Chatham News & Record - August 17, 2023

C HATHAM NEWS & R E C O R D

VinFast completes SPAC deal, begins public trading

Board to seek public input at upcoming meetings

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

MONCURE — VinFast, which recently broke ground on its new electric vehicle manufacturing facility, took its latest step in the company’s expansion into the United States and began trading publicly Tuesday. Last week, the Vietnamese automotive company and Black

Spade Acquisition Group completed its merger, clearing the way for public trading. VinFast and Black Spade completed their deal through a Special Purpose Acquisition Company agreement.

“Becoming a U.S-listed company marks a signi cant milestone in VinFast’s global expansion,” said Madame Thuy Le, Global CEO of VinFast Auto Ltd.

“More than just transaction on the stock market, going public re ects a powerful vote of condence in our vision and potential,

Nominations open for upcoming state fair’s ‘Farm Family of the Day’

By A.P. Dillon

North State Journal

RALEIGH — While the 2023 N.C. State Fair is still a couple of months away, competition applications and event planning are already in motion.

The fair o cials have opened up nominations to honor 11 farm families to be recognized as the Tractor Supply Company’s “Farm Family of the Day.” This is the third year Tractor Supply Company has sponsored the program to celebrate farm families behind the state’s “$103.2 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.”

“The State Fair’s earliest beginnings sought to elevate the understanding of new agricultural practices and technology. Helping people make the connection between farming and the food that they enjoy is one of our top missions at the N.C. State Fair each year,” Ag-

riculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a press release. “Thanks to Tractor Supply Company, we can help tell the story of our farmers because they are the individuals out there every day working to grow the food, ber and fuel that we need to survive.” Nominations and applications for Farm Family of the Day will be open through Sept. 15. Families will be Applications can be found at ncstatefair.org/2023/ Attractions/FarmFamilyOfTheDay.htm.

Families receiving the award will get an N.C. State Fair gift basket containing fair tickets, ride passes and “additional swag” provided by Tractor Supply Company and the N.C. State Fair. This year’s fair runs from Oct. 12-22 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. More information on the upcoming fair, competitions and events can be found at ncstatefair.org.

“The State Fair’s earliest beginnings sought to elevate the understanding of new agricultural practices and technology. Helping people make the connection between farming and the food that they enjoy is one of our top missions at the N.C. State Fair each year.”

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler

as well as ful lls our pledge to make smart, safe and environmentally friendly electric vehicles accessible to everyone. “I sincerely appreciate the wonderful collaboration with Black Spade as our respected partners who are joining us in our ‘boundless together’ journey towards a greener future for us and future generations.”

The company, now known as VinFast Auto Ltd., began trading under the ticker symbols “VFS” and “VFSWW” on the Nasdaq exchange.

The deal values VinFast at $23 billion, according to CNBC.

VinFast, a subsidiary of Vietnam-based Vingroup, was originally founded in 2017.

The valuation, which was calculated using rival EV maker Lucid as the benchmark, is the fourth-highest for such special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) deals, according to data in a report from Reuters.

Some of VinFast’s rivals, including Nikola Corp and Lucid, have seen their valuations plunge after their SPAC listings. Nikola

now commands a market value of $1.4 billion, versus $13.9 billion before listing, while Lucid has a current market value of $15.5 billion, versus $24 billion during its 2021 SPAC deal, according to Reuters. As a result of the successful business combination, Black Spade became a wholly owned subsidiary of VinFast and is expected to be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

Haw River activists ood Pittsboro

Commissioners’ Meeting with concerns over Chatham Park amendment

By Chuck Thompson Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — On Monday night, the Pittsboro commissioners met for their regularly scheduled town meeting, where they discussed several community matters and concerns.

The Splash Pad is set to receive the key component needed to x the issue at hand and is expected to be up and running within the next couple of weeks.

Mayor Pro Tem Pamela Baldwin mentioned to those in attendance that the fair would be in town from Sept. 21 - 24 and encouraged everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities. “You may not to get to ride all the rides, but you’ll have a good time,” she said enthusiastically.

Commissioner Kyle Shipp mentioned the VinFast groundbreaking ceremony and looks forward to that major project moving along.

The topic of changing the mayor’s term of o ce from two to four years, which would not take place until the next election in 2025, was brought up for discussion. At the last public meeting on July 24, the board approved an amendment from two years to four years which requires a public hearing and 10-day notice, which will then be considered and voted on at the next public meeting scheduled for Aug. 28, 2023.

“It would be more consistent in being able to handle the busi-

ness of the town when someone has a more consistent term, to work more easily with the town manager, and I am in favor of this change,” said Baldwin.

Randolph Voller, the former mayor, supported the change of mayor to four years, mentioning that the Sanford mayor’s term is four years. He suggested that more could be accomplished in this time frame. In addition, he recommended that the commissioners should be increased to seven, with the mayor as the tiebreaker. Chatham Park commerce center requested an annexation into town limits. Jay Farrel made a motion to approve the annex-

ation request, which was approved unanimously.

However, the public comments forum regarding the small plan amendment by Chatham Park regarding Chatham Park North Village was the main topic of the night.

See PITTSBORO, page A6

Le The Thu Thuy CEO of VinFast Global speaks during the VinFast Groundbreaking Ceremony in Moncure, NC on July 28, 2023.

CHUCK THOMPSON | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD Chuck Smith, representing Chatham Park, speaks at the Pittsboro Commissioners’ meeting Monday night, while Commissioner James Vose, Mayor Pro Tem Pamela Baldwin, and the other commissioners listen intently.

“Join

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Gum Springs Baptist Homecoming

Phil Stone will deliver the homecoming message at Gum Springs Baptist Church, Sunday August 20 at 10am. Mr. Stone is the retired Sunday School Director of the Baptist State Convention of NC. The church is located at 226 Gum Springs Church Road, Moncure.

Harvesters Quartet at Rocky River Baptist

Harvesters Quartet will be at Rocky River Baptist Church, Sunday, August 20th, at 6pm. A love o ering will be taken. Everyone is welcome.

Sandy Branch Baptist Church Homecoming

Sandy Branch will be celebrating our 151st Homecoming on August 20 and we invite everyone to join us at 10 a.m. for Sunday School and 11:00 for morning worship. Local musician, Jordan Pickett, will be leading our time of worship and there will be a Memorial Service remembering those who have passed away since our last Homecoming. There will be a potluck lunch following the service so bring your favorite dishes and desserts to share. More information on Jordan Pickett at www. jordanpickettmusic.com. 715 Sandy Branch Church Road, Bear Creek.

New Hill man arrested, charged with kidnapping, sexual assault on minor

By Chuck Thompson Chatham News

& Record

LAST WEEK, the Chatham County Sheri ’s Department arrested Je rey Edward Trujillo, 50, of the 700 block of Old US 1, New Hill, and charged him with felony rst-degree kidnapping, felony second-de-

gree forcible sexual o ense, and felony crime against nature. These charges stem from an incident on June 9, 2023, when Chatham S.D. was noti ed of a missing 16-year-old female with an intellectual disability. Trujillo had been in contact with the girl, whom he had

convinced to get in his vehicle when he showed up at her grandparent’s house. He then took the girl to another location where the sexual assault occurred, before dropping her o at another relocation back in New Hill. The minor was found walking home to her grandparents’ house, but it wasn’t until recently that the events of that day came to light, naming Trujillo as the attacker. Trujillo was issued a $100,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on August 28, 2023.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Siler City Rotary Ra e nets Petty $10,000 Abby Petty held fast and won $10,000 at the Rotary Reverse Money Ra e Saturday night before a boisterous crowd of 300 Chathamites and visitors at the Siler City Moose Lodge. Suspense built throughout the evening as ticket holders enjoyed a delicious steak dinner and open bar. Master of Ceremonies Scott Harris read o 1 - 325 as the numbered ping pong balls were picked by Past President Cecil Wilson and other volunteers. Rosemary Lentzen and Rotary President Nancy Van Camp pulled the stubs o the big board and every 25th ticket won $100-$350. Shawn Poe stayed hopping being certain every winner was paid promptly. David Harris and Miles Boling and Vicki Newel then hustled to sell “buy in” ra e tickets for $5,$10,$20 to put in after the 150th, 250th, and 310th numbers were drawn. A special ‘buy in’ ticket was auctioned with only 9 left and raised another $1000 for a full scholarship for Chatham County high school seniors to the college of their choice.

Siler City Lion’s Club receives appreciation

The Sanford Lions Club presented a certi cate of appreciation to members of the Siler City Lion’s Club for their assistance in the recent Awards and Installation Event. Members listed are President Lion Chris Dunn, Secretary Lion Susan Staley and past President Lion Lacy Petty. The certi cate was presented by Lion Nelson Smith of the Sanford Lions Club.

Volunteers needed

The North Carolina Seniors’ Health Insurance Information program is currently seeking volunteers to assist seniors and people with disabilities within the Chatham County community who are seeking accurate information about Medicare and other insurance issues. For more information on the program within Chatham County, contact Linda Saum at 919542-4512 or Lawana Schulze at 919742-3975.

CALENDAR

Thursday, August 17

Evening at Oakland

If you’re recently engaged or wedding planning, then our summer open house is the perfect way to be inspired by some of North Carolina’s top wedding vendors. Explore our grounds, and envision your wedding ceremony and reception in our open-air Pavilion and air-conditioned elegant Barn venue.

Free tickets available at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/open-house-anevening-at-oakland-farmtickets-667111778287

Tuesday, August 22

Business After Hours

Cool o and join the Chatham Chamber of Commerce for Business After Hours at Chatham’s premier innovation hub — 79º West. 5:30 — 7:30pm. 120 Mosaic Blvd., Suite 120, Pittsboro.

School archery, shooting sports programs threatened by Biden administration

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

RALEIGH — An agency interpretation by the U.S. Department of Education is threatening to end funding of long-running school archery and shooting sports programs, members of Congress warn.

First reported by Fox News Digital, the Biden administration con rmed that it is withholding critical funds for elementary and secondary schools nationwide with hunting or archery programs in their curriculum.

The Department of Education in a statement said that its funding decisions were based on the plain text interpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed last year. The agency’s interpretation means funding for shooting sport activities earmarked under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 will be blocked across the country.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which passed in 1965, is the “primary source of federal aid for elementary and secondary education” and is meant “to strengthen and improve educational quality and educational opportunities in the Nation’s elementary and secondary schools,” according to Congressional reports.

“This prohibition applies to all ESEA funds,” a Department of Education spokesperson subsequently told Fox News Digital in a statement. “The prohibition went into e ect immediately on June 25, 2022 and applies to all existing and future awards under all ESEA programs, including [21st Century Community Learning Centers]. The Department is administering the bipartisan law as written by Congress.”

“These programs give our future conservationists and sportsmen and women new opportunities and passions, while teaching public safety, self-esteem, teamwork, and interpersonal skills,” Republican Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08) said while criticiz-

ing the decision.

A letter signed by more than 60 House Republicans calls the funding decision “a gross misinterpretation of the law,” and a bill to clarify support for programs was introduced by Hudson and Tennessee Republican Rep. Mark Green.

The National Ri e Association (NRA) called news of the department’s interpretation a treacherous overreach and the latest victims of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which the group opposed.

“The episode reinforces two critically important lessons that any pro-gun legislator should remember. One: there is no such thing as harmless gun control.

Two: Moderates who join forces with anti-gun extremists will eventually be embarrassed by the partnership,” the group said in a statement.

The NRA also pointed to a warning they issued before the bill was passed, saying in part, “This bill leaves too much discretion in the hands of government o cials and also contains undened and overbroad provisions — inviting interference with our constitutional freedoms.”

The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) said it is actively working to reverse the direction of the U.S. Department of Education to ensure that these programs remain intact for millions of students across the country.

“Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Education is interpreting the inclusion of ‘dangerous weapon’ at face value by using the strict de nition of ‘dangerous weapon’ rather than following the legislative intent of Congress, which is leading to the cancellation of school programs such as hunter education, archery, wilderness courses, school sponsored shooting teams, among many other critically important activities for America’s youth,” the group said in a statement earlier this month.

Both of North Carolina’s Republican senators at the time, Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, voted for the BSCA last year.

“These programs give our future conservationists and sportsmen and women new opportunities and passions, while teaching public safety, self-esteem, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.”

Rep. Richard Hudson

VISUAL

OPINION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Protecting our veterans & honoring our

fallen heroes

We owe veterans our full support and I’m proud of everything House Republicans have accomplished this Congress for our veterans.

