Chatham News & Record Vol. 146, Issue 31

the BRIEF this week

Chatham Library to host ‘Music of the Circle’ workshop this October

Chatham Community

Library will host a “Music of the Circle” workshop with Eric Bannan on Saturday, October 14. This workshop is for anyone interested in being more con dent and connected, as well as opening new creative pathways in their lives. Participants will playfully blend voices, body percussion, and simple movement in a way that builds community and teaches cooperation. Bannan is a vocal explorer, storyteller and songwriter with over 40 years of performing experience. According to Bannan, his mission is to bring joy, heal and build community through the use of story and song. He has traveled and studied with folks like Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon, and Brazil’s Música do Circulo collective. This program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Registration can be accessed online at tinyurl. com/MusicOfTheCircle.

Funding for this program has been made possible with the support of the Friends of the Chatham Community Library. For more information, please contact the library at (919) 545-8084 or email rita.vanduinen@ chathamlibraries.org.

Solar Power in Chatham County and the Triangle now costs less

The regionwide groupbuying program Solarize the Triangle has entered another tier of lower prices based on additional property owners in the area purchasing new renewable energy systems. Last week, the communitybased campaign entered Tier 8 of the progressively lower-priced tier levels. The program enables residents and businesses to save on the ordinary cost of solar energy and battery power through combined buying with others within 12 communities in the Triangle. The more residents and business owners who contact for solar installations through the program, the more savings accrue for all participants. Interested property owners can visit solarizethetriangle.com to nd out more about the program. The deadline to sign up at no cost is September 30, 2023. All residential solar and battery contracts must be completed by December 31, 2023. A separate deadline for commercial/non-pro t contract completions is February 28, 2024.

Dioxane detected in Haw River, drinking water within safe limits

North State Journal Sta

PITTSBORO — Alerts were issued over the weekend related to a chemical found in the Haw River, but preliminary testing of Pittsboro›s drinking water does not show dangerous levels of the compound. Routine sampling in Alamance County detected the presence of the chemical 1,4-dioxane in the Haw River last week, prompting testing of drinking water supplies downstream of Burlington.

On Friday, the City of Burlington’s wastewater treatment plant detected the presence of dioxane in the e uent discharged into the Haw Riv-

er, which had passed through Burlington’s plant, raising questions about the safety of Pittsboro’s water supply.

Samples collected in Burlington on Thursday, September 14, showed dioxane concentrations exceeding 1200 parts per billion entering the plant, signi cantly higher than recommended safety levels. After treatment, the water leaving the plant contained 459 ppb of dioxane.

After being alerted, the Pittsboro’s water plant sta sought ways to expedite further testing. Due to the unavailability of testing facilities

By Cooper Metts For Chatham News & Record MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR

manufacturing projects headline the bright future ahead for economic development in Chatham County, but local o cials are also focused on the necessary next steps, including infrastructural upgrades, su cient labor supply and attracting supporting businesses.

Electric car manufacturer VinFast and semiconductor producer Wolfspeed both recently broke ground on manufacturing plants in Chatham County costing a combined $9 billion.

There are approximately 1,800 acres still available for use in the areas adjacent to VinFast and Wolfspeed, according to Chatham County Economic Development Corporation President Michael Smith. He expressed that lling those empty acres with businesses to support Wolfspeed and VinFast is a priority for the Chatham County EDC.

The Chatham County EDC is in communications with several companies interested in occupying some of those empty acres, with most of the companies be-

ing related to the electric vehicle and semiconductor market, according to Smith.

While attracting Wolfspeed and VinFast to Chatham County was a huge win for the Chatham County EDC, it won’t mean as much if they can’t also help attract the necessary labor supply.

“We’ve got 80,000 people that live in Chatham County,” Smith said. “And if we ever used that number as one [of the attractions] of the big companies that looked at coming here, they would have kept looking.”

Despite that current population total, a signi cant amount of the needed labor supply may already be in the county; it’s just about nding ways to keep them here.

About 25,000 Chatham County citizens leave the county for work every day, according to Smith. Jobs at Wolfspeed and VinFast could help keep those commuters here and supply labor at the two manufacturers.

“One of the things [the Chatham County EDC] is trying to do is create jobs here in Chatham County so those 25,000 people don’t have to leave,” Smith said.

