North State Journal Vol. 8 Issue 41

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 41

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WWW.NSJONLINE.COM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

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BRIEF this week

Over $15 million in grants will preserve 5,000 acres of North Carolina farmland Raleigh The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund has recently granted over $15 million to safeguard operational farms and forests, bolster county initiatives for farmland preservation and advance agricultural ventures.

Of the total, more than $12.8 million has been allocated to secure 46 agricultural conservation easements spanning 5,000 acres throughout the state.

These family-owned farms are now safeguarded against development, attaining the designation of North Carolina Forever Farms.

A.P. DILLON

Harding reelected North Carolina Farm Bureau president Greensboro Shawn Harding was unanimously elected for a fifth term leading the North Carolina Farm Bureau at its annual meeting in Greensboro on Tuesday.

A 30-year farmer from Beaufort County, Harding succeeded Larry Wooten in 2019 as president of NCFB. Harding is the 12th president in NCFB’s history.

McHenry announces retirement from Congress

North Carolina Rep. Patrick McHenry, who presided temporarily over the U.S. House for three intense weeks in October, announced Tuesday that he won’t seek reelection to his seat next year. McHenry, who was first elected to the House in 2004 at age 29, unveiled the surprise decision the day after candidate filing started in North Carolina.

He currently represents the 10th Congressional District covering several counties north and west of Charlotte entering the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “I will be retiring from Congress at the end of my current term.

This is not a decision I come to lightly, but I believe there is a season for everything and — for me — this season has come to an end,” McHenry said. “I look forward to what the next season brings for my family and me.”

Cooper appoints Holmes as state auditor following Wood’s resignation

NSJ STAFF

Tuberville is ending blockade of most military nominees Washington, D.C. Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville announced on Tuesday that he’s ending his blockade of hundreds of military promotions, following heavy criticism from many of his colleagues in the Senate and clearing the way for hundreds to be approved.

Tuberville’s blockade of military promotions was over a dispute about a Pentagon abortion policy.

The Republican said Tuesday he’s “not going to hold the promotions of these people any longer.”

Almost 400 military nominations have been in limbo due to Tuberville’s blanket hold on confirmations and promotions for senior military officers.

He was blocking the nominations in opposition to new Pentagon rules that allow reimbursement for travel when a service member has to go out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. President Joe Biden’s administration instituted the new rules after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP PHOTO

Top lobbyists launch new government relations firm

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

advocacy together.

According to a release from the firm, their client roster will include clients from the financial services, health care, transportation, gaming, agriculture, technology and energy sectors. They will also represent local governments and trade associations.

Checkmate’s managing partner is Charles F. “Ches” McDowell IV, one of North State Journal’s top lobbyists from North Carolina. He has consistently been rated as one of North Carolina’s top lobbyists and has built a reputation for results among the state’s legislators.

“We believe we’re the most versatile and well-rounded government relations firm based in North Carolina,” said

RALEIGH — A bipartisan team of well-known lobbyists and public affairs professionals launched a new government relations firm on Monday, Dec. 4.

The new firm, Checkmate Government Relations, will begin with five partners and an initial staff of seven. The new firm brings a combined 70 years of experience across government, law, regulatory agencies and political campaigns. The staff worked together previously at KTS Strategies.

Checkmate says their goal is to be “the most versatile, well-rounded firm based in North Carolina,” and one key aspect of their practice will be to blend its state and federal See LOBBYISTS, page A8

EPA reverses GenX recycling plan after bipartisan concern North State Journal RALEIGH —A controversial plan was reversed last month that would have imported 4 million tons of water containing forever chemical GenX to a Chemours facility in Fayetteville.

In a letter sent to Gov. Roy Cooper, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan said incorrect information from Chemours

led him to reverse the decision.

“Recently, during its review of the conditional import consent granted to Chemours, EPA, working with NCDEQ, became aware that that the company did not provide accurate information in its notifications to the Netherlands’ Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management,” wrote Regan.

See EPA, page A2

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

ing year,” said Holmes. “I will be filing for election to this seat next week.”

Passed over by Cooper is RALEIGH — Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper announced former Assistant State Audithe appointment of Jessica tor and Democrat Luis Toledo, Holmes as the North Carolina who announced in November State Auditor last week, suc- that he would run for the poceeding Beth Wood. Holmes sition after Wood declared she will take over starting Dec. 15. would not seek reelection.

Current State Auditor Beth As acting state auditor and Wood announced she would Council of State member, resign following an Holmes will also sit indictment related to on the Local Govher December 2022 ernment Commishit-and-run while “I will bring my sion (LGC) which driving a state vehithe financial legal expertise oversees cle that occurred in health of the state’s downtown Raleigh to the office by municipalities. State following a Christ- asking tough Treasurer Dale Folmas party. well, who chairs the In the Nov. 30 questions LGC, issued a statepress statement an- and ensuring ment welcoming nouncing the apHolmes. pointment, Cooper agencies are “I wish to congratmentioned Holmes’ spending state ulate newly appointgovernment operaState Auditor Jesmoney legally, ed tions qualifications sica Holmes and including her current effectively and welcome her to the role as Deputy Indus- efficiently.”

Council of State,” Foltrial Commissionwell said. “The State er and having preAuditor and State viously served two Incoming state Treasurer historically terms as the chair auditor Jessica have worked producof the Wake Coun- Holmes tively on the County Board of Commiscil of State, the Local sioners.

Government Com“North Carolina is fortu- mission and through other acnate to have a dedicated, en- tivities and programs to deterthusiastic public servant in Jes- mine what’s right, get it right, sica Holmes willing to take on and keep it right for our taxpaythe important role of State Au- ers, communities and future.” ditor and I am confident that Folwell also thanked Wood she will lead the department for her service and wished her with determination and hard luck in the future. work,” Governor Cooper said.

In his announcement, the “Her effective service as chair governor also touted Holmes’ of the Wake County Commis- legal experience as an attorsioners has shown her that ev- ney with a background in pubery dollar counts when it comes lic schools and education, to serving the public in educa- workers’ compensation, and lation, public safety, health care, bor and employment law. and all the other areas that supHolmes obtained her law port our state’s people.”

“I will bring my legal expertise to the office by asking See COOPER, page A2 tough questions and ensuring agencies are spending state money legally, effectively and efficiently,” Holmes said in the governor’s press statement.

Holmes also said she would run for the seat in 2024.

“I look forward to taking on this important role for the com$2.00

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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12.6.23 #413

“One of One” Visit us online nsjonline.com

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

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THE WORD: BYE BYE, LULLY, LULLAY As we enter the second Sunday of Advent, the North State Journal continues to explore the hymns that deepen the spirit of Christmas. This Sunday, we focus on the “Coventry Carol,” a poignant piece that stands out for its somber tone and deep historical roots, offering a contrast to the typically joyous Advent music.

Originating from the 16th century, the “Coventry Carol” is part of a medieval play called the “Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors.” The carol and the play tell the heart-wrenching story of the Massacre of the Innocents, as ordered by King Herod in the Gospel of Matthew. This tragic episode involved the decree to kill all male infants in Bethlehem to eliminate the newborn Jesus.

The carol itself is a lullaby, sung by the mothers of Bethlehem to their doomed children. Its haunting melody and sorrowful lyrics provide a powerful reminder of the need for peace in a world often marred by conflict and suffering which is also reflect in the second Sunday of Advent.

The text of the carol, whose exact date of origin is unknown, was preserved in a manuscript edited by Robert Croo in 1534. Croo, known for his involvement in the Coventry pageants, added his own verse to the existing material. The only surviving text of the carol and the play was published by Thomas Sharp in 1817, based on Croo’s manuscript. This transcription is vital, as the original manuscript was lost in a fire in 1879.

Within the play, the “Coventry Carol” is sung by women of Bethlehem, immediately following the scene where Joseph is warned by an angel to take his family to Egypt. This contextual placement in the narrative highlights the impending danger and a goodbye to the children with it’s familiar “Bye bye, lully, lullay” lyric which ends three of the four verses.

Musically, the carol is notable for its use of the Picardy third a harmonic device that originated during the Renaissance and is recognizable at the end of each verse. The carol also includes a three-part harmony, indicating that the parts of the “mothers” were traditionally played by men.

The “Coventry Carol” gained renewed interest after its feature in the BBC’s Empire Broadcast during World War II, following the Bombing of Coventry. Sung in the bombed-out ruins of the Coventry Cathedral, the carol became a symbol of mourning and resilience.

As we reflect during the second Sunday of Advent, the “Coventry Carol” invites us to contemplate the deeper, more somber aspects of the Christmas story. It reminds us of the darker side of this narrative and underscores the profound need for peace in our world.

In keeping with our Advent series, North State Journal has curated a selection of hymns for each week of Advent on our Spotify channel, including two renditions of the “Coventry Carol” that capture the solemnity and historical depth of this classic carol.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“The Virgin and Child Surrounded by the Holy Innocents” (c.

1618) is a painting by Peter Paul Rubens in the collection of The Louvre, Paris.

EPA from page A1 Administrator Regan, who worked as Gov. Cooper’s environmental secretary until departing for the EPA in 2021, said the import agreement would “no longer be valid if any of the information contained in the notification, upon which EPA relies, is incorrect, incomplete or fraudulent.”

In mid-November, Chemours told NCDEQ there was an error in calculating the requested permitted volume that was not identified during the approval process, meaning the and the amount provided was “not a correct estimation of actual volumes.” The error meant that the company could not process the amount of waste containing GenX it said it previously stated it could.

“Therefore, consents to the import of waste from the Netherlands into the United States are no longer valid,” Regan’s letter stated.

Three Republicans in North Carolina’s Congressional delegation: Sen. Thom Tillis and Reps. Richard Hudson (NC08) and David Rouzer (NC-07) questioned the decision as well.

The three wrote to Regan as well, stating that the initial decision to allow the shipment was worrisome and the agency’s behavior following the decision was “perplexing and of utmost concern.”

COOPER from page A1 degree from the UNC School of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In the past, Holmes served as the attorney for the NC Association of Educators (NCAE) and in a social media post the organization congratulated Holmes on her appointment.

“We are proud to congratulate Jessica Holmes on her appointment as North Carolina’s new State Auditor,” the NCAE’s post reads. “As a former NCAE staff attorney, we know Jessica will do an excellent job for the State of North Carolina.”

Holmes’ background with the NCAE will perhaps provide more transparency in audits involving state employee membership counts.

The NCAE has a history of refusing to provide membership numbers to the state auditor’s office for the annual audit of state employee group membership levels.

AP PHOTO

This photo taken Friday, June 15, 2018 near Fayetteville, N.C. shows the signage of the Fayetteville Works plant where the Delaware-based Chemours Company manufactures C3 dimer acid, also known as GenX. Continuing, the three Republicans pointed to shifting explanations for the import of the waste as the EPA stated first it could not deny the shipment, then a reevaluation, and then

The state employee membership audit issued just this past fall showed a spike in NCAE memberships, however, before the pandemic the organization augmented its member count by offering memberships to retired teachers, aspiring teachers, and “community members.”

Wood’s office refused to supply North State Journal with its source or methodology behind the NCAE’s membership increase and the auditor’s office said their “workpapers and supportive materials related to audits and investigations are confidential pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 147-64.6(d).”

Holmes, a Democrat, ran for the Commissioner of Labor spot on the Council of State in 2020 but lost to Republican Josh Dobson by over 89,000 votes or 1.6%. During that election cycle, Holmes’ campaign took in $616,298. Of that total, the NC Democratic Party was the largest donor with $120,836 and the NCAE’s PAC gave Holmes $9,400.

the error in calculations admission from Chemours following an inquiry from NCDEQ. “It therefore defies logic that the state was not informed of this decision. One could easily

argue it was a breach of responsibility,” the trio’s letter continued.

By Nov. 29, the date of Regan’s letter to Cooper, the import was canceled.

“I am glad the EPA reversed its decision to allow wastewater with GenX to be sent to a facility in Fayetteville. It is vital all North Carolinians have access to safe water, and I’ll continue my work to address the risks posed by emerging PFAS contaminants,” said Tillis.

Cooper issued a lengthy statement taking credit for the decision.

“It’s good that the EPA reversed this decision and I’m grateful for their quick response. We have been working for years in North Carolina to force the cleanup of forever chemicals to help ensure clean water, and companies like Chemours have made this effort more difficult,” said Cooper in his statement.

Chemours, for their part, stated in a Nov. 21 letter that communication around the company and the recycling plan was “unfortunate” and the transport of materials from the Netherlands to the Fayetteville facility would reduce global emissions.

The company added that the Fayetteville facility would ship its waste recycled there to other facilities and pointed to other actions, such as its barrier wall near the Cape Fear River and work to reduce the amount of chemicals present, as ways it is helping the state reduce the overall amount of chemicals present in the state’s air and water.

AP PHOTO

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper looks on after introducing Jessica Holmes, his appointment for State Auditor, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at the Executive Mansion in Raleigh.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Council of State news for November

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — November’s Council of State news includes educators receiving national awards, reinstatement of fire marshals, the governor out of the state for the second time in a month, and the resignation and replacement of the state auditor.

The North Carolina Council of State (COS) is an administrative body of 10 elected officials who are heads of their departments.

Council members include the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, commissioner of agriculture, commissioner of insurance, commissioner of labor, secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer, and superintendent of public instruction.

Gov. Roy Cooper traveled out of state for the second time in a month to Florida where he spoke at the Financial Times-Nikkei Investing in America Summit held at the Perez Art Museum in Miami on Nov. 7.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson temporarily became governor for the second time in a month when Cooper traveled to Florida. He also issued a statement on Nov. 14 regarding the N.C. Democratic Party’s rejection of a Jewish Caucus in the wake of the Oct. Hamas terror attacks on Israel.

“Today’s Democrat Party vote against welcoming a Jewish group is another sad example of their refusal to stand with Israel and the Jewish people against

terrorism. State Democrat lawmakers walked out of votes instead of supporting Israel and standing against terror,” Robinson said in part.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced the promotion of Greg Hicks of Oxford to assistant commissioner overseeing operations of the North Carolina Forest Service. Hicks previously served as assistant state forester and will replace retiring assistant commissioner Scott Bissette.

Troxler also promoted Dr. Marcus Helfrich to director of the Standards Division effective Nov. 1. Helfrich previously served as program manager of the fuel quality laboratory and will replace Steve Benjamin, who is retiring. The commissioner also issued burn bans for areas in nearly a third of the western part of the state beset by wildfires. Those burn bans were rescinded as November drew to a close.

During a Nov. 1 meeting of the House Oversight Committee regarding pandemic unemployment insurance (UI) payments, State Auditor Beth Wood gave testimony regarding the state’s history of late UI payments.

During that hearing, she also told legislators she would not be seeking reelection in 2024.

“I just wanted to take this time today to announce to this committee, whose many members are near and dear to my heart and enjoy working with them, that I’m announcing this afternoon that

Two days after the Grand Jury handed down the indictment against her, Wood announced she was resigning effective Dec. 15.

I am not running for reelection,” Wood said.

On Nov. 7, news broke that a grand jury had charged Wood in connection with allegations she had misused a state vehicle for commuting purposes, a use that is prohibited by state policy. The investigation is related to Wood’s Dec. 20, 2022, hit-and-run accident in a Toyota Camry owned by the state.

Wood’s use of a state vehicle was suspended in January 2023 and state motor fleet management began questioning her personal commuting use of the car in violation of state policies. The state auditor pled guilty to the misdemeanor in March 2023 and she also admitted in court that she had been drinking at a Christmas party prior to the accident but denied being impaired behind the wheel.

Two days after the Grand Jury handed down the indictment against her, Wood announced she was resigning effective Dec. 15.

Announcements out of Attor-

Guilford County Schools nutrition staff staged walkout over pay

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — Guilford County Schools’ (GCS) school nutrition services (SNS) staff at 66 of the district’s schools participated in a walkout over pay concerns on Nov. 27.

According to a GCS press release, the district’s leadership has engaged with the staff, presenting a compensation plan that includes a 4% salary in-

crease for SNS assistants, with 2.3% already implemented and the remainder in December.

“Our staff deserves appropriate compensation, just as our students have a right to participate in our meal programs,” the GCS press statement said.

The plan raises the starting wage from $12.25 per hour in 2021 to $15.86 per hour in 2023.

SNS managers will receive a 7% salary increase, with a minimum 4% for those held harmless. The plan raises their start-

ing wage from $13.75 per hour in 2021 to $18.60 per hour.

Additionally, managers serving over 100 meals daily will qualify for a pro-rated quarterly bonus.

The district notes in its press release that SNS staff were excluded from the state’s 4% raise in October 2023, as they operate independently based on meal funding.

The district has committed to not increasing lunch prices since 2017-2018.

ney General Josh Stein’s office included joining a federal civil antitrust lawsuit against Agri Stats, Inc. for “working with chicken, pork, and turkey processors to artificially inflate the price of food,” and securing a court order against Prehired, a student loan vendor.

The Prehired order compelled the lender to permanently close, pay over $4.2 million in restitution to harmed student borrowers, and nullify almost $27 million in outstanding loans. Stein joined 10 other state attorneys general in the action, which accused Prehired of false job placement promises, unlawful loans and abusive debt collection practices.

In North Carolina, 22 individuals paid a total of $112,716,638 to Prehired, with residents potentially receiving around $1.1 million in contract cancellations.

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction, led by State Superintendent Catherine Truitt announced two educators had received a prestigious national award. Ainsley VanBuskirk, a first-grade teacher at Pactolus Global School in Pitt County, and Aisa Cunningham, the principal of Pearsontown Elementary School in Durham County, were both named winners of the prestigious national Milken Educator Award and each received a $25,000 prize.

On Nov. 15, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey reinstated three fire marshal employees whom he had terminated

A separate statement by GCS indicated SNS staff were returning to work on Nov. 29.

“We are grateful to our hard-working employees for their decision to return,” said Dr. Whitney Oakley, superintendent. “We know they share our commitment to students’ well-being, and we look forward to continuing to serve students together.”

Oakley also thanked SNS staff who remained on the job during the walkout as well as various district staff, parents, and university partners who volunteered to make sure students received meals.

“Many of our children count on GCS for at least two meals per day, and our team came together to meet this need,” Oakley said.

A3 just weeks earlier on Oct. 31. The Oct. 31 removals, which followed legislation passed removing the Fire Marshal duties from Causey’s agency, included Chief State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Mike Williams, and fire marshal department employee Brent Heath.

On the same day the terminations were made, Causey announced he was appointing Tony Bailey as chief state fire marshal and Special Agent Craig Jarman as the new deputy state fire marshal.

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall’s office issued a press release announcing the publication of the 2022-2023 Annual Report of Charitable Solicitation Licensing. The report, covering July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, showed licensed fundraisers amassed $58,049,394 for charitable causes in the state; a substantial uptick of $10.4 million compared to the total during the same period in 2021-2022. Charities received $43,874,708 from this sum for their programs, indicating a $4.9 million increase specifically directed to charitable initiatives rather than professional fundraising and administrative expenses.

The report also showed a decline in figures reported for national fundraising campaigns involving North Carolina donors.

Multi-state campaigns employing professional fundraisers garnered a total of $1,097,864,514; a decrease of $139.8 million from funds raised in 2021-2022.

There were no major updates from Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson’s office for the month of November.

We are grateful to our hard-working employees for their decision to return.”

Guilford County Schools superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley

Legislation targeting foreign money on US college campuses moving through Congress

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — On Nov. 8, a Congressional committee approved a bill to end the influence of foreign money at U.S. colleges and universities.

The Committee on Education and Workforce, chaired by Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-05), announced its action on the H.R. 5933, the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act. The legislation “will stop foreign adversaries from targeting our nation’s education systems bringing much-needed transparency to foreign gifts and contracts,” per the committee’s press statement.

The press statement highlighted a Free Press article authored by Bari Weiss detailing a report by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) that reveals “around 200 American colleges and universities received $13 billion in previously undisclosed contributions from foreign regimes which has helped fuel antisemitism on college campuses.”

“A massive influx of foreign, concealed donations to American institutions of higher learning, much of it from authoritarian regimes with notable support from Middle Eastern sources, reflects or supports heightened levels of intolerance towards Jews, open inquiry, and free expression,” NCRI’s conclusion states.

AP PHOTO

Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee is pictured speaking.

Topping NCRI’s list, two schools stand out with totals of over a billion; Carnegie Mellon University $1,473,036,665 and Cornell University $1,289,433,376. Two other institutions are approaching the $1 billion mark; Harvard University $894,533,832 Massachusetts Institute of Technology $859,071,692.

All four schools have seen antisemitic and anti-Israel protests since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7.

Five schools in North Carolina are on NCRI’s list:

Wake Forest University $5,026,211

Duke University $343,699,498

Per the committee’s fact sheet on the DETERRENT Act, the threshold for foreign gift reporting for colleges and universities is cut from $250,000 to $50,000. Additionally, the amount is slashed to $0 for “countries of concern.”

Other key points in the DETERRENT Act include closing reporting loopholes and requiring disclosure of foreign gifts

North Carolina State University $23,762,788 UNC Chapel Hill $41,292,544 UNC Charlotte $326,486

to individual faculty and staff members at research-heavy institutions.

The committee’s summary of the Act says the measure ‘Holds our largest private institutions accountable for their financial partnerships by revealing concerning foreign investments in their endowments,” and has a “series of repercussions” for schools who are non-compliant, which can include fines and loss of Title IV federal funding.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

At what price loyalty

Wallace Wade exemplified principle above all else when he volunteered to join the Army in 1942 — at the age of 48.

HAVE YOU EVER had anyone knock on your door and offer you $10 million to come work for them? $5 million? $1 million? $250,000?

What would you do if they did? Ask any question other than “what plane do you want me to catch and when can I start?”

Duke football coach Mike Elko abruptly left Durham for a guaranteed six-year contract at $7M/year with incentives which could boost his pay up to $10.5M depending on how far he takes Texas A&M in the playoffs. He was making $3.5M with the Blue Devils ― not an insignificant sum by any stretch ― a program he took from a brief downslide to the most wins in the first two years of any Duke football coach in history.

His success brought him the enormous Texas A&M contract. Had Elko led Duke to two 0-12 seasons, he surely would have been fired ― and no one would have blamed Duke University for doing so or questioned their “loyalty” to the fired coach.

At what price does loyalty figure in to anyone’s personal decisionmaking about their careers and ability to provide for their family? From either side, the employee or the administration?

Loyalty goes both ways, you know.

There may not be a single person who wouldn’t jump at the chance to double their salary right now with a six-year guaranteed, no-cut contract knowing they will be paid in full if things don’t work out and they get fired quickly. Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is probably paying more to his three fired coaches than he will pay the next coach he hires.

Coaching carousels bring into question the whole issue of loyalty, commitment and personal integrity. Generations are different ― the Greatest Generation who grew up in the Great Depression and fought in World War II generally abided by the “my handshake is my commitment” code of ethics and placed a high value on personal loyalty.

During those tough economic times, a person’s personal integrity was all they had to rely and trade on, especially when it came to life-and-death decisions during the war.

Legendary Duke football coach Wallace Wade was one of those men of integrity. He came to Duke from Alabama in 1931 after leading the Crimson Tide to their first three national championships. He left Alabama because he wanted to be head football coach, athletic director and ― as hard as it to be believed today ― director of the men’s

intramural program. He saw his role on the college campus as a “molder of men,” not solely as a coach of national championship teams.

Wallace Wade exemplified principle above all else when he volunteered to join the Army in 1942 ― at the age of 48. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge at age 52. He said his greatest regret was not being allowed to be in the first wave of liberators at Normandy during D-Day because of his age.

No modern-day coach comes to mind who has done anything close to his sacrifice and patriotism.

Wallace Wade was paid well as head football coach at Duke.

There are only two other modern era coaches, both of whom were compensated well for their services, who come to mind who must have turned down millions of dollars to coach elsewhere in college or in the NBA ― UNC’s Dean Smith and Coach K at Duke. Both men saw themselves as teachers and mentors of young men first and basketball coaches second. Both stayed at their respective schools and became legends never to be forgotten in the college basketball world.

All three legendary coaches just had different goals in life than making the most money possible when it came to college athletics.

Mike Elko grew up in a trailer park in New Jersey. He was a good enough student to get a scholarship to go to the Ivy League where he played safety for the University of Pennsylvania Quakers. He succeeded because of merit and hard work ― which is how any American should choose to be evaluated.

After being an assistant coach over 22 years of moving and uprooting his family at nine different colleges, he brought his talents to Duke University in 2021. Duke gave him his first chance at being a head coach ― but does that mean Duke, the students and their fanbase had a claim on his services for the rest of his life?

Coach Elko won’t be a legend at Duke ― but maybe he will win a national title at Texas A&M and be able to put his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren through four years at Duke when tuition hits $1 million per year.

What is so wrong about that?

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Not everything has to be about politics

It was disappointing to see people who were praising Mrs. Carter for living her life with style and grace show such little grace towards Melania Trump.

WHETHER YOU WORK in politics, write about them, or are just a general news/politics junkie who likes going back and forth on social media about the stories of the day, sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that not everything has to be about politics.

Take, for instance, the memorial service last week of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

Carter, who was 96, passed away Sunday, Nov. 19, just days after entering hospice care. She was said to be suffering from dementia.

Among those in attendance at her tribute service in Plains, Ga. were family members including former President Jimmy Carter, who is 99 and who has been in hospice care for nine months now.

Also there and sitting in the front row were all living First Ladies, including Melania Trump, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, and current First Lady Jill Biden.

It was Melania Trump’s attendance that seemed to spark the most conservation on social media, with some being surprised considering Jimmy Carter in particular had been very vocal about his dislike for former President Donald Trump.

There was some cattiness expressed along the lines of how Melania Trump supposedly didn’t deserve to be there, that she hadn’t earned the right to be there, even though she had been a First Lady just like all the rest who were also there.

Some even went so far as to criticize Mrs. Trump for not wearing all black, as most attendees of the service wore, as though she deliberately wanted to draw attention to herself.

Leaving aside the fact that she would not have been there had she not been invited, it was disappointing but pretty predictable to see people who were praising Mrs. Carter for living her life with style and grace show such little grace towards Melania Trump at a time when politics should have been put on the back burner.

Something Melania Trump’s critics will be interested to know is that it was Rosalynn Carter herself who specifically wanted Mrs. Trump to be there, as reported by the Washington Post.

“Carter’s family said she specifically wanted Melania Trump to know she was invited to the service,” the paper reported. “In a time

of division, she hoped all the first ladies would join in a show of solidarity as her farewell tribute.”

About the First Ladies who were there, Carter’s grandson Jason Carter told the paper that, “My grandmother campaigned against and voted against some of their husbands.”

“But she believed that there are some things that are more important than politics,” Jason Carter also said, according to the Washington Post.

It’s something to keep in mind all the time, but especially around the holidays when you see magazine articles and broadcast news stories that give advice about how to approach talking politics at the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables, as though that should be a thing.

My advice? Don’t.

People spent a lot of time preparing that food and getting every last little detail nailed down so everyone attending the feast can sit down, relax, enjoy, and have a good time.

Why spoil the food, conversation, and holiday spirit by striking up a debate about political issues, especially in this day and age?

Unless everyone at the table tends to be like-minded, saving it for some other time is probably the better thing to do, in my opinion.

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

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

COLUMN

Orwell and Monroe got it right GEORGE ORWELL, call your office. That’s my initial and slightly out-of-date response to news stories about the Biden administration’s efforts to stamp out “misinformation.” It’s an interesting irony that covert censorship should be undertaken enthusiastically by those who call themselves “liberal” or “progressive” and who claim the opposition would threaten the survival of liberal democracy.

But Democrats seem unembarrassed by his reelection campaign’s program for blocking “misinformation” on outfits like Facebook and Google. It’s being run, as my Washington Examiner colleague Byron York points out, by the same folks who systematically pressured social media “to curb the spread of misinformation” during the COVID pandemic.

Some of that pushback is designed to improve Biden’s dreadful job rating on the economy, and many in media are happy to help. As radio talk host Erick Erickson writes, “Every major news organization except Fox News has done multiple stories on how great the economy is.”

But as numbers cruncher Nate Silver points out, citing an egregious Washington Post story co-authored by reliable liberal cheerleader Taylor Lorenz using an apples-and-oranges comparison of McDonald’s, the administration line is contradicted by voters’ own eyes and government statistics: inflation is up 16% and personal consumption expenditures up 25% since Biden took office.

No American under 60 has experienced such inflation in their adult lifetimes, and they reasonably conclude that Biden’s gusher of government spending is at fault.

One reason is people have had some experience with the administration’s suppression of “misinformation” on COVID. Health officials Anthony Fauci and Francis Collins, for example, set about suppressing the theory that the pandemic resulted from a COVID virus leak from the lab in Wuhan,

China, that their organizations had lavishly funded.

For a while, that suppression worked. The lab leak explanation was labeled a “conspiracy theory,” and no one went back to examine Fauci’s support of Wuhan’s virusstrengthening “gain-of-function” research. Only in the past year have intelligence agencies and some science reporters determined that the lab leak is the likely, though not proven, source of the pandemic.

The government also clamped down hard on “misinformation” about mandatory masking and extended lockdowns initiated in this country. Once again, inconvenient truths were suppressed.

Thus, in February 2023, a leading research institution, Britain’s Cochrane Library, released a study of 78 randomized control trials with 610,000 participants that concluded, as the lead researcher put it, “there is just no evidence” that masking “made any difference” in the transmission of COVID. Similarly, “there was never any science behind lockdowns — not a single study had ever been undertaken to measure their efficacy in stopping a pandemic,” as Joseph Nocera and Bethany McLean write in New York magazine, in an excerpt from their new book “The Big Fail.”

Lockdowns originated in China (whose captive media reported them as successful) and were imposed after hospitals were swamped with elderly patients in Bergamo, Italy. Initially designed to prevent hospital overcrowding, they soon got extended indefinitely.

There was little or no reporting on the ancillary results — undetected cancers, postponed surgeries, increased depression, and alcohol and drug abuse. Nocera and McLean point out that “excess deaths,” as compared to recent years, were up just 4% in nolockdown Sweden, compared to 19% in the U.S. Most negatively affected were children. Though it was clear from the beginning that COVID

posed almost no risk to children, pressure from the teachers unions that staff and fund the Democratic Party resulted in extended school lockdowns and unenforceable mask mandates in Democratic constituencies.

These were hailed — perhaps at the urging of administration “misinformation” operatives — by writers in The New York Times: solidarity forever. But last week, as the New York Post gleefully notes, a New York Times editorial admitted, “the startling evidence on learning loss is in.”

Startling, that is, to media reporters and opinion writers who toed the line of administration “misinformation” apparatchiks, but painfully apparent for three years to angry conservatives and dissenting epidemiologists who were dismissed as “conspiracy theorists,” and to anguished liberals like the New Yorker’s Alec MacGillis.

George Orwell showed how the truth can be suppressed when government seeks to stamp out “misinformation.” But the lesson was taught much longer ago in antique prose by James Monroe, who crossed the Delaware with George Washington in 1776 and retired from the presidency in 1825. “The people being with us exclusively the sovereign, it is indispensable that full information be laid before them on all important subjects, to enable them to exercise that high power with complete effect. If kept in the dark, they must be incompetent to it.”

Orwell and Monroe got it right. The Biden Democrats, by enthusiastically suppressing “misinformation” on outlets channeling a huge share of information, are headed in another direction.

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

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

Green groups are no longer promoting a cleaner environment THE LATE, GREAT humorist P.J. O’Rourke used to quip that everyone wants to save the world, but no one wants to wash the dishes.

Well, now that can be said for traditional environmental groups that seem to have lost their way.

Green groups are supposed to be about keeping our rivers, lakes and streams clean. They are supposed to be about fighting litter and keeping toxic chemicals out of the air. Their job is to maintain the beauty of our national parks and save elephants and tigers.

Not anymore. The New York Times recently reported in a disturbing headline: “Environmental Groups Cut Programs as Funding Shifts to Climate Change.”

In other words, the Left’s climate change hysteria and its campaign to end fossil fuels is interfering with a common-sense green agenda. Worse than that, the climate agenda is in some ways making the condition of the environment worse.

According to the Times story: “A significant shift in donor contributions to nonprofits fighting climate change in recent years has left some of the nation’s biggest environmental organizations facing critical shortfalls in programs on toxic chemicals, radioactive contamination and wildlife protection.”

The Natural Resources Defense Council, “the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife and the Environmental Working Group, which have been at

the forefront of efforts to clean up waste water, regulate pesticides and adopt tougher standards for atomic power plants, are facing similar financial problems,” said Times reporter Ralph Vartabedian.

This is all being driven by a mad pursuit of billions of green dollars for stopping global warming. That is, they are chasing and spending money on a cause — changing the planet’s temperature — that they can have almost no impact on.

How much money are we talking about? In 2022, environment groups spent and raised $8 billion on climate change activities. That doesn’t fully include the tens of billions of dollars that central governments are spending on climate issues. All of this money has funded scores of ritzy climate change conferences around the globe, as well as virtue-signaling protests, propaganda campaigns in schools, and a war against oil, gas and coal, cars, stoves and air conditioners. And now eating meat is verboten.

Yet, the climate agenda is often pushing policies that destroy the planet rather than save it. In poor countries, the war against fossil fuels has meant that villages are burning wood, or even feces. Instead of spending money on ensuring the world’s poor have safe drinking water, we are spending billions of dollars pushing windmills and solar power.

These “green energies” use 10 times more land than a coal or gas plant.

The landscape of America is being

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paved over and industrialized by our pursuit of zero-carbon policies. How is that a pro-environment policy?

Moreover, raising the cost of energy makes people poorer, which is counterproductive if we want to keep the planet clean. The richer a country, the more money they spend to clean the air, the water and to preserve wildlife.

The bigger question environmentalists should be asking is: What has the half-trillion dollars that have been spent on climate change bought? No measurable results.

Fossil fuel use reached an all-time high in 2022 and 2023, and carbon emissions have been climbing rather than receding. The more governments spend, the more money the United Nations insists we need to spend. The U.N.’s latest report says more than $4 trillion needs to be spent each year until 2030 to stop global warming.

With that much money, we can end global hunger and illiteracy.

Instead, the fanatics in the Biden administration and the billionaire donor class demand that we save the planet from carbon emissions at any cost, and if that means diminishing funds for fighting real pollution that kills people, so be it.

Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and an economist at FreedomWorks. His latest book is “Govzilla: How the Relentless Growth of Government Is Devouring Our Economy.”

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.

DAVID HARSANYI

No, the US shouldn’t push Israel to create a Palestinian state “ULTIMATELY,” contends Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), the next Israeli government “is going to have to put us back on a path to have a Palestinian state. That’s not easy, but it is the only way forward for Israel, is the only way forward for long-term peace.”

Well, it’s not the only way forward, right? Israel could clamp down on Palestinian autonomy until the violence against innocent Jewish civilians stops, and residents start living peacefully with their neighbors and begin accepting history’s outcomes. That’s another option.

While the situation today is appalling, creating a three-front Iran-backed terror state on the borders of a nation the size of New Jersey would make things significantly worse. No sane citizenry would sign off on such a suicidal policy. No genuine ally would pressure a friend to do it.

But that is exactly what a new country called “Palestine” is destined to be: an Islamic autocracy and, more than likely, a proxy of Iran (who may well have nuclear weapons at some point).

Perhaps Murphy is unaware that the last time Israelis handed autonomy of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority in 2005 — ejecting thousands of Jews who would otherwise have been murdered by the only “ethnic cleansers” in this conflict — it quickly lost power.

And does any sentient person believe that Hamas or the Islamic Jihad or Muslim Brotherhood-proper wouldn’t end up running a Palestinian state again? Does Murphy want to send in American troops to Gaza when they do?

Because Israel, compelled to act on the inevitable provocations from this freshly created nation with unfettered access to weaponry, surely would. The resulting war would be deadlier than the one going on now.

Rest assured, when Hamas runs a state in the West Bank that bumps right up against major civilian Jewish populations, it won’t be “us” — certainly not a Connecticut politician’s home — that are targeted by missiles.

These days, we keep hearing how Hamas is a tyrannical organization that doesn’t truly represent the will of the Palestinian people. If they only had real elections, things would be different.

This, too, is either a lie or wishful thinking.

While Hamas might not be quite as popular with Palestinians as it is with American Ivy League students, it nevertheless garners significant support. In 2021, the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that 53% of Palestinians believed Hamas was “most deserving of representing and leading the Palestinian people,” while only 14% preferred the somewhat less terroristic Fatah. Most polls show similar or more enthusiastic support for Hamas.

It’s the reason there hasn’t been an election in the West Bank in over a decade. Hamas would win.

Easily.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Palestinian culture is steeped in generational, self-destructive, virulent animosity toward Jews that manifests in waves of extremism and violence. This was the case in the early 20th century when Arabs began sporadically massacring Jews before Israel existed, throughout the 1940s when Palestinian leadership embraced Hitler and during a post-war faux nationalism phase (also before Israel existed), in the 1960s when the Palestine Liberation Organization introduced the world to modern terrorism (before “occupied territories” existed), and to the present Islamist iteration of that violence.

Yet, Palestinians, and their defenders, remain the only people in the world who think they can reset history every time they lose a war of aggression. Their very claim to a state is contingent on the myth that Israel invaded and “occupied” the West Bank and Gaza (and Tel Aviv) in an act of colonialism, when the “occupied territories” were taken in defensive wars against Egypt and (the existing Palestinian-majority state of) Jordan.

But forget history. Forget that you can dig anywhere in the ground and find ancient Jewish artifacts. Forget that Israel offered Arabs back the land on numerous occasions in exchange for basic recognition. More importantly, there is zero evidence that Palestinian self-governance will lead to more peace — quite the opposite, in fact.

Murphy’s notion that the only way to bring about coexistence is to reward the vilest act of Jewish murder since the Holocaust speaks to the destructive, insular, morally confused nature of the Brookings-approved D.C. blobthink. Every time the sides revisit the negotiations on the terms dictated by these people, it ends in disappointment and, inevitably, violence.

Fortunately, this state can’t be willed into existence by Hamas-friendly newspaper and editorial boards, nor by resolution-happy tyrants at the United Nations. And that’s fine. Just as there is no independent Hungarian nation in Transylvania and no Republic of Basque, there may never be a “Palestine” — or rather, a second Palestine (Jordan being the first).

Nothing says there has to be. Yes, the situation might be intractable right now. But that is no reason to make it worse.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Murphy to Manteo

Jones & Blount Tarte seeks return to elective office in auditor contest

Healthcare in NC Earlier this year, state leaders authorized a Medicaid expansion effort that would mark a significant step in extending health care coverage to more than 600,000 newly eligible North Carolinians through NC Medicaid.

Of those individuals, 300,000 North Carolinians were receiving limited Medicaid Family Planning benefits and have been automatically enrolled to receive full health care coverage through NC Medicaid as of Dec. 1. Under the plan, eligible hospitals in the state will also begin receiving payments through the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP). Nearly $2.6 billion in funds are being distributed to 102 hospitals across the state to help provide support to our state’s healthcare safety net, especially vital in areas with poor outcomes, and to enable hospitals to pay for the non-federal share costs of expansion.

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

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PIEDMONT Construction begins on 19-mile greenway between Henderson and Brevard

Wildfire still burning after nearly one month Haywood County The battle is ongoing to put out the 2000-acre Black Bear Fire in Haywood County near the Tennessee line, a wildfire that has been burning since midNovember. U.S. Forest Service officials say containment is about 90%, but as conditions remain dry, and the wind continues to fuel the fire. Officials say the fire grew by 120 acres over the weekend over the weekend even with some rainfall, likely due to the intense heat remaining in things like downed trees, stumps and root systems. The nearly 40 firefighters remaining on the job are focused on cold trailing, extinguishing any burning materials near the fire’s edge so it doesn’t cross containment lines.

NSJ

Brevard Middle School principal suspended, under investigation Transylvania County A Transylvania County Schools district spokesperson notified parents Monday that principal Tammy Deaver was suspended with pay during the investigation. The district has not shared what prompted the investigation or what agencies are involved. In the released statement, the district only said: “The principal at Brevard Middle School was suspended with pay pending an investigation on December 4, 2023. Mrs. Carrie Norris will serve as the acting principal at Brevard Middle School until the completion of an investigation by the administration.

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Henderson County The initial phase of a 19-mile greenway between Hendersonville and Brevard started Monday. The first 6-mile stretch of the Ecusta Trail will run from South Main Street in Hendersonville to where the old railroad track intersects with U.S. 64 in Horse Shoe, and is expected to be completed next year. “We can’t wait to see people out enjoying it, people getting to know their neighbors, getting some exercise, can’t wait to see the businesses that continue to pop up on the trail,” Mark Tooley said. “It’s going to be a great community asset.” Tooley’s been president of the nonprofit Friends of Ecusta Trail for only two years, but he has been involved with the organization for about a decade. With Conserving Carolina, the nonprofit helped raise millions of dollars to match the nearly $46 million in federal grants.

NSJ

Partnership kicks off toy drive for WNC Buncombe County USCellular and BeLoved Asheville have teamed up this holiday season to help make a difference in the lives of kids across Western North Carolina.

The nonprofit organization BeLoved Asheville kicked off their annual holiday toy drive and UScellular donated $1,000 worth of bikes, scooters and skateboards.

Organizers say the goal is to make this holiday season unforgettable for the people in the community who need it the most. BeLoved’s Co-Director Amy Cantrell told news outlets that they purposely think of toys that help kids move, such as bikes, skateboards and scooters along with games that encourage family activity such as board games.

WLOS

Kannapolis Christmas parade this weekend

Convicted father and daughter to be released next year

Cabarrus County Officials have announced details for the upcoming Kannapolis Christmas Parade. The parade will start at 6 p.m., on December 9, in downtown Kannapolis traveling down Laureate Way and West Avenue. Featuring over 130 entries and nine bands, the annual nighttime parade offers seasonal lights and festivities marking a beloved tradition for area families. The town says the parade route is designed to create many comfortable areas for crowds to watch near the North Carolina Research Campus and City Hall, and visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. The Kannapolis parade is one of few holiday parades held at night in North Carolina.

Davidson County After what is believed to be a filing error, Molly Martens Corbett and her father Thomas Martens still have months to serve behind bars before their release from prison, according to local Department of Corrections officials. With rumors swirling that the pair was expected to be released as soon as this week, officials say they will be transferred to state prison facilities to serve out the remainder of their sentence for the coordinated planning and killing of Molly’s husband, Jason Corbett in 2015. Corrections officials site an error in calculating their release dates as part of the original sentence of 20-25 years in prison. However, following a recent retrial due to new evidence, their sentence was reduced last month to a minimum of 4 years, 3 months behind bars.

WBTV

Durham police recover 15 stolen cars amid intense crime spree

MrBeast teams up with local teens to tackle food insecurity Lenior County Nonprofit Kinston Teens has partnered with North Carolina based philanthropist and YouTube star MrBeast also known as Jimmy Donaldson, to address food insecurity within their community, an effort that has already provided groceries for hundreds of families in Eastern N.C. Kinston Teens is a non-profit organization that is dedicated in uplifting youth and the community through empowerment, according to their website. MrBeast posted a new challenge called “Survive in a Grocery Store” with a unique twist.

The participant was required to live in a Safeway grocery store for several days with the opportunity of making thousands per day while also choosing $10,000 worth of groceries daily to donate to local charities.

WGHP

WNCN

WCTI

Inmate dies of fentanyl overdose at Iredell Co. jail Iredell County Iredell County Detention Center officials say an inmate there died of a fentanyl overdose while at the jail last month.

Charles Lamont Stevenson was arrested on Nov. 27 for several felony drug charges, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. He was brought to jail, given no bond and then placed in a holding cell due to his “aggressive and uncooperative behavior” with jail staff, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies said that shortly thereafter, Stevenson excreted a package and consumed the contents, which was later confirmed to contain fentanyl.

Within minutes, the inmate became unconscious, and was later pronounced dead by Iredell County EMS. Detention officers and other first responders who had been exposed to the fentanyl had to be decontaminated by Statesville Fire Department personnel, a news release stated.

Durham County The Durham County Sheriff’s Office Monday announced several arrests and the recovery of 15 stolen cars over the last week amid a “recent crime spree” in the county.

At least 13 youths were reportedly involved — some who were captured and some who escaped, deputies said. In a news release Monday, officials noted that the most troubling trend has been car thefts and suspects found with drugs and weapons.

Just this weekend, deputies said they had recovered five stolen cars — including one each taken from Raleigh and Knightdale.

The crackdown after the crime spree started a week ago and continued through the week and the weekend until Monday.

Woman shot by ex while driving in broad daylight Mint Hill student killed in accident with tanker Union County A Mint Hill high school student was killed and two others were injured in a crash in the area on Monday morning, district officials said. The crash happened on Allen Station Drive near Blair Road around 8:15 a.m. Medic confirmed the death and said the two other patients were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. A medical helicopter had to be called to the scene. Mint Hill Police said when officers arrived at the scene of the crash, they found a Honda Civic wedged beneath the rear of a tanker truck that was carrying water. The driver of the truck was not hurt, they added. Speed does appear to be a factor in the collision, Mint Hill Police said.

St. Augustine’s president fired after loss of school accreditation Wake County St. Augustine’s University President, Dr. Christine McPhail, was let go Sunday by the school’s board of trustees, according to reports. While the board has not issued a reason for the firing, McPhail told local news outlets that she filed a discrimination and retaliation complaint against the university in October and believes the university trustees voted to terminate her shortly after. In the meantime, the university was notified that the board of trustees for The Southern Association of Colleges had revoked the school’s accreditation, one year after the university went on probation, citing financial issues.

St. Augustine’s has until late January to appeal the appeal the loss of accreditation.

WBTV

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Nash County Rocky Mount police say a woman was shot by her ex-boyfriend while she was driving in Rocky Mount following a dispute Monday afternoon. According to a news release from the police department, the incident occurred at the intersection of N. Wesleyan Boulevard and Jeffrey’s Road.

Officials believe the shooting occurred after a domestic dispute between the victim and her ex-boyfriend, and involved the boyfriend firing into the girlfriend’s car.

The woman was taken to UNC Nash for a gunshot wound to her arm, and received treatment for the non-life threatening injury. The suspect in the shooting fled the area by driving away in an SUV, and the investigation is ongoing, according to police.

WNCN

RALEIGH — In an interview shortly before announcing his candidacy for State Auditor last week, former state Sen. Jeff Tarte told North State Journal he tried to help the outgoing Beth Wood’s office recover fraudulent funds through his work in IT. “There’s three, four, five areas in the state where I know there’s money to go harvest, recover right now. And for whatever reason, people don’t want to go chasing it. Beth was the first one I approached right at the end… and because I couldn’t get the people in the direct departments to go deal with it, they just wanted to ignore it,” said Tarte.

Expanding on that point, he said he has identified $100M of funds that are available to be recovered from overpayments and fraud in health care claims, insurance fraud in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), plus the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

“I wrote the legislation that started the whole independent

financial audits, which are different than doing ‘cappers,’ which is what the auditor’s office and budget office have done every year. It’s very different for those that have accounting backgrounds than doing a full independent financial audit,” said Tarte, adding, “we’ll be doing those on a more frequent basis so we have accountability for every penny and where it’s going.”

A former three-term state Sen. from Mecklenburg County, Tarte is familiar with the workings of state government.

Yet in the position of auditor, Tarte’s lengthy business career as a partner at one of the “Big 4” accounting firms Ernst & Young he seeks to bring to the office.

“We have 12,000 buildings in the state. We don’t pay attention to simple things like electric and water bills. I think I can take $40 million out of just the water bills a year.

People don’t want to do the simple stuff because it’s not sexy.”

“That’s really important work. It’s not sexy. The auditor’s office really shouldn’t be partisan,” Tarte told NSJ.

NC Democrats change course, vote to recognize Jewish Caucus North State Journal RALEIGH — The North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP) had voted to officially recognize a Jewish Caucus within its ranks.

“We held an important vote tonight to officially recognize the Jewish Caucus and to send a message that the Democratic Party will always be a big tent party,” said Chair Anderson Clayton in a press release. “It was incredibly important to us to call this meeting to ensure the Jewish Caucus gets official recognition.”

Clayton continued, “In a time of divisiveness and heightened emotions and fear, I am proud that tonight we made sure to go into 2024 united. The North Carolina Democratic Party stands against Islamophobia, antisemitism, and any form of hatred against marginalized communities.”

The vote took place on Dec. 3 and is a reversal from a Nov. 12 vote in which the party rejected the Jewish Caucus.

The vote was 16 in favor and 17 against, however, a total of 16 leaders did not vote at all including Clayton.

Party spokesman Tommy Mattocks blamed “procedural issues” for the votes against the

caucus.

WFAE reported after the initial vote that some Jewish Democrats questioned whether the party had been taken over by “the anti-Jewish left.”

The president of the NCDP’s Progressive Caucus Ryan Jenkins said in an interview with the Charlotte radio station, “they have done nothing but whine and play the victim and attack people, and we are sick of it.”

The story of the NCDP’s rejection of a Jewish Caucus along with Jenkins’ remarks had already made national news by the time the NCDP issued a statement. Jenkins has reportedly been removed from his position.

Mattocks issued a statement distancing the NCDP from Jenkins that said in party that Jenkins “doesn’t speak for the party.”

Jenkins later apologized, saying, “I realize I chose my words poorly and should have been more exact.” He also said he was sorry if what he said was seen as “playing to antisemitic tropes about secret cabals and other racist nonsense.”