AS THE REPRESENTATIVE of the largest Army base in the world, making sure our community’s veterans, troops, and their families get the support they deserve is among my top priorities.

At the end of July, the House passed the FY24 Military Construction, Veterans A airs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. This legislation will strengthen our commitment to our veterans by fully funding veterans’ health care programs, bene ts, and other critical VA programs. This legislation is also providing nearly $800 million above President Biden’s budget request for military construction to improve our national security.

I was able to secure large wins for our community, including over $250 million in funding for critical infrastructure projects that will aid our region’s military personnel, $150 million for barracks, and $36 million for a desperately needed child care center at Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg. I am especially proud this legislation contains my amendment to increase funding for the Veteran Crisis Line by $10 million.

The Veterans Crisis Line acts as a critical tool to help our veterans in their time of need. In March alone, the crisis line received more than 88,000 calls, texts, and chats—the highest number we’ve ever had in one month. The additional funding in my amendment will allow the VA to better serve veterans, and their families, by ensuring the Veterans Crisis Line has the capacity to respond to every veteran in need.

If you are a veteran or know someone who needs assistance, contact the 24-hour Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-2738255 or 988 and Press 1, text 838255, or chat online at www. VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

We owe veterans our full support and I’m proud of everything House Republicans have accomplished this Congress for our veterans. Ensuring our military families and veterans have the resources they deserve are the most important duties we have in Congress, and we must continue to do everything we can to improve their quality of life.

As we support our nation’s veterans, we will never forget those who made the ultimate sacri ce. August 15th marks the

EDITORIAL | BOB WACHS

two year anniversary of when our nation lost 13 brave U.S. service members—including our own U.S. Army Sta Sergeant Ryan Knauss—during Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. These brave men and women lost in Kabul put their lives on the line to save our fellow citizens and allies in harm’s way, and will forever be known as heroes. I continue to pray for the family of Sta Sgt. Ryan Knauss, as well as the Gold Star families of each of these heroes, whose legacy will never be forgotten.

I recently met with family members of these heroes, including Sta Sergeant Knauss’ mother. Their pain and loss has been compounded by the misinformation and a lack of transparency by President Biden and his administration. These family members deserve to know all the facts and the truth about the mistakes made that put their loved ones in harm’s way. I am working with Committee on Foreign A airs Chairman Mike McCaul, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and others to ensure we get the answers they are seeking. We will hold this administration accountable.

Whether it’s protecting our veterans, shoring up our national security, securing the border, growing our economy, or holding our government agencies accountable, I continue to ght for what matters to you most. I’m proud to be standing up for you.

My goal is to continue to provide you with high quality constituent services and be accessible to hear your needs, thoughts, and concerns on key issues facing our community and nation. My dedicated sta in our Southern Pines and Fayetteville district o ces are here to serve you.

Working with my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance common sense solutions that improve your quality of life is part of my commitment to you as your Congressman.

Richard Hudson is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House and represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Republican Steering Committee.

Winds of life sometimes can bring needed cleaning

Oftentimes, most of the time even, we go through life in automatic pilot with little or not much thought to things beyond the immediate.

THINGS WERE A BIT TENSE a few days ago when the television weather folks used the words “tornado warning” in the same sentence with “Bennett, Bonlee, Goldston, Siler City and Pittsboro.”

I had just dropped a pod into my one-cup co ee maker, settled down to catch the weather forecast and had just enough time to catch the aforementioned comment before our electrical service took some time o .

Ignoring the advice that I nd a secure inner room, I cracked open the front door to take a peak and.. yes, the sky was black and it wasn’t that late.

I retreated a bit, stayed away from windows and sort of held my breath until the rapidly-moving event passed. Fortunately, most of our area was spared signi cant damage although some folks did lose trees and went without power several hours.

As I’m becoming more prone to do these days, I thought about all that on a deeper level than just the storm and it wasn’t too long before a great truth appeared.

The whole notion and concept of wind and winds has been around about as long as people have been around. The Good Book tells us “The wind blows where it will...” and that we can’t see it but we can see what it does.

Ben Franklin was a big fan of the wind. One day someone told him to go y a kite and when he did electricity began to become a part of the lives of mankind and today it’s like breathing. Now, for instance, when the power goes o , I still go from room to room reaching inside the door to ip the switch. And if it weren’t for electricity we’d have to watch television in the dark.

Wind is an animal of its own, a part of so much of our lives. It’s a part of our literary lives, for instance. There is “the ill wind that blows no good.” And my boyhood friend and advisor on all matters from the heart to the pocketbook Bobby Joe High referred to himself as the “Cool Breeze.”

It’s everywhere and most of the time we don’t give it a second thought until it gets really really brisk and becomes part of a thunderstorm or, worse, a tornado or hurricane. I know I’ll never be the same happy-go-lucky boy I was before Hurricane Fran came along. That dark night in 1996 made a believer out of me as we sat up in the dark living room listening to wind howl and hearing trees snap and wondering where they were going to fall.

Fran was, I believe, my biggest face to face reality that sometime there are going to be storms in life and afterwards things won’t be as they were before. We usually think that means something bad, worse than before and that can be true. Loss of life or special mementos aren’t replaceable. But sometimes those winds can be useful . . . if they help us eliminate the unnecessary.

Oftentimes, most of the time even, we go through life in automatic pilot with little or not much thought to things beyond the immediate. Then a storm or strong winds will come along and our lives are di erent. When that happens we have to pick up the pieces and clean up the mess and either keep going as we were, start over or quit. And, friends, that last option isn’t a good one.

Sometimes we nd some of what was blown away in the wind –either Mother Nature’s version or Father Time’s – is something we can live without and even better.

For years I have saved almost every note or scrap of paper or newspaper or magazine that came my way because I planned to either use it or get back to it at some point. Lately I’ve come to realize none of that is true and I’ve had a jolly good time chunking some of it.

But I’m not through; there’s still lots to go but there’s some good news in all this. In the process of picking up and throwing away I’ve run across some things I forgot I had and it’s fun all over again.

Maybe that’s what we need to do from time to time in life . . . clean up and out, start over and rediscover what we’ve lost.

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

COLUMN

EDITORIAL

| JOLENE QUIGLEY

A response to Moms for Liberty

A FEW WEEKS AGO, Amy Kappelman, the President and Founder of our Local Moms for Liberty group published an opinion piece she was invited to write in regards to the recent national summit in Philadelphia in which the group was met by strong resistance. Ms. Kappelman never really acknowledges what grievances the protestors had, but more worrying, Ms. Kappelman suggests a fascist undertone to her political opponents. She is not simply advocating for higher parent involvement in schools, a belief in which we are in agreement. Ms. Kappelman suggests that in the name of diversity, equity, and inclusion, our public schools are a tool of Orwellian control. Our children are being indoctrinated.

Her words made me turn to a framed print that hangs in my living room. It is of a painting called “The Lottery” by Czech painter Alphonse Mucha. It’s a painting that I’ve always turned to for inspiration as a teacher. When he painted it, Mucha’s home was being ruled by Austria-Hungary which had banned the teaching of the Czech language, history, and culture. Mucha painted a young girl standing de antly with a pad and pen in her hand, demanding a complete education free of indoctrination. The thing is, AustriaHungary did not seek to just force schools to teach things that supported their rule and way of life, they more importantly tried to eliminate the Czech culture that they saw as threatening their control. They did this because indoctrination is not just about forcing what you believe, but destroying ideas that challenge your beliefs. Not disagreeing with them, not refuting them, destroying ideas through force and power.

Later in the 20th Century, we saw a more blunt example of this. Before Adolf Hitler’s vast murder of Jews, Romani and other peoples that he hated, the Nazi party fought their war on ideas. They burned books and pushed out academics that might pose a challenge to their authority. As a dark mirror of today, in 1933, the Nazis sacked and destroyed the world’s rst gender and sexuality clinic.

I simply do not see that level of indoctrination in our modern schools. Reading a book to children in which a character has two moms does not eliminate stories which feature heterosexual parents. Reading the words of Benjamin Banneker does not diminish the words of Thomas Je erson, but makes us better understand Je erson. Ensuring traditionally marginalized students nd school more accessible to them does not take away from their peers. How could it? When we expand what information, points of view, strategies, and stories we share with children, we do not indoctrinate them. We empower them. The things often slandered as indoctrination seek to add to learning, not take away.

That does not mean that I don’t see indoctrination at all in schools. I see those who wish to take away from our children’s learning, to take part in true indoctrination. When select parents try to ban the sexual education book It’s Perfectly Normal–a book

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

that has literally saved adolescents from sexual abuse–that to me is indoctrination. It is a relatively small group of people pushing their beliefs into a school and trying to take away potentially life-saving knowledge from all students.

When a gay valedictorian is banned from referring to his identity at his graduation speech, that to me is indoctrination. When teachers are investigated for showing PG-rated Disney lms or when a transgender teenager is banned from wearing the clothes that best re ect them even when their family fully supports them, that to me seems like indoctrination. Not because it is just pushing a point of view, but because it’s eliminating ideas, expression, and stories for everyone. Because indoctrination is always about limiting and taking away.

I am all for family involvement and I as an educator have worked with families who have felt discomfort around challenging texts. The question of grade-level appropriateness and what material can be seen as safe to have in school is one that should be discussed and debated with nuance and good faith. I don’t think parents who have expressed discomfort to me about a book in our class library are bad people. They’re simply concerned parents, and they do deserve compassionate professionals who work with them. I will gladly stand with the Moms for Liberty on that point.

That is not the national issue we face right now as we see record high challenged books including books that are years and sometimes decades old, including from our most important authors like Toni Morrison. These acts do not seek to accommodate the preferences of some or even simply push a point of view, they seek to eliminate choice and possibility for all students and families.

We face a state legislature that is following the road that Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken in Florida. A road where top-down government mandates mean students cannot have access to quality AP courses without school districts being potentially sued by a small minority of parents. A road that was co-signed by the national Moms of Liberty last year, when they awarded Gov. DeSantis a ceremonial sword in honor of his actions.

I understand the protests in Philadelphia may have indeed been rude, but when we actually look through the lens of what indoctrination looks like in the United States, when we look at who is pulling books and limiting discussion and why, when I see the road that Gov. DeSantis has taken and that our state legislature threatens to follow, I can’t help but to imagine that little girl in the Mucha painting holding her book and pen, staring at the viewer, demanding those who block her from her learning, get out of her way.

Jolene Quigley is a career educator and parent proud to call Chatham County her home. She currently works as an educator in Alamance County.

The Barack Obama cover-up

LAST WEEK, Tablet released a fascinating conversation with historian David Garrow, author of a massive unauthorized biography of former President Barack Obama in his early years titled “Rising Stars.” By all rights, the book should have been a massive hit upon its release in 2017. Instead, it underperformed. The revelations contained therein never hit the mainstream. And that simple fact, in and of itself, demonstrates a simple reality of the modern political era: The entire press apparatus has been dedicated, since at least 2008, to the proposition that Obama had to be protected from all possible damage.

Garrow’s book carried multiple bombshells for Obama. Obama’s rst autobiography — the egotist has already written several — “Dreams From My Father” told a story about how he broke up from a white girlfriend in his Chicago years over her failure to understand his desire for racial solidarity with black America. Actually, as Garrow’s book relates, the couple broke up because Obama refused to disown black antisemitism. Furthermore, as the book uncovers, Obama wrote letters to a girlfriend in which he “repeatedly fantasizes about making love to men.”

These are incredible allegations, to say the least. They were reported in the book. But as David Samuels of Tablet observes, the media were shockingly remiss in covering any of these stories: “’Rising Star’ highlights a remarkable lack of curiosity on the part of mainstream reporters and institutions about a man who almost instantaneously was treated less like a politician and more like the idol of an inter-elite cult.”

That was true in 2008, when the media steadfastly refused to take seriously reports about Obama’s attendance at an openly racist and antisemitic church for two decades. And it’s true in 2023, when the media still refuse to cover the fact that a huge number of President Joe Biden’s closest aides are Obama’s closest

political allies. Obama resides in Washington, D.C.; all of the people who made policy for him now make policy for Biden. And yet nobody talks about the Obama in uence in the current White House.

All of this is part of a broader pact on the part of every major apparatus in American life to mirror Obama’s perceptions of the world. In Obama’s own mind, he was a world-historical gure; that’s why, in 2010, when he experienced a rather predictable shellacking in a midterm election, he responded by suggesting that his opposition was actually motivated by vicious racism and brutal bigotry. The media mirrored that perspective; so did entertainment; so did tech companies. The immaculate, solid wall of support for Obama’s intersectional coalition is intimately connected to direct allegiance from the movers and shakers toward the Obama persona.

