had the highest sign-up rate (70.9 percent), and the office was honored on April 21 for their efforts. Morehead City was second, at 69.6 percent, and Mitchell said that office is anxious to unseat Boone. "Most people want to be asked the question," Mitchell said. "The sheer number of people [the DMV employees] are dealing with — for them to go that extra mile and ask that question means a lot." Mitchell said there are two big misconceptions surrounding organ donation: that doctors are "looking" for donors, and that people aren't allowed to donate due to their religion. "Some people think, 'If I have a heart [on my license] and I go to the hospital, they're going to let me die,'" Mitchell said. But transplant teams don't even enter the situation until well after medical care is administered, and there's a definite separation between the two teams of physicians. As for religion, Mitchell said donating your organs is the ultimate gift you can give. "All major world religions honor donation as a personal act of charity," she said.

paperback released April 19, 2016 *Book signing April 27 at Cat's Cradle in Carrboro

“Wildflower”

by Drew Barrymore paperback releases May 17, 2016

“The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love and Loss” by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt

The red heart in the bottom right corner of a North Carolina driver's license indicates a person's willingness to be an organ donor.

released April 5, 2016

“When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi

released January 12, 2016

“At the Existential Café” by Sarah Bakewell

CHRISTINE T. NGUYEN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

released March 1, 2016

stir it up “Highland Avenue is located in the restored Hollar Mill hosiery mill. Next door to us, Blowing Rock Brewery has a 30-barrel brewing system that it uses to produce its American Honor line of beers. The Hop On n’ Ride IPA is a well-balanced session IPA that plays well with the citrus and mint flavors in this cocktail. The bourbon is from Seventeen Twelve Spirits in Conover, which uses corn, rye, and barley from Catawba and Buncombe Counties. It’s great to be able to include our neighbors in this twist on a classic springtime, Southern cocktail.” — Will Locke, Highland Avenue, Hickory

Orange Mint Beer Julep Highland Avenue, Hickory

2 orange slices 5 mint leaves ½ ounce honey syrup* 1½ ounces Seventeen Twelve Bourbon American Honor Hop On n’ Ride IPA 1 mint sprig *Make honey syrup by heating and stirring equal parts honey and water until combined. In a beer snifter, muddle orange slice,

mint leaves, and honey syrup. Add bourbon, then fill glass with cracked ice. Top with beer. Stir once, then garnish with an orange slice and a mint sprig.

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

frolic Merlefest | Wilkesboro

he mountains and the music are calling, and you must go. We're sharing a snapshot of the lineup scheduled for Wilkes Community College's Merlefest. Last year 76,028 fans from 48 states and 12 foreign countries filed into Wilkesboro for the event — 2016 promises to be an equally pickin' and grinnin' good time. Amy Richards created an original illustration to accompany our guide. Head west and enjoy.

Thursday Friday April 28

April 29

Saturday Sunday April 30

May 1

*check merlefest.org for additional events

Jammin’ at The Pickin’ Place, daily at 2:30 p.m.

Britt Gully - Songs of Jimmie Rodgers

April Verch

Sunday Morning Devotions with Rev. Roy Dobyns of First Baptist Church of Boone

Included in The Pickin’ Place are the Traditional Jammin’ Tent, the Bluegrass Jammin’ Tent, and the Anything Goes Jammin’ Tent. Attendees are encouraged to bring their acoustic instruments to the Pickin’ Place to jam.

Donna the Buffalo with Peter Rowan and Jim Lauderdale

Traditional Stage 10:00 a.m.

Flattop Photo Session

Little Pickers Tent 11:00 a.m.

Lou Reid & Carolina

Creekside Stage 12:00 p.m.

Pete Wernick's Flexigrass Jam

Watson Stage 7:15 p.m.

begins by the red caboose and lasts about an hour 10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

Open Heart Yoga

The Wood Brothers

Alberti Flea Circus

Jerry Douglas

Tommy Emmanuel

Watson Stage 8:00 p.m.

Sam Bush Band

Cabin Stage 7:00 p.m.

Old Crow Medicine Show

John Oates

Brandi Carlile

Dave Rawlings Machine

Jason Isbell

Nature Walk

Steep Canyon Rangers

Nature Walk

Sacred Songs of Doc Watson performed by The South Carolina Broadcasters

begins by the red caboose and lasts about an hour 5:00 p.m.

