Chatham News & Record Vol. 146, Issue 46 by North State Journal

VOLUME 146 ISSUE 46 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM

C HATHAM NEWS & R ECORD THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

the

BRIEF this week

SABA reclassifies as private school Pittsboro’s School of the Arts for Boys Academy has received a new private school certification from the state’s Division of Non-Public Education. The designation means North Carolina’s first charter school specifically for boys will remain in operation, with some two-thirds of enrolled families indicating they will continue in the new private school environment after the school’s charter was rescinded.

Red Cross warns of emergency blood shortage The American Red Cross warns of critically low blood supplies around the country, including in Chatham County, and asks for blood and platelet donors to help. In a press release, the organization warns of the lowest levels of donations in 20 years and says some medical procedures are at risk of being delayed as a result. As always, Type O blood and platelet donations are in the highest need. As a bonus, donors of blood, platelets or plasma in January will be entered to win a trip for two to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas this year. A blood drive will take place in Bennet on Friday, Jan. 12, from 12:30 - 5 p.m. at Bennett Baptist Church, 68 Bonlee St. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to make an appointment or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

NCDOT Offers Free Helmets to Promote Bicycle Safety The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is accepting applications for its annual free bicycle helmet giveaway. Targeted at children, the initiative is a project of NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division, aiming to increase helmet usage and promote safe bicycling practices. Organizations statewide are invited to apply to distribute helmets to children in need. Brennon Fuqua, the division’s interim director, emphasized the role of helmets in reducing head injury risks. The application deadline is set for February 9, with options to request 25 to 100 helmets. Applications can be filled out on ncdot.gov. Since its inception in 2007, the initiative has distributed over 66,000 helmets, funded by sales of the “Share the Road” specialty license plate. In 2023 alone, nearly 23,000 helmets were provided to over 280 organizations.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

To accommodate the move, Town Offices will be closed on January 11 and 12.

Pittsboro Town Hall relocates to Main Street Station New facility opens January 16; closures announced during transition By Jordan Golson Chatham News & Record PITTSBORO — The Town of Pittsboro has announced the relocation of its Town Hall to a new facility in the Main Street Station, effective January 16, 2024. The move from 635 East

Street to 287 East Street, Suite 221, addresses the need for additional space for the expanding Pittsboro Police Department. With this relocation, utility bill payments will see changes. Customers who typically pay in person will now need to enter the new Town Hall, as the drive-thru service will be discontinued. However, the drive-thru’s dropbox will remain operational. The town encourages residents to explore online bill payment

options at pittsboronc.gov. The existing Town Hall site will be fully occupied by the Pittsboro Police Department, which will soon announce its public services and operational hours. To accommodate the move, Town Offices will be closed on January 11 and 12. Additionally, offices will be closed on January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Residents are advised to complete any neces-

The move to 287 East Street, Suite 221, addresses the need for additional space for the expanding Pittsboro Police Department. sary in-person business with the Town either before January 11 or after January 16. Town officials appreciate the community’s patience during this transition and anticipate providing enhanced customer service at the new location. Further details about the relocation of specific departments will be shared post-reopening.

Chatham County announces 2024 property listing deadline and procedures Chatham News & Record

Property owners who do not receive their listing form by January 20th, should call 919-5428250 to make arrangements to list property by the deadline of January 31, 2024.

PITTSBORO — The Chatham County Tax Office issued guidance Monday for individuals and companies related to personal and business property taxes. The tax office will be mailing forms to real estate owners to file an updated listing of personal and business property and property owners may pick up forms at the tax office in Pittsboro or download the form at chathamcountync. gov/taxlisting. Property owners who do not receive their listing form by January 20th, should call 919-542-8250 to make arrangements to list property by the deadline of January 31, 2024. Listings submitted after the deadline will incur a late penalty of ten percent of the owed taxes. Completed forms can be mailed back, ensuring they are postmarked by January 31st, or delivered in person to the Tax Office at 12 East Street, Pittsboro. Real estate property and registered motor vehicles with tags are not listed using these forms. The listing requirement extends to properties such as unlicensed vehicles, trailers with multi-year registrations, mobile homes not classified as real property, watercraft, aircraft, and business-related items. For businesses seeking an extension, a request must be submitted by January 31st, extending the deadline to April 15th. 2023 property tax bills were due by January 5 and interest accrues on unpaid balances from January 6.

AP FILE PHOTO

People vote on Election Day, Nov. 7, 2023.

Judge recommends ending suit on prosecuting ex-felons who vote in NC, cites new law By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — A North Carolina law that makes it a serious crime for someone to vote while still on probation or parole for a felony conviction shouldn’t be thrown out, especially with a change to the law that took effect this week, a federal judge has ruled. U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe Webster on Tuesday issued an order recommending to deny a

request by lawyers for groups representing poor residents and Black union members to invaliSee VOTING, page A7

$2.00

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

A2 THURSDAY

1.11.24 #21

congrats!

CHATHAM

happening

Matthew Paul Morgan SPONSORED BY

Graduate of Campbell University

“Join the conversation”

Bobby and Tabatha Lane of Bear Creek announce with great pride the graduation of Matthew Paul Morgan from Campbell University. On December 16, 2023, Matthew received a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science, Health, and Physical Education and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He was presented the 2023 Graduating Class Most Outstanding Student Award in the field of Education. Beginning in January 2024, Matthew will be attending graduate school at Campbell University while working as a Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Campbell University’s Athletic Department.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County:

Chatham News & Record www.chathamnewsrecord.com

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BREAKFAST

Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Asheebo Rojas, Sports Reporter A.P. Dillon, Capitol News Reporter Ryan Henkel, Reporter Bob Sutton, Reporter Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

The Western Chatham Branch of the NAACP will hold their Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Holy Trinity United Holy Church on Trinity Street. The breakfast will begin at 8:00 AM. You may get tickets at the door. Dr. Charles Johnson, Associate Dean in the Department of History at North Carolina Central University will be our guest speaker.

CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. The Citizens In Action Committee Of Siler City, NC is requesting your attendance to a program celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., On Monday, January 15, 2024, at 6:00pm. This event will take place at Holy Trinity United Holy Church at 309 Trinity Street In Siler City, NC. Our speaker for the event will be NC Senator, Natalie Murdock of District 20. We will be honored to have you in attendance as we gather to acknowledge the life and contributions of this great leader. We must remember that we must be “united to serve”.

BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager

The Chatham News & Record (USPS #101-160) is published weekly, 52 weeks a year, by North State Media LLC, 303 West Raleigh Street, Siler City, N.C. 27344.

January 11 Drop-in Computer & Tech Assistance 3 – 4 p.m. Do you have a computer or technology question? Need to learn how to create an email account, download an app, or use library eBooks? Visit Chatham Community Library’s computer lab for one-on-one assistance on the second Thursday of each month, any time between 3:00 and 4:30 pm. No registration required.

N.C. POSTMASTER

January 15

Send address changes to The Chatham News & Record, PO Box 290, Siler City, N.C. 27344

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Federal Holiday

CONTACT US For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 919-663-3232 To place a classified or display ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042 To submit a news tip or correction: 919-663-3232; email: news@ chathamnr.com

Red Cross Blood Drive 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Subscription rates begin at $6.58/ month (1 year print & digital, paid annually) or $4.92/month (digital only, paid annually). Pick your plan at www. chathamnewsrecord.com/subscribe. Auto-renew; cancel anytime

Local students graduate from Western Carolina University Western Carolina University congratulates more than 1,000 students named to the Chancellor’s List for Fall 2023. To qualify for this honor, students must achieve a GPA of 3.8 or higher while completing 12 or more credit hours. Congratulations to the following local students: Rebecca Brookshire and Emery Eldridge of Siler City Justin Hilliard of Bear Creek Ayden Pyle, Collin Semrad, and Noa Warren of Pittsboro

Get in touch

THANK YOU CHATHAM COUNTY! We were happy to serve Chatham County and the surrounding area. We closed 58 properties for a total of $23,395,650 and 975.212 acres. We expect 2024 to be another above average year and look forward to helping more of you with your real estate needs.

www chathamnewsrecord.com

THIS WEEK’S VIDEO Disney Storyliving "Asteria" Community Coming to Pittsboro NC

@ChathamNR

At the Carolina Lakes Community (91 Captain Harbor Drive in Sanford). Walk-ins welcome or make an appointment online at redcrossblood.org

January 16 Chatham County Board of Commissioners Meeting 6 p.m. Held at the Historic Chatham County Courthouse (9 Hillsboro Street, Second Floor Courtroom Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312).

January 18 Intro to NC LIVE 3 p.m. Learn about the amazing online resources you have access to with your library card! NC LIVE includes resources for language learning, business, genealogy, and more. (Participants should be comfortable navigating the internet.) Register online at chathamlibraries. org or call 919-545-8086 for more info.

K-5 Science Club 4 – 5 p.m. Kids in grades K-5 are invited to join staff at the Chatham Community Library for some hands-on science fun! Make sure you wear clothes that are okay to get messy! Meets in the Holmes Meeting Room. No registration necessary. Free and open to the public.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge ing receives outstanding sanctuary award Chatham News & Record PITTSBORO — The Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge in Pittsboro has been recognized with the Outstanding Sanctuary Award from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). The award, first announced in late October 2023, acknowledges the Refuge’s commitment to animal care and pro-

fessional standards. Spanning 45 acres, the Refuge cares for approximately 120 animals with the help of over 100 volunteers. “This year’s winner is about as special as they come,” said Jess Harris of GFAS said in in a statement praising the organization. Established in 2012, the Refuge provides shelter to various animals, including cows, sheep, goats, and poultry. These ani-

mals have been rescued from situations of abandonment or intended slaughter. The Refuge is noted for its tours and vegan potlucks, which showcase its operations. A significant aspect of its approach is the animal-centered design of its facilities, aimed at ensuring animal comfort and addressing individual needs. Learn more at piedmontrefuge.org. PHOTO COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION

NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s 2024 Top Shot Challenge Chatham News & Record

COURTESY PHOTOS

Students, get your applications in for the 2024 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour!

arms Education and Training Center, the Wayne E. Smith Cold Mountain Shooting THE NORTH CARRange in Haywood OLINA Wildlife ReCounty, and the R. sources Commission has announced a new Wayne Bailey-Casprogram aimed at im- The Top Shot well Shooting Range proving target shooting in Caswell County. challenge will skills. The Top Shot chalThe 2024 Top be offered lenge will be offered Shot Challenge is a in three in three categories: 12-month, themed tarrifle of any caliber, get shooting program categories: rifle handgun of any calithat will be offered at of any caliber, ber and 0.22-caliber six agency shooting rifles and pistols. ranges across the state. handgun of The rules include “Besides target any caliber and that participants will shooting being an enshoot targets at 50 joyable sport for many 0.22-caliber yards, no lead sleds people, it creates an op- rifles and or locking devices alportunity to improve pistols. lowed, front supports shooting skills and beonly (stocks may not come more familiar touch the table), no handling a firearm, caliber .50 BMG or which is a recommended safe- larger, participants must use the ty measure for firearm owners,” targets provided at the range and said NCWRC’s shooting range all other range rules must be folfacilities manager Josh Jernigan lowed in the press release. Participants will receive a The ranges in which the chal- themed patch for each monthlenge will be offered are the John ly challenge they complete. They Lenz Hunter Education Complex may attempt the challenge once in Richmond County, the Flint- per day, per month for each lock Valley Shooting Range in themed challenge until they Montgomery County’s Uwhar- complete it and make-up chalrie National Forest, the Odom lenges will be offered in August. Shooting Range in Northampton Visit ncwildlife.org for more County, the Wake County Fire- information.

Each year, Central Electric sponsors two rising high school juniors or seniors on the trip of a lifetime to Washington, D.C in connection with the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. While in D.C., you’ll join 1,800 other students from across the country to meet members of Congress and learn more about American history and electric cooperatives. The trip will be hosted in June 2024 and the deadline for all applications is Jan. 22. Scan the QR code or visit CEMCPower.com to apply or to find out more information. CEMCPower.com

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128 Wilson Rd SANFORD, NC

Commissioner District 1 Community Forum The Town of Siler City Board of Commissioners adopted a Strategic Plan in 2023. One of the strategic priorities is to enhance community engagement. The Town of Siler City is inviting the public to attend an informal community forum to discuss community topics. Forum Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024

CA RO LI N A F I R EA R M S T RA I N I N G 1641 Hawkins Ave., Sanford • (919) 356-6954 • www.carolinafirearmstraining.com

SCAN TO REGISTER

Concealed Carry Class – $75 Class dates (Siler City)

Jan. 14, Feb. 4, Feb. 24, March 23 Class location: 410 Rives Chapel Church Rd. Siler City

Forum Time: 6:00pm Forum Location: First Missionary Baptist Church 914 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Since this is a public meeting, a quorum of the Board of Commissioners may be present, but no town business will be conducted. If you have any questions, please contact Jack Meadows Community Development Director @ 919-726-8627 or jmeadows@silercity.org

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

OPINION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

Taking down the Christmas tree Yet, once we finished, our small living room felt more orderly and peaceful.