Just as our institutions were shaped for decades beyond JFK’s death by the myth built around him, so our modern institutions will be shaped for decades to come by the myth of Barack Obama. Garrow concludes about Obama: “He has no interest in building the Democratic Party as an institution. I think that’s obvious. And I don’t think he had any truly deep, meaningful policy commitments other than the need to feel and to be perceived as victorious, as triumphant.” But that victory — that triumph — came at the expense of the American people, who were promised a racial conciliator and a man of honor by a media invested in that lie. When the truth materialized and our institutions continued to perpetuate the lie, our institutions collapsed. We live in the era of Barack Obama still.

Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and cofounder of Daily Wire+.

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’S column in the Aug. 10 issue asserts, falsely, that the January 6 indictment is an “attack on political speech.” According to him, the whole matter involving Mr. Trump should be protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution. Nonsense. The second page of the indictment emphasizes that the charges, cogently stated and supported in the indictment, are not about Mr. Trump’s speech but about his and his associates’ actions: “The Defendant [Mr. Trump] had a right, like every American, to speak publicly about the election and even to claim, falsely, that there had been outcome-determinative fraud during the election and that he had won.” The indictment is all about the conspiracies Mr. Trump and associates cooked up to prevent the lawful transfer of power to the new administration. “Shortly after election day, the Defendant also pursued unlawful means of discounting legitimate votes and subverting the election results.” It is indeed ironic that Mr. Harsanyi, senior editor at the ultra-conservative The Federalist online magazine, is not at all exercised about Mr. Trump’s trampling of the rule of law so thoroughly documented in the 45-page indictment. The charges against Mr. Trump absolutely deserve to be adjudicated in criminal court. After losing on Election Day, Mr. Trump made his bed, and now he is going to lie in it (endlessly).

Peter A. Abken Siler City

LAST THURSDAY had been a very trying day for me.

The day started o on the wrong foot, so much so that by the time lunchtime hit, all I wanted to have to do was to go pick up lunch, come home, relax in the cool air and enjoy a quiet lunch with my mom.

So, I headed to a local fast-food restaurant. The wait was a little longer than I would have preferred, but I knew it was the time of day when everyone was out to get a quick bite to eat, so I didn’t think too much about it.

I got to the window and had to wait for my order for a good ve minutes. I thought it was somewhat odd considering I ordered pretty standard fare, but I was patient as I sat in the car in near-100-degree heat (thank goodness for A/C!).

The order was handed to me and I noticed right away that I was missing an item — the second drink I ordered. I had to explain a couple of times to the person at the window before it clicked and they made my second drink.

After that, I decided to pull into a parking spot to double-check the bag itself to make sure what I ordered was in it.

It wasn’t.

Annoyed, I grabbed the bag, got out of the car, went inside and told the cashier, who could barely be bothered, what happened.

A full 10 minutes later, I had the one food item I was missing.

I went back to the car to head home, and … it wouldn’t start.

“How could this happen?” I wondered, my frustration building. It had been running just ne 10 minutes ago when I had been checking the order.

After a few minutes, I called AAA, where I was put on an endless automated loop until I nally got a customer service rep. They assured me someone would be out ASAP to give my car what I thought it needed — a jump-start.

While I waited, I had the car door open because sitting in the car in the baking sun was not an option.

Then I happened to glance at the wait time for my AAA service.

Two hours. At that point, I muttered things to myself that are not repeatable here.

There was no way I could wait there for two hours. My mom, for whom I am a caregiver, was waiting at home for me and the food. She assured me she was ne, but though she might have been, I was not.

It was at that point I got out of my car and was prepared to walk over to a local mechanic shop which was right next door. Surely they had someone there who could jump my car o ?

But before I got there, a man parked who was parked two spaces over from me, who I had heard talking on and o throughout my adventure in the parking lot, stuck his head out the window and asked me if everything was OK.

By that point, the sweat was pouring and my sob story about what happened was, too.

He o ered to look under the hood and give my car a jump-start. But as it turns out, it didn’t need it. A battery connector was loose and once he tightened it, the car started just ne.

I thanked him profusely and went on my way, also thanking God that he put that man in my path that day. It was a reminder that there are still some good people left in the world, people with no agenda other than simply to help another person. Thank God for Good Samaritans.

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.

Settlement leads to 9% auto insurance rate increase, down from 28% ask by Rate Bureau

By A.P. Dillon

State Journal

North

RALEIGH — North Caro-

lina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced on Aug. 8 a settlement has been made with the North Carolina Rate Bureau over its auto insurance rate increase request.

On Feb. 1, the N.C. Rate Bureau had requested a statewide increase of 28.4% for personal auto rates as well as a 4.7% increase in motorcycle liability rates. The Rate Bureau is not a part of the state’s insurance agency but instead represents the North Carolina insurance industry.

The settlement negotiated by Causey will be an average statewide auto rate increase of 9%, which will be implemented with a 4.5% hike in 2023 and 4.5% more in 2024. Per the agreement, motorcycle liability will increase by 4.6% over the same time frame.

According to Causey’s release, the settlement is “about two-thirds less than the insurance companies had requested” and will “save drivers approximately $1.6 billion over the next two years” compared to the Rate Bureau’s original request.

Under the settlement, there can be no additional increases

PITTSBORO from page 1

The changes that are being proposed would involve an alteration in size and shape of some park areas, a throughroad near the Haw River bu er area, and a ten-foot-wide paved pedestrian walkway and bicycle greenway.

About half-a-dozen people signed up to speak in opposition to this amendment, most of them associated with the Haw River Assembly, which is a 501(c)(3) non-pro t citizens’ group that was formed in 1982.

According to the Haw River Assembly website, the group “is dedicated to the goal of environmental justice and equality for all people in our watershed.”

One public speaker, Susan Crate, accused the Chatham Park Developers of telling her, “It’s our land, and we can do what we want with it.” She continued by speaking critically about the construction and process that went about communicating with her, adding that it would severely hurt the ecological system, and the tra c would be a major pollution problem for the area.

“Is this the same Chatham Park that encourages us to live, work, play?” asked Crate. “We deserve better than this.”

Executive Director of Haw River Assembly, Elaine Chiosso, presented a petition of signatures against the amendments made by Chatham Park, claiming over 1,000 signatures from citizens that have yet to be conrmed to be local residents.

Speaking out against changes that Chatham Park wants to make, Chiosso spoke about her concern about deforestation and the environmental impact down the stream and into Jordan Lake. She also urged the board to reject the new road route proposed by Chatham Park developers, arguing that there should be conservation goals in mind in areas that are close to rivers and trails, not development.

A few concerned citizens took turns speaking out against the amendment, placing the lo-

before Oct. 1, 2025.

“I’m proud that North Carolina is consistently among the lowest annual average rates for private passenger vehicles in the nation,” Causey said in a statement. “In recent years, we’ve seen some rate increases due to more accidents and fatalities in North Carolina. This can be attributed to factors such as excessive speeding and driving under the in uence. However, the number one cause of accidents and, thus, rate increases, is distracted driving.”

The commissioner’s statement cites a 2023 study from U.S. News and World Report ranking North Carolina as the sixth lowest state in average annual automobile insurance costs.

“It is unlikely that we will see rate decreases in the future unless some of these trends change,” said Causey. “Drivers and driving habits impact the rates the most, in addition to increased repair costs due to excessive ination. We don’t wish for any rate increases but we are doing everything we can to protect consumers.”

An Oct. 16 hearing on the auto insurance rate increase has been canceled as a result of the settlement.

cal environment at the forefront of their concerns. One individual raised concern for the Bald Eagles, which have nested around Jordan Lake and have now started working their way up the Haw River, while another citizen spoke of trees and greenery being the air conditioner of nature.

Chuck Smith stepped in front of the commissioners to make a statement and take any questions.

“First, I just want to say that there’s a number of provocative things that have been said here tonight,” Smith rebutted, “We have never – never, ever, said ‘this is our land, and we can do what we want’ and I’m not saying someone working for us may have never said that, but we, the investors have never said that.”

Many of the questions asked by residents focused on whether or not the plan is to reduce the number of parks originally planned.

Smith answered by stating that they would not hit the maximum but would meet the requirements, saying, “And there’s a number of parks that aren’t shown (on the plans) that the public will have access to, but are not showing on the plans,” he added.

Commissioner Ferrel asked about a 50-acre park that originally was planned to be 70 acres, inquiring why that had changed.

“We still have a park there, but there won’t be a school site there – the school said they did not want that location,” explained Smith. He further went on to say that they had found a di erent location more preferable to the school’s plans.

While public comments were taken into consideration Monday night, there is a minimum 10-day period that must be allowed for anyone to voice their concerns before a vote is taken by The Pittsboro Town Commissioners. The actual vote on the matter is set to be held at the next regular scheduled commissioners meeting on Aug. 28.

Teachers, get your applications in for a Bright

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e nal deadline for all grant applications is Sept. 15. Scan the QR code or visit NCBrightIdeas.com for more information or to apply!

“It is unlikely that we will see rates decrease in the future unless some of these trends change.”

NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey

“… I just want to say that there’s a number of provocative things that have been said here tonight.”

Chuck Smith

1 in 3 adults in the U S have prediabetes -- making them more atrisk for developing Type 2 Diabetes -- but you can reduce your risk by eating smarter becoming more physically active and reducing stress The Diabetes Prevention Program is a group program to help you gain the knowledge and tools you need to lose weight and become more physically active

Learn more about the program and sign up for the next classes ( ) by calling the Siler City clinic at (919) 742-5641

Known as DSME, this program is designed to help people with diabetes manage their health, learn about healthy choices, carbohydrate counting and much more! Topics include:

Monitoring blood sugar

Food choices and meal planning

Exercise tips & ideas

Stress management tips Preventing and managing complications

Learn more about the program by calling the Siler City clinic at (919) 742-5641 All participants MUST have a referral from a physician to participate

IN MEMORY NICANDRO NAVA GARCIA

March 15, 1971 ~ August 3, 2023 (age 52)

Mr. Nicandro Nava Garcia, age 52, of Liberty, NC entered into eternal rest on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC. Everyone that enters the funeral home and or attends services must wear a mask.

SCOTTIE LATOYA STROUD

March 17, 1985 ~ August 9, 2023 (age 38)

Ms. Scottie Latoya Stroud, age 38, of Cameron, NC entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at her residence in Cameron, NC. Everyone that enters the funeral home and or attends services must wear a mask.

LEONEL BENITEZ MARTINEZ

Leonel Benitez Martinez, 52, of Siler City, died Wednesday, August 9, 2023.

Leonel was born in Paso de Guayabal, Mexico on August 25, 1970, to Orfanel Aguirre Benitez and Jose na Martinez Benitez. Mr. Benitez Martinez loved farming, swimming and just being outdoors. He was always cutting up and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Mr. Benitez Martinez is survived by his parents; his brothers, Isidro Benitez and Esteibi Benitez; sisters, Albinia Benitez, Gabilit Evans, Maria Benitez, Yenet Benitez and Sindy Benitez. He was preceeded in death by his grandparents, Dionicia Aguirre, Marcos Benitez, Albinia Gonzalez, and Ricardo Martinez; and brother, Antonio Benitez.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. The funeral service will be at 1:00 PM, on Monday, August 14, 2023, with Pastor Valentin o ciating at Smith & Buckner Chapel. Burial will follow at Loves Creek Baptist Cemetery.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Benitez Martinez family.

GREGORY M. DALTON

Gregory M. Dalton, 46 Passed away on Monday, July 31, 2023 at his home.

Gregory was born to Clyde and Susanne Culler Dalton on November 27, 1976. Gregory was a loving husband and father who loved spending as much time as he could with his wife and boys. Gregory was a proud farmer, he never met a stranger and was willing to help all he met. He was kind, caring and compassionate and led others to Christ. In his free time, Gregory enjoyed going to the gym, trying new and di erent restaurants or you could nd him at the beach with his family.

Gregory is Survived by his wife of 17 years Stacey Jordan Dalton, His 3 sons: Grat Earl Dalton, William Dwight Dalton, and Jonathan Tre Dalton of the Home. Mother Sue Dalton of Siler City and his sisters: Barbara Burgess (Je ) of Ramseur and Roberta Brizendine of Siler City. He is preceded in death by his father Clyde Earl Dalton and Brother Cole Dalton.