Neither Clayton nor the NCDP have issued a statement condemning the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

NATION & WORLD

Retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, first woman on the Supreme Court, has died at 93 The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, an unwavering voice of moderate conservatism and the first woman to serve on the nation’s highest court, died Friday. She was 93.

O’Connor died in Phoenix, of complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness, the Supreme Court said in a news release.

Chief Justice John Roberts mourned her death. “A daughter of the American Southwest, Sandra Day O’Connor blazed an historic trail as our Nation’s first female Justice,” Roberts said in statement issued by the court.

“She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor.”

In 2018, she announced that she had been diagnosed with “the beginning stages of dementia, probably Alzheimer’s disease.” Her husband, John O’Connor, died of complications of Alzheimer’s in 2009.

O’Connor’s nomination in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan and subsequent confirmation by the Senate ended 191 years of male exclusivity on the high court. A native of Arizona who grew up on her family’s sprawling ranch, O’Connor wasted little time building a reputation as a hard worker who wielded considerable political clout on the nine-member court.

On the bench, her influence could best be seen, and her legal thinking most closely scrutinized, in the court’s rulings on

abortion, perhaps the most contentious and divisive issue the justices faced. O’Connor balked at letting states outlaw most abortions, refusing in 1989 to join four other justices who were ready to reverse the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that said women have a constitutional right to abortion.

Then, in 1992, she helped forge and lead a five-justice majority that reaffirmed the core holding of the 1973 ruling.

“Some of us as individuals find abortion offensive to our most basic principles of morality, but that can’t control our decision,” O’Connor said in court, reading a summary of the decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

“Our obligation is to define the liberty of all, not to mandate our own moral code.”

Thirty years after that decision, a more conservative court did overturn Roe and Casey, and the opinion was written by the man who took her high court seat, Justice Samuel Alito. He joined the court upon O’Connor’s retirement in 2006, chosen

by President George W. Bush.

Bush was among many prominent Americans offering condolences Friday. “It was fitting that Sandra became the first female appointed to our highest court, because she was a pioneer who lived by the code of the west,” Bush said in a statement. “She was determined and honest, modest and considerate, dependable and self-reliant. She was also fun and funny, with a wonderful sense of humor.”

O’Connor was regarded with great fondness by many of her

“A daughter of the American Southwest, Sandra Day O’Connor blazed an historic trail as our Nation’s first female Justice. She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor.”

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts colleagues. When she retired, Justice Clarence Thomas called her “an outstanding colleague, civil in dissent and gracious when in the majority.”

“Justice O’Connor’s appointment was a pivotal moment in the history of the Supreme Court and the nation,” Justice Samuel Alito said at a public appearance in Washington Friday night.

“She will always be remembered as one of the most important justices in the history of the Supreme Court.”

O’Connor, whom commentators had once called the nation’s most powerful woman, remained the court’s only woman until 1993, when, much to O’Connor’s delight and relief, President Bill Clinton nominated Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

The current court includes a record four women.

The enormity of the reaction

to O’Connor’s appointment had surprised her. She received more than 60,000 letters in her first year, more than any one member in the court’s history. “I had no idea when I was appointed how much it would mean to many people around the country,” she once said. “It affected them in a very personal way. People saw it as a signal that there are virtually unlimited opportunities for women. It’s important to parents for their daughters, and to daughters for themselves.”

O’Connor was 51 when she joined the court to replace the retired Potter Stewart. A virtual unknown on the national scene until her appointment, she had served as an Arizona state judge and before that as a member of her state’s Legislature.

The woman who climbed higher in the legal profession than had any other woman did not begin her career auspiciously. As a top-ranked graduate of Stanford’s prestigious law school, class of 1952, O’Connor discovered that most large law firms did not hire women.

One Los Angeles firm offered her a job as a secretary. Perhaps it was that early experience that shaped O’Connor’s professional tenacity. While workweeks typically stretched to 60 hours or more, she found time to play tennis and golf. Before her husband developed Alzheimer’s, they danced expertly and made frequent appearances on the Washington party circuit.

O’Connor’s survivors include her three sons, Scott, Brian and Jay, six grandchildren and a brother.

AP PHOTO

In this photo released by the White House, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female justice of the Supreme Court, is sworn in by Chief Justice Warren Burger in the court’s conference room in Washington, Sept. 25, 1981. Justice O’Connor’s husband John holds two family Bibles. O’Connor, who joined the Supreme Court in 1981 as the nation’s first female justice, has died at age 93.

LOBBYISTS from page A1

McDowell in statement Monday. “The Checkmate team brings unique expertise, unparalleled relationships, and unmatched work ethic to solve the most complex public policy challenges. From opening to middlegame to endgame, we make sure our clients get to the outcome they need.”

He began his career with North Carolina Senate Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Eden) and was a law clerk for David M. Warren at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

McDowell focuses primarily on the General Assembly and North Carolina’s Congressional delegation with clients in an array of industries.

He has also been recognized

by Best Lawyers in America in

2023-24 for government relations and was selected by Triad Business Journal as one of its “40 Under 40” in 2021.

Joining Checkmate as a partner and chief operating officer is Nelson Freeman, who has also been selected by North State Journal’s annual survey as a top lobbyist in the state.

Freeman has represented clients in the General Assembly, the state’s executive branch and before Congress. His policy expertise includes financial services, emerging technology and energy.

He previously worked as a tax policy advisor for the N.C. Speaker of the House and a legislative liaison for the state’s Department of Revenue. Freeman also worked nearly a decade for Safari Club International, a membership advocacy organization in Washington,

D.C. Checkmate’s other partners are Fritz Vaughan, Hampton Billips and Lauren Henderson.

Vaughan has two decades of experience in federal affairs and state executives in multiple states. He previously worked in government as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Senior Counsel for the Committee on Financial Services of the U.S. House of Representatives, Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House, and as a judicial clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Billips and Henderson primarily focus on the General Assembly.

A former staff member for Sen. Harry Brown (R-Onslow)

and N.C. State defensive lineman, Billips advises clients’ state budget requests.

Henderson, a former chemist, has a deep background in earth sciences, biology and chemistry. She helps the firm’s practice on matters relating to health care, biotechnology, agricultural and environmental issues.

Rounding out the firm’s staff are John Easterling, who will be a government relations director and senior policy advisor and Ali Briggs, who will be a government relations advisor.

A current member of the Scotland County planning board, Easterling has been appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to a number of statewide boards and commissions in the last several years.

Checkmate will have offices in Winston-Salem and Raleigh.

Group of swing state Muslims vows to ditch Biden in 2024 over his war stance Chicago Muslim community leaders from several swing states pledged to withdraw support for President Joe Biden at a conference in suburban Detroit, citing his refusal to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Democrats in Michigan have warned the White House that Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war could cost him enough support within the Arab American community to sway the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.

Leaders from Michigan, Minnesota, Arizona, Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania gathered behind a lectern that read “Abandon Biden, ceasefire now” in Dearborn, Michigan, the city with the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the United States.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates previously said the Biden administration has pushed for humanitarian pauses in the fighting to get humanitarian aid into Gaza.

About 3.45 million Americans identify as Muslim, or 1.1% of the country’s population, and the demographic tends to lean Democratic, according to Pew Research Center.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Russia’s Lavrov declares at security talks that his country’s goals in Ukraine are unchanged Skopje, North Macedonia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered a blunt message to Western leaders last week and declared at an international security conference that his government was not prepared to “review its goals” in Ukraine.

“We aren’t seeing any signals from Kyiv or its masters about their readiness to seek any kind of political settlement,” Lavrov told reporters while attending an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe conference in North Macedonia.

North Macedonia, which joined NATO in 2020, waived a flight ban on Russian officials so Lavrov could attend the two-day meeting, prompting the top diplomats of Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to skip the event in protest.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a brief stop before Lavrov arrived.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Appeals court takes DeSantis’ side in challenge to a map that helped unseat a Black congressman Tallahassee, Fla. The Florida Legislature didn’t violate the state constitution when it approved congressional maps pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis that helped the GOP replace a Black Democratic representative with a white conservative, an appeals court ruled Friday.

The appeals court agreed with DeSantis that a district can’t be drawn to connect two Black communities that otherwise have no connection.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A7

normal

The comfo How China will payThe for this can 3 bigCOVID-19 questions

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-h hina lied about the origin of the ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after thisthanks COVID-19 virus cavalierofmanner in orders to local ordissipates state governments,The a majority America WEEK, virus, according to members ied to tell the world there were only “THIS ISof around the globe and in the United will to pay forTHIS this covered up its spre areStates, havingChina to adjust what is being called the “new normal.” and state and local governments, America rldwide panic, economic collapse and (Psalm catastrophe one way or another.

3,341 related has Some of these orders extend at least through the endindeaths ofit”this mon ce or stay-at-home fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus and the need the curve in the novel coronavirus outbrea being thrown out of work.

I know In order to put the crisis causedVirginia’s

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

There is evidence that the currency, would b Perhaps If he does decide to extend it, questions should bewe asked as to We need WALTER E. WILLIAMS questioning per stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massive safe to begin the The result: a reduction in expected hosp Lenten and of rampant inflation and currency pandemic.

1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures without immed justification for it.

And the answers should not be vague ones like “ COVID-19 t know yet” if the process of returning back to normalcy.

According to theseasons University of Washingto For me, m government There is 100% agreement, outside oftransparency China, thatofCOVID-19 depreciation. must do this out an abundance Easter of caution.” is China’s No. The government works for us, and we have the right to askin those Metrics and Evaluation model most oftAs ci ant ways and decisions through and honesty originated Wuhan Province probably from the has to pay for th provide a China at all levels It will need tocompletely be explained in detail to the people ofmaking. this state w asked as to the And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the Trump administration, the expected need plomacy has obviouslyquestions. not worked Corinthians Chernobyl. unregulated and unsanitary wet markets.

Some believe it came out of a economic and financial m from our are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined message of become a gue likecentury “we health, country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, peak outbreak was revised down by over 1 orldones of 21st hygiene affliction, so biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the ci scientific experts amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of c hope that we13,000 will and bad thing? thethe more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about ventilators by nearly the num unist regimes never take blame affliction, wi Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade. Totalitaria are reliable.

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

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

State Republican leaders have, too. living in a free can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but concerns. answer First, what is the true coronavirus fatal God’sback. examp don’t and when reliability adversaries gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get push asked, there AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with society were kedhappens and then with details that give their statements believability. important because it determines whether ent such as the Chernobyl this difficult The most direct way to make China “pay”hope for this is to offer That is, unless an exog they to disaster corruption. The financial squeeze resulting sometimes a disturbing tendency among people to treat thos church some services questions about We should families, be open or closed,meltdown whether we oughtSome to we pu believe that event, not the Star Warsall continue confident supposed from COVID-19 offers opportunities for a to do what we can to keep our U.S. tax credits to companies whosimply willknow source at least halfdata of their in 1986. what they questioning the and asking when we can start getting and many more that presumes Sponsored

by Union and our communities safe. But we still continue more liberalized society wi Sponsored by should also o the dissolution of theourselves, Soviet In this sam bit of remediation.

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

There is though approximately programor of are Reagan, led d to do, lastUnited I to normal they are$120 conspiracy theorists people wh don’t.as afterdown our own asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock further. neighbors he mightisbe the root academic corruption, billion worth checked. of American direct investment in plants and equipment inor1989. otherwise don’t care if they get themselves others sick. title of a recent study, ehernobyl. to treatsuggested those by the measures are understandable, they should also have an date. direct investment in the U.S. is about $65We’ve seen rates — Concor the num temporary In inexpiration China. Chinese billion by case fatality Perhaps COVID-19 C Since when did questioning government at all levels become aisba “Academic Grievance Studies and theAmericans, and it is not normal. Not in any way, North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2 starttalking gettingabout back the possibility This is all new to the number of identified COVID-19 cases eady money to bu sacrifices are comparison.

Senators in Washingto thing?

That is what free citizens living in a free society were suppo Corruption of Scholarship.”

The study was are people who shape, safe, at and in theChina denominator are likely wrong.

We debt we owe them as one wayor toform. get So while we should remain vigilant and stay health care Piedmont An investment tax credit of 30% U.S. investment forgiving $1.2 trw over. of China toon do,half lastof I checked. done

by Areo, Natural an opinion and analysis sick. the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new people have actually died of coronavirus. y have caused the US. Don’t hold your today, or $60 billion, applied to repatriated China to “pay”isfor dam digital magazine.

By 1the My first American concern asmanufacturing we go along in all this, of course, mythe famil Gas ranked No. inway, Areo is short ls become badbut ask normal.” number beenbreath overestimated, given th lee” to happen your elected foraAreopagitica, a speech delivered by investment to the U.S. would costworried the U.S.about Treasury $18 billion in has waiting Ifor a Chin them catching the virus, and I’m worried will.

Afte customer ty were supposed Not one little bit. of death, particularly among elderly patie ountable inresidential tangible financial ways for John Milton in defense of free speech. tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion lost revenue hold C suffering fromin the H1N1 virusis(swine flu) representatives during the 2009topandem Authors Helenamong Pluckrose, James A. sources suggest the number is dramatical satisfaction large decimal dust compared to the $6 I’ve trillion+ Marshall Plan extra we areprecautions, now this disaster. been trying to take because all of this brings Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah e, to is my family.

I’m Stacey Matthews manyas people are dying home. ed operate asutilities responsible citizens of gas in South undertaking to save our own economy, notmany of defeated enemies in the It is at about timenot they way too memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer to ar re something drastically wrong ied I will.

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

Even more importantly, we have no clue ation. past. the world like any other But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone hm in academia, especially within certain 2009 pandemic, actually have coronavirus. Some scientist Piedmont Natural Gas earned China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American fields within the humanities. They call l of this brings up1 spot of identified the No. in customer business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that theycases could be an order of ma these fields “grievance studies,” where Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavir senior satisfaction residential refer notscholarship to repeat. is with number of people who have had not so much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and natural gas service in the ost everyone hastruth but upon attending to finding replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi.

business & economy Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

FACTS

A6

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South among large utilities,scholars social grievances.

Grievance according to the J.D. Power and other bully students, administrators 2023 Gas Utility Residential departments into adhering to their Customer Satisfaction worldview. The worldviewStudy. they promote is Jason This isscientific the second in a Grievance neither noryear rigorous.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS row that Piedmont Natural such as studies consist of disciplines sociology, anthropology, gender studies, Gas received the top ranking, COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer studies, sexuality andincritical race topping six other utilities the studies.

South Large segment. “Having In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, happy and loyal customers is Lindsay and Boghossian at the heart of what we started do,” submitting bogus academic papers to said Sasha Weintraub, senior academic journals inpresident cultural, queer, AP PHOTO vice president and race, gender, fat and sexuality studies of Piedmont Natural Gas. “The Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at the International Monetary Fund on Nov. 9, 2023, in Washington, D.C. toentire determine if they would pass Piedmont team plays a peer “THIS IS THEfallen DAYinto the lord has made seriousness of the virus and the need review and be accepted for publication.

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home place.

I unders role in serving our customers.

Acceptance of dubious research that in it” (Psalm 118:24). y with how people who simply ask orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I From our technicians, who are editors found sympathetic to their this challenging tim n thingsjournal can start back to are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”I know that during questions about the data, often firstgetting responders when intersectional or postmodern leftist vision working from home or losing a job, it may with contempt. natural gas emergencies Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in som of the world would prove the problem of be glad” as the Bible tells us to do. as Howev a societylow simply accept without occur, tomust thestandards. representatives Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

They’re treated thou academic and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded ls us aboutwho when it’s safe to begin the answer customer calls, Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what the govern Several of the fake research papers each Piedmont and of hopeful for, even alcy. were accepted foremployee publication. The Fat a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t knowhave yet”to if be thethankful process returning back contributes topublished our Lenten and pandemic. us, and we have journal the right tosuccess. ask those Studies a hoax paper state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government w Since when did Weargued are always working tothe that the term was Forthe me, my faith is an important part o home orders are in place all bodybuilding over Easter seasons If heindoes to extend it,5.4%, questions should be asked And said Tuesday questions. that he was “in-the longer the highest level in 22as to of cuts the decide Fed’s benchmark Press enhance our customers’ exclusionary and should be replaced The Associatedquestioning making.

As I celebrated Easter with my f hem get in states, such as Michigan, justification for it.

And many the answers notabe vague ones like “we confident” country, that and the provide years.should interest rate, which affects creasingly the stricter experiences, and we are with “fat bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive government Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our eeling isolated and/or anxious about must do and thisbusiness out of an abundanceThose of caution.” more people, a rate hikes loans. benchmark rate is sittingLo message of have made central bank’s the deeply appreciative of this politicized performance.”

One reviewer WASHINGTON, D.C. — In- consumer affliction, so that we may be able toback comfo ng for their families, will demand loans significantly more expenInstead, he said, the Fed’s inhigh enough to return inflation flation is slowing steadily, but at all levels It will need to be explained in detailhope to the people of this state who when they can get t said, “I thoroughly recognition of ourenjoyed hard reading this that we will affliction, with2% the comfort which we our across the economy, notably committee to declare victory terest-rate-setting to the Fed’s target. are being told to remain joblesssive and at home for an undetermined answers. article and believe hasUtility an important it’s too early become work.”

The 2023 it Gas a once again enjoycredit for mortgages, auto loans, “is moving forward carefully” — or to discuss when the Federal Waller went so far as toatopen God.” vels should be as forthcoming as they contribution to make to the field and this amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases Leaders the local an Residential Customer thing? rates, phrasing business borrowing. Ifthe that analysts consider cards and Reserve mightbad cut interest door to the possibility that season sporting events, you are celebrating the Easter again, not vague answers, answer journal.”

Satisfaction Studybut is based are reliable. can be with those answer Chair JeromeThat Powell said Fri- a signal that the central bank The result has been diminished the on Fedthis would cut rates ear“Our Strugglefrom Is My Struggle: Solidarity is what reflect message andasbe comforted ents believability. concerts, family on responses 60,958 To date, I’ve gone along withpurchases what the state has asked and then with details that give the of homes, cars, furnidoesn’t plan any changes to inday. ly as spring as long as inflation Feminism as anfamilies, Intersectional God’s exampletoand comfort in n hat we can to keep our online interviews conducted Reply to free citizens mandated that wesoon. do, but alongture theand way I’ve also had questions about We shouldallallthose continue gatherings, appliances, a trend that terest rates anytime Speaking at Spelman College continued cool.

Neoliberal and Feminism,” was from January 2023 through this difficult time.

Through faith and by h afe. But we should alsoChoice still continue the data.Wall State Republican too. ourselves, and our comm has have, slowed theservices economy and Many Street investorsleaders noted that Some other Fed officials, howchurch living in a free accepted for publication

by Affilia, a in Atlanta, Powell October 2023 among confident we will emerge out of this pand ecause while reasonable stay-at-home forced prices modestly lower in have recently stepped up their consumer prices, excluding volever, suggested that one more when certain types ofand questions get asked, there is to ask questions about th feminist journal for social The many more wererose betsUnfortunately, residential customers of workers. thishike sameremains spirit, I potentially continue to be ins y shouldpaper also have an expiration date. categories. that the Fed will cut rates as those atile food andsociety energy costs, rate sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treatInthose measures are understand consisted in part of a rewritten the 85 largest gas utility after our own Powell’s remarks Friday folas May, according to CME annual rate in the early on the table should inflation reneighbors helping neighbors. nd it is not normal.

Not in any way,Two other at just a 2.5%supposed passage from Mein Kampf. simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back This is all new to Amer brands across the United from a raft of Fed Inmain That’s not far Fedwatch, in part after another low comments chronically high. temporary Concord, a shape, high school senior name d remainhoax vigilant and stay safe, at including past six months. papers were published, to do, last I to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who or form.

So while States, which represent officials this week, with most of Fed official earlier this week apabove the Fed’s 2% inflation tarJohn Williams, president ofplastic to “Rape Culture and Queer Performativity money to buy a 3-D printer and mfortable with this so-called “new sacrifices are otherwise don’t they themselves orthat others the sameBank time of we should than million checked. signaling the sick.

Fed can the Federal Reserve peared to open thecare doorifto rategetthem get. atmore Urban Dog64.6 Parks.”

This paper’s subject health care workers out oftohis own home.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.” over. households.

Piedmont afford to keep its key rate steady cuts by this spring.

Still, more progress is needed, New York, who is close Powwas dog-on-dog rape. But the dog rape thing?

ThatFed’s is what free citizens in a free society Not one inliving the coming months.

Butwere like supposed Natural Gas, a subsidiary Still, the policymakers ell, said Thursday that thelittle Fed’sbit. paper eventually forced Boghossian, Powell said. He added, “It would expected to leave interest Powell, they have mostly shied key rate is “at or near” its peak. be premature to conclude with are of Duke Energy, distributed to do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah awayinfrom signaling a definite alone they next meet confidence” that the Fed has rates Williams that the central has also natural gasAto more than My firstwhen concern as we go along all this, of course, is my family.

I’madded Stacey Matthews themselves.

Wall Street Journal writer end to rate hikes.

12-13.

It would be the third bank’s benchmark rate is the contribu dState and Insurrection.

1.1Legal million residential, had figured out what they were doing. raised its benchmark interest Dec. worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After and is a regular Yet some officials have sound- most economically restrictive it meeting in which they commercial, Some papersindustrial acceptedand for publicationrate high enough to fully defeat straight suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, have kept rates at their current ed more optimistic than oth- has been in 25 years. inflation. generation inpower academic journalscustomers advocated training I’ve been trying take2022, extra precautions, because all of uphe added that “it will be ers. Christopher Waller, a this key brings level.

Beginning in to March Nor is it time to “speculate on Still, in North Carolina, South men like dogs and punishing white male way too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat.

Fed official who typically favors the Fed raised its key rate 11 when policy might ease,” Powell college students for historical slavery by Carolina and Tennessee.

But what also makes me losekeeping sleep is rates how easily mosthigh, everyone relatively from near zero — to about See has INFLATION, page A10 asking them to sit in silence on the floorsaid, in referring to the possibility times chains during class and to be expected to learn from the discomfort. Other papers NC Secretary of y celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life Commerce asks treating privately choice and advocated conducted masturbation as a form of Congress for deferment sexual violence against women. Typically, of the ‘Innovation s academic journal editorsTax’ send submitted papers out to referees for review. In Secretary Machelle Bakerfor publication, recommending acceptance Sanders, of thegave North Carolina many reviewers these papers glowing praise.

Department of Commerce, Political scientist sent a letter to the Zach NorthGoldberg ran The Associated Press certain grievance studies concepts through Carolina Congressional the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often delegation last week NEW YORK — Bitcoin is they appeared in our press calling for deferment of over the years. once again having a moment.

He found hugeRevenue increases in the usages the Internal Code On Monday, the world’s largofSection “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” 174’s amortization “critical race theory” and “whiteness.” est cryptocurrency soared requirement concerning All of this is being taught to college past $41,000 for the first time research and experimentation in over a year and a half — and students, many of whom become primary expenditures. According marking a 150% rise so far and secondary school teachers who then to Sanders, Section 174 this year. indoctrinate our young people. (dubbed the “Innovation Volatile bitcoin rocketed I doubt whether the coronavirusTax”) could dramatically from just over $5,000 at the caused financial crunch will give college reduce the ability of North who arestart and university administrators, a of the pandemic to nearCarolina entrepreneurs to and jellyfish, ly $68,000 in November 2021, crossbreed between a parrot according to FactSet, a period develop novel products the guts and backbone to and restore academic marked by a surge in demand processes that new they get much respectability.

Farcreate too often, jobs.

Established in 1954, of their political support from campus for technology products. Prices fell back to earth during an Internal Revenue Code grievance people who are-members of the Section 174 was created faculty and diversity and multiculturalaggressive series of Federal Reserve rate hikes aimed at to eliminate uncertainty in administrative offices.

Thetreatment best hopeoflies with boards of taming inflation and then the tax research collapse of FTX, one of the trustees, though many serve as yes-men and experimentation biggest companies in crypto. for(R&E) the university president.

I think that a expenditures and When 2023 began, a singood start would be to find 1950s or 1960s to encourage R&E to drive gle bitcoin could be had for catalogs.

Look at thethe course offerings at innovation across United less than $17,000 after losing a time when college graduates knew how States. “Innovation is an toaccelerator read, write that and creates compute, and make more than 75% of its value. new them today’s curricula.

Another helpfulInvestors, however, began reindustries, keeps existing turning in large numbers as tool would be to give careful consideration ones globally competitive, inflation started to cool. And to eliminating all classes/majors/minors advances natural security containing the word “studies,” such as the collapse of prominent and drives future economic women, Asian, black or queer studies. tech-focused banks actualand well-being,” I’dgrowth bet that by restoring the traditionally led more investors to turn said Sanders in her letter to they would to crypto as they bailed out academic mission to colleges, Congress.

“This issue poses put a serious dent into the COVID-19 of positions in Silicon Valley a significant threat to North start-ups and other risky bets. budget shortfall.

But fueling this latest rally Carolina’s most innovative AP PHOTO are prospects for the possibusinesses.”

Walter E. Williams is a professor of A bitcoin symbol is presented on an LED screen during the closing ceremony of a congress for economics at George Mason University.

See BITCOIN, page A10 cryptocurrency investors in Santa Maria Mizata, El Salvador, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.

VISUAL VOICES

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

Fed’s Powell notes inflation is easing but downplays discussion of interest rate cuts

Bitcoin has surpassed $41,000 for the first time since April 2022. What’s behind the price surge?

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

A10 NCDOT CASH REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING DEC 5

Total Cash & Bond Proceeds

$1,994,863,871 Add Receipts

$305,158,848 Less Disbursements

$200,161,066 Reserved Cash

$125,000,000 Unreserved Cash Balance Total

$5,935,224,322 Loan Balance

$0

BITCOIN from page A9

ble approval of spot bitcoin exchange traded funds — a pooled investment security that can be bought and sold like stocks.

Industry advocates say this new way of investing in bitcoin at spot prices, instead of futures, could make it easier for anyone to enter the cryptoverse while lowering some of the well-documented risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies. Regulators have previously rejected bitcoin spot ETF applications, but recent wins for some crypto fund managers have improved odds for a first approval, perhaps as soon as next month.

“The longer-term catalyst (for bitcoin) is a lot of optimism related to the potential approval of a spot ETF,” Kaiko research analyst Riyad Carey said Monday. He noted, however, that a regulatory green light doesn’t promise continued gains.

While analysts expect the potential approval of spot bitcoin ETFs to create a much larger pool of crypto investors, future volumes could go either

way, Carey added. That could either boost or undermine bitcoin’s value.

Bitcoin’s current rally also arrives during an incredibly disruptive period for cryptocurrencies. Just last month, the U.S. government slapped Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, with a $4 billion fine as its founder Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to a felony charge.

But Binance continues to operate and maintain its market share, Carey noted. In some ways, the company’s settlement “propelled the market forward more by removing one of the ... more ominous overhangs that was a sort of a big question mark,” he said, noting bitcoin’s gains in the two weeks since the settlement was announced.

Despite the recent excitement around bitcoin, experts still maintain that crypto is a risky bet with wildly unpredictable fluctuations in value. In short, investors can lose money as quickly as they make it.

Last year’s collapse of crypto exchange giant FTX also “left a big scar” on the public’s confidence in the crypto industry and crushed retail

investors, Edward Moya, a former senior market analyst at Oanda, previously told The Associated Press — noting that institutional money, like hedge funds, are behind the bulk of current crypto investing.

Carey added that liquidity in cryptocurrency markets has yet to return to where it was before FTX collapsed, and lower liquidity can exacerbate price fluctuations.

“In the past few months, that has normally been the price moving up — but people should always be aware it can go in the reverse and quickly,” he said.

As of around 1:30 p.m. Eastern time Monday, the price of bitcoin stood at $41,709.

The stocks of some other crypto players have also seen rises over recent months, but not with the same speed or heights as bitcoin. Ethereum, for example, stood at $2,223 Monday afternoon, up 85% since the start of 2023. Meanwhile, Binance Coin and Dash are down about 5.25% and 24.37% for the year, respectively, with Monday afternoon prices of roughly $231 and $32.

INFLATION from page A9

appropriate to maintain a restrictive stance for quite some time” to bring inflation back down to 2%.

Vincent Reinhart, a former Fed economist and now chief economist at Dreyfus & Mellon, said that many Fed officials are reluctant to take the possibility of another rate hike off the table because doing so would immediately raise pressure on the Fed to cut rates.

“Doing nothing is hard work,” Reinhart said. Any sign the Fed is done raising rates and simply wants to keep them at their current level for an extended period will nevertheless spur speculation about the timing of rate cuts, he said.

On Thursday, the government reported that inflation fell to 3% in October compared with 12 months earlier, according to the Fed’s preferred gauge. That was the lowest such level since the spring of 2021.

Core prices, which exclude food and energy, rose 3.5% from a year earlier. From September to October, overall prices were essentially unchanged, and core prices ticked up 0.2%, evidence that inflation is steadily easing.

Warren Buffett’s company’s bribery allegations against the Haslam family won’t be decided in January The Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. — Warren Buffett’s company decided not to move forward with an expedited trial on its bribery allegations against the billionaire Haslam family in January under the strict conditions a judge set, but it will still be able to raise those concerns then as a judge considers the Haslams’ rival claim that Berkshire Hathaway tried to depress the Pilot truck stop chain’s earnings.

Both the Haslams and Berkshire have accused each other of trying to manipulate the profits at the nation’s largest truck stop chain because those numbers will determine how much Berkshire has to pay if the family decides to sell its remaining 20% stake in the business next year as expected. The two sides agreed on a formula in 2017 when the family decided to sell the first chunk of the business that sets the price based on the earnings.

The Haslams argue that Berkshire is trying to keep earnings down with an accounting change at Pilot while Berkshire says that Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam tried to bribe executives at the truck stop chain his family

AP PHOTO

In this May 7, 2018, file photo, Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett speaks during an interview in Omaha, Neb. used to run to inflate earnings at the company. The Haslam family includes Jimmy Haslam and former Tennessee governor Bill Haslam and their father who founded the company.

A Delaware judge already scheduled a two-day January trial on the allegations the Haslams made about the accounting change in its initial lawsuit in

October. But the judge said that if Berkshire wanted to get a decision on its bribery allegations at the same time it would have to forego requesting any additional evidence beforehand and limit the number of witnesses it would call.

It won’t be clear until after that January trial when Berkshire’s bribery allegations will be

tried.

The Haslams received $2.758 billion in 2017 when Berkshire bought its initial 38.6% stake in Pilot and another $8.2 billion this year when it took control of 80% and became the majority owner. Buffett told Berkshire shareholders this spring that he would have preferred to buy the whole company at once because the price was better in 2017, but the Haslams wouldn’t sell it all then.

It’s not clear exactly how much the remaining stake is worth.

The Haslam family estimates that the stake was worth $3.2 billion before the accounting change. Berkshire disputes that figure.

The Haslams’ attorney called that accusation a “wild invention” but Berkshire said it believes Jimmy Haslam offered millions to at least 28 executives to make short-term moves that would boost profits.

Berkshire said it learned about the bribery scheme just a few weeks ago after an executive who had been offered one of the bonuses came forward to the new CEO Berkshire appointed after it became the majority owner.

Even though the bribery alle-

Montana’s first-in-the-nation ban on TikTok blocked by judge who says it’s unconstitutional The Associated Press HELENA, Mont. — Montana’s first-in-the-nation law banning the video-sharing app TikTok in the state was blocked last week, one month before it was set to take effect, by a federal judge who called the measure unconstitutional.

The ruling delivered a temporary win for the social media company that has argued Montana’s Republican-controlled Legislature went “completely overboard” in trying to regulate the app. A final ruling will come at a later date after the legal challenge moves through the courts.

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy said the ban “oversteps state power and infringes on the Constitutional right of users and businesses” while singling out the state for its fixation on purported Chinese influence.

“Despite the state’s attempt to defend (the law) as a consumer protection bill, the current record leaves little doubt that Montana’s legislature and Attorney General were more interested in targeting China’s ostensible role in TikTok than with protecting Montana

consumers,” Molloy wrote last Thursday in granting the preliminary injunction. “This is especially apparent in that the same legislature enacted an entirely separate law that purports to broadly protect consumers’ digital data and privacy.”

Montana lawmakers in May made the state the first in the U.S. to pass a complete ban on the app based on the argument that the Chinese government could gain access to user information from TikTok, whose parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing.

The ban, which was scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, was first brought before the Montana Legislature a few weeks after a Chinese spy balloon flew over the state.

It would prohibit downloads of TikTok in the state and fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access or download the app. There would not be penalties for users.

TikTok spokesperson Jamal Brown issued a statement saying the company was pleased that “the judge rejected this unconstitutional law and hun-

“The extent to which China controls TikTok, and has access to its users’ data, forms the heart of this controversy.”

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy dreds of thousands of Montanans can continue to express themselves, earn a living, and find community on TikTok.” A spokeswoman for Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, also a Republican, tried to downplay the significance of the ruling in a statement.

“The judge indicated several times that the analysis could change as the case proceeds,” said Emily Cantrell, spokeswoman for Knudsen. “We look forward to presenting the complete legal argument to defend the law that protects Montanans from the Chinese Communist Party obtaining and using their data.”

Western governments have

expressed worries that the popular social media platform could put sensitive data in the hands of the Chinese government or be used as a tool to spread misinformation. Chinese law allows the government to order companies to help it gather intelligence.

More than half of U.S. states and the federal government have banned TikTok on official devices. The company has called the bans “political theatre” and says further restrictions are unnecessary due to the efforts it is taking to protect U.S. data by storing it on Oracle servers. The company has said it has not received any requests for U.S. user data from the Chinese government and would not provide any if it were asked.

“The extent to which China controls TikTok, and has access to its users’ data, forms the heart of this controversy,” the judge wrote.

Attorneys for TikTok and the content creators argued on Oct. 12 that the state had gone too far in trying to regulate TikTok and is essentially trying to implement its own foreign policy over unproven concerns that TikTok might share user data

gations won’t be decided in January, Berkshire still plans to make them part of its defense against the Haslams’ lawsuit.

Berkshire wanted the court to prevent the Haslams from exercising their option to sell the rest of the company to Berkshire next year because it says there are so many doubts about the accuracy of Pilot’s 2023 earnings. The Haslams have the option to decide to sell at the start of every year under the agreement they signed back in 2017.

The Knoxville, Tennessee-based Pilot has more than 850 locations and roughly 30,000 employees in the United States and Canada has already provided a significant boost to Berkshire’s revenue and profits this year.

In addition to the truck stops, Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire owns an eclectic assortment of other businesses including Geico insurance, BNSF railroad and several major utilities along with a number of smaller manufacturing and retail businesses. It also holds a sizeable stock portfolio with big stakes in Apple, Coca-Cola, American Express and Bank of America among other holdings.

with the Chinese government.

TikTok has said in court filings that Montana could have limited the kinds of data TikTok could collect from its users rather than enacting a complete ban. Meanwhile, the content creators said the ban violates free speech rights and could cause economic harm for their businesses.

Christian Corrigan, the state’s solicitor general, argued Montana’s law was less a statement of foreign policy and instead addresses “serious, widespread concerns about data privacy.”

The state hasn’t offered any evidence of TikTok’s “allegedly harmful data practices,” Molloy wrote.

Molloy noted during the hearing that TikTok users consent to the company’s data collection policies and that Knudsen — whose office drafted the legislation — could air public service announcements warning people about the data TikTok collects.

The American Civil Liberties Union, its Montana chapter and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital privacy rights advocacy group, have submitted an amicus brief in support of the challenge. Meanwhile, 18 attorneys generals from mostly Republican-led states are backing Montana and asking the judge to let the law be implemented.

Even if that happens, cybersecurity experts have said it could be challenging to enforce.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

NASCAR to include streaming in new 7-year media rights deal that welcomes Amazon, TNT and Max The Associated Press NASHVILLE, Tenn. — NASCAR has added two new partners and streaming elements to a seven-year media rights deal announced last week that will run from 2025 through the 2031 season.

The new media rights deal is worth $7.7 billion when the previously announced $1.1 billion agreement with CW is included, according to Sports Business Journal. NASCAR did not reveal monetary figures at the news conference held at the Music City Center one day before its season-ending awards ceremony.

The Cup Series will include existing partners Fox Sports and NBC, which will feature a mix of broadcast and cable events. Five races will be on Fox and four on NBC, with the remaining races for those two partners to air on FS1 and USA Network.

Warner Bros. Discovery and Amazon have also joined the new package. SBJ said the value of the new deal is a 40% increase over the 10-year, $8.2 billion deal NASCAR has with Fox and NBC that expires at the end of the 2024 season.

“We are super excited about what 2025 is going to bring to

AP PHOTO

Ryan Blaney, center right, receives the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Cup from NASCAR president Steve Phelps, center left, after winning it at Phoenix Raceway, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Avondale, Ariz. us because of where the distribution that we now have across air, which is a combination of obviously broadcast, cable and streaming,” NASCAR President Steve Phelps said. “We want to meet race fans where they are

or potentially where they are.

We think this group does exactly that for us.”

The announcement ends a prolonged negotiating period for NASCAR as it tried to lock down a new media deal before the start

of the 2024 season, the final year of the existing package.

“Our industry comes together better than any other sports property when there’s a mountain to climb,” Phelps said.

As part of the deals, Fox will get 14 Cup Series races annually in the first portion of the season, including the Daytona 500. Fox also retained the entire Truck Series schedule.

After the Fox portion of the Cup Series, the next five Cup races will be on Amazon Prime Video. It marks the first time in NASCAR history its top series will be exclusively streamed.

Warner Bros. Discovery will take over after Amazon’s races and carry the next five races.

Those will be simulcast on TNT and streamed on the Max service.

“This agreement expands our portfolio of premium sports content throughout the summer and further elevates Max and our leading linear networks,” said Luis Silberwasser, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports.

NBC Sports will complete the season with the final 14 races.

Warner Bros. Discovery and Amazon also both obtained exclusive rights to practice and qualifying sessions for

A11 the entire Cup Series schedule through 2031. Prime Video will stream practice and qualifying live for the first half of the season through their last race of the midseason series — except for the exhibition Busch Light Clash, the Daytona 500 and NASCAR All-Star Race, which will be aired by FOX Sports.

TNT Sports’ portion will stream the remainder of the season’s practice and qualifying sessions on Max while they also air on truTV. NASCAR in July announced a deal to move the second-tier Xfinity Series to CW, which will air 33 live races from 2025 through 2031. The CW also will televise practice and qualifying events each weekend.

NASCAR’s previous media rights package gave the first 18 races to Fox while NBC aired 20 races.

“Our goal was to secure longterm stability with an optimized mix of distribution platforms and innovative partners that would allow us to grow the sport while delivering our product to fans wherever they are — and we’ve achieved that,” Phelps said.

“NASCAR has been a cornerstone property for both new and established platforms for several decades. These agreements demonstrate the staying power of our sport and the consistent, large-scale audience it delivers.

“This landmark deal underscores our collective growth opportunity to drive engagement across this diverse collection of platforms — whether on broadcast, cable or direct-to-consumer. We’re looking forward to working with each of these partners to bring some of the best racing in the world to fans everywhere.”

Alaska Air to buy Hawaiian Airlines in a $1.9 billion deal that may attract regulator scrutiny The Associated Press SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines agreed to buy Hawaiian Airlines in a $1.9 billion deal announced Sunday, potentially putting it on track for a clash with a Biden administration wary of higher airfares.

The combined company would maintain both airlines’ brands, an unusual move in an industry where waves of acquisitions have led to four big brands dominating the U.S. market.

On Sunday, the companies said Alaska will pay $18 in cash for each share of Hawaiian, whose stock closed Friday at $4.86 after losing just over half its value in the year so far.

Officials from both companies called the deal a chance to combine two carriers with few overlapping routes, which they said would create a stronger company to compete with the nation’s Big Four: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. It would also create a “clear leader” in the lucrative, $8 billion Hawaiian market, Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci said in a conference call with investors.

“We combine two companies with shared values that have competed and survived longer than most through many industry cycles, enhancing our differentiated business model and creating a stronger competitor to network carriers,” he said.

The deal includes $900 million in Hawaiian debt, bringing the acquisition’s total value to $1.9 billion. The combined airline would be based in Seattle, with Alaska’s Minicucci at its head. The companies forecast the acquisition will add to profits within two years of the deal closing, which is forecast to happen between 12 and 18 months from now.

The combined airline would participate in the oneworld Alliance, which includes American Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Alaska and Hawaiian are both smaller than the nation’s dominant carriers. They said the deal would meld two complementary networks, increasing connectivity to 138 destinations for passengers traveling through the continental United States and across the Pacific, including nonstop service to 29 international destinations in the Americas, Asia, Australia

AP PHOTO

An Hawaiian Airlines plane taxis for position at Kahalui, Hawaii, on the island of Maui, March 24, 2005. Alaska Air Group said Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, that it agreed to buy Hawaiian Airlines in a $1 billion deal. and the South Pacific.

Hawaiian has a deep and long history within the islands, stretching back to its incorporation in 1929 under the name Inter-Island Airways.

The companies said they would keep Honolulu as a key hub and that they’re “committed to maintaining and growing union-represented workforce” in Hawaii. Minicucci told reporters at a news conference Sunday that it’s “too soon to tell” how many non-union positions would be eliminated once the combination is completed.

“I can’t tell you what that number is, but I’m hopeful that the number is not large,” he said of the potential layoffs.

The companies also said the combination would triple the destinations that can be reached within one stop in North Amer-

ica for travelers from Hawaii.

For example, customers can not currently fly to Washington, D.C., on Hawaiian, but they would be able to through the combined company.

“Aloha, everyone,” Hawaiian Airlines CEO Peter Ingram said on a call with investors.

He said Alaska approached his company about a deal and that “the Hawaiian brand will remain an important part of our home state.”

The deal has been approved by the boards of both companies, but it still needs an OK from the shareholders of Hawaiian Holdings. It will also need the blessing of U.S. regulators, which have resisted more airline consolidation out of fear it could lead to higher fares.

The Biden administration is already trying to block JetBlue’s

proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Sprit Airlines, which would subsume the nation’s biggest budget carrier. The Justice Department also won a lawsuit that killed a partnership between JetBlue and American Airlines.

The average domestic airline fare out of Seattle during the spring was $409.93. That was up from $293.08 two years earlier, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The average domestic fare out of Honolulu during the spring was $367.94, up from $329.93 two years earlier.

But given how little Alaska and Hawaiian’s routes overlap, their proposal may not create much angst in Washington, said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst at Atmosphere Research Group.

Just as importantly, he said, neither Alaska nor Hawaiian is an ultra-low fare airline like Spirit. That means combining them would not eliminate the kind of downward pressure on fares that a Spirit buyout might.

The airlines will need to work with their unions as they try to streamline operations, and corporate officials said they have spoken with collective bargaining leaders already. The Air Line Pilots Association said Sunday they were evaluating the proposal and awaiting more details.

Both airlines have historically paid more attention to their employees than competitors, among other similarities in their corporate cultures, Harteveldt said. It’s another reason he said he thinks a merger between the two could work.

A12

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Nickel ore processing plant that will supply Tesla strikes deal to spend $115M in federal funds The Associated Press BISMARCK, N.D. — Developers of a proposed nickel ore processing plant in North Dakota that would supply electric automaker Tesla have reached a deal with the U.S. Department of Energy on how to spend nearly $115 million the federal agency awarded the project last year.

The recent agreement was the result of over a year of negotiations to determine how the money would be doled out to Talon Metals, the Bismarck Tribune reported Friday.

The Biden administration has backed the North Dakota facility as part of a national effort to bolster domestic production of critical minerals. It would process ore from Talon’s proposed underground mine near Tamarack in northeastern Minnesota. That project still requires approval from Minnesota regulators. It’s at the early stages of its environmental review, a process that could take at least a few years.

The federal funding will be made available at various stages, including once the company receives the necessary permits to build and operate the processing plant in Mercer County, Todd Malan, chief external affairs officer and head of climate strategy at Talon, told the Tribune. The company already has been able to access some of the funds for planning, permitting and site work, he said.

AP PHOTO

Driller Helper Chris Palmer, right, attaches a core sampling tube to a drilling rig at the Talon Metals Corporation drilling site, June 7, 2023, near Tamarack, Minn.

Talon plans to site the processing plant in a relatively dry part of North Dakota to reduce

land disturbances and possible water pollution near the proposed mine. The decision also

simplifies the complicated permitting process in Minnesota.

“We understand that in try-

ing to produce nickel for national security and battery supply chain reasons people don’t want to see us hurt the environment either; our big thing is we don’t think it’s a choice,” Malan told the newspaper. “We think we can do both, and create good union jobs in North Dakota and Minnesota, but we certainly have alternative sources of supply if the permitting process in Minnesota takes longer than we anticipate.”

The mine has already encountered opposition from environmental groups and tribes worried about impacts on water and other resources such as wild rice. The sulfide-bearing ore can release harmful pollutants including sulfuric acid and heavy metals when exposed to water and air.

Talon Metals is a joint venture with the Anglo-Australian company Rio Tinto, the world’s second-largest metals and mining corporation, which has long been criticized by environmental and Indigenous groups around the world.

Two other Minnesota mining proposals have encountered stiff resistance for similar reasons. The proposed NewRange mine, formerly known as PolyMet, remains delayed by legal and regulatory setbacks. And President Joe Biden’s administration has tried to kill outright the proposed Twin Metals mine because of its proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Don’t eat pre-cut cantaloupe if the source is unknown, CDC says, as deadly salmonella outbreak grows The Associated Press Consumers shouldn’t eat pre-cut cantaloupe if they don’t know the source, U.S. health officials said late last week, as the number of illnesses and recalls tied to a deadly salmonella outbreak grows.

At least 117 people in 34 U.S. states have been sickened by contaminated cantaloupe, including 61 who were hospitalized and two who died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another 63 illnesses, 17 hospitalizations and one death tied to the same outbreak have been reported in Canada.

The illnesses are severe, with more than half of infected people hospitalized, including residents of long-term care centers

and children in day care, the CDC said.

Previous recalls of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes have been expanded to include Kwik Trip markets, Bix Produce and distributor GHGA, which sent recalled products to Kroger, Sprouts Farmer’s Markets and Trader Joe’s stores in several states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Because of the scope of the recalls and potential uncertainty about the source of the cantaloupe, health officials warned consumers to be cautious.

“If you cannot tell if your cantaloupe, including pre-cut cantaloupe or products containing pre-cut cantaloupe is part of the recall, do not eat or use it and throw it away,” the

AP PHOTO

Cantaloupes are displayed for sale in Virginia on July 28, 2017. a sick person is part of an outbreak.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hours to six days after consuming contaminated food. Illnesses typically last

four to seven days. Vulnerable people, including children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems may develop severe illnesses from the bacteria that require medical care or hospitalization.

Uber set to join the S&P 500 index in latest sign of a turnaround for the ride-hailing service

The pandemic severely stymied Uber’s ride-hailing business as government lockdowns kept most people at home. The work-from-home trend continued to limit the need for anyone to summon a ride on Uber.

The company reacted to the pandemic by building up a then-nascent food-delivery division that has now become a major revenue driver.

Uber’s ride-hailing service, meanwhile, has since gradually bounced back. It is now handling more rides than it did in 2019, raising the company’s hopes that it may finally realize its long-term of goal of becoming consistently profitable.

It wasn’t until the third quarter when Uber qualified for inclusion in the S&P 500, with a trailing 12-month net income of $1.05 billion.

Uber has “established a multi-quarter track record of exceeding profitability guidance,” analysts at Wedbush noted in a research note Monday.

FDA said in a statement.

The number of people sickened is likely much higher than what’s been reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known illnesses.

It typically takes three to four weeks to determine whether

The Associated Press

AP PHOTO

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, participates in a session during the APEC CEO Summit Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in San Francisco.

LOS ANGELES — Uber’s stock is set to join the S&P 500 index later this month, the latest sign that the ride-hailing and delivery company is turning its business around after struggling through much of the pandemic.

The San Francisco company will be added to the benchmark index prior to the opening of regular trading on Dec. 18, S&P Dow Jones Indices said late Friday.

Inclusion in the S&P 500 can be a big boost for a stock because the index is widely tracked by many funds designed to mirror the holdings of the S&P 500, which is at the heart of many 401(k) accounts. That translates into

The San Francisco company will be added to the benchmark index prior to the opening of regular trading on Dec. 18. more demand for stocks in the index, driving up their price.

Shares in Uber Technologies Inc. rose 2% Monday to close at $58.63. That’s not far from their all-time high of $63.18 per share set in February 2021. The stock is up more than twofold so far this year.

The strong rally marks a major turnaround from as recently as the summer of 2022, when the stock was at $20.46.

Duke searches for next football coach, B3

AP PHOTO

Michael Kern finished the season as the Demon Deacons’ starting quarterback, but Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson could look for an upgrade in the transfer portal.

Unsettled QB situations abound in NC Six of the state’s seven FBS schools are unsure of next year’s starter

SOCCER

Charlotte to host Copa America semifinals Atlanta Charlotte will join East Rutherford, New Jersey, as hosts for semifinal matches of Copa America next summer, two of 14 U.S. cities that will have games ahead of the July 14 championship in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Charlotte’s semifinal game will be held at Bank of America Stadium on July 10. Charlotte is the only site that will host two knockout games. The draw is set for Thursday in Miami.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UNC men up to No. 9 in poll, Duke tumbles to 22nd New York UNC made the biggest jump in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll released Monday. The Tar Heels jumped eight spots to No. 9 after posting wins over Tennessee and Florida State to improve to 7-1. Duke (5-3) fell more than any team, dropping 15 spots to No. 22 after road losses to Arkansas and Georgia Tech. Arizona moved up to No. 1 after Purdue, last week’s top-ranked team, lost at Northwestern in its Big Ten opener.