I am tempted to title this column “A Poetic Moment,” but I don’t want people to stop reading. It’s true that some poets are pompous pontificators and brazen blowhards. Maybe someone ruined poetry for you by forcing you to memorize words best suited for lining the bottom of birdcages! But I read poetry to find meaning, even miracles, in the muddle of life, like the chore of taking down the Christmas tree. This was the subject of a poem by Jane Kenyon, one of my favorite writers. Kenyon died at only 47 years old. She left us with four volumes of poems, which, in the words of one reviewer, “Attempt to redeem morbidity with a peculiar kind of gusto.” Her work does not fight death like Dylan Thomas’s “rage, rage against the dying of the light,” but rather brings poignancy to the everyday. In Kenyon’s poem, “The Sick Wife,” the narrator describes sitting in her car, watching the world go by: elderly couples and young mothers with toddlers cross a muddy parking lot, seemingly carefree, while “dry cleaning swung and gleamed on hangers in the cars of the prosperous.” The poem is a reminder, not a lecture, not to take life for granted. Recently, Kenyon’s poem “Taking Down the Christmas

Tree” hit home for me. My wife had treated our kids to a movie in the theater, and I promised to complete this chore while they were away. I got off to a fast start, hauling down the boxes from the attic with only minimal damage to my stubbed toe. But as I began to remove ornaments from our crispy, needle-dropping pine, I thought of Kenyon’s poem and how she described boxing away her family mementos with “something more than caution.” What is this “something more”? I think it is an intention to see a homemade ornament, not by the world’s standards of value, but for the relationship it represents, such as with my children or my grandmother, who died decades ago. Putting decorations away with “something more” also meant I took more time. My task was incomplete when our kids burst through the back door. But upon entering our home, my wife smiled and pitched in. Together, we put away the ornaments and lights, then delivered our tree to the curb. I love Christmas and the decorations. Yet, once we finished, our small living room felt more orderly and peaceful. Then I reached for her hand at the same time she reached for mine.

EDITORIAL | BOB WACHS

Words are important; use the right ones Words are how we communicate with our fellow creature, human and otherwise.

In one way or another, throughout most of my life I’ve used words to make a living. Other than when I bagged groceries or was a soda jerk, not to be confused with being a regular jerk, or had a brief career as a house painter, words have been my thing. Sometimes it was on the printed pages of this newspaper or another one or two. Sometimes it was on the pages of magazines and newsletters. And sometimes it was from behind the pulpits of various churches. I’m pretty sure I didn’t always do a great job on every occasion. Sometimes it was because I was in over my head; sometimes it was because there wasn’t enough information or time to do a good job. At other times I just wasn’t on my “A” game. And sometimes it was because the reader or hearer put their own different spin on the words and the message was lost in the noise. Words are how we communicate with our fellow creature, human and otherwise. Words are how we convey information or share ideas and thoughts. They’re not the only way – consider body language, for instance. If you don’t say a word but turn your back on someone who’s talking to you or yawn in his face, then you’ve said a mouthful without ever uttering a sound. But still, words remain our primary means of communication. In that regard, there are several significant considerations about them. One is the difference between how they’re said and how they appear on a printed page. Sarcasm, for instance, is sometimes hard to pick up in print but so easily understood when spoken. Another is simply how they’re said and what an emphasis on different words can mean. Consider, for instance, the difference in meaning between “I love you” and “I love you.” But of all the things about words, perhaps the most critical one is to make sure you use the right one. And sometimes that’s hard in the English language, which has been described as one of the most difficult for non-natives to master. One of the biggest problems in communicating, however, is that natives often fall into the same category. Sometimes it’s harmless. For instance, a dear sweet lady, long gone now, who was a second mama to me more often than not confused the words “allergy” and “allergic.” One more than one occasion, she would say “I’m allergy to (whatever).” No harm done there; I knew what she was stabbing at so there was communication. At other times, tough, there can be a serious flaw, perhaps

because of a limited vocabulary or maybe downright ignorance or a desire to muddy the waer. A news story I read some time ago told of how a monument in Winston-Salem dedicated to the memory of Confederate soldiers in the War Between the States was defaced. Scrawled on the base on which the statue stood were the words “cowards & traitors.” At this point, I’m not going to get into the current political correctness fight going on about such items other than to point out that, to me, if someone has time to vandalize something with which they disagree then they probably have time to volunteer at a nursing home or help out with child literacy classes. The past is past; learn from it and live in the present with an idea to help the future. Instead, my take on this event is how wrong the vandal(s) was (were) with the choice of words to try to make a point. In a literal sense, there was a touch of “traitor” involved in the Civil War in the sense of some folks pledging allegiance to something other than the union of states forged during the American war for independence, which they heretofore had supported. And if that’s the definition and meaning of “traitor,” do you suppose the statue vandal would think the Americans who took part in the 1776 war were traitors? After all, the goal of that conflict was to overthrow England’s presence in America while the South’s goal in 1860 was not to overthrow Washington but to form a separate union. So, while the word “traitor” could have different meanings across the spectrum, our vandal really did himself in with the choice of the word “coward.” As I noted earlier, I don’t claim to be the ultimate authority on much of anything but I do have some experience with words. To make sure this was a correct road to go down, I went to Mr. Webster, whose book is the definitive on words. Here I quote his meaning of “coward:” “one who shows disgraceful fear or timidity.” Friends, I have been to the Gettysburg battlefield where men who wore the blue and the gray breathed their last. I have walked up the mile-long hill where Robert E. Lee sent 15,000 men on a wide-open walk in the face of cannon and rifles. A coward would not make that walk. Instead, a coward marks a statue under the cover of darkness, seemingly because he does not have the courage of his convictions but instead shows “disgraceful fear or timidity.” Please, dear reader, if you’re going to use words, wherever you use them, use the right ones.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

COLUMN | JAN HUTTON

COLUMN SUSAN ESTRICH

An Unexpected Gold Mine I need light! I want more light, preferably, now!

“CAN WE TALK?” as the late, no-holds barred, comedian Joan Rivers used to say. In other words, let’s get real. On my way to getting real… The holidays have ended. I admit to feeling a letdown. Emptiness. Oddly enough, I most miss all the light-filled, holiday, ornamentations. Those shiny trappings have disappeared to wherever they disappear when the holidays are over. Christmas trees are now the fodder with which neighborhood kids build forts in their backyards (only to be raided by other kids.) The sheer brightness of the season is, whoosh, gone! All that glorious light, day and night, twinkling with aliveness. Seems so dark now…. (Have I depressed you? Trust me. Hang in…) I need light! I want more light, preferably, now! (Heavens, a real “I want my Light” temper tantrum! I’m human. It happens…) Yeah, yeah, I know we’ve already passed the winter solstice and light is, incrementally, creeping back into our lives. However, I feel impatient. It’s drab out there, you know? Hey, would mining some bright and shiny gold be of cheer to you? Offering a measure of the light

for which you’re feeling desperate? OMG, yes! Absolutely. But wait, it’s not as if gold is an easily obtainable commodity. (Can’t we make this easier?) Try this on for size. What if there’s gold wherever you place your feet? Wherever you are. And you’re the one who can mine that gold to share with others. Give me a break. Please. That is absolute nonsense! Is it? Even with questionable mining skills, we can all be gold miners. Oh my, and shiny gold nuggets would appear in the form of the conscious, caring or cheering, words we choose to share with others. There’s really gold in them thar words! Enriching the life of another, even if only briefly. Yep, our words. When aiming for a connection of kindness and goodness with another, damn, if I’m not a gold miner. (You are, too.) Akin to our spinning words into gold. (Another happy “Yep” on my part!) Seeing a face light up, brightening my darkness and the darkness around me. Got my gold pickax at the ready! Just waiting for a passing human…

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

Blue states just can’t stop taxing The Golden State just moved past New York to reclaim the income tax top spot.

THE LATEST CENSUS BUREAU data on population changes in America should have been a wake-up call to lawmakers in blue states and cities. The Census data provide even further evidence that “soak the rich” tax policies have incited a blue-state meltdown. California, New York and Illinois all lost the most population last year. These states have nearly lost a combined 5 million people over the last decade. California and New York could both lose another three congressional seats by the end of the decade, and Illinois another two. Did I mention that these are the three states with the highest taxes? Is this just a coincidence? Democratic governors evidently think so. This year, seven blue states are pursuing even higher tax rates on the top 1% of earners, despite the evidence that these policies are detrimental to their citizens. One such state is Washington. Once an importer of talent and brainpower because of its no-income-tax status, the Dems who control all the levers of power in Seattle just enshrined a 7% capital gains tax, and the Democratic Washington Supreme Court strangely ruled it is constitutional. This is one of the highest taxes on the sale of assets in the country. Sen. Noel Frame (D-Wash.) wants a 1% annual tax on financial intangible assets — such as cash, stocks and bonds — over $250 million. And then they wonder why one of the world’s richest human beings, Jeff Bezos, has moved to South Florida. In Vermont, Dems have just proposed raising their top income tax rate to more than 8%. Pretty soon Ben and Jerry will be the only rich people left in the state — and don’t be surprised if they move out, too.

Meanwhile, Maryland Dems are pushing a “millionaire tax” ($750,000 in income and above), a capital tax and a new corporate tax. California just raised its top income tax rate to the highest in the U.S. — from 13.3% to 14.4%. The Golden State just moved past New York to reclaim the income tax top spot. They must be so proud. The Dems in Sacramento also expanded the state’s 1.1% payroll tax to include all income earners. The tax was previously applicable only to those making up to around $153,000 annually. Meanwhile, Jonathan Williams, the chief economist at the American Legislative Exchange Council — an association of more than 2,000 conservative state legislators — reports that eight red states are cutting income taxes including Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Utah and West Virginia. Oklahoma is set to cut rates this year to as low as 2%. Several of these states now have flat taxes, not multiple tier “progressive” rates. Every state on this list is a red state, except Connecticut. What does all this mean? The bluestate deep thinkers can’t see that their “progressive” tax systems are bleeding their states dry. Or they don’t care. Once upon a time, it was the Northeast that was the financial and industrial capital of the world. Now Miami, Nashville, Dallas, Austin, Charlotte, Tampa and Salt Lake City are the hot destinations. The Southeast now produces more GDP than the northeast. I call it a blue-state dysphoria. They must change their ways or die. So far, their political leaders are choosing the latter course. Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and co-founder of the Committee to Unleash Prosperity.

BE IN TOUCH

Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@ nsjonline.com or 1201 Edwards Mill Rd., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27607. Letters 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.