Fourth annual Chatham County Challenge announced

North State Journal

PITTSBORO — October will again be designated as a month for local residents to take part in distance exercises as part of an ongoing campaign by the Chatham County Parks and Recreation.

The fourth annual Chatham County Challenge, a virtual walk, run, or bike challenge, will take place from October 1-31. The event invites participants to embrace the challenge of covering signi cant distances through their preferred mode of exercise. According to a release from the county, bikers are encouraged to complete a 100k (62 miles) journey, while runners and walkers are tasked

with achieving a 50k (31 miles) target. There is no cost to participate.

Much like the previous year’s competition, participants will be required to track their miles using a free mobile app, Map My Fitness. Enrollment through Chatham County Parks and Recreation’s registration website must be completed by September 29 to participate. Every individual successfully completing the challenge will receive a t-shirt from the parks and recreation department.

In addition to this year’s event, aligned with the theme of the Year of the Trail, participants are encouraged to explore various trails and greenways within Chatham County.

To incentivize this exploration, those who visit at least 10 different trails in Chatham County throughout the challenge duration will be entered to win a gift card from New Horizon’s West in Pittsboro. Participants have the exibility to visit the trails and greenways suggested by Parks and Recreation or nominate their personal favorites.

To kickstart the Challenge, the parks and recreation department will host an event on Sunday, October 1, at 2 pm. The gathering will take place at Northeast District Park, where participants will collectively embark on a one-mile walk. Attendees will receive a complimentary “North Carolina Year of the Trail” sticker.

“What started as a way to keep people connected during the pandemic has turned into one of our most loved programs,” said Tracy Burnett, Director of Chatham County Parks and Recreation. “We are excited to continue to host this challenge and give community members an opportunity to stay active, visit new trails, and bring out their competitive side.”

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The Haw River is shown in this photo taken on Sept. 26, 2023. Chatham o cials addressed concerns about another release of 1,4 dioxane over the weekend but subsequent testing revealed the levels were below an advisory level.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

A car manufactured by Vinfast is pictured during the VinFast Groundbreaking Ceremony in Moncure, in July.

Chatham economic development o cials focused on what’s next

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

Small Business Resource Fair

This annual event hosted by Innovate Carolina is designed to provide valuable resources, expert guidance, and networking opportunities to help you thrive in the competitive business landscape. Check it out at the brand-new innovation hub and coworking space, 79°West. 4pm to 6pm.

Oct.5th – 19th

Chatham Community Library is o ering free in-person classes in October. Class descriptions and a registration link can be found at www. chathamcountync. gov/ ComputerClasses. Call 919-545-8086 or email reference@ chathamlibraries. org for more information.

Oct. 5

Microsoft Word: Beyond Basics 3:00 pm.

Learn about more advanced tools in Microsoft Word. Track changes, create llable forms, restrict editing, create macros, and use mail merge.

Run this ad as a BLOCK AD in the NON-LEGAL section of the local newspaper September 28, 2023

TOWN OF PITTSBORO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Town of Pittsboro will hold a public hearing to obtain a Closeout Report on the Town’s 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Economic Development for Gilero LLC. The Town received a $300,000 CDBG grant to assist in the renovations of a 40,000 square foot building located at 158 Credle Street in Pittsboro. These funds were loaned to Gilero in the form of a forgivable loan in exchange for job creation. To bring the building to the standards needed to operate Gilero, extensive renovations were necessary.

Those renovations included internal walls and flooring, extensive HVAC, electrical and air quality work at a cost in excess of $750,000 Other project costs included $5,000 for environmental review and planning and $25,000 for grant administration. Gilero also invested $2 million for building acquisition and $2,176,943 in new machinery and equipment, furniture and building improvements.

The company intended to create 19 new jobs with 60% going to persons residing in low to moderate income households To date, Gilero had created 19 new jobs in Pittsboro with a total of 17 (89.5%) going to low to moderate income individuals.

A Public Hearing will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center, 1192 US HWY 64 West Business, Pittsboro

Written comments should be addressed to Carrie Bailey, Town Clerk, 635 East Street, Pittsboro NC 27312. Comments received by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the Hearing will be considered.

This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Carrie Bailey at 919-542-4621 for accommodations for this request.

Esta información está disponible está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Póngase en contacto con Carrie Bailey at 919-542-4621 de alojamiento para esta solicitud.