NC State women No. 3 in latest poll New York NC State posted wins over Vanderbilt and Illinois State last week and moved up two spots to No. 3 in The Associated Press women’s college basketball poll on Monday. The Wolfpack are 9-0 with wins over two top-three opponents. UNC (5-3) stayed at No. 24 after losing to No. 1 South Carolina last Thursday, the Tar Heels’ third consecutive loss. Davidson — which is 7-1 with wins over Duke and Wake Forest and its only loss to UNC — received two votes.

By Shawn Krest North State Journal FOOTBALL FANS in the state of North Carolina may not put much weight on what Matt Rhule thinks about football, but the former Panthers head coach made waves last week.

Now at Nebraska, Rhule complained — naturally — about the cost of starting quarterbacks in college.

“Make no mistake,” Rhule said. “A good quarterback in the portal costs $1 million to $1.5 million to $2 million right now.

So just so we’re on the same page, right? Let’s make sure we all understand what’s happening. There are some teams that have $6-7 million players playing for them.”

It may seem like the definition of chutzpah for Rhule, who sued to make sure the Panthers paid him all of the $34 million he was owed when he got fired

(or a little more than $3 million per Carolina win he produced), to be complaining about the high cost of football talent.

Rhule has a point, however.

With NIL money out of control, it will cost well into seven figures to find a good college quarterback or keep the one your team developed out of the portal.

That means that FBS teams in North Carolina will need to bring in about $12 million worth of passing talent before next season. Only one of the seven teams appears to be set at the position, with the other six still looking for answers at college football’s most important — and expensive — spot.

Here’s a look at how each team’s quarterback position stands heading into the offseason.

App State: The one team that isn’t currently shopping for a starter next season, the Mountaineers handed redshirt freshman Ryan Burger the starting job for the opener only to see him go down with an injury in the first half. Junior college

7 Passing touchdowns for East Carolina this season, 21 fewer than Holton Ahlers threw the year before transfer Joey Aguilar took over, threw a touchdown on his first FBS snap and set the school record for touchdown passes this season. Heisman candidates Bo Nix of Oregon and Jayden Daniels of LSU are the only quarterbacks with more than Aguilar’s 33 touchdown passes this year.

Duke: The Blue Devils are unsettled everywhere with the departure of coach Mike Elko.

The rush to the transfer portal included QB1 Riley Leonard, who appears destined to follow Sam Hartman to Notre Dame. Leonard’s ankle injury gave Duke a head start on re-

placing him, however. A pair of freshmen — Henry Belin IV and Grayson Loftis — received the bulk of the playing time in the second half of the year, although Belin also went down to injury. Assuming both stay, Duke is probably in good shape for whoever takes over as coach, although if one or both transfer, depth will be a very pressing issue for the new coach to address. Four-star 2024 recruit Tyler Cherry said he’s “still committed to Duke … for now” but will monitor the coaching search.

UNC: Mack Brown confirmed that the Tar Heels will bid farewell to Drake Maye, who is leaving for the NFL Draft. They’ll also lose two of the other four quarterbacks on the roster, as sophomore Russell Tabor and junior Jefferson Boaz both hit the transfer portal. Four-star freshman Tad Hudson and three-star freshman Conner Harrell, Maye’s backup this season, remain.

They’ll be joined by Max JohnSee QUARTERBACK, page B4

Powerhouse programs meet in state football title games A rematch in A1 is among the four championship games

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal THE NORTH Carolina High School Athletic Association state football playoffs will come to an end this weekend when eight teams play across four divisions, with two games each at the homes of NC State and UNC football.

4A: No. 3 Hoggard (14-1) vs. No. 1 Weddington (13-2) Carter-Finley Stadium Raleigh Saturday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

Three-time 3A champion Weddington will look for its first 4A state title when the top-seeded Warriors face No. 3 Hoggard on Saturday night in Raleigh.

Weddington is led by senior Tyler Budge, a dual-threat quarterback for the Union County school. The Warriors won 3A titles in 2016, 2018 and 2019 after See TITLE GAMES, page B3

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Caleb Reid, pictured in last season’s championship game, and Mount Airy will look to repeat when they face Tarboro in a rematch of last year’s 1A state title game.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

B2 WEDNESDAY

12.6.23

TRENDING

Tiger Woods: The 47-year-old returned to competition last week, playing for the first time since surgery to fuse his right ankle a few weeks after the Masters in April.

Woods finished at even par to claim 18th — 20 shots behind winner Scott Scheffler — at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Woods played a full four-day tournament for only the third time in the last two years.

Paul Snyder: The longtime Atlanta Braves scout died last Thursday at the age of 88, the team announced.

Snyder joined the team’s front office in the 1970s and played a key role in identifying many of Atlanta’s top players, including Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, Javy Lopez and Andruw Jones. Atlanta won a record 14 straight division titles from 1991-2005, including a World Series title in 1995.

Willie Fritz: The Tulane coach was hired for the same position at Houston, replacing Dana Holgorsen after he was fired a week ago following five seasons with the Cougars. Fritz spent the last eight seasons at Tulane, where he was named American Athletic Conference coach of the year in the last two seasons when he led Tulane to consecutive AAC championship games.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Top-ranked Michigan will play Alabama and Washington will face Texas in the College Football Playoff on New Year’s Day, with the winners advancing to play for the national championship a week later in Houston. The Crimson Tide and Longhorns both got in despite having a loss as the selection committee — led by NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan — spurned unbeaten ACC champion Florida State and two-time defending champion Georgia.

CHRIS O’MEARA | AP PHOTO

“I like our guys.

We’ll just keep working.”

Panthers interim coach Chris Tabor after Carolina’s 21-18 loss Sunday at Tampa Bay.

AJ MAST | AP PHOTO

MLB

NFL

JOSE JUAREZ | AP PHOTO KARL B. DEBLAKER | AP PHOTO

“It’s hard to tell.

I feel, I go.”

Hurricanes rookie goalie Pyotr Kochetkov on how he decides to confront a breakaway with a diving poke check, as he did Saturday against the Sabres.

PRIME NUMBER

Jim Leyland, who led the Marlins to a World Series title in 1997 and won 1,769 regular-season games over 22 seasons as a manager, was elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame.

Leyland, 78, received 15 of 16 votes by the contemporary era committee for managers, executives and umpires.

BUTCH DILL | AP PHOTO

A member of the chain crew at Sunday’s game between the Lions and Saints was taken to a hospital with a dislocated knee after New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara was tackled into him.

Saints spokesman Doug Miller said Nick Piazza was in stable condition at University Hospital.

BASKETBALL

30 Consecutive points for the Mavericks on Saturday night against the Thunder, an NBA record. Dallas turned a 111-87 deficit into a 117-111 lead over 11:09 in the fourth quarter but lost 126-120. The previous record was a 29-0 run by Cleveland against Milwaukee on Dec. 6, 2009.

WADE PAYNE | AP PHOTO

Former Wake Forest star Dearica Hamby made an off-balance, falling-down shot off a lob from Kelsey Mitchell as time expired, lifting the U.S. to a 21-20 win over Brazil in the women’s gold medal game at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup on Sunday. Hamby, who played from 2011-15 for the Demon Deacons, was named tournament MVP.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

B3

Top candidates to replace Mike Elko at Duke Internal candidates and coordinators from Power Five schools top the Blue Devils’ wish list

By Shawn Krest North State Journal THE SEATS are starting to fill in the annual game of coaching musical chairs, and Duke’s seat is still vacant.

A week after Mike Elko left the Blue Devils for Texas A&M, Duke’s search for a replacement continues. Two years ago, the search that brought Elko to Durham took a total of 12 days start to finish, meaning that an announcement could be forthcoming at any time.

In the meantime, many of the top Power Five coaching prospects are finding homes.

Tulane’s Willie Fritz was the latest to come off the market. He took the job at Houston, joining James Madison’s Curt Cignetti (Indiana) and Colorado offensive coordinator Sean Lewis (San Diego State).

Duke players are exploring the transfer portal. The team just received its bowl game assignment, and recruiting’s early signing period is approaching.

So the team needs to pull the trigger soon. Here’s a look at the top internal and external candidates for the job: INTERNAL CANDIDATES Trooper Taylor, Duke running backs coach, interim head coach: One of the top recruiters in college football and immensely popular in the locker room, Taylor is a two-time interim head coach. He also took over following David Cutcliffe’s de-

AP PHOTO

Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is a candidate for Duke’s vacant head coaching position. parture while the team searched for Elko. He has no head coaching experience otherwise and was only an offensive coordinator for one season, with Oklahoma State in 2008. However, he would give the team continuity and is the clear choice among the players as the man for the job.

Kevin Johns, Duke offensive coordinator: He would also give the team continuity and clearly showed his readiness to run a team with his handling of the offense this year. Duke managed a seven-win season and bowl bid despite playing a true freshman third-stringer much of the second half of the year. Like Taylor, he would be a

popular choice with players and recruits, but like Taylor, he has no head coaching experience.

EXTERNAL CANDIDATES Ryan Grubb, Washington offensive coordinator: Perhaps the top available candidate remaining, he has built a high-scoring offense in the northwest. Like the internal candidates, he has no head coaching experience and will likely carry a much higher price tag.

Jon Sumrall, Troy head coach: It will certainly make for an awkward bowl if the Blue Devils poach their opponent’s head coach prior to the game.

He’s young and enthusiastic,

like Elko, and Sumrall has head coaching experience as well as experience as an assistant in the SEC. He’s had four gigs since 2018, so there may be a concern that he’d use Duke as a steppingstone.

Jason Candle, Toledo head coach: A young, successful head coach in the MAC, he seems like a good fit. He has head coaching experience, but just about all his experience has been with Toledo, and he’s never coached in Power Five.

Manny Diaz, Penn State defensive coordinator: An intriguing “big name” on the list, his tenure at Miami didn’t go well. He’s still one of the top defensive coordinators around,

NC teams staying in Southeast for bowls back announced he was entering the transfer portal. He joins defensive standout Aeneas Peebles in looking for a new home.

NC State, UNC, Duke and App State each earned berths, but they won’t travel far

UNC vs. West Virginia

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

Duke’s Mayo Bowl Charlotte Dec. 27, 5:30 p.m.

FOUR OF NORTH Carolina’s FBS teams found out where they will play their bowl games over the weekend, and NC State, UNC, Duke and Appalachian State will all stay in the Southeast for their postseason games.

Appalachian State vs. Miami (Ohio) Cure Bowl Orlando, Florida Dec. 16, 3:30 p.m.

Appalachian State ended the regular season with five straight wins but lost its bid for a fifth Sun Belt Championship title after suffering a 49-23 defeat at Troy.

The Mountaineers reached the conference championship on a technicality, finishing second in the Sun Belt’s East division behind James Madison. The Dukes were not eligible to play in the conference championship due to NCAA rules on teams that have recently moved up to FBS. App State will meet MAC champions Miami (Ohio) in Orlando for the first meeting between the schools.

The Mountaineers, who will = play in the Cure Bowl for the

TITLE GAMES from page B1 losing its first championship game appearance in 2014.

The Vikings lost their season opener but have reeled off 14 straight wins since, beating Cardinal Gibbons last week to advance to the title game. Now Hoggard — which won it all in 2007 — will aim for its second state title. The veteran Vikings avenged their only loss of the season by winning a rematch against Cleveland, 5135, in a Nov. 24 playoff game.

3A: No. 2 Seventy-First (15-0) vs. No. 2 Hickory (15-0) Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill Friday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

AP PHOTO

Neither UNC quarterback Drake Maye nor NC State linebacker Payton Wilson have announced if they will play in their teams’ respective bowl games later this month. first time, are 6-1 all time in bowl games. App won its bowl in each of its first six eligible seasons, but the Mountaineers lost 59-38 to Western Kentucky in the Boca Raton Bowl in 2021 and didn’t earn a postseason berth last season.

Duke vs. Troy Birmingham Bowl Birmingham, Alabama Dec. 23, noon After a tremendous start to the season that saw them ranked as high as No. 16, the Blue Devils faltered after starting quarterback Riley Leonard was injured at the end of Duke’s Week 5 home

Two No. 2 seeds with 15-0 records will meet for the 3A title when Seventy-First and Hickory play the first of four high school championship games Friday in Chapel Hill. Seventy-First beat Northern Nash — which handed the Falcons a one-point loss last postseason — to advance to the title game.

While Seventy-First is looking for its fourth state title, Hickory will play in just its second championship game. The unbeaten Red Tornadoes won in 1996 and got late-game heroics to advance to this year’s final game. Quarterback Brady Stober threw a 19yard touchdown pass to Jamien Little with 96 seconds left to push Hickory ahead by one despite failing the two-point conversion.

loss to Notre Dame.

Duke will face the Sun Belt Champion Troy Trojans, who the Blue Devils have played and beaten twice, in 2013 and 2014.

The Blue Devils have never played in the Birmingham Bowl, which usually has ties to the SEC, AAC, MAC and C-USA. Duke is 7-8 all time in bowl games but has won their last four appearances.

The Blue Devils will be coached in the bowl game by interim coach Trooper Taylor after head coach Mike Elko left to take the Texas A&M job following two seasons in Durham.

Any hopes that Leonard would return for the bowl were squashed when the star quarter-

2A: No. 1 Clinton (15-0) vs. No. 1 Reidsville (14-1) Carter-Finley Stadium Raleigh Saturday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m.

Reidsville will play for a state championship for the seventh time in eight years when the Rams face fellow No. 1 seed Clinton in the 2A championship game Saturday in Raleigh.

Reidsville handed Shelby — another regular in state title games — a 49-14 defeat to advance. The Rams lost to East Duplin in last year’s championship game but have won four titles since 2016.

Waiting for Reidsville at the other side of the bracket is unbeaten Clinton. The Dark

Midway through the season, the Tar Heels looked to be on their way to a New Year’s Six bowl berth — some even thought the College Football Playoff was within reach — but a couple of tough losses saw their season quickly unravel. Now, UNC will settle for the nearby Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte to cap off its season where it began.

The Tar Heels will face West Virginia, which finished the season 8-4 and was tied for fourth in the Big 12. The teams have split their two previous meetings.

UNC is 1-4 in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, including losing 31-30 to West Virginia in the 2008 iteration, the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

The Tar Heels are 15-22 all time in bowl games and have a 4-5 record under coach Mack Brown, including 1-3 in his second stint with the team.

The question for UNC: Will potential lottery pick quarterback Drake Maye play? Many have Maye projected as a top-five pick in next year’s NFL Draft, but he has not decided whether he’ll suit up one more time for the Tar Heels.

Horses, who advanced to the championship game despite being without injured running back Josiah McLaurin since the second round of the playoffs, beat Northeastern 36-22 last week. Clinton has averaged 51.3 points per game this season and wasn’t held under 40 until last week.

1A: No. 1 Tarboro (13-0) vs. No. 2 Mount Airy (15-0) Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill Saturday, Dec. 9, noon Powerhouse Tarboro is back in the 1A state championship game for the seventh straight year, and the Vikings will get a

and he’s only five years older than Elko. Supposedly, he’s already had one round of interviews for the job.

Jim Knowles, Ohio State defensive coordinator: Another intriguing name, he was defensive coordinator at Duke for much of the first half of David Cutcliffe’s tenure. Since then, he’s moved on to some of the top programs in the sport. He has head coaching experience, but it was at Cornell, not in the Power Five or even FBS. He also has supposedly been through the first round of interviews.

Alex Atkins, Florida State offensive coordinator: Primarily an offensive line coach, he’s served as coordinator at both Charlotte and FSU but only for two seasons. He has no head coaching experience, but he’s considered a fast-rising coaching star.

Tony Gibson, NC State defensive coordinator: He’s also rumored to have participated in Duke’s interview process. He has plenty of Power Five coaching experience and has been coordinator at both West Virginia and State. He has no head coaching experience, however.

State appears to be on the verge of giving him a big raise to keep him on board, which might take him off the table.

Sherrone Moore, Michigan offensive coordinator: He stepped in as interim head coach of the top-rated Wolverines during Jim Harbaugh’s two suspensions, which has stamped him as one of the biggest stars in the pool of assistants/coordinators. He was considered a candidate for Indiana before the Hoosiers took Cignetti, and he may have his sights set higher than Duke.

UNC will be without two of Maye’s top targets, Tychaun Chapman and Kamari Morales, who both entered the transfer portal.

No. 18 NC State vs.

No. 25 Kansas State Pop-Tarts Bowl Orlando, Florida Dec. 28, 5:45 p.m.

After salvaging their season with five straight wins, the No. 18-ranked Wolfpack will face No. 25 Kansas State in the newly named Pop-Tarts Bowl (formerly the Cheez-It Bowl).

NC State has had five appearances in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, albeit under different names, and are 3-2 in those games. In bowl games under coach Dave Doeren, the Wolfpack are 3-4, and NC State is 17-16-1 all time.

This will be the first meeting between the Wolfpack and Wildcats. Kansas State finished 8-4 and tied for fourth in the Big 12.

All eyes will be on standout NC State linebacker Payton Wilson, a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award as the NCAA’s top defensive player. Wilson could opt out of the game to avoid injury ahead of next year’s NFL Draft, but he could also want to help the Wolfpack win an elusive 10th game of the season and add to his legacy.

Notable absences for NC State include defensive lineman C.J. Clark and wide receiver Terrell Timmons, who both entered the transfer portal.

Kansas State starting quarterback Will Howard and running back Treshaun Ward also entered the portal.

rematch with fellow unbeaten Mount Airy on Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill.

The Granite Bears beat Tarboro 20-7 last season to avenge a 2017 championship game loss to the Vikings. Tarboro allowed double-digit points for just the fourth time in 13 games this season in its 49-12 rout of West Columbus in the semifinal game.

Mount Airy rallied from behind last week at Robbinsville, scoring the final 13 points to win 27-16 and reach the title game. Senior quarterback Ian Gallimore rushed for two touchdowns to power the Granite Bears, who are looking for a ninth championship in their 14th appearance.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

WCU grad Fran Brown hired by Syracuse The former Catamounts cornerback will be a head coach for the first time The Associated Press SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse hired Georgia defensive backs coach Fran Brown as its head coach on Tuesday, giving the Orange a highly regarded recruiter with roots in the Northeast.

The 41-year-old Brown, a native of Camden, New Jersey, who was a defensive back at Western Carolina, spent the past two seasons with Georgia has never been a head coach. He was part of a national championship team last season.

“I am incredibly proud to be leading Syracuse Football at a university with a rich and storied tradition of academic and athletic excellence,” Brown said in a statement. “Syracuse football has outstanding talent, great facilities and passionate alumni. The success of the players is my No. 1 priority — on and off the field.”

Dino Babers was fired by Syracuse nine days ago, one game short of completing his eighth season as the Orange’s coach and with one year left on his contract. He went 41-55 overall and 20-45 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Brown is known as one of the country’s top recruiters, among the criteria mentioned by Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack as necessary qualities in Orange’s next coach. He helped the Bulldogs hold the No. 1 spot in 247Sports’ 2024 recruiting rankings and he was named a Top 10 recruiter by 247Sports at Baylor.

“Fran has clearly articulated a vision for the future of our football program, and he is a powerhouse recruiter with deep ties to the geographies from where we need to draw consistently,” Wildhack said. “Fran has had tremendous success

AP PHOTO

Georgia defensive backs coach and former Western Carolina cornerback Fran Brown has been hired to be the next coach at Syracuse. ing career in 2011 at Temple as director of internal operations.

He was named defensive backs coach in 2013 and promoted to assistant head coach in 2016.

Brown has already identified his defensive coordinator.

Elijah Robinson, who served as Texas A&M’s interim coach after the firing of Jimbo Fisher, was offered a deal by new Aggies coach Mike Elko that

would have made him the highest-paid noncoordinator in the country, but he will instead join Brown. Both are from Camden and went to the same high school — Brown is three years older — and later coached together at both Temple and Baylor under Rhule.

“He made you believe he was going to get it done,” Rhule told Syracuse.com.

recruiting to a variety of programs — in the South, Southwest and Northeast, and I have no doubt he will bring that track record here to Syracuse.”

Before joining coach Kirby Smart’s staff at Georgia, Brown spent most of his career in the Northeast at Temple and Rutgers. He also spent two years at Baylor working for Matt Rhule, who is now at Nebraska.

Brown has coached several players to conference and national honors, including Georgia safety Malaki Starks, a finalist this year for the Nagurski Trophy, given to the country’s best defensive player.

After a playing career during which he was a team captain for the Catamounts and named to the All-Southern Conference first team, he started his coach-

Paralympian McKinney, UNC’s Venturini-Hoch among 4 voted into US Soccer Hall of Fame in Chapel Hill. She also scored 47 goals in 134 international appearances from 1992 to 2000, playing in the 1995 and 1999 World Cups and scoring a pair of goals against North Korea in the 1999 tournament. She was chosen from the veteran ballot.

Venturini-Hoch played three seasons in the Women’s United Soccer Association, winning one title, and one season each in the W-League and the Women’s Premier Soccer League. Venturini-Hoch is an assistant coach at Newport Harbor High School in California.

The 52-year-old Howard made 121 appearances with the U.S. national team from 2002-17 and was in goal at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

“When you play football, you try and for the love and play for the glory, and hopefully along the way you do some things,” Howard said after being told the news while on air as an analyst for NBC’s Premier League coverage.

After playing with Major League Soccer’s New York/New Jersey MetroStars from 1998 to

2003, he spent 13 seasons in the English Premier League with Manchester United (2003-06) and Everton (2006-16). He was Premier League goalkeeper of the year in 2004.

Howard returned to MLS with Colorado from 2016-19 and last played in 2020 for Memphis in the second-tier United Soccer League’s League Championship, where he is a noncontrolling owner and sporting director. He is in his fourth season as an NBC analyst.

“You can’t think of these moments,” Howard said. “You get your head down and you work hard, I’ve always said I’m just a kid from New Jersey who enjoyed playing soccer and learned how to compete and learned how to love the game.”

Marcos, 78, worked for North American Soccer League teams, founded the USL in 1987 and has been commissioner of the A-League and a vice president of the U.S. Soccer Federation. He won the USSF’s Werner Fricker Builder Award in 2007.

A player must appear on 50% or more of ballots to be elected, and a third would have been voted in if receiving at least 75%.

Lori Chalupny, who played at UNC from 2002-05, was third among players with 34 votes (70.8%), followed by Kyle Beckerman (25, 52.1%), Nick Rimando (23, 47.9%), Cat Reddick Whitehill (22, 45.8%; played at UNC from 2000-2003), Dwayne DeRosario (21, 43.8%), Oguchi Onyewu (14, 29.2%), Robbie Keane (13, 27.1%), Jermaine Jones (11, 22.9%) and

Chris Ahrens (10, 20.8%).

The person with the most votes is elected from the veteran ballot as long as the total is at least 50% and a second person would be elected if receiving 75% or more.

Venturini-Hoch received 17 of 24 votes (70.8%) and won on a tiebreaker over Chris Armas based on preliminary ballot screening points. Mary Harvey (16, 66.7%) was third, followed

by Clint Mathis (16, 66.7%), Tony

Sanneh (16, 66.7%), Eddie Lewis (seven, 29.2%) and Aly Wagner (six, 25%).

This year’s builder ballot considered contributors, excluding coaches and referees. The person with the most ballots was elected as long as the total was at least 50%. Marcos received 17 votes (70.8%), followed by William Cox (10, 41.7%), Mark Abbott (nine, 37.5%) and Clark Hunt (seven, 29.2%).

Ethan Rhodes, three-star Lex Thomas and the unheralded Cole Wilson. The class of 2024 has a commitment from threestar Cedric Bailey, but State will likely be shopping the portal.

Wake Forest: The first year of the post-Sam Hartman era was a near washout, and two of the three potential replacements for the program’s all-time leading passer are already in the transfer portal. Mitch Griffis, the starter for most of the year, and Santino Marucci, who came

off the bench and wowed everyone for a game, both appear to be leaving. Michael Kern, who finished the season as the starter, is still on the roster, along with three-star freshman Charlie Gilliam and two preferred walk-ons — Tyler Mizzell and Trey Hoilman. Dave Clawson has a three-star commitment but will likely look to add another veteran.

East Carolina: Life without Holton Ahlers was even worse than the Hartman hangover at

Wake. The Pirates had just seven touchdown passes this year with 14 interceptions. Alex Flynn, the 2023 starter, will be back for his senior season, but backup Mason Garcia is in the portal. That leaves three freshmen — threestar Raheim Jeter and preferred walk-ons Patrick Bryan and Ty Little — on the roster.

Charlotte: Three 49ers quarterbacks combined for seven touchdowns and 16 interceptions this year, so the team will likely look outside for next year’s

starter. Jalon Jones and Dom Shoffner have been in college since 2019 and 2018, respectively, and Charlotte was at least the fourth stop for each. Trexler Ivey got the majority of the playing time as a sophomore. The rest of the depth chart consists of three-star freshman Carson Black, unheralded sophomore Steven Johnson and Micah Bowens, who has transferred from Penn State to Oklahoma to Charlotte without yet seeing any action on a college field.

Tim Howard and Francisco Marcos will also be inducted The Associated Press FRISCO, Texas — Josh McKinney, captain of the U.S. seven-a-side Paralympic team and a Raleigh resident, and former UNC midfielder Tisha Venturini-Hoch were among four elected into the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday and will be inducted on May 4.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard received 46 of 48 votes (95.8%) from the player selection committee, and United Soccer Leagues founder Francisco Marcos was picked from the builder category.

The 44-year-old McKinney, who was born with cerebral palsy, scored 81 goals in 124 appearances over 19 years and played at the Paralympics in 1996, 2004 and 2012. He was on 35 ballots (72.9%). He is currently a coach for the NCFC Youth program.

Venturini-Hoch, 50, won four straight NCAA titles with the Tar Heels, going 97-1-1 from 1991-94

QUARTERBACK from page B1

son, who transferred from Texas A&M after the Aggies fired Jimbo Fisher. He’ll be a junior.

NC State: MJ Morris appeared to be the answer at quarterback, and he still might be … for someone. Morris pulled the plug on his season after four games to preserve a year of eligibility and is now in the transfer portal. Brennan Armstrong’s eligibility is expired, leaving three freshmen: preferred walk-on

AP PHOTO

Former UNC player Tisha Venturini-Hoch was elected to the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

How Roman roads can reshape America Pompeii, potholes, and the need for a comprehensive new approach to American infrastructure

By Jordan Golson North State Journal POMPEII, Italy — It’s been two thousand years and we’re still dealing with potholes.

That was my thought as I stared at the perfectly preserved stone roads in Pompeii.

The well-used path from one of the city’s gates towards the commercial district had deep grooves worn in the Roman paving stones from decades of wagons and chariots.

This continued everywhere in the city, and it was easy to see where the high-use commercial traffic occurred versus the more intact roads of the residential neighborhoods.

One can only imagine the complaints from Pompeii’s denizens about the increasingly deteriorating state of the roadways.

Of course, these concerns became somewhat less urgent once Vesuvius blew onto the scene.

However, wandering the city — complete with sidewalks and crosswalks — led me to reflect on the infrastructure challenges facing the US and how little things have changed some two millennia later.

The Roman Empire used a familiar approach to building and maintaining its road network.

The central government, often using military labor, constructed these marvels of engineering.

The United States, some two thousand years later, does something similar with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers building all manner of impressive infrastructure projects. The feds also often fund the initial buildout of roads and highways thanks to enormous projects like the Eisenhower Interstate System and one-off funding bills like the 2009 Stimulus Bill and the more recent Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.

Like us, the Romans were happy to fund the initial buildout of roadworks. But, the responsibility largely fell to local provinces and even individual landowners when it came to maintenance.

This landowner-reliant system, in particular, isn’t far removed from the responsibilities some city dwellers face today - think of homeowners shoveling snow from their sidewalks or clearing fire hydrants. While we’re not laying down gravel or patching up potholes on the roads outside our homes, these small acts of local maintenance are a nod to an age-old tradition of community involvement in public works.

And though the feds might come in and drop millions on new or updated highways, we leave it up to the states to maintain them.

The Romans understood something still true today: infrastructure is as much about maintenance as construction.

Building a road, a bridge, or an aqueduct is only the beginning.

Keeping it functional, safe, and

PHOTOS BY JORDAN GOLSON | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The 2,000-year old streets of Pompeii show how the intractable challenges of road maintenance continue across millennia. Tracks from decades of wagon and chariot travel match the wearing of down of modern highways as cars and trucks pass by. The large stones in the bottom photo are a crosswalk for pedestrians. reliable for decades is a never-ending task that requires a cooperative effort between those at the top and those on the ground.

With US roads and bridges often constructed by the lowest bidder, building something for the long term is not necessarily in their best interests. As a result, modern streets face continual deterioration within a decade or two, while some Roman roads are still used today.

The rapid movement of goods and services is fundamental to a functioning economy, and the benefits of such projects often greatly exceed the initial costs.

Even the most rabid libertarian will acknowledge that infrastructure projects are often beneficial to the public good to such an extent that it makes sense for the government to collect taxes and make outlays to build them.

High-end roadworks are perhaps the greatest symbol of

prosperity, while roads falling into disrepair are the ultimate symbol of a fallen empire.

Failing roadworks not only costs businesses money through slower distribution of goods and increased wear and tear on vehicles, but it also costs the government money through reduced tax revenue due to lower economic production.

The budget for the U.S. military is approaching one trillion dollars per year, funding everything from soldier salaries to the construction of billion-dollar ships, far-flung military bases, and everything in between.

Logistics is the base of any military operation, and ours is no different. Without resupply ships or port stops, the Navy couldn’t operate. Our ability to provide aerial refueling and heavy lift capabilities allows us to project force around the world with ease. In a way, our fleets of cargo planes like the C-130 and C-17 are the modern

Roman roadways.

But logistics matter at home as well. We could generate at least as much economic utility and national benefit from a similarly structured and funded infrastructure plan. Senators and congressmen are forever angling to have military funding allocated to their districts but aren’t nearly as worried about building highways and byways.

With a comprehensive nationwide roadway strategy akin to that used to build our military, we could take lessons from the Roman Empire and ensure our economic might is as dominant as our military’s.

A national project to ensure well-maintained, high-speed highways with consistent lane markings and signage — as well as easy-to-access rest areas and truck stops — would go a long way toward improving our ability to compete domestically and abroad.

We also need to figure out how

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to avoid the red tape and political infighting that dooms some of our most ambitious ideas. A high-speed train project in California is such a farce that SNCF, the French national railroad — no stranger to bureaucratic battles and fights with labor unions — gave up trying to build it for us and went to Morocco, where things are less politically dysfunctional.

The situation is echoed across the country, where ambitious ideas become mired in the bureaucratic bog, fighting other priorities for funding or simply expanding their scope so far as to become unworkable.

SNCF dropped the California project in 2011, while its Moroccan bullet train opened in 2018.

Meanwhile, not a single mile of high-speed rail has been laid in The Golden State 15 years after voters first approved the project.

In 2016, then Volvo Cars USA CEO Lex Kerssemakers exclaimed to Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los Angeles at the time: “It can’t find the lane markings!”

He was frustrated with the poor condition of the city’s roads, resulting in subpar performance from his company’s autonomous development vehicles. When asked what the government could do to help spur self-driving car innovation, his surprisingly straightforward answer was, “You need to paint the bloody roads here!”

The potential of autonomous vehicles for improved economic production is massive, but poorly marked and maintained roads are a significant challenge.

Rather than pouring billions into clean energy programs of questionable utility, the money would be better spent improving the country’s roadways — possibly improving fuel economy and reducing the premature retirement of vehicles shaken to bits by rough rides.

Well-marked lane lines seem like something that should be easily addressed and kept up to date, but as anyone who has driven on the 405 in Los Angeles or any highway in New York City can tell you, it’s apparently too much to ask.

The Romans knew what we seem to have forgotten: roads are the key to prosperity.

In many ways, little has changed in two thousand years. We still have potholes and challenges maintaining our roads.

We still have a significant need for high-quality infrastructure to encourage economic growth and efficiency.

And we still have to balance the initial funding of construction with maintenance costs.

Federal funding of highways is great, but we need a more consistent and predictable way to maintain said highways. Relying on individual states for maintenance doesn’t appear to work particularly well.

We need an infrastructure plan that attacks the issue like we would attack a military logistical challenge. We must consider this an Apollo project for the 21st century: an ambitious, all-hands-on-deck effort to build the most impressive, technologically advanced roadway network the world has ever seen. If we can put a man on the moon, we can surely figure out how to build and maintain our highways, can’t we?

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Barbie doll honoring Cherokee Nation leader is met with mixed emotions The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — An iconic chief of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma Mankiller, inspired countless Native American children as a powerful but humble leader who expanded early education and rural healthcare.

Her reach is now broadening with a quintessential American honor: a Barbie doll in the late Mankiller’s likeness as part of toymaker Mattel’s “Inspiring Women” series.

A public ceremony honoring Mankiller’s legacy is set for Tuesday in Tahlequah in northeast Oklahoma, where the Cherokee Nation is headquartered.

Mankiller was the nation’s first female principal chief, leading the tribe for a decade until 1995. She focused on improving social conditions through consensus and on restoring pride in Native heritage.

She met with three U.S. presidents and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award.

She also met snide remarks about her surname — a military title — with humor, often delivering a straight-faced response: “Mankiller is actually a well-earned nickname.” She died in 2010.

The tribe’s current leader, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., applauded Mattel for commemorating Mankiller.

“When Native girls see it, they can achieve it, and Wilma Mankiller has shown countless young women to be fearless and speak up for Indigenous and human rights,” Hoskin said in a statement. “Wilma Mankiller is a champion for the Cherokee Nation, for Indian Country, and even my own daughter.”

Mankiller, whose likeness is on a U.S. quarter issued in 2021, is the second Native American woman honored with a Barbie doll. Famed aviator Bessie

AP PHOTO

This photo provided by Mattel shows a Barbie doll of Wilma Mankiller. Toy maker Mattel is honoring the late legendary Cherokee leader with a Barbie doll as part of its “Inspiring Women” series.

Coleman, who was of Black and Cherokee ancestry, was depicted earlier this year.

Other dolls in the series include Maya Angelou, Ida B. Wells, Jane Goodall and Madam C.J. Walker.

The rollout of the Barbie doll featuring Mankiller wearing a ribbon skirt, black shoes and carrying a woven basket has been met with conflicting reactions.

Many say the doll is a fitting tribute for a remarkable leader who faced conflict head-on and helped the tribe triple its enrollment, double its employment and build new health centers and children’s programs.

Still, some Cherokee women are critical, saying Mattel overlooked problematic details on the doll and the packaging.

“Mixed emotions shared by me and many other Cherokee women who have now purchased the product revolve around whether a Wilma Barbie captures her legacy, her physical features and the importance of centering Cherokee women in decision making,” Stacy Leeds, the law school dean at Arizona State University and a former Cherokee Nation Supreme Court justice, told The Associated Press in an email.

Regina Thompson, a Chero-

kee basket weaver who grew up near Tahlequah, doesn’t think the doll looks like Mankiller.

Mattel should have considered traditional pucker toe moccasins, instead of black shoes, and included symbols on the basket that Cherokees use to tell a story, she said.

“Wilma’s name is the only thing Cherokee on that box,” Thompson said. “Nothing about that doll is Wilma, nothing.”

The Cherokee language symbols on the packaging also are wrong, she noted. Two symbols look similar, and the one used translates to “Chicken,” rather than “Cherokee.”

Mattel spokesperson Devin

Tucker said the company is aware of the problem with the syllabary and is “discussing options.” The company worked with Mankiller’s estate, which is led by her husband, Charlie Soap, and her friend, Kristina Kiehl, on the creation of the doll. Soap and Kiehl did not respond to messages left by the AP. Mattel did not consult with the Cherokee Nation on the doll.

“Regrettably, the Mattel company did not work directly with the tribal government’s design and communications team to secure the official Seal or verify it,” the tribe said in a statement. “The printing mistake itself does not diminish what it means for the Cherokee people to see this tribute to Wilma and who she was and what she stood for.”

Several Cherokees also criticized Mattel for not consulting with Mankiller’s only surviving child, Felicia Olaya, who said she was unaware of the doll until about a week before its public launch.

“I have no issues with the doll. I have no issues with honoring my mom in different ways,” said Olaya, who acknowledged she and Soap, her stepfather, are estranged. “The issue is that no one informed me, no one told me. I didn’t know it was coming.”

Olaya also wonders how her mother would feel about being honored with a Barbie doll.

“I heard her once on the phone saying, ‘I’m not Princess Diana, nor am I Barbie,’” Olaya recalled. “I think she probably would have been a little conflicted on that, because my mom was very humble. She wasn’t the type of person who had her honorary degrees or awards plastered all over the wall. They were in tubs in her pole barn.”

“I’m not sure how she would feel about this,” Olaya said.

Still, Olaya said she hopes to buy some of the dolls for her grandchildren and is always grateful for people to learn about her mother’s legacy.

“I have a warm feeling about the thought of my granddaughters playing with a Wilma Mankiller Barbie,” she said.

Wilma Mankiller, who was chief of the Cherokee from 1985 to 1995, put much of her focus on education, health and housing.

AP PHOTO

Man featured in hit podcast ‘S-Town’ shot and killed by police during standoff, authorities say The Associated Press WOODSTOCK, Ala. — A man featured in the hit podcast “S-Town” that chronicled events in a rural Alabama community was shot and killed by police during a weekend standoff in the town, authorities said Monday.

Joseph Tyler Goodson, 32, of Woodstock, was shot and killed by officers after he barricaded himself inside a home and “brandished a gun” at officers early Sunday, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said.

The agency’s statement said the Woodstock Police Department had initially responded to

a “call for service” early Sunday and the standoff ensued. Multiple law enforcement agencies converged on the home.

The statement said Goodson was shot by officers during the confrontation and was subsequently pronounced dead.

The state agency did not describe what led to the initial call to the home.

“Police bout to shoot me down in my own yard,” a message posted early Sunday on Goodson’s Facebook account read, news outlets, WIAT and al.com reported.

The state agency is reviewing the shooting and will turn its

findings over to the Bibb County district attorney.

The 2017 podcast, which won a Peabody Award, told the story of an Alabama man named John B. McLemore, who died by suicide before the show came out.

McLemore’s use of an expletive to describe his hometown gives the podcast its abbreviated title.

“S-Town” begins telling the story of a reputed killing and also another death and winds up focusing on the eccentric McLemore, a restorer of antique clocks, and his tortured relationship with the town of Woodstock. Several people in his life were also featured, including

Goodson.

“Because you know, I ain’t ever had no daddy worth a damn. He’s just about the only daddy I’ve got,” Goodson said of McLemore in the third episode of the podcast.

Woodstock, with a population of about 1,500 people, is located about 35 miles (55 kilometers) southwest of the major city of Birmingham.

“I know that everyone wants answers and details, myself included,” Woodstock Mayor Jeff Dodson said in a statement Monday. “Tyler was well known and loved by myself, his family and this community. That love

extends far beyond due to the S-Town podcast.

“Please remember at this time that he is so much more than a character to the fans who loved him. This young man was a father, son, brother and friend to many,” the mayor added.

Julie Synder, the executive producer of “S-Town” declined to immediately comment when reached by email.

Goodson in 2017 received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to burglary and theft charges accusing him of taking items from McLemore’s property after his death. Goodson, before pleading guilty, had maintained he was retrieving items that belonged to him.

Goodson told The Associated Press in 2017 that the podcast had brought a deluge of attention on him and the town, but neither have done him any favors.

“It’s a sad story, especially if you’re part of it,” Goodson said.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

B7

AP PHOTO

Gene Simmons, left, Tommy Thayer and Paul Stanley of KISS perform during the final night of the “Kiss Farewell Tour” on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Kiss say farewell to live touring, become first US band to go virtual and become digital avatars The Associated Press ON SATURDAY night, Kiss closed out the final performance of their “The End of the Road” farewell tour at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden.

But as dedicated fans surely know — they were never going to call it quits. Not really.

During their encore, the band’s current lineup — founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons as well as guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — left the stage to reveal digital avatars of themselves.

After the transformation, the virtual Kiss launched into a performance of “God Gave

Rock and Roll to You.” The cutting-edge technology was used to tease a new chapter of the rock band: after 50 years of Kiss, the band is now interested in a kind of digital immortality.

The avatars were created

by George Lucas’ special-effects company, Industrial Light & Magic, in partnership with Pophouse Entertainment Group, the latter of which was co-founded by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus. The two companies recently teamed up for the “ABBA Voyage” show in London, in which fans could attend a full concert by the Swedish band — as performed by their digital avatars.

Per Sundin, CEO of Pophouse Entertainment, says this new technology allows Kiss to continue their legacy for “eternity.” He says the band wasn’t on stage during virtual performance because “that’s the key thing,” of the future-seeking technology. “Kiss could have a concert in three cities in the same night across three different continents. That’s what you could do with this.”

In order to create their digital avatars, who are depicted as a kind of superhero version of the band, Kiss performed in motion capture suits.

Experimentation with this kind of technology has become increasingly common in cer-

tain sections of the music industry. In October K-pop star Mark Tuan partnered with Soul Machines to create an autonomously automated “digital twin” called “Digital Mark.” In doing so, Tuan became the first celebrity to attach their likeness to OpenAI’s GPT integration, artificial intelligence technology that allows fans to engage in one-on-one conversations with Tuan’s avatar.

Aespa, the K-pop girl group, frequently perform alongside their digital avatars — the quartet is meant to be viewed as an octet with digital twins. Another girl group, Eternity, is made up entirely of virtual characters — no humans necessary.

On ‘Innocence,’ Kenny G’s jazz lullabies aren’t just for kids. They’re for everyone The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Four decades into his career – which include countless world tours, 20 studio albums, the Guinness World Record for bestselling jazz artist, and a Grammy – saxophonist Kenny G is grateful that his music continues to resonate.

“It’s not just my hard work, because I work hard. I practice every day for three hours – every single day,” he told The Associated Press. “It’s not just that.

There’s more to it. There’s the timing of things. Then there’s the intangibles of why does a melody sound good to me.”

That latter element is crucial. If there is a constant in the career of Kenny G, it’s found in his chase and appreciation for melodies. On Dec. 1, that hunt will result in “Innocence,” his latest album and a collection of lullabies — both familiar and new — arranged in an idiosyncratic Kenny G fashion.

“I’ve already made music that people get engaged to, and then I made music they get married

AP PHOTO

xophonist Kenny G poses for a portrait in Los Angeles to promote his album of lullabies titled “Innocence,” on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. to and then they tell me how they make babies to my music.

Well, I said, I’ve got to complete the circle now. Let me make

them a record that you can use to put them to sleep,” he jokes.

“I think it was more about making something that people

could share in their family and intimate moments,” he adds.

The title, “Innocence,” reflects the innocence of child-

“What we’ve accomplished has been amazing, but it’s not enough. The band deserves to live on because the band is bigger than we are,” Kiss frontman Paul Stanley said in a roundtable interview. “It’s exciting for us to go the next step and see Kiss immortalized.”

“We can be forever young and forever iconic by taking us to places we’ve never dreamed of before,” Kiss bassist Gene Simmons added. “The technology is going to make Paul jump higher than he’s ever done before.”

And for those who couldn’t make the Madison Square Garden show — stay tuned, because a Kiss avatar concert may very well be on the way.

hood, sure, but also the innocence of a lullaby — the sweet melodies we all share. Although Kenny G believes this album is “not just for kids.”

On “Innocence,” next to familiar titles like “Rock-a-Bye Baby” and “Edelweiss” is a lesser-known cut from Polish composer Frédéric Chopin, “Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1.” It’s the kind of classical lullaby that Kenny G hopes inspires curious listeners to dive deeper — just like his original smooth jazz material has led to dives into improvisational music by his loyal fans.

He’s also quick to point out that there are differences in how lullabies are composed and structured across cultures — what he muses he might explore in the future.

But for now, on “Innocence,” he sees a common thread across these Western lullabies.

“The melodies are very simple and they resolve themselves,” he says. “There’s always a way of it coming back to something.

It’s not a melody that just goes.”

And returning to the start, no doubt, provides the listener with some comfort.

Asked if these songs will appear on his tour’s set list, Kenny G offers another joke: “I’m already accused of putting people to sleep with my music,” he says. “So, the last thing I want to do is play lullabies during my concert.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

B8 TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND

NEW HANOVER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE FILE NO: 2023 E 001702 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Theo Melvin Brown, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Anthony Brown, 1702 Gilmore St. Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301, named Executor of the Estate of Theo Melvin Brown, or to both the probate court and the named Executor within 90 days after the date of publication of this notice, on or before February 16, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 15th day of November 2023.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, ASH WINNER WIGGINS., having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of JEANNEAN WINNER WIGGINS, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said ASH WINNER WIGGINS., at the address set out below, on or before February 29, 2024, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 23-E-1841 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Ronald Eugene McKay, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before February 15, 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. Dated this 15th day of November 2023.

Edward Sullins, Jr., Executor of the Estate of Ronald Eugene McKay NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY, CRAVEN & CORLEY, L.L.P. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR EXECUTOR

The undersigned having qualified as Executors of the Estate of Audrey M. Morse , deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, (Estate File No 2021 E 01429) this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate to present such claims to the undersigned at 247 Charlotte Street, Suite 205, Asheville, North Carolina on or before the 4th day of March, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment.

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 23-E-126 State of North Carolina Cumberland County NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of Bertha H. Lockerman, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 1034 Palestine Road, Linden, North Carolina 28356, on or before March 6, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Mary Elizabeth Cafini, late of Wake County, North Carolina (23E005585-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd day of March 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.

Run dates: 11/15/2023, 11/22/2023, 11/29/2023, 12/6/2023.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Thomas Wilber Yelton III, Deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, (Estate File No 23E1412) this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate to present such claims to the undersigned at the address set out below, on or before the 6th of March, 2024, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment.

This the 6th day of December, 2023.

Brandon Michael Yelton, Administrator 1913 Island Pine Way Leland, NC 28451

This the 29th day of November 2023.

Regenia Dayree Cafini Executor of the Estate of Mary Elizabeth Cafini c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20/2023)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Marceline Carol Gilroy, late of Wake County (23E002389-910), North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd day of March 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 29th day of November 2023.

WAKE

Jennifer Carol McCullough & Becky Lynne McClure, Executors c/o John C. Frue, Attorney 247 Charlotte Street, Suite 205 Asheville, NC 28801 (828)255-0309

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 23E1603 Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Verne Wayne Blalock, Jr., deceased, late of New Hanover, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Verne Wayne Blalock, Jr. to present them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of February, 2024 or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 22nd day of November, 2023.

V W Blalock, III, Executor PO Box 4723 Wilmington NC 28406

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

This the 29th day of November, 2023.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

WAKE

Having qualified as the Administrator on the estate of Alouise L. Fenstermacher, deceased 14-Sept-2023, late of New Hanover County, NC, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned at 503 S. Dixon Ave, Cary, NC 27511 on or before 14-Feb-2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This, the 15th day of November 2023.

Dale Edward Fenstermacher (aka Ted Fenstermacher) Executor of the estate of Alouise L. Fenstermacher 503 S. Dixon Ave Cary, NC 27511

This the 27th day of November , 2023.

ASH WINNER WIGGINS. Executor OF THE ESTATE OF JEANNEAN WINNER WIGGINS c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington NC, 28405

Anthony Brown, Executor of the Estate of Theo Melvin Brown 1702 GILMORE ST. FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28301 803-463-7717

NEW HANOVER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Lura Jane Stoner, late of Wake County, North Carolina (23E005266-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of February 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 22nd day of November 2023.

Terry A. Stoner Executor of the Estate of Lura Jane Stoner c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13/2023)

Publication dates 11/22/2023 11/29/2023 12/6/2023 12/13/2023

Doresa Carol Hunt Administrator of the Estate of Marceline Carol Gilroy c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20/2023)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Louis Dale Gullie, late of Wake County, North Carolina (23E005498910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 9th day of March, 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 6th day of December 2023.

Brian Dale Gullie Administrator of the Estate of Louis Dale Gullie c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 12/27/2023)

This the 6th day of December, 2023.