The Supreme Court and the Trump cases THE QUESTION is not when the Supreme Court will weigh in on Donald Trump’s eligibility to serve as president of the United States but if it will do so at all. It already resisted one opportunity when it refused to fast track the appeal of the district court’s ruling that he is not absolutely immune from criminal liability for acts committed while he was president. But that was not necessarily the major victory for Trump that so many commentators claimed. There is every reason for the court to stay out of the election, notwithstanding the Republicanappointed majority on the highest court. John Roberts, the chief justice, is a conservative in more ways than one. He is known to be the sort of leader who is concerned about the court’s credibility and legitimacy, which is at an all-time low. He is known as a consensus builder, who would not and should not welcome a divided court weighing into a partisan divide that could leave the court, as it was after Bush v. Gore, further damaged in terms of its own credibility. To those who question whether the 2000 decision had such an impact, I would point them to the polls at the time, as well as the opinion of my own former boss, the late Justice John Paul Stevens, who told me that no modern decision did more to undermine the public view that the court is above politics — and that was not a court that, like this one, is plagued by the perception of ethical problems of its own. By rejecting the special counsel’s request for an expedited review, the court left the case to be decided by one of the most liberal courts in the country. A threejudge panel (of all Democratic appointees) will hear the Trump lawyers’ claims next week, giving the radical claim for absolute immunity the expedited hearing that the Supreme Court declined to afford. If that decision goes against Trump, either because the court rejects his claim of immunity or accepts the argument that it does not have jurisdiction of a non-final criminal appeal absent special circumstances (a novel but not unprecedented argument raised by a friend of the court brief), he could quickly face the trial he is so desperate to avoid before a judge who has already ruled that the former president is not a king. Trump could move for rehearing by the panel (which would be futile) or seek rehearing en banc by the full panel of D.C. circuit judges — a move that requires a majority of the 11-member court to vote with him to hear the case. For those who are counting, the D.C. Circuit has seven active Democratic-appointed judges and only four Republicans. The easy default vote on en banc petitions is a “no,” particularly in the absence of a strong dissenting vote by one of the three judges who will hear next week’s case. At the same time, an affirmance by the D.C. en banc court would make it even easier for the Supreme Court to say no to a cert petition, with two lower courts having ruled against the former president. The fact that all nine justices have once voted to stay out makes it easier for them to stay out a second time. Which leaves the Colorado case as the more difficult one for the Supreme Court to avoid. There, you have not only a question of national importance but one as to which the states are already divided. But even so, the Colorado decision is right now on hold, and limited to the Republican primary ballot. The court may not be as easily able to avoid any decision at all, but there are paths available — including deferring to Congress the decision of a political question — to put off a final decision. In the meantime, Trump could be tried and convicted, the one thing that even today’s polls showing his wide lead suggest he could not survive. In other words, Trump is not in the driver’s seat, at least not yet, and if the Supreme Court can find a way for the lower courts to resolve the immediate crisis, they may yet save their reputations and the court’s in the process.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

obituaries

SPONSORED BY DONALDSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

of Pittsboro, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the SECU Jim & Betsy Bryan Hospice House in Pittsboro. Mark was born in Chatham County North Carolina on November 19, 1957, to the late Clyde Bernice Perry, Sr., and Grace Sink Perry. Surviving relatives include one brother, Clyde Bernice Perry, Jr., and wife Rena, two sisters. Laura Outz and Julie Frye, all from Pittsboro. Mark worked for the State Department of Transportation until his retirement. He later worked as a painter for many friends and family. Mark loved being outside

and enjoyed hunting and fishing his entire life. He also enjoyed cooking and shared his food with friends and family. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Mark’s memory to the SECU Jim & Betsy Bryan UNC Hospice House of Pittsboro. Service details will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals. com. Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Perry family.

Margaret retired, they moved from Greensboro to Chatham County, NC to be closer to both of their families. There, they lived in Siler City, NC for over 20 years and were members of the Hickory Mountain United Methodist Church (Now Hickory Mountain Chapel) in Pittsboro. Bobby’s interests and hobbies were gardening, general yard work, metal work, wood working, car washing, cooking (especially cornbread), grilling steaks, daily calls with his cousin Newby Phillips, watching The Price is Right, splitting wood for their wood stoves, and nightly phone calls with his daughter Debra (7PM – on the dot). Each summer, Bobby enjoyed taking Margaret and Debra in their camper to Miller’s Campground in the NC mountains. After the move to Siler City many locals called him “the candy man,” as he loaded up his pants pockets with candy when he left the house to run errands. He gave the candy to children he ran into, as well as the pharmacy staff and others. Bobby is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Debra, and Wayne Hucaby, of Raleigh, NC, as well as several cousins. Bobby is preceded in

death by his wife of 69 years, Margaret Bowers Thornburg; and by his sister, Irene Thornburg Brisson. On Thursday, January 4, 2024, the family will receive visitation from family and friends, from 1PM to 2PM, followed by a brief Funeral Service and Committal, all at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 N. Second Ave, Siler City, NC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, per Bobby’s wish. Address: ALSAC/ St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online: https//www.stjude.org/donate/. Bobby will be interred at the Hickory Mountain Chapel Cemetery in Pittsboro beside his wife, Margaret. The family is extremely grateful to the wonderful staff of Cambridge Hills Assisted Living in Pittsboro, where Bobby lived after the passing of Margaret. Thank you all so much for taking such good care of “Mr. Bobby.” We think of you all as family. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Thornburg family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

Glenda Dees Tucker, 79, of High Point, passed away Thursday, January 4th, 2024, at the home of her son. Glenda was born in Suwannee County, FL to Summer Dees and Doris Mobley on July 24th, 1944. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Vince E. Tucker and sister, Judy Gude, and her brother, Allison Dees. Glenda is survived by her son, Troy Tucker and his wife, Kim; four grandchildren, Austin Tucker, Alyssa Pickett, Sydney Dorsett, Aaliyah Tucker, and Luke Ash; two great grandchildren, Hayden & Kinsley Dorsett. She is also

survived by one sister, Kay Bryant of Live Oak, FL. Glenda loved flowers, especially roses, and reading. Her graveside service will be Monday, January 8th, 2024, at 2 pm, at Oakley Baptist Church Cemetery. Officiated by Hospice Chaplain. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to be made to Smith & Buckner Funeral Home. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Tucker family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

IN MEMORY

JUDY KAY DICKEN MARTIN APRIL 6TH, 1943-JAN.6TH, 2024 Judy Kay Dickens Matin, age 80 of Carthage, formerly of Broadway, passed away on Saturday (1/6/2024). She was born on April 6, 1943, daughter of the late Deas Dickens and Jewel Smith Stewart Dickens. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lawrence E. Martin and brother, Damon Dickens. Judy was a member of Southside Baptist Church and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She retired from Broadway Elementary School after many years of service.

Mark Darryl Perry

Nov.19th, 1957-Jan.2nd, 2024 Mark Darryl Perry, age 66

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00pm Wednesday (1/10/2024) at Southside Baptist Church with Rev. John McVey and Rev. James Estes officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2pm, one hour prior to the service at the church. Surviving is her daughter, Deborah Kay Diver (Richard) of Cameron, NC. Son, Terry Wayne Martin of Jacksonville, NC. Brothers, Randy Dickens (Johnnie Jean) of Sanford, NC and Billy Gene Dickens (Gail) of Broadway, NC. Grandchildren, Ricky Diver (Jessica), Stacey Killough (Dustin), Terri Cunningham (Adam), Lawrence Martin and Christy Martin. Flowers are accepted or memorial gifts can be made to Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 370, Broadway, NC 27505 to assist with funeral expenses.

Grace Elizabeth (Risser) Heilman Feb.24th, 1929-Jan.6th, 2024 Grace Elizabeth (Risser) Heilman, 94, of Pittsboro, NC, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024. Grace was born on February 24, 1929, in Harrisburg, PA to the late Edgar Walter Risser Jr. and the late Bertha Lucinda (Anderson) Risser. Grace graduated with the William Penn High School Harrisburg class of 1947, where she played soccer. After high school, she went to The Comptometer School of Harrisburg and then went to work for the State of PA, then AMP Incorporated, and eventually went back to the State of PA in the Treasurer’s Office. She retired around 1990 after 25 years of service to the State. Grace enjoyed camping with her family, tailgating

and attending Penn State football games, was a lifelong league bowler and competed nationally, and she participated in the Chatham County Senior Games. She was a Member of St. Paul&#39;s Lutheran Church in Enola, PA. Grace was predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, Thomas Newton Heilman of Pittsboro, NC, and her sister, Bertha Leona (Risser) Davis, of PA. She is survived by her daughter, Brenda (Heilman) Tillman and her late husband Greg, of Vass, NC; a son, Thomas Newton Heilman II and his late wife Karen, of Pittsboro, NC; granddaughters, Becca and Sara Heilman, Andrea (Tillman) Baker and her husband Dustin; grandsons, Alex Tillman and his wife Amie, and Jeremy Tillman, and granddaughter-in-law Deanne Galvin; and five greatgrandchildren, Mayes and Reese Baker, Gabrielle Hale and Henri Tillman, and Everett Tillman. There will be a private family gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rotary Club of Pittsboro (memo: Karen S. Heilman Scholarship), PO Box 1179, Pittsboro, NC 27312, or Liberty HomeCare &amp; Hospice Services, 1005 Carthage St, Sanford, NC 27330.

Bobby Henry Thornburg Oct.18th, 1933-Dec.26th, 2023 Bobby Henry Thornburg passed away in Pittsboro, NC, on December 26, 2023, at the age of 90, following a brief illness. He was born in Greensboro, NC on October 18, 1933. On April 11, 1952, Bobby married Margaret Mattie Bowers in Greensboro, NC, where they lived for well over 40 years. In September 1955 they had a daughter, Debra. While living in Greensboro, Bobby worked for Cone Mills, Merita Bread Co., Edgcomb Metal, and finally Friedrich Metal Products where he fabricated stainless steel meat smokers for grocery stores and restaurants. After both Bobby and

Glenda Dees Tucker

July 24th, 1944-Jan.4th, 2024

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Heilman family. www. DonaldsonFunerals.com

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah And a Blessed New Year in 2024 Schedule your new year’s advance planning appointments with our specialist Lisa Wooten. “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” 396 West St., Pittsboro, NC 27312 | 919-542-3057 | www.donaldsonfunerals.com

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

Consider Family Meeting To Discuss Estate Plans At some point, you’ll want to share your estate plans with your loved ones — DQG WKH ÀUVW VWHS LQ WKLV SURFHVV PD\ EH WR hold a family meeting. 7KH EHVW WLPH WR KROG WKLV PHHWLQJ is when you’re still in good mental and SK\VLFDO VKDSH DQG WKH HQDFWPHQW RI \RXU HVWDWH SODQV PD\ ZHOO EH \HDUV DZD\ %XW ZKDW WRSLFV VKRXOG \RX FRYHU" Consider these main areas: • Your wishes — and those of your IDPLO\ 8VH WKLV PHHWLQJ WR LQWURGXFH \RXU HVWDWH SODQV DQG LQ D EDVLF VHQVH ZKDW \RX KRSH WR DFFRPSOLVK ZLWK WKHP — leave money to your family, support FKDULWDEOH JURXSV DQG VR RQ <RX·OO ZDQW WR HPSKDVL]H WKDW \RX ZDQW WR EH HTXLWDEOH LQ ZKDW \RX OHDYH EHKLQG EXW WKHUH PD\ EH LVVXHV WKDW DIIHFW WKLV GHFLVLRQ VXFK DV GLVSDULWLHV LQ LQFRPH EHWZHHQ JURZQ FKLOGUHQ RU DQ DOORZDQFH IRU D VSHFLDO QHHGV FKLOG %XW \RX·OO DOVR ZDQW WR OLVWHQ WR ZKDW \RXU IDPLO\ PHPEHUV ZDQW ³ DQG \RX PLJKW EH VXUSULVHG DW ZKDW WKH\ WHOO you. Consider this: More than 80% of the millennial generation would rather NQRZ WKHLU SDUHQWV DUH ÀQDQFLDOO\ VHFXUH throughout their retirement, even if this means that their parents will pass on less PRQH\ WR WKHP DFFRUGLQJ WR DQ (GZDUG Jones/Age Wave study. • Estate planning documents – At the time of your family meeting, you may or PD\ QRW KDYH DOUHDG\ FUHDWHG \RXU HVWDWH SODQQLQJ GRFXPHQWV EXW LQ HLWKHU FDVH WKLV ZRXOG EH D JRRG WLPH WR GLVFXVV WKHP 7KHVH GRFXPHQWV PD\ LQFOXGH D ZLOO D OLYLQJ WUXVW ÀQDQFLDO SRZHU RI DWWRUQH\ KHDOWK FDUH SRZHU RI DWWRUQH\ DQG SRVVLEO\ RWKHU DUUDQJHPHQWV $W D minimum, you’d like to give a general RYHUYLHZ RI ZKDW WKHVH GRFXPHQWV PHDQ EXW DW DQ LQLWLDO IDPLO\ PHHWLQJ \RX GRQ·W QHFHVVDULO\ KDYH WR JHW WRR GHWDLOHG )RU example, you might not want to talk DERXW VSHFLÀF LQKHULWDQFHV 7KLV LV DOVR DQ opportunity to inform your loved ones of

the professionals involved in your estate SODQV VXFK DV \RXU DWWRUQH\ DQG \RXU WD[ advisor. • Roles of everyone involved – Not RQO\ GRHV D FRPSUHKHQVLYH HVWDWH SODQ LQYROYH PRYLQJ SDUWV VXFK DV WKH QHFHVVDU\ GRFXPHQWV EXW LW DOVR LQFOXGHV DFWXDO KXPDQ EHLQJV ZKR PD\ QHHG WR WDNH RQ GLIIHUHQW UROHV <RX ZLOO QHHG DQ H[HFXWRU IRU \RXU ZLOO DQG LI \RX KDYH D OLYLQJ WUXVW \RX·OO QHHG D WUXVWHH (YHQ LI \RX FKRRVH WR VHUYH DV WKH LQLWLDO WUXVWHH you’ll still need to identify one or more VXFFHVVRU WUXVWHHV WR WDNH \RXU SODFH LI \RX EHFRPH LQFDSDFLWDWHG RU XSRQ your death. Plus, you’ll need to name SHRSOH WR DFW DV \RXU SRZHU RI DWWRUQH\ IRU KHDOWK FDUH DQG ÀQDQFHV &KRRVLQJ the right people for these roles involves WKRXJKW DQG VHQVLWLYLW\ 2EYLRXVO\ \RX ZDQW LQGLYLGXDOV ZKR DUH FRPSHWHQW DQG UHOLDEOH EXW \RX DOVR QHHG WR EH DZDUH WKDW VRPH IDPLO\ PHPEHUV FRXOG IHHO VOLJKWHG if others are assigned roles they feel they FRXOG GR %\ EHLQJ DZDUH RI WKHVH SRVVLEOH FRQÁLFWV \RX FDQ EH EHWWHU SUHSDUHG WR address them. Here’s one more suggestion: Let your family know that this initial meeting GRHVQ·W PHDQ WKH HQG RI FRPPXQLFDWLRQV DERXW \RXU HVWDWH SODQV (QFRXUDJH \RXU ORYHG RQHV WR FRQWDFW \RX ZLWK TXHVWLRQV ZKHQHYHU WKH\ ZDQW <RX PD\ QHHG WR KROG additional family meetings in the future, EXW E\ OD\LQJ WKH LQLWLDO JURXQGZRUN \RX ZLOO KDYH WDNHQ D ELJ ÀUVW VWHS LQ HVWDEOLVKLQJ WKH OHJDF\ \RX·G OLNH WR OHDYH This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Pittsboro Chad Virgil, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® 630 East St Suite 2 919-545-5669