Visitation will be Friday, August the 4, 2023 from 6-8pm at Smith and Buckner Funeral home. Other times they will receive friends at the family home. Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Brookdale Baptist Church with Rev. John Klink Jr o ciating. Burial will follow at Oakwood cemetery in Siler City, NC.

Memorial donations may be made to the Dalton boys at Fidelity Bank.

JOHNNY MAURICE LAWING

Johnny Maurice Lawing, age 77, of Bear Creek and Charlotte, passed away peacefully at The Coventry House in Siler City.

Join a registered dietitian for Medical Nutrition Therapy to prevent or manage a variety of different health conditions Work to create a personalized plan to meet your health goals, like:

Losing weight

Managing diabetes

Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol

Call the Siler City clinic at (919) 742-5641 to schedule an appointment Sliding scale is available for the uninsured Most insurance is accepted

Chatham County Public Health Department

80 East Street, Pittsboro | (919) 545-8220

1000 S Tenth Ave , Siler City | (919) 742-5641

www chathamcountync gov/publichealth

He was born in Gastonia, North Carolina to the late John Monroe Lawing and Frankie Garrett Lawing. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Richard Lawing, Blaine Lawing and Gwen Lawing Baucom. Mr. Lawing retired as an underwriter in the insurance eld. He was a serious person with a good sense of humor.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Sharpe Lawing with whom he would have celebrated 56 years of marriage on August 31, 2023.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Joe Lawing o ciating. Burial will be in Cameron Grove Cemetery.

ROBERT DUNLAP EMERSON

May 30, 1933 – August 2, 2023

Robert Dunlap Emerson, age 90, was a longtime resident of Cary. He was the second son of the late John W. Emerson Jr. and Nannie Maude Dunlap Emerson of Siler City, NC. Bob’s wife, Victoria Rose Moore Emerson, predeceased him. Bob was a US Army and Korean War veteran and a 1957 graduate of NC State College. He worked as US government intelligence agent, an FBI agent, an SBI agent in NC, and a corporate regional security director. Bob also authored several books. Bob is survived by his daughter Gloria Holland (Lee), his son John (Heidi), four grandchildren, and brothers Thomas J. Emerson (Anna), and John Hudson Emerson. At Bob’s request, no memorial service will be held, but there will be a private family gathering.

Condolences may be posted at www.cremationsocietync.com.

Kaitlyn Alexandria Moser

January 31, 1993 — August 3, 2023

Fuquay Varina In loving memory of Kaitlyn, By CJ Moser (Brother)

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved sister, daughter, and friend, who exempli ed kindness despite the challenges she faced. Kaitlyn’s life was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit as she bravely battled her medical fragility with unwavering grace and an enduring smile.

Kaitlyn is survived by her parents, Kristi Culberson Moser (Tim) of Fuquay Varina, NC and Clinton Ray Moser (Christy) of Raleigh, NC, siblings, Hollie Moser, CJ Moser, and Christian Moser (all of Raleigh, NC), grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Ray Moser of Florida; Aunts and Uncles, Van Culberson (Darlene) of Siler City, NC, Billie Lindley (Ronnie) of Snow Camp, NC, Eddie Culberson (Joan) of Snow Camp, NC, Jason Kotar (Heather) of Florida, Lindsay Lawson (Je ) of Texas and Amy Lizak (Matt) of Fuquay Varina, NC. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Clay Van and Madge Wright Culberson, and enough cousins to circle the globe twice.

Kaitlyn’s warm and gentle nature touched the lives of all who knew her. Despite her own struggles, she always found a way to brighten the day of those around her. Her sel essness and empathy were truly remarkable, and she taught us all the value of compassion and understanding.

Her journey was not an easy one, but she faced each day with courage and determination.

Kaitlyn’s strength inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She never allowed her conditions to de ne her or hold her back; instead, she embraced life with a positive outlook and an indomitable spirit.

As we bid farewell to our dear Kaitlyn, we hold onto the beautiful memories she leaves behind. Her kindness, resilience, and boundless love will forever remain in our hearts. Though she may no longer be with us physically, her spirit will guide us through life’s obstacles, reminding us to be kind and understanding to one another.

May she nd eternal peace, free from pain and su ering. Rest in peace, dear Kaitlyn. Your light will continue to shine in the lives you touched, and your memory will forever be a source of strength and inspiration for all of us.

A funeral service will be held Friday August 11th, 2023 at South Fort Friends Meeting at 3:00 PM with the Daniel Thames and Gayle Chandler o ciating. Burial will follow at the Friends Cemetery. Family will receive friends after the service Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Moser Family Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

In lieu of ower memorials, donations can be made out to the Tammy Lynn Center for Developmental Disability https://www.nctlc.org/

To order memorial trees or send owers to the family in memory of Kaitlyn Alexandria Moser, please visit our ower store.

obituaries

Cumberland County, Maine on April 24, 1934, to the late Frederick Roast and Helen Bruce Roast. She was also preceded in death by her husband Louis Antonelli.

She was born and raised in South Portland, Maine. She worked for many years as a bank manager in Malden, Massachusetts where she raised her two sons.

Virginia Ryle Snyder

Virginia Ryle Snyder went to be with her Heavenly Father on August 9th, 2023. She was in the company of her loving husband and family.

Ryle was born on September 1, 1951 to the late Newton Ryle Adams and Virginia Sybil Gamble in Charlotte, NC. Ryle was a graduate from Myers Park High School. She continued her education with an associate’s degree from Brevard College and a master’s degree in Education from UNC-Charlotte. Ryle’s love for children and their potential touched and in uenced countless lives during her teaching career. She spent years teaching Pre-K through third grade. Ryle cared for every student as if they were her own, until she had to retire due to her battle with Diabetes.

To know Ryle was to love Ryle. Her contagious laughter and smile could light up any room. She had this incredible ability to be whoever God called her to be, in any moment. She was always ready to celebrate (if you had the joy of receiving a card lled to the brim with confetti, you know what we mean). She was always ready to make you a warm cup of tea and cuddle up on the couch. She was always ready to weep with you. She was always ready to protect you. She was always ready to make you feel like everything was going to be okay. Yes, Ryle was human, but her love was holy. She had a heart as big as the ocean is deep.

God was her strongest rock and His steadfast love always saw her through. Because of this, she spent her life loving others ercely and was a constant source of compassion. Numerous lives have been and will continue to be touched because of the amazing servant that she was. How blessed are we that God created Ryle?

Ryle is survived by the love of her life, Jerry Mitchell Snyder, who she married on February 10, 1973. Jerry and Ryle spent fty years building the most beautiful marriage. Their time together created countless memories, laughter, and precious moments. Ryle is also survived by their cat, Ms. Pinky.

Ryle’s huge heart was full of love for her uncle Dr. Marvin Livingston of Raleigh North Carolina who was like a second father to her. She cherished each and every one of her cousins and her many nieces & nephews.

In a letter written by Ryle, she wanted those who mourn her to know...” I am with my God, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who I have loved since I was 21” and “those of you who weep now REJOICE! Give your tears away to comfort one another, to help one another.

Know that God and I are smiling at you from Heaven. You are all loved by me”.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Atrium HealthPineville Hospital for the loving care they provided to Ryle.

A Visitation to celebrate the life of Ryle Snyder will be held on Saturday August 19, 2023 at 1:00 pm at McEwen Funeral Services, Pineville, NC. A Celebration of Ryle’s Life will begin at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of owers, the family welcomes gifts be made to the American Diabetes Association, the ASPCA or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Constance Starr Roast Antonelli

Constance Starr Roast Antonelli, age 89, of Pittsboro, died Friday, August 11, 2023, at Cambridge Hills Assisted Living. Constance was born in

Angel Marie Overman Marsh

Angel Marie Overman Marsh, 38, died peacefully surrounded by her family on, Thursday, August 10 2023 at their home in New Bern, NC,

Connie loved traveling, fashion, knitting, reading mysteries, and being with her friends and family. She was an active member of the Pittsboro Senior Center and Pittsboro United Methodist Church. During the pandemic she greatly enjoyed her weekly outings with the Masked Marvels.

Surviving relatives include two sons, Richard Antonelli and wife

Mertie Ann Mashburn Smith, 73, of Staley, passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023.

Mertie was born in Chatham County on July 30, 1950, to John Mashburn and Bertha Lewis Mashburn Winslow. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Troy Smith; sister, Leslie Selig; brother, Woodrow Mashburn; and her beloved dogs, Bella and Phoebe.

Mrs. Smith attended Carbonton Global Methodist Church. She worked for many years at Charles Craft as a spinner. She enjoyed watching T.V. and shopping. Mertie is survived by her

Angel was born on April 10, 1985, in Guilford County to Charles “Chuck” Leon and Marie Elizabeth “Beth” Overman. She graduated from Jordan Matthews High School in 2003 and UNC-G in 2011. She was a member of Hickory Mountain Baptist Church. She loved running, horseback riding, cooking, and arts and crafts, especially painting. In her early years her joy was playing softball; she played in middle school at Silk Hope, high school, and college. She was a wonderful mother and loving wife but most of all she was a devout Christian. She had a passion for telling people about the Lord and teaching her children about the Lord.

Angel is survived by her parents; her husband of 12 years, Jonathon R. Marsh;

Mary of Narragansett, Rhode Island, Peter Antonelli and wife Donna of Pittsboro, one sister, Janice Giammarino and husband Danny of Brevard, North Carolina, six grandchildren, Sara, Ray, Michael, Rayanne, Olivia, Matthew, and ve great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Scarlett, Winston, Nora, and Mara.

There are no services planned at this time. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of owers the family asks for donations to be made in Constance’s memory to Pittsboro United Methodist Church P.O. Box 716 Pittsboro, NC 27312. Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com. Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Antonelli family.

sisters, Mary John Scott of Staley, and Norma Baum of Snow Camp; brothers Harold David Mashburn of Staley and Jessie Roland Mashburn and wife Karen, of Siler City; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, from 12:30 - 1:30 PM. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 PM at Mt. Vernon Spring Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Bob Wachs o ciating. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Smith family. Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

Richard Overman and wife, Courtney, nieces, Ava and Piper Overman. Angel was preceded in death by her grandparents Shirley J. Mosley, Richard D. Johnson, Calvin Leon Overman and Betty Cox Overman.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Loves Creek Baptist Church, from 9:00 - 10:00 AM. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Lee Callicutt and Rev. Val Chadwick o ciating. Burial will follow at Hickory Mountain Baptist Cemetery.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Temple Christian Academy, 1500 Kingdom Way, New Bern, NC 28560. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Marsh family.

Mertie Ann Mashburn Smith

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 17 CvD 818

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

COUNTY OF CHATHAM

Plainti , vs. MARIBEL MEDINA BECERRA, et al

Defendants.

TO: MARIBEL MEDINA BECERRA’S SPOUSE, IF ANY, and any HEIRS, ASSIGNS or DEVISEES of MARIBEL MEDINA BECERRA’S SPOUSE, IF ANY, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder

A pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled action and notice of service of process by publication began on August 17, 2023.

The nature of the relief being sought is as follows:

Foreclosure on tax parcel(s) more completely described in the Complaint, to collect delinquent ad valorem taxes (assessments). Plainti seeks to extinguish any and all claim or interest that you may have in said property.

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after the date of the rst publication of notice stated above, exclusive of such date, being forty (40) days after August 17, 2023, or by September 26, 2023, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service of process by publication will apply to the Court for relief sought.

This the 4th day of August, 2023.

ZACCHAEUS LEGAL SERVICES

By: ___________

MARK D. BARDILL/MARK B. BARDILL

Attorney for Plainti NC Bar #12852/56782

310 W. Jones St.

P. O. Box 25 Trenton, North Carolina 28585

Telephone: (252) 448-4541

Publication dates:

August 17, 2023

August 24, 2023

August 31, 2023

23 E 221

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Margaret Hayes Jernigan of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the decedent to present their claims to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of November, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Leonard T. Jernigan, Jr., Executor

3622 Haworth drive Raleigh, NC 27609

Au 10, Au 17, Au 24, Au 30, 4tc

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

23 E 434 NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of David L Burr of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the decedent to present their claims to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of November, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Sharon B Tuttle, Executor

5577 Hwy 42 New Hill, NC 27562

Au 10, Au 17, Au 24, Au 30, 4tc

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

23 E 434 NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Michael Fred Wilson of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the decedent to present their claims to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of November, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Courtney Wilson, Executrix

1840 Bear Creek Ch Rd Bear Creek, NC 27207

Au 10, Au 17, Au 24, Au 30, 4tc

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY DISTRICT COURT

FILE NO.: 23-CVD-000565

Mirian Yamileth Reyes Gonzales

Douglas Reynaldo Carbajal Reyes

v. Luis Alberto Barahona

To: Luis Alberto Barahona

Take Notice that a Complaint has been led against you in the Civil Action described above, in the General Court of Justice, District Court Division, by the plainti herein, the nature of which is as follows:

The Complaint seeks an Order of Permanent Custody of your minor Child, Luis Alberto Reyes Gonzales. You are required to le an Answer including any defenses to this pleading within forty (40) days from the date of rst publication of this Notice with the Clerk of Court of Chatham County. If you fail to do so, you may not receive further notices, and the plainti will seek the relief sought herein.