Raffle Drawing

Cabin Stage 5:20 p.m.

Traditional Stage 10:00 a.m.

Creekside Stage 9:30 a.m. Piano music provided by Jeff Little

The Kruger Brothers

Creekside Stage 1:15 p.m.

MerleFest Bluegrass Jam Camp with Pete and Joan Wernick

Traditional Mountain Banjo and Song with David Holt and Laura Boosinger

Dance Tent or rain location in the Mayes Pit 10:00 a.m.

Watson Stage 4:15 p.m.

Cabin Stage 5:15 p.m. *raffles run daily, multiple times per day, check merlefest.org for times and locations

Watson Stage 9:30 a.m.

Watson Stage 9:30 p.m.

Watson Stage 5:30 p.m. Hillside Stage 6:30 p.m.

Watson Stage 8:30 p.m.

Watson Stage 9:00 p.m.

Little Pickers Tent 12:00 p.m.

Hillside Stage 1:45 p.m.

Watson Stage 2:30 p.m.

Watson Stage 4:15 p.m.

John Prine

Watson Stage 9:00 p.m.

Opening Night Dance Party with Love Canon Dance Stage 9:30 p.m.

ILLUSTRATION FOR THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL | AMY RICHARDS

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

perspectives Oak City Comicon | Raleigh

Bo Fader of Lost Story Studios creates artwork during the Oak City Comicon.

Jacques Nyemb, founder of Not So Super Comics, talks with attendees of the Oak City Comicon.

By Josh Hyatt North State Journal

T'S A SATURDAY, and the sidewalks of Salisbury Street in Raleigh are full of people which is nothing new. Except half of them are cosplayers. These cosplayers, short for “costume players” for those uninitiated into geek vernacular, are displaying their best recreations of their beloved characters from comic books, animated shows and films, video games, et cetera. No, it’s not Halloween. It's comicon. This is my first time at a “comicon,” a popular contraction used for a comic convention, and April 16 marks the Oak City Comicon’s first visit to the 42,000 square feet of the Raleigh Convention Center. Created by the Triangle-based Ultimate Comics store who are also the makers of the popular N.C. Comicon, they hope to run Oak City Comicon on an annual basis and initially expect about 2,500 fans to show up. Over the course of the day, that tally reaches roughly 6,500. As someone who only dabbles in several geeky proclivities, it’s all still a lot to take in, if not a bit overwhelming. Hundreds of people swarm up and down the lanes of the convention floor, picking through booth after booth filled with the paraphernalia of a variety of vendors. We’re talking comics, paintings, toys, video games, jewelry, live art creations – if you think someone would be willing to buy it, someone probably sells it. What I had expected to be mostly kids running around in costumes turns out to be a jovial, incredibly welcoming gathering of mostly adults discussing, honing, and bartering their artistic passions. It’s a geek bazaar, if you will. There are also information panels featuring local and well-known experts for those wanting to discuss the business with people who are already making it happen. And let’s not forget the cosplay competition. Many of the vendors in the crowd are locals and are supplementing their incomes by monetizing their passions. In essence, a comic is not much different than the paper you hold in your hand right now. They’re made, and enjoyed, by normal folks just like you and me. A couple of these artists jumped out at me – and, if you’re involved in state government, you may have already met them. One is Jacques Nyemb, a Cary resident who, by day, is the digital media manager for the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. Outside of his day job he is a “Jacques of All Trades,” the brains behind Not So Super Comics, his line of graphic novels, which he writes and produces himself, mostly funded by Kickstarter initiatives. The stories behind Nyemb’s comics, which includes one with the same name, “Not So Super,” are, well, just that. The main character of “Not So Super” is just a normal guy, with a normal job, who gets random super powers that are not particularly helpful, and he never knows when they will kick in. Nyemb says the characters in his stories aren’t based on himself but, like any writer, they carry little pieces of his history. “Back prior to my current job, when I used to work at another place, I kind of felt a little frustrated about having a 9 to 5, trying to live a normal life, being single, and all this other stuff,” he said. “And a lot of the frustration I felt about my life then was easy to fit into this character because it reminded me of that timeframe. But being older has made me evolve a little more – I see what life is like and now that I have kids and everything I see how certain things about how I saw life then are different now.” Another such local artist is Brandon Yowell, the lead designer of Nowhere Creative, a small press comic book publisher and graphic design studio. By day, he’s a graphic and web designer for the North Carolina State Board of Elections. When he’s not making things like that Voter ID flyer you received in the mail a few months ago, Yowell spends his time travelling the area to teach local children and adults how to create their own stories and art, while trying to balance his time to create his own. His dream is to make Nowhere Creative a one-stop shop for art shows, live performances, indie films, books, and creative materials paired with, of course, geeky video games, comics, and merchandise. Those interested in helping his cause can find Nowhere Creative on Indiegogo.com, where he is currently spending the next month trying to fund this lifelong endeavor. So, if you're ever looking for something outside of the box that you can do right here in the state for relatively little cost, check and see if there is a comicon event coming up. As for me, I've got my sights set on the end of May, when a little four-day event called Animazement rolls into town.