Kenneth Wayne Carter Executor of the Estate of Bertha H. Lockerman, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 12/6/23, 12/13/23, 12/20/23 and 12/27/23

CABARRUS NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 23 SP 504 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed

by CATHY A. STEELE CARTER AND FREDERICK CARTER payable to AMERICA’S WHOLESALE LENDER, lender, to KAYCE C STAEHLE, Trustee, dated November 21, 2006, and recorded in Book 7165, Page 204 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry by Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, in Book 16645, Page 184, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 12:00pm, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 5613 15

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 1039

9800 0000 ADDRESS: 801 MARGATE AVE, KANNAPOLIS, NC 28081 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): CATHY A STEELE CARTER, FREDERICK CARTER THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF CABARRUS, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 7165, PAGE 204 AS FOLLOWS: LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF KANNAPOLIS, NUMBER FOUR (4) TOWNSHIP OF CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA ON THE EAST SIDE OF MARGATE AVENUE (FORMERLY BEULAH AVENUE) AND BEING A PART, OF LOT NUMBER SEVEN (7) IN BLOCK “B” OF THE N.T. WILKINSON DEVELOPMENT, AS SURVEYED AND PLATTED, A COPY OF WHICH PLAT IS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR CABARRUS COUNTY IN MAP BOOK 4, PAGE 27, AND BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: OLD DESCRIPTION BEGINNING AT AN IRON STAKE ON THE EAST SIDE OF MARGATE AVENUE (SAID STAKE BEING SOUTH 01-30 EAST 75.0 FEET FROM THE NORTHEASTERN CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF BETHPAGE ROAD AND MARGATE AVENUE) AND RUNS THENCE NORTH 82 EAST 60.0 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE IN THE LINE OF LOT NUMBER 6; THENCE SOUTH 01-03 EAST 75.0 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE; THENCE SOUTH 82 WEST 60.0 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE ON THE EAST SIDE OF MARGATE AVENUE; THENCE WITH THE EAST SIDE OF MARGATE AVENUE NORTH 01-30 WEST 75.0 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion,

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

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

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

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy

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

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

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

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

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

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on December 11, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Godwin in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Black River Township, Cumberland County:

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

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

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this

property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit.

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

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

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

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

parcel of real property located at 1619 Barmack Court, Hope Mills, NC 28348. You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than January 15, 2024 (40 days from date of first publication) and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

Facsimile: (910) 864-6848 Claire.dickerhoff@hutchenslawfirm.com Attorney for Plaintiff

AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by John Alton Warren, Jr. (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): John Alton Warren, Jr., Heirs of John Alton Warren, Jr.: Susan Peppers) to BB&T Collateral Service Corporation, Trustee(s), dated August 6, 2008, and recorded in Book No. 07967, at Page 0194 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary

BEING all of Lot #1, containing 0.94 acre, more or less, and all of Lot #2, containing 0.96, more or less, as shown on that map entitled, “Property of Larry Colon Norris,” dated October 14, 1996, prepared by Piedmont Surveying, and recorded in Map Book 94, Page 16, Cumberland Co Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 8002 Fayetteville Highway, Godwin, North Carolina.

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 23 CVS 2910

CLYDE ALBUM; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF DEBRA ALBUM; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Residing at 1619 Barmack Court, Hope Mills, NC 28348; and JOSEPH ALBUM,

PID# 1502-22-3566 (Lot #1) 1502-22-4480 (Lot #2) Address 8002 Fayetteville Hwy, Godwin, NC 28344 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the

NORTH CAROLINA

Defendants.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

TO:

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION ACTION INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC, Plaintiff, v.

JOSEPH ALBUM 1902 Gumberry Court Hope Mills, NC 28348

Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Plaintiff in the above entitled action has filed with the Clerk of Superior Court’s office of Cumberland County, North Carolina, a civil action concerning one

This the 6th day of December, 2023.

HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP Claire Collins Dickerhoff State Bar Number: 44306 Post Office Box 2505 Fayetteville, NC 28302 Telephone: (910) 864-6888

Dates of Publication: December 6, 2023, December 13, 2023 and December 20, 2023 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT

Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 110 Frederick St, Suite 200 Greenville, South Carolina 29607 Phone: (470) 321-7112, Ext. 204 Fax: 1-919-800-3528 RAS File Number: [23-139379]

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 16802 - 78766

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

B9

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 555 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Sarah M. Carter (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Sarah M. Carter) to H. Terry Hutchens, Trustee(s), dated August 24, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 10367, at Page 0338 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary

DURHAM IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DURHAM COUNTY 22sp445 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MARTIN E. ROCK DATED JULY 2, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5693 AT PAGE 38 IN THE DURHAM COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DURHAM COUNTY 23SP875 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY LORRIS J. WOODS AND OLIVIA B. WOODS DATED JANUARY 8, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6122 AT PAGE 856 IN THE DURHAM COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Durham

18 SP 327 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DURHAM COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Janice S. Dargan a/k/a Janice Stockard Dargan to Mitchell L. Heffernan, Trustee(s), which was dated September 15, 2005 and recorded on September 30, 2005 in Book 4968 at Page 431, Durham County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 15, 2023 at 11:30 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Durham County, North Carolina, to wit:

FORSYTH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 845 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Peggy B. Hale and Nathan D. Hale (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Peggy B. Hale and Nathan D. Hale) to David L. Brunk, Trustee(s), dated December 18, 2006, and recorded in Book No. RE 2718, at Page 4398 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer

IREDELL IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION IREDELL COUNTY 23sp279 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ROBERT E. LAMBERT AND GAIL B. LAMBERT DATED JUNE 28, 2011 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2128 AT PAGE 1671 AND REAFFIRMED BY A DOCUMENT RECORDED ON MAY 15, 2014 IN BOOK 2299, PAGE 1017 IN THE IREDELL COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured

location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on December 18, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 2 in a Subdivision known as “SURVEY OF KING’S GRANT SECTION C PHASE 2 BUILDING 18” according to a plat recorded in Plat Book 140, Page 113, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1005 Kensington Park Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale

agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Durham County courthouse at 11:00AM on December 13, 2023, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Martin E. Rock, dated July 2, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $100,000.00, and recorded in Book 5693 at Page 38 of the Durham County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 5 8 3 4 Shamrock Rd, Durham, NC 27713 Tax Parcel ID: 178438 Present Record Owners: Martin

E. Rock The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Martin E. Rock.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00),

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

Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid.

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

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

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

The date of this Notice is October 27, 2023. _________ ____________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

County courthouse at 10:00AM on December 13, 2023, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Lorris J. Woods and Olivia B. Woods, dated January 8, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of $117,569.00, and recorded in Book 6122 at Page 856 of the Durham County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record.

Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 1 3 Citation Dr, Durham, NC 27713 Tax Parcel ID: 144901 Present Record Owners: T h e Heirs of Lorris J. Woods The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are

The Heirs of Lorris J. Woods.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid.

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

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

The date of this Notice is November 27, 2023. _________ ____________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL PROPERTY SiTUATE IN THE CITY OF DURHAM, COUNTY OF DURHAM, AND STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, TO WIT:

Said property is commonly known as 116 Wood Valley Court, Durham, NC 27713.

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

A CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING IN DURHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LYING ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF WOOD VALLEY COURT, CONTAINING 6,331 SQUARE FEET, MORE OR LESS, AND BEING ALL OF LOT 48 OF ARBORFIELD SUBDIVISION, AS PER PLAT AND SURVEY THEREOF NOW ON FILE IN PLAT BOOK 130 AT PAGES 150-153 IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF DURHAM COUNTY, TO WHICH PLAT REFERENCE IS HEREBY EXPRESSLY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF SAME.

BY FEE SIMPLE DEED FROM WILLIAM T. DARGAN (SINGLE) AS SET FORTH IN DEED BOOK 3338, PAGE 778 AND RECORDED ON 1/29/2002 DURHAM COUNTY RECORDS. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

for sale at the courthouse door in Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on December 13, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston-Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain property situated in the County of Forsyth and State of North Carolina, Being more fully described in a Deed dated 02/15/2005 and Recorded 02/24/2005, among the land records of the county and state set forth above, in Deed Volume RE2543 and Page 2322. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4391 Moat Drive, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Janice S. Dargan.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 14682 - 65063

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 18-19619-FC01

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the

certified funds at the time of the sale.

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

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

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

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

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents

($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

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

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

debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Iredell County courthouse at 10:00AM on December 12, 2023, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Iredell County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Robert E. Lambert and Gail B. Lambert, dated June 28, 2011 to secure the original principal amount of $97,052.00, and recorded in Book 2128 at Page 1671 of the Iredell County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record.

Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 5 1 2 Reavis Rd, Harmony, NC 28634 Tax Parcel ID: 4892167716.000

Present Record Owners: T h e Heirs of Robert E. Lambert The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Robert E. Lambert.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever

is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted.

This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

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

termination.

The date of this Notice is November 22, 2023. _________ ________________ ____________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

Tax Map or Parcel ID No.: 3216E-038 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 15173 - 67953

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

B10 TAKE NOTICE

JOHNSTON AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22SP000367-500 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Stephanie McDonald and Eric McDonald (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Stephanie McDonald and Eric McDonald) to Getter Law Offices PA, Trustee(s), dated June 26, 2009, and recorded in Book No. 3729, at Page 990 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on September 27, 2021, in Book No. 6060, at Page 362A Loan Modification recorded on May 17, 2013, in Book No. 4293, at Page 427, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP001522-500 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Dorman Curry (Deceased) and Becky Curry (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Dorman Curry and Becky Curry) to James D. Johnson, Jr., Trustee(s), dated November 14, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 5249, at Page 232 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on December 19, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Benson in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and

NEW HANOVER NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 23 SP 429 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed

by MELISSA LEWKOWICZ AND JONATHAN LEWKOWICZ payable to PRIMELENDING, A PLAINSCAPITAL COMPANY, lender, to ALLAN B. POLUNSKY, Trustee, dated May 15, 2015, and recorded in Book 5889, Page 338 and further modified by Agreement recorded on October 22, 2018 in Book RB 6174, Page 1519 and further modified by Agreement recorded on June 1, 2022 in Book RB 6569, Page 2760 of the New Hanover County Public Registry

by Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of New Hanover County, North Carolina, in Book 6659, Page 1076, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door

ONSLOW NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 524 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Halie B. Kohl and Richard Lee Marshall, III a/k/a Richard Lee Marshall (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Richard Lee Marshall, III, Heirs of Richard Lee Marshall, III a/k/a Richard Lee Marshall: Aubree Reese Marshall, Brynlee Ann Marshall) to Joan C. Cox, Trustee(s), dated May 16, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 3989, at Page 447 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 557 Under and by virtue of the power of sale granted to Summerhouse on Everett Bay Homeowners Association, Inc. pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §47F-3-116 and in accordance with their bylaws and corporate resolutions be it known that said Homeowners’ Association intends to sell property owned by (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Ho Yong Kim, ) secured by a Claim of Lien bearing file number 21 M 230 filed with the Clerk of Superior Court for Onslow County North Carolina on June 14, 2021. Due to a default being made in the payment of dues owed to the Homeowner’s Association and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the Claim of Lien evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Claim of Lien be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door

for sale at the courthouse door in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on December 19, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Four Oaks in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 1 of Edgewood Subdivision, containing 0.332 acres, according to Plat recorded at Plat Book 23, Page 155, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 603 East Sanders Street, Four Oaks, North Carolina.

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

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

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

in New Hanover County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 12:00pm, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of New Hanover, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): R06620-015-005-000 ADDRESS: 653 CHOWNING PL., WILMINGTON, NC 28409 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): MELISSA LEWKOWICZ AND JONATHAN LEWKOWICZ THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 5889, PAGE 338 AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 77, THE COMMONS, SECTION 2 AS THE SAME APPEARS ON A MAP THEREOF RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 31 AT PAGE 53 IN THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY REGISTRY, REFERENCE TO WHICH IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this

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

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the

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

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

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

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated

below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on December 13, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 50, as shown on map of West River, Section II-A, recorded in Map Book 22, Page 229, Slide C-97, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 863 Mill River Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

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

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

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

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

transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the Claim of Lien, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the Claim of Lien make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed.

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is

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

Parcel ID# 08010018T Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

being more particularly described as follows: Lot No. 2: Beginning at a stake in the right-ofway line of Interstate Highway No. 95, a corner with Lot No. 3, and runs a new line South 56 deg. 30 min East 472 feet to a stake; thence a new line South 62 deg. 45 min West I31 feet to a stake corner of Lot No. 1; thence a new line North 58 deg. 15 min West 469 feet to a stake in the right-of-way line; thence as the rightof-way line North 59. deg. East 140 feet to the beginning, and containing 1.27 acres, more or less. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 858 North Walton Avenue, Benson, North Carolina.

This is Lot. No. 2 according to a plat drawn by W R Lambert, Surveyor, and dated April 11, 1960, showing a portion of the Bessie M. Hall property as divided for her heirs.

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

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00)

in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on December 13, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Holly Ridge in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 490, Phase I, Summerhouse on Everett Bay as shown on plats recorded in Map Book 51, Pages 42, 42A-42M and pages 106, 106A-106M, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 500 Boneset Park Trail, Holly Ridge, North Carolina.

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale,

c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 8957 - 35164

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 15976 - 73137

Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 110 Frederick St, Suite 200 Greenville, South Carolina 29607 Phone: (470) 321-7112, Ext. 204 Fax: 1-919-800-3528 RAS File Number: [23-118725]

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 15966 - 73105

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 5248 - 20331

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

B11

TAKE NOTICE

ONSLOW AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 763 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by William G. Desjean and Nancy I. St. Charles Desjean (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): William G. Desjean) to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), dated March 28, 2003, and recorded in Book No. 1996, at Page 97 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on

December 13, 2023 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot No. 13, Block H, According to plat entitled “Subdivision Map No. 5 of Northwoods II”, dated August 1958, prepared by Herndon Edgerton, Engineer, and recorded in Book of Maps 5, Page 85, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 507 Cherokee Drive, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

SUBJECT to Restrictive Covenants recorded in Book 276, Page 596, Onslow County Registry.

Parcel ID Number: 407-141 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale,

RANDOLPH

THE FOLLOWING REAL PROPERTY SITUATE IN COUNTY OF RANDOLPH AND STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY

ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE CITY OF ASHEBORO TOWNSHIP, RANDOLPH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Martha Earline Lockwood to CB Sevices Corp., Trustee(s), which was dated January 30, 2009 and recorded on March 3, 2009 in Book RE2119 at Page 381, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 12, 2023 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit:

ROBESON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 23 SP 292 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed

by EDWARD LEE WILLIAMS AND SHIRLEY M. WILLIAMS payable to Option One Mortgage Corporation, lender, to FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY, Trustee, dated April 17, 2003, and recorded in Book 1303, Page 0470 of the Robeson County Public Registry by Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Robeson County, North Carolina, in Book 2422, Page 241, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Robeson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 1:30pm, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Robeson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 948246009200 ADDRESS: 30 SANDY GROVE ROAD, PARKTON,

WAKE 23SP003000-910 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Angelina Serrano and Sherwin Hargrove to Ronald D. Haley, Trustee(s), which was dated October 23, 2015 and recorded on October 23, 2015 in Book 016190 at Page 01828, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 23sp002631-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MICHAEL D. WEBSTER AND ESTELA M. WEBSTER DATED DECEMBER 16, 2013 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 15538 AT PAGE 676 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on December

23SP002592-910 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Virginia D. Baker to Trste, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated August 5, 2008 and recorded on August 21, 2008 in Book 013219 at Page 02140, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 13, 2023 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property

BEGINNING AT AN EXISTING IRON PIPE IN THE SOUTHERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF S. MAIN STREET, THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT NO. 18 OF THE LASSITER ESTATE AS SHOWN

BY PLAT RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 7, PAGE 51, RANDOLPH COUNTY REGISTRY, AND BEING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF JAMES B. SR. & VIRGINIA M. KING; THENCE FROM SAID BEGINNING POINT ALONG KING, SOUTH 53 DEGREES 25 MINUTES 14 SECONDS EAST 115.81 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON PIPE AND NORTH 77 DEGREES 51 MINUTES 03 SECONDS EAST 65.47 FEET TO A NEW IRON PIPE; THENCE SOUTH 12 DEGREES 17 MINUTES 37 SECONDS EAST 127.03 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON PIPE; THENCE ALONG RICH, SOUTH 76 DEGREES 10 MINUTES 13 SECONDS WEST 39.78 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON PIPE; THENCE ALONG CHARLIE W. & PEGGY M. GRAY, NORTH 55 DEGREES 12 MINUTES 00 SECONDS WEST 235.90 FEET TO A NEW IRON

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

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

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

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

PIPE IN THE SOUTHERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF S. MAIN STREET; THENCE ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY LINE NORTH 41 DEGREES 40 MINUTES 39 SECONDS EAST 72.61 FEET TO THE BEGINNING, CONTAINING 0.436 ACRES.

assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Martha Earline Lockwood.

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

Said property is commonly known as 807 S Main St, Asheboro, NC 27203.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special

NC 28371 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): EDWARD LEE WILLIAMS THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF ROBESON, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 1303, PAGE 0470 AS FOLLOWS: THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OR TRACT OF LAND LYING AND BEING ABOUT 21 MILES NORTH OF THE CITY OF LUMBERTON, ABOUT 3 MILES NORTHWEST OF THE TOWN OF PARKTON; BOUNDED ON THE NORTHEAST BY STATE ROOD NO. 1712, ON THE SOUTHEAST BY STATE ROOD NO. 1711, ON ALL OTHER SIDES

BY OTHER LANDS OF EDWARD L. WILLIAMS, AS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 7-L, AT PAGE 559, ROBESON COUNTY REGISTRY, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A RIGHT OF WAY MONUMENT IN THE NORTHWEST RIGHT OF WAY (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF STATE ROAD NO.-1711, SAID MONUMENT BEING LOCATED, S 42° 31’ 16” W 196.45 FEET FROM AN EXISTING FROM PIPE, THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF TRACT NO. A, MAP BOOK 12, PAGE 83, IN THE EAST LINE OF THE ORIGINAL TRACT OF WHICH THIS IS A PART; SAID PIPE IS 655.60 FEET FROM THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE ORIGINAL TRACT OF WHICH TIDE IS A PART AS MEASURED ALONG THE EASTERN LINE OF THE ORIGINAL TRACT; AND RUNNING THENCE AS THE NORTHWEST RIGHT OF WAY OF STATE ROAD NO. 1711, S 58° 11’ 01” W 205.25 FEET TO A 1/2 INCH IRON ROD; THENCE N 43° 30’ 15” W 145.92 TO A 1/2 INCH IRON ROD; THENCE N 44° 52’ 10” E 257.22 FEET TO A 1/2 INCH IRON ROD IN THE SOUTHWEST RIGHT OF WAY (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF STATE, ROAD NO. 1712; THENCE AS SAID RIGHT OF

WAY, S 42° 43’ 10” E 151.84 FEET TO A RIGHT OF WAY MONUMENT; THENCE S 00° 35” W 69.06. FEET TO THE BEGINNING, CONTAINING 1.0 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, ACCORDING TO A SURVEY BY JOHN T FURMAN, REGISTERED SURVEYOR, DATED SEPTEMBER 20, 1986, AND BEING A PORTION OF THAT TRACT OF LAND DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 7-O, PAGE 559, ROBESON, COUNTY REGISTRY.

county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 13, 2023 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit:

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

TOGETHER WITH MANUFACTURED HOME DESCRIBED AS: 1995 FLEETWOOD MODEL # 10354 SERIAL # GAPL2AG3105-10354 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

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

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

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

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental

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

Said property is commonly known as 4101 Grandover Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts

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

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

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

19, 2023, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Michael D. Webster and Estela M. Webster, dated December 16, 2013 to secure the original principal amount of $210,000.00, and recorded in Book 15538 at Page 676 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record.

Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 2 6 2 8 Iman Dr, Raleigh, NC 27615 Tax Parcel ID: 0196206 Present Record Owners: Michael D. Webster and Estella Otero Webster The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Michael D. Webster and Estella Otero Webster.

The property to be offered pursuant to this

notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining

amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

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

The date of this Notice is November 2, 2023. _________ ____________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP

situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit:

Wycombe Lane, Raleigh, NC 27615.

THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY IN THE COUNTY OF WAKE, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA:

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

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

LOT 50 OF WYCOMBE MANOR PHASE 2, AS SHOWN ON A MAP THEREOF RECORDED IN WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. BEING AND INTENDING TO DESCRIBE THE SAME PREMISES CONVEYED IN A DEED RECORDED 04/08/1987, IN BOOK 3985, PAGE 539.

AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED ACCORDING TO SAID DEED AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 50, BLOCK 16, SUMMERFIELD NORTH CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT, WYCOMBE MANOR SUBDIVISION, AS SHOWN ON PLAT RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1985, PAGE 8, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 8328

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Virgina D. Baker.

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 22-06933-FC01

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include,

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Sherwin Hargrove and wife Angelina Serrano.

Being all of Lot 29 in PEARL RIDGE Subdivision, Phase 1, as shown on the plat recorded at Book of maps 2001, Pages 78-80, Wake County Registry, also see Book of Maps 2001, Page 78-80, Wake County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 5943 - 22748

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 110 Frederick St, Suite 200 Greenville, South Carolina 29607 Phone: (470) 321-7112, Ext. 204 Fax: 1-919-800-3528 RAS File Number: [22-044020]

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 23-14165-FC01

10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By: 23-116351

confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 23-12003-FC01

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

COURTESY PHOTO

A big to do

14 cosmetology students at Stanly Community College recently completed 1,500 contact hours of rigorous training in various aspects of cosmetology. Proud faculty, family, and friends gathered at the Morton-Moffitt Cosmetology Center to honor the hard work and dedication of the aspiring beauty professionals, now ready to bring their talents to the world.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Albemarle conducting survey of local residents The City of Albemarle is conducting a survey to gather community input on what is important to residents for the growth and shaping of the city. The results of the survey will guide city priorities with perspective from residents on their vision for the city’s future, and to generate feedback on current city services.

Visit albemarlenc.gov/ survey to give your feedback, and to be eligible to win a $100 gift card. Paper copies of the survey are available at City Hall, Stanly Senior Center, the Albemarle branch of the county library, and the E.E. Waddell and Niven Community Centers.

Local respiratory therapy educator honored Stanly Community College Respiratory Therapy Director Amy Witschey was recently honored as the Gail Gane Educator of the Year by the North Carolina Society for Respiratory Care. The award resulted from her significant contributions to and exemplified outstanding service and leadership in respiratory therapy education over the past year.

“Receiving this award is a testament to Amy’s unwavering commitment to her field and dedication to the education and growth of future respiratory therapists,” said Christie Honeycutt, Associate Vice President of Health Sciences and Public Services for SCC. “She has consistently demonstrated exemplary teaching skills, innovative approaches to education, and a genuine passion for shaping the future of our students. We are fortunate to have Amy leading our program.”

Stanly commissioners elect new chair, fill committee assignments Continued discussion on opoid settlement funding and other issues

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners met on Dec. 4 for its annual reorganizational meeting where a new chairman and vice chairman were chosen for the 2024 calendar year.

The board also established new committee assignments for next year.

Replacing a role held this year

by Commissioner Scott Efird, Commissioner Bill Lawhon was elected as the board’s new chairman — a position he held previ-

ously in 2021 — while Commissioner Mike Barbee retained his role as vice chairman.

Lawhon and Barbee each received a nomination for chairman, leading to an individual voting process for each where they voted for themselves.

Lawhon came out on top via a 4-3 vote with support from Commissioners Trent Hatley, Peter Asciutto and Efird. Barbee received support from Commissioners Patty Crump and Brandon King.

Barbee and Efird each received a nomination for the vice chairman vote, leading to another 4-3 tally for the position.

Crump, King, Barbee and Efird voted for Barbee; Hatley, Lawhon and Asciutto voted for Efird.

For board and committee as-

signments, Lawhon was named to the Airport Authority and Centralina Council of Governments while Barbee was added to the Stanly Water and Sewer Authority.

Efird was assigned to the Economic Development Commission, Rural Planning Organization, and Partners Mental Health Board. Asciutto was named to the Economic Development Commission and Rural Planning Organization.

Crump joined the Centralina Council of Governments while Hatley joined the Airport Authority, Stanly Water and Sewer Authority, and Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. Lastly, King was added to the Human Services Board and Fire District Commission.

Rowan Big Band set to perform Christmas show at Agri-Civic Center The Landis-based band is now in its 17th year performing

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — The Rowan Big Band All Stars — an 18-piece community big band based out of Landis, NC — are scheduled to play their annual Christmas show at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

This is the third of five concerts in the Stanly County Concert Association’s 2023-24 concert season. For season membership or single ticket information, visit stanlyconcert.com; tickets will also be sold at the door.

Adult admission is $25 and student admission is $10.

“This is a great venue for showing a big band like ours and our Christmas show is our biggest of the year!” Rowan Big Band vocal-

ist Bill Bucher Jr. said in a social media post. “I hope you’ll be able to join us for a holly-good show in December.”

The group will be performing traditional Christmas favorites at its Agri-Civic Center show.

With roots dating back to 2016, the Rowan Big Band plays as a nonprofit organization as the net proceeds from its musical performances are used to fund local charities. The band’s upcoming Albemarle show marks its eighth concert of the year.

Musically, the big band swing band is based in the tradition of famous bandleaders like Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Specializing in jazz standards and swing-era favorites, the RBB has also taken on ballads, pop hits, vocals, solo instrument features and ensemble performances.

Tenor saxophonist and retired Albemarle High School band director Tim Hedrick is the current

RBB music director.

Earlier this year, Hedrick — a Stanly County Concert Band member — was named the 2023 Arts Person of the Year by the Stanly County Arts Council for his efforts in supporting and promoting quality arts experiences for the county.

The group also includes tenor saxophonist Jamin Shanti, alto saxophonists Ed Harper and Mike Price, baritone saxophonists Mary Ellen Williams and Chris Cooper, as well as trombonists Chris Wilson, Randell Hastings, Charles Emerich and Eric Shakespeare.

Van Rowell, Bill Hall, Ned Weavil, Don Angel and Conard Haywood handle the band’s trumpet duties while keyboardist Nancy Sloop and guitarist Graham Carlton bolster a rhythm section of drummer Kurt Varney and bassist Peter de Klerk.

“From the beginning, founder Ron Turbyfill’s vision for the Band

These board and committee assignments received unanimous support from the commissioners.

Over two-thirds of the way into the meeting with a revamped board, Stanly County Manager Andy Lucas presented the board with multiple opioid settlement funding appropriation resolutions.

The first of the two was a unanimous vote to allocate $69,386 to the county’s EMS community paramedic division from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024; the division had originally requested an allocation of $110,188.50 in funding.

The second was a vote pertaining to Uwharrie Harm Reduction Initiative (UHRI).

See COMMISSIONERS, page 2

has been not only to keep the heritage of big band music alive, but also to support local charitable causes by providing quality entertainment for charity events and fundraisers,” the RBB said in a media release. “Over the years the band has performed at benefits for charities such as Communities in Schools, Speedway Childrens’ Charities, the USO, American Cancer Society, The American Legion Auxiliary, W.G. Hefner Veterans’ Medical Center and others.”

Upcoming concerts in the Stanly County Concert Association’s concert season series include classical pianists Paul and Sophia Chandley on Feb. 3 and the rhythm-and-blues band The Extraordinaires on March 23. Both are also scheduled to take place in the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center.

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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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Stanly County Journal ISSN: 2575-2278 Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Jesse Deal, Reporter Ryan Henkel, Reporter BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001 TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 STANLYJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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Based at an office inside Grace Place at 132 Church Street in Albemarle, UHRI is a harm-reduction nonprofit organization that was founded under the leadership of Open Hands of North Carolina, a faith-based organization in Lexington.

The UHRI has assisted with peer support and other opioid use disorder (OUD) recovery support services for the past four years.

Seeking an allocation of $39,527.50, between Jan. 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024 to continue its current peer support efforts and add an additional part-time peer support specialist, Open Hands requested the funding from the county with support from members of the county’s Health and Human Services Board, Department of Social Services, and EMS staff.

The commissioners voted 7-0 to allocate $31,395 to Open Hands, despite some vocal reservations from King and Crump about UHRI’s needle-exchange program.

North Carolina Rep. Wayne Sasser (R-Stanly) was in attendance at the meeting and addressed the board following their opioid funding allocations, praising the work done by Open Hands executive director Bob Harmon and his staff at Open Hands and UHRI. “Bob’s people do a fantastic job there,” the state representative said. “They’re pretty much the poster child for the state doing it the right way.

And let me tell you, treating HIV and treating hepatitis is a very expensive process. All those diseases we can prevent.

The issue here is not as much drug abuse as it is mental illness.”

Sasser continued: “Thank you for all you’re doing and I’m glad you made the point that this is all opioid settlement money from drug companies, drugstores, distributors and all that kind of stuff. It’s not North Carolina taxpayer money and it’s not Stanly County taxpayer money.”

The commissioners are set to hold their next regular meeting on Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. inside the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

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NC teen suing American Airlines over camera in plane bathroom The Associated Press BOSTON — The family of a North Carolina teenager is suing American Airlines, saying that a flight attendant taped an iPhone to an airplane toilet to record her using the restroom during a September flight.

Lawyers for the 14-year-old and her parents say that American “knew or should have known the flight attendant was a danger.” They say the failure of other crew members to confiscate the employee’s phone allowed him to destroy evidence.

The lawsuit against American and the unidentified flight attendant was filed Friday in U.S. district court in North Carolina.

American said the flight attendant was “withheld from service” immediately after the alleged incident and has not worked since.

“We take this matter very seriously and have been fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation, as safety and security are our highest priorities,” American said in a

AP PHOTO

In this photo provided by the law firm Lewis & Llewellyn LLP, an iPhone is taped to the back of a toilet seat on an American Airlines flight from Charlotte, N.C., to Boston, Sept. 2, 2023. prepared statement.

According to the lawsuit, the incident happened on a Sept. 2 flight from Charlotte to Boston.

The girl said that while she was waiting to use a bathroom in the economy section, where her family was sitting, the flight

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attendant told her to use one in the first-class cabin. He entered the bathroom first, saying he needed to wash his hands, then emerged a minute later to tell the girl that the seat was broken but not to worry about it.

The girl said that after she

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used the toilet, she noticed an iPhone that was mostly hidden by red airline tape reading “Remove from service” — but the camera flash was glowing.

The girl “was shocked and scared,” according to the lawsuit. “It immediately occurred to her that someone had put the phone there to film her using the toilet.”

She took her own picture of the device.

Lawyers for the family suggested that the flight attendant removed the phone and erased images of the girl before letting her father see his iPhone photos.

The family said an FBI agent later told the girl’s mother they did not arrest the man because they did not find any incriminating images on his phone.

The family’s lawyers said they do not know the flight attendant’s name, where he lives or whether he still works for American. The 14-year-old is undergoing therapy for trauma, they said.

Neither the girl nor her family are identified in the lawsuit.

The Associated Press does not name victims of sexual assault or abuse unless they come forward publicly.

American is based in Fort Worth, Texas, and has a major operation at the airport in Charlotte.

IN MEMORY

Irene Rose Sweet November 19, 2023 Concord On November 19, 2023, Irene Rose Sweet of Concord, NC went home to be with the Lord peacefully at the age of 89.

Irene is preceded by her husband, Leonard F. Sweet of 62 years and son, Leonard F. Sweet, Jr. Irene is lovingly rembered by her family; Diana (daughter) and Daniel Cullity of East Sandwhich, MA; Susan Ferrel (daughter) of Sebastian, FL; Patrica (daughter) and Jack Williams of The Villages, FL; Sandra (daughter) and Michael Burleigh of Loxahatchee, FL; James Sweet (son) of Midland, NC; Mary Ann (daughter) and Rodney Gaston of Concord, NC. Irene was also blessed with, 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.

Irene’s greatest love was the Lord, family and Cardinals. She was a beautiful, virtuous woman and loving mother. All of her children loved her dearly.

Condolences for the family may be offered online at www.stanlyfuneralhome.com

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

December 1 x Robert Lee Wing was arrested and charged with resisting a public officer, disorderly conduct, and second-degree trespass.

He received a $2,500 bond.

December 2 x Eric Christopher Spencer was arrested and charged with assault by strangulation, simple assault, injury to personal property and received a $5,000 bond. x Brandon L Holloway was arrested and charged with assault with a firearm upon a person who is employed at a detention facility, possession of a

weapon by prisoner, and carrying concealed gun.

He received a $100,000 bond.

suspended license due.

He received a $10,000 bond.

x Larrese Antonio Brewer was arrested and charged with two counts of trafficking in MDA/MDMA(ecstasy), possession of firearm by felon, and carrying concealed gun receiving a $550,000 bond.

x Dennis Ray Hyatt was arrested and charged with possess methamphetamine, felony possession schedule II-controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He received a $15,000 bond.

December 3

December 4

x Kevon Demarcus Dunlap was arrested and charged with possession of stolen firearm, possession of marijuana (up to 1/2 ounce), carrying concealed gun, possession of firearm by felon, and driving with a

x Tommee Arline Petty was arrested and charged with felony possession of a schedule II-controlled substance and received no bond.

Do you have a birthday, wedding, engagement or other milestone to celebrate?

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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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

COLUMN | MICHELE WOODHOUSE

NC: Don’t follow socialist Bernie Sanders on pharmacy benefit goose chase PBMs deliver substantial value to the covered employees, saving nearly $800 million in negotiations in North Carolina.

THE DISTANCE between the politics of extreme Left politicians like Bernie Sanders and the North Carolina General Assembly may seem vast, but on one crucial issue, they have come far too close for comfort. Addressing the escalating cost of prescription drugs is a pressing concern for families across the nation, prompting elected officials to show they are working on a solution.

Socialist politicians like Senator Senators have led a campaign using Americans’ anxiety around prescription drug prices to expand the role of government in health care, on the road to Medicare-for-All style total control, by undermining competition, freedom, and choice in the pharmacy benefit market.

This is not a path any conservative in the North Carolina General Assembly should follow, or frankly entertain.

It is essential for our North Carolina lawmakers to grasp the significance of what impeding the market-based role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) would mean for Tarheel state employers, including small businesses, and for prescription drug costs in our state.

PBMs exist because employers find value in hiring them to leverage scale and market forces to deliver prescription drug savings — savings that help businesses provide quality health care coverage for their workers and drive down their own costs. These vital actors empower employers to craft plans tailored to the unique needs of their employees, serving as indispensable tools in navigating the increasingly expensive health care market. If PBMs weren’t playing a valuable role in the free market, businesses wouldn’t hire them, period.

Yet politicians like Senator Sanders believe the government knows better than the market and wants to weaken the freedoms PBMs offer employers.

North Carolina cannot fall for this sort of big government, anti-market goose chase that promises lower prescription drug costs but would deliver just the opposite.

Going forward, legislators should reject proposals like HB 246, which was introduced in North Carolina earlier this year, that would use government mandates to weaken the competitive pharmacy benefit market. HB 246 plays into the hands of socialists like Senator Sanders and special interests, to the detriment of North Carolina businesses and consumers.

HB 246 represents government overreach at its worst and could have dire consequences for the thousands of North Carolinians who rely on PBMs to afford life-saving prescription drugs. By granting employers and plan sponsors the flexibility to customize their plans, PBMs deliver substantial value to the covered employees, saving nearly $800 million in negotiations in North Carolina alone, according to a recent report.

Contrary to safeguarding these savings, HB 246 proposes an additional $10.24 fee on many prescriptions in support of special interest pharmacies.

This legislation’s supporters seem more inclined to invite government intervention into the pharmaceutical market at the expense of patients, rather than fostering natural price reductions through healthy competition.

The principles behind HB 246, involving government mandates, pricefixing, and selective market interference,

align more with far-left radicals like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria OcasioCortez, than the values held by North Carolinians. Calls to target PBMs and support legislation like HB 246 often emanate from Washington, disregarding pro-business and free-market principles that fuel growth and stability in economies like ours. This raises the pressing question on my mind: why would North Carolina legislators even consider HB 246?

Claims that undermining PBMs will substantially and positively impact the pharmaceutical marketplace lack substance. A white paper by economist Alex Brill, founder and CEO of Matrix Global Advisors, reveals policies targeting PBMs “do nothing to address drug prices and may raise pharmaceutical spending overall.”

It is imperative that we safeguard tools like PBMs, which save North Carolinians money, rather than subjecting them to misguided scrutiny.

I urge our legislators in Raleigh to delve deeper into the root causes of rising prescription drug costs and support free market policies that effectively address those issues, rather than attacking entities in the market that secure savings for North Carolina patients and businesses.

And I certainly hope they move far away from proposals that mirror the left’s agenda to force our country towards a nationalized, socialist health care system.

Michele Woodhouse is a conservative activist and the former NC11 GOP District Chair..

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

Good riddance to George Santos Serving in Congress is not a right. It is a privilege.

IT TOOK THREE VOTES and a scathing, 56-page report from the House Ethics Committee to convince the requisite two-thirds majority necessary to expel a pathological liar from the House of Representatives. The question is not whether he deserved to be expelled, but what took so long.

He has been charged with multiple felonies, including fraud and money laundering. The Ethics committee concluded that he made up his resume, defrauded donors and spent campaign funds on personal expenses including his Botox injections.

It took all of that, and then some, for the House to act. The first two votes Santos managed to survive because most Republicans didn’t want to expel someone who hadn’t (yet) been convicted of a crime. The report of the Ethics Committee and close calls in an election year changed the equation. Vulnerable Republicans didn’t want to be out there defending the right of a pathological liar to be a member of the House. You would think that would be a given, but until now, it wasn’t.

Due process?

Santos is complaining that he was deprived of it, but it’s hard to see why.

Serving in Congress is not a right. It is not a license to lie. It is a privilege, and one Santos plainly had no right to.

How did he ever think otherwise?

There is, to be sure, the danger that a very much divided and dysfunctional House could abuse the power to expel, wielding it as a political weapon to be used against those with whom you disagree politically.

This is how the censure power is being used, whether against Adam Schiff (who treated it as a badge of glory and a hook for fundraising) or Rashida Tlaib. But this is different.

George Santos very clearly abused his power as a member of Congress. He was given the opportunity to defend himself to his peers, the members of the House Ethics Committee, and they found against him. If lying, cheating and stealing from your donors is not enough for expulsion, what is?

Santos plainly should have resigned.

“He could do the country and his constituents a service if he just resigned,” Rep. Robert Garcia, one of the leaders of the anti-Santos effort told reporters before the final expulsion vote. “A person that fabricates their entire life story and gets elected on a lie should not be in Congress.”

Even so, Republicans didn’t call the vote, with Speaker Mike Johnson telling his colleagues to “vote their conscience.”

The speaker voted no. Was that really his conscience talking, or was he just counting votes? What does that say about your conscience? Johnson’s excuse was that he worried about setting a precedent with the expulsion of a member who has not been convicted of a crime. But what kind of a standard is that?

At a time when public respect for elected officials is in the toilet, isn’t it time for those who are elected or appointed to high office to be held to a higher standard than whether they have been convicted of a crime? What is the purpose of even having a House Ethics Committee if not to police its own members? If you need Santos’ vote to carry the day, isn’t that proof that you shouldn’t have it?

It takes a super-majority of two-thirds to expel a member. That served to protect George Santos through the first two votes, until the House Ethics Committee finally acted albeit slowly. But it was important for the House to act, even if slowly, at least to send the message that ethics matters more than party, because it should.

3

4 SIDELINE REPORT

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

SPORTS

NFL

49ers linebacker Greenlaw, Eagles security chief ejected Philadelphia San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was ejected from Sunday’s against Philadelphia for putting his hand in the face of the Eagles’ security chief.

Dom DiSandro, a constant presence on the Eagles’ sideline and whenever players are out in public, pulled Greenlaw off Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith after a reception. Greenlaw popped up and reached over two officials to touch DiSandro’s face with a closed fist. Greenlaw was ejected.

DiSandro also was told to leave and walked to the locker room with a roaring ovation from Eagles fans.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Bronny James joins USC for warmups Last Vegas Two days after it was announced Bronny James had been cleared by doctors for a full return to basketball, the Southern California freshman took the floor for warmups Saturday before the Trojans’ 89-76 loss to No. 11 Gonzaga in the Las Vegas Invitational. The son of NBA career scoring leader LeBron James was upbeat and jovial as he knocked down seven consecutive 3-pointers at one point during warmups. Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest four months ago. He was found to have a congenital heart defect that was treatable.

He’s expected to be evaluated again next week and could play in a game soon after.

NHL

Devils’ Hamilton, Nosek out indefinitely after surgeries Newark, N.J. The New Jersey Devils said defenseman Dougie Hamilton and forward Tomas Nosek are both out indefinitely after having surgeries this week.

Hamilton had an operation Friday to repair his torn left pectoral muscle. Nosek had surgery Wednesday to fix a right foot problem that led him to miss 10 games earlier this year. The team recalled defenseman Simon Nemec from Utica of the AHL. The team said they would provide timelines on both players’ recoveries when available.

Hamilton played three seasons for the Hurricanes from 2018-21 before signing a seven-year, $63 million contract with the Devils.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Boise State removes interim tag, names Danielson coach Boise, Idaho Boise State promoted interim head coach Spencer Danielson to the fulltime job Sunday after the Broncos won the final two games of the regular season and the Mountain West championship with him in charge. Danielson took over on an interim basis after Andy Avalos was fired on Nov. 12, just 36 games into his tenure in Boise and with the Broncos sitting at 5-5. The team responded with wins over Utah State and Air Force and qualified for the Mountain West championship game. The Broncos beat UNLV in the championship game Saturday and a day later athletic director Jeremiah Dickey promoted Danielson.

AP PHOTO

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is chased by Buccaneers defensive end William Gholston during the Carolina’s 21-18 loss Sunday in Tampa, Florida.

Panthers drop first game under Tabor, 21-18 at Buccaneers Carolina quarterback Bryce Young threw an interception with just over two minutes left The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla. — Mike Evans sprinted between two defenders into the open, snagged a pass approaching midfield, and took off for the end zone.

Tampa Bay’s career receiving leader scored on a 75-yard pass play and later joined Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history to string together 10 consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus yards receiving while helping the Buccaneers beat the struggling Carolina Panthers 21-18 on Sunday.

“I don’t know how much more you can say. He’s been like this for 10 years now — 60 catches 10 years in a row, 1,000 yards 10 years in a row,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said.

Evans finished with seven receptions for 162 yards, increasing his season totals to 61 catches for 1,012 yards and 10

touchdowns. Rice set the league record of 11 straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving from 1986 through 1996.

The Bucs (5-7) won for only the second time in the past eight games, climbing into a tie for second place in the weak NFC South. Carolina (1-11) scored late to pull within a field goal, but No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young threw an interception with just over two minutes remaining, ending any chance of coming from behind to win the Panthers’ debut under interim coach Chris Tabor.

“I love those guys. ... I feel for them,” Tabor said. “Losing stinks and it’s hard and it’s frustrating. But at the same time, you can handle things two ways, and that’s what we talked about.

You can either handle it with character or you can handle it with compromise. So which is it going to be? I like our guys.

We’ll just keep working.”

Rachaad White scored an early touchdown and receiver Chris Godwin scored on a 19-yard run early in the fourth quarter, expanding Tampa Bay’s lead to 21-

“I can’t lie and say it’s not frustrating.”

Bryce Young, Panthers quarterback 10. Chuba Hubbard rushed 104 yards and two TDs for Carolina, and Young’s 2-point conversion run trimmed Tampa Bay’s lead to 21-18 with 5:02 left.

Despite losing six of seven games following a 3-1 start, the Bucs began the day trailing Atlanta and New Orleans by one game in the NFC South. The Falcons (6-6) beat the New York Jets to remain on top of the division, while the Saints (5-7) lost to the Detroit Lions to fall into a tie for second place with the Bucs.

The Panthers fired Frank Reich last Monday, 11 games into the coach’s first season leading the Panthers. Tabor was promoted to interim coach and said he encouraged players to “play

The Snub Bowl: Florida State, Georgia to meet in Orange Bowl The Seminoles and Bulldogs were left out of the College Football Playoff The Associated Press MIAMI LAKES, Fla. — Florida State won every game this season. Georgia won 29 in a row, including back-to-back national championships, then lost by a field goal. And neither was deemed good enough by the College Football Playoff committee.

Two very angry teams will get a trip to the Orange Bowl instead.

No. 4 Florida State (13-0 ACC, No. 5 CFP) will play No. 6 Georgia (12-1 SEC, No. 6 CFP) on Dec. 30 in the Orange Bowl after both programs felt like they deserved a chance to play for the national title. The CFP committee decided that the Seminoles were doomed by quarterback Jordan Travis’ broken leg and dropped Georgia five spots after its loss to Alabama in the SEC title game.

“I’m hurting for our players who have displayed a tremendous amount of resilience and response this season,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said Sunday. “What happened today goes

AP PHOTO

Florida State coach Mike Norvell lifts the trophy after the Seminoles’ win Saturday over Louisville in the ACC championship game in Charlotte. against everything that is true and right in college football. A team that overcame tremendous adversity and found a way to win doing whatever it took on the field was cheated today. It’s a sad day for college football.”

Six teams had realistic arguments to make the four-team CFP field: Michigan, Washington, Texas, Alabama, Florida State and Georgia. The first four of those teams made the playoff,

and the Seminoles’ fate — undefeated, ACC champions and snubbed anyway — even had other schools who made the playoff shaking their head.

“You go undefeated and miss it by one spot, makes me feel sympathy for those guys,” Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford said. “Just like us, they put in the same amount of work in the offseason. They fought just as hard throughout the season. They’re still players.

loose, not reckless” and have fun moving forward.

It was the second time in a little more than a year that Carolina faced Tampa Bay shortly after the in-season firing of a coach. Matt Rhule was dismissed in October 2022, two weeks before the Panthers knocked off Tom Brady and the visiting Bucs 21-3.

Young completed 15 of 31 passes for 178 yards and an interception, Antoine Winfield Jr.’s pick that ended the comeback bid. The rookie was sacked four times.

“Of course, no one’s happy with how things have gone.

We’re all competitors, but ultimately we play for each other,” Young said.

“Each game is huge for us. We are of that mindset,” Young added. “So, I can’t lie and say it’s not frustrating. But ultimately what permeates the locker room is the desire to want to be better, desire to want to grow and play for each other.”

The Panthers travel to New Orleans to face the Saints next Sunday.

They’ve still got a program. It’s just a tough situation to be in.”

Washington coach Kalen DeBoer — the CFP’s No. 2 seed — was asked if he could imagine going 13-0 and not making the field.

“In all honesty, no,” DeBoer said.

Georgia and Ohio State were the only two teams ranked No. 1 during the regular season by the CFP committee. Neither wound up in the playoff. Since this format was introduced in 2014, there had never been a season where every team ranked No. 1 in the regular season failed to get picked for the playoff field; the only others to go from No. 1 at any point to completely out at the end were Tennessee (one week in 2022) and Mississippi State (three weeks in 2014).

Georgia and Florida State had one big difference. Georgia lost a game. The Seminoles only lost a quarterback.

Travis’ college-career-ending broken leg in what should have been a largely meaningless game against North Alabama last month might decide the national championship. At minimum, it helped decide who plays for it.

“Florida State is a different team without Jordan Travis,” CFP selection committee chair Boo Corrigan, NC State’s athletic director, said. “One of the things we do consider is player availability, and our job is to rank the best teams, and in the final decision looking at that, it was Alabama at 4 and Florida State at 5.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

South Stanly boys edge past West Stanly in home win

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Amari Baldwin

The Bulls are now 4-0 to start the season

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal PLAYING AT HOME in Norwood, the South Stanly Bulls boys’ basketball team narrowly took down a local rival as they defeated West Stanly 46-44 on Friday night.

The Bulls (4-0) held a 23-18 lead over the Colts (2-2) at halftime as a back-and-forth game ensued for the next two quarters.

With a 42-42 tie late in the fourth quarter, South used a clutch shot and a subsequent free throw to go up by three points. West junior Gavyn Efird pulled his team within one point, but the Bulls managed a defensive stand that soon gave them the ball back.

Head coach Sean Whitley’s South Stanly team now stands unbeaten in four games with previous wins over Central Academy (1-4), South Davidson (1-3) and South Rowan (0-3).

West has a pair of wins over Gray Stone (0-4) and Albemarle (0-3) followed by losses to Mount Pleasant (2-3) and the Bulls.

Returning to the road, the Bulls played the Forest Hills Yellow Jackets (1-1) on Tuesday and they will now host the North Moore Mustangs (20) on Friday. Meanwhile, the Colts returned home to play the Charlotte Latin Hawks (24) on Tuesday and Albemarle on Friday.

CREDIT ALBEMARLE BULLDOGS ATHLETICS

Albemarle, girls’ basketball Amari Baldwin is a junior point guard for the Albemarle girls basketball team.

The unbeaten Bulldogs ran their record to 3-0 with a 65-64 win over Chatham Charter last week. Baldwin scored a team-high 23 points in the win, adding 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. The performance came on the heels of a 41-point outing against West Stanly that saw her score her 1,000th career point, becoming the sixth Bulldog to hit that milestone.

Baldwin is averaging 30.7 ppg and 8 steals to lead Albemarle.

Undefeated North Stanly girls take down Uwharrie Charter in road victory The Comets have won all seven of their games so far

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ANCHORED BY STAR forward Shalyn Bell, the North Stanly girls’ basketball team outscored Uwharrie Charter in all four quarters on Friday as the Comets (7-0) pulled off a 53-33 road win over the Eagles (5-3).

Up 27-17 at half, North’s defense limited Uwharrie Charter to just nine third-quarter points and seven fourth-quarter points as the undefeated Comets cruised to their seventh straight victory.

On the heels of last season’s successful 20-6 campaign, the Comets have picked right up where they left off.

Head coach Regan Allen’s Comet team has now scored (418) more than double the amount of points surrendered to its opponents (183). Out of sev-

North Stanly 68, Uwharrie Charter 64 Over the weekend, the North Stanly boys (4-1) won their third straight game as they slid past Uwharrie Charter (5-2) on the road in a 68-64 finish.

en challengers, only Southwestern Randolph (1-1) came within five points (58-53) of matching North’s offensive output.

The Comets and Albemarle Bulldogs (3-0) currently remain as the only undefeated teams in the Yadkin Valley Conference.