Governors Club Sharon A Dickens, AAMS® 50101 Governors Dr Suite 118 919-967-9968

Pittsboro Blake Stewart 114 Russet Run Suite 120

Chapel Hill Eric C Williams, AAMS® 190 Chatham Downs Dr Suite 103 919-960-6119

Pittsboro Kevin C Maley, AAMS® 984 Thompson St Suite E2 919-444-2961

Pittsboro Shari Becker 984 Thompson St., Suite E2 919-491-2839

Siler City Laura Clapp, CFP®, AAMS™ 301 E Raleigh St 919-663-1051

Pittsboro Lee Shanklin, AAMS® 120 Lowes Drive Suite 107 919-545-0125

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MATT SLOCUM | AP PHOTO

TikTok has restricted a tool researchers use to analyze popular videos.

TikTok restricts tool used by researchers — and its critics — to assess content on its platform By Haleluya Hadero The Associated Press NEW YORK — TikTok has restricted one tool researchers use to analyze popular videos, a move that follows a barrage of criticism directed at the social media platform about content related to the Israel-Hamas war and a study that questioned whether the company was suppressing topics that don’t align with the interests of the Chinese government. TikTok’s Creative Center – which is available for anyone to use but is geared towards helping brands and advertisers see what’s trending on the app – no longer allows users to search for specific hashtags, including innocuous ones. The social media company, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, has also removed certain hashtags from the Creative Center that some online researchers had stored for analysis. They include topics that would be seen as controversial to the Chinese government – such as “UyghurGenocide” and “TiananmenSquare”- as well as hashtags about U.S. politics and the war in Gaza and Ukraine. The Center will now only allow searches for the top 100 hashtags by industry, the company said. “Unfortunately, some individuals and organizations have misused the Center’s search function to draw inaccurate conclusions, so we are changing some of the features to ensure it is used for its intended purpose,” TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said in a prepared

statement. The New York Times first reported on the changes, which came to light last week in an addendum to a study published in December by the Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University. In the study, researchers with the nonprofit had compared hashtags for certain geopolitical topics on Instagram and TikTok and concluded there was a “strong possibility” TikTok content was being amplified or underrepresented based on how it aligns with the Chinese government’s interests. Haurek, the TikTok spokesperson, has disputed the report’s findings, saying it uses flawed methodology and fails to take into account that hashtags are created by users, not the company. The study was also criticized in a blog posted earlier this month by the Cato Institute, a libertarian-leaning think tank based in Washington. Overall, TikTok has said blunt comparisons of hashtags is a flawed way to analyze activity on the platform. But at the same time, the company has used hashtag comparisons to defend itself against accusations that content on the app was overwhelmingly biased against Israel during its war in Gaza. TikTok says it enables academic researchers to study content through Research API, which allows third-parties to gather data about information on the platform. Researchers seeking that data need to submit an application to TikTok and get its approval.

NEWS RELEASE • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Project Child Find LaunchedThroughout District Project Child Find in the Chatham County Schools (CCS) runs from January 15th thru January 26th to identify youths between the ages of 3 and 21 who have disabilities and require special education and other related services. The local effort is part of a concentrated statewide push to identify young people requiring special education. Project Child Find informs parents and guardians of such individuals about services available in their local school systems and at other state and community agencies. Project Child Find seeks youths who have been diagnosed or are suspected to have mental, physical or emotional disabilities and are unable tĪ ÝèĤèƉő from a regular school program without special assistance. Those aware of such youths who are not in school or not receiving special assistance are encouraged to contact the principal at the school in their area, or they could call the district’s Exceptional Children’s Department at 919-542-6400. Community support would help the effort a great deal, according to Sara Self Maddox, the district’s Director for Exceptional Children and AIG. The following organizations have more information: NC Department of Public Instruction, Exceptional Children Division (984) 236-2550 OúƉÞè of Early Learning (for ages 3-5) (984) 236-2740 NC Department of Health and Human Services (919) 707-5520 Family Support Network 1-800-852-0042

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

TAKE NOTICE NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. 08 CvD 553 COUNTY OF CHATHAM Plaintiff, vs. LEWIS L. MARSH, et al Defendants. TO: The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of FAYE M. MCDONALD and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder A pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action and notice of service of process by publication began on January 11, 2024. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Foreclosure on tax parcel(s) more completely described in the Complaint, to collect delinquent ad valorem taxes (assessments). Plaintiff seeks to extinguish any and all claim or interest that you may have in said property. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after the date of the first publication of notice stated above, exclusive of such date, being forty (40) days after January 11, 2024, or by February 20, 2024, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service of process by publication will apply to the Court for relief sought. This the 4th day of January, 2024.

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Jeanne Patricia Decherd of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before April 10, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 3rd day of January,2024

The undersigned, THOMAS ATKINSON, COEXECUTOR, having qualified on the 28th day of DECEMBER, 2023, as Executrix of the Estate of DONALD MILES ATKINSON, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of APRIL 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 11TH Day of JANUARY, 2024.

The undersigned, JEFFREY S. BOGGS having qualified on the 13th day of November 2023, as Executrix of the Estate of WILLIAM JERRY BRADY, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of MARCH 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 21ST Day of DECEMBER 2023.

Administrator Judith Decherd Jones 323 Carolina Meadows Villa Chapel Hill, NC 27517

THOMAS ATKINSON, CO-EXECUTOR 6903 BEECHER RD. PLEASANT GARDEN, NC 27313

PUBLIC NOTICE

KENDRA ATKINSON RIGGSBEE, CO-EXECUTOR 58 OLD SANFORD RD.MONCURE, NC 27559 Run dates: J11,18,25,F1

SALE OF COUNTY PROPERTY An offer of $2,700.00 has been submitted for the purchase of certain property owned by Chatham County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows:

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. 19 CvD 838 COUNTY OF CHATHAM Plaintiff, vs. HUBERT MATTHEWS, et al Defendants.

Street Address: US 64 East Parcel Number: 73184

A qualifying higher bid must be accompanied by a deposit in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid. The deposit must be made in cash, by cashier’s check, or by certified check. The County will return the deposit on any bid not accepted and will return the deposit on an offer subject to upset if a qualifying higher bid is received. If the final high bidder refuses at any time to close sale, their deposit will be forfeited to the County. The process of advertising and accepting upset bids will continue until a 10-day period has passed without any qualifying upset bid having been received. At that time, the amount of the final high bid will be reported to the Board of Commissioners.

TO: PATRICE L. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and ANY HEIRS, ASSIGNS, or DEVISEES of PATRICE L. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder A pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action and notice of service of process by publication began on January 11, 2024. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Foreclosure on tax parcel(s) more completely described in the Complaint, to collect delinquent ad valorem taxes (assessments). Plaintiff seeks to extinguish any and all claim or interest that you may have in said property. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after the date of the first publication of notice stated above, exclusive of such date, being forty (40) days after January 11, 2024, or by February 20, 2024, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service of process by publication will apply to the Court for relief sought. This the 4th day of January, 2024. ZACCHAEUS LEGAL SERVICES MARK D. BARDILL/MARK B. BARDILL Attorney for Plaintiff NC Bar #12852/56782 310 W. Jones St. P. O. Box 25 Trenton, North Carolina 28585 Telephone: (252) 448-4541 Publication dates: January 11, 2024 January 18, 2024 January 25, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Probate #___23-E-705___________ All persons, firm and corporations having claims against Michael Thompson Perry, late of Chatham County, North Carolina are hereby notified to present them to Catherine Lynn Jones, as Executor of the decedent’s estate in care of Kendall H. Page, Attorney, 210 N Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 on or before the 11th day of April 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the above named Executor.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

A qualifying higher bid is one that raises the existing offer to an amount not less than $2,885.00. In order for a bid to be considered, the bidder must be current on payment of all property taxes owed to the County.

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

Persons wishing to upset the offer that has been received shall submit a bid with their offer to the office of the Clerk to the Board, 12 East Street, P.O. Box 1809, Pittsboro, NC by 5:00 P.M., January 19th, 2024. At that time the Clerk to the Board shall review the bids, if any, and the highest qualifying bid will become the new offer. If there is more than one bid in the highest amount, the first such bid received will become the new offer.

ZACCHAEUS LEGAL SERVICES MARK D. BARDILL/MARK B. BARDILL Attorney for Plaintiff NC Bar #12852/56782 310 W. Jones St. P. O. Box 25 Trenton, North Carolina 28585 Telephone: (252) 448-4541 Publication dates: January 11, 2024 January 18, 2024 January 25, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The County Board of Commissioners must approve the final high offer before the sale is closed, which it will do within 90 days after the final upset bid period has passed. The County reserves the right to reject any and all bids at any time. The buyer must pay with cash, by cashier’s check, or by certified check at closing. Inquiries about the property and the sale may be made to the Clerk to the Board, 12 East Street, Pittsboro, NC, or at telephone (919) 542-8200 during normal business hours.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, PAMELA J. STONE, having qualified on the 29th day of DECEMBER, 2023, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of EDGAR DENNIS STONE, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of APRIL 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 11TH Day of JANUARY, 2024. PAMELA J. STONE, ADMINISTRATOR 269 MILLBROOK DR. PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: J11,18,25,F1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, DEBORAH MOFFITT, having qualified on the 8th day of DECEMBER ,2023, as Executrix of the Estate of LASHANDA M. LANE, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of MARCH 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 21ST Day of DECEMBER 2023. DEBORAH MOFFITT, EXECUTRIX 2301 STOCKYARD RD. STALEY, NC 27355 Run dates: D21,28,J4,11p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHATHAM

The undersigned, APRIL E. KEMPER, ADMINISTRATOR, having qualified on the 3RD day of JANUARY, 2024, as ADMINSITRATOR of the Estate of MARION K. KEMPER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of APRIL 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 11TH Day of JANUARY 2024.