Publication begins This is the 17th day of August 2023. Yesenia L. Polanco-Galdamez,

Attorney for Plainti 411 Andrews Road, Suite 130 Durham, NC 27705 (919) 294-8032

Published August 17, 2023, August 24, 2023, and August 31, 2023.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator of the Estate of Abbie Brice Cothren late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 15th day of December, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the lst day of August, 2023. Patrick Cothren, Administrator of The Estate of Abbie Brice Cothren 477 Forest Lane Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312

MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 Au 10, Au 17, Au 24, Au 30, 4tc 4tp

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

A public hearing will be held by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Monday, August 21, 2023, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The hearing will be held at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center, 1192 US 64W Business, Pittsboro NC 27312.

Additional information is available at the Chatham County Planning Department o ce. Speakers are requested to sign up at the meeting prior to the hearing. You may also sign up on the county website prior to the meeting at www. chathamcountync.gov by selecting the heading County Government, then Commissioner Meetings, then Public Input/Hearing Sign Up. The public hearing may be continued to another date at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners.

The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive input, both written and oral, on the issues listed below:

A legislative public hearing requested by Manns Chapel II, LLC and Circle K Stores, Inc., to rezone Parcels 2642, 2641, 2562, 2564, 2563, 2542, 2560 from R-1, Residential, B-1 Business, and CU-B1 to CD-NB to redevelop the convenience store site and allow for additional retail and personal services commercial building, located at 11399 US 15-501 N, Baldwin Township.

A legislative public hearing requested by Pranay Parekh to rezone Parcel 17357 from CU-RA90 (previously Contentnea Creek) to R-5 Residential, being 130.443 acres, located at 739 Hatley Rd., New Hope Township.

Testimony is required to be given under oath during the evidentiary hearing for the following item:

Quasi-Judicial Request:

A quasi-judicial public hearing requested by Duke Energy for a Special Use Permit for a new 120 ft wireless support tower at their current substation location on Parcel 62351, located at 1785 Corinth Rd, Cape Fear Township.

Substantial changes may be made following the public hearing due to verbal or written comments received or based on the Board’s discussions.

Notice to people with special needs: If you have an audio or visual impairment, unique accessibility requirements or need language assistance, please call the number listed below prior to the hearing and assistance may be provided.

If you have any questions or comments concerning these issues, please call the Chatham County Planning Department at 919/542-8204 or write to P.O. Box 54, Pittsboro N.C. 27312.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY 2023

E 000361

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations holding claims against CLORINDA ANDREWS, deceased, of Chatham County, NC are noti ed to exhibit same to the undersigned on or before October 27, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 25th day of July, 2023.

Margaret L. Andrews, Executor P.O. Box 972 Liberty, NC 27298 Ju27,Au3,Au10,Au17,4tp

CREDITOR’S NOTICE

Having quali ed on the 24th of July 2023, as Administrator of the Estate of Cora Lee Womble, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of November 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This the 27th day of July 2023

W. Woods Doster, Administrator of the Estate of Cora Lee Womble 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330

Attorneys: Law O ces of W. Woods Doster, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330

Publish On: August 3rd, 10th ,17th and 24th 2023.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

23-E-278 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Maria J. Scho eld, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of James A. Scho eld deceased, late of Chatham County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the day of October 27, 2023, or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 27th day of July, 2023. Maria J. Scho eld, Executor c/o Marie H. Hopper Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post O ce Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312 Jy27,Au3,Au10,Au17,4tc

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Joanna Elliott Pearce, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of November, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 17th day of August, 2023.

Barry S Johnson Sr. Executor of the Estate of Joanna Elliott Pearce 3515 Silk Hope Lindly Mill Road Snow Camp, NC 27349 Au17,Au24,Au31,Se7,4tc

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 18 E 409 ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations holding claims against JOE BEN KLEINERT, deceased, of Chatham County, NC are noti ed to exhibit same to the undersigned on or before October 27, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

This 25th day of July, 2023.

Donna B. Kleinert, Executrix 6388 Hurta Lane Bryan, Tx 77808 Ju27,Au3,Au10,Au17,4tp

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Patricia Antoinette Brown, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of November, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 17th day of August, 2023.

Derek Louis Brown Executor of the Estate of Patricia Antoinette Brown 1516 Consett Court Raleigh, NC 27613 Au17,Au24,Au31,Se7,4tc

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

Having quali ed as Personal Representative of the Estate of LARRY WAYNE BINKLEY, deceased, late of CHATHAM County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at: 1968 Harold Andrews Road, Siler City, NC 27344, on or before the 26TH day of OCTOBER, 2023 or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 21st day of July, 2023.

SUSAN MEECE, Personal Representative of the Estate of LARRY WAYNE BINKLEY

Frank C. Thigpen

Thigpen and Jenkins, L.L.P. Attorney for Estate Post O ce Box 792 Robbins, NC 27325 Jy27,Au3,Au10,Au17,4tc

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed on the 18th day of July, 2023, as Executor and Administrator CTA of the Estate of Ruth Paine Edgerton a/k/a Ruth Benson Paine, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, do hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of October, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 27th day of July, 2023.

Christopher P.C. Paine, Executor and Kathleen S. Dickinson, Administrator CTA of the Estate of Ruth Paine Edgerton a/k/a Ruth Benson Paine Post O ce Box 57579 Durham, North Carolina 27717

Gwendolyn C. Brooks Kennon Craver, PLLC 4011 University Drive, Suite 300 Durham, North Carolina 27707 Jy27,Au3,Au10,Au17,4tc

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

north carolina chatham county

All persons having claims against Sherman King Poultney, Sherman K. Poultney, of Chatham County, North Carolina, who died on the 2nd day of February, 2023, are noti ed to present them to JoAnn Overton and Christopher Sherman Poultney, Co-Executors of the Estate of Sherman King Poultney, in c/o Dean P. Broz, Attorney for the Estate, at Higgins, Frankstone, Graves & Morris, P. A., 1414 Raleigh Road, Suite 203, Exchange West at Meadowmont, Chapel Hill, NC 27517-8834 on or before October 27, 2023. Failure to present a claim in timely fashion will result in this Notice being pleaded in bar of recovery against the estate, the Co-Executors, and the devisees of Sherman King Poultney. Those indebted to Sherman King Poultney are asked to make prompt payment to the Estate.

This the 27th day of July, 2023.

Dean P. Broz, Atty for the Estate Higgins, Frankstone, Graves & Morris, P.A. 1414 Raleigh Road, Suite 203 Exchange West at Meadowmont Chapel Hill, NC 27517-8834 Jy27,Au3,Au10,Au17,4tc

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Executrix of the Estate of THOMAS CECIL CRAVEN, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of November, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 3rd day of August, 2023.

Shoshi Craven aka Shoshe Craven, Executrix of The Estate of Thomas Cecil Craven 686 Adolph Taylor Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Au3,Au10,Au17,Au24,4tc

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Wallace Roger Stone, Sr., late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 15th day of December, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the lst day of August, 2023.

Wallace Roger Stone, Jr., Executor of The Estate of Wallace Roger Stone, Sr. 1935 Goldston Carbonton Road Goldston, North Carolina 27252

MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850

Au 10, Au 17, Au 24, Au 30, 4tc

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Co-Executrix of the Estate of William Curtis Elmore, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of November, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 17th day of August, 2023.

Sandra Elmore Siler Executor of the Estate of William Curtis Elmore

1394 Pearlman Teague Road Siler City, NC 27344 Au17,Au24,Au31,Se7,4tc

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Co-Executrix of the Estate of Willie C. Freeman, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of November, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 17th day of August, 2023.

Tina Freeman Gaines

Co-Executrix of the Estate of Willie C. Freeman

1478 Delphus Stinson Road Goldston, NC 27252

Rachel Ann Freeman Ray Co-Executrix of the Estate of Willie C. Freeman

344 Barker Road Bear Creek, NC 27207 Au17,Au24,Au31,Se7,4tc

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Section 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 and applicable State funding, or combination thereof.

This is to inform the public that a public hearing will be held on the proposed Chatham Transit Network Community Transportation Program Application to be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation no later than October 6, 2023. The public hearing will be held on August 24, 2023 at 2:30 pm before the Chatham Transit Network Board of Director’s.

Those interested in attending the public hearing and needing either auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or a language translator should contact Anna Testerman on or before August 22, 2023, at telephone number 919-542-5136 or via email at a.testerman@chathamtransit.org.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator of the Estate of WILLIAM KENDRICK SCHWAB III, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd day of November, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 3rd day of August, 2023.

Thomas Joseph Littleford, Administrator of The Estate of William Kendrick Schwab III 42 Sedgewood Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312

BAGWELL HOLT SMITH P.A.

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

111 CLOISTER COURT, STW 200 CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514

Au3,Au10,Au17,Au24,4tc

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

for Rebid Professional Services for Stormwater Asset Inventory and Assessment (AIA)

August 7, 2023

The Town of Siler City has been awarded grant funding from the Division of Water Infrastructure to assist in the completion of a Stormwater Asset Inventory and Assessment (AIA). The city invites the submittal of responses to this Request for Quali cations (RFQ) from rms quali ed in the State of North Carolina to perform engineering services.

Scope of Work: Engineering services shall include, but are not limited to, standard tasks necessary for the implementation of the project:

Complete inventory of Stormwater infrastructure system and update system mapping.

• Assess current mapping and system data.

• Design database for GIS data collection and ongoing management.

• Complete a thorough survey and assessment of system components.

• Create GIS mapping and les for the entire system.

Stormwater Utility Development. Stormwater Mapping & Condition Assessment (could include the following) Survey of Strom Drainage Structures and Pipes, Smoke/Dye

Testing, SUE Investigation, CCTV, Plans/Record

Drawings Scanning, GPS/GIS Attribute

Population, Condition Assessment. Stormwater Master Planning (could include the following) Hydraulics modeling (H&H), Public Participation, Water Quality/Quantity Project Identi cation, Conceptual Project Design, CIP Development Project Management

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

for Rebid Professional Services for Sewer Asset

Inventory and Assessment (AIA)

August 07, 2023

The Town of Siler City has been awarded grant funding from the Division of Water Infrastructure to assist in the completion of a Sewer Asset Inventory and Assessment (AIA). The city invites the submittal of responses to this Request for Quali cations (RFQ) from rms quali ed in the State of North Carolina to perform engineering services.

Scope of Work:

Engineering services shall include, but are not limited to, standard tasks necessary for the implementation of the project:

Complete inventory of sanitary sewer system and update system mapping.

• Assess current mapping and system data.

• Design database for GIS data collection and ongoing management.

• Complete a thorough survey and assessment of system components.

• Create GIS mapping and les for entire system.

Flow tracking to assess current capacity and to identify major sources of In ow and In ltration (I/I).

• Track ow at strategic locations to identify current conditions and future growth limitations.

• Narrow down primary locations of I/I with ow tracking at agreed-upon manholes.

• Develop recommendations and strategies for improving I/I issues.

Develop an Asset Management Plan.

• Utilizing assessment data from mapping, create a risk analysis.

The Community Transportation Program provides assistance to coordinate existing transportation programs operating in Chatham County as well as provides transportation options and services for the communities within this service area. These services are currently provided using on-demand and subscription transportation. Services are rendered by Chatham Transit Network.

The total estimated amount requested for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.

NOTE: Local share amount is subject to State funding availability.

This application may be inspected at 127

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Written comments should be directed to Anna Testerman before August 24, 2023.

Au 17, 1tc

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA

Sección 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 y fondos estatales aplicables, o una combinación de los mismos.