North faced the Anson Bearcats (0-4) on the road on Tuesday and will host the South Davidson Wildcats (1-3) on Friday.

West Stanly 64, South Stanly 23 Following a blowout loss to Albemarle and a tight loss to Mount Pleasant (3-2), the West Stanly girls (2-2) got back on track with a 41-point road win at South Stanly (1-3) on Friday.

The Colts are looking to improve after an 8-17 season, while the Bulls are fielding their first girls’ team since the abbreviated 2020-21 season.

West hosted Charlotte Latin Hawks (3-2) on Tuesday and will host Albemarle in a quick rematch on Friday. At the same

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Coming off a 5-17 season, the Gray Stone Knights have seen some success but also some continued struggles over the past month. time, South played at Forest Hills (1-1) on Tuesday and will now host the North Moore Mustangs (2-0) on Friday.

Albemarle 65, Chatham Charter 64 The Albemarle Bulldogs — the reigning Yadkin Valley Conference champs — have enjoyed a brief break following a onepoint road victory over Chatham Charter (6-1) on Nov. 28.

While the Bulldogs trailed the Knights 53-47 going into the third quarter, Albemarle pulled back into form as junior Amari Baldwin (23 points) and

The Comets’ victory was the Eagles’ first home loss of the season and second consecutive loss after five straight wins to start the year. In just a short amount of time, North already has over a quarter of the wins it had in last season’s 13-12 campaign.

Moving forward, North traveled to face the Anson Bearcats (2-0) on Tuesday and will host the South Davidson Wildcats (1-3) on Friday.

Chatham Charter 70, Albemarle 61 Albemarle’s rough start to the season continued on Nov. 28 as the Bulldogs fell in a nine-point road loss at Chatham Charter.

While the Bulldogs held a 33-26 lead over the Knights (53) at halftime, Chatham Charter roared back with a ferocious third quarter where it outscored Albemarle 27-3. Leading 53-36 heading into the fourth quarter, the Knights allowed the Bulldogs to inch closer but held on for a 70-61 finish.

Albemarle played at North Rowan (1-1) on Tuesday and will travel to Red Cross to play West Stanly on Friday.

Anson 71, Gray Stone 29 Powered by a 24-point third quarter, the Anson Bearcats (2-0) pulled away to a 71-29 road win over the Gray Stone Knights over the weekend.

Stuck in an extensive rut, the Knights are still searching for their first victory since a 72-60 home win over South Davidson on Jan. 28, 2020; they have yet to score over 30 points in a game this season.

The team will host North Moore on Thursday before heading to face the Langtree Charter Lions (0-5) on Monday.

Bianca Robinson (19 points) helped their team outscore Chatham Charter 18-11 in the fourth quarter.

Albemarle played at North Rowan (2-0) on Tuesday and will travel to Red Cross to challenge the West Stanly Colts again on Friday.

Christ the King 55, Gray Stone 29 Coming off a 5-17 season, the Gray Stone Knights have seen some success but also some continued struggles over the past month; the latter was in full swing on Thursday as the Knights (3-3) suffered a 55-29 road loss at Christ the King (21).

The loss snapped a two-game string of wins over two winless teams: Anson (0-4) and Central Academy (0-5).

The Knights are set to host North Moore on Thursday before heading to face the Langtree Charter Lions (3-2) on Monday.

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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Millennial Money: 5 steps to creating financial boundaries during the holidays Consider including a “lending bucket” in your budget, which comprises an amount that doesn’t throw your finances off.

By Elizabeth Ayoola NerdWallet MARKETING ADS, family functions and holiday gift-giving culture can make it feel impossible not to spend, or for some, overspend. According to a 2023 survey from NerdWallet, around half of Americans (52%) incurred credit card debt when shopping for gifts during the holidays last year, and almost a third (31%) of them still haven’t paid it off.

While giving can be noble, consider setting boundaries when it comes to lending and spending money during the holidays.

STEP 1: SET 2024 MONEY GOALS It can be difficult to rein in your spending during the holidays if you don’t have a reason. Begin the process of mapping out your financial goals for 2024 to help avoid shortsightedness while spending. For instance, if you want to make larger payments on your student loan or save for a down payment on a new car next year, overspending during the holidays could set you back.

“Really be brutally honest about what your financial commitments for January and February (are),” says Yvette Murry, a clinical social worker in Princeton, New Jersey, who helps cli-

STEP 3: UNDERSTAND IT’S OK TO FEEL GUILTY

AP PHOTO

In this June 15, 2018, file photo, cash is fanned out from a wallet ents with financial wellness.

STEP 2: PRACTICE SAYING NO TO REQUESTS Prices are high, and requests to borrow money this time of the year might be, too. As much as you may feel obligated to play Santa and give cash to everyone who asks, it could put you in a financial bind come the new year.

“Too often we do what others want us to do and then find ourselves in a position that really is not best for us or for our families or our mental health,” Mur-

ry says.

When you do get requests beyond your capacity, prepare to say no. For those who aren’t well-versed in ‘no,’ Traci Williams, a certified financial therapist and psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, provides an example of how to say it.

“You can say something along the lines of, ‘Thank you so much for thinking of me when you’re planning this. I am unable to do it because it’s outside of my budget,’” Williams says. “Something that is simple and short like that can help to preserve the relationship.”

Judge rejects Trump’s claim of immunity in his federal 2020 election prosecution The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump is not immune from prosecution in his election interference case in Washington, a federal judge ruled Friday, knocking down the Republican’s bid to derail the case charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan’s decision amounts to a sharp rejection to challenges the Trump defense team had raised to the four-count indictment in advance of a trial expected to center on the Republican’s multi-pronged efforts to undo the election won by Democrat Joe Biden.

Though the judge turned aside Trump’s expansive view of presidential power, the order might not be the final say in the legal fight. Lawyers for Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing, are expected to quickly appeal to fight what they say an unsettled legal question.

In her ruling, Chutkan said the office of the president “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-ofjail-free’ pass.”

“Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while

AP PHOTO

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump stands on the field during halftime in an NCAA college football game between the University of South Carolina and Clemson Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. in office.”

Chutkan also rejected Trump’s claims that the indictment violates the former president’s free speech rights. Lawyers for Trump had argued that he was within his First Amendment rights to challenge the outcome of the election and to allege that it had been tainted by fraud, and they accused prosecutors of attempting to criminalize political speech and po-

litical advocacy.

But Chutkan said “it is well established that the First Amendment does not protect speech that is used as an instrument of a crime.”

“Defendant is not being prosecuted simply for making false statements ... but rather for knowingly making false statements in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy and obstructing the electoral process,” she wrote.

Guilt can come when you say no, whether that’s to requests for money, traveling to see family or buying your partner an expensive gift. When we say no, we may feel guilt because of expectations from ourselves, family and society, Williams says.

“If you can tune in to what actually is important to you, what your actual values are, and you can hold firm to those, you’re less likely to feel guilt,” she says.

To deal with those difficult feelings, Williams suggests first identifying them.

“A lot of people feel things and don’t realize what the actual feeling is,” she says. Once you name the feeling, you can counter it by reinforcing why you made that decision, she adds. For instance, if you have to say no to buying gifts this year, remember the importance of creating financial stability for yourself.

even during the holidays. To understand why you’re making certain financial decisions, Murry suggests asking yourself the motivation behind loaning someone money or spending.

“Am I seeking to right a wrong? Am I seeking to fulfill a need I had as a child? Ask, ‘Why I am making those decisions?’” she says.

Understanding your motivations for spending can help you reinforce boundaries and potentially establish new money beliefs rooted in values you want to emulate. For example, if you realize you overspend on gifts because you were taught by your parents that gifts are the best way to show love, you may decide giving intangible gifts of time or love are more important to you.

STEP 5: REMEMBER HOLIDAY PRESSURE IS NORMAL

Many of our money habits may be driven by subconscious beliefs or motivations,

Holiday pressure is real and it can cause us to exceed our budgets. Acknowledging that holiday pressure is normal can help you stay focused and within your budget. Williams says to remember you don’t have to do everything, and expecting that of yourself is unrealistic.

“Recognizing that that pressure exists and that marketing is doing its job can help you to remember that you have to stick to your own goals,” she says.

An attorney for Trump declined to comment Friday evening.

Her ruling comes the same day the federal appeals court in Washington ruled that lawsuits brought by Democratic lawmakers and police officers who have accused Trump of inciting the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, can move forward.

The appeals court in that case rejected Trump’s sweeping claims that presidential immunity shields him from liability, but left the door open for him to continue to fight, as the cases proceed, to try to prove that his actions were taken his official capacity as president.

Trump’s legal team had argued the criminal case, which is scheduled to go to trial in March, should be dismissed because the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner is shielded from prosecution for actions he took while fulfilling his duties as president. They assert that the actions detailed in the indictment — including pressing state officials on the administration of elections — cut to the core of Trump’s responsibilities as commander in chief.

The Supreme Court has held that presidents are immune from civil liability for actions related to their official duties, but the justices have never grappled with the question of whether that immunity extends to criminal prosecution.

The Justice Department has also held that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. Trump’s lawyers are trying to ensure that same protection to a for-

mer president for actions taken while in office, asserting that no prosecutor since the beginning of American democracy has had the authority to bring such charges.

“Against the weight of that history, Defendant argues in essence that because no other former Presidents have been criminally prosecuted, it would be unconstitutional to start now,” Chutkan wrote. “But while a former President’s prosecution is unprecedented, so too are the allegations that a President committed the crimes with which Defendant is charged.”

Special counsel Jack Smith’s team has said there is nothing in the Constitution, or in court precedent, to support the idea that a former president cannot be prosecuted for criminal conduct committed while in the White House.

“The defendant is not above the law. He is subject to the federal criminal laws like more than 330 million other Americans, including Members of Congress, federal judges, and everyday citizens,” prosecutors wrote in court papers.

It’s one of four criminal cases Trump is facing while he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024.

Smith has separately charged Trump in Florida with illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left the White House. Trump is also charged in Georgia with conspiring to overturn his election loss to Biden. And he faces charges in New York related to hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign.

STEP 4: EXPLORE YOUR MOTIVATIONS AROUND HOLIDAY SPENDING

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

7

obituaries obituaries

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye Nancy Stoker

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Morris

Dwight Farmer

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

Judith Ann Smith

December 19, 1946 — December Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, 2, 2023 Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Norwood died Sunday morning, September 24, 1944 - Dec 2, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

2023 Judith Ann Smith, 76, of January 14, 2023 at her home.

Dwight was born January 24, New passed away Barbara was born April 17, 1936 1939 in London, Stanly County to the late Nancy Stoker Morris, 79, Saturday, December 2, 2023, at in North Carolina to the late Robert Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins of Albemarle, passed away StanlyHe Manor.

Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Farmer. was a 1957 graduate Saturday, She wasHigh born in Allentown, Watts Taylor. December 2, 2023, at of Norwood School and was her home in Albemarle.

PA on December 19, 1946, to She was also preceded in death a United States Army Veteran.

Nancyofwas bornKeith September the late John Edwin Olejack by husband 61 years, Furr He was a member of Cedar Grove Sr. 24,and 1944, in North Carolina Drye, brothers, Robert Lee to United and the late Anna J. Olejack.

Methodist Church where he the late Wade Franklin Stoker Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth She grewasup in Catasauqua, PA had served church treasurer and and the late Ruth Talbert Taylor. andmember. later resided in Whitehall choir He began his career Gibson. She waschildren, also preceded Survivors include Township. with the StanlyBefore Countyrelocating Sheriff’s to in death byWilliams brother of Reggie Debbie (Mike) NC she attended Andrew's Department moving St. to the Norwood Stoker, Kent and twin Albemarle, TeresaStoker, (Tom) Curry Roman Catholicand Church inas Police Department retiring brother Paul Stoker. of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Catasauqua andthe was a 1964 Chief of Police with Town of Survivors husband, Drye of Oakboro;include grandchildren, graduate of Central Catholic Norwood after many years of service.

Larry(Don) James Morris of Melissa Parrish of Albemarle, High School inavid Allentown.

Dwight was an gardener, Albemarle, NC daughter, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Lisa She was married 42 years bird watcher and Carolina fan. to Lunsford (Kenneth), Oakboro, Bradley Smith ofNew Oakboro, James Joseph by Smith, Sr.Hilda who He is survived his wife Jonathan Stover Peachland, and London, NC,ofgrandchildren; Whitley Farmer; onedeath son D.inBritten preceded her in 2008.

Jessie StoverLunsford of Lylesville; sisterHunter (Hannah), Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, Judith is survived by a son, in-law, Beatrice Goodman; many Greyson Lunsford (Hannah), NC; one daughter Sharon Jr. Farmer James Joseph Smith, of nieces and andand her beloved Lowe both of nephews; Albemarle (David) ofNC; Norwood; one Albemarle, daughter, cats, Bo and Garfield.

McKenna Harwood (Corey), sister Geraldine of Troy; Jessica Lynn Dennis St. Martin andtwo Barbara wasNC; a member of Norwood, three great grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” husband, Erik M. St. Martin of Oakboro Baptist Church forCharlie, over grandchildren Rylan, Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Midland, NC; grandchildren, 60and years.

She worked over brothers, 30 years Crew Lunsford; Lowe.

Kendall Elizabeth Stamper at Stanly After just KinerKnitting Gibson Mills.

(Lynn), Randy He was preceded in death by and Karlye Michelle Stamper; twoGibson years of(Susan) retirement, began andshe Bart hisbrother, son Alex,John brothers, Tommy and Edwin "Jack" managing Oakboro Senior Gibsonthe (Bonnie).

Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Olejack of Tampa, FL; and Center and did that for 18 years ns taken Annabell, Glennie and Betty. nephews, John Mae, Michael Olejack until this past week. Barbara was g that no Memorials may be made to Cedar of Toms River, NJ, Andrew known for her good cooking and eginning Grove United Methodist Church, FL, Nicolas Olejack of Orlando, always taking care of others. She also Cemetery acy has or Choir Fund c/o Pam of and Phillip Anthony Olejack loved going on day long shopping ring such Smith 36071 RockyPA. River Springs Northampton, trips - she could out walk and out Road, 28128.

InNorwood, additionNC to her husband shop people half her age. She kept of that and parents, she was preceded her mind and body active through ues in esin death by daughter-in-law, gardening, word searches, and other forAnn Marie Smith. various other hobbies. en crimwould be art now,” while a prosecu, so too t a Presimes with rged.” k Smith’s nothing in court the idea nt cannot March 17, 1938 — November inal con29, 2023 e in the

William "Bill" Floyd Coley

William Floyd “Bill” Coley, ot above 85, passed away in Atrium o the fedHealth Cabarrus Hospital ke more in Concord on 29 November er Amer2023. Born in Concord, he was mbers of a son of Clegg W. Coley and ges, and Flonnie B. (Greene) Coley and osecutors the devoted husband of the late Gaye F. (Shoe) Coley for over 62 nal cases years until her passing in 2020. he seeks Two daughters survive House in him: Lisa Coley Hargett of Mooresville and Tonda Coley charged Edwards of Kannapolis, illegally both of whom he shared a ocuments home with for the last few ate after years. Also surviving are four e. Trump grandchildren: Brandon Furr rgia with and wife Amy of Houston, TX, his elecBryan Furr and wife Megan of d he facKannapolis, Brittany Overcash k related of Huntersville, and Joshua nts made Overcash of Charlotte; four ign. great-grandchildren: Elena and Clarice Furr of Houston, TX, and Madelyn and Elijah Furr of Kannapolis.

Preceding him in death was his sister, Ella Ruth Coley Smith of Concord, and surviving is his brother, Robert E. Coley of Lancaster, PA.

Jean Caroline Grygier

March 1, 1934 — November 30, 2023 Jean Caroline Grygier, 89, of Midland, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023.

Mrs. Grygier was born March 1, 1934, in Pennsylvania, to the late Howard and Julia Walther Schaefer. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, John Grygier; brothers Howard, Jack, and Victor Schaefer; sister, Anna Terry.

Survivors include, daughter, Jean Haines and husband, Walter; son, Johnny Grygier; daughter, Jacqueline Miller and husband, Gordon; daughter, Joann Welwood and husband, Jay; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Delores Harris and Barbara Kurelco.

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

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

Florence James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Thompson Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health Jenkins and Rehab.

John B. Kluttz

Larry Alan Carpenter John grew up in the Millingport March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

community he drove a school Novemberwhere 30, 1939 — Decembus and worked the local gas ber 1,at2023 Mr. Roseboro was born on February 20, 1929 — December station during his High School years.

June 23, 1967 to late Robert 1, the 2023 HeLarry graduated Millingport Alanfrom Carpenter went and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He High in 1954 and entered into to be with the Lord on Friday, graduated from South Stanly service with1,the US Airforce Florence Thompson Jenkins, December 2023, one day High and was went employed byin immediately Upon He 94, ofSchool Harrisburg, to be following hisafterward.

84th birthday.

Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching return thesurrounded service, he and her Heavenly Home with Jesus, left thefrom earth by his football and December basketball, especially high school sweetheart Julie were on Friday, 1, 2023, the his loving and grateful family Carolina TarHeels and Miami. married in 1956.heaven He graduated from at Levine & Dickson Hospice while entering and was In addition to his parents he is Nashville Auto Diesel College later House in Huntersville. welcomed by his beloved wife in preceded in death his brothers 1959other and began hismembers career as awho diesel Florence was by born February and family and Barbara LeeAL, Roseboro, mechanic at Mitchell Distributing 20, sisters: 1929, in Tarrant, to the were waiting for this blessed Dorothy Brown,Hade VernaSwindal Roseboro, Company, moving his growing late William and reunion.

Henrietta Ingram, and Harold family to Charlotte where they lived the late Inez Tanner Swindal.

Larry was born November Roseboro. until their retirement.

She was also preceded in death 30, 1939, to the late Craig survived by his sisters: When John purchased his first byHe heris first husband, Doyce Carpenter and the late Lyndall Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards Model A Ford at the age of 17, he Reginald Thompson; second Love Carpenter. of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro said that he took the car to the husband, John Ambrose He leavesmechanic behind awhen son,he had of Washington DC, and Marion community Jenkins; brother, William Scott Carpenter (Lynn) Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: a small problem.The mechanic told Nelson D. Swindal; and sister, and daughter Jennifer Yow Thomas Roseboro of Charlotte, him that if he was going to keep the Laura Roseboro Pauline Swindal (Jeff) wastogifted inwork this on Robert (Patricia) Weaver. of car, hewho needed learn to Survivors daughter, position privilege to call for Norwood, and include Van Horne; a special it. This is of when John’s passion Beth Thompson-Peace him Dad. As part of thathow he friend of over 40 years, Michelle Model A Fords began and of Concord; son,home; James generational blessings, he his leaves McLendon of the special spent his happiest days with best Thompson ofMontague, FL; son, Knya five grandchildren, Kelton nieces: Nybrea friends from around the globe for the Michael Thompson (Amber), Kirby Little, and(Joyce) Laquanza Crump; special Carpenter rest of his life! of SC; sister, Elizabeth Irene Carpenter, Carpenter nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond At age 50,Kaley after years as a Detroit Swindal Guthrie of FL; Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly;five and Morgan (Ethan),heEmma Yow Diesel Mechanic and Julie granddaughters, Madison God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and (fiancé and Bryce Yow, decidedPatrick) to take the plunge and Peace,friends, Reagan Peace,Johnson Meaghan special Vetrella and and grandchildren, openfour a fullgreat Model A Restoration (Stephen) Thompson-Slappey, Ben McLendon.

Cooper Carpenter, Shop. They thrived atCade their shop in Jordan Thompson and Sarah Carpenter, Colby and Cornelius, NC untilCarpenter their retirement Thompson; and several nieces in 1998 when theyHe moved to Brooks Morgan. alsoback loved and nephews.

Cabarrus John once again and leavesCounty. behind a brother set upCarpenter shop in his back yard garage Greg (Joyce) and whereFran he attracted loyal group of sister Baileya(Doug). friends who visited almost daily.

While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Award the highest award given to members January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, at the national level.

2023 This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, learning of his death: entered eternal rest, Sunday, January He was an active member of 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina.

Wesley Chapel Methodist Church April 17, 1943 — November Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly 28, where he loved serving as greeter on 2023 Darrick was County, North Carolina, Sunday mornings. He also belonged the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. May 1928 — November to the23, United Methodist Men. 29, Miller, andLinda the lateElaine PhyllisHartsell Blue Baldwin.

2023by his wife John is survived 80, of Concord, went to be in her Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years Darrick enjoyed life, always kept Heavenly withmaking Jesus, on things livelyHome, and enjoyed Anthony Costanzo, of John the home.

He is also survived Tuesday, November 28,is2023, others smile.

His presence no 95, away Wednesday, by apassed son John David Kluttz (Kim) longer in our midst, but his and was surrounded by memory her of Oakboro,29, NC;2023, two daughters, November in will forever live in our hearts. loving family.

Sally Simerson of Denver, and Harrisburg NC. He wasCO born He was educated the Stanly Linda was borninApril 17, 1943 May Betsy23, Tusa (John) Lafayette, CO; 1928, inof Middlesboro, County public schools attended in Stanfield, North and Carolina, three grandchildren, Kluttz Kentucky to Pascal Bonnie and Mary Albemarle High School, to the lateSenior Luther Madison Sammons (Ben) Richfield, NC Costanzo.

Johnof was preceded Albemarle.

Hartsell, and the late Autie John Alexander (Sarah) in death by his McKinnon wife Camille He was Hartsell. a great conversationalist Whitley of Asheville, and Seth William Jane Miller NC Costanzo and andShe loved meeting people. Darrick was also preceded in McKinnon Germany; three of his(Amanda) children,ofLorin never met stranger and Larry always death byaher brother, five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Anthony Costanzo, Debra showed loveand andher compassion for his Hartsell, sister, Lucielle Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ann Costanzo, & Peter Glen fellowman.

Mullis. He also loved his dog, Ronan. John isis also preceded Costanzo.

He survived byin Rocky.

Survivors include her loving death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and his daughter Camie Lynn He is survived his father, Mary Wyatt Clayton(Walt) Kluttz;and a large husband Larryby Wayne Miller Costanzo Comley Eddie Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal and loving group of brothers (of 62J.years), daughter, Cynthia three grandchildren, Toni and (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Sutton, granddaughters, Lindsey Ann Costanzo, Ryan Walter Medley, andand Morgan Baldwin; Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Barham, husband Charlie, Comley, John Anthony “Jack” brothers: Baldwin Anton Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia WhitneyEddie Greene, and Jr., husband Comley, as well as numerous Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Caleb, and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was host of other relatives and friends. A Fowler Kluttz.

Haelyn, Levi, Sophia, and very proud of his grandkids limb has fallen from our family tree.

Harper. Also survived by brother, and loved them deeply.

We will not grieve Darrick’s death; Dwight Hartsell, sister, we will celebrate his life.

WePeggy give Hartsell, nieces nephews. thanksgiving for theand many shared memories.

Darrick Baldwin

Linda Elaine Hartsell Miller

John Anthony Costanzo

7

Doris Jones Coleman Terance James

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

Christian

November 28, 2019 — NovemDoris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, ber 29, 2023 went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and (T.J.) James a Terance valiant week-long fight in ICU. Christian, 4, of Albemarle, Doris was born on October 11, passed away Wednesday, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, November 29,father 2023, at away home NC while her was surrounded by his loving fighting in the US Navy during family.

World War II. Raymond Jones was was soT.J. proud toborn returnNovember after the war and 28, 2019, in North Carolina meet his little girl! Doris grew up in toDurham, Torri Yocum. was also NC andHe graduated from preceded in death by his Durham High School.

Shegreat furthered grandma, and her studiesDonna at WattsYocum Hospital great uncle, Jim. in Durham and School of Nursing T.J. was as thea Registered smartest, Nurse in graduated strongest, biggest hearted 1966. child youmarried will have ever Doris Rev. Dr.met.

Ted He met noinstranger Coleman 1966 andand hadwas two daughterswith Amybabies. and Laura.

Doris obsessed Everyone raised Amy and Laura North that ever-met T.J. wasinlucky, Augusta, SC. he loved YouTube, shooting his Doris wasbubbles, an incredible neonatal papaw with freezing intensive care and nursepapaw for most of her all his nurses with career, and this was her passion. his Spider-Man webs.

The Augustainclude Chronicle did a feature Survivors mother, on her in 1985.grandmother, She was a clinical Torri Yocum; nurse manager in grandfather; Augusta, Georgia Veronica Porras; at University Hospital NICU and Francisco Porras; greatworked there for 20 years.

During grandfather, James (Claudia) this time, Doris mentored Yocum; sisters, Arianna young nursesand and Ava assisted in saving the Taylor Russell; aunts, lives of so many babies. also Franceska Porras and She Tattiana workedgreat-aunt, for Pediatrician Dr. William Porras; Leslie A. Wilkes in Augusta for several (James) Humphreys; cousins, yearsand priorZach to herHumphreys; NICU career. Doris Ryan retired from the mother/baby area at and great-aunt Faith (Greg) Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 Kittle and her family. years of nursing.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle.

She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

She was especially talented October 1947 - November at sewing13, from a young age and 29, 2023 made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, Virginia Broadway doll clothes,Alice pageant dresses, prom Brock, of Norwood, dresses,76, coats, tote bags, scarves, passed away Wednesday outfits for Amy and Laura, and morning, November Christening gowns for29, each2023 of her atgrandchildren.

Atrium Health Cabarrus.

Virginia born October Doris waswas preceded in death by 13, StanlyRaymond County Jones, to her1947 fatherinArthur the William Paul Cameron and herlate mother Mary Ellen Maude Elizabeth Jones, and her sisterLowder Maryanne Broadway.

She retired Jones Brantley. from Butch’sinclude Scrap her Metal Survivors twoin Norwood.

She wasAmy a member precious daughters: Cameron ofColeman Mount (partner Zion Methodist Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Church.

Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio In addition to her parents, (husband David) ofin Cincinnati, she was preceded death byOhio; seven grandchildren: her husband, RoscoeCameron Frank David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Brock, Sr.. her son, Roscoe Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Frank Brock, Jr., “Doodle”, Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, grandson, Tommy Lee Deese,Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Jr.; her brother, John PaulRichard Oliverio; and numerous Broadway, and special in-laws, cousin nieces, nephews, Pauline Lowder cousins, “Poppy”.and loved ones.

She is survived by her daughters, Wanda Thomas(Ricky) of Oakboro and Echo Deese(Tommy) of Albemarle; 10 grandchildren,

Virginia Brock

4 great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

8

STATE & NATION House Republicans reiterate their demand for Hunter Biden to appear for a private deposition The Associated Press

cratic majorities have historically taken when deposing witnesses.

“Mr. Biden seems to believe that he should be treated differently than other witnesses before the Committees,” the men wrote.

Lowell did not immediately re-

spond to a request for comment.

The early-November subpoenas to Hunter Biden and others were the inquiry’s most aggressive steps yet, testing the reach of congressional oversight powers.

Republicans have so far failed

to uncover evidence directly implicating President Joe Biden in any wrongdoing. But questions have arisen about the ethics surrounding the Biden family’s international business, and lawmakers insist their evidence paints a troubling picture of “influence peddling” in the family’s business dealings, particularly with clients overseas.

Republicans have also spoken with an attorney for the president’s brother, James Biden, to determine a date for his subpoenaed testimony, Jordan said last week.

The subpoenas to the Biden family members and others, including former business associate Rob Walker, are bitterly opposed by Democrats, and the White House has called for them to be withdrawn and questioned their legitimacy.

The criticism has pushed Republicans to consider holding a vote this month to formally authorize their inquiry in an effort to strengthen their legal standing if the subpoena battle drags into court.

But holding a vote on the impeachment investigation would be a risky move by House Republican leaders, who have not yet been able to garner enough support for the inquiry in their narrow 221213 majority. With Democrats united against the impeachment push, GOP leaders would need near-unanimous support from their side for the vote to succeed.

US border officials closing a remote Arizona crossing because of overwhelming migrant arrivals

The Border Patrol made 17,500 arrests for illegal crossings during the past week in the agency’s Tucson sector, John Modlin, the sector chief, said Friday, That translates to a daily average of 2,500, well above its daily average of 1,700 in September, when Tucson was already the busiest corridor for illegal crossings by far along U.S.-Mexico border.

Customs and Border Protection blamed the hundreds of people arriving daily around Lukeville on “smugglers peddling disinformation to prey on vulnerable individuals.”

It was unclear how long the crossing would be shut.

Although it is remote, the Lukeville border crossing is the one regularly used to travel from Arizona to Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point, a resort area in the Mexican state of Sonora on the Sea of Cortez. Americans also drive through the crossing to visit the border community of Sonoyta for a meal, shop or to get less expensive dental and medical care.

Some Mexican children ride a northbound bus across the border every day to go to school.

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, along with Gov. Katie Hobbs, blasted the planned closure and demanded better solutions from President Joe Biden’s administration.

“This is an unacceptable outcome that further destabilizes our border, risks the safety of

our communities, and damages our economy by disrupting trade and tourism,” they said in a joint statement. “The Federal Government must act swiftly to maintain port of entry operations, get the border under control, keep Arizona communities safe, and ensure the humane treatment of migrants.”

Kelly and Hobbs, both Democrats, and Sinema, an independent who was elected as a Democrat, also criticized “partisan politicians who parrot talking points while watching the border further deteriorate.”

They said those politicians should instead “reject the echo chamber and work with us to get something done and keep our communities safe.”

An average of 3,140 people in vehicles and 184 pedestrians entered the U.S. daily in Lukeville during October, according to the U.S. Transportation Department’s latest figures.

Travelers will still be able to cross into or out of the United States through Nogales, Arizona, a three-hour drive to the east, or San Luis, Arizona, a two-hour drive to the west.

Customs and Border Protection earlier this week began limiting traffic at the Lukeville port.

The agency on Monday also closed one of two bridges to vehicles in Eagle Pass, Texas, a town of about 30,000 people that, for a while last year, was the busiest corridor for illegal crossings.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Republicans demanded Friday that Hunter Biden appear this month for a closed-door deposition, rejecting his offer to testify publicly while pledging to release a transcript of the private interview for transparency.

House Oversight Committee chair James Comer and Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan reiterated the parameters of the subpoena issued last month to Hunter Biden in a letter — obtained by The Associated Press — to his attorney. The president’s son had refused their request this week for closed-door testimony, saying it could be manipulated.

“The subpoenas Mr. Biden has received compel him to appear before the Committees for a deposition; they are not mere suggestions open to Mr. Biden’s interpretation or preference,” the Republican chairmen wrote in a letter to attorney Abbe Lowell.

Lowell this week had called the nearly yearslong GOP investigation into his client a “fishing expedition,” but offered for his client to appear publicly rather than behind closed doors, saying closed sessions can be selectively leaked and used to manipulate the facts.

His response to the committee was in line with the more forceful approach Hunter Biden’s legal team has taken in recent months as congressional Republicans

AP PHOTO

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, center, flanked by Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., talks with reporters about efforts to investigate President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. pursue an impeachment inquiry seeking to tie his father to his business dealings.

But Comer and Jordan reiterated their initial request, saying they are conforming with the approach Republican and Demo-

The Associated Press PHOENIX — So many migrants are crossing from Mexico into the United States around remote Lukeville, Arizona, that U.S. officials say they will close the port of entry there so that the operations officials who watch over vehicle and pedestrian traffic going both ways can help Border Patrol agents arrest and process the new arrivals.

Customs and Border Protection announced Friday that the temporary closure of the crossing will start Monday as officials grapple with changing migration routes that have overwhelmed Border Patrol agents stationed there. Arizona’s U.S. senators and governor called planned closure “unacceptable.”

Customs and Border Protection said it is “surging all available resources to expeditiously and safely process migrants” and will “continue to prioritize our border security mission as necessary in response to this evolving situation.”

AP PHOTO

A family of five claiming to be from Guatemala and a man stating he was from Peru, in pink shirt, walk through the desert after crossing the border wall in the Tucson Sector of the U.S.-Mexico border, Aug. 29, 2023, in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Lukeville, Ariz.

The area around the desert crossing has become a major migration route in recent months, with smugglers dropping off people from countries as diverse as Senegal, India and China. Most

of them are walking into the U.S. west of Lukeville through gaps in the wall, then head east toward the official border crossing to surrender to the first agents they see in hopes for a chance at asylum.

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VOLUME 8 ISSUE 41 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023 | RANDOLPHRECORD.COM

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Randolph record THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

SCOTT PELKEY | RANDOLPH RECORD

The spirit of the season Randy Lucas, former WKXR radio personality, emcees the annual Asheboro Christmas Parade on Friday, December 2.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Asheboro hosts “Christmas Downtown” on December 8 Presented by the Asheboro/ Randolph Chamber of Commerce, Asheboro’s Christmas Downtown takes place Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. The event promises a magical evening filled with various activities for the community. Highlights include photo sessions with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the City of Asheboro gym/recreation center, marshmallow roasting with the Fire and Rescue Department, and horsedrawn wagon rides in Bicentennial Park. Music performances will enliven four locations across downtown, adding to the holiday cheer. Families can capture moments with Santa’s Sleigh and reindeer, and explore a gingerbread house display. The event also serves a charitable purpose, encouraging attendees to bring canned food for CUOC and Salvation Army.

NC Aviation Museum receives Community Service Award The North Carolina Aviation Museum in Asheboro was recently recognized with the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award. This award honors outstanding community service and highlights NCAM’s significant contributions, including a vast collection of military and civilian aircraft, wartime memorabilia, and aviation art. The museum, supported by about 75 volunteers, also features a Hall of Fame for flight pioneers and organizes events like the Annual FlyIn and Veterans’ Pancake Breakfast.

Randolph Commissioners approve $500k to fight online child exploitation Reappoints leaders, supports bridge renaming, and more

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Board of Commissioners convened on Monday, Dec. 4, addressing a variety of significant items on their agenda.

The meeting began with the reappointment of Commissioner Darrell Frye as board chairman and Commissioner David Allen as vice chairman, both by unanimous decision. Frye expressed gratitude, stating, “I thank this board, not just for this immediate action, but we’ve had an eventful last four years here in this coun-

ty,” acknowledging the board’s unity and commitment throughout various challenges.

“Most of it’s been for the good, but we’ve gone through issues together and the board has stayed together and stayed on course through that process,” Frye said.

“I thank the board and I thank all the citizens of Randolph County.

It’s a great county, a great place to live and a great place to raise our children.”

Additionally, the board reaffirmed the positions of county attorney, clerk to the board, and various county board representatives and liaisons.

The board approved a $505,430 investment in the Invictus Project, aimed at combating human trafficking and child exploitation. Sheriff Greg Seabolt

detailed the project’s proactive approach, including a recent operation revealing the extent of online predators. The funding will cover additional personnel, forensic lab equipment, and other necessary resources.

“The program is designed to combat the human trafficking and exploitation of children,” said Sheriff Greg Seabolt. “The Invictus Project will be a proactive effort to protect our children from online predators. In August of this year, we performed a threeday operation with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The operation consisted of online chats with many predators from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

The operation showed that predators would not hesitate to drive

long distances with the intention of sexually abusing our children. This project is a focus driven, proactive approach to bring attention to this problem that law enforcement has been unable to prioritize due to a lack of manpower and budgeting.”

The project, which aims to take a proactive approach, will encompass sheriff’s offices from Randolph, Alamance, Davison and Forsyth County with additional agency support from Homeland Security, NC State Bureau of Investigation, Randolph County District Attorney’s Office and Lantern Rescue.

“It will utilize a methodical approach to investigate cyber tips based upon solvability factors, See COMMISSIONERS, page 2

Spivey riled up to return as Ramseur’s mayor

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record RAMSEUR – Hampton Spivey is coming back to the mayor’s post in Ramseur and it’s not likely to be a quiet return.

The former mayor is mostly concerned with the available drinking water for town residents and making sure the town is fiscally responsible.

“Water is the whole reason I ran,” Spivey said. “Just about every issue I’m involved with involves drinking water. If you don’t have clean drinking water, you don’t have anything.”

Spivey, 79, won November’s election, ousting incumbent Vicki Caudle. The vote count was 97 to 66.

Spivey was mayor from 19952010, filling terms that were both two and four years. The current set-up means he has been elected for four years.

He’ll be sworn in Dec. 19.

“I think the town is in pretty rough shape,” Spivey said. “I don’t think they’ve had an audit in two or three years. … We don’t know how much money we have. I’ll find out.”

Other than public safety, which Spivey said should always be a top concern, the water topic is at the forefront for Spivey.

“Everybody knew that the water was my deal,” he said.

The Greensboro-Randolph megasite, which will house Toyota’s massive battery manufacturing operation, is altering the quality and quantity of water that will be available to Ramseur residents, Spivey said.

He said that topic has been overlooked, particularly with the location of the megasite.

He said attention needs to be placed on what’s happening with the Sandy Creek watershed.

Incoming mayor Hampton Spivey said he expects to get rolling right away on topics that he’s concerned about. That will begin with the Dec. 19 board meeting.

“Somebody is going to have to be held accountable,” Spivey said.

Further, Spivey said he’s disturbed by what he has perceived as changes in Ramseur’s long-term water arrangement with Franklinville.

With the impact of the megasite and the potential population increase, Spivey said there soon will be a need for another reservoir to serve parts of eastern Randolph County along

with parts of Chatham County and Moore County.

Spivey has been retired for 18 years after a career of about 40 years with Piedmont Natural Gas. Tresa Cheek Hatchett and J.C. Parrish won re-election to the town council last month and Jay Hubbard is also joining the board.

Spivey said he expects to get rolling right away on topics that he’s concerned about. That will begin with the Dec. 19 board meeting.

“It’s going to be really interesting,” he said.

$2.00

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

2 WEDNESDAY

12.6.23

NC teen suing American Airlines Randolph over camera in plane bathroom Guide The Associated Press

“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Bob Sutton, Randolph Editor Scott Pelkey, Breaking News Jesse Deal, Reporter Ryan Henkel, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 RANDOLPHRECORD.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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

We stand corrected To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline. com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

BOSTON — The family of a North Carolina teenager is suing American Airlines, saying that a flight attendant taped an iPhone to an airplane toilet to record her using the restroom during a September flight.

Lawyers for the 14-year-old and her parents say that American “knew or should have known the flight attendant was a danger.” They say the failure of other crew members to confiscate the employee’s phone allowed him to destroy evidence.

The lawsuit against American and the unidentified flight attendant was filed Friday in U.S. district court in North Carolina.

American said the flight attendant was “withheld from service” immediately after the alleged incident and has not worked since.

“We take this matter very seriously and have been fully cooperating with law enforcement

She took her own picture of the device.

Lawyers for the family suggested that the flight attendant removed the phone and erased images of the girl before letting her father see his iPhone photos.

The family said an FBI agent later told the girl’s mother they did not arrest the man because they did not find any incriminating images on his phone.

The family’s lawyers said they do not know the flight attendant’s name, where he lives or whether he still works for American. The 14-year-old is undergoing therapy for trauma, they said.

Neither the girl nor her family are identified in the lawsuit.

The Associated Press does not name victims of sexual assault or abuse unless they come forward publicly.

American is based in Fort Worth, Texas, and has a major operation at the airport in Charlotte.

CRIME LOG November 23

December 1

December 2

x James Ronald Corcoran, Jr. was charged with felony escape from a local jail while being held on a being held on a $5,000 secured bond for felony possession of stolen motor vehicle, felony obtain property by false pretense, and misdemeanor failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. He received an additional $10,000 secured bond.

x Gabriel Adonis Lockhart Brewer of Asheboro was arrested for Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver cocaine, marijuana, schedule I controlled substance, possess drug paraphernalia, injury to personal property, and maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for control substance. He was given a $25,000 secured bond with house arrest if released.

x Kyndrah Raye Byrd was issued a criminal summons for felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor no liability insurance and misdemeanor driving vehicle with no registration plate displayed.

x John Christopher Sykes was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office for felony larceny of a motor vehicle, related to an October incident.

He was issued a $5,000 secured bond.

x Richard Matthew Bailey of Archdale was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s for injury to personal property, communicating threats, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, and communicating threats.

He received a $5,000 bond.

December 3 x Michael Lynn Overton of Asheboro, N.C. was arrested by the Asheboro Police Department for Breaking and entering to terrorize/injure, littering, possess drug paraphernalia, and resisting public officer.

He was held on no bond due to already being on pre-trial release for an unrelated charge.

CALL OR TEXT 336-629-7588

WEDNESDAY DEC 6

COMMISSIONERS from page 1

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working in concert with investigative partners to strategically use available resources,” Seabolt said. “The project will utilize a victim-centered approach to forensic examination of evidence to uncover human trafficking elements of cases that would otherwise go unreported.” The funding will go towards two additional detectives, two civilian positions, forensic lab equipment, office renovations and lab licensing fees and will run through the remaining six months of the fiscal year.

A resolution was passed to support renaming two bridges off of Highway 220 in honor of David and Sarah Stedman.

Donald Vaughan, former vice president of Stedman Corporation and Stedman Foundation, advocated for this change, highlighting the Stedmans’ contributions to the communi-

THURSDAY DEC 7 HI 56 LOW 33 PRECIP 4%

FRIDAY DEC 8 HI 54 LOW 46 PRECIP 53%

SATURDAY DEC 9 HI 63 LOW 48 PRECIP 50%

ty and their extensive philanthropy.

“They were great people and they loved this community,” Vaughn told the Commissioners. “Their handiwork goes all the way from the North Carolina Zoo to the Sarah Stedman Center at Duke University and we believe it would be fitting and I speak on the behalf of many thousands of employees at Stedman Corporation.”

Victory Junction, a camp for children with serious illnesses, received $100,000 in Strategic Planning Funding. CEO Chad Coltrane explained the fund’s use for marketing, transportation, and facility upgrades, emphasizing the camp’s mission of providing transformative experiences at no cost.

“Our mission is to serve kids 6-16 years of age with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses and we do that free of charge,” said Victory Junction CEO Chad Coltrane. “We’re

140 acres at Victory Junction’s $45 million facility founded in 2004. We provide camp services free of charge. We say that we are providing a life-changing camp experience for those children. We provide love, empowerment and hope at Victory Junction. That’s what we aim to do at camp.”

A public hearing was held to discuss updating the county’s noise ordinance. Planning Director Tonya Caddle noted the need for modernization, given the ordinance’s original drafting in 1985. However, the board decided to table the decision, seeking further language refinement. County Attorney Ben Morgan emphasized the importance of careful consideration, citing potential impacts on various community sectors.

The next meeting of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Jan. 9.

SUNDAY DEC 10

HI 58 LOW 38 PRECIP 43%

TUESDAY DEC 12 HI 58 LOW 35 PRECIP 20%

Dec. 7 Randleman Christmas Parade 7 p.m.

The annual Christmas Parade will begin on the corner of Main St. and Swain St. and travel Main St. towards High Point St. The City Christmas Tree located in Commerce Square will be lit at the conclusion of the parade.

Christmas on Sunset 6 - 9 p.m.

The Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Christmas Downtown event Friday evening with Santa visits, marshmallow roasting, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, and more.

Families are encouraged to bring canned food items for donation.

Dec. 9 Petty‘s Garage Christmas Cruise-In 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

A cruise-in and car show that is open to all makes and models of cars with no pre-registration required. FREE photo opportunity with Santa, tours of Petty‘s Garage and Petty Museum, vendors of all types.

Sorry, no pets allowed.

Staley Christmas Parade 2 - 5 p.m.

The annual Christmas Parade will take place downtown on N Main St with an appearance from the man from the North Pole himself!

Randolph County Girl Scouts Snow Day At The Y! 6 p.m.

Bring the whole family and join us for an epic Snow Day at the Y Exciting activities, s’mores, and Santa Claus himself.

Caleb Sigmon’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’

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MONDAY DEC 11

The Randolph Guide is a quick look at what’s going on in Randolph County.

Dec. 8

November 25 WEEKLY FORECAST SPONSORED BY

in their investigation, as safety and security are our highest priorities,” American said in a prepared statement.

According to the lawsuit, the incident happened on a Sept. 2 flight from Charlotte to Boston.

The girl said that while she was waiting to use a bathroom in the economy section, where her family was sitting, the flight attendant told her to use one in the first-class cabin. He entered the bathroom first, saying he needed to wash his hands, then emerged a minute later to tell the girl that the seat was broken but not to worry about it.

The girl said that after she used the toilet, she noticed an iPhone that was mostly hidden by red airline tape reading “Remove from service” — but the camera flash was glowing.

The girl “was shocked and scared,” according to the lawsuit. “It immediately occurred to her that someone had put the phone there to film her using the toilet.”

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@randolphrecord.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Everyone’s favorite grouch will visit several Randolph County Public Libraries locations during this week for a musical performance with live actors, puppets and lots of audience interaction.

Archdale Library 10 a.m.

Asheboro Library 6 p.m.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

3

OPINION

de

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

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

One year later ONE YEAR AGO, on the evening of Dec. 3, 2022, our community was intentionally attacked. Our home, along with 45,000 of our neighbors, went without power for days. In the middle of a winter cold spell, I was concerned about people who were unable to heat their homes. I worried about residents with health issues who rely on electricity to power their medical devices. Schools were shut down during end of year evaluations. Small businesses were forced to close in the midst of holiday shopping.

And yet through it all, our community came together.

While the days following the attack were difficult, I am so proud of how our community came together in the face of adversity. It was inspiring to see folks come together in a time of need as churches, small businesses, restaurants, police and fire departments, libraries, and individuals stepped up to help their neighbors and show our strength as a community.

Over the weeks and months that followed, I was in listening mode. I have listened to Moore County residents, grid operators, community developers, federal and local law enforcement, business owners, experts on grid security from Duke Energy and the NC Department of Emergency Management, and others, who all have shared similar concerns with our grid’s security and resilience. I have worked to apply the lessons learned to make sure we reduce the risk of an attack like this happening again.

Attacks on electric grids in the United States that led to widespread power outages increased 71% from 2021 to 2022, and we are on track to meet or exceed last year’s record of 164 major cyber and physical attacks. These figures are extremely alarming and further emphasize the need to secure our energy

grid, not just here in the Sandhills, but across the country.

To directly address these concerns, I have focused on leading discussions and advancing legislation to harden our infrastructure, improve grid resilience, and strengthen our supply chains.

I started by securing a classified intelligence briefing for my colleagues in January on the increased level of attacks targeting our nation’s electrical infrastructure, to further understand.

In June, I brought members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to Moore County for a field hearing on improving the security and resiliency of our nation’s energy grid. It was important to me that our first hearing was where the attack happened, and that my colleagues heard not just the facts of grid security and resilience—but the people personally affected and their experiences.

Since our Moore County field hearing, I have worked to secure additional Energy and Commerce Committee hearings in Washington. I have spoken directly with witnesses from across the energy industry to further examine emerging threats to our nation’s energy grid, and emphasized the need for reliable energy infrastructure.

Additionally, I secured $1.6 billion dollars in funding to bolster grid security in the 2024 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill. This funding will maintain strong energy security and ensure economic competitiveness, while also reining in reckless spending. Grid security is national security, and our community cannot risk a mass power outage that jeopardizes the safety and health of you and your family.

That’s why I introduced the Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, which repeals the Department of Energy’s authority to enforce any new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for the next five years.

The Department of Energy should be focusing on

strengthening the U.S. supply chain for distribution transformers for the next five years – not further disrupting it. In fact, our community’s situation last December would not have been as dire if we had a backup transformer available. We must ensure our electrical manufacturers can continue to do what they do best, without the Biden Administration’s radical energy agenda getting in their way. This bill has been making its way through the Energy and Commerce Committee and I look forward to moving this bill to the House floor soon.

In addition, I reintroduced my bipartisan legislation, the WORKER Act, which will supercharge our nation’s energy workforce by prioritizing education and training for energy and manufacturing jobs when awarding grants to stakeholders. By creating a strong energy workforce and increasing domestic energy production, we can decrease energy costs, restore American energy dominance, and end the Biden administration’s war on energy.

One year after the energy attack on our community, my mission remains the same: I will not stop fighting for grid security and energy independence in Washington. No community across the country should experience what we endured last December.

I want to thank Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields and our local law enforcement for their quick response during those dark days, and for their ongoing investigations to determine who is responsible for last December’s attack. We must hold those responsible for this act accountable and I will continue to support law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.

Even on our darkest days, it is an honor to represent you and this incredible community. As your Congressman, I will continue to make sure Washington pays attention to the concerns and needs of you and your family.

COLUMN | NEAL JACKSON

A Modern-Day Republican POLITICAL PARTIES CHANGE over time. This can cause confusion for voters over the direction and agenda of their political party. As we approach another election, it is fair to ask, “What is the Agenda of the N.C. Republican Party? What are its Priorities?”

Politicians make promises they don’t always keep. Some elected officials have been known to make promises which they never intend to keep.

At other times they just didn’t have the votes or the leadershipsupport to see the promise through to completion.

I encourage voters to look beyond the promises and examine the voting records to see where a candidate and the political parties have stood. This will help voters discover the party’s true priorities.

Here are some of the legislative accomplishments of the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2023.

NC Republicans believe in Economic Growth and Fiscal Discipline Republicans in North Carolina believe in smaller government and low tax rates. Both of these principles require fiscal discipline. The Republican philosophy is that the long-term economic success of a state depends upon low individual and corporate tax rates and a streamlined regulatory system. This has been proven over a decade in many states.

Republicans believe the strength of North Carolina is the character of its people, not the size of its government. This philosophy results in more personal liberties. Individuals, families, and communities are the ones that should make the choices that affect their finances, not a pervasive state government. A small government commitment unleashes private enterprise to innovate and create.