Google sued for negligence after man drove o collapsed bridge while following map directions

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — The family of a North Carolina man who died after driving his car o a collapsed bridge while following Google Maps directions is suing the technology giant for negligence, claiming it had been informed of the collapse but failed to update its navigation system.

Philip Paxson, a medical device salesman and father of two, drowned Sept. 30, 2022, after his Jeep Gladiator plunged into Snow Creek in Hickory, according to a lawsuit led Tuesday in Wake County Superior Court. Paxson was driving home from his daughter’s ninth birthday party through an unfamiliar neighborhood when Google Maps allegedly directed him to cross a bridge that had collapsed nine years prior and was never repaired.

“Our girls ask how and why

Jury duty scam reported in Chatham County

North State Journal Sta

SILER CITY — An ongoing scam involving jury duty has surfaced in Chatham County and surrounding counties. Last week, Sheri Mike Roberson’s O ce issued a cautionary alert to residents in the area concerning the scam with information on how to handle the calls and voicemails used to propagate the scam.

According to the sheri ’s ofce, they received several reports of residents being contacted by scammers falsely posing as representatives of the sheri ’s o ce. These fraudulent callers have also been found to spoof the Sheri ’s O ce telephone number to lend an air of authenticity to their deceitful calls.

In each reported case, the impostor caller informs the recipient that they have failed to ful ll their jury duty obligation and must promptly pay a ne to prevent imminent arrest and potential incarceration. Several residents noted that the scammers left voicemail messages when their calls were unanswered. The scammer often asks for a credit card number or provides directions to deposit money into a Bitcoin ATM.

ceive such a call, please report it to our o ce immediately. Together, we can protect our community from these fraudulent schemes.”

The sheri ’s o ce is urging anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately without divulging any personal information or taking any action as instructed by the caller.

Across the state of North Carolina, instances of individuals falling victim to jury duty scams have been reported, resulting in signi cant nancial losses. Disobeying a jury summons in North Carolina can result in a penalty of $50.00 for each instance of failure to appear. Notably, o cial jury summonses and failure to appear notices are always dispatched to residents’ homes or post o ce boxes through rst-class mail in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Administrative O ce of the Courts has issued several advisories about jury duty scams this year. The court system and law enforcement agencies identi ed fraudulent activity in Carteret County in January, Johnston County in March, Mecklenburg County in August, and Davidson and Randolph counties in September.

their daddy died, and I’m at a loss for words they can understand because, as an adult, I still can’t understand how those responsible for the GPS directions and the bridge could have acted with so little regard for human life,” his wife, Alicia Paxson, said.

State troopers who found Paxton’s body in his overturned and partially submerged truck had said there were no barriers or warning signs along the washed-out roadway. He had driven o an unguarded edge and crashed about 20 feet below, according to the lawsuit.

The North Carolina State Patrol had said the bridge was not maintained by local or state o cials, and the original developer’s company had dissolved. The lawsuit names several private property management companies that it claims are responsible for the bridge and the adjoining land.

Multiple people had noti-

ed Google Maps about the collapse in the years leading up to Paxson’s death and had urged the company to update its route information, according to the lawsuit.

The Tuesday court ling includes email records from another Hickory resident who had used the map’s “suggest an edit” feature in September 2020 to alert the company that it was directing drivers over the collapsed bridge. A November 2020 email con rmation from Google con rms the company received her report and was reviewing the suggested change, but the lawsuit claims Google took no further actions.

“We have the deepest sympathies for the Paxson family,” Google spokesperson José Castañeda told The Associated Press. “Our goal is to provide accurate routing information in Maps and we are reviewing this lawsuit.”

“These deceptive individuals prey on the fear of arrest and exploit our sense of civic responsibility,” said Chatham County Sheri Mike Roberson. “The Sheri ’s O ce will never call you to demand payment for missed jury duty. If you re-

According to the state court system, “the scammers are very convincing and often have your name and address, use the name of a real judge and/or law enforcement o cers, and refer to local locations to make you believe the call is legitimate.

National chains and local brands headed to Northwood Landing

North State Journal Sta

PITTSBORO — Soon, local residents will nd out if “Chatham County Runs on Dunkin’” as Chatham Park’s Northwood Landing has announced ve new commercial tenants, including the bake shop formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts (now just Dunkin’).