Attendees of all ages browse through artwork and comic books from all genres on Saturday, April 18, 2016, in Raleigh, N.C.

PHOTOS BY LIZ CONDO | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Left, Katrina, of Angry Robots Cosplay, waits in line for the cosplay contest. Her costume was based on a character from the video game Shadow of the Colossus, and was made from foam and hot glue. Right, Brandon Yowell of Nowhere Creative creates artwork.

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

fellowship "Mostly I love spending time with my uncle and dad," said Max Canterbury in his "What I like about duck hunting" entry letter to Triangle Delta Waterfowl. Triangle Delta Waterfowl is Wake County's grassroots, volunteer-based affiliate of the international organization of Delta Waterfowl, an organization focused on securing the future of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting. The chapter hosts military appreciation hunts, youth hunts, and prize-packed banquets to raise money. This year the group focused their conservation-minded and outdoor enthusiasm on ushering in a new era by establishing The Heritage Award. The Heritage Award recognizes local youth who have a love of the outdoors. All recipients receive a North Carolina lifetime hunting and fishing license, and in some cases, the chapter will present recipients with other gear to help meet the needs of the individual youth. The inaugural award was given to Max Canterbury of Wake Forest, North Carolina. Max is nine years old and an avid hunter and fisherman. His hunting and fishing partners are his dad, Mark Canterbury and uncle, Matt Canterbury. "I really like how my dad helps me paint my face and get my waders on," said Max. "Sometimes we cook bacon and sausage, and that is fun, too." Looks like Max is sure to enjoy many more days relishing the great outdoors with his family.

the brew Southern Pines Brewing | Pinehurst By Will Brinson North State Journal

HE BEST bands are the ones that aren't popular yet. Same goes for breweries. If you want to beat a big-time bandwagon and feel fulfilled by being ahead of the curve on a hot, new North Carolina brewery, the time is now to hop aboard the Southern Pines Brewing Company train. A relatively small outfit in central North Carolina, the Southern Pines crew understands the importance of quality, local ingredients, and all the things you come to expect in modern-day craft brewing. But they also get it when it comes to blending high-quality flavors and creativity. Built the right way, they're venturing into a daring line of canning that's producing incredible results in a competitive marketplace. The initial forays resulted in a delightful cream ale (Duck Hook, delicious well beyond the actual style of beer), and now Southern Pines is hitting its stride, producing two of the better IPAs the state has seen and an offthe-charts stout. Moore American IPA The Moore isn't Southern Pines' first venture into the India Pale Ale land, with the brewery sporting the flagship Man Of Law IPA. While Man Of Law is described as a hop-forward IPA, it's a much more malt-heavy, piney beer, the type of North Carolina IPA you typically find on the East Coast. The Moore IPA is a welcome respite from the land of the long-leaf pine, as it checks in as a more West Coast style IPA, with high notes of fruit complimenting an excellent light body. It's substantially lighter in appearance than the Man of Law and