THE UNDERSIGNED, having qualified on the 19th day of December, 2023, as Executor of the ESTATE OF REINHOLD ERNEST TOMEK, Deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of April, 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

APRIL E. KEMPER, ADMINISTRATOR 301 PUREFOY RD. CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514 Run dates: J11,18,25,F1

Kendall H. Page 210 N Columbia Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Bar # 14261

This, the 11th day of January, 2024. IRENE G TOMEK EXECUTOR ESTATE OF REINHOLD ERNEST TOMEK c/o Richard G. Long III Walker Lambe, PLLC Post Office Box 51549 Durham, North Carolina 27717

JEFFEY S. BOGGS, EXECUTOR 5551 BONLEE-CARBONTON RD. GOLDSTON, NC 27252 Run dates: D21,28,J4,11p

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE A public hearing will be held by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The hearing will be held at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center, 1192 US 64W Business, Pittsboro NC 27312. Additional information is available at the Chatham County Planning Department office. Speakers are requested to sign up at the meeting prior to the hearing. You may also sign up on the county website prior to the meeting at www.chathamcountync. gov by selecting the heading County Government, then Commissioner Meetings, then Public Input/ Hearing Sign Up. The public hearing may be continued to another date at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive input, both written and oral, on the issues listed below: A legislative public hearing requested by the City of Durham on behalf of Western Intake Partners (City of Durham, Chatham County, Town of Pittsboro, and OWASA) for a rezoning from R-1 Residential to Conditional District Light Industrial, on parcels 17538 and 17546, being approximately 121.583 acres), located on Seaforth Road, for a regional drinking water treatment facility, New Hope Township. Testimony is required to be given under oath during the evidentiary hearing for the following item: Quasi-Judicial Request: A quasi-judicial public hearing requested by The Towers LLC dba Vertical Bridge for a Special Use Permit on approximately 3.25 acres of parcel 83021, located off NC 42, Moncure, for a wireless telecommunications tower, Cape Fear Township. A quasi-judicial public hearing requested by 1535 King Road LLC for a Special Use Permit on parcel 95385, zoned Heavy Industrial, located at 1535 King Rd., being approximately 18.685 acres, for an asphalt manufacture or refining plant, Cape Fear Township. Substantial changes may be made following the public hearing due to verbal or written comments received or based on the Board’s discussions. Notice to people with special needs: If you have an audio or visual impairment, unique accessibility requirements or need language assistance, please call the number listed below prior to the hearing and assistance may be provided. If you have any questions or comments concerning these issues, please call the Chatham County Planning Department at 919-542-8204 or write to P.O. Box 54, Pittsboro N.C. 27312.

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY All persons having claims against the estate of BARBARA A. DEMAYO, of Chatham County, NC, who died on August 12, 2022, are notified to present them on or before April 10, 2024 to Francesco J. DeMayo, Jr., Executor, c/o Maitland & Stiffler Law Firm, 2 Couch Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Michele L. Stiffler MAITLAND & STIFFLER LAW FIRM

NOTE: For publication in The Chatham News on the following dates: 1/11/2024, 1/18/2024, 1/25/2024, and 2/1/2024 Please send the Statement and Proof of Publication to Post Office Box 51549, Durham, North Carolina 27717-1549.

2 Couch Road Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Attorney for the Estate

Please run: 1/11/2024, 1/18/2024, 1/25/2024 & 2/01/2024

VOTING, from page A1 date what they called the “strict liability” law. The law was first challenged in part on racial bias claims over three years ago, with those who sued hoping to get it addressed in time for the 2020 elections. But following a series of legal hurdles, Webster’s ruling came just weeks before absentee voting begins for this year’s primary elections in the nation’s ninth-largest state for contests like president, governor and attorney general. The groups who sued state election officials can formally object to Webster’s recommendation to deny their motion and dismiss the litigation to U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs in Winston-Salem, who will make a final decision that could still be appealed further. The lawsuit has continued despite a change to the challenged law in the fall by the Republican-controlled General Assem-

bly, which specified that a felony offender has to know they were breaking the law by voting for there to be a crime. Without that change, which went into effect Jan. 1, a person could be prosecuted even if casting a ballot was an unintentional mistake. Lawyers for Action NC and the A. Philip Randolph Institute, which are involved in voter-education efforts in the state, said the change wasn’t good enough because it doesn’t apply retroactively — meaning local district attorneys can still prosecute what they called more than 200 cases of potential illegal voting in previous elections that they are reviewing. Webster, who listened to in-person arguments in Durham federal court in November, sided with state attorneys defending the law who argued that the groups now lack legal standing to sue. The groups’ attorneys had argued the law has forced them to divert time and money to

The state constitution says a person convicted of a felony can’t vote until their rights of citizenship are restored “in the manner prescribed by law.” educate voters about how the risks of voting under a law they considered unconstitutionally vague. But the Jan. 1 alteration requiring intentionality in voting illegally “substantially diminishes any prospective voter’s perceived threat of prosecution and any resulting confusion,” Webster wrote. “As a result, Plaintiffs can no longer claim that they must divert substantial resources to educate volunteers and prospective voters regarding the new law because much of the confu-

sion concerning one’s eligibility to vote has been eliminated,” he added. Mitchell Brown with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice and one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, said Wednesday he was disappointed with Webster’s recommendation, and that the groups were considering appeal options. If Webster’s decision stands, Brown said, the groups would still have to use resources to educate people with previous felony convictions who have completed their punishments but could remain fearful of voting upon hearing about local prosecutors charging people for voting in previous elections. The advocacy groups also have argued that the law, with roots going back to the Jim Crow era, is racially discriminatory and requires a broad review of state law to determine when an ex-offender is allowed to vote again. Government lawyers for the

State Board of Elections and for district attorneys who were sued said that while it’s “undisputed” that predecessors to the law were enacted in the late 1800s to prevent Black residents from voting, there’s no evidence that the current law remains tainted by such bias. The state constitution says a person convicted of a felony can’t vote until their rights of citizenship are restored “in the manner prescribed by law.” North Carolina law and a recent court ruling state that a convicted felon can’t vote again until they complete their punishments, which include incarceration, probation and other close supervision. Courts can lengthen probation – thus delaying the restoration of a person’s voting rights - if related fines, court costs or restitution aren’t paid. But the length of probation is limited and probation will eventually end even if financial obligations aren’t met, according to the State Board of Elections.

A10

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

Court records bring new, unwanted attention to rich and famous in Jeffrey Epstein’s social circle The Associated Press NEW YORK — Before and after he was exposed as a pedophile, Jeffrey Epstein loved to mingle with the world’s elite. The millionaire invited politicians and academics to his private island and luxury homes. He offered celebrities rides on his private jet. He and his girlfriend, the socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, hung out with princes and supermodels. They made donations that brought them into contact with leading philanthropists. After Epstein killed himself while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges in 2019, many of those people have apologized for associating with him and said they were unaware he was habitually abusing underage girls. Newly released court records have revved up interest again in the big names who associated with Epstein and Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison term for helping recruit and abuse Epstein’s victims. Many of those people have never been accused of any wrongdoing, but have nonetheless become the subject of a whirlwind of conspiracy theories. Others have, for years, been denying claims made by one of Epstein’s victims — Virginia Giuffre — that they participated in illicit sex. Here is a look at some of the people who have been getting renewed attention because of the release of the documents, which included deposition testimony by Epstein’s victims, people who worked for him, Giuffre and Maxwell.

AP PHOTO

Former President Bill Clinton speaks at the 92nd Street Y, in New York, May 4, 2023. Later in the video, Epstein arrives at Trump’s Florida estate, and the two men are seen talking and gesturing at the women on the dance floor. “I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach knew him,” Trump said when the video emerged. “He was a fixture in Palm Beach. I had a falling out with him a long time ago. I don’t think I’ve spoken to him for 15 years.”

Jean-Luc Brunel The court records contain repeated references to Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent and close friend of Epstein who killed himself in a Paris jail in 2022 while awaiting trial on charges that he raped underage girls. Brunel was accused by Giuffre and others of using promises of modeling work to induce people, including minors, into sexual encounters. Brunel’s estate was sued this week in California by a woman who alleges that he and others sexually assaulted her while she was working as a model in New York. She says that on one occasion, she was driven to a home in Canada and kept there for several days while men abused her. Brunel’s attorneys have maintained his innocence, saying his suicide “was not guided by guilt but by a deep sentiment of injustice.” Leslie Wexner The records also contain fleeting references to Leslie Wexner, the retail titan behind Victoria’s Secret, The Limited and other store chains. Epstein had managed Wexner’s money for years, but their relationship soured following Epstein’s 2006 arrest in Florida and jail term for paying an underage girl for a sexual act. After Epstein was indicted on federal sex-trafficking charges and killed himself in jail, Wexner said he had been embarrassed by his ties to Epstein. He also publicly accused Epstein of misappropriating “vast sums” of his fortune but didn’t offer details. Alan Dershowitz Among the more familiar names in the records is Alan Dershowitz, a former Epstein attorney and retired Harvard University law professor. Giuffre had long accused Dershowitz of sexually abusing her a half-dozen times in Florida, New York, New Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But Giuffre withdrew her claim against Dershowitz in 2022, saying she “ may have made a mistake “ in identifying him as one of the men she had sex with at the request of Epstein or Maxwell. “I was very young at the time,” she said, and “it was a very stressful and traumatic environment.” Dershowitz said at the time that she deserved credit for acknowledging her error. Prince Andrew Some of the most sensational allegations have involved Britain’s Prince Andrew, who was a

Stephen Hawking

AP PHOTO

In this March 30, 2015, file photo, Professor Stephen Hawking arrives for the Interstellar Live show at the Royal Albert Hall in central London. longtime friend of Maxwell’s and continued visiting Epstein even after his imprisonment in Florida for a sex crime. Giuffre sued the prince in 2021, claiming that when she was 17 she had sex with him multiple times at Maxwell’s request. Andrew denied her claims, saying he didn’t remember ever meeting her. The allegations damaged his public standing and led Andrew to withdraw from some royal duties. Giuffre and Andrew settled the lawsuit in 2022 without it ever going to trial. The newly released records include mentions of Giuffre’s allegations and a transcript of a deposition in which she was questioned by Maxwell’s attorneys about whether she made up some of her stories about powerful men to impress reporters. Giuffre insisted she was telling the truth, and that inaccuracies in some of her published interviews were the fault of reporters. The unsealed court papers also included a more detailed version of a well-known story by one of Epstein’s victims, Johanna Sjoberg, who described an evening at his New York home involving Giuffre, Maxwell and Prince Andrew. At one point, she testified, they pulled out a puppet of Prince Andrew that had been made for a British television program. “And they decided to take a picture with it, in which Virginia and Andrew sat on a couch,” Sjoberg said. They put the puppet on Virginia’s lap, and I sat on Andrew’s lap, and they put the puppet’s hand on Virginia’s breast, and Andrew put his hand on my breast, and they took a photo.”

This photo provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry shows Jeffrey Epstein, March 28, 2017.

NEW YORK STATE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY VIA AP

Bill Clinton The former president flew several times on Epstein’s private jet, and once publicly praised the financier’s intellect and philanthropic efforts. Sjoberg testified in her deposition that, while she never met Clinton, Epstein once remarked to her that “Clinton likes them young.” She took the remark as a reference to young women or girls. Clinton has not been accused of wrongdoing, though, by any of Epstein’s victims. He has previously said through a spokesperson that while he traveled on Epstein’s jet he never visited his homes, had no knowledge of his crimes and hasn’t spoken to Epstein since his Florida conviction. Other documents released included legal arguments over

whether Clinton should be deposed. Giuffre’s attorneys argued the former president was a “key person who can provide information about his close relationship” with Epstein. Donald Trump The records briefly mention former President Donald Trump, who socialized with Epstein but also is not accused of misconduct. Video footage unearthed by NBC News following Epstein’s federal indictment in 2019 showed the two chatting at a party at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in 1992. The video had been recorded as part of a profile of Trump, who was newly divorced at the time. It shows the future president surrounded by young women, whom NBC identified as cheerleaders for the Buffalo Bills.

The new records include a single reference to the late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. His name appears, misspelled, in an email Epstein sent proposing a reward be paid to anyone who could debunk a baseless claim that Hawking had participated in “an underage orgy.” Hawking, who died in 2018, had attended one of Epstein’s academic gatherings in 2006. Glenn Dubin The records include a claim from Giuffre that she was pressured to have sex with billionaire Glenn Dubin, a claim he denies. Giuffre said in a deposition that Maxwell “told me to go to Glenn Dubin and give him a massage, which means sex.” Dubin has said he has flight records and other evidence proving Giuffre’s allegations against him are false. Epstein dated Eva Andersson-Dubin, a former Miss Sweden, off and on in the mid-1980s, and the two remained friends after breaking up. Andersson-Dubin later married Dubin with whom she had three children. Andersson-Dubin testified in Maxwell’s federal trial, saying she trusted Epstein with her young daughters and denying taking part in a group sexual encounter with a key accuser. Bill Richardson Giuffre also claims she was pressured to have sex with former U.S. ambassador and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson. The new documents include a few mentions of Richardson, including a deposition in which Giuffre says she had been ordered to give him a massage. Richardson, who died last year, previously said that Giuffre’s claims were fabricated. A spokesperson in 2019 denied that he had ever met Giuffre. George Mitchell Former U.S. Senator George Mitchell was also among the men Giuffre claims abused her. Like Richardson, Mitchell also denied ever meeting her. The new records contain little mention of Mitchell.