Fiscal discipline is the reason for North Carolina’s ability to bring in thousands of new manufacturing jobs. This is also the reason why North Carolina has been rated by CNBC for consecutive years as the best state in the nation to do business.

Once again in 2023, Republicans passed broad cuts to personal and corporate income tax rates.

Personal Income Tax will drop to 3.99% by 2026.

Franchise Taxes will be capped after the first $1

Million so that local businesses are less financially burdened.

2023 Regulatory Reform Act provides greater freedom to North Carolinians while respecting environmental concerns.

NC Republicans believe in Quality Education for Every Child Republicans believe a child’s education is to prepare them to be productive citizens, not to indoctrinate them with the latest cultural fad.

Schools succeed when they focus on reading, writing, and math, and not the political agenda of bureaucrats. They desire for parents to be intricately involved in their child’s education, with a transparency of the curriculum that is being taught in each classroom. Republicans believe parents are best equipped to determine what school their child should attend, which is why they passed universal school choice provisions this year.

Choose Your School, Choose Your Future expands the Opportunity Scholarship program to allow every family to be eligible for scholarship funds - HB 823.

Parents’ Bill of Rights - requires schools to inform parents of changes in their child’s health, education and other rights - HB 49.

Charter School Omnibus - enables more educational choices for families - HB 219.

School Threat Assessment Teams - requires schools to take additional steps toward student safety - HB 605.

NC Republicans believe in Law and Order Republicans in North Carolina do not support the philosophy of defunding police departments because statistics show it leads to increased crime, murder, and rape in every demographic. Police officers’ risk their lives protecting our families and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods and their service should be valued and applauded. Officers and the resources needed for the protection of our communities should be a priority.

Stiffen Penalties for Rioting and Assaulting an Officer – HB 40

Juvenile Justice Modifications clarifies the jurisdiction for juvenile defendants - HB 186 Streamline Concealed Carry for Probation and Parole Officers – HB36 Extend Death Benefits for Police Officers Killed on the Way to or from Work – HB 363 NC Republicans believe in the Family Republicans desire to empower families as they freely direct the upbringing of their own children.

God’s preferred plan is for parents to raise their children, and the government should have minimal involvement in families when responsible parents are raising their children.

Care for Women, Children and Families Act – will save the lives of thousands of pre-born babies each year - SB 20.

Fairness in Women’s Sports – prevents males from participating in high school women’s sports - HB 574.

Protecting Minors from Pornography – requires age verification to view pornographic websites, preventing minors from accessing pornography - HB 8.

Protect Children from Gender Transitions – prevents gender transition surgeries and puberty blockers in children - HB 808.

NC Republicans believe in the 2nd Amendment The US Constitution gives each citizen the right to protect themselves, their families, and their property.

The Republican Party is not the party seeking to take guns from law abiding citizens. Republicans believe our founders meant what they wrote in our original documents, that our right to bear arms should not be infringed upon.

SB 41, North Carolina Republicans affirmed their commitment to the 2nd Amendment.

Repealed pistol purchase permit.

Allowed conceal carry in churches on Sunday that have a school during the week.

What is the agenda of NC House Republicans?

A commitment to economic growth and fiscal discipline, a commitment to a quality education for every child, a commitment to the law and order, a commitment to the family, and a commitment to the second amendment. These are not just empty campaign promises. This is our 2023 legislative record

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Bronny James joins USC for warmups Last Vegas Two days after it was announced Bronny James had been cleared by doctors for a full return to basketball, the Southern California freshman took the floor for warmups Saturday before the Trojans’ 89-76 loss to No. 11 Gonzaga in the Las Vegas Invitational. The son of NBA career scoring leader LeBron James was upbeat and jovial as he knocked down seven consecutive 3-pointers at one point during warmups. Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest four months ago. He was found to have a congenital heart defect that was treatable. He’s expected to be evaluated again next week and could play in a game soon after.

NHL

Devils’ Hamilton, Nosek out indefinitely after surgeries Newark, N.J. The New Jersey Devils said defenseman Dougie Hamilton and forward Tomas Nosek are both out indefinitely after having surgeries this week.

Hamilton had an operation Friday to repair his torn left pectoral muscle. Nosek had surgery Wednesday to fix a right foot problem that led him to miss 10 games earlier this year. The team recalled defenseman Simon Nemec from Utica of the AHL. The team said they would provide timelines on both players’ recoveries when available.

Hamilton played three seasons for the Hurricanes from 2018-21 before signing a seven-year, $63 million contract with the Devils.

SOCCER

Gudelj collapses second time playing for Cordoba Madrid Cordoba defender Dragisa Gudelj was in good condition after collapsing in the first half of a Spanish third-division game against Melilla on Sunday, eight months after suffering a cardiac arrest during another match.

Cordoba said the 26-yearold Gudelj was doing well and undergoing tests in a hospital in Melilla.

He immediately got up after falling backward to the ground in the 28th minute but looked dizzy as teammates and opponents rushed toward him. Some players went toward the ambulance by the field, and medics ran on with a stretcher. A March match between Cordoba and Racing Ferrol was abandoned early after Gudelj collapsed and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

Panthers drop first game under Tabor, 21-18 at Buccaneers Carolina quarterback Bryce Young threw an interception with just over two minutes left The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla. — Mike Evans sprinted between two defenders into the open, snagged a pass approaching midfield, and took off for the end zone.

Tampa Bay’s career receiving leader scored on a 75-yard pass play and later joined Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history to string together 10 consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus yards receiving while helping the Buccaneers beat the struggling Carolina Panthers 21-18 on Sunday.

“I don’t know how much more you can say. He’s been like this for 10 years now — 60 catches 10 years in a row, 1,000 yards 10 years in a row,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said.

Evans finished with seven receptions for 162 yards, increasing his season totals to 61 catches for 1,012 yards and 10 touchdowns. Rice set the league record of 11 straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving from 1986 through 1996.

The Bucs (5-7) won for only the second time in the past eight games, climbing into a tie for second place in the weak NFC South. Carolina (1-11) scored late to pull within a field goal, but No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce

AP PHOTO

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is chased by Buccaneers defensive end William Gholston during the Carolina’s 21-18 loss Sunday in Tampa, Florida.

Young threw an interception with just over two minutes remaining, ending any chance of coming from behind to win the Panthers’ debut under interim coach Chris Tabor.

“I love those guys. ... I feel for them,” Tabor said. “Losing stinks and it’s hard and it’s frustrating. But at the same time, you can handle things two ways, and that’s what we talked about.

You can either handle it with character or you can handle it with compromise. So which is it going to be? I like our guys. We’ll just keep working.”

Rachaad White scored an early touchdown and receiver Chris Godwin scored on a 19-yard run early in the fourth quarter, ex-

“I can’t lie and say it’s not frustrating.”

Bryce Young, Panthers quarterback panding Tampa Bay’s lead to 2110. Chuba Hubbard rushed 104 yards and two TDs for Carolina, and Young’s 2-point conversion run trimmed Tampa Bay’s lead to 21-18 with 5:02 left.

Despite losing six of seven games following a 3-1 start, the Bucs began the day trailing Atlanta and New Orleans by one

game in the NFC South. The Falcons (6-6) beat the New York Jets to remain on top of the division, while the Saints (5-7) lost to the Detroit Lions to fall into a tie for second place with the Bucs.

The Panthers fired Frank Reich last Monday, 11 games into the coach’s first season leading the Panthers. Tabor was promoted to interim coach and said he encouraged players to “play loose, not reckless” and have fun moving forward.

It was the second time in a little more than a year that Carolina faced Tampa Bay shortly after the in-season firing of a coach.

Matt Rhule was dismissed in October 2022, two weeks before the Panthers knocked off Tom Brady and the visiting Bucs 21-3.

Young completed 15 of 31 passes for 178 yards and an interception, Antoine Winfield Jr.’s pick that ended the comeback bid. The rookie was sacked four times.

“Of course, no one’s happy with how things have gone.

We’re all competitors, but ultimately we play for each other,” Young said.

“Each game is huge for us. We are of that mindset,” Young added. “So, I can’t lie and say it’s not frustrating. But ultimately what permeates the locker room is the desire to want to be better, desire to want to grow and play for each other.”

The Panthers travel to New Orleans to face the Saints next Sunday.

The Snub Bowl: Florida State, Georgia to meet in Orange Bowl The Seminoles and Bulldogs were left out of the College Football Playoff The Associated Press MIAMI LAKES, Fla. — Florida State won every game this season. Georgia won 29 in a row, including back-to-back national championships, then lost by a field goal. And neither was deemed good enough by the College Football Playoff committee.

Two very angry teams will get a trip to the Orange Bowl instead.

No. 4 Florida State (13-0 ACC, No. 5 CFP) will play No. 6 Georgia (12-1 SEC, No. 6 CFP) on Dec. 30 in the Orange Bowl after both programs felt like they deserved a chance to play for the national title. The CFP committee decided that the Seminoles were doomed by quarterback Jordan Travis’ broken leg and dropped Georgia five spots after its loss to Alabama in the SEC title game.

“I’m hurting for our players who have displayed a tremendous amount of resilience and response this season,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said Sunday. “What happened today goes against everything that is true and right in college football. A team that overcame tremendous adversity and found a way to win doing whatever it took on the field was cheated today. It’s a sad day for college football.”

Six teams had realistic arguments to make the four-team CFP field: Michigan, Washington, Texas, Alabama, Florida State and Georgia. The first four of those teams made the playoff,

and the Seminoles’ fate — undefeated, ACC champions and snubbed anyway — even had other schools who made the playoff shaking their head.

“You go undefeated and miss it by one spot, makes me feel sympathy for those guys,” Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford said. “Just like us, they put in the same amount of work in the offseason. They fought just as hard throughout the season. They’re still players.

They’ve still got a program. It’s just a tough situation to be in.”

Washington coach Kalen DeBoer — the CFP’s No. 2 seed — was asked if he could imagine going 13-0 and not making the field.

“In all honesty, no,” DeBoer said.

Georgia and Ohio State were the only two teams ranked No. 1 during the regular season by the CFP committee. Neither wound up in the playoff. Since this format was introduced in 2014, there had never been a season where every team ranked No. 1 in the regular season failed to get picked for the playoff field; the only others to go from No. 1 at any point to completely out at the end were Tennessee (one week in 2022) and Mississippi State (three weeks in 2014).

Georgia and Florida State had one big difference. Georgia lost a game. The Seminoles only lost a quarterback.

Travis’ college-career-ending broken leg in what should have been a largely meaningless game against North Alabama last month might decide the national championship. At minimum, it helped decide who plays for it.

“Florida State is a different team without Jordan Travis,”

AP PHOTO

Florida State coach Mike Norvell lifts the trophy after the Seminoles’ win Saturday over Louisville in the ACC championship game in Charlotte.

CFP selection committee chair Boo Corrigan, NC State’s athletic director, said. “One of the things we do consider is player availabil-

ity, and our job is to rank the best teams, and in the final decision looking at that, it was Alabama at 4 and Florida State at 5.”

Auto, Home, Life and Health Insurance A proud, lifelong resident of Randolph County, I've been protecting families since 2011.

I look forward to helping you with your insurance needs.

Please give me a call today.

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C

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

PREP ROUNDUP

Asheboro has mixed results; Randleman wrestlers excel Randolph Record HERE’S SOME highlights from last week’s high school boys’ basketball games: ** On the boys’ side, Randleman topped visiting Asheboro 70-46 last week despite Jerquarius Stanback’s 33 points.

Then on Friday, Stanback scored 33 points again, leading Asheboro in a 68-51 victory at Southwestern Randolph ** Trinity’s Dominic Payne scored 28 points in a 56-44 home loss to Oak Grove.

Earlier in the week, Payne tallied 27 points as the Bulldogs defeated visiting Jordan-Matthews 56-53.

Payne’s big week of scoring began with 30 points in a 7063 loss to visiting Central Davidson.

Wrestling Randleman went 5-0 in the Mt. Tabor Super Duals, topping Forbush by 42-41, North Surry by 42-39, Patrick County (Va.) by 51-30, Parkland by 60-24 and West Stokes by 46-36.

Tigers who went 5-0 were Je-

Audry Petty of Randleman takes a shot against visiting Asheboro in a nonconference girls’ basketball game last week.

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

Randleman, girls’ basketball

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

Trinity’s Grayson Earls goes up for a shot during a game against Jordan-Matthews during last week’s victory in boys’ basketball. sus Gordillo-Robinson, Kolby Garner, Jesus Garcia, Braxton Walker and Alex Raymundo. ** In the Carrboro Rumble, Asheboro posted a 3-1 record. The Blue Comets lost by 53-21 to Seaforth, but they defeated South Granville 51-22, Rockingham County 47-27 and Northwood 72-9.

For the Blue Comets, 132-pounder Sammy Salinas won three times by pins and another by technical fall and

heavyweight Guillermo Santos registered three pins and won another match by decision. ** In the Green Hope Grabble, Wheatmore’s Trey Swaney (138 pounds) and Dominic Hittepole (175) were runners-up.

Swaney fell by an 11-0 decision to Wakefield’s Tobin McNair in the final. Hittepole, who reached the final by recording three pins, was pinned by Cedar Ridge’s Kaden Tatro in 3:15 in the title bout.

MID-PIEDMONT CONFERENCE ALL-CONFERENCE

AP PHOTO

+20( 3/$7( 027256

Audra Petty

Girls’ basketball Caressa King posted 19 points for Southwestern Randolph in a 66-30 victory against visiting Asheboro. ** Audra Petty’s 27 points for Randleman nearly matched Ledford’s total in a 55-30 home victory.

Petty’s 24 points came in a 64-47 home victory against Asheboro. ** Providence Grove’s girls’ team topped host East Davidson 53-41 with Jada Dixon posting 16 points. The Patriots later defeated host Southern Guilford 48-38 to improve to 4-1 by the end of last week.

5

Randolph Record

(Central Davidson)

HERE’S A LIST of the Mid-Piedmont Conference’s major award winners plus Asheboro’s all-conference selections for fall sports:

Coach of the Year: Brett Sides (Central Davidson)

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY

BOYS’ SOCCER

Runner of the Year: Hunter Creech (Oak Grove)

Offensive Player of the Year: Diego Bustamante (Asheboro)

Coach of the Year: Trey Cook (Central Davidson)

Defensive Player of the Year: Logan Thoma (Ledford)

Girls’ cross country

Coach of the Year: Henry Bustle (Montgomery Central)

Runner of the Year: Jillian Parks (Central Davidson)

Asheboro: Addison Allen

Coach of the Year: Daniel Parker (North Davidson)

Asheboro: Diego Bustamante, Arath Jaimes, Daniel Gutierrez, Ozmar Martinez, Alan Alcantara, Carlos Gonzalez

FOOTBALL

GIRLS’ TENNIS

Co-Offensive Players of the Year: Connor Creech (Oak Grove), Alex Sanford (Ledford)

Player of the Year: Kayleigh Batchek (Ledford)

Defensive Player of the Year: Bradley Byrd (Oak Grove) Lineman of the Year: Myles Rainey (Central Davidson) Coach of the Year: Jonathan McIntosh (Central Davidson) Asheboro: Quincy Lee, Elijah Woodle, Amare Godwin GIRLS’ GOLF Golfer of the Year: Naomi Lanier

Coach of the Year: Delana Cagle (Montgomery Central) Asheboro: Blair Thomas, Malaika Khan VOLLEYBALL Player of the Year: Ciara Major (Oak Grove) Defensive Player of the Year: Olivia Dixon (Oak Grove) Coach of the Year: Kelly Smith (Asheboro) Asheboro: Ellen Long, Sion Murrain, Piper Davidson

Petty is one of the returning players for the Tigers, who had a strong senior class last season. She has been up the task.

Petty, a senior guard, posted 24 points against Asheboro and 27 points against Ledford in a pair of games last week.

In Randleman’s first three games, Petty has averaged 26.3 points and a team-high 8.3 rebounds. She also was credited with 2.7 steals per game.

The Tigers are the reigning Piedmont Athletic Conference champions, but they’ll be relying on a cast of underclassmen to support Petty this season. Petty is the only senior listed on the roster.

COLLEGE NOTES

Ex-Wheatmore soccer players make marks as freshmen

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record FRESHMAN Summer Bowman was part of one of the best seasons in Appalachian State women’s soccer history.

Bowman, a former Wheatmore player, compiled four goals and three assists. She was second on the team in goals and her 11 points ranked third on the team. Bowman, a forward, appeared in 15 games, starting nine of those.

The Mountaineers placed third in the Sun Belt regular season for its best winning percentage in conference play with a 6-2-2 mark. There was a program-record eight shutouts on the way to the team’s most victories since 2018.

Appalachian State finished the season with a 9-6-3 overall record. The Mountaineers were upset in the Sun Belt Tournament quarterfinals with a 2-1 loss to James Madison.

Bowman scored goals in backto-back games against Coastal Carolina and James Madison.

The goal in the James Madison game came in the final 90 seconds and tied the game. She also had a goal against South Alabama, while she had two assists against Arkansas State.

Queen lands ODAC honor in first season Former Wheatmore boys’ soccer standout Riley Queen received an Old Dominion Athletic Conference honor in his first men’s soccer season with Bridgewater College.

Queen was named to the All-ODAC third team. He began only the third Bridgewater freshman to ever receive all-con-

ference honors.

He scored five goals to go with two assists as the team’s leading scorer.

The Eagles posted a 7-4-6 record, marking the fewest losses for the team since the program began playing in 1942. Bridgewater was 3-4-3 in ODAC play.

Foust gives boost for Lynchburg hoops Jonathan Foust has been in the starting lineup for the opening seven games during his first season on the Lynchburg University men’s basketball team.

The former Providence Grove player, a junior forward, racked up 11 points in an 81-58 victory at Methodist.

Foust began his career with the Division III team with nine points in last month’s 99-45 home victory against Regent.

The Hornets (4-3 overall, 2-1 Old Dominion Athletic Conference) won only six games all of last season.

Foust played the past two seasons for Davidson-Davie Community College.

Oakley places in wrestling tourney Appalachian State wrestler Ethan Oakley, a Wheatmore alum, captured eighth place during the weekend at Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. That was the best finish among entrants for the Mountaineers.

Oakley went 4-3 in the 133-pound class. That included a 9-7 decision against No. 12-ranked Brendan Ferretti of Navy. He also defeated Brenden Barnes of Air Force, Cooper Birdwell of Wyoming and Reece Witcraft of Oklahoma State.

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

Left, Carlos Gonzalez was one of the Asheboro players helping the Blue Comets to the Mid-Piedmont Conference title. Right, Ellen Long of Asheboro spikes the ball against Oak Grove during the Mid-Piedmont Tournament championship match.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Left, Summer Bowman; Right, Riley Queen

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

6

Millennial Money: 5 steps to creating financial boundaries during the holidays

By Elizabeth Ayoola NerdWallet MARKETING ADS, family functions and holiday gift-giving culture can make it feel impossible not to spend, or for some, overspend. According to a 2023 survey from NerdWallet, around half of Americans (52%) incurred credit card debt when shopping for gifts during the holidays last year, and almost a third (31%) of them still haven’t paid it off.

While giving can be noble, consider setting boundaries when it comes to lending and spending money during the holidays.

STEP 1: SET 2024 MONEY GOALS It can be difficult to rein in your spending during the holidays if you don’t have a reason. Begin the process of mapping out your financial goals for 2024 to help avoid shortsightedness while spending. For instance, if you want to make larger payments on your stu-

dent loan or save for a down payment on a new car next year, overspending during the holidays could set you back.

“Really be brutally honest about what your financial commitments for January and February (are),” says Yvette Murry, a clinical social worker in Princeton, New Jersey, who helps clients with financial wellness.

STEP 2: PRACTICE SAYING NO TO REQUESTS Prices are high, and requests to borrow money this time of the year might be, too. As much as you may feel obligated to play Santa and give cash to everyone who asks, it could put you in a financial bind come the new year.

“Too often we do what others want us to do and then find ourselves in a position that really is not best for us or for our families or our mental health,” Murry says.

When you do get requests beyond your capacity, prepare to say no. For those who aren’t well-versed in ‘no,’ Traci Wil-

liams, a certified financial therapist and psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, provides an example of how to say it.

“You can say something along the lines of, ‘Thank you so much for thinking of me when you’re planning this. I am unable to do it because it’s outside of my budget,’” Williams says. “Something that is simple and short like that can help to preserve the relationship.”

Consider including a “lending bucket” in your budget, which comprises an amount that doesn’t throw your finances off.

STEP 3: UNDERSTAND IT’S OK TO FEEL GUILTY Guilt can come when you say no, whether that’s to requests for money, traveling to see family or buying your partner an expensive gift. When we say no, we may feel guilt because of expectations from ourselves, family and society, Williams says.

“If you can tune in to what actually is important to you, what your actual values are, and you can hold firm to those, you’re

Judge rejects Trump’s claim of immunity in his federal 2020 election prosecution The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump is not immune from prosecution in his election interference case in Washington, a federal judge ruled Friday, knocking down the Republican’s bid to derail the case charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan’s decision amounts to a sharp rejection to challenges the Trump defense team had raised to the four-count indictment in advance of a trial expected to center on the Republican’s multipronged efforts to undo the election won by Democrat Joe Biden.

Though the judge turned aside Trump’s expansive view of presidential power, the order might not be the final say in the legal fight.

Lawyers for Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing, are expected to quickly appeal to fight what they say an unsettled legal question.

In her ruling, Chutkan said the office of the president “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jailfree’ pass.”

“Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote.

“Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment,

AP PHOTO

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump stands on the field during halftime in an NCAA college football game between the University of South Carolina and Clemson Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office.”

Chutkan also rejected Trump’s claims that the indictment violates the former president’s free speech rights. Lawyers for Trump had argued that he was within his First Amendment rights to challenge the outcome of the election and to allege that it had been tainted by fraud, and they accused prosecutors of attempting to criminalize political speech

and political advocacy.

But Chutkan said “it is well established that the First Amendment does not protect speech that is used as an instrument of a crime.”

“Defendant is not being prosecuted simply for making false statements ... but rather for knowingly making false statements in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy and obstructing the electoral process,” she wrote.

An attorney for Trump de-

less likely to feel guilt,” she says.

To deal with those difficult feelings, Williams suggests first identifying them.

“A lot of people feel things and don’t realize what the actual feeling is,” she says. Once you name the feeling, you can counter it by reinforcing why you made that decision, she adds. For instance, if you have to say no to buying gifts this year, remember the importance of creating financial stability for yourself.

STEP 4: EXPLORE YOUR MOTIVATIONS AROUND HOLIDAY SPENDING

she says.

Understanding your motivations for spending can help you reinforce boundaries and potentially establish new money beliefs rooted in values you want to emulate. For example, if you realize you overspend on gifts because you were taught by your parents that gifts are the best way to show love, you may decide giving intangible gifts of time or love are more important to you.

STEP 5: REMEMBER HOLIDAY PRESSURE IS NORMAL

Many of our money habits may be driven by subconscious beliefs or motivations, even during the holidays. To understand why you’re making certain financial decisions, Murry suggests asking yourself the motivation behind loaning someone money or spending.

“Am I seeking to right a wrong? Am I seeking to fulfill a need I had as a child? Ask, ‘Why I am making those decisions?’”

Holiday pressure is real and it can cause us to exceed our budgets. Acknowledging that holiday pressure is normal can help you stay focused and within your budget. Williams says to remember you don’t have to do everything, and expecting that of yourself is unrealistic.

“Recognizing that that pressure exists and that marketing is doing its job can help you to remember that you have to stick to your own goals,” she says.

clined to comment Friday evening.

Her ruling comes the same day the federal appeals court in Washington ruled that lawsuits brought

by Democratic lawmakers and police officers who have accused Trump of inciting the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, can move forward.

The appeals court in that case rejected Trump’s sweeping claims that presidential immunity shields him from liability, but left the door open for him to continue to fight, as the cases proceed, to try to prove that his actions were taken his official capacity as president.

Trump’s legal team had argued the criminal case, which is scheduled to go to trial in March, should be dismissed because the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner is shielded from prosecution for actions he took while fulfilling his duties as president. They assert that the actions detailed in the indictment — including pressing state officials on the administration of elections — cut to the core of Trump’s responsibilities as commander in chief.

The Supreme Court has held that presidents are immune from civil liability for actions related to their official duties, but the justices have never grappled with the question of whether that immunity extends to criminal prosecution.

The Justice Department has also held that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. Trump’s lawyers are trying to ensure that same protection to a former presi-

dent for actions taken while in office, asserting that no prosecutor since the beginning of American democracy has had the authority to bring such charges.

“Against the weight of that history, Defendant argues in essence that because no other former Presidents have been criminally prosecuted, it would be unconstitutional to start now,” Chutkan wrote. “But while a former President’s prosecution is unprecedented, so too are the allegations that a President committed the crimes with which Defendant is charged.”

Special counsel Jack Smith’s team has said there is nothing in the Constitution, or in court precedent, to support the idea that a former president cannot be prosecuted for criminal conduct committed while in the White House.

“The defendant is not above the law. He is subject to the federal criminal laws like more than 330 million other Americans, including Members of Congress, federal judges, and everyday citizens,” prosecutors wrote in court papers.

It’s one of four criminal cases Trump is facing while he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024.

Smith has separately charged Trump in Florida with illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left the White House. Trump is also charged in Georgia with conspiring to overturn his election loss to Biden. And he faces charges in New York related to hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

7

obituaries

Ola Mae Brown

October 21, 1929 — November 28, 2023

Ola Mae Gregson was the 7th child of 12 born to Hubert C and Hazel R (Barker) Gregson at their rural home in Randolph Co., NC. She eloped to Conway, SC with Edward A Brown where they were married on August 22, 1950. Their marriage was long lasting, happy, and of benefit to both.

As a child Ola Mae loved to climb a tree with a book and an apple. Reading was important to her, and it filled many of her hours prior to marriage and family life. She attended Providence Friends Meeting and the school associated with hile in of-that church but graduated rosecutorfrom Randleman High. With Americana scholarship from Providence authorityChurch she attended Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. To f that his-pay for room and board she n essenceworked in the administration r formeroffice and as manager of the criminal-dining hall. In 1950 Guilford be uncon-didn’t allow married students Chutkanto live in the dorms but, when mer Pres-they found out about Ola unprece-Mae’s elopement, the faculty llegationsvoted to let her stay. That was mitted thea true testament to her good endant isnature and valuable qualities.

However, fate had something k Smith’selse in mind as Ed joined the othing innavy and Ola Mae followed him ourt prec-to Virgina. When Ed returned ea that athey started their family but, t be pros-on Ed’s insistence, she returned duct com-to Guilford College. In 1953 te House. Ola Mae graduated 13th out of ot abovea class of 92 and earned a BA o the fed-degree with a major in English more thanand minors in Education icans, in-and Business. A photo of the Congress,young family appeared in the yday citi-Greensboro newspaper as it was e in courtso unusual for a married mother to graduate from college at that nal casestime. e seeks to In 1956 Ola Mae and Ed e in 2024.moved to Raleigh where Ola chargedMae became a teacher at one h illegallyof the first day care schools in uments atthe city, Longview Methodist ter he leftDay School. Shortly afterwards mp is alsoshe was selected to be the 2nd h conspir-director of the school. In that ction lossposition she used her creative harges inand artistic abilities to create sh-moneythe newsletters that went out to the 2016parents. She had natural talents in design and art which gave her great satisfaction throughout her life.

As an empty nester, in February 1975 Ola Mae took a clerical job with Wake County, working in both the Social Services and Health Departments. She permanently retired in 1989 so she could experience Ed’s passion to travel. Ola Mae also pursued her passion with her sister, Ruth, to visit relatives and collect family history and photos. She slipped silently away on November 28, 2023 knowing she had led a blessed, productive, and good life.

She is survived by her two children; Steve (Lynn) Brown and Lynette (John) Hudspeth; a brother, Clayton (Rebecca) Gregson; a sister, Marie Shoe; in-laws, Annie Lou Gregson, Charles Fields, and Elvin Gregson; two grandchildren, Carly (Hank) Howie and Mitchell Brown; two greatgrandchildren, Houston and Kathryn Howie.

Saford Anual Hawks

James Charles Hannah

August 30, 1943 — December 2, 2023

September 29, 1937 — December 1, 2023

Saford Anual Hawks, age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Hospice of Randolph House in Asheboro, NC. Saford was born on August 30, 1943 to Carlie Columbus Hawks and Irene Snow Hawks in Fancy Gap, Virginia.

He was of Baptist Faith and employed as a weaver with Burlington Industries for over 30 years. Saford retired from Randolph County Schools doing maintenance and landscaping. Saford was a talented mechanic and loved to work in his yard. He enjoyed a good walk in the mountains of Virginia where the air seemed to be refreshing and uplifting. Mostly, Saford was a family man, who enjoyed his time with his wife, children and especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a loving and compassionate man.

In addition to his parents, Carlie and Irene Hawks, Saford was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Kenneth Hawks and Harry Snow and one sister, Celeada Cochran.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 wonderful years, Carroll (Carolyn) Vaughan Hawks, daughter: Donna Hawks Lamanteer and her husband Bill of Robersonville, NC, son: Randy Hawks and his wife Carrie of Asheboro, NC, 4 grandchildren: Laura Lamanteer, Amanda Hawks, Nathan Hawks and Alissa Hawks, 7 great grandchildren: Kaylee Winge, Lukas Hogue, Peytin Hawks, Noah Hawks, Maverick Ebel, Kensley Ebel and Courtlyn Ebel; extended family and friends.

James "Charles" Hannah, age 86, of Troy, passed away at his home on Friday, December 1, 2023.

Charles was born on September 29, 1937 in Montgomery County, NC to Charles Howard Hannah and Effie Agnes Sadler. Charles served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked many years in Parts Departments at Deaton's Auto, Montgomery Motors, and NAPA Auto Parts store in Star. Charles was known as Mr. NC State.

He and his wife Jeana were diehard Wolfpack fans. If it wasn't red he didn't own it.

He was a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts for many years. He and Jeana loved to travel out West. He enjoyed horticulture, gardening his many flowers and plants. Charles loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved his swimming pool with the red wolfpack painted in the bottom, spending many hours there with friends and their children. Charles was an active member of Laurel Hill Baptist Church.

Charles is survived by his brother: Harold "Gene" Hannah (Marie) of Chiefland, FL; niece: Michelle Hannah; and nephews: Thomas Hannah (Danica) and Scott Hannah.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 62 years, Jeana Dunn Hannah; brother John Robert "Bob" Hannah; and step-father Alton Maw.

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

Tina Davis Byrd

Billy Jay Beane

April 3, 1973 — December 1, 2023

June 27, 1957 - November 25, 2023

On the afternoon of December 1st, 2023, Tina Davis Byrd, 50, of Asheboro North Carolina went home to be with her Lord and Savior. Tina was a loving mother and sister.

She loved spending time with her family and friends singing karaoke and going to the beach.

Tina was preceded in death by her father Royce Davis of Asheboro. She is survived by her mother Margaret Davis Asheboro, North Carolina, her brother Danny Davis (Kim) of Asheboro, North Carolina; her daughter, Taylor Midgette (Chris) of Angier, North Carolina, her son, Chase Byrd of Asheboro, North Carolina; her grandchildren Eli Midgette and Ava Midgette of Angier, North Carolina and several aunts, uncles and cousins, her fiancée Bobby Cox of Asheboro, North Caeolina.

Billy Jay Beane, age 66, of Robbins passed away peacefully on November 25, 2023 at The Randolph Hospice House of Asheboro, NC. He was born June 27, 1957 in Troy, North Carolina the son of the late George Beane and Alma Jewell Morton. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Benny Beane.

Billy graduated from East Montgomery High School and started a career in the furniture and lumber field by working with his father at Beane Sawmill. As his talent in the industry grew, he took jobs with other local companies such as Klaussner Furniture, Jimmy Ward Lumber and H&H Furniture. Billy also received an education grant and furthered his knowledge with an Associate Degree in Forestry. When he wasn’t working, Billy enjoyed spending time with friends and was the life of the party.

He enjoyed trips to the flea markets and the thrill of the hunt for a great deal. Most of all, Billy loved his family, he would do anything to assist them and was a compassionate person known to “give the shirt off his back” to others in need.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Carlos Beane, Amber Canoy (Roger Canoy) and Kendall Beane (Robert McCain); grandchildren, Nicholas, Austin, A.J., Ella and Madison; brothers, Bobby Beane (Judy Beane), George Beane and Aaron Beane; sister, Barbara Jarrell (John Jarrell); and numerous other beloved family and friends.

Classie Cheek

September 17, 1937 - December 3, 2023 Classie Mae Cheek, 86, of Ramseur, died Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023, at Greater St. John's Missionary Baptist Church with Elder Rebecca Brewer officiating.

Born in Randolph County, NC on September 17, 1937, Classie was the daughter of the late Henry Clay Cheek and Lee Gertrude Cheek.

She retired from Randolph Hospital as a home health care nurse after many years. Classie loved working, gardening and canning. When she was able to, Classie enjoyed traveling and going to the theater.

In addition to her parents, Classie was preceded in death by her daughter, Margaret Spinks Goldston; sisters, Alvertia C. Brower, Annie Ruth Cheek Coley; brothers, Thomas Junior Cheek, Harold Monroe Cheek, Charles Roy Cheek, and Henry Clayton Cheek.

Surviving are her daughters, Tawanna MacFarlane, Juanita Spinks Brown; sons, James Williams Spinks, Michael Dale Spinks, Edward Monroe Spinks, Jeffrey Manuel Fisher, Gregory Manuel Fisher; 29 grandchildren; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Linda Sue Jarrell Burroughs April 9, 1945 - November 28, 2023

Linda Sue Jarrell Burroughs, age 78, of Asheboro passed away November 28, 2023 at The Randolph Hospice House.

She was born April 9, 1945 in Randolph County, North Carolina the daughter of the late Grady Jarrell and Margaret Virginia Croaker Jarrell. She is also preceded in death by a brother, Grady Jarrell Jr. Linda was a lady of faith and member of Richland Baptist Church of Asheboro.

She enjoyed her work in real estate and being creative with home décor. Most of all, she loved being in the company of her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, John Burroughs and Jamie Burroughs and wife, Connie; grandchildren, Kayla Burroughs and Bridgett Stewart (John); great grandchildren, Hayden, Paislee, Keegan and Raelynn; brother, Harvey Jarrell; sister Diane Jarrell; and numerous other beloved family and friends.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

8

STATE & NATION House Republicans reiterate their demand for Hunter Biden to appear for a private deposition The Associated Press

cratic majorities have historically taken when deposing witnesses.

“Mr. Biden seems to believe that he should be treated differently than other witnesses before the Committees,” the men wrote.

Lowell did not immediately re-

spond to a request for comment.

The early-November subpoenas to Hunter Biden and others were the inquiry’s most aggressive steps yet, testing the reach of congressional oversight powers.

Republicans have so far failed

to uncover evidence directly implicating President Joe Biden in any wrongdoing. But questions have arisen about the ethics surrounding the Biden family’s international business, and lawmakers insist their evidence paints a troubling picture of “influence peddling” in the family’s business dealings, particularly with clients overseas.

Republicans have also spoken with an attorney for the president’s brother, James Biden, to determine a date for his subpoenaed testimony, Jordan said last week.

The subpoenas to the Biden family members and others, including former business associate Rob Walker, are bitterly opposed by Democrats, and the White House has called for them to be withdrawn and questioned their legitimacy.

The criticism has pushed Republicans to consider holding a vote this month to formally authorize their inquiry in an effort to strengthen their legal standing if the subpoena battle drags into court.

But holding a vote on the impeachment investigation would be a risky move by House Republican leaders, who have not yet been able to garner enough support for the inquiry in their narrow 221213 majority. With Democrats united against the impeachment push, GOP leaders would need near-unanimous support from their side for the vote to succeed.

US border officials closing a remote Arizona crossing because of overwhelming migrant arrivals

The Border Patrol made 17,500 arrests for illegal crossings during the past week in the agency’s Tucson sector, John Modlin, the sector chief, said Friday, That translates to a daily average of 2,500, well above its daily average of 1,700 in September, when Tucson was already the busiest corridor for illegal crossings by far along U.S.-Mexico border.

Customs and Border Protection blamed the hundreds of people arriving daily around Lukeville on “smugglers peddling disinformation to prey on vulnerable individuals.”

It was unclear how long the crossing would be shut.

Although it is remote, the Lukeville border crossing is the one regularly used to travel from Arizona to Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point, a resort area in the Mexican state of Sonora on the Sea of Cortez. Americans also drive through the crossing to visit the border community of Sonoyta for a meal, shop or to get less expensive dental and medical care.

Some Mexican children ride a northbound bus across the border every day to go to school.

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, along with Gov. Katie Hobbs, blasted the planned closure and demanded better solutions from President Joe Biden’s administration.

“This is an unacceptable outcome that further destabilizes our border, risks the safety of

our communities, and damages our economy by disrupting trade and tourism,” they said in a joint statement. “The Federal Government must act swiftly to maintain port of entry operations, get the border under control, keep Arizona communities safe, and ensure the humane treatment of migrants.”

Kelly and Hobbs, both Democrats, and Sinema, an independent who was elected as a Democrat, also criticized “partisan politicians who parrot talking points while watching the border further deteriorate.”

They said those politicians should instead “reject the echo chamber and work with us to get something done and keep our communities safe.”

An average of 3,140 people in vehicles and 184 pedestrians entered the U.S. daily in Lukeville during October, according to the U.S. Transportation Department’s latest figures.

Travelers will still be able to cross into or out of the United States through Nogales, Arizona, a three-hour drive to the east, or San Luis, Arizona, a two-hour drive to the west.

Customs and Border Protection earlier this week began limiting traffic at the Lukeville port.

The agency on Monday also closed one of two bridges to vehicles in Eagle Pass, Texas, a town of about 30,000 people that, for a while last year, was the busiest corridor for illegal crossings.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Republicans demanded Friday that Hunter Biden appear this month for a closed-door deposition, rejecting his offer to testify publicly while pledging to release a transcript of the private interview for transparency.

House Oversight Committee chair James Comer and Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan reiterated the parameters of the subpoena issued last month to Hunter Biden in a letter — obtained by The Associated Press — to his attorney. The president’s son had refused their request this week for closed-door testimony, saying it could be manipulated.

“The subpoenas Mr. Biden has received compel him to appear before the Committees for a deposition; they are not mere suggestions open to Mr. Biden’s interpretation or preference,” the Republican chairmen wrote in a letter to attorney Abbe Lowell.

Lowell this week had called the nearly yearslong GOP investigation into his client a “fishing expedition,” but offered for his client to appear publicly rather than behind closed doors, saying closed sessions can be selectively leaked and used to manipulate the facts.

His response to the committee was in line with the more forceful approach Hunter Biden’s legal team has taken in recent months as congressional Republicans

AP PHOTO

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, center, flanked by Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., talks with reporters about efforts to investigate President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. pursue an impeachment inquiry seeking to tie his father to his business dealings.

But Comer and Jordan reiterated their initial request, saying they are conforming with the approach Republican and Demo-

The Associated Press PHOENIX — So many migrants are crossing from Mexico into the United States around remote Lukeville, Arizona, that U.S. officials say they will close the port of entry there so that the operations officials who watch over vehicle and pedestrian traffic going both ways can help Border Patrol agents arrest and process the new arrivals.

Customs and Border Protection announced Friday that the temporary closure of the crossing will start Monday as officials grapple with changing migration routes that have overwhelmed Border Patrol agents stationed there. Arizona’s U.S. senators and governor called planned closure “unacceptable.”

Customs and Border Protection said it is “surging all available resources to expeditiously and safely process migrants” and will “continue to prioritize our border security mission as necessary in response to this evolving situation.”

AP PHOTO

A family of five claiming to be from Guatemala and a man stating he was from Peru, in pink shirt, walk through the desert after crossing the border wall in the Tucson Sector of the U.S.-Mexico border, Aug. 29, 2023, in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Lukeville, Ariz.

The area around the desert crossing has become a major migration route in recent months, with smugglers dropping off people from countries as diverse as Senegal, India and China. Most

of them are walking into the U.S. west of Lukeville through gaps in the wall, then head east toward the official border crossing to surrender to the first agents they see in hopes for a chance at asylum.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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ENTERTAINMENT New to stream this week The Associated Press THIS WEEK’S new streaming entertainment releases include a Nicki Minaj album dropping on her birthday and the return of Tony Shalhoub’s OCD private investigator Adrian Monk with a final case. Julia Roberts stars in the psychological thriller “Leave the World Behind” on Netflix. It’s been a while since we’ve gotten a chance to play in James Cameron’s “Avatar” universe but Ubisoft is about to bridge the gap with Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.

And there’s a new swoon-worthy teen romance about a love triangle with two brothers coming to Netflix called in “My Life with the Walter Boys.”

Tony Shalhoub’s quirky private investigator Adrian Monk returns to the screen and Julia Roberts stars in a new psychological thriller this week. Here’s a look at the shows, movies, music and games headed to a device near you.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM “Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail directs Julia Roberts in the new psychological thriller he adapted from Rumaan Alam’s novel for Netflix. In “Leave the World Behind,” An ad executive (Roberts), her college professor husband (Ethan Hawke) and kids (Charlie Evans and Farrah Mackenzie) are spending the weekend in a luxurious rental on Long Island. Late one night two strangers (Mahershala Ali and Myha’la) show up with news of a cyberattack and blackout, claiming that the house is theirs and seeking refuge. No one is quite sure who to trust as the apocalypse looms. “Leave the World Behind” will be available to watch on Netflix on Friday, Dec. 8.

Indie auteur Kelly Reichardt (“First Cow,” “Wendy and Lucy”) reunites with her longtime muse Michelle Williams for the fourth time in “Showing Up,” about a ceramic artist in Portland, Oregon that begins streaming on Paramount+ on Thursday. Hong Chau co-stars as her landlady in a film that AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote was about the “The compulsions and pains of making modest, hand-crafted art. ” In an interview earlier this year, Reichardt said, “We were trying to make a film about someone who’s caught up in balancing the day-to-day, someone for whom working is like eating, but life has all these other demands of you.”

Photojournalist Amanda Mustard turns her lens to her own family, investigating sexual abuses committed by her grandfather in “Great Photo, Lovely Life,” streaming on MAX on Tuesday. On this eight-yearjourney, Mustard tries to un-

AP PHOTO

This combination of photos shows promotional art for “My Life with the Walter Boys” a series premiering Dec. 7 on Netflix, left, and “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie,” premiering Dec 8 on Peacock. cover the abuses, coverups and secrecy — her grandfather was a chiropractor in Pennsylvania — and understand the impact of the generational trauma inflicted on her family.

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM Nicki Minaj has reason to celebrate and so do we. The rapper’s “Pink Friday 2” album lands on Friday, Dec. 8, her birthday.

“This entire album will be the biggest gift I have ever given humanity thus far,” she modestly says of the album that has been five years in the making. “I have never in my life been so in love with something that I’m working on.” Its lead single, “Super Freaky Girl,” dropped back in August. As a frame of reference, the 10-time Grammy-nominated artist dropped her debut album “Pink Friday” in 2010.

There’s good news if you’re burning, burning for Blue Öyster Cult: The classic rock band is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an album of three live sold-out shows, “50th Anniversary Live – First Night.”

The set is built around three sold-out shows the band played in September 2022 at Sony Hall in New York City. Each show featured the band playing in its entirety one of their first three albums (“Blue Öyster Cult”, “Tyranny and Mutation” and “Secret Treaties”), followed by a set of deep cuts and classics from their other albums.

Neil Young is looking back with “Before and After,” an album of solo acoustic re-recordings of songs from his deep catalog. The album will feature an “eclectic” fresh takes on songs like “My Heart,” “On the Way Home” and “Mother Earth.”

“The feeling is captured, not in pieces, but as a whole piece — designed to be listened to that way. This music presentation defies shuffling, digital organization, separation,” the singer-songwriter warns. There’s also the previously unreleased song “If You Got Love.”

NEW SERIES TO STREAM Production on season three of Prime Video’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty” hasn’t begun yet but there’s a new swoon-worthy teen romance about a love triangle with two brothers coming to Netflix. In “My Life with the Walter Boys,” a recently orphaned teen named Jackie moves from New York to Colorado to live with her mother’s best friend — and her 10 sons. Jackie must adjust to a new home, new school, new family, and new feelings for two of the brothers, Alex and Cole. “My Life with the Walter Boys” is adapted from a novel originally published on Wattpad. All 10 episodes drop Thursday.

Grab your hand sanitizer because Tony Shalhoub is reviving his Emmy Award-winning character, Adrian Monk, a private investigator with OCD, whom he played for eight seasons on USA. “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie” premieres Friday, Dec. 8 on Peacock. Original series stars Ted Levine, Traylor Howard, Jason Gray-Stanford, Melora Hardin and Hector Elizondo also return.

NEW GAMES TO PLAY The “Avatar” films have plenty of video-game DNA, from their immersive 3D graphics to the idea of humans virtually exploring an alien world.

It’s been a while, though, since we’ve gotten a chance to play in James Cameron’s universe.

Ubisoft is about to bridge the gap with Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. The protagonist is a Na’vi warrior who’s out for revenge after being held captive for years by the militaristic Resources Development Administration. The developer promises to show wildlife and regions of Pandora that we haven’t yet seen on IMAX screens, and you’ll be able to wield both Na’vi and human weapons as you try to destroy the RDA’s smoke-belching factories.

AP PHOTO

Left, this cover image released by Money/Republic Records shows “Pink Friday 2” by Nicki Minaj, releasing Dec. 8. Right, Myha’la Herrold, left, and Julia Roberts are interviewed upon arrival at the screening of the film ‘Leave The World Behind’ on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 in London.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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This Week in History: Jackson elected, Washington re-elected, Ford sworn in as VP The Associated Press Dec. 3, 1818: Illinois was admitted as the 21st state.

Dec. 3, 1828: Andrew Jackson was elected president of the United States by the Electoral College.

Dec. 3, 1947: The Tennessee Williams play “A Streetcar Named Desire” opened on Broadway.

Dec. 3, 1992: The first telephone text message was sent by British engineer Neil Papworth, who transmitted the greeting “Merry Christmas” from his work computer in Newbury,

Berkshire, to Vodafone executive Richard Jarvis’ mobile phone.

Dec. 4, 1956: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins gathered for the first and only time for a jam session at Sun Records in Memphis.

Dec. 4, 1965: The United States launched Gemini 7 with Air Force Lt. Col. Frank Borman and Navy Cmdr. James A. Lovell aboard on a two-week mission.

(While Gemini 7 was in orbit, its sister ship, Gemini 6A, was launched on Dec. 15 on a oneday mission; the two spacecraft were able to rendezvous within a

foot of each other.)

Dec. 5, 1791: Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died in Vienna, Austria, at age 35.

Dec. 5, 1792: George Washington was reelected president; John Adams was reelected vice president.

Dec. 5, 1848: President James K. Polk triggered the Gold Rush of ’49 by confirming that gold had been discovered in California.

Dec. 6, 1865: The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, abolishing slavery, was ratified as Georgia became the 27th state to endorse it.

Dec. 6, 1923: A presidential address was broadcast on radio for the first time as Calvin Coolidge spoke to a joint session of Congress.

Dec. 6, 1957, America’s first attempt at putting a satellite into orbit failed as Vanguard TV3 rose about four feet off a Cape Canaveral launch pad before crashing down and exploding.

Dec. 6, 1973, House minority leader Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as vice president, succeeding Spiro T. Agnew.

Dec. 6, 2017, President Donald Trump declared Jerusalem to be Israel’s capital, defying

warnings from the Palestinians and others around the world that he would be destroying hopes for Mideast peace.

This week’s Birthdays: Dec. 3: Rock singer Ozzy Osbourne is 75; Country musician Paul Gregg (Restless Heart) is 69; Actor Daryl Hannah is 63; Actor Julianne Moore is 63; Olympic gold medal figure skater Katarina Witt is 58; Actor Brendan Fraser is 55; Singer Montell Jordan is 55.

Dec. 4: Actor Marisa Tomei is 59; Rapper Jay-Z is 54; Actor-model Tyra Banks is 50.

Dec. 5: College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL quarterback Jim Plunkett is 76; Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Art Monk is 66; Actor Frankie Muniz is 38 .

Dec. 6: Writer-director Judd Apatow is 56. NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo is 29.

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Kraft debuts dairy-free mac and cheese in the US The Associated Press

Solution for the puzzle in last week’s edition.

NEW YORK — Kraft Macaroni and … Fava Beans?

The Kraft Heinz Co. said last week it’s bringing dairy-free macaroni and cheese to the U.S. for the first time. The company said the new recipe has the same creamy texture and flavor of its beloved 85-yearold original Mac & Cheese but replaces dairy with ingredients like fava bean protein and coconut oil powder.

The plant-based Kraft NotMac&Cheese, which will be rolled out to U.S. stores over the next few months, was developed in collaboration with Not Co., a Chicago startup that makes plant-based foods.

Kraft Heinz, based in Pittsburgh and Chicago, formed a joint venture with Not Co. last year called The Kraft Heinz Not Co. The joint venture has already released non-dairy cheese slices and mayonnaise and plans to add more products and begin international distribution next year.