Esto es para informar al público que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública sobre la propuesta de Solicitud del Programa de Transporte Comunitario de la Red de Tránsito de Chatham que se presentará al Departamento de Transporte de Carolina del Norte a más tardar el 6 de octubre de 2023. La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo el 24 de agosto de 2023 a las 2:30 pm ante la Junta Directiva de la Red de Tránsito de Chatham.

Aquellos interesados en asistir a la audiencia pública y que necesiten ayudas y servicios auxiliares bajo la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) o un traductor de idiomas deben comunicarse con Anna Testerman en o antes del 22 de agosto de 2023, al número de teléfono 919-542-5136 o por correo electrónico a a.testerman@

chathamtransit.org.

El Programa de Transporte Comunitario brinda asistencia para coordinar los programas de transporte existentes que operan en el Condado de Chatham, así como también proporciona opciones y servicios de transporte para las comunidades dentro de esta área de servicio. Estos servicios se proporcionan actualmente utilizando transporte bajo demanda y de suscripción. Los servicios son prestados por Chatham Transit Network. El monto total estimado solicitado para el período del 1 de julio de 2024 al 30 de junio de 2025.

NOTA: El monto de la participación local está sujeto a la disponibilidad de fondos estatales.

Esta solicitud puede ser inspeccionada en 127 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312 de 9:00 am a 4:00 pm. Los comentarios por escrito deben dirigirse a Anna Testerman antes del 24 de agosto de 2023.

Au 17, 1tc

Proyecto Importe total Compartir local

TOTAL PROYECTO $ 1.493.915 $ 316.383

de nanciación total Participación local total

Funding administration or nancial management assistance. Experience with stormwater planning. Develop an Asset Management Plan.

• Utilizing assessment data from mapping, create a risk analysis.

• Determine the condition of critical system components.

• Create a recommended Capital Improvement Plan priorities/needs list to include anticipated costs for infrastructure and ongoing operations and maintenance.

• Set the groundwork for upcoming rate study tied to an existing system.

• Examine possibilities for system expansion with general recommendations. Create a Final Report for Council Review and Adoption.

• Document e orts, ndings, and methods.

• Compile results of work into the nal report.

• Present report to City Council

Engineering Firms are to submit three (3) copies of quali cations to Cal Pettiford, Public Works Director, Town of Siler City, 311 N Second St., PO Box 769, Siler City, NC 27344, by 5:00 pm August 22, 2023. Bids will be awarded at the Board of Commissioners meeting on September 5, 2023.

The copies shall be in a sealed envelope marked “Statement of Quali cations for Stormwater AIA project.”

RFQ questions should be addressed to Cal Pettiford, Public Works Director at 919-7424733 or cpettiford@silercity.org.

RFQ submissions must include, at a minimum.

The Town of Siler City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of proposals from small and minority, and woman-owned rms.

Individual or Firm Information: rm’s legal name, address, email, and telephone number, the principal(s) of the rm and their experience and quali cations.

Experience: The specialized experience and technical competence of the sta to be assigned to the project with respect to related work, description of the rm’s prior experience, including any similar projects (in particular those funded by NC State Revolving Fund Program), size of the community, location, total construction cost, and names of local o cials knowledgeable regarding the rm’s performance on related work. Include at least ve references within the past ve years.

Firm Capacity and Capability: The capacity and capability of the rm to perform the work in question, including specialized services, within the period of the grant, the past record of performance of the rm with respect to such factors as control of costs, quality of work, and ability to meet schedules; description of rm’s current work activities, capability of carrying out all aspects of NC State Revolving Fund related activities, and rm’s anticipated availability during the term of the project; The proposed work plan and schedule for activities to be performed; and

Documentation of compliance with state and federal debarment/eligibility requirement

Au10,Au17, 2tc

• Determine the condition of critical system components.

• Create a recommended Capital Improvement Plan priorities/needs list to include anticipated costs for infrastructure and ongoing operations and maintenance.

• Set the groundwork for upcoming rate study tied to an existing system.

• Examine possibilities for system expansion with general recommendations.

Funding administration or nancial management assistance

Compliance with ARPA funds and sewer planning grant.

Scopes should reference DWI’s “Water and Wastewater Utility Evaluation Guidance

Document: Asset Inventory and Assessment, Capital Cost, and Operating Cost Analyses.”

Create a Final Report for Council Review and Adoption.

• Document e orts, ndings, and methods.

• Compile results of work into the nal report.

• Present report to City Council

Engineering Firms are to submit three (3) copies of quali cations to Cal Pettiford, Public Works Director, Town of Siler City, 311 N Second St., PO Box 769, Siler City, NC 27344, by 5:00 pm August 22, 2023. Bids will be awarded at the Board of Commissioners meeting on September 5, 2023.

The copies shall be in a sealed envelope marked “Statement of Quali cations for Sewer AIA project.”

RFQ questions should be addressed to Cal Pettiford, Public Works Director, at 919-7424733 or cpettiford@silercity.org.

The Town of Siler City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of proposals from small and minority, and womanowned rms.

Individual or Firm Information: rm’s legal name, address, email, and telephone number, the principal(s) of the rm and their experience and quali cations.

Experience: The specialized experience and technical competence of the sta to be assigned to the project with respect to related work, description of the rm’s prior experience, including any similar projects (in particular those funded by NC State Revolving Fund Program), size of the community, location, total construction cost, and names of local o cials knowledgeable regarding the rm’s performance on related work. Include at least ve references within the past ve years.

Firm Capacity and Capability: The capacity and capability of the rm to perform the work in question, including specialized services, within the period of the grant, the past record of performance of the rm with respect to such factors as control of costs, quality of work, and ability to meet schedules; description of rm’s current work activities, capability of carrying out all aspects of NC State Revolving Fund related activities, and rm’s anticipated availability during the term of the project; The proposed work plan and schedule for activities to be performed.

Documentation of compliance with state and federal debarment/eligibility requirement

Au10,Au17 2tc

CLASSIFIED ADS

REAL ESTATE

LEARN ABOUT LAND - Chatham Land Experts, www.learnaboutland.com - 919-3626999 Jy2,tfnc

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE

O ce, Professional space for lease, now available, in downtown Pittsboro. Call 919612-0596 for details.” Jn15,tfnc

RENTALS, APARTMENTS POWELL SPRINGS APTS. Evergreen Construction introduces its newest independent living community for adults 55 years or older, 1 and 2 bedroom applications now being accepted. O ce hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 919533-6319 for more information, TDD #1800-735-2962, Equal housing opportunity, Handicapped accessible, A2,tfnc

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS now for one bedroom apartments, adults 55 years or older. Water included, appliances furnished, on-site laundry, elevator, keyless entry. Section 8 accepted. No security deposit. Application fee $25 per adult. Call Braxton Manor, 919-663-1877. Handicap accessible. Equal Housing Opportunity. Jy14,tfnc

AUTO FOR SALE

FOR SALE - 2011 Lexus ES 350, 919-742-4561, Jy27, tfnc

RV FOR SALE RV for sale, Damen Daybreak 2000, 75,000 miles, runs great, good tires, good air conditioner, good generator. $10,000, Financing available, 919-828-4247. Jn8,tfncx

YARD SALE

HUGE INDOOR SALE - Friday, Aug.18th - 9amuntil, Sat., Aug 19th - 9am-until - Lots of Avon glassware, pictures, shoes, hats, purses, pocketbooks, linens, towels, bicycles, books and kitchen items. Come See Us!! Several Families and Vendors! 17720 US Hwy.64 West, Siler City.Aug.10,tfnc

WALK THROUGH YARD

SALE-CASH ONLY!Aug.26th, 8:00am - until - 49 Roberts Chapel Church Rd.,Goldston, NC 27252. For more information, please call Debra Paige - 919-742-5750 or 919-799-1088. Pick-Up Only. Aug17,24,2tp

GARAGE SALE - Sat., Aug.19th - 8:00amuntil - 159 Pine Forest Dr, Siler City, NC 27344 - For more info, please call Samuel at 919356-8930. Aug.17,1tp

AUCTIONS

AUCTIONEER SCOTT L. HARRIS at JHA. One Call...We sell it all!!! Real estate, personal property, estate settlement, farms & land, business liquidation. JHA has been conducting auctions in the state of NC since 1989. Fully licensed Real Estate and Auction Firm. NCAL #8420 Firm #8086 www. JerryHarrisAuction.com, 919-498-4077, Jy6,tfnc

RICKY ELLINGTON AUCTIONEERSEquipment, business, liquidation, estates, land, houses, antiques, personal property, coins, furniture, consignments, bene ts, etc., NCAL #7706, 919-548-3684, 919-663-3556, rickyellingtonauctions@yahoo.com, Jy6,tfnc

SERVICES

RAINBOW WATER FILTERED VACUUMS, Alice Cox, Cox’s Distributing - Rainbow - Cell: 919-548-4314, Sales, Services, Supplies. Serving public for 35 years. Rada Cutlery also available. Au26,tfnc

AUTO BROKERS RECYCLERS - Cash paid for Junk/Wrecked vehicles. Call 919-545-0194. My13,tfnc

CASH PAID FOR JUNK CARS AND PICKUPS - Call Clifton Maness - 336-581-3423. Aug.3,10,17,24.4tp

JUNK CARS PICKED UP Free of charge. Due to many months of low steel prices and unstable steel markets, we cannot pay for cars at this time. Cars, trucks, and machinery will be transported and environmentally correctly recycled at no charge. 919-542-2803. A2,tfnc

LETT’S TREE SERVICE - tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing. Visa & Master Card accepted. Timber. Free estimates. 919-258-3594. N9,tfnc

HELP WANTED

FOOD SERVICES STAFF, Pittsboro Christian Village is accepting applications for Server, Pantry Cook, and Cook. Apply in person 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, at 1825 East St. in Pittsboro. Jy14,tfnc

Chatham Monument Company has an immediate job opening. This is a full time position and involves placing monuments in the cemetery in Chatham and surrounding counties. Job requirements are: Must have a valid NC drivers license, must be able to lift 75 pounds if necessary. Must have a good attitude, the ability to work well with others and be willing to learn. Also needs reliable transportation to and from work. Pay will be based on the individual and their ability to do the work. Apply in Person to 227 N. 2nd Ave. Siler City, NC 27344

TAKE NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

TOWN OF PITTSBORO

The Pittsboro Town Board of Commissioners will hold the following Public Hearing on Monday, August 28, 2023 at 7:00 PM at Chatham County Agriculture Center to consider the following item:

1. A legislative Public Hearing request by Patrick Bradshaw, on behalf of Chatham Park Investors LLC, to consider text amendments to the Chatham Park Landscaping Element. The purpose of the public hearing is to provide interested parties

with an opportunity to comment on the request. SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES IN THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS MAY BE MADE FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING. The complete records are on le at the Town Planning Department located at 287 East Street, Suite 221A, on the Planning Department page under “Current Planning” at https://nc-pittsboro.civicplus.com/, and are available for inspection through e-mail. Please give reasonable notice to the Pittsboro Planning Department at (919) 533- 5480 if accommodations for individuals with disabilities or impairments are required. The meeting will be held in person and streamed through the Town of Pittsboro YouTube channel live. Instructions on how to join the Meeting can be found on the Town’s website at www.

A cash deposit of 5% of the purchase price will be required at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price so bid in cash or certi ed check at the time the Substitute Trustee tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price so bid at that time, he shall remain liable on his bid as provided for in North Carolina General Statutes Section 45-21.30 (d) and (e). This sale will be held open ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. Residential real 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 G.S. 4521.29 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 notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the

pittsboronc.gov. Please sign up with the Town Clerk, Carrie Bailey by 4:00 p.m. on August 28, 2023 if you wish to participate. If you wish to make written comments, please send them to the Town Clerk, Carrie Bailey, PO Box 759, Pittsboro, NC 27312 or via email at cbailey@pittsboronc.gov by 4 p.m. on August 28, 2023.

# E N D # Chatham Record: ADVERTISE:8/17/2023-8/24/2023

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

Dated: 8/1/23

NOT SET, CORNER OF VERNON WILLIAMS (SEE DEED BOOK 379, PAGE 205), SAID POINT BEING LOCATED SOUTH 36 DEGREES 09 MINUTES 36 SECONDS WEST 1.57

upon the abovedescribed property. PIN: 8744 00 00 0000

e Chatham Economic Development Corporation is a 501(c)3 nonpro t that contracts with Chatham County and operates with the support of private investors.

e focus of our o ce is to attract and retain businesses in Chatham County to increase the commercial tax base, which in turn helps to keep residential taxes low and improves resident’s quality of life. We strive to recruit companies that match Chatham’s values, such as the VinFast electric vehicle project in Moncure and the Wolfspeed semicondutctor plant in Siler City. Supporting Chatham’s existing industries is a critical part of what we do, ensuring that jobs are always available for those who want them.