PJ WARD-BROWN | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Send it in Northwood’s Fred Whitaker throws down a dunk during the Chargers’ win over Seaforth in the Battle of Pittsboro. Whitaker scored a team high 15 in the 75-30 win.

Seaforth girls, Northwood boys win season’s first Battle of Pittsboro Seaforth and Northwood met for the first time since 2021 By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record Girls With Northwood and Seaforth being in the same conference for the first time this season, the long wait for the Battle of Pittsboro ended on Jan. 2. In their first meeting since 2021, Seaforth’s girls got its first win in the rivalry after rallying

in the second half to beat Northwood on the road and in front of a packed house, 46-36. The game was a tale of twohalves. Northwood controlled the first half with gritty, scrappy defense and stellar perimeter shooting marked by four made threes before the break. Northwood senior Skylar Adams led the way in the first half with six points from two made threes, while on Seaforth’s end, the Hawks missed all four three point attempts in the same period. Seaforth shot 29 percent from the field in the opening half, and its offensive anchor, Gabby

White, couldn’t get going as she only made three of 12 attempts. Those shooting woes for the Hawks contributed to a 15-19 deficit at halftime. “I think we were rushed,” Seaforth head coach Charles Byrd said. “I told them at halftime we’ve got to slow down, we’ve got to be patient, we’ve got to be tough coming to the basketball. We’ve got to look to attack the rim and play an inside-out game.” Taking coach’s advice, as well as turning up the intensity on defense, made all the difference for Seaforth almost immediately. The Hawks continued to drive

for looks at the rim, but when opportunities on the perimeter opened up, they made the extra passes for more comfortable attempts. With the help of timely baskets from junior Sydney Ballard down low and some big threes from sophomore Mia Moore and White, Seaforth outscored Northwood 16-5 in the third quarter to give itself a 31-24 lead going into the final period. Although Adams hit some crucial threes to cut the deficit down the stretch, it wasn’t enough to counter a rolling Seaforth offense that had woken up from a lethal

slump in the previous half. The Hawks closed out the game with a double-digit lead, despite their slow start against a tough opponent. White finished with a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double which was her third double-double of the season. Ballard recorded a season-high 13 points in the win. “I think it’s a testament to what we preach,” Byrd said. “Just playing team ball, being tough and relying on our defense…Start (with) defense and let the offense take care of itself.” Boys In the boys game, an allaround team effort from Northwood overwhelmed Seaforth as the Chargers rolled to a 75-30 victory in front of a capacity crowd. Northwood had three players See BATTLE, page B3

Chatham Central boys basketball remains unbeaten By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record Boys’ Basketball

Here’s a check-in on some of those former athletes and how their most recent seasons are panning out. Jarin Stevenson- Alabama Men’s Basketball (Seaforth ’23) Averaging 16.7 minutes off the bench, former Seaforth basketball star Jarin Stevenson is off to a good start in his college career at Alabama. As of Jan 8., Stevenson, a freshman, is averaging 6.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, and he scored a season-high 14

Northwood picked up two conference wins last week, beating Seaforth, 7530, and Graham, 83-34. Seaforth bounced back from the Northwood loss with a 64-45 win over North Moore Friday. Jordan-Matthews split the week with a 70-66 win over Southeast Alamance on Jan. 2 and a 51-64 loss to Lee County Friday. Chatham Central continued its undefeated campaign with a 95-55 win over Graham on Jan. 2 and a 6946 win over Cummings Friday. Junior Reid Albright scored a career-high 34 points to go along with 12 rebounds against the Cavaliers. Chatham Charter lost to Providence Grove Friday, 54-62. Woods Charter lost to Wake Prep Academy, 5054, on Jan. 3, but they responded with a 46-36 win over Raleigh Charter Friday.

See COLLEGIATE, page B4

See ROUNDUP, page B2

AP PHOTO

Former Seaforth basketball standout Jarin Stevenson (15), now with Alabama fights for a rebound during a December game against Arizona..

Checking in on Chatham County’s collegiate athletes A look into how former Chatham County athletes are doing at the next level By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record BEING AN IMPACTFUL player has gone beyond high school for some former Chatham County athletes. Some have found success in their first years and others have continued to be reliable veterans for their respective programs.

GENE GALIN | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Natalia Whitaker (2) throws a pass during Northwood’s 59-17 win over Graham.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

34 Career-high point total for Chatham Central’s Reid Albright in a win over Cummings

ROUNDUP from B1

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Week of Jan. 1 Power Rankings Northwood: Chatham Central Seaforth Jordan-Matthews Chatham Charter Woods Charter Girls’ Basketball Seaforth won a tough battle over its rival Northwood on Jan. 2, 46-36. Junior Gabby White scored a team-high 14 points in the win. The Hawks ended the week with a 70-13 victory over North Moore Friday. Northwood responded to its loss to Seaforth by beating Graham, 59-17, Friday. Jordan-Matthews had a rough week, losing to Southeast Alamance, 20-53, and Lee County, 15-59. Chatham Central won both games during the week, beating Graham, 66-50, and Cummings, 51-43. Junior Karaleigh Dodson combined for 37 points in the two wins. Chatham Charter scraped by Providence Grove Friday, 56-55. Senior Meah Brooks recorded 28 points in the win. Woods Charter lost to Wake Prep Academy, 49-34, and Raleigh Charter, 50-17. Week of Jan. 1 Power Rankings: Seaforth Northwood Chatham Charter Chatham Central Jordan-Matthews Woods Charter Wrestling In a tri-meet with Chatham Central, Northwood and North Moore on Jan. 3, Northwood beat Chatham Central, 66-12. Chatham Central lost to North Moore, 30-54, and Northwood also lost to North Moore, 30-48. Northwood beat Fuquay-Varina in a dual meet, 4213, Friday. Jordan-Matthews lost to Southeast Alamance, 2458, and Bartlett Yancey, 36-45 in a tri-meet on Jan. 3. Seaforth beat Graham, 75-6, and Williams, 72-9, in a tri-meet on Jan. 3. The Hawks dominated again in a quad meet the next day, beating Northern Durham, 72-12, Chapel Hill, 66-9, and Middle Creek, 54-23. Seaforth’s Keira Rosenmarkle pinned Chapel Hill’s Haeun Im in the team’s quad meet Thursday. Rosenmarkle won first place for the 152-pound weight class in the Wakefield Women’s Rumble Saturday, pinning all of her opponents. Swimming In a meet alongside Chapel Hill, Riverside, Cedar Ridge and Northern Durham Thursday, Woods Charter finished fourth in the girls results and fifth in the boys results. Freshman Daisy Collins finished first in the girls 200 yards freestyle with a time of 1:55.70. She also finished first in the girls 100 yards backstroke with a time of 1:10.45. Indoor Track In the Just Don’t Lose Classic Saturday, Seaforth junior William Cuicchi finished first in the boys 1000 meter run with a time of 2:37.19. Seaforth junior Jack Anstrom finished first in the boys 3200 meter run with a time of 9:31.35. Northwood sophomore Laney Babo tied for second in the girls pole vault event with Asheville’s Paiden Castelblanco, reaching a mark of 9-06.00. Chatham Charter senior Lucas Smith finished second in the boys 500 meter dash with a time of 1:07.06.

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Chatham Charter School

Chatham Charter School is now accepting applications for openings in kindergarten and limited RSHQLQJV LQ ¿UVW WKURXJK HOHYHQWK JUDGH IRU WKH VFKRRO \HDU .LQGHUJDUWHQ DSSOLFDQWV PXVW EH ¿YH \HDUV RI DJH RQ RU EHIRUH $XJXVW 7KH DSSOLFDWLRQ SHULRG HQGV RQ -DQXDU\ $SSOLFDWLRQV PD\ EH VXEPLWWHG RQOLQH ZZZ FKDWKDPFKDUWHU RUJ XQGHU WKH ³$GPLVVLRQV´ OLQN DW WKH VFKRRO +DPS 6WRQH 5RDG 6LOHU &LW\ RU E\ FDOOLQJ Chatham Charter School administers all education programs, employment activities, and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, ,or other OHJDOO\ SURWHFWHG FODVVL¿FDWLRQ

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Karaleigh Dodson

ASHEEBO ROJAS | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Drake Powell (32) was named Most Outstanding Player at the John Wall Holiday Invitational, while Cam Fowler (3) made the All-Tournament Team.

Northwood reaches championship game, Powell shines at John Wall Holiday Invitational The Chargers finished second in the Devonte Graham Bracket By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record BOASTING Drake Powell, the top prospect in North Carolina’s 2024 class, in one of the country’s biggest prep basketball tournaments, Northwood’s boys basketball team, for the most part, did not disappoint. In last week’s John Wall Holiday Invitational at Broughton High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Chargers finished second in the Devonte Graham Bracket, falling to Reidsville, 69-53, in the final. Despite losing in the championship round for the second year in a row, Northwood came away with some impressive wins and looked to be one of the toughest teams to beat in the state. Powell earned Most Outstanding Player honors for the Devonte Graham Bracket. He and Northwood sophomore Cam Fowler were also named to the bracket’s All-Tournament team. “It means a lot playing in such a prestigious event,” Powell said. Said by Northwood head coach Matt Brown, “I’m always honored and very humbled to be a part of such a great tournament (and) great environment.” Northwood started its third straight John Wall Holiday Invitational appearance with a 71-53 win over a former conference foe in Orange Thursday. Although the marquee matchup of the game was between Powell and Orange’s Cole Cloer, a highly-touted class of 2026 prospect, the game came down to Northwood’s display of defense, depth and team basketball. Fowler scored 18 points off the bench, leading all Northwood scorers. The Chargers had three other players score in double-digits as Powell recorded 17 points, Beau Harvey

BATTLE from B1 score in double digits and 11 total players contribute in the scoring column. Senior Fred Whitaker led the way with 15 points, sophomore Cam Fowler poured in 14 and senior Jake Leighton recorded 12. Senior Drake Powell, Northwood’s leading scorer, only needed to contribute seven points on four shots, and he played limited minutes in the second half once the game got out of reach. “It’s a blessing to have to type of players that we have here,” head coach Matt Brown said. “Any given night, it’s going to be somebody. It’s not going to be the same one or two guys…It’s a lot of fun to be a part of something like that.”

poured in 14 and Fred Whitaker contributed 12. Northwood was able to score from anywhere on the court as forced turnovers and quick outlets created layups in transition while the Chargers also made eight three pointers. “It’s always hard to play a conference rival in a tournament setting like this,” Brown said. “Our guys were engaged. We played really hard on defense. We took really good shots. Our guys stepped up. Our bench came up huge scoring 25 points. That’s kind of where we hang our hat on, everybody contributing.” In Friday’s 56-53 win over Richmond, however, team contributions had to come outside of points. While Powell dueled it out with Richmond’s Paul McNeil, an N.C. State commit, the Chargers shot at a 36 percent clip with only three scorers making a field goal the entire game. Northwood got off to a slow start in the first quarter, falling down 12-18. The Chargers responded well, though, winning the next three quarters. Alongside Powell’s season-high 30 points, Whitaker poured in 14 and Fowler contributed 11. But, it was key defensive stops and rebounds down the stretch that brought Northwood back into the game and eventually into the driver’s seat. Sophomore Chad Graves came away with some huge rebounds for extra possessions in the fourth quarter, and Powell sent a Richmond two-point at-

tempt the other direction in the final minutes to help seal the win for the Chargers. “I’d like to have (scoring) a little more even, but the team effort was on the defensive end,” Brown said. “We got stops when we had to get stops. The guys know where to get Drake the ball in his spots, as well as Fred. That’s the trust we have with each other.” Against Reidsville and its highly-ranked 2026 prospect Kendre Harrison in the championship round, Northwood responded to being punched in the mouth as well as the game before, but its efforts weren’t enough. Reidsville, the 2023 2A state runner up, started the game on an 11-0 run and never trailed from there, despite Northwood cutting the deficit to within single digits multiple times. Powell and Fowler’s 16 points a-piece and a team total of seven made threes couldn’t overcome an effective 20-point game from Reidsville’s Dionte Neal and a lack of an answer for Harrison on the boards. The loss makes the second tournament championship defeat for the Chargers this season after they fell to St. Joseph in the Capitol City Classic in December. Grouping that with two state championship losses in the last four seasons, Brown said he feels his team is getting tired of “coming up second.” “It kind of puts a chip on our shoulder,” senior Jake Leighton, who scored 11 points against Reidsville, said. “It is tough, coming up in second place the whole time, so I think it just gives us that drive we need to keep putting in that extra work.” Brown hopes that the experience of playing under the bright lights against the best of the best will help his players develop even more and be ready for a playoff push in March. “We just need to keep stacking days with good, solid practices,” Powell said.