the hops are more floral, almost tropical. It's really clean but also sharp and bitter, likely as a result of "hop bursting" (late additions of hops to the process), and it stands up with just about any IPA you can find in the Old North State. Stay Grounded IPA A relatively unheard of style of beer, yes, this does in fact blend coffee and hops for a "breakfast IPA." It sounds a little off when you hear it, but it's well worth taking the dive. Credit first of all a creative brewing process for finding a blend between hops and coffee—you get hit by coffee beans early when you taste the beer. Then the floral notes of the hops catch up, and they blend for a third, resiny flavor that highlights the sticky pine sort of mindset you think of with the terrain. Make no mistake: this is hard to pull off. Beer snobs will probably pass on this beer because most coffee IPAs are just "too cute." But this is a darn fine beer and well crafted. Drunken Vigils Breakfast Stout Another creation combined with Cactus Creek Coffee, this is just about the best stout you're going to taste all year long. That is, if you can find it. Vigils popped up on the North Carolina market in 16-ounce limited cans, and once people got a taste it was over. It's referred to as a "breakfast" beer because there's coffee included, but it doubles as a decadent dessert beer. Rich and velvety, there are heavy cocoa notes just oozing out of this beer. It's liquid chocolate cake evened out by coffee syrup and a high ABV (14 percent). The idea is never to advertise a beer that you can't easily find, but there's a chance Vigils is still overlooked. If you see it, buy it. If you buy too much, I'll take the rest.

EAMON QUEENEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Southern Pines Brewing Company's Stay Grounded photographed at the North State Journal office in Raleigh, North Carolina.

WHIRLIGIGS from page C1 create the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum. "This is a special part of our town. Vollis Simpson's whirligigs are about the history and culture of our region. The history of our community is right there and people from all over the world are coming to see them," said Jenny Moore, project manager. The sculptures, which once stood in a field around Simpson’s home in Lucama for 25 years, have undergone careful restoration and conservation by specially trained technicians. They have each been moved to downtown Wilson as part of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum. Slated for completion in July 2017, the park currently contains 16 of 31 total whirligigs. Financial contributions from art grants, private donors and the city government have covered the $7.2 million expense. “Every one of these whirligigs are snapshots of his life. From the unicycle riders to the airplane propellers, Vollis is telling us, 'this is where we’ve come from in my life and this is where we are going,'” said Joe Justice, a restoration technician. The whirligigs are considered to be “green art” as they are made from recycled materials such as metal, steel, copper, reflector lights, and old street signs. Viewers will even find wine goblets, milkshake cups, and garage door roller bearings as part of the creations. Ranging in size from eight feet long and 25 feet high to 35 feet long and 55 feet high, the sculptures are vast and mesmerizing. While the park itself will feature the 31 whirligigs, the area will also consist of a museum detailing Simpson's work and life, an amphitheater for outdoor entertainment, farmer's market, and squares of vegetation. "People have travelled to Wilson from 26 coun-

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

James Pope, of Black Creek, grinds paint off of whirligig sculptures built by Vollis Simpson at the studio.

tries and 48 states to visit the whirligigs. People are now able to visit the conservation headquarters and see our technicians repairing the whirligigs firsthand," said Moore. If residents and tourists are traveling along Interstate 95, Simpson's whirligigs can be found at the rest stops on the North Carolina and Virginia border as well as the North and South Carolina border. In June, a line of fabrics inspired by the whirligigs

will be announced. Simpson died in 2013 at the age of 94. Following his death, the North Carolina General Assembly recognized Simpson’s contributions to art and designated whirligigs as the official folk art of North Carolina. People travel from near and far to see the colorful whirligigs playfully spin high among the clouds as one man's engineering artistry timelessly lives on.

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

Read to me

№9

A Little About a Lot By Tales Untold EDITOR’S NOTE

Stories have power. They amuse, enchant, teach, and transport us to another time and place outside of our own. Each week, we invite you to read with us, and with the people you love, to let your imagination run wild and free.

CHRISTINE T. NGUYEN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

A Postman butterfly sits on a leaf at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, N.C.

RETTY MUCH everybody knows that caterpillars turn into butterflies. But how does that actually happen? Well, here’s a hint: it’s not magic. It’s actually just the butterfly changing from being a baby into an adult, just like how you will grow from being a kid into a grown-up. Butterflies just do it a lot differently. It’s called metamorphosis, which is really just a fancy word for change. A butterfly’s life cycle can be broken into four parts. The first part is when it’s an egg. A butterfly leaves its teeny-tiny eggs on a leaf, where they stay protected and hidden until it’s time to hatch, just like a bird hatches from an egg. But the butterfly egg only takes about five days until the little bug inside is ready to come out. When it does come out of the egg, it reaches the second part of its life cycle called the larva stage. Of course, you know a different word for larva: caterpillar. We call it a caterpillar, but it’s really just a baby butterfly. All it does is crawl around and eat. It eats and eats and eats, so it can grow as big and strong as it can. In fact, the first thing a caterpillar usually does is eat the leaf that the egg was laying on. That would be like you eating the hospital room as soon as you came out of your mom’s belly. Goofy, huh? When you get bigger, your clothes don’t fit anymore, and you need to get new clothes. But the skin on your body gets bigger and grows with you. A caterpillar’s skin doesn’t grow. When the caterpillar outgrows its skin it falls off! This is called molting, and there are actually other