With our proximity to the thriving Triangle and Triad regions, Chatham is the next logical spot for growth. Some of that growth is already here, with the promised 9,000 jobs and $9 billion of investment that VinFast and Wolfspeed will bring. Chatham will continue to welcome new residents, new ideas, and new companies and its unique character will continue to shine.

STAY UP TO DATE

Facebook Chatham Economic Development Corporation

Twitter @chathamedc

LinkedIn Chatham Economic Development Corporation

www.chathamedc.org

919-542-8275

County football teams start season with uncertainty, hope

Chatham Central and Northwood have new coaches

Chatham News & Record

SILER CITY — With two new coaches in the mix, Jordan-Matthews coach Ryan Johnson has the most tenure of his peers in Chatham County as he enters his third year as the head man for the Jets.

Seaforth enters its second season on the gridiron with coach Terrance Gary hoping to

improve on his school’s inaugural 2-8 season. After a 2022 season that saw all four county high schools nish with losing records, each team has reasons to believe this season will be better. They will get their rst taste of game action Friday night, a week after summer workouts culminated last week with scrimmages.

Northwood hosted the Jack Shaner Jamboree last week as a tune-up for the football season. The event also featured Jordan-Matthews. Out-of-county teams included Chapel Hill,

Chess Club meets at the public library every Saturday

The Chess Club, hosted by The Chatham County Public Library, meets every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The Chess Club, hosted by The Chatham County Library, met this past Saturday afternoon.

The Chatham News & Record stopped by to speak with and watch some of its regular members.

Eleven-year-old Even Bowen looks forward to the weekly gathering and couldn’t wait to get back from his two-week summer vacation to play his favorite game.

He’s only been playing for less than a year, but Evan’s mom said he really enjoys the game.

“He’s a very good chess player,” said Evan’s mom, Joni Bowen, “He really loves it, and the people that play here are very tough, and he enjoys the tough competition because it only helps make him a better chess player.”

She said he got the love of chess from his grandfather, who rst introduced him to the game.

Gary Merril, Pierre Wertheimer, and Nihar Deshmukh, also show up most Saturdays, looking for a challenge, playing the game for enjoyment, and encouraging others to come out on Saturdays, regardless of skill level. The Chess Club, hosted by The Chatham County Public Library, meets every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Carrboro, Southwestern Randolph, Trinity Christian, Southern Lee and Providence Grove. This season will be head coach Mitch Johnson’s rst with Northwood. Johnson’s team is also making a move from the 3A classi cation to 2A.

All of the county teams will play in the new Mid-Carolina 1A/2A Conference, which will include Southeast Alamance, North Moore, Graham and Cummings, along with the four Chatham County teams.

The Chargers will open their season with a home stand

against Riverside (Durham) Friday night at 7 p.m. The Pirates were 6-5 in 2022 and lost in the rst round of the state playo s to Southern Alamance.

Chatham Central and new head coach Derrin Little open their 2023 season on the road at North Stokes Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The Bears haven’t nished a season above .500 this millennium, and they went 12-59 over seven seasons with previous head coach Sherman Howze.

“I think that’s the biggest thing I can emphasize with the

kids, is focusing on the now,” Little said in a preseason interview. “I told them I wasn’t even born the last time Chatham Central had at least a .500 season. We’re not going to be focused on anything that happened back then because none of us can control it. We’re going to focus on the day-by-day and will build this thing as the day goes on.”

Jordan-Matthews hosts South Davidson Friday night at 7:30. The Jets, who were winless last season, open against a Wildcats team that went 4-7 overall last year and 1-5 in a 1A/2A split conference.

Seaforth also opens at home with a rematch of last year’s opener against Purnell Swett at 7 p.m. on Friday. Last season, the Hawks dropped their opener in Pembroke against the Rams 32-0. Seaforth nished with a 2-8 record, and Purnell Swett ended the season at 3-7.

Local football standout swaps commitment to in-state rival

Northwood’s Gus Ritchey ipped from UNC to NC State

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

PITTSBORO — Less

recruit Gus Ritchey has sent a ripple through the local college football scene by swapping his commitment to in-state rival NC State.

Ritchey, a rising junior at Northwood High School, had initially announced his commitment to the Tar Heels on the Inside Carolina Noon Dish

Podcast on Aug. 1. But in a statement on his social media accounts on Aug. 12, he laid out his decision to decommit from UNC and commit to the Wolfpack.

“To all UNC coaches, sta and fans, I want to thank you

See FOOTBALL, page B2

Seaforth prepares to snap the ball in a scrimmage against Union Pines on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023.

Northwood’s Gus Ritchey takes a photo with supporters at the Jack Shaner Jamboree on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.

Chatham Sports Alliance unveils new website

Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau recently announced the launch of its new website, www.ChathamSportsAliance.com, which offers a plethora of useful information for event organizers, locations for sporting events, all current scheduled sporting events, and popular sports blogs.

“We are excited to o er this website as a resource for sporting event organizers and guests visiting Chatham County, which provides a number of indoor and outdoor venues for a range of sports: golf, cycling, shing, sailing, running, and more,” said Neha Shah, Director, Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Chatham County has host-

FOOTBALL from page 1

for everything you’ve done for me and my family,” Ritchey said in his statement. “Thank you for taking your time to recruit me and for being so great to me throughout the process. I realize this is a quick turnaround, but after committing, I felt that my heart was pulling me in a di erent direction. Having said that, I will be decommitting from the University of North Carolina and making my commitment to NC State University. I am shutting my recruitment down and am putting all of my e ort into helping my high school team win games and getting a start in helping recruit a top class for 2025. This is a personal decision, and I wish nothing but the best for UNC, but I am so excited to get to work as part of the Wolfpack family.”

The three-star recruit was ranked 30th in the state and 363rd nationally and held offers from nearly 20 Division-I programs, including Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Florida, Penn State and Oregon, but chose to remain close to home. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds,

ed a slew of spectacular sporting events, from the Tobacco Road Marathon, to the U.S. Open quali ers, IRONMAN 70.3, Cycle NC, and others.

“Serving as host to major sporting events in the past, we want to further showcase our facilities, demonstrating that Chatham County is the ideal place to host your next great event,” said Shah.

To accommodate the in ux of visitors to Chatham County during these sporting events, a new Hampton Inn & Suites is scheduled to open at Chatham Park in 2024.

The CVB is a government organization that coordinates with many partners to promote visitor-related economic development through a variety of marketing and events for the betterment of Chatham County.

Ritchey plays both defensive end and tight end at Northwood. During his sophomore season, Ritchey totaled 61 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles on the defensive side of the ball and caught 32 passes for 490 yards and ve touchdowns on o ense.

Ritchey joins quarterback/defensive tackle Will Wilson of Columbia, South Carolina, as the second member of the Wolfpack’s 2025 recruiting class. The commitment is a huge win for the Wolfpack and follows a similar path as that of standout linebacker Payton Wilson, who decommitted from UNC to instead commit to NC State back in 2017, albeit in a much more provocative way. The Chargers nished last season with a 4-6 record, but with a new head coach in Mitch Johnson, Northwood is looking to make some noise.

Ritchey and the Chargers will kick o their 2023 season at home on Friday against Riverside-Durham, which nished last season with a 6-5 record.

“I realize this is a quick turnaround, but after committing, I felt that my heart was pulling me in a di erent direction.”

Gus Ritchey

UNCW professor garners international attention for UFO research

By Gri n Daughtry North State Journal

WILMINGTON — Is the truth out there? Even if it is, the study of UFOs was long considered a professional risk until Ralph Blumenthal and Leslie Kean’s coverage of the Pentagon’s black-budget research program brought unprecedented legitimacy to the topic in December 2017.

And yet, that didn’t stop Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka — a professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington — from exploring the subject for herself as early as 2012.

Well before there were headlines about UFO whistleblowers or congressional hearings, Pasulka was cataloging reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, not from the remote areas of New Mexico but rather in the skies over medieval and Renaissance Europe. At the time, she was researching for what would later become “Heaven Can Wait,” her book about the Catholic doctrine of purgatory.

“I didn’t know what these things were — I thought they were strange — but they happened in every time period, and the patterns were consistent,” Pasulka said. “When I was nished with my book, I showed this log to a colleague of mine, and he said they looked just like UFOs.”

Despite being caught o guard by the striking similarities between the aerial phenomena of Europe’s past and the ying saucers of today, Pasulka was no stranger to the subject. As a professor of religious studies, she was already familiar with several UFO religions, including the Nation of Islam, Raëlism and Heaven’s Gate.

“The eld of religious stud-

ies is perfect for this,” said Pasulka. “As academics, we don’t weigh in on the truth or the falseness of any of these claims, so it’s pretty easy for us to look at the belief in UFOs.”

As soon as her focus shifted from Catholic history to the belief in UFOs, Pasulka quickly gained insight into the government’s secret research programs, which were only later revealed to the public by Blumenthal and Kean. She was even taken to an alleged UFO crash retrieval site in New Mexico by “Tyler,” one of the many anonymous yet in uential scientists who make up what she

now refers to as the “UFO Fight Club.”

“I couldn’t believe that people with these credentials believed in this,” said Pasulka. “At the time, I was a complete disbeliever, and I wanted to know why people believed in something we had absolutely no proof for; that was my premise.

And what I found out was that the government had actually been studying this for a long time. This was more shocking than any belief in ETs.”

Driven by this new curiosity, Pasulka began chronicling the behaviors of an array of successful scientists, tech entrepreneurs and academics, all of whom believe in the existence of nonhuman intelligences. She examined how technology and media contribute to the way people interpret this recurring phenomenon and how these interpretations are ushering in “a new form of religion,” one that is thriving on the digital infra-

structure of today. The culmination of her six years of eld research, “American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, Technology,” was published by Oxford University Press in February 2019. “I knew I had to do this with Oxford because it was such a stigmatized eld of knowledge,” said Pasulka. “They put me through a lot of rigorous credibility checks, as well as my sources, and they found no problem at all. You can’t get any more airtight than that.”

Since the release of her latest book, Pasulka has come to be regarded as an expert on the UFO phenomenon, garnering attention from academics, government o cials, scientists and experiencers from around the world. In December 2020, she made an appearance on the popular “Lex Fridman Podcast,” an episode that now has more than 1.3 million views on YouTube alone. She has even been asked to write the entry on UFOs for the Oxford Encyclopedia, as well as do manuscript review for Routledge and Cambridge University Press. “People want to know what is happening, and so they are coming to me because I’m not telling them that we are in touch with Pleiadeans,” joked Pasulka. “I’m telling them exactly what I know, which is that the government’s been studying this, and pilots have seen things that they can’t explain.”

Notwithstanding Pasulka’s growing notoriety, life for her remains that of a typical university professor. When she isn’t giving interviews, Pasulka is teaching courses, writing books and securing grants to do service work around Brunswick and Pembroke counties. She is also the mother of ve teenagers.

“People just need to know that I’m a normal professor, doing the normal professor-type things,” laughed Pasulka. “I’m a busy mom and a busy professor, and I’m just trying to keep up with it all.”

Pasulka’s next book, “Encounters: Experiences with Nonhuman Intelligences,” is set to be released this November.

“The eld of religious studies is perfect for this.”

Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka

COURTESY PHOTO

Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka is a professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

How Will You Exist Your Business?

If you o wn a b usiness, y ou’ve always got a lot o n your m ind. But no matte r how busy you are today, you need to think about tomorrow to create an exit strategy for the day you w ant t o move o n from your business t o a new phase in your life

To develop this strategy, you’ll need to address these key questions:

• How much do you need (or want) for your business? Ideally, you’ll want the s ale of y our business to meet your retirement and estate-planning goals. So, you’ll need to think carefully about these goals and what costs they may entail. for example, when you think about how you may w ant t o spend your time i n retirement, you might realize that you don’t really want to exit your business completely. So, you might decide to sell just part of it, or sell it entirely, but stay on to help manage it or possibly do some consulting for the new owners.