The largest doughnut retailer in the world is opening its rst shop in Chatham County at the Lowes Foods-anchored shopping center along with four other retail neighbors. National fried chicken restaurant Zaxby’s will join Dunkin’ along with FirstHealth, Haw River Animal Hospital and Hubie’s Express Car Wash.

Northwood Landing sits across the street from the MOSAIC, the 44-acre, $180 million entertainment and commercial development. Medley at Northwood Landing, a 312unit garden-style apartment community adjacent to the shopping center, broke ground Sept 7.

“With the community already enjoying grocery shopping at Lowes Foods, we are happy to o er additional restaurants and services close to home for Chatham Park residents and the growing Pittsboro area,” said Kirk Bradley, Northwood Landing and MOSAIC developer. “We’re particularly excited about the presence of locally owned franchises of some of the nation’s top brands like Dunkin’ and Zaxby’s, as well as independent businesses operated by local entrepreneurs.” Seven outparcels that could accommodate up to 70,000 square feet remain available. At its rst location in Chatham County, Dunkin’ will occupy a 2,100-square-foot building with its Dunkin’ Next Gen concept, featuring a drivethrough and dine-in seating. The store, which will have 35 employees, is operated by Charleston, S.C.-based Coastal Franchising and has a target opening date of mid-December. “We are excited to bring a new Next Gen Dunkin’ to Pittsboro and be part of this thriving community,” says George Ross, CEO of Coastal Franchis-

ing, which operates nearly 100 Dunkin’ locations in the Carolinas.

Zaxby’s will also be making its debut in Chatham County. The national fast food chain currently has locations in Holly Springs, Sanford and Apex. Zaxby’s broke ground this month with an anticipated completion in early December.

The 3,162-square-foot restaurant will have a drive through and a dining room that seats 72 guests.

FirstHealth is relocating one of its clinics to a new space in Northwood Landing. The clinic will add cardiology services as well as additional providers.

“As Chatham County’s EMS provider for the past 26 years, FirstHealth has a long-standing commitment to the community,” said Mickey W. Foster, FirstHealth CEO. “We are proud to open a new location at Northwood Landing and continue our commitment by expanding our primary care services and o ering specialty care services.” The facility is expected to be completed in the rst quarter of 2024.

Haw River Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary care facility for cats and dogs.

The practice will be co-owned and operated by Dr. Katie Sizer, a Pittsboro resident. The veterinary care facility will offer wellness and prevention services, injury and illness visits, behavioral consults, dental care, in-house radiology, bloodwork, microchipping and surgery. The o ce is scheduled to open to new patients this Fall. “As a resident of Pittsboro, I’m thrilled to be opening a veterinary practice right in my neighborhood,” said Dr. Sizer in a press release. “Chatham Park and MOSAIC are very pet-friendly communities. I’m so excited to o er conveniently located, compassionate, high-quality vet care to these pets and their families.”

Hubie’s Express Car Wash, a new, locally-owned company, will open soon. The car wash o ers single and subscription express car washes, with a 126foot wash tunnel and 24 vacuums. The car wash expects to employ 15 people and open this Fall.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

A bias toward gratitude

One way to ease negative bias is through gratitude.

Last Saturday was the rst day of fall, which means we can look forward to cooler temperatures and colorful leaves as well as the high holy day of Halloween. At the same time, autumn entails the end of summer break, close of the pool and — worst of all — pumpkin avors in every food you can imagine. There are optimists who view the glass as half-full, pessimists who see it as half-empty, and people who drink up whatever is before them, even a pumpkin-spice latte.

Despite these di erences in our nature, humans are hardwired with what evolutionary biologists call negative bias. The idea is that our ancestor who mistrusted the edibility of a mushroom survived to reproduce and pass along that bias toward caution.

In our modern world, however, negative bias can result in overemphasizing a handful of frustrating things as opposed to the wealth of positives. The sun was shining, you had a great lunch, then came home to a roof over your head and people you love. But as you fell asleep, you could only think of the one negative email. Does that sound familiar?

Writer A.J. Jacobs put it this way: negative bias is being in heaven and complaining about the harp music!

Another aspect of the fall season is that people across America gather in earnest at meetings known as the PTA.