Northwood made it a point of emphasis to have better ball movement against the Hawks, something Brown felt his team didn’t do as well in the Capitol City Classic and John Wall Holiday Invitational. Others got going early against Seaforth as senior Ashton Elliott and Leighton led the offense in the first quarter through attacking the basket and passing the ball around for open looks at the rim. The Chargers jumped out to an early 20-13 lead at the end of the first quarter, and with consistent offensive execution coupling with Powell anchoring defensive stops with some athletic blocks at the rim, the lead grew to 48-16 at halftime. “(It was) mainly just pushing

with pace,” Whitaker said about the team’s offensive performance. Not only was Northwood playing fast, they were playing efficient basketball. The Chargers shot 58 percent from the floor, including a 42 percent shooting clip from three. “We came into it kind of with a chip on our shoulder,” Brown said. “Losing at John Wall hurt, and we wanted to fix what we wanted to fix. I think we’re starting to move towards that way of getting things that we need to get done done.” As for Seaforth, the Hawks have lost six of their last seven games as of Jan. 2. After playing some tough opponents in the past few weeks, they’ll look to get back to winning ways as conference play heats up.

“I’m always honored and very humbled to be a part of such a great tournament (and) great environment.” Matt Brown

ASHEEBO ROJAS | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Chatham Central girls’ basketball Chatham Central girls basketball’s Karaleigh Dodson earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Jan. 1. In the Bears’ 66-50 win over Graham on Jan. 2, Dodson recorded a dominant 17-point, 18-rebound (season-high) doubledouble. She also dished out a team-high seven assists. Dodson followed that with 20 points and nine rebounds in Friday’s 51-43 victory over Cummings. As of Jan. 8, Dodson is second in points and rebounds per game in the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference, averaging 17 points and 10.7 rebounds per night.

Jordan-Matthews to recognize Hall of Fame members on Feb. 9 Members will be recognized between the boys and girls varsity games By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record JOR DA N-M AT T H E W S will recognize members of its athletics Hall of Fame on Feb. 9 between the varsity girls and boys home basketball games

against Bartlett Yancey. The school will have the Hall of Fame members sign in at the hospitality room located in the media center. Complimentary reserved seating will be available during the games. Members are encouraged to arrive and check in by 6:15 p.m. For any additional information, contact Jordan-Matthews athletic director Barry West at 919-548-9659 or at bwest@chatham.k12.nc.us.

PJ WARD-BROWN | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth’s MIa Moore (2) puts up a shot during the Battle of Pittsboro against Northwood. Moore’s outside shooting helped lead a second half comeback in the Hawks’ 46-36 win.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

NATIO

PREP ROUNDUP

Catching you up on holiday tournaments By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record Boys’ Basketball Northwood played three games in the John Wall Holiday Invitational’s Devonte Graham Bracket, beating Orange, 71-53, and Richmond, 56-53. Senior Drake Powell scored a season-high 30 points in the win over Richmond. The Chargers lost the championship game to Reidsville Saturday, 53-69. Seaforth lost its first game in the Sheetz Holiday Christmas Classic on Dec. 27 to Oak Grove, 57-88. The Hawks bounced back with a 60-57 win over High Point Central in the following round.

Junior Nate Emerson scored a team-high 21 points in the victory. Seaforth finished the tournament with a 71-59 loss to Westchester Country Day. The Seaforth boys’ JV team won its holiday tournament with three straight wins, however. Chatham Charter lost its first game of the Holiday Hoopla tournament Thursday to Eastern Alamance, 42-83. The Knights followed that up with a 55-46 win over Cedar Ridge in the next round in which three players scored in double digits. Senior Aidan Allred led the way with 19 points. Chatham Charter closed out the tournament with a 6043 victory over T.W. Andrews.

Once again, three Knights scored in double figures with senior Jonah Ridgill recording a team-high 19 points. Girls Basketball Northwood won the First Bank Charger Classic on Dec. 22 with a 48-41 win over Southern Durham in the championship game. In the round prior, the Chargers beat Southern Alamance, 53-20. Seaforth finished the Cherokee Invitational on Dec. 22 with a 52-35 win over Hillgrove. Junior Gabby White led the way with 17 points. The Seaforth girls’ JV team gave the Hawks’ a clean sweep at their holiday tournament, joining the boys in getting three wins in three days to win the title.

Jordan-Matthews lost its first game in the Yellow Jacket Christmas Classic on Dec. 27 to Triton, 34-71. The Jets beat Western Harnett, 46-36 in the following round, and senior Lia Carter scored a team-high 17 points in the win. Jordan-Matthews lost its final game in the tournament to Eastern Randolph, 38-42. Wrestling In the Wildcat Holiday Invitational, Jordan-Matthews’ Jakari Blue (190 pounds) had the best day of the Jets, reaching the consolation semifinals after winning his first round match in the championship round and two consolation matches by fall.

In the Tiger Holiday Classic, Seaforth had a few top finishers. Gabe Rogers (106 pounds) and Josh Miller (120 pounds) finished first in their weight classes. Layne Armstrong (126 pounds) finished fourth, Harrison Compton (190 pounds) finished fifth and Ethan Kuball (215 pounds) finished third. Northwood wrestled in the same tournament but did not have any wrestlers place. Sunday Oo (120 pounds), Coltrane Northington (144 pounds), Elijah Farrow (165 pounds) and Mason Powell (285 pounds) reached the fourth round of their respective consolation brackets. On the girls side of the Tiger Holiday Classic, Northwood’s Mia Davis (120 pounds) reached the second round of the consolation bracket. Seaforth’s Keira Rosenmarkle (152 pounds) won first place.

SEAFORTH ATHLETICS TWITTER/X ACCOUNT

The Seaforth boys’ (pictured) and girls’ JV teams won their holiday tournaments, going a combined 6-0 over the three days.

Rays shortstop Franco released from prison while probe continues The former Durham Bulls infielder faces allegations in the Dominican Republic of having a relationship with a minor

By Martín Adames Alcántara and Dánica Coto The Associated Press PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — A judge on Friday ordered the conditional release of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco while he is investigated for allegations he had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and gave her mother a car and thousands of dollars in exchange for her consent, according to court documents obtained by The Associated Press. The judge said Franco is allowed to leave the Dominican Republic but must return once a month to meet with authorities. He also was ordered to pay 2 million Dominican pesos ($34,000) as a type of deposit as the investigation continues. Franco, who was expected to be released early Saturday, did not speak to reporters after the hearing ended. During a bathroom break earlier in the day, he briefly told reporters that “everything is in God’s hands.” Supporters who gathered outside the courthouse clapped af-

AP PHOTO

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, center, is escorted by police to court in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Friday. ter the ruling and shouted “Boss! Boss!” in reference to Franco. Franco’s father, also called Wander Franco, exclaimed, “God is just.” The 22-year-old All-Star is accused of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering. The judge in the case, Rumaldi Marcelino, had several options for a ruling Friday: re-

lease Franco on bond, temporarily arrest him, prevent him from leaving the Dominican Republic or demand that he make occasional appearances until the investigation or a trial has ended. The girl’s 35-year-old mother, who faces the same charges as Franco, was ordered held under house arrest as the investigation continues. She smiled slight-

ly as she left the courtroom but did not comment. The AP is not naming the woman in order to preserve her daughter’s privacy. Franco, who was detained Monday in the northern province of Puerto Plata, hasn’t been charged with any crimes. The judge has received a nearly 600page document detailing the evidence that prosecutors gathered

points against Mercer on Nov. 17.

a perfect field goal percentage. Frazier is averaging two points on 10.6 minutes per game.

shots on goal throughout the year.

Max Fraizer – Siena College Men’s Basketball (Northwood ’23)

Olivia Porter – Charlotte Women’s Basketball (Northwood ’22)

3.1 assists per game as of Jan. 8. Porter also leads her team in assists with 46. Her best game came in a loss to Davidson on Dec. 21 in which she scored a season-high 13 points.

Former Northwood basketball standout Max Frazier doesn’t see significant floor time as a freshman at Siena, but he’s done plenty of good things in his first season. As of Jan. 8, Frazier’s best game came in a loss to Central Michigan on Nov. 20 in which he recorded a season-high eight points and three assists on

After a quiet six games in her freshman year at Michigan State, former Northwood basketball star Olivia Porter is emerging as a key floor general as a sophomore at Charlotte. Since transferring after the 2022-23 season, Porter has started in every game for the 49ers, averaging 5.7 points and

COLLEGIATE from page 1

Lucy Miller – Meredith College Women’s Soccer (Woods Charter ’23) Former Woods Charter soccer player Lucy Miller started in every game for the Meredith women’s soccer team in her freshman season. Although the midfielder didn’t score a goal, she didn’t stop short of trying, recording 12 shots and seven

Aidan Laros – UT-Martin Football (Northwood ’21) After one season of handling kickoffs at Charlotte, former Northwood football kicker Aidan Laros transferred to UT-Martin in 2023 and had a career-year at other kicking duties. Laros did kickoffs, punted and kicked field goals in all 11 games in the fall. As a punter, Laros averaged 47.3 yards per punt with 18 of them going for at least 50 yards.

during a monthslong investigation. The athlete’s lawyers have not commented other than saying that Franco was “doing fine.” Prosecutors said the investigation began after they received an anonymous tip in July 2023 stemming from someone who saw a media post alluding to the relationship. The AP has not been able to verify the reported post. Authorities accuse Franco of taking the minor away from her home in Puerto Plata in December 2022 and having a fourmonth relationship with her with consent from the girl’s mother. They accuse Franco of sending the mother monthly payments of $1,700 for seven months and buying her a car “in order to allow the relationship and let her go out with him wherever she wanted,” according to the document, which quoted the girl. The girl also was quoted as saying that she had demanded for a local digital media site to publish an item about her alleged relationship with the baseball player because she was “tired” of her mother, whom she accused of taking Franco’s money and not sharing any of it with her. Days later, Franco published a live video alleging it was a scheme to extort money from him, the document stated.

He made 10 out of 16 field goal attempts with a long of 43 yards, and Laros kicked a career-high 42 touchbacks. Cera Powell UConn Volleyball (Northwood ’19) After four seasons at Virginia Tech, former Northwood volleyball player Cera Powell transferred to UConn as a graduate student and became a key player for the Huskies in the fall. Powell finished second on the team in kills, totaling 259, and she recorded a career-high hitting percentage of .179.

SID R

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

NATIONAL SPORTS

SIDELINE REPORT

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield works in the pocket as Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns applies pressure during Tampa Bay’s 9-0 win Sunday in Charlotte.

NFL

Rams’ Nacua sets rookie records for yards, catches Santa Clara, Calif. Rams rookie receiver Puka Nacua set the NFL rookie records for catches and yards receiving in a season in Los Angeles’ 2120 win over San Francisco on Sunday. He finished 105 catches and 1,486 yards on the season, breaking the record of 104 catches set by Miami’s Jaylen Waddle in 2021 and 1,473 yards set by Bill Groman for the Houston Oilers in 1960. Nacua was drafted in the fifth round in last year’s draft out of BYU. Nacau played two seasons with the Cougars after transferring from Washington following the 2020 season.

NBA

Warriors’ Green reinstated from suspension by NBA New York Draymond Green was reinstated by the NBA from his suspension on Saturday after the Golden State star missed 12 games for hitting Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face on Dec. 12. The league said Green “demonstrated his commitment to conforming his conduct to standards expected of NBA players” during his suspension, which began Dec. 14. He has met with a counselor as well as had multiple joint meetings with representatives of the league, the Warriors and the National Basketball Players Association. Those meetings, the league added, will continue throughout the season. The Warriors have gone 7-5 without Green.

HOCKEY

US beats Sweden 6-2 to win gold at World Juniors Gothenburg, Sweden Isaac Howard scored twice in the second period and the United States beat host Sweden 6-2 on Friday to capture gold at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. Boston College’s Gabe Perreault, a 2023 first-round pick of the New York Rangers, had a goal and two assists. BC’s Ryan Leonard, the eighth pick of the Washington Capitals, and Zeev Buium, a top 2024 draft prospect who plays at Denver, each scored a goal, and captain Rutger McGroarty had an empty netter. The Americans won the under-20 tournament for a sixth time after last winning in 2021.