Kraft Heinz began selling vegan macaroni and cheese in Australia in 2021, but this will be the first time it’s been sold in

the U.S. Kraft Heinz Not Co. CEO Lucho Lopez-May said sales of plant-based macaroni and cheese products are outpacing the overall category. But less than 30% of buyers purchase the products a second time, citing disappointing taste and texture.

Lopez-May said Kraft Heinz Not Co. aims to meet consumers’ preference for plant-based foods with familiar flavors that don’t force them to make drastic changes to their eating habits. Kraft sells more than 1 million boxes of its original Mac & Cheese every day.

NotMac&Cheese will be available in white cheddar and original flavors.

While it’s made from plants, NotMac&Cheese isn’t necessarily healthier than the original. When fully prepared with margarine and almond milk, 1 cup of NotMac&Cheese has 450 calories; by comparison, 1 cup of original Mac & Cheese prepared with margarine and 2% milk is 350 calories. The plant-based dry mix is higher in fat and carbohydrates. But it’s also lower in cholesterol and has more protein and fiber.

AP PHOTO

Randolph Record for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

12 All aboard

Not even a surprise freight train could dampen the holiday spirit at the Asheboro Christmas Parade on Friday, December 1.

With dignitaries and floats from numerous local businesses and organizations, the event was a well-attended success.

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

SCOTT PELKEY | RANDOLPH RECORD

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SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 41 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023 | HOKE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM | SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 336-283-6305

HOKE COUNTY THE HOKE COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

HAL NUNN FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Welcome to the board

The City of Raeford swore in Ricky Sandy, Johnny Boyles and Jackie McKinnon-McLean as the three newest City Council members Monday night.

L to R: Sandy, Wayne Willis, Boyles, City Manager Dennis Baxley, McKinnon-McLean, Mayor John K. McNeill III, and Charles Allen.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Hoke deputies conduct drug raid The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit executed a drug-focused search warrant in Red Springs last Friday, according to a press release from the department. The operation targeted a residence in the 300 block of Branch Road, following an investigation initiated by complaints of illegal narcotics distribution.

Carlos Jermale Pittman and Lynette Hall were identified as the primary and secondary suspects, respectively, in the case.

While Pittman was not present during the raid, Hall was found inside the residence along with several others. Due to pre-existing medical conditions, Hall was transported from the scene by EMS, with arrest warrants pending against her.

The search of the premises revealed a substantial haul of illicit substances and related items. Detectives seized 65 grams of marijuana, 25 oxycodone pills, and an unspecified quantity of Xanax pills. Additionally, a significant amount of cash, three firearms, digital scales, and plastic baggies were found.

A concerning discovery was an extremely malnourished canine in the backyard, lacking food and water. Animal Control was promptly called to the scene, taking custody of all canines found.

Pittman turned himself in later in the day, facing charges including possession with intent to sell and deliver controlled substances, along with animal cruelty. He is being held on a $25,000 secured bond.

Hoke Commissioners elect leaders, approve variances

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal RAEFORD — The Hoke County Board of Commissioners met Monday, Dec. 4.

The board elected Commissioner James Leach, who had been serving as vice-chairman, as chairman of the board and Commissioner Harry Southerland as vice-chairman. Both were the only nominations for each position and received a unanimous vote.

“Thank you board for putting your trust in me once again,” Leach said. “I promise not to let you down. Mr. Allen, when we turned it over to you, we had a fund balance of 45-50% and

you’re giving it back to us with a fund balance of 45-50% so you did well. Thank you for that and certainly for your leadership of Hoke County for the past two years. Great work, good work and you’ve done a great job.”

Allen Thomas Jr., who had served as chairman for the last two years, is not leaving the board, but chose not to seek reelection.

“I just want to thank the board for giving me these two years,” Thomas said. “It’s been a great two year experience working with you all in this position of chairman and I just want to thank you. It’s been one of the wonders of my life. So I just want to say I appreciate it.”

“Thank you board for putting your trust in me once again.

I promise not to let you down.”

Hoke County Board Chairman James Leach The board held four public hearings regarding property matters.

The first hearing was a request for a special use permit for the use of multi-family homes located on 33.81 acres of property located on Philippi Church Road.

The property is currently zoned R-8.

“In our zoning ordinance, multi-family housing is not permitted in any zone,” said Planner Jeff Dockery. “It has to be by special use only and only in three distinct zoning districts: R-8, RMF and NB. The property, as it is right now, we feel that this is the best use of this land in order to get our desired results “The top of the property is going to be developed and the bottom is going to be phase two for further development. They’re projecting to have 73 units and for a portion of the property to be left vacant for future development.”

The second hearing was for a preliminary plat approval for a 299-lot major subdivision named Stornoway Farm Subdivision located on 93-acres of property on Philippi Church Road. The property is zone R-8.

The third hearing was a rezonSee COMMISSIONERS, page 2

Governor makes judicial appointments impacting Hoke, Moore, and Robeson Counties The District 19D appointment fills the retirement vacancy of Judge James Webb

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — On Dec. 1, Governor Roy Cooper announced his appointment of Judge Regina M. Joe to Superior Court District 19D which serves Hoke and Moore Counties, and attorney Krystle Melvin to District Court in District 16B, which serves Robeson County.

“These appointees bring to the bench years of legal experience in the public and private sectors and have served North Carolina and their communities well,” Cooper said in a press release. “I appreciate their continued commitment to serving the people of our state.”

Judge Joe has been a District Court Judge since 2007 and in the past was a Public Defender in Hoke and Scotland Counties as well as working in the District At-

torney’s offices in Hoke, Scotland and Pitt Counties.

Melvin is an Associate Attorney in private practice at the Charleston Group. She has previously been an Assistant District Attorney in Robeson County and a staff attorney at the Cumberland County Department of Social Services.

Joe’s District 19D appointment fills the vacancy created by Judge James Webb, who recently retired with more than a year left before his current term ends on Dec. 31, 2024. Webb assumed the 19D role on Jan. 1, 2019.

Webb has also been a judge for the North Carolina 5th Superior Court Division Judicial District 19B. He ran for and retained the seat after running unopposed in 2016.

In early October, a ceremony unveiling a portrait of Webb was held to honor his service. The portrait will be hung in the Carthage courthouse.

Webb’s days on the bench have included some controversies, such as the N.C. Court of Appeals

overturning his sentencing in the 2013 case of Zachary Thomsen, a man who admitted to raping an 8-year-old child when he was 18 years old.

Webb had ignored state sentencing rules by rejecting a plea agreement of a 25-year minimum sentence for first degree rape and sexual offense charges against Thomsen. Webb lowered the sentence 12 years; less than half of the recommended sentence.

To support his sentencing recommendation, Webb had cited the Eighth Amendment and had argued individuals convicted of second-degree murder received shorter sentences than Thomsen faced.

Webb’s sentencing decision was appealed by the state and in a 2015 ruling by a N.C. Court of Appeals three judge panel, Webb’s sentencing order was vacated and ordered a new sentencing hearing.

An appeal by Thomsen reached the N.C. Supreme Court which issued an opinion confirming the Court of Appeals decision

in 2016.

Over the past two years since the pandemic, Webb had apparently been interpreting the definition of “good cause” in statute with relation to probation fees.

Per state statute, “The court may exempt a person from paying the fee only for good cause and upon motion of the person placed on supervised probation.”

North State Journal reported earlier this year in May that Webb had been waiving probation fees if parolees provide “voluntary proof” of full COVID-19 vaccination to probation officers.

Probation fees are typically around $40 but can be higher and are required to be deposited into the state’s General Fund.

$2.00

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

2 WEDNESDAY

WEEKLY FORECAST

12.6.23 WEDNESDAY

DEC 6

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“Join the conversation” COMMISSIONERS from page 1 Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Ryan Henkel, Reporter Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 HOKE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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

ing request to rezone 56 acres of property located on Scull Road from R-20 to R-8.

The final hearing was for another preliminary plat approval for a 16-lot major subdivision named McQueen Farms Subdivision located on 112.41-acres of property on Blue Springs Road.

Following the hearings, the board approved all of the requests.

The board also approved a professional services contract with the North Carolina Alliance of Public Health Agencies for a community health worker to provide outreach, case management, care coordination and to support women and infants in Hoke County.

“The Health Department has received a HRSA grant from the state in conjunction with Cumberland County to provide maternity services to our patients,” said Health Director Helene Edwards.

The board then approved two utility waivers, one for the Upland Trace subdivision and the other for a project located off Rockfish Road.

“Even though we scrounge on having to give waivers, sometimes it is imperative that we do so that the land owners are able to develop their land in some way to be able to recoup some of the investment that they have in their property,” said Commissioner Tony Hunt.

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet Dec. 18.

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Get in touch A weekly podcast getting to the facts across the state, around the world and at home HERE in Raeford, Hoke County, NC.

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CRIME LOG x Jones, David Earl (I/M/62), Probation Violation, 11/27/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office x Locklear, Kevin Dewayne (I/M/57), Probation Violation, 11/26/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: hokecommunity@northstatejournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

x Sanchez, Simon Jimenez (U/M/57), Fugitive from Justice, 11/24/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office x Rodriguez-Flores, William Hernesto (W/M/27), Break or Enter w/ Intent to Terrorize or Injure Occupant, 11/24/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office x Woods, James Kelly (I/M/51), Attempted Murder, 11/23/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Hosted by:

Ruben Castellon, Hal Nunn and Chris Holland

x Tyler, George Reynold (A/M/64), Secret Peeping, 11/20/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

Available on most Platforms

x Beatty, Alvin Laverne (B/M/53), Probation Violation, 11/20/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

3

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

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

One year later ONE YEAR AGO, on the evening of Dec. 3, 2022, our community was intentionally attacked. Our home, along with 45,000 of our neighbors, went without power for days. In the middle of a winter cold spell, I was concerned about people who were unable to heat their homes. I worried about residents with health issues who rely on electricity to power their medical devices. Schools were shut down during end of year evaluations. Small businesses were forced to close in the midst of holiday shopping.

And yet through it all, our community came together.

While the days following the attack were difficult, I am so proud of how our community came together in the face of adversity. It was inspiring to see folks come together in a time of need as churches, small businesses, restaurants, police and fire departments, libraries, and individuals stepped up to help their neighbors and show our strength as a community.

Over the weeks and months that followed, I was in listening mode. I have listened to Moore County residents, grid operators, community developers, federal and local law enforcement, business owners, experts on grid security from Duke Energy and the NC Department of Emergency Management, and others, who all have shared similar concerns with our grid’s security and resilience. I have worked to apply the lessons learned to make sure we reduce the risk of an attack like this happening again.

Attacks on electric grids in the United States that led to widespread power outages increased 71% from 2021 to 2022, and we are on track to meet or exceed last year’s record of 164 major cyber and physical attacks. These figures are extremely alarming and further emphasize the need to secure our energy

grid, not just here in the Sandhills, but across the country.

To directly address these concerns, I have focused on leading discussions and advancing legislation to harden our infrastructure, improve grid resilience, and strengthen our supply chains.

I started by securing a classified intelligence briefing for my colleagues in January on the increased level of attacks targeting our nation’s electrical infrastructure, to further understand.

In June, I brought members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to Moore County for a field hearing on improving the security and resiliency of our nation’s energy grid. It was important to me that our first hearing was where the attack happened, and that my colleagues heard not just the facts of grid security and resilience—but the people personally affected and their experiences.

Since our Moore County field hearing, I have worked to secure additional Energy and Commerce Committee hearings in Washington. I have spoken directly with witnesses from across the energy industry to further examine emerging threats to our nation’s energy grid, and emphasized the need for reliable energy infrastructure.

Additionally, I secured $1.6 billion dollars in funding to bolster grid security in the 2024 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill. This funding will maintain strong energy security and ensure economic competitiveness, while also reining in reckless spending. Grid security is national security, and our community cannot risk a mass power outage that jeopardizes the safety and health of you and your family.

That’s why I introduced the Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, which repeals the Department of Energy’s authority to enforce any new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for the next five years.

The Department of Energy should be focusing on

strengthening the U.S. supply chain for distribution transformers for the next five years – not further disrupting it. In fact, our community’s situation last December would not have been as dire if we had a backup transformer available. We must ensure our electrical manufacturers can continue to do what they do best, without the Biden Administration’s radical energy agenda getting in their way. This bill has been making its way through the Energy and Commerce Committee and I look forward to moving this bill to the House floor soon.

In addition, I reintroduced my bipartisan legislation, the WORKER Act, which will supercharge our nation’s energy workforce by prioritizing education and training for energy and manufacturing jobs when awarding grants to stakeholders. By creating a strong energy workforce and increasing domestic energy production, we can decrease energy costs, restore American energy dominance, and end the Biden administration’s war on energy.

One year after the energy attack on our community, my mission remains the same: I will not stop fighting for grid security and energy independence in Washington. No community across the country should experience what we endured last December.

I want to thank Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields and our local law enforcement for their quick response during those dark days, and for their ongoing investigations to determine who is responsible for last December’s attack. We must hold those responsible for this act accountable and I will continue to support law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.

Even on our darkest days, it is an honor to represent you and this incredible community. As your Congressman, I will continue to make sure Washington pays attention to the concerns and needs of you and your family.

COLUMN | NEAL JACKSON

A Modern-Day Republican POLITICAL PARTIES CHANGE over time. This can cause confusion for voters over the direction and agenda of their political party. As we approach another election, it is fair to ask, “What is the Agenda of the N.C. Republican Party? What are its Priorities?”

Politicians make promises they don’t always keep. Some elected officials have been known to make promises which they never intend to keep.

At other times they just didn’t have the votes or the leadershipsupport to see the promise through to completion.

I encourage voters to look beyond the promises and examine the voting records to see where a candidate and the political parties have stood. This will help voters discover the party’s true priorities.

Here are some of the legislative accomplishments of the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2023.

NC Republicans believe in Economic Growth and Fiscal Discipline Republicans in North Carolina believe in smaller government and low tax rates. Both of these principles require fiscal discipline. The Republican philosophy is that the long-term economic success of a state depends upon low individual and corporate tax rates and a streamlined regulatory system. This has been proven over a decade in many states.

Republicans believe the strength of North Carolina is the character of its people, not the size of its government. This philosophy results in more personal liberties. Individuals, families, and communities are the ones that should make the choices that affect their finances, not a pervasive state government. A small government commitment unleashes private enterprise to innovate and create.

Fiscal discipline is the reason for North Carolina’s ability to bring in thousands of new manufacturing jobs. This is also the reason why North Carolina has been rated by CNBC for consecutive years as the best state in the nation to do business.

Once again in 2023, Republicans passed broad cuts to personal and corporate income tax rates.

Personal Income Tax will drop to 3.99% by 2026.

Franchise Taxes will be capped after the first $1

Million so that local businesses are less financially burdened.

2023 Regulatory Reform Act provides greater freedom to North Carolinians while respecting environmental concerns.

NC Republicans believe in Quality Education for Every Child Republicans believe a child’s education is to prepare them to be productive citizens, not to indoctrinate them with the latest cultural fad.

Schools succeed when they focus on reading, writing, and math, and not the political agenda of bureaucrats. They desire for parents to be intricately involved in their child’s education, with a transparency of the curriculum that is being taught in each classroom. Republicans believe parents are best equipped to determine what school their child should attend, which is why they passed universal school choice provisions this year.

Choose Your School, Choose Your Future expands the Opportunity Scholarship program to allow every family to be eligible for scholarship funds - HB 823.

Parents’ Bill of Rights - requires schools to inform parents of changes in their child’s health, education and other rights - HB 49.

Charter School Omnibus - enables more educational choices for families - HB 219.

School Threat Assessment Teams - requires schools to take additional steps toward student safety - HB 605.

NC Republicans believe in Law and Order Republicans in North Carolina do not support the philosophy of defunding police departments because statistics show it leads to increased crime, murder, and rape in every demographic. Police officers’ risk their lives protecting our families and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods and their service should be valued and applauded. Officers and the resources needed for the protection of our communities should be a priority.

Stiffen Penalties for Rioting and Assaulting an Officer – HB 40

Juvenile Justice Modifications clarifies the jurisdiction for juvenile defendants - HB 186 Streamline Concealed Carry for Probation and Parole Officers – HB36 Extend Death Benefits for Police Officers Killed on the Way to or from Work – HB 363 NC Republicans believe in the Family Republicans desire to empower families as they freely direct the upbringing of their own children.

God’s preferred plan is for parents to raise their children, and the government should have minimal involvement in families when responsible parents are raising their children.

Care for Women, Children and Families Act – will save the lives of thousands of pre-born babies each year - SB 20.

Fairness in Women’s Sports – prevents males from participating in high school women’s sports - HB 574.

Protecting Minors from Pornography – requires age verification to view pornographic websites, preventing minors from accessing pornography - HB 8.

Protect Children from Gender Transitions – prevents gender transition surgeries and puberty blockers in children - HB 808.

NC Republicans believe in the 2nd Amendment The US Constitution gives each citizen the right to protect themselves, their families, and their property.

The Republican Party is not the party seeking to take guns from law abiding citizens. Republicans believe our founders meant what they wrote in our original documents, that our right to bear arms should not be infringed upon.

SB 41, North Carolina Republicans affirmed their commitment to the 2nd Amendment.

Repealed pistol purchase permit.

Allowed conceal carry in churches on Sunday that have a school during the week.

What is the agenda of NC House Republicans?

A commitment to economic growth and fiscal discipline, a commitment to a quality education for every child, a commitment to the law and order, a commitment to the family, and a commitment to the second amendment. These are not just empty campaign promises. This is our 2023 legislative record

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

4 SIDELINE REPORT

SPORTS

NFL

49ers linebacker Greenlaw, Eagles security chief ejected Philadelphia San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was ejected from Sunday’s against Philadelphia for putting his hand in the face of the Eagles’ security chief.

Dom DiSandro, a constant presence on the Eagles’ sideline and whenever players are out in public, pulled Greenlaw off Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith after a reception. Greenlaw popped up and reached over two officials to touch DiSandro’s face with a closed fist. Greenlaw was ejected.

DiSandro also was told to leave and walked to the locker room with a roaring ovation from Eagles fans.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Bronny James joins USC for warmups Last Vegas Two days after it was announced Bronny James had been cleared by doctors for a full return to basketball, the Southern California freshman took the floor for warmups Saturday before the Trojans’ 89-76 loss to No. 11 Gonzaga in the Las Vegas Invitational. The son of NBA career scoring leader LeBron James was upbeat and jovial as he knocked down seven consecutive 3-pointers at one point during warmups.

Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest four months ago.

He was found to have a congenital heart defect that was treatable. He’s expected to be evaluated again next week and could play in a game soon after.

NHL

Devils’ Hamilton, Nosek out indefinitely after surgeries Newark, N.J. The New Jersey Devils said defenseman Dougie Hamilton and forward Tomas Nosek are both out indefinitely after having surgeries this week.

Hamilton had an operation Friday to repair his torn left pectoral muscle. Nosek had surgery Wednesday to fix a right foot problem that led him to miss 10 games earlier this year. The team recalled defenseman Simon Nemec from Utica of the AHL. The team said they would provide

AP PHOTO

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is chased by Buccaneers defensive end William Gholston during the Carolina’s 21-18 loss Sunday in Tampa, Florida.

Panthers drop first game under Tabor, 21-18 at Buccaneers Carolina quarterback Bryce Young threw an interception with just over two minutes left The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla. — Mike Evans sprinted between two defenders into the open, snagged a pass approaching midfield, and took off for the end zone.

Tampa Bay’s career receiving leader scored on a 75-yard pass play and later joined Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history to string together 10 consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus yards receiving while helping the Buccaneers beat the struggling Carolina Panthers 21-18 on Sunday.

“I don’t know how much more you can say. He’s been like this for 10 years now — 60 catches 10 years in a row, 1,000 yards 10 years in a row,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said.

Evans finished with seven receptions for 162 yards, increasing his season totals to 61 catches for 1,012 yards and 10

touchdowns. Rice set the league record of 11 straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving from 1986 through 1996.

The Bucs (5-7) won for only the second time in the past eight games, climbing into a tie for second place in the weak NFC South. Carolina (1-11) scored late to pull within a field goal, but No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young threw an interception with just over two minutes remaining, ending any chance of coming from behind to win the Panthers’ debut under interim coach Chris Tabor.

“I love those guys. ... I feel for them,” Tabor said. “Losing stinks and it’s hard and it’s frustrating. But at the same time, you can handle things two ways, and that’s what we talked about.

You can either handle it with character or you can handle it with compromise. So which is it going to be? I like our guys.

We’ll just keep working.”

Rachaad White scored an early touchdown and receiver Chris Godwin scored on a 19-yard run early in the fourth quarter, expanding Tampa Bay’s lead to 21-

“I can’t lie and say it’s not frustrating.”

Bryce Young, Panthers quarterback 10. Chuba Hubbard rushed 104 yards and two TDs for Carolina, and Young’s 2-point conversion run trimmed Tampa Bay’s lead to 21-18 with 5:02 left.

Despite losing six of seven games following a 3-1 start, the Bucs began the day trailing Atlanta and New Orleans by one game in the NFC South. The Falcons (6-6) beat the New York Jets to remain on top of the division, while the Saints (5-7) lost to the Detroit Lions to fall into a tie for second place with the Bucs.

The Panthers fired Frank Reich last Monday, 11 games into the coach’s first season leading the Panthers. Tabor was promoted to interim coach and said he encouraged players to “play

loose, not reckless” and have fun moving forward.

It was the second time in a little more than a year that Carolina faced Tampa Bay shortly after the in-season firing of a coach. Matt Rhule was dismissed in October 2022, two weeks before the Panthers knocked off Tom Brady and the visiting Bucs 21-3.

Young completed 15 of 31 passes for 178 yards and an interception, Antoine Winfield Jr.’s pick that ended the comeback bid. The rookie was sacked four times.

“Of course, no one’s happy with how things have gone.

We’re all competitors, but ultimately we play for each other,” Young said.

“Each game is huge for us. We are of that mindset,” Young added. “So, I can’t lie and say it’s not frustrating. But ultimately what permeates the locker room is the desire to want to be better, desire to want to grow and play for each other.”

The Panthers travel to New Orleans to face the Saints next Sunday.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Sandhills student wins $100K Dr. Pepper Tuition Toss Sandhills Community College may not have a football team, but the Flyers have a quarterback worthy of a six-figure payday.

5 ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Shelby Burris

By Jordan Golson North State Journal THANKS TO SOME nifty passing, Andrew Jimenez, president of the Student Government Association at Sandhills Community College, earned a $100,000 scholarship from the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway at the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium.

The soda maker holds a competition of football accuracy during halftime of the major conference title games each year. The $100,000 winner is chosen based on who can more accurately chuck footballs through a hole in the side of an enormous can of Dr. Pepper.

“It was so awesome winning the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway this weekend,” said Jimenez in a statement shared by Dr. Pepper. “The $100K in tuition means so much to me and it will definitely help me focus on my studies and ultimately get closer to my long-term goal of working for the NBA. It was a great weekend, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

The Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway has seen some controversy in recent years as winning players have opted for a more easily-controlled shovel- or two-handed-chest-pass rather than a traditional overhand football pass.

Some observers have urged Dr. Pepper to ban the chest pass entirely.

HANDOUT PHOTO

Sandhills student Andrew Jimenez poses with an enormous check at the SEC Championship Game this weekend.

Andrew, however, embraced tradition and went overhand the whole way, leading online men’s website BroBible to name him an “American Hero” for throwing rather than pushing the ball towards the target. Though his opponent opted for the chest pass, Jimenez saw overhand success, likely in no small part because Sandhills put together a dummy target can for him to practice on.

CBS Sports tweeted a video of the competition, declaring Jimenez to have “a Dr. Pepper Tuition Toss for the ages,” with a dominant 18-12 victory over Anita from the University of San Francisco.

Of the ten Tuition Toss finalists

from the SEC, ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and Pac-12 championship games, Jimenez was the only competitor from a community college.

Entrants were required to write an essay on why they deserve tuition, how it would impact their lives, and how it would help them achieve their personal and professional goals.

Jimenez is working on his marketing degree and plans to transfer to study business and marketing.

He was selected for the SEC title game in Atlanta, where he earned a spot in the top two during a pregame competition. Taking the field at halftime, wearing a Dr. Pepper football jersey, Jimenez got to work.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Hoke, girls’ basketball Shelby Burris is a junior for the Hoke County Lady Bucks basketball team.

Hoke recorded its first win of the season last week, with a 56-50 home win over Red Springs, and they have the 5-foot6 Burris to thank for it. Shelby hit eight shots from the field for a game-high 19 points. She also added 19 rebounds for a double-double, including 12 offensive boards. Burris just missed a triple-double, finishing with 9 steals in the game.

Brisbane mayor quits 2032 Olympic organizing committee, condemns stadium costs Adrian Schrinner called he planning for the Summer Games a “dysfunctional farce” The Associated Press BRISBANE, Australia — Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has quit the inter-governmental committee charged with organizing the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, calling it a “pointless talkfest” and “dysfunctional farce.”

It’s the first significant split for the organizers who were selected in 2021 by the International Olympic Committee to host the 2032 Games.

The so-called Leaders’ Forum comprises representatives from all three levels of government and other agencies and is designed to deliver the Olympics and create a legacy for Queensland. Its brief is to work with the Queensland state government of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to “progress the significant venues, villages and transport infrastructure” for the Games.

But Schrinner said the group was only being used to “placate key stakeholders while all the real decisions were made by the state government behind closed doors.

“The reality is we always wanted to be team players. The

AP PHOTO

Gabba stadium, which Brisbane Olympics backers pitched as the centerpiece venue for the 2032 Summer Games, is set to be demolished and rebuilt. state government wanted to play politics,” Schrinner said on Sunday.

He called for the establishment of an independent authority, similar to the one that oversaw preparations for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and the 2012 London Olympics, to get

planning “back on track.”

“We don’t need overpriced stadiums, we need better transport,” Schrinner said. “This week it became very apparent that the Intergovernmental Leaders’ Forum is a dysfunctional farce.”

A $2.7 billion redevelopment of the existing Gabba stadium,

set to be demolished and rebuilt, in inner-city Brisbane is intended to be the centerpiece of an Olympics that will have venues across southeast Queensland.

But Schrinner called for other options to be considered.

He especially balked at the state government’s plans for

Brisbane City Council to help cover an estimated $91 million in costs to upgrade another local stadium, the RNA Showgrounds, to host cricket and Australian Rules football while the Gabba is redeveloped.

Plans are for a 20,000-seat stadium to be incorporated in the showgrounds to accommodate the Brisbane Lions AFL teams and Brisbane Heat cricket franchise for five years. The state government’s statement calling for the city’s financial contribution for a temporary cricket and AFL venue triggered Schrinner’s resignation.

“The state government’s game playing is jeopardizing the games and they are quickly losing the support of the people of Queensland,” Schrinner said.

“It’s clear that the games have become more about overpriced stadiums rather than the promise of vital transport solutions.”

Queensland Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said he was bewildered by Schrinner’s decision to quit. A seat would be kept for him should he decide to rejoin.

Council elections are set to be held next March in Queensland state. Schrinner’s conservative Liberal National Party coalition in city council and the opposition Australian Labor Party have previously supported the Gabba redevelopment.

Jonathan Sriranganathan, the Greens candidate for mayor of Brisbane, has said his party, if elected, wouldn’t support the demolition and rebuild of the Gabba. He described it as a “deplorable waste of money and a bad deal for our city.”

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

6

Millennial Money: 5 steps to creating financial boundaries during the holidays

By Elizabeth Ayoola NerdWallet MARKETING ADS, family functions and holiday gift-giving culture can make it feel impossible not to spend, or for some, overspend. According to a 2023 survey from NerdWallet, around half of Americans (52%) incurred credit card debt when shopping for gifts during the holidays last year, and almost a third (31%) of them still haven’t paid it off.

While giving can be noble, consider setting boundaries when it comes to lending and spending money during the holidays.

STEP 1: SET 2024 MONEY GOALS It can be difficult to rein in your spending during the holidays if you don’t have a reason. Begin the process of mapping out your financial goals for 2024 to help avoid shortsightedness while spending. For instance, if you want to make larger payments on your stu-

dent loan or save for a down payment on a new car next year, overspending during the holidays could set you back.

“Really be brutally honest about what your financial commitments for January and February (are),” says Yvette Murry, a clinical social worker in Princeton, New Jersey, who helps clients with financial wellness.

STEP 2: PRACTICE SAYING NO TO REQUESTS Prices are high, and requests to borrow money this time of the year might be, too. As much as you may feel obligated to play Santa and give cash to everyone who asks, it could put you in a financial bind come the new year.

“Too often we do what others want us to do and then find ourselves in a position that really is not best for us or for our families or our mental health,” Murry says.

When you do get requests beyond your capacity, prepare to say no. For those who aren’t well-versed in ‘no,’ Traci Wil-

liams, a certified financial therapist and psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, provides an example of how to say it.

“You can say something along the lines of, ‘Thank you so much for thinking of me when you’re planning this. I am unable to do it because it’s outside of my budget,’” Williams says. “Something that is simple and short like that can help to preserve the relationship.”

Consider including a “lending bucket” in your budget, which comprises an amount that doesn’t throw your finances off.

STEP 3: UNDERSTAND IT’S OK TO FEEL GUILTY Guilt can come when you say no, whether that’s to requests for money, traveling to see family or buying your partner an expensive gift. When we say no, we may feel guilt because of expectations from ourselves, family and society, Williams says.

“If you can tune in to what actually is important to you, what your actual values are, and you can hold firm to those, you’re

Judge rejects Trump’s claim of immunity in his federal 2020 election prosecution The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump is not immune from prosecution in his election interference case in Washington, a federal judge ruled Friday, knocking down the Republican’s bid to derail the case charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan’s decision amounts to a sharp rejection to challenges the Trump defense team had raised to the four-count indictment in advance of a trial expected to center on the Republican’s multi-pronged efforts to undo the election won by Democrat Joe Biden.

Though the judge turned aside Trump’s expansive view of presidential power, the order might not be the final say in the legal fight. Lawyers for Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing, are expected to quickly appeal to fight what they say an unsettled legal question.

In her ruling, Chutkan said the office of the president “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-outof-jail-free’ pass.”

“Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken

AP PHOTO

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump stands on the field during halftime in an NCAA college football game between the University of South Carolina and Clemson Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. while in office.”

Chutkan also rejected Trump’s claims that the indictment violates the former president’s free speech rights. Lawyers for Trump had argued that he was within his First Amendment rights to challenge the outcome of the election and to allege that it had been tainted by fraud, and they accused prosecutors of attempting to criminalize political speech and political advocacy.

But Chutkan said “it is well established that the First Amendment does not protect speech that is used as an instrument of a crime.”

“Defendant is not being prosecuted simply for making false statements ... but rather for knowingly making false statements in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy and obstructing the electoral process,” she wrote.

An attorney for Trump de-

less likely to feel guilt,” she says.

To deal with those difficult feelings, Williams suggests first identifying them.

“A lot of people feel things and don’t realize what the actual feeling is,” she says. Once you name the feeling, you can counter it by reinforcing why you made that decision, she adds. For instance, if you have to say no to buying gifts this year, remember the importance of creating financial stability for yourself.

STEP 4: EXPLORE YOUR MOTIVATIONS AROUND HOLIDAY SPENDING

she says.

Understanding your motivations for spending can help you reinforce boundaries and potentially establish new money beliefs rooted in values you want to emulate. For example, if you realize you overspend on gifts because you were taught by your parents that gifts are the best way to show love, you may decide giving intangible gifts of time or love are more important to you.

STEP 5: REMEMBER HOLIDAY PRESSURE IS NORMAL

Many of our money habits may be driven by subconscious beliefs or motivations, even during the holidays. To understand why you’re making certain financial decisions, Murry suggests asking yourself the motivation behind loaning someone money or spending.

“Am I seeking to right a wrong? Am I seeking to fulfill a need I had as a child? Ask, ‘Why I am making those decisions?’”

Holiday pressure is real and it can cause us to exceed our budgets. Acknowledging that holiday pressure is normal can help you stay focused and within your budget. Williams says to remember you don’t have to do everything, and expecting that of yourself is unrealistic.

“Recognizing that that pressure exists and that marketing is doing its job can help you to remember that you have to stick to your own goals,” she says.

clined to comment Friday evening.

Her ruling comes the same day the federal appeals court in Washington ruled that lawsuits brought by Democratic lawmakers and police officers who have accused Trump of inciting the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, can move forward.

The appeals court in that case rejected Trump’s sweeping claims that presidential immunity shields him from liability, but left the door open for him to continue to fight, as the cases proceed, to try to prove that his actions were taken his official capacity as president.

Trump’s legal team had argued the criminal case, which is scheduled to go to trial in March, should be dismissed because the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner is shielded from prosecution for actions he took while fulfilling his duties as president. They assert that the actions detailed in the indictment — including pressing state officials on the administration of elections — cut to the core of Trump’s responsibilities as commander in chief.

The Supreme Court has held that presidents are immune from civil liability for actions related to their official duties, but the justices have never grappled with the question of whether that immunity extends to criminal prosecution.

The Justice Department has also held that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. Trump’s lawyers are trying to ensure that same protection to a former president for actions taken

while in office, asserting that no prosecutor since the beginning of American democracy has had the authority to bring such charges.

“Against the weight of that history, Defendant argues in essence that because no other former Presidents have been criminally prosecuted, it would be unconstitutional to start now,” Chutkan wrote.

“But while a former President’s prosecution is unprecedented, so too are the allegations that a President committed the crimes with which Defendant is charged.”

Special counsel Jack Smith’s team has said there is nothing in the Constitution, or in court precedent, to support the idea that a former president cannot be prosecuted for criminal conduct committed while in the White House.

“The defendant is not above the law. He is subject to the federal criminal laws like more than 330 million other Americans, including Members of Congress, federal judges, and everyday citizens,” prosecutors wrote in court papers.

It’s one of four criminal cases Trump is facing while he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024.

Smith has separately charged Trump in Florida with illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left the White House. Trump is also charged in Georgia with conspiring to overturn his election loss to Biden. And he faces charges in New York related to hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

obituaries

Dorothy Oxendine Quick

September 6, 1935 - December 3, 2023

Ms. Dorothy Oxendine Quick, of Fayetteville, NC went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 03, 2023, at the age of 88.

She was born in Pembroke, NC on September 06, 1935, to the late Lacy and Blanche Oxendine.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Lacy M. Quick, and son Lacy T. “Boy” Quick.

She was a founding member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church where she held many positions including teaching ing that Sunday school and children’s he begin- church, serving in the choir, mocracy and W.M.U. She was the owner to bring and operator of Wee Care Daycare Center in Fayetteville, t of that NC for 10 years and a school rgues in teacher for Robeson and Hoke no oth- County for 25+ years. ts have Dorothy loved teaching, osecuted, the word of God, her family, itutional and life. She was of the n wrote. first graduating class from esident’s Pembroke College. ecedent- She is survived by her legations daughters, Athena Quick itted the (Sean) and Celena Q. Lindsay; efendant grandson, Gabriel Lindsay; and adopted daughter, Jeannie k Smith’s Woods (Jerry). nothing in court the idea t cannot inal cone in the

ot above t to the ike more er Amermbers of ges, and osecutors

7

Calvin D. Ely

Margaret Lindsey

September 10, 1971 ~ November 27, May 17, 1934 - November 28, 2023 2023

Ms. Margaret Lindsey age, Mr. Calvin D. Ely age, 52 89 went home to rest with her transitioned from earth to glory Heavenly Father on November on November 27, 2023. He was 28, 2023. preceded in death by his father She leaves to cherish her James C. Ely Jr..

Calvin leaves to cherish his lovingloving memories her children: memories his wife, LaShonda Ely; Mary Anne McRae, Fannie children: C'Alvion A. Ely, Calvin D. McLean, Cheryl Lindsey; Ely II; mother, Ellen Ely; siblings: sister, Mabel Strickland; ten grandchildren along with Cassandra Ely-McGregor, James C. Ely III along with a host of other a host of other family and friends. Mother Lindsey will be family and friends. He will be immensely missed. greatly missed.

December 19, 1956 ~ November 28, 2023 Mrs. Vicki Singletary age, 66 went home to rest with her Heavenly Father on November 28, 2023. She was preceded in death by her mother Mozell Frazier.

Vicki leaves to cherish her loving memories her husband, Clayton Singletary; children: Christina McIntyre (Terell), Claymonte McNeill (Michelle); grandchildren: Siena McIntyre, Emory McIntyre, Camden McNeill; sisters: Mary Andrews, Jean Smith; brother, David Wiles along with a host of other family, friends and students whose lives she touched. Mrs Singletary will be immensely missed.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com

Henry Kissinger, secretary of state under Presidents Nixon and Ford, dies at 100

The Associated Press nal cases he seeks WASHINGTON, D.C. — House in Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the diplomat with eparately the thick glasses and gravelrida with ly voice who dominated foreign classified policy as the United States exr-a-Lago tricated itself from Vietnam he White and broke down barriers with charged China, died Wednesday, Nov. piring to 30, his consulting firm said. He loss to was 100. harges in With his gruff yet commandsh-mon- ing presence and behind-theuring the scenes manipulation of power, Kissinger exerted uncommon influence on global affairs under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, earning both vilification and the Nobel Peace Prize. Decades later, his name still provoked impassioned debate over foreign policy landmarks long past.

Kissinger’s power grew during the turmoil of Watergate, when the politically attuned diplomat assumed a role akin to co-president to the weakened Nixon.

“No doubt my vanity was piqued,” Kissinger later wrote of his expanding influence.

“But the dominant emotion was a premonition of catastrophe.”

A Jew who fled Nazi Germany with his family in his teens, Kissinger in his later years cultivated the reputation of respected statesman, giving speeches, offering advice to Republicans and Democrats alike and managing a global consulting business. He turned up in President Donald Trump’s White House on multiple occasions. But Nixon-era documents and tapes, as they trickled out over the years, brought revelations — many in Kissinger’s own words — that sometimes cast him in a harsh light.

Never without his detractors, Kissinger after he left government was dogged by critics

Vicki (Wiles) Singletary

AP PHOTO

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger speaks during a meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Oct. 10, 2017, in Washington.

who argued that he should be called to account for his policies on Southeast Asia and sup- “Not only has he outlived port of repressive regimes in most of his peers, eminent Latin America.

For eight restless years — detractors and students, first as national security advis- but he has also remained er, later as secretary of state, and for a time in the middle indefatigably active holding both titles — Kissing- throughout his 90s.” er ranged across the breadth of major foreign policy issues.

He conducted the first “shut- David Kissinger on his father’s tle diplomacy” in the quest for 100th birthday earlier this year Middle East peace. He used secret channels to pursue ties between the United States and And he pursued a policy of China, ending decades of isola- detente with the Soviet Union tion and mutual hostility. that led to arms control agreeHe initiated the Paris nego- ments and raised the possibilitiations that ultimately pro- ty that the tensions of the Cold vided a face-saving means — War and its nuclear threat did a “decent interval,” he called it not have to last forever.

— to get the United States out At age 99, he was still out on of a costly war in Vietnam. Two tour for his book on leadership. years later, Saigon fell to the Asked in July 2022 interview communists. with ABC whether he wished he

could take back any of his decisions, Kissinger demurred, saying: “I’ve been thinking about these problems all my life. It’s my hobby as well as my occupation. And so the recommendations I made were the best of which I was then capable.”

Even then, he had mixed thoughts on Nixon’s record, saying “his foreign policy has held up and he was quite effective in domestic policy” while allowing that the disgraced president had “permitted himself to be involved in a number of steps that were inappropriate for a president.”

As Kissinger turned 100 in May 2023, his son David wrote in The Washington Post that his father’s centenary “might have an air of inevitability for anyone familiar with his force of character and love of historical symbolism. Not only has he outlived most of his peers, eminent detractors and students, but he has also remained indefatigably active throughout his 90s.”

Asked during a CBS interview in the leadup to his 100th birthday about those who view his conduct of foreign policy over the years as a kind of “criminality,” Kissinger was nothing but dismissive.

“That’s a reflection of their ignorance,” Kissinger said. “It wasn’t conceived that way. It wasn’t conducted that way.”

Kissinger continued his involvement in global affairs even in his last months. He met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing in July, as bilateral relations were at a low point. And 50 years after his shuttle diplomacy helped end the 1973 Mideast war, when Israel fended off a surprise attack from Egypt and Syria, Kissinger warned of the risks of that conflict repeating itself after Israel faced a surprise assault by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Tributes for Kissinger from prominent U.S. officials poured in immediately upon word of his death. Former President George W. Bush said the U.S. “lost one of the most depend-

Lindora Parter

January 19, 1966 ~ November 28, 2023 In his infinite wisdom, God called Lindora Parter(57) from labor to eternal rest on November 28, 2023. Lindora was the daughter of the late Thomas Parter and the late Annie Ruth Shaw Parter. She attended school in the New York public school system and obtained her General Equivalent Diploma. Later in life she moved to Raeford, NC. She was formally employed at the House of Raeford, Burlington Industries, JP Stevens, and McMurray Fabrics. She was a member of Church of Freedom under the leadership of Reverend E. Ash. To know Lindora was to love her and she had a smile that would brighten any room.

She leaves her loved ones to cherish her memories; her son, Dezmen Parter(Denise); grandchildren, Jordyn, Jeremiah, and Cody; three aunts, Margaret Ray, Dorothea Sanford, and Mae Ray; one uncle, Roscoe Torrence; three special cousins, Cynthia, Linda Faye, and Greg, and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

able and distinctive voices on foreign affairs.”

Kissinger’s consulting firm said he died at his home in Connecticut.

Kissinger was a practitioner of realpolitik — using diplomacy to achieve practical objectives rather than advance lofty ideals. Supporters said his pragmatic bent served U.S. interests; critics saw a Machiavellian approach that ran counter to democratic ideals.

He was castigated for authorizing telephone wiretaps of reporters and his own National Security Council staff to plug news leaks in Nixon’s White House. He was denounced on college campuses for the bombing and allied invasion of Cambodia in April 1970, intended to destroy North Vietnamese supply lines to communist forces in South Vietnam.

That “incursion,” as Nixon and Kissinger called it, was blamed by some for contributing to Cambodia’s fall into the hands of Khmer Rouge insurgents who later slaughtered some 2 million Cambodians.

Kissinger, for his part, made it his mission to debunk what he referred to in 2007 as a “prevalent myth” — that he and Nixon had settled in 1972 for peace terms that had been available in 1969 and thus had needlessly prolonged the Vietnam War at the cost of tens of thousands of American and Vietnamese lives.

He insisted that the only way to speed up the withdrawal would have been to agree to Hanoi’s demands that the U.S. overthrow the South Vietnamese government and replace it with communist-dominated leadership.

Heinz Alfred Kissinger was born in the Bavarian city of Fuerth on May 27, 1923, the son of a schoolteacher. His family left Nazi Germany in 1938 and settled in Manhattan, where Heinz changed his name to Henry.

Kissinger had two children, Elizabeth and David, from his first marriage.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

8

STATE & NATION House Republicans reiterate their demand for Hunter Biden to appear for a private deposition The Associated Press

cratic majorities have historically taken when deposing witnesses.

“Mr. Biden seems to believe that he should be treated differently than other witnesses before the Committees,” the men wrote.

Lowell did not immediately re-

spond to a request for comment.

The early-November subpoenas to Hunter Biden and others were the inquiry’s most aggressive steps yet, testing the reach of congressional oversight powers.

Republicans have so far failed

to uncover evidence directly implicating President Joe Biden in any wrongdoing. But questions have arisen about the ethics surrounding the Biden family’s international business, and lawmakers insist their evidence paints a troubling picture of “influence peddling” in the family’s business dealings, particularly with clients overseas.

Republicans have also spoken with an attorney for the president’s brother, James Biden, to determine a date for his subpoenaed testimony, Jordan said last week.

The subpoenas to the Biden family members and others, including former business associate Rob Walker, are bitterly opposed by Democrats, and the White House has called for them to be withdrawn and questioned their legitimacy.

The criticism has pushed Republicans to consider holding a vote this month to formally authorize their inquiry in an effort to strengthen their legal standing if the subpoena battle drags into court.

But holding a vote on the impeachment investigation would be a risky move by House Republican leaders, who have not yet been able to garner enough support for the inquiry in their narrow 221213 majority. With Democrats united against the impeachment push, GOP leaders would need near-unanimous support from their side for the vote to succeed.

US border officials closing a remote Arizona crossing because of overwhelming migrant arrivals

The Border Patrol made 17,500 arrests for illegal crossings during the past week in the agency’s Tucson sector, John Modlin, the sector chief, said Friday, That translates to a daily average of 2,500, well above its daily average of 1,700 in September, when Tucson was already the busiest corridor for illegal crossings by far along U.S.-Mexico border.

Customs and Border Protection blamed the hundreds of people arriving daily around Lukeville on “smugglers peddling disinformation to prey on vulnerable individuals.”

It was unclear how long the crossing would be shut.

Although it is remote, the Lukeville border crossing is the one regularly used to travel from Arizona to Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point, a resort area in the Mexican state of Sonora on the Sea of Cortez. Americans also drive through the crossing to visit the border community of Sonoyta for a meal, shop or to get less expensive dental and medical care.

Some Mexican children ride a northbound bus across the border every day to go to school.

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, along with Gov. Katie Hobbs, blasted the planned closure and demanded better solutions from President Joe Biden’s administration.

“This is an unacceptable outcome that further destabilizes our border, risks the safety of

our communities, and damages our economy by disrupting trade and tourism,” they said in a joint statement. “The Federal Government must act swiftly to maintain port of entry operations, get the border under control, keep Arizona communities safe, and ensure the humane treatment of migrants.”

Kelly and Hobbs, both Democrats, and Sinema, an independent who was elected as a Democrat, also criticized “partisan politicians who parrot talking points while watching the border further deteriorate.”

They said those politicians should instead “reject the echo chamber and work with us to get something done and keep our communities safe.”

An average of 3,140 people in vehicles and 184 pedestrians entered the U.S. daily in Lukeville during October, according to the U.S. Transportation Department’s latest figures.

Travelers will still be able to cross into or out of the United States through Nogales, Arizona, a three-hour drive to the east, or San Luis, Arizona, a two-hour drive to the west.

Customs and Border Protection earlier this week began limiting traffic at the Lukeville port.

The agency on Monday also closed one of two bridges to vehicles in Eagle Pass, Texas, a town of about 30,000 people that, for a while last year, was the busiest corridor for illegal crossings.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Republicans demanded Friday that Hunter Biden appear this month for a closed-door deposition, rejecting his offer to testify publicly while pledging to release a transcript of the private interview for transparency.

House Oversight Committee chair James Comer and Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan reiterated the parameters of the subpoena issued last month to Hunter Biden in a letter — obtained by The Associated Press — to his attorney. The president’s son had refused their request this week for closed-door testimony, saying it could be manipulated.

“The subpoenas Mr. Biden has received compel him to appear before the Committees for a deposition; they are not mere suggestions open to Mr. Biden’s interpretation or preference,” the Republican chairmen wrote in a letter to attorney Abbe Lowell.

Lowell this week had called the nearly yearslong GOP investigation into his client a “fishing expedition,” but offered for his client to appear publicly rather than behind closed doors, saying closed sessions can be selectively leaked and used to manipulate the facts.

His response to the committee was in line with the more forceful approach Hunter Biden’s legal team has taken in recent months as congressional Republicans

AP PHOTO

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, center, flanked by Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., talks with reporters about efforts to investigate President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. pursue an impeachment inquiry seeking to tie his father to his business dealings.

But Comer and Jordan reiterated their initial request, saying they are conforming with the approach Republican and Demo-

The Associated Press PHOENIX — So many migrants are crossing from Mexico into the United States around remote Lukeville, Arizona, that U.S. officials say they will close the port of entry there so that the operations officials who watch over vehicle and pedestrian traffic going both ways can help Border Patrol agents arrest and process the new arrivals.

Customs and Border Protection announced Friday that the temporary closure of the crossing will start Monday as officials grapple with changing migration routes that have overwhelmed Border Patrol agents stationed there. Arizona’s U.S. senators and governor called planned closure “unacceptable.”

Customs and Border Protection said it is “surging all available resources to expeditiously and safely process migrants” and will “continue to prioritize our border security mission as necessary in response to this evolving situation.”

AP PHOTO

A family of five claiming to be from Guatemala and a man stating he was from Peru, in pink shirt, walk through the desert after crossing the border wall in the Tucson Sector of the U.S.-Mexico border, Aug. 29, 2023, in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Lukeville, Ariz.

The area around the desert crossing has become a major migration route in recent months, with smugglers dropping off people from countries as diverse as Senegal, India and China. Most

of them are walking into the U.S. west of Lukeville through gaps in the wall, then head east toward the official border crossing to surrender to the first agents they see in hopes for a chance at asylum.

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THE FORSYTH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

HANDOUT PHOTO

Throwing for $100,000 North Carolina college student Andrew Jimenez won the Dr. Pepper Tuition Toss during halftime at the 2023 SEC Championship Game on December 2, 2023, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Turn to page 2 for more.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

WSFCS discusses replacing Blackboard

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

RiverRun to show ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ for charity For its second annual Can Film Festival, RiverRun will show “The Muppet Christmas Carol” at Marketplace Cinemas on Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. The festival encourages attendees to donate two cans of food for admission, supporting Samaritan Ministries.

The 1992 film, starring Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge alongside the beloved Muppet characters, offers a comedic and family-friendly rendition of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” This year’s screening aims to stock the food pantry of Samaritan Ministries, which needs items like coffee, canned chicken or tuna, sugar, marinara sauce, and various spices.