• How much is your business worth? You may w ant t o calculate y our busiplanned exit. You could do this on your own, but it’s typically advantageous to use professional valuation services. If you’re gifting or selling your business to family members, selling it to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) or settling an estate, you’ll need to get a more formal

• How can you close the gap between what you need and what your business is worth? The amount you need from the sale of your business to support your retirement goals may be more than what your business is actually worth. To help close this gap, you could try to boost your busisuch as introducing new products, raising

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

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

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

prices or cutting costs. But you might also try to lower the amount you need from the sale by working longer, reducing your personal spending and saving more outside the business.

• Who will take over your business?

When planning for a successor for your business, you have several choices, including selling to a f amily m ember or an outside buyer. Going public or liquidating the business are also options. These are distinct paths, but depending on your circumstances, one might be more appropriate for you than another. To cite just one factor, if you don’t have an obvious choice for a family member to take over the business, you might have to consider other buyers. In any case, you’ll need to explore all the economic and personal successor of choice the in involved factors

Who can help you with your exit strategy? Exiting a business can be complex.

To ensure you’re making the right moves tions, you may want to build an exit strategy legal and tax advisors. You may also need to enlist the services of a commercial banker and a business evaluation expert. Each of these professionals can bring a different area of expertise to your exit decisions, and together they can help address all the issues related to your exit strategy

Exiting your business will take a lot of planning and decisions — but if it’s done right, it can be worth the effort

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edwa rd Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

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

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

By Jordan Golson North State Journal

BOSTON — Allow me to start with a controversial assertion: driving a vehicle without your hands on the wheel is the most relaxing way to get where you’re going. Naturally, this requires some explanation and more than a few caveats.

I’m referring to the experience of using hands-o , eyes-on features like Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise. I tested BlueCruise 1.2, the latest iteration of the feature, in the 2023 Lincoln Corsair, and came away very impressed. I’ll get into how it works, but rst, I have to explain how we got here.

First came cruise control. Choose a set speed, and the car modulates the throttle input to keep you at that speed. The driver steers, and if a car in front is too slow, they have to brake to avoid a collision. Simple enough.

Then, in the mid-00s, came adaptive cruise control. Sometimes called radar cruise (not every version uses radar these days), this was a huge advancement. It used sensors to determine the speed of the car in front, and, if it was going slower than your set speed, used both the throttle and brake to slow the car and keep you from driving into it. This feature is a godsend in tra c and is becoming extremely common in new cars. Every car from Toyota comes with adaptive cruise as standard equipment, for example, even the cheapest Corolla.

Here’s where things get tricky, and the naming gets complicated. Adaptive cruise control is easy to understand: the car slows itself so you don’t hit the car in front of you. But then came a seemingly in nite variety of steering assists. The most basic ones attempt to shove you back into your lane if you inadvertently cross into the adjacent lane. More advanced, so-called “active steering” features, will apply some amount of steering torque to keep you in the middle of the lane. Some provide only a modicum of assistance, while others seemingly allow you to take your hands o the wheel for a bit before they nag you to put them back.

few similar systems are around, too, mostly on high-end German luxury cars, and more are coming, but those are the best-known and widest available. These systems do not rely on wheel sensors to verify driver attentiveness, instead using a camera to watch your face and make sure you’re keeping your eyes on the road instead of on your smartphone.

When active, it allows you to drive down the highway and keep your hands in your lap. If you watch the road to ensure nothing weird happens, the car will handle the steering and speed. In simple terms, this is the next evolution of cruise control. But, it comes with caveats.

Both BlueCruise and Super Cruise only work on certain, well-marked roads. Super Cruise’s map is a bit larger, including many smaller US Highways (including Route 66!), while BlueCruise is largely limited to limited-access routes like interstates. They do not work on side streets or on roads with trafc lights, etc.

That’s because an interstate is a relatively predictable place. It’s generally safe to assume that all the cars are going the same way, and you won’t have a pedestrian wandering into tra c. Those happen sometimes, or a retruck is blocking a crash, so it requires the driver to pay attention and uses the camera to do so.

Once you learn to trust the system (which takes a minute, as watching a car steer itself is pretty unnerving, particularly for passengers), it becomes as natural as using cruise control. BlueCruise 1.2, the latest version of Ford’s system, adds a lanechange assist function where the vehicle can move over on its own when the turn signal is activated, and it’ll even suggest a lane-change maneuver if the car in front is too slow. It can subtly move within your lane if a large truck is next to you, as a human would, and it’ll automatically slow down ahead of sharp curves.

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A worryingly large contingent of people seem to think that this makes theirs a self-driving car, but it does not. It is merely an advanced version of the lane keep assist that would mindlessly try and shove your car back when you touch the lane line. That’s why you need to touch the wheel to con rm that you’re paying attention, and it’s the paying attention part that’s key. Because the system doesn’t actually look ahead for obstacles — it merely looks at the lane lines and tries to keep you between them — it relies on the human driver to make sure there isn’t a deer or wayward re truck in front of them. Active lane-centering systems require the driver to take action if there is a re truck in the way, and it uses steering wheel sensors to ensure you’re paying attention. With me so far?

Now we come to hands-o , eyes-on systems like Ford BlueCruise and GM Super Cruise. A

BlueCruise has come a long way in the few years since I rst tried it, and it’s impressive. It will be included on 500,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles built in 2024, more than double what’s out there today. Notably, Ford will include the BlueCruise hardware standard on those cars, with customers able to take advantage of a complimentary trial and monthly or annual subscription plans to access it.

It’s hard to explain how much less tiring long drives are with systems like BlueCruise. The mental load of steering is surprisingly signi cant, though we don’t give it much thought as there hasn’t been an alternative. Now there is, and once you try it, you’ll never want to go back. As a professional car reviewer, I take frequent long drives. I’ve had a few cars recently that didn’t have cruise control at all, and a fourhour trek in one of those (particularly in stop-and-go New York City tra c) is exhausting.

But behind the 2023 Lincoln Corsair’s untouched wheel, with BlueCruise at the helm, a long highway cruise is almost calming. Where to next?

Relaxing with Ford BlueCruise: Hands o , eyes on

the word

Some beloved idol?

Have we not all in our various ways, set up some beloved idol . . . something which engaged our a ections, occupied our thoughts, to which we devoted all the energies of our minds, for which we were willing to labor night and day?

Be it money, power, esteem of men, respectability, worldly comfort, literary knowledge, there was a secret setting up of SELF in one or more of its various forms, and a bowing down to it as an idol.

LECIA DARLENE

PASCHAL PALMER

AUGUST 16, 1963 –NOVEMBER 26, 2022

ON YOUR 60TH BIRTHDAY

We cried when it happened, And still do Every day. Our world was totally shattered.

Little reminders lay around, The photographs remain. We talk about the old days, That bring you back again.

I know that you’re with Jesus now, And happy in His care.

If we could call just once And see you there.

Just to wish you “Happy Birthday”

And hug you for a while.

Oh, oh! The joy once again

To see your lovely smile.

Happy 60th Birthday

Love, Your Family

WOLFSPEED IS HARNESSING THE POWER OF SILICON CARBIDE TO SAVE THE WORLD ENERGY.

Join us at Wolfspeed’s Supplier Day at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center on August 29 to learn more about the various opportunities for your business at our new John Palmour Manufacturing Center for Silicon Carbide. THE

The man of business makes money his god. The man of pleasure makes the lust of the esh his god. The proud man makes his adored SELF his god. The Pharisee makes self-righteousness his god. The Arminian makes free-will his god. The Calvinist makes dry doctrine his god. All in one way or other, however they may di er in the object of their idolatrous worship, agree in this: that they give a preference in their esteem and a ection to their peculiar idol, above the one true God “Idols will be utterly abolished and destroyed.” Isaiah 2:18

There is, then, a time to break down these

idols which our fallen nature has set up. And have not we experienced some measure of this breaking down, both externally and internally?

Have not our idols been in a measure smashed before our eyes, our prospects in life cut up and destroyed, our airy visions of earthly happiness and our romantic paradises dissolved into thin air, our creature-hopes dashed, our youthful a ections blighted, and the objects from which we had fondly hoped to reap an enduring harvest of delight removed from our eyes?

And likewise, as to our religion . . our good opinion of ourselves, piety and holiness, wisdom and knowledge, understanding and abilities, consistency and uprightness; have they not all been broken down, and made a heap of ruins before our eyes?

Joseph Charles Philpot (1802-1869) was an in uential English preacher and theologian who served as editor of the Baptist magazine The Gospel Standard for 20 years. His works are now in the public domain.

“Because the whole land is lled with idols, and the people are madly in love with them.”

Jeremiah 50:38

“Moses Smashing the Tablets of the Law” by Rembrandt (1659) is a painting in the collection of The Gemäldegalerie, Berlin.

pen & paper pursuits

SOLUTIONS

Sera Cuni does it again, winning another competition

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

PITTSBORO — Sera Cuni cannot be stopped.

The celebrity chef and owner of Café Root Cellar added another trophy on Monday, taking home the 2023 Undeniably Dairy Award for Savory Dish at the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Chef Showdown Grand Finale on Aug. 14.

The competition, sponsored by the Dairy Alliance, this new award was presented to competing chefs and bartenders who

best showcased the use of North Carolina dairy products in their savory dishes, desserts, cocktails and mocktails.

Cuni’s winning dish was “Summer in Sicily Chatham Style,” featuring seared scallops, roasted corn custard, corn and smoked ham hock arancini, blackberry poblano drizzle, pickled shallots, micros, and crispy shallots. Cuni’s dishes throughout the rounds of competition featured dairy products from Ran-Lew Dairy, Chapel Hill Creamery and Homeland Dairy.

The Chef Showdown, in its

seventh year, brings chefs from across North Carolina to compete and test their culinary and cocktail skills. This annual event features competitors who showcased North Carolina proteins, produce and products in their dishes, cocktails, and mocktails.

The 2023 preliminary rounds of this culinary competition featured 76 North Carolina chefs and pastry chefs.

Early in June, it was Food Network’s “Supermarket Stakeout,” where Cuni prevailed. In the episode titled “Fast Food Frenzy,” Cuni took home $10,000 in her third Food Net-

work competition appearance.

It was in this show, too, where a dairy treat would win her the top prize.

“The whole experience was a blast,” Cuni told the Chatham News & Record at that time. “I really enjoyed getting to know the other chefs, and, you know me, I’m always up for a good competition.”

The Pittsboro resident celebrates Chatham County farmers weekly at Cafe Root Cellar with rotating menus that highlight seasonally grown vegetables and fruits as well as North Carolina-produced meats and dairy.

“The whole experience was a blast.”

Former Klaussner Furniture workers react to shutdown

Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — A lawsuit has been led against Klaussner Furniture after the Asheboro-based company abruptly ceased operations last week.

Former employees of the manufacturing company allege that Klaussner Furniture didn’t provide proper notice of the shutdown.

The Siler City Lion’s Club O cers for the year 2023-2024 are from left to right. President

Lion Chris Dunn, Vice President Lion Bentley

Martin, Secretary Lion Susan Staley, Former President Lion Barbara Ernst, Treasure Lion

Juanita Brown, Board of Director and Tail

Twister Lion Julia Dowdy, Board of Director and Club Reporter Lion Teresa Lee and Lion

Tamer Lion Rusty Edmister.

Information in the noti cation from Klaussner Furniture that was listed as part of the Worker

Adjustment and Retraining Noti cation Act shows that 884 jobs were to be lost.

The WARN Act requires employers to provide 60 days’ notice. The shortened time frame on the notice came from what appeared to be unforeseen business issues.

The company, which had been operating since 1963, announced Aug. 7 that it was shutting down operations at all its facilities.

Assistance for out-of-job workers is available through NC

Works. A hiring event was slated for earlier this week at Randolph Community College in Asheboro.

“We are hosting a series of career fairs to provide next steps to former employees of Klaussner Furniture,” according to information from NC Works. “All events are open to the public.” Additional career and resource fairs are scheduled for Aug. 22 at RCC’s Archdale campus and Aug. 29 at RCC in Asheboro. Those are both scheduled from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Siler City Lion’s Club new members was inducted by PDG Lee Harvey. From left to right: Madeline Larios-Perez Sponsor Lion

Jay Palmer, Evelin Ortiz-Munoz Sponsor Lion

Wendy Castillo -Mejia, Sarah Walters Sponsor

Lion Lacy Petty

Adam Phillips, Miranda Parker, Mary Maloney, Gary Phillips, Jay Parker, Don Basnight, Ken Tunnell, Terri Turner, Crystal Fisher

Sera Cuni