GOLF

Kirk makes late birdie to win PGA Tour season opener Kapalua, Hawaii Chris Kirk opened the PGA Tour season with a victory at The Sentry, beating Sahith Theegala by one shot. Kirk was tied for the lead when he hit 5-iron to 2 feet on the 17th for birdie. That allowed him to play it safe down the 18th to get par and a 65 for his sixth career win. Kirk had to step away from golf in 2019 because of alcoholism and depression. He earned $3.6 million from the $20 million purse, the first of eight signature events in the new PGA Tour model of big purses and elite fields.

AP PHOTO

Mayfield gets redemption with win over Panthers, NFC South title The former Carolina quarterback led the Buccaneers to the playoffs By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — The coincidence wasn’t lost on Baker Mayfield. Standing in the same room at Bank of America Stadium where he was informed late last season by the Carolina Panthers he was being released, Mayfield spoke to reporters about winning an NFC South championship with his new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Personal redemption? Check. “There’s a lot of things that bring me back to here,” Mayfield said. “But that is what happens when you go to a team within the division and you have memories of playing with them.” Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals, Tampa Bay’s defense forced two turnovers

and the Buccaneers defeated the Panthers on Sunday 9-0 to win their third straight NFC South title and reach the playoffs for the fourth straight season. For Mayfield, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 was satisfying and not only because it came against the Panthers, where he was 1-5 as a starter last season before being waived on Dec. 5. Mayfield has struggled to find career stability, playing for his fourth team in three seasons. He was traded by Cleveland, released by Carolina and not re-signed by the Los Angeles Rams in a two-year span. He bounced back this season going 9-8 as a starter for the Buccaneers, completing 64.4% of his passes for 3,907 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He beat the Panthers twice. “I’ve been through a lot,” Mayfield said. “But I have had a lot of help along the way.” The biggest question moving

forward might be how effective Mayfield will be when the Buccaneers host the Philadelphia Eagles in a wild card game next weekend. Mayfield came into Sunday’s game with sore ribs and suffered an ankle injury against the Panthers, although he remained in the game. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick walked with a slight limp as he entered the interview room. He said he’s looking forward to healing up. “I’ll see how he feels and how he goes through his treatment and we’ll make a decision based on how the week goes,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said. Kyle Trask is Tampa Bay’s backup quarterback and John Wolford is the third string. The 28-year-old Mayfield wasn’t particularly happy with his own play, finishing 20 of 32 passing for 137 yards with no touchdowns. He just missed on a long connection with Mike Evans in the first quarter.

“I got to be better,” Mayfield said. “They ran a lot of two-shell defense and there was some stuff that was open underneath and I have to be better in that facet.” “He was banged up,” Bowles said of Mayfield’s performance. “But the times he had to throw they had great coverage. You’ve got to credit their defense too. They played very good defense. We were off and weren’t clicking on all cylinders.” But Mayfield likes Tampa Bay’s chances heading into the playoffs, where it could be a home underdog despite winning five of its final six games. Like Mayfield, the Bucs have been counted out time and time again, particularly after losing six of seven games during one stretch. “We have a locker room full of guys that are comfortable being counted out,” Mayfield said. “All we wanted was a chance to get in and now we are here and we have to handle it the right way.”

Olympic sprinter Pistorius released from prison The 37-year-old served nearly 9 years in prison for killing his girlfriend

The Associated Press PRETORIA, South Africa — Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius, a double-amputee who became a global star competing at his sport’s highest level while running on carbon-fiber blades, was released from prison on Friday after serving nearly nine years for killing his girlfriend, the model Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius, 37, quietly left the Atteridgeville Correctional Center in Pretoria and was processed at a parole office before being released to his family, Department of Corrections spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told The Associated Press. Nxumalo, who referred to Pistorius’ release as an “operation” designed to avoid a media scramble, declined to give further details. “I can only tell you he was released this morning,” Nxumalo said. Pistorius served nearly nine years of his murder sentence of 13 years and five months for the fatal shooting of Steenkamp at his home on Valentine’s Day 2013. He became eligible for early release having served at least half his sentence and was approved for parole in November. Pistorius will live under strict

parole conditions, including a ban on speaking to the media, until his sentence expires in December 2029. He is expected to initially live at his uncle’s mansion in the upscale Pretoria suburb of Waterkloof, which is where he stayed during his seven-month trial in 2014. A police van was outside that house and a police officer was seen coming out later Friday. The officer declined to comment to reporters. Three black private security vehicles were also parked in front of the mansion. Pistorius, his brother and sister grew up under the care of their uncle and aunt, Arnold and Lois Pistorius, after becoming estranged from their father. Pistorius’ mother died when he was a teenager. Arnold Pistorius was seen driving out of the home, as was Pistorius’ sister, Aimee Pistorius’ trial drew a horde of media from around the world, and even though corrections officials warned ahead of time that he wouldn’t be “paraded” for the cameras upon his release, a few dozen reporters, photographers and TV cameras were camped outside the prison in the hopes of seeing him. Pistorius maintains that he shot the 29-year-old Steenkamp in error after mistaking her for a dangerous intruder hiding in a bathroom in his Pretoria villa in the middle of the night. He fired four times through a locked toilet cubicle door, hitting Steenkamp in the head, hip and hand.

AP PHOTO

Press gather outside the home of Oscar Pistorius’ uncle in Waterkloof, South Africa, on Friday following the release of the Olympic sprinter after he served nearly nine years in prison for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013. He claimed he fired in what he believed was self-defense and that he didn’t know it was his girlfriend in the cubicle. Prosecutors alleged that he intentionally killed her in anger during an argument. In addition to her modeling career, Steenkamp was a reality TV star with a law degree who had become an activist against the scourge of violence against women in South Africa — a tragic irony given how she died. She and Pistorius had only been dating for a few months. Steenkamp’s mother, June Steenkamp, said in a statement Friday that she had accepted Pistorius’ parole, although the

pain of her daughter’s death was “still raw and real.” Steenkamp’s father, Barry Steenkamp, died last year. “Has there been justice for Reeva? Has Oscar served enough time? There can never be justice if your loved one is never coming back, and no amount of time served will bring Reeva back,” June Steenkamp said. “We who remain behind are the ones serving a life sentence.” “With the release of Oscar Pistorius on parole, my only desire is that I will be allowed to live my last years in peace with my focus remaining on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, to continue Reeva’s legacy.”

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

Radio reporter fired over comedy act reinstated after an arbitrator finds his jokes ‘funny’ By Brooke Schultz The Associated Press

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A REPORTER who was fired for his standup comedy has been reinstated to his job at a Philadelphia-based public radio station through an arbitrator. Jad Sleiman is to be fully reinstated to his position at WHYY, a a Philadelphia-based NPR station, after an arbitrator determined that, while the bits posted to social media could be interpreted as “inflammatory,” the organization “rushed to judgment” in its decision to terminate him. A reporter who was fired for his standup comedy has been reinstated to his job at a Philadelphia-based public radio station through an arbitrator, who agreed that his jokes were, in some part, funny. Jad Sleiman, 34, is to be fully reinstated to his position with WHYY, a Philadelphia-based NPR station, after an arbitrator determined that, while the bits posted to social media could be interpreted as “inflammatory,” the organization “rushed to judgment” in its decision to terminate him. In a phone call Friday, Sleiman said he felt vindicated by the decision and plans to return

to work. “When a news organization says you’re a racist, bigot, whatever, people believe them,” he said. “So it was a lot of abuse from a lot of people who have never met me, who’ve never seen my standup just saw what WHYY said about me, which is not great.” A message seeking comment emailed to WHYY was not immediately returned. Sleiman said he was considering further legal action for statements made by WHYY about his character. Sleiman had been working as a reporter on The Pulse, a nationally syndicated health and science program, since 2018 when he was terminated a year ago after executives found his social media account — under Jad S. or @jadslay — that posted clips of his standup comedy. Officials at WHYY argued that his standup comedy violated the company’s code of conduct, social media guidelines and values of social responsibility, finding his routine to be “inflammatory.” They submitted nine videos from social media as their evidence. They argued the clips were “’egregious’ in content, and had ‘sexual connotations, racial connotations, and misogynistic information,’ “ according to the

His stand-up routines stem from his experiences as an Arab American raised in a Muslim family, and his time in military service and in the Middle East. arbitration documents. Sleiman, who has worked as a reporter in the United States and abroad since 2013 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, argued in arbitration his stand-up routines stem from his experiences as an Arab American raised in a Muslim family, and his time in military service and reporting in the Middle East. He was frustrated that, when he was first fired, people thought it was an obvious conclusion for telling jokes while having a day job. “Like, ‘What do you mean? You’re off hours, you’re having fun with, like, creative expression, of course you should get fired for that,’ “ he said. “But I hate that that’s become normal. And I want to be an example of like, no, your employer doesn’t own you.”

While arbitrator Lawrence S. Coburn conceded some or portions of the videos could be seen as inflammatory — “the very low standard in the Collective Bargaining Agreement that I am required to apply,” he wrote — he also found them to be sometimes “simply funny.” In one, Coburn noted that some of the commentary was “insightful, principled and serious, but not very funny.” “More important, I find that the message of the clip, if one is open to receiving it, cannot be interpreted to be inflammatory,” he continued. For another, Coburn said “it is difficult to believe that a fair-minded person would find the clip inflammatory.” “But the bar is very low, and WHYY’s 1.3 million person audience might have a few people who would find the clip inflammatory,” he added. As part of the decision, Sleiman was to delete the nine videos cited. He was also asked to delete any “offensive post-discharge” posts where he disparaged the company for his firing. (Coburn found that, “under the circumstances, such ‘foolishness’ does not disqualify him from reinstatement.”)

MSNBC’s Mehdi Hasan quits rather than accept demotion at news network The Associated Press NEW YORK — Prominent Muslim journalist Mehdi Hasan has decided to quit MSNBC rather than accept a demotion that saw him lose a regular Sunday night program on the network. Hasan announced at the end of Sunday show that “I’ve decided to look for a new challenge. This is not just my final episode of ‘The Mehdi Hasan Show,’ it’s my last day at MSNBC.” The network had announced in November that Hasan would lose his weekly show after three years but would remain as an analyst and fill-in anchor. That decision, with no public explanation, launched a fruitless petition campaign in protest by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar called it “deeply troubling that MSNBC is canceling his show amid a rampant rise of anti-Muslim bigotry and suppression of

Muslim voices.” An MSNBC spokeswoman said Monday the network had no comment on Hasan’s exit. His final show featured an interview with Motaz Azaiza, a Palestinian photographer who talked about the danger of working in Gaza during Israeli military operations. Hasan on Monday also forwarded a report on X, formerly Twitter, about Palestinian children losing limbs, adding the message, “Read this sentence. Then reread it. Then ask yourself how anyone is OK with this level of human suffering.” Hasan told viewers that he’s proud of what head been achieved on his show. “As I say: new year, new plans,” he said. Hasan, who previously worked at Al Jazeera English and the Intercept, offered no details and declined further comment on Monday. To replace Hasan, MSNBC is increasing the weekend hours of Ayman Mohyeldin, another Muslim journalist.

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AP PHOTO

Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton answer questions during a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by MSNBC at the University of New Hampshire Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, in Durham, N.H.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

Idris Elba calls for tougher action on knife crime after a spate of teen killings in Britain The Associated Press

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ACTOR IDRIS ELBA on Monday urged the British government to ban machetes and serrated “zombie” knives to help stop young people falling victim to knife crime. The London-born star of “The Wire” and “Luther” joined protesters from the “Don’t Stop Your Future” campaign outside Parliament, posing with clothes and shoes representing people killed by knives. In the U.K, which has strict gun-control laws, about four in 10 homicides involve a knife or sharp instrument. There is particular concern about knife crime involving young people in Britain’s cities. In London, 21 teenagers were killed in 2023, 18 of whom were stabbed to death. “I can’t stay silent as more young lives are lost to these brutal and heartless crimes,” Elba said. “As school returns, too many young people will not be joining their classmates

and too many grieving families have lost a young person they love in recent years.” The government announced a ban on machetes and knives that are designed to look threatening in August 2023, but the law has yet to be approved by Parliament. Elba also said technology companies should be held accountable for knife imagery on mobile phones. “I can pick up a phone right now, type in knives and I’ll get inundated with adverts for them,” he said. “We should find a way to deter tech companies, advertising, to put that away.” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman, Max Blain, said knife crime and hospital admissions for stabbings had both fallen compared to the pre-pandemic year of 20192020. “But, still, we know knife crime devastates lives,” he said. “We do want to do more. It’s welcome that Idris Elba and others continue to shine a light on this important issue.”

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AP PHOTO

British Actor Idris Elba stands in Parliament Square with clothing representing the human cost of UK Knife Crime in London, Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, as he calls on the government to take immediate action to prevent serious youth violence.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 11, 2024

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