animals that do that, like snakes. So, when a caterpillar gets too big for its skin, the old skin falls off, and the caterpillar has new skin underneath, that fits its larger body. As the caterpillar keeps eating and keeps growing, its skin falls off 3 or 4 more times! When it’s finally as big as it can get, the caterpillar stops eating, and it looks for a safe place to hide, like in a tree or on a plant. The caterpillar is now ready for the third part in its life cycle. There are some fancy words for this one, too, but you might know a simple word for it: a cocoon! Technically, it’s called a chrysalis. When the caterpillar sheds its old skin for the last time, the new skin starts to get hard, and eventually it becomes like a shell, wrapped all the way around the caterpillar, who is totally hidden inside. Here’s where the big change happens, the metamorphosis. From the outside of the chrysalis, it doesn’t look like anything’s happening. But on the inside, it’s amazing. When you eat a sandwich, your body digests it, which just means your tummy turns it into little tiny pieces that your body can use to grow. Well, when a caterpillar is inside the chrysalis, it actually starts digesting itself! So, if you were to open up a chrysalis before the caterpillar was done changing, a bunch of caterpillar "soup" would ooze out. Inside that soup, you would see little chunks called “imaginal discs.” You can think of them sort of like building blocks. Each of those discs is the first piece for all of the parts of the butterfly. There’s one for each leg, for the wings, and the eyes. Those tiny discs were hidden inside the caterpillar when it was just a regular old

caterpillar. The whole thing can take a few weeks, or a month, or even longer. Some butterflies stay inside their chrysalis for two years until those imaginal discs are done turning the caterpillar soup into a butterfly. The fourth and final part of the butterfly’s lifecycle: a beautiful butterfly! Most adult butterflies only live for a week or two, although some will last a few months. When they come out of their cocoon, they’re done growing. Some are even done eating, too. Their main goal is to fly around and look for a place to lay their eggs. Once they lay their eggs that starts the whole thing all over again. You may be asking, why does a caterpillar turn into a butterfly? It’s really all about finding food. A caterpillar can only crawl around a pretty small area, like maybe your backyard. If all the caterpillars in the world were in your backyard, they would eat up all your plants and quickly run out of food. But since a butterfly can fly, they can lay their eggs all over the place, and they’ll never run out of food. Next time you see a big, hairy caterpillar crawling around in the dirt, you’ll know exactly how and why it will later turn into a butterfly. You’ll also know what that butterfly is up to — finding a place to lay more eggs and make more caterpillars. So they can turn into caterpillar soup, and make more butterflies! And the next time your mom or dad drags you to the store for some bigger shoes or new clothes for school, just remember: it’s a lot easier than turning yourself into soup.

COMING UP in the good life Dancing shoes

The New York Theatre Ballet is visiting Tarboro for the Hobson Pittman fundraiser, so stay tuned for our review.

Hue matters

Learn more about color meanings and how to use them in your home to create a welcoming environment.

Looking flawless

Miss North Carolina 2003, Dana Reason, brings a makeup makeover to look your best for spring.

North State Journal for Sunday, April 24, 2016

pen & Paper pursuits I reckon . . .

Your guide to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what, where, why, and how to say it.

Camp Lejeune

One of the Marine Corps' biggest bases is located in Onslow County, and odds are you've been saying it wrong. This military training facility is pronounced luh-JERN, not luh-JUNE. The family of Lt. Gen. John Lejeune, who the base is named after, says it that way so that seems like enough of a reason to retrain our brains.

COLOR AWAY!

Drive through Western North Carolina and you're likely to see colorful quilt squares installed on barns and buildings. The blocks are connected by their pattern name to the history of the land, the building, or a particular family. You can find a trail map and stories behind many of the custom blocks at quilttrailswnc.org. Be sure to share your handiwork with us on social media #coloraway.

JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU

SOLUTIONS TO PUZZLES FROM 4.17.16

ILLUSTRATION FOR THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL | AMY RICHARDS