Delta Arts Center to host Motown Christmas fundraiser The Delta Arts Center will host a Motown Christmas fundraiser at the UR Coliseum on Dec. 15 from 7 to 11 p.m., featuring live Motown music, a silent auction, and a 50/50 draw. The event aims to support the center’s mission in promoting American arts and humanities, with a focus on African American contributions.

The evening promises a lineup of classic Motown sounds, offering attendees a blend of soulful music and entertainment.

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Delta Arts Center’s community programs.

Tickets are available for purchase, with early booking advised due to high demand, at deltaartscenter.org.

WINSTON-SALEM – The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education met Tuesday, Nov. 28.

The board was first presented with a potential contract with Apptegy for the district’s website hosting and mass communications.

“We’ve been with Blackboard, which is our current web platform company, since 2010,” said Chief Communications Officer Brent Campbell.

“In July of last year, Blackboard was sold to Finalsite, which is another large company that does primarily educational websites throughout the country. Finalsite let us know

in 2024, they will be sunsetting all of the Blackboard platforms and switching everything to their platform. It just so happens that we also have our contract end with Blackboard in June of 2024, so ultimately the decision was, do we look at some new vendors that are out there and make a complete switch because we’re going to have to switch either way or do we stick with Finalsite and Blackboard.”

Apptegy, which is the same platform used by Durham, Guilford, Buncombe and Alamance County, will have a first-year cost of $181,900 and the contract will include the hosting of 82 websites – which includes the district homepage as well as websites for ev-

ery school – and the district’s mass communication platform as well as the conversion of the websites.

The cost is approximately $35,000 less than Finalsite’s proposed contract price.

“I’m really glad that we’re looking at going with this,” said board member Sabrina Coone. “Some of us were able to meet [Apptegy] at the NC School Board Association and I really liked the functionality of the service. I’m glad we’re being fiscally responsible, but I love that there is an opportunity to expand.”

Besides the cost, district staff also noted that ease of use and ability to customize the sites were key selling points.

“We noted with the students and the demos, first and foremost, that they really liked how this one worked as compared to the others,” Campbell said. “One of the things they brought up was that the functionality is such that students can have a voice in designing the websites for their school and the district can set parameters around the website so we maintain our branding in colors or fonts, but they can totally transform the pages how they or the school wants to.”

Additional benefits included unlimited webmaster training, 24/7 live chat support, mobile app platform and See BOE, page 2

NC teen suing American Airlines over camera in plane bathroom The Associated Press BOSTON — The family of a North Carolina teenager is suing American Airlines, saying that a flight attendant taped an iPhone to an airplane toilet to record her using the restroom during a September flight.

Lawyers for the 14-year-old and her parents say that American “knew or should have known the flight attendant was a danger.” They say the failure of other crew members to confiscate the employee’s phone allowed him to destroy evidence.

The lawsuit against American and the unidentified flight attendant was filed Friday in U.S. district court in North Carolina.

American said the flight attendant was “withheld from service” immediately after the alleged incident and has not worked since.

“We take this matter very se-

flight from Charlotte to Boston.

The girl said that while she was waiting to use a bathroom in the economy section, where her family was sitting, the flight attendant told her to use one in the first-class cabin. He entered the bathroom first, saying he needed to wash his hands, then emerged a minute later to tell the girl that the seat was broken but not to worry about it.

The girl said that after she used the toilet, she noticed an iPhone that was mostly hidden See LAWSUIT, page 2 AP PHOTO

In this photo provided by the law firm Lewis & Llewellyn LLP, an iPhone is taped to the back of a toilet seat on an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Boston. riously and have been fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation, as safety and security are our highest

priorities,” American said in a prepared statement.

According to the lawsuit, the incident happened on a Sept. 2

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COLUMN | MICHELE WOODHOUSE

NC: Don’t follow socialist Bernie Sanders on pharmacy benefit goose chase PBMs deliver substantial value to the covered employees, saving nearly $800 million in negotiations in North Carolina.

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BOE from page 1 functionality, mass communication tools and a concise and clear conversion process.

According to Campbell, if/when the contract is approved, the new sites would be expected to go live by July 2024.

The board also approved the district’s school improvement plans, a $29,600 American Reading Company contract for Flat Rock Middle School to provide professional development to its 7th and 8th grade ELA, EC and ELL teachers, a contract amendment with Plumbing Labor for the RJ Reynolds/Wiley Magnet Middle School Stadium project in order to add Astroturf to the scope of work and a GMA for the early procurement of electrical components for East Forsyth High School.

The WSFCS Board of Education will next meet Dec. 12.

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THE DISTANCE between the politics of extreme Left politicians like Bernie Sanders and the North Carolina General Assembly may seem vast, but on one crucial issue, they have come far too close for comfort.

Addressing the escalating cost of prescription drugs is a pressing concern for families across the nation, prompting elected officials to show they are working on a solution.

Socialist politicians like Senator Senators have led a campaign using Americans’ anxiety around prescription drug prices to expand the role of government in health care, on the road to Medicare-for-All style total control, by undermining competition, freedom, and choice in the pharmacy benefit market.

This is not a path any conservative in the North Carolina General Assembly should follow, or frankly entertain.

It is essential for our North Carolina lawmakers to grasp the significance of what impeding the marketbased role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) would mean for Tarheel state employers, including small businesses, and for prescription drug costs in our state.

PBMs exist because employers find value in hiring them to leverage scale and market forces to deliver prescription drug savings — savings that help businesses provide quality health care coverage for their workers and drive down their own costs. These vital actors empower employers to craft plans tailored to the unique needs of their employees, serving as indispensable tools in navigating the increasingly expensive health care market. If PBMs weren’t playing a valuable role in the free market, businesses wouldn’t hire them, period.

Yet politicians like Senator Sanders believe the government knows better than the market and wants to weaken the freedoms PBMs offer employers. North Carolina cannot fall for this sort of big government, anti-market goose chase that promises lower prescription drug costs but would deliver just the opposite.

Going forward, legislators should reject proposals like HB 246, which was introduced in North Carolina earlier this year, that would use government mandates to weaken the competitive pharmacy benefit market.

HB 246 plays into the hands of socialists like Senator Sanders and special interests, to the detriment of North Carolina businesses and consumers.

HB 246 represents government overreach at

LAWSUIT from page 1 by red airline tape reading “Remove from service” — but the camera flash was glowing.

The girl “was shocked and scared,” according to the lawsuit. “It immediately occurred to her that someone had put the phone there to film her using the

toilet.”

She took her own picture of the device.

Lawyers for the family suggested that the flight attendant removed the phone and erased images of the girl before letting her father see his iPhone photos.

The family said an FBI agent later told the girl’s mother they

its worst and could have dire consequences for the thousands of North Carolinians who rely on PBMs to afford life-saving prescription drugs. By granting employers and plan sponsors the flexibility to customize their plans, PBMs deliver substantial value to the covered employees, saving nearly $800 million in negotiations in North Carolina alone, according to a recent report.

Contrary to safeguarding these savings, HB 246 proposes an additional $10.24 fee on many prescriptions in support of special interest pharmacies. This legislation’s supporters seem more inclined to invite government intervention into the pharmaceutical market at the expense of patients, rather than fostering natural price reductions through healthy competition.

The principles behind HB 246, involving government mandates, price-fixing, and selective market interference, align more with far-left radicals like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, than the values held by North Carolinians. Calls to target PBMs and support legislation like HB 246 often emanate from Washington, disregarding probusiness and free-market principles that fuel growth and stability in economies like ours. This raises the pressing question on my mind: why would North Carolina legislators even consider HB 246?

Claims that undermining PBMs will substantially and positively impact the pharmaceutical marketplace lack substance. A white paper by economist Alex Brill, founder and CEO of Matrix Global Advisors, reveals policies targeting PBMs “do nothing to address drug prices and may raise pharmaceutical spending overall.”

It is imperative that we safeguard tools like PBMs, which save North Carolinians money, rather than subjecting them to misguided scrutiny.

I urge our legislators in Raleigh to delve deeper into the root causes of rising prescription drug costs and support free market policies that effectively address those issues, rather than attacking entities in the market that secure savings for North Carolina patients and businesses.

And I certainly hope they move far away from proposals that mirror the left’s agenda to force our country towards a nationalized, socialist health care system.

Michele Woodhouse is a conservative activist and the former NC11 GOP District Chair..

did not arrest the man because they did not find any incriminating images on his phone.

The family’s lawyers said they do not know the flight attendant’s name, where he lives or whether he still works for American. The 14-year-old is undergoing therapy for trauma, they said.

Neither the girl nor her family are identified in the lawsuit.

The Associated Press does not name victims of sexual assault or abuse unless they come forward publicly.

American is based in Fort Worth, Texas, and has a major operation at the airport in Charlotte.

NC college student wins $100K Dr. Pepper Tuition Toss Sandhills Community College may not have a football team, but the Flyers have a quarterback worthy of a six-figure payday

Sandhills student Andrew Jimenez posts with an enormous check after winning the Dr Pepper Tuition Toss at the SEC Championship this weekend.

By Jordan Golson North State Journal THANKS TO SOME nifty passing, Andrew Jimenez, president of the Student Government Association at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, earned a $100,000 scholarship from the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway at the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium.

The soda maker holds a competition of football accuracy during halftime of the major conference title games each year.

The $100,000 winner is chosen based on who can more accurately chuck footballs through a hole in the side of an enormous can of Dr. Pepper.

“It was so awesome winning the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway this weekend,” said Jimenez in a

HANDOUT PHOTO

statement shared by Dr. Pepper.

“The $100K in tuition means so much to me and it will definitely help me focus on my studies and ultimately get closer to my long-term goal of working for the NBA. It was a great weekend, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

The Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway has seen some controversy in recent years as winning players have opted for a more easily-controlled shovel- or twohanded-chest-pass rather than a traditional overhand football pass. Some observers have urged Dr. Pepper to ban the chest pass

entirely.

Andrew, however, embraced tradition and went overhand the whole way, leading online men’s website BroBible to name him an “American Hero” for throwing rather than pushing the ball towards the target. Though his opponent opted for the chest

pass, Jimenez saw overhand success, likely in no small part because Sandhills put together a dummy target can for him to practice on.

CBS Sports tweeted a video of the competition, declaring Jimenez to have “a Dr. Pepper Tuition Toss for the ages,” with a dominant 18-12 victory over Anita from the University of San Francisco.

Of the ten Tuition Toss finalists from the SEC, ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and Pac-12 championship games, Jimenez was the only competitor from a community college.

Entrants were required to write an essay on why they deserve tuition, how it would impact their lives, and how it would help them achieve their personal and professional goals. Jimenez is working on his marketing degree and plans to transfer to study business and marketing.

He was selected for the SEC title game in Atlanta, where he earned a spot in the top two during a pregame competition.

Taking the field at halftime, wearing a Dr. Pepper football jersey, Jimenez got to work.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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NFL

49ers linebacker Greenlaw, Eagles security chief ejected Philadelphia San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was ejected from Sunday’s against Philadelphia for putting his hand in the face of the Eagles’ security chief.

Dom DiSandro, a constant presence on the Eagles’ sideline and whenever players are out in public, pulled Greenlaw off Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith after a reception. Greenlaw popped up and reached over two officials to touch DiSandro’s face with a closed fist. Greenlaw was ejected.

DiSandro also was told to leave and walked to the locker room with a roaring ovation from Eagles fans.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Bronny James joins USC for warmups Last Vegas Two days after it was announced Bronny James had been cleared by doctors for a full return to basketball, the Southern California freshman took the floor for warmups Saturday before the Trojans’ 89-76 loss to No. 11 Gonzaga in the Las Vegas Invitational. The son of NBA career scoring leader LeBron James was upbeat and jovial as he knocked down seven consecutive 3-pointers at one point during warmups.

Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest four months ago.

He was found to have a congenital heart defect that was treatable. He’s expected to be evaluated again next week and could play in a game soon after.

NHL

Devils’ Hamilton, Nosek out indefinitely after surgeries Newark, N.J. The New Jersey Devils said defenseman Dougie Hamilton and forward Tomas Nosek are both out indefinitely after having surgeries this week.

Hamilton had an operation Friday to repair his torn left pectoral muscle. Nosek had surgery Wednesday to fix a right foot problem that led him to miss 10 games earlier this year. The team recalled defenseman Simon Nemec from Utica of the AHL. The team said they would provide timelines on both players’ recoveries when available.

Hamilton played three seasons for the Hurricanes from 2018-21 before signing a seven-year, $63 million contract with the Devils.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Boise State removes interim tag, names Danielson coach Boise, Idaho Boise State promoted interim head coach Spencer Danielson to the fulltime job Sunday after the Broncos won the final two games of the regular season and the Mountain West championship with him in charge. Danielson took over on an interim basis after Andy Avalos was fired on Nov. 12, just 36 games into his tenure in Boise and with the Broncos sitting at 5-5. The team responded with wins over Utah State and Air Force and qualified for the Mountain West championship game. The Broncos beat UNLV in the championship game Saturday and a day later athletic director Jeremiah Dickey promoted Danielson.

Panthers drop first game under Tabor, 21-18 at Buccaneers “I can’t lie and say it’s not frustrating.”

Bryce Young, Panthers quarterback

Carolina quarterback Bryce Young threw an interception with just over two minutes left

The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla. — Mike Evans sprinted between two defenders into the open, snagged a pass approaching midfield, and took off for the end zone.

Tampa Bay’s career receiving leader scored on a 75-yard pass play and later joined Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history to string together 10 consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus yards receiving while helping the Buccaneers beat the struggling Carolina Panthers 21-18 on Sunday.

“I don’t know how much more you can say. He’s been like this for 10 years now — 60 catches 10 years in a row, 1,000 yards 10 years in a row,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said.

Evans finished with seven receptions for 162 yards, increasing his season totals to 61 catches for 1,012 yards and 10 touchdowns. Rice set the league record of 11 straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving from 1986 through 1996.

The Bucs (5-7) won for only the second time in the past eight games, climbing into a tie for second place in the weak NFC South. Carolina (111) scored late to pull within a field goal, but No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young threw an interception with just over two minutes remaining, ending any chance of coming from behind to win the Panthers’ debut under interim coach Chris Tabor.

“I love those guys. ... I feel for them,” Tabor said. “Losing stinks and it’s hard and it’s frustrating. But at the same time, you can handle things two ways, and that’s what we talked about. You can either handle it with character or you can handle it with compromise. So which is it going to

be? I like our guys. We’ll just keep working.”

Rachaad White scored an early touchdown and receiver Chris Godwin scored on a 19-yard run early in the fourth quarter, expanding Tampa Bay’s lead to 21-10. Chuba Hubbard rushed 104 yards and two TDs for Carolina, and Young’s 2-point conversion run trimmed Tampa Bay’s lead to 21-18 with 5:02 left.

Despite losing six of seven games following a 3-1 start, the Bucs began the day trailing Atlanta and New Orleans by one game in the NFC South. The Falcons (6-6) beat the New York Jets to remain on top of the division, while the Saints (5-7) lost to the Detroit Lions to fall into a tie for second place with the Bucs.

The Panthers fired Frank Reich last Monday, 11 games into the coach’s first season leading the Panthers. Tabor was promoted to interim coach and said he encouraged players to “play loose, not reckless” and have fun moving forward.

It was the second time in a little more than a year that Carolina faced Tampa Bay shortly after the in-season firing of a coach. Matt Rhule was dismissed in October 2022, two weeks before the Panthers knocked off Tom Brady and the visiting Bucs 21-3.

Young completed 15 of 31 passes for 178 yards and an interception, Antoine Winfield Jr.’s pick that ended the comeback bid. The rookie was sacked four times.

“Of course, no one’s happy with how things have gone.

We’re all competitors, but ultimately we play for each other,” Young said.

“Each game is huge for us.

We are of that mindset,” Young added. “So, I can’t lie and say it’s not frustrating. But ultimately what permeates the locker room is the desire to want to be better, desire to want to grow and play for each other.”

The Panthers travel to New Orleans to face the Saints next Sunday.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jaden Tyson

CREDIT WALKERTOWN MEN’S BB

Jaden Tyson boys’ basketball

Jaden Tyson is a senior guard for the Walkertown Wolfpack basketball team.

The Pack won all three games last week to start the season 4-0.

Tyson was leading scorer in two of the three games and is averaging 16.3 ppg this season on 58% shooting. He also leads Walkertown in assists at 3.3 per game and is the Wolfpack’s top threepoint shooter at 57%.

Tyson led the way with 22 points in a win over Ragsdale, knocking down 2-of-3 from three-point range and 6-of-9 from inside the arc. He also had 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks. The next night, he turned in a game-high 20 in a win over Winston-Salem Prep, adding 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals.

Two nights later, he scored 17 in a win over R.J. Reynolds.

The Snub Bowl: Florida State, Georgia to meet in Orange Bowl The Seminoles and Bulldogs were left out of the College Football Playoff The Associated Press MIAMI LAKES, Fla. — Florida State won every game this season. Georgia won 29 in a row, including back-to-back national championships, then lost by a field goal. And neither was deemed good enough by the College Football Playoff committee.

Two very angry teams will get a trip to the Orange Bowl instead.

No. 4 Florida State (13-0 ACC, No. 5 CFP) will play No. 6 Georgia (12-1 SEC, No. 6 CFP) on Dec. 30 in the Orange Bowl after both programs felt like they deserved a chance to play for the national title. The CFP committee decided that the Seminoles were doomed by quarterback Jordan Travis’ broken leg and dropped Georgia five spots after its loss to Alabama in the SEC title game.

“I’m hurting for our players who have displayed a tremendous amount of resilience and response this season,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said Sunday. “What happened today goes against everything that is true and right in college football. A team that overcame tremendous adversity and found a way to win doing whatever it

AP PHOTO

Florida State coach Mike Norvell lifts the trophy after the Seminoles’ win Saturday over Louisville in the ACC championship game in Charlotte. took on the field was cheated today. It’s a sad day for college football.”

Six teams had realistic arguments to make the four-team CFP field: Michigan, Washington, Texas, Alabama, Florida State and Georgia. The first four of those teams made the playoff, and the Seminoles’ fate

the better part of th ing to earn acceptan stitutions,” Ural said don’t know what we’r now.”

The outbreak has for millions of stud taking virtual tou while also dealing about tuition payme

— undefeated, ACC champions and snubbed anyway — even had other schools who made the playoff shaking their head.

“You go undefeated and miss it by one spot, makes me feel sympathy for those guys,” Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford said.

“Just like us, they put in the same amount of work in the off-

season. They fought just as hard throughout the season. They’re still players. They’ve still got a program. It’s just a tough situation to be in.”

Washington coach Kalen DeBoer — the CFP’s No. 2 seed — was asked if he could imagine going 13-0 and not making the field.

“In all honesty, no,” DeBoer said.

Georgia and Ohio State were the only two teams ranked No. 1 during the regular season by the CFP committee. Neither wound up in the playoff.

Since this format was introduced in 2014, there had never been a season where every team ranked No. 1 in the regular season failed to get picked for the playoff field; the only others to go from No. 1 at any point to completely out at the end were Tennessee (one week in 2022) and Mississippi State (three weeks in 2014).

Georgia and Florida State had one big difference. Georgia lost a game. The Seminoles only lost a quarterback.

Travis’ college-career-ending broken leg in what should have been a largely meaningless game against North Alabama last month might decide the national championship. At minimum, it helped decide who plays for it.

“Florida State is a different team without Jordan Travis,” CFP selection committee chair Boo Corrigan, NC State’s athletic director, said. “One of the things we do consider is player availability, and our job is to rank the best teams, and in the final decision looking at that, it was Alabama at 4 and Florida State at 5.”

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

4

STATE & NATION

House Republicans reiterate their demand for Hunter Biden to appear for a private deposition The Associated Press

cratic majorities have historically taken when deposing witnesses.

“Mr. Biden seems to believe that he should be treated differently than other witnesses before the Committees,” the men wrote.

Lowell did not immediately re-

spond to a request for comment.

The early-November subpoenas to Hunter Biden and others were the inquiry’s most aggressive steps yet, testing the reach of congressional oversight powers.

Republicans have so far failed

to uncover evidence directly implicating President Joe Biden in any wrongdoing. But questions have arisen about the ethics surrounding the Biden family’s international business, and lawmakers insist their evidence paints a troubling picture of “influence peddling” in the family’s business dealings, particularly with clients overseas.

Republicans have also spoken with an attorney for the president’s brother, James Biden, to determine a date for his subpoenaed testimony, Jordan said last week.

The subpoenas to the Biden family members and others, including former business associate Rob Walker, are bitterly opposed by Democrats, and the White House has called for them to be withdrawn and questioned their legitimacy.

The criticism has pushed Republicans to consider holding a vote this month to formally authorize their inquiry in an effort to strengthen their legal standing if the subpoena battle drags into court.

But holding a vote on the impeachment investigation would be a risky move by House Republican leaders, who have not yet been able to garner enough support for the inquiry in their narrow 221213 majority. With Democrats united against the impeachment push, GOP leaders would need near-unanimous support from their side for the vote to succeed.

US border officials closing a remote Arizona crossing because of overwhelming migrant arrivals

The Border Patrol made 17,500 arrests for illegal crossings during the past week in the agency’s Tucson sector, John Modlin, the sector chief, said Friday, That translates to a daily average of 2,500, well above its daily average of 1,700 in September, when Tucson was already the busiest corridor for illegal crossings by far along U.S.-Mexico border.

Customs and Border Protection blamed the hundreds of people arriving daily around Lukeville on “smugglers peddling disinformation to prey on vulnerable individuals.”

It was unclear how long the crossing would be shut.

Although it is remote, the Lukeville border crossing is the one regularly used to travel from Arizona to Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point, a resort area in the Mexican state of Sonora on the Sea of Cortez. Americans also drive through the crossing to visit the border community of Sonoyta for a meal, shop or to get less expensive dental and medical care.

Some Mexican children ride a northbound bus across the border every day to go to school.

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, along with Gov. Katie Hobbs, blasted the planned closure and demanded better solutions from President Joe Biden’s administration.

“This is an unacceptable outcome that further destabilizes our border, risks the safety of

our communities, and damages our economy by disrupting trade and tourism,” they said in a joint statement. “The Federal Government must act swiftly to maintain port of entry operations, get the border under control, keep Arizona communities safe, and ensure the humane treatment of migrants.”

Kelly and Hobbs, both Democrats, and Sinema, an independent who was elected as a Democrat, also criticized “partisan politicians who parrot talking points while watching the border further deteriorate.”

They said those politicians should instead “reject the echo chamber and work with us to get something done and keep our communities safe.”

An average of 3,140 people in vehicles and 184 pedestrians entered the U.S. daily in Lukeville during October, according to the U.S. Transportation Department’s latest figures.

Travelers will still be able to cross into or out of the United States through Nogales, Arizona, a three-hour drive to the east, or San Luis, Arizona, a two-hour drive to the west.

Customs and Border Protection earlier this week began limiting traffic at the Lukeville port.

The agency on Monday also closed one of two bridges to vehicles in Eagle Pass, Texas, a town of about 30,000 people that, for a while last year, was the busiest corridor for illegal crossings.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Republicans demanded Friday that Hunter Biden appear this month for a closed-door deposition, rejecting his offer to testify publicly while pledging to release a transcript of the private interview for transparency.

House Oversight Committee chair James Comer and Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan reiterated the parameters of the subpoena issued last month to Hunter Biden in a letter — obtained by The Associated Press — to his attorney. The president’s son had refused their request this week for closed-door testimony, saying it could be manipulated.

“The subpoenas Mr. Biden has received compel him to appear before the Committees for a deposition; they are not mere suggestions open to Mr. Biden’s interpretation or preference,” the Republican chairmen wrote in a letter to attorney Abbe Lowell.

Lowell this week had called the nearly yearslong GOP investigation into his client a “fishing expedition,” but offered for his client to appear publicly rather than behind closed doors, saying closed sessions can be selectively leaked and used to manipulate the facts.

His response to the committee was in line with the more forceful approach Hunter Biden’s legal team has taken in recent months as congressional Republicans

AP PHOTO

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, center, flanked by Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., talks with reporters about efforts to investigate President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. pursue an impeachment inquiry seeking to tie his father to his business dealings.

But Comer and Jordan reiterated their initial request, saying they are conforming with the approach Republican and Demo-

The Associated Press PHOENIX — So many migrants are crossing from Mexico into the United States around remote Lukeville, Arizona, that U.S. officials say they will close the port of entry there so that the operations officials who watch over vehicle and pedestrian traffic going both ways can help Border Patrol agents arrest and process the new arrivals.

Customs and Border Protection announced Friday that the temporary closure of the crossing will start Monday as officials grapple with changing migration routes that have overwhelmed Border Patrol agents stationed there. Arizona’s U.S. senators and governor called planned closure “unacceptable.”

Customs and Border Protection said it is “surging all available resources to expeditiously and safely process migrants” and will “continue to prioritize our border security mission as necessary in response to this evolving situation.”

AP PHOTO

A family of five claiming to be from Guatemala and a man stating he was from Peru, in pink shirt, walk through the desert after crossing the border wall in the Tucson Sector of the U.S.-Mexico border, Aug. 29, 2023, in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Lukeville, Ariz.

The area around the desert crossing has become a major migration route in recent months, with smugglers dropping off people from countries as diverse as Senegal, India and China. Most

of them are walking into the U.S. west of Lukeville through gaps in the wall, then head east toward the official border crossing to surrender to the first agents they see in hopes for a chance at asylum.

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VOLUME 8 ISSUE 41 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023 | MOORE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM | SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 336-283-6305

MOORE COUNTY THE MOORE COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

HANDOUT PHOTO

Throwing for $100,000 Sandhills Community College student Andrew Jimenez won the Dr. Pepper Tuition Toss during halftime at the 2023 SEC Championship Game on December 2, 2023, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Turn to page 3 for more.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Community leaders and entrepreneurs complete leadership training The Moore County Chamber of Commerce graduated the 34th class of the Moore County Leadership Institute (MCLI). The program, which has seen over 650 graduates since its inception, is dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth among community leaders and entrepreneurs.

This year’s class participated in targeted leadership development training, gaining insights into local history, business challenges, civic issues, and community involvement.

Two group projects were completed, benefiting Southern Pines Parks and Recreation and Cameron Boys Camp.

Participants of MCLI Class of 2023 included leaders from the Town of Southern Pines, Donovan & Bank Foundation, Moore Regional Hospital, and Pinehurst, LLC. . Linda Parsons, President and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, commended the graduates for their commitment to understanding effective leadership and decision-making.

FirstHealth celebrates Paramedic Academy graduates Sixteen new paramedics were celebrated at a graduation ceremony held by the FirstHealth Paramedic Academy on November 20 at Moore Regional Hospital.

The event featured special remarks from key figures, including Donna Strong, the academy coordinator, and Matt Prestwood, the vice president of operations at Moore Regional.

The class included graduates from various FirstHealth EMS departments. Dakota Avery of FirstHealth Chatham EMS, who lost her life earlier this year, was posthumously honored with a certificate of graduation.

Aberdeen board approves new library designs Strong sales tax numbers provide for good finance data

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal ABERDEEN – The Aberdeen Town Board met Monday, Nov. 27.

The board was first presented with some information from the monthly financial report.

“There were some really strong returns, especially with the sales tax side of things,” said Town Manager Paul Sabiston.

“We’ve had some really strong sales tax returns the last couple of years and that has continued. We are a good bit ahead of schedule and that’s a good sign because that does provide us

with additional revenues each year.

“Every year, we try to hit the number based on the prior year’s numbers, but really it’s growing almost exponentially here on the sales tax side.

A lot of that is online shopping too. Once we started capturing that, the numbers really started to increase, so that trend continues and we’re just happy to see it.”

The board also approved the new Aberdeen Library design plan.

The town is renovating the old Wholesale Store facility in downtown Aberdeen to use as the Town’s new library.

“The next big step in this, is can we bid the project in portions that we have money already set aside for as opposed

to bidding the whole thing for money we don’t have,” Sabiston said. “Because if we do that, the builder is going to say I want to start in 60 days which we aren’t going to be able to do. So we want to build it for money we have ready to move forward with. If we find a contractor that says, ‘Hey, I’ll work with you on this in stages,’ that’s a conversation to be had possibly. That remains to be seen, but we’re not deciding that tonight.”

While the town currently does not have all the funding necessary for the new library – they’ve committed only $200,000 to the project but it’s been projected that it will cost around $500,000 – the Friends of the Library group has stated that they need more concrete bid data in order to target larg-

er grants.

“One of the reasons we need the full scope of the cost, even if it’s piecemeal to start with, is because we have been applying for large grants and when you’re going after $50,000-$100,000 plus, they want to see bids or the full scope of the cost,” said Tom Cruce of FOTL. “We’ve been hindered because we don’t have that data.”

According to Cruce, the next step for the FOTL following the approval will be to return to the architect and complete the discussions on the process and the timeline for the completion of construction drawings which he predicts could be completed as early as mid-February.

“During that wait time, we’d obviously keep moving forward with our fundraising activities and simultaneous to that, we’d work with town staff to ascertain what the process will be and determine how we will move forward with a general contractor,” Cruce said.

See ABERDEEN, page 2

Governor makes judicial appointments impacting Hoke, Moore, and Robeson Counties The District 19D appointment fills the retirement vacancy of Judge James Webb

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — On Dec. 1, Governor Roy Cooper announced his appointment of Judge Regina M. Joe to Superior Court District 19D which serves Hoke and Moore Counties, and attorney Krystle Melvin to District Court in District 16B, which serves Robeson County.

“These appointees bring to the bench years of legal experience in the public and private sectors and have served North Carolina and their communi-

ties well,” Cooper said in a press release. “I appreciate their continued commitment to serving the people of our state.”

Judge Joe has been a District Court Judge since 2007 and in the past was a Public Defender in Hoke and Scotland Counties as well as working in the District Attorney’s offices in Hoke, Scotland and Pitt Counties.

Melvin is an Associate Attorney in private practice at the Charleston Group. She has previously been an Assistant District Attorney in Robeson County and a staff attorney at the Cumberland County Department of Social Services.

Joe’s District 19D appointment fills the vacancy created

by Judge James Webb, who recently retired with more than a year left before his current term ends on Dec. 31, 2024.

Webb assumed the 19D role on Jan. 1, 2019.

Webb has also been a judge for the North Carolina 5th Superior Court Division Judicial District 19B. He ran for and retained the seat after running unopposed in 2016.

In early October, a ceremony unveiling a portrait of Webb was held to honor his service.

The portrait will be hung in the Carthage courthouse.

Webb’s days on the bench have included some controversies, such as the N.C. Court of Appeals overturning his sentencing in the 2013 case of Zachary Thomsen, a man who admitted to raping an 8-yearold child when he was 18 years old.

Webb had ignored state sentencing rules by rejecting a plea agreement of a 25-year mini-

mum sentence for first degree rape and sexual offense charges against Thomsen. Webb lowered the sentence 12 years; less than half of the recommended sentence.

To support his sentencing recommendation, Webb had cited the Eighth Amendment and had argued individuals convicted of second-degree murder received shorter senSee JUDGES, page 2

$2.00

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

2 WEDNESDAY

12.6.23

“Join the conversation”

Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor A.P. Dillon, Reporter Ryan Henkel, Reporter Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 MOORE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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

We stand corrected In the Nov. 15 issue, we misidentified the location of the Field of Honor flags placed by the Moore County Vietnam Veterans Chapter 996. The flags were located in West End, not Hamlet. We apologize for the error.

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline. com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

moore

One year later

happening

ONE YEAR AGO, on the evening of Dec. 3, 2022, our community was intentionally attacked. Our home, along with 45,000 of our neighbors, went without power for days.

In the middle of a winter cold spell, I was concerned about people who were unable to heat their homes. I worried about residents with health issues who rely on electricity to power their medical devices. Schools were shut down during end of year evaluations. Small businesses were forced to close in the midst of holiday shopping. And yet through it all, our community came together.

While the days following the attack were difficult, I am so proud of how our community came together in the face of adversity. It was inspiring to see folks come together in a time of need as churches, small businesses, restaurants, police and fire departments, libraries, and individuals stepped up to help their neighbors and show our strength as a community.

Over the weeks and months that followed, I was in listening mode. I have listened to Moore County residents, grid operators, community developers, federal and local law enforcement, business owners, experts on grid security from Duke Energy and the NC Department of Emergency Management, and others, who all have shared similar concerns with our grid’s security and resilience. I have worked to apply the lessons learned to make sure we reduce the risk of an attack like this happening again.

Attacks on electric grids in the United States that led to widespread power outages increased 71% from 2021 to 2022, and we are on track to meet or exceed last year’s record of 164 major cyber and physical attacks. These figures are extremely alarming and further emphasize the need to secure our energy grid, not just here in the Sandhills, but across the country.

To directly address these concerns, I have focused on leading discussions and advancing legislation to harden our infrastructure, improve grid resilience, and strengthen our supply chains.

I started by securing a classified intelligence briefing for my colleagues in January on the increased level of attacks targeting our nation’s electrical infrastructure, to further understand. In June, I brought members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to Moore County for a field hearing on improving the security and resiliency of our nation’s energy grid. It was important to me that our first hearing was where the attack happened, and that my colleagues heard not just the facts of grid security and resilience—but the people personally affected and their experiences.

Since our Moore County field hearing, I have worked to secure additional Energy and Commerce Committee hearings in Washington.

I have spoken directly with witnesses from across the energy industry to further examine

emerging threats to our nation’s energy grid, and emphasized the need for reliable energy infrastructure.

Additionally, I secured $1.6 billion dollars in funding to bolster grid security in the 2024 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill. This funding will maintain strong energy security and ensure economic competitiveness, while also reining in reckless spending.

Grid security is national security, and our community cannot risk a mass power outage that jeopardizes the safety and health of you and your family.

That’s why I introduced the Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, which repeals the Department of Energy’s authority to enforce any new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers for the next five years. The Department of Energy should be focusing on strengthening the U.S. supply chain for distribution transformers for the next five years – not further disrupting it. In fact, our community’s situation last December would not have been as dire if we had a backup transformer available. We must ensure our electrical manufacturers can continue to do what they do best, without the Biden Administration’s radical energy agenda getting in their way. This bill has been making its way through the Energy and Commerce Committee and I look forward to moving this bill to the House floor soon.

In addition, I reintroduced my bipartisan legislation, the WORKER Act, which will supercharge our nation’s energy workforce by prioritizing education and training for energy and manufacturing jobs when awarding grants to stakeholders. By creating a strong energy workforce and increasing domestic energy production, we can decrease energy costs, restore American energy dominance, and end the Biden administration’s war on energy.

One year after the energy attack on our community, my mission remains the same: I will not stop fighting for grid security and energy independence in Washington.

No community across the country should experience what we endured last December.

I want to thank Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields and our local law enforcement for their quick response during those dark days, and for their ongoing investigations to determine who is responsible for last December’s attack. We must hold those responsible for this act accountable and I will continue to support law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.

Even on our darkest days, it is an honor to represent you and this incredible community.

As your Congressman, I will continue to make sure Washington pays attention to the concerns and needs of you and your family.

CRIME LOG November 30 x Bryce Monroe Clark of Elmira NY was charged with trafficking in cocaine, possess with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, trafficking in opium or heroin, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II control substance, felony possession of cocaine, possession of firearm by felon, possess drug paraphernalia, and possess marijuana paraphernalia by the Moore County Sheriff’s Office. He received a $15,000 bond. x Roger Alexander Murchison of Robbins was charged with assault by strangulation, assault on a female, and resisting public officer by the Moore County Sheriff’s Office. He received a $9,000 bond.

MOORE CITIZENS FOR FREEDOM

MOORE COUNTY Remember that we live in the best country, the best state, and by far the best county.

December 7th Senior Enrichment Center: Second Choice Christmas Concert 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

The Moore County Senior Enrichment Center presents the Second Choice Christmas Concert! Join on Thursday, December 7th | 2pm-3pm!

Town Of Robbins: Christmas Parade 6 p.m.

33rd Robbins Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting will follow at Greenspace. There will be a special holiday train ride around the Greenspace. Visit with Santa in the Depot following the parade.

City Of Hamlet: Christmas Parade Of Lights 6 p.m.

The City of Hamlet will hold their 3rd Annual Christmas Parade of Lights on Thursday, December 7th at 6pm!

Town Of Aberdeen: Christmas Tree Lighting 6:15 p.m.

The Town of Aberdeen will hold their annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday at Union Station Railroad Museum.

December 9 Cookies With St. Nick 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Children are invited to join at Sandhills Church in Southern Pines for a free event. Decorate Christmas cookies and have your photograph taken with Santa Claus.

Christmas goodies, crafts and face painting.

MOORE COUNTY, WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE! JUDGES from page 1

December 1 x Taheim Jaquan Brower of Elmer Springs was charged with possession of firearm by felon by the Moore County Sheriff’s Office and received a $25,000 bond.

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x Lori Ann Keown or Asheboro was arrested and charged by the Moore County Sheriff’s Office for financial card theft, identity theft, obtain property false pretense, and financial card fraud and received a $10,000 bond.

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December 2 x Dedrick Lavon Gamble from Maning SC was arrested and booked into the Moore County Detention Center for driving while impaired, murder, possession of firearm by felon, and robbery with dangerous weapon where he is being held without bond.

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December 4 x Luis Rodriguez Jaimes of Robbins was charged with statutory sex offense w/child by adult, statutory rape of child by adult, and three counts of indecent liberties with child by the Moore County Sheriff’s Office and received a $1,000,000 bond.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

ABERDEEN from page 1

“We appreciate everything the Friends of the Library have done so far,” said Mayor Robbie Farrell. “I know it’s an uphill battle, but we’re looking forward to having a new library. 900 square feet isn’t working for a town of 10,000.

Not anymore. … This design looks like something everyone can agree to.”

The board also approved a resolution to set a date of Dec. 11, 2023 for a public hearing on an annexation request for two parcels of land totalling approximately 103.23 acres.

The properties are located

east of US 15-501 HWY and south of Pee Dee Road and the request was submitted by Habitat for Humanity of the Sandhills.

The Aberdeen Town Board will next meet Dec. 11.

tences than Thomsen faced.

Webb’s sentencing decision was appealed by the state and in a 2015 ruling by a N.C. Court of Appeals three judge panel, Webb’s sentencing order was vacated and ordered a new sentencing hearing.

An appeal by Thomsen reached the N.C. Supreme Court which issued an opinion confirming the Court of Appeals decision in 2016.

Over the past two years since the pandemic, Webb had apparently been interpreting the definition of “good cause” in statute with relation to probation fees.

Per state statute, “The court may exempt a person from paying the fee only for good cause and upon motion of the person placed on supervised probation.”

North State Journal reported earlier this year in May that Webb had been waiving probation fees if parolees provide “voluntary proof” of full COVID-19 vaccination to probation officers.

Probation fees are typically around $40 but can be higher and are required to be deposited into the state’s General Fund.

“It was awesom winning Pepper Giveawa weeken

‘America and Sand student A Jimenez

ing

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

3

SPORTS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Justin Travers

HANDOUT PHOTO,

Sandhills student Andrew Jimenez posts with an enormous check after winning the Dr Pepper Tuition Toss at the SEC Championship this weekend.

Sandhills student wins $100K Dr. Pepper Tuition Toss “It was so awesome winning the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway this weekend.”

‘American Hero’ and Sandhills student Andrew Jimenez

Sandhills Community College may not have a football team, but the Flyers have a quarterback worthy of a six-figure payday.

By Jordan Golson North State Journal Thanks to some nifty passing, Andrew Jimenez, president of the Student Government Association at Sandhills Community College, earned a $100,000 scholarship from the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway at the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium.

The soda maker holds a competition of football accuracy during halftime of the major conference title games each year. The $100,000 winner is chosen based on who can more accurately chuck footballs through a hole in the side of an enormous can of Dr. Pepper.

“It was so awesome winning the Dr Pepper Tuition

Giveaway this weekend,” said Jimenez in a statement shared by Dr. Pepper. “The $100K in tuition means so much to me and it will definitely help me focus on my studies and ultimately get closer to my long-term goal of working for the NBA. It was a great weekend, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

The Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway has seen some controversy in recent years as winning players have opted for a more easily-controlled shovel- or two-handed-chestpass rather than a traditional overhand football pass. Some observers have urged Dr. Pepper to ban the chest pass entirely.

Andrew, however, embraced tradition and went overhand the whole way, leading online men’s website BroBible to name him an “American Hero” for throwing rather than pushing the ball towards the target. Though his opponent opted for the chest pass, Jimenez saw overhand success, likely in no small part because Sandhills put togeth-

er a dummy target can for him to practice on.

CBS Sports tweeted a video of the competition, declaring Jimenez to have “a Dr. Pepper Tuition Toss for the ages,” with a dominant 18-12 victory over Anita from the University of San Francisco.

Of the ten Tuition Toss finalists from the SEC, ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and Pac12 championship games, Jimenez was the only competitor from a community college.

Entrants were required to write an essay on why they deserve tuition, how it would impact their lives, and how it would help them achieve their personal and professional goals. Jimenez is working on his marketing degree and plans to transfer to study business and marketing.

He was selected for the SEC title game in Atlanta, where he earned a spot in the top two during a pregame competition. Taking the field at halftime, wearing a Dr. Pepper football jersey, Jimenez got to work.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Pinecrest, wrestling Justin Travers is a senior in the 132 lb. weight class for the Pinecrest Patriots wrestling team.

Justin posted a big win during Pinecrest’s senior night win over Fuquay Varina last week. He recorded a win by pinfall during his match.

It was part of a hot streak on the mat for Travers who recorded three wins, two by fall and one by decision, during the Mason Wagner Memorial Duals over the weekend. He also recorded four wins, all by fall, at the Pirate Round Robin in late November.

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obituaries

Admiral Leighton Warren Smith, Jr., USN (Ret) August 20, 1939 - November 28, 2023

Admiral Leighton Warren Smith, Jr., USN (Ret) passed away at his home in Pinehurst, NC on 28 November 2023 at the age of 84 due to complications associated with Parkinson’s Disease.

Admiral Smith, known to friends and his Navy colleagues as “Snuffy,” was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1939. His father, Leighton Sr., was a farmer and small businessman. The strength of character, work ethic, and leadership skills learned in his youth served him well as he initially attended the University of Alabama and later entered the United States Naval Academy, from which he graduated and received his Commission as an Ensign in 1962. Admiral Smith received his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold in 1964 and primarily piloted the A-4 Skyhawk and A-7 Corsair II light attack aircraft during his operational flying career. He served on multiple deployments to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. His wartime service during the Vietnam conflict included three lengthy deployments and over 280 combat missions. He began to gain recognition as a legend of Naval Aviation on 6 October 1972 by successfully leading a strike against the famed Thanh Hoa Bridge, which had survived multiple attacks during the conflict and served as a key propaganda and logistics asset for the North Vietnamese regime. Despite intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, his flight delivered their weapons precisely, knocking out the heavily defended and vital target.

Admiral Smith is preceded in death by his parents Leighton and Sara Smith and sister Jean Smith Brown, of Purcellville, VA. He is survived by his spouse Dottie, son Leighton Smith (Marissa) of Mount Pleasant, SC, daughters Page Lewis (Llewellyn) of Whispering Pines, NC, and CAPT DeeDee Smith, USN of Annapolis, MD. The family includes five grandchildren: Taylor and Chase Smith, as well as David, Andrew, and Morgan Lewis. He is also survived by sisters Page Smith of Washington, DC and Lucille Smith Albritton (Hal) of Birmingham AL.

Dr. Thomas Henry "Tom" Lineberger, Sr.

January 27, 1951 - November 26, 2023 Dr. Thomas Henry “Tom” Lineberger Sr. went to be with Jesus unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Tom was a beloved father, husband, physician, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend.

Tom was born on January 27, 1951 to Clarice and Bill Lineberger Sr. in Charlotte, NC where he was raised in a house filled with the Love of the Lord. He was the fourth of five siblings.

On October 29, 1978 he met a cute 18 year old wearing a T-shirt with the name “Enola '' on the back as she studied in the Health Science Library. Shortly thereafter, he asked her on their first date using a multiple choice test. On “Match Day'' 1980 he proposed by giving her a T-shirt that said “from here to Internity.” Tom and Enola married on May 17, 1980 at Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Clarice (Webb) and Bill Lineberger Sr., his sister Patsy Halberstadt, and father-in-law Max Garland. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Enola; his children Martha of Brooklyn NY, Tommy and wife Heather along with Tom’s first grandchild Carly (1y/o) of West End, Pete of Washington DC, Steve and wife Virginia of Raleigh, and Eva of Atlanta, GA; his siblings Sandra Lineberger Patterson of Charlotte; Bill Lineberger and wife Debbie of Charlotte, and Libby Lineberger Acuff and husband Mark of Chapel Hill; his beloved mother-in-law Aileen “Granny” Garland; and Brother-in-law Steve Garland and wife Carolyn, along with many other family, friends, patients. In addition to the many people who loved him, he was loved by many dogs. He was preceded in death by Esther, Dodger and Anna and survived by his granddogs Wilson, Chester, and Turtle.

Barbara-Jeanne Wilmot Sass

SPONSORED BY BOLES FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY

Rachel Anne Erbschloe

Charles Anthony Brady

November 2, 1950 - November 26, 2023

February 14, 1962 - November 28, 2023

September 19, 1924 - November 28, 2023

Barbara-Jeanne was born November 2, 1950 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Lloyd and Alma Figasewski Wilmot.

She worked numerous jobs in insurance before beginning a 15-year career as a social worker for the city of Suffolk, VA. She retired in 2006 and moved to Seven Lakes, NC in 2007. She enjoyed reading and being a spectator at her husband’s bowling tournaments.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Donald Sass; a brother Richard Wilmot, and numerous cousins. She is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Daphne Taylor (the late Michael) of Shoreline, WA and Dorene Tichenor (Jon) of Seven Lakes, NC.

Rachel Ballenger Erbschloe, 61, of Aberdeen, passed peacefully on Nov. 28th.

Born in Greenwood, SC, on Valentine’s Day, 1962, she was the daughter of the late Don and Evelyn Kelley Ballenger.

Rachel wasn’t the youngest of the family, but she would tell you she was the “baby.”

Rachel was the loving mother of Andy Erbschloe, wife Teodora, Rebekah Scherf, husband Kyle, Charlotte Erbschloe and Christina Erbschloe, fiancé Jonathan.

She is survived by her 16 grandchildren: Samuel, Morrissa, Analeigha, Marcus, Samantha, Maya, McKennah, Marley, Kalila, Karla, Linden, Judah, Callan, Jaxson, Amaia, Diego.

Rachel was the sister of Sarah Lynn Haithcock, Don Ballenger and Franklin Ballenger. She was the cousin of Anita Kelley. She leaves behind her four - legged buddy “Gracie”.

Charles Anthony Brady, age 99, of Southern Pines, NC died on 11/28/2023 at St. Joseph of the Pines Health Center.

Charlie was born in New York City. He was a decorated Navy veteran. After military service he pursued a career in the banking industry.

Family was paramount in his life. He and his wife Patricia were married 65 years. He was a beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Jane Hagendorn

February 18, 1924 - November 28, 2023

Shirley Irene Huskins

September 22, 1946 - November 29, 2023 Shirley Irene Huskins, age 77, of Carthage, NC passed away at her home on November 29, 2023. Shirley was born in Brunswick, GA September 22, 1946 to William Clifford Hall and Nedith Voncreature Cox. Shirley worked 20 years for Southern Pines Elementary as a Teacher’s Assistant.

Shirley is survived by her husband, David Edward Huskins Sr., of Carthage; son, David “Earl” Huskins Jr., of Carthage; daughter, Karen Huskins Smith (Christopher); grandchildren, Jacob Huskins, Caleb Huskins, Dakota Huskins and Daniel Smith, all of Moore County; sisters, Barbara Yankee and Pamela Litch, of Columbus, GA. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Louise Hensley.

Clara Dorsett (Barker) Brundrett 1935 – 2023

Clara Dorsett (Barker) Brundrett of Pinebluff passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023, in Autumn Care of Biscoe at the age of 88.

Clara was born in Lee County on January 10, 1935, to the late William and Zella Davis Barker.

She loved to bowl and garden.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her 10 brothers and sisters.

She leaves behind her husband, Robert Brundrett; her children, Rusty Gilmore, Michael Gilmore, Terry Ender and his spouse, Charlene, Sharla Reese, Carol Pettine, and Patrick Ender and his spouse, Michelle; her sister, Thelma Fore; seven grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren.

Jane Hagendorn, age 99, of Southern Pines, NC passed away at TerraBella Southern Pines on November 28, 2023.

Jane was born in Sea Cliff, NY, February 18, 1924 to Lloyd D. Bucher and Helene M. Zix. Jane was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. After raising her children, she volunteered as an assistant teacher at the local elementary school in NY and then at West End Elementary.

Jane is survived by her children Rick Hagendorn, Jim Hagendorn, David (Kandace) Hagendorn and Lynn (Joe) Darsey; grandchildren, Jenna Hight, David Hagendorn, Anna Hagendorn, Danny Hagendorn, Steven Hagendorn, Devin Moody, Amber Russell-Hart and Erik Hagendorn; great grandchildren, Kaden Hagendorn, Danielle Hagendorn, Tynan Moody, Athan Hart and Ashton Hart; daughter-in-law, Debbie Hagendorn. Jane was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 58 years, Joseph Hagendorn Jr.; son, Rob Hagendorn; sister, Kay Nestler.

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