EDITORIAL | BOB WACHS

Perhaps you have a negative story about an experience with such a group. PTA might not be a slice of heaven, but don’t complain about the harps! The majority of these groups are lled with volunteers giving their time, often money not only for their own children but for every child. To be sure, some parents volunteer more hours than others, especially the dedicated PTA o cers. But every member contributes to the common good.

One way to ease negative bias is through gratitude. According to Benedictine monk David Steindl-Rast, “Happiness does not lead to gratitude. Gratitude leads to happiness.” There are many things beyond our control, but we can choose what we focus upon: what we have and the people around us.

Recently, I went to a PTA meeting. Maybe the sound system could have been a little stronger. But we were outside on a beautiful day. While it was a little di cult to hear the speakers with the kids running around, there were kids running around! The little ones were playing and having a blast. This was not the time for Robert’s Rules of Order, but rather to drink from the common cup that over owed with joy. And I’ll refrain from yet another pumpkin-spice latte quip.

Life hangs, changes on slender threads

Here’s my twocents worth of practical suggestions and good ideas for the journey.

I don’t do computers – or any other technological gadget –very well at all.

The height of my techy ability pretty much rests in a number 2 pencil and some Blue Horse notebook paper or a legal pad. And that’s ne; I’ve gotten used to it and it doesn’t bother me.

For a while though, I was sort of embarrassed about all that since Shirley was making her living teaching young folks computer use and I was limited to turning one on. But I got over it since eventually I did learn to use a word processing program, to play Free Cell and to go to certain web sites.

No, not those.

Good sites like the National Hurricane Center or old ‘50s and ‘60s rock and roll sites and places where they talked about baseball.

I learned how to follow baseball in general and my beloved Cardinals in particular, even though they stink this season, on MLB.com. (Major League Baseball). That doesn’t mean all is well. Sometimes the server goes to sleep and since we are relegated to dial-up because our local phone company says we live in a place so far out we have to pipe in sunshine, I sometimes spend 20 minutes taking care of eight seconds worth of business.

Be that as it may, however, the task usually gets done. But each time I read stu about the Cardinals, I remember how at one time in my life I wanted to live and work – it didn’t matter doing what – in St. Louis so I could go to the home games at Busch Stadium.

It didn’t matter that such a prospect would probably cost me a gazillion dollars or that it’s really hot and humid in St. Louis during the summer or that this ol’ country boy really does not like cement, tall buildings or congestion. It just seemed like a good idea at the time.

Shows how well I had thought out things. Kind of like the time I thought I wanted to be a pig farmer. Had the land and desire and enough knowledge to be dangerous but forgot to see if the bank would loan me the cash for the project. Fortunately, they said “No.” I’d still be up to my snout in debt if they had.

Anyway, in time, the St. Louis desire went away and I decided instead I would go to journalism school at Carolina,

become a sports writer for the Durham Morning Herald and be assigned to the UNC beat so I could cover Tar Heel football at Kenan Stadium, eat fried chicken in the press box, watch the games and get paid for all that.

The mere fact that I forgot to go to class while in college or to study for exams allowed me to cram a four-year degree program into seven years and by the time I did get a diploma we had a little one on the way and the Herald wasn’t hiring.

And that brings me to my point: who we are today and where we are hangs on so many decisions that it is intriguing mental exercise – or maybe sometimes agony – to consider where would we be today if we had done even one thing di erently... or not done it at all.

For instance, what if I really had gone to class like my folks thought I was... if I had actually studied instead of pretending... if I had gone to the library as much as I went to the snack bar at Midnight or to the Student Union to shoot pool and listen to the free-play jukebox where the Fifth Dimension wailed out “The Age of Aquarius” every 10 minutes and so on and so forth.

Sometimes that sort of brings me up short since I like my life pretty much as it is now. If I had gone through college in four years instead of seven, my path more than likely wouldn’t have crossed with that of my much-better half and I wouldn’t have the two forty-somethings who used to be teenagers who lived at my house for a while or now the teenager who once lived there with me and would tell people “Granddaddy knows everything” or his younger sister and her younger sister whose smiles light up a room and my heart, or Numbers Three, Four, Five, Seven and Eight, my next door neighbors who hold my hands and my heart.

I wouldn’t like that.

I think that kind of pondering should do a couple of things for us: one, it should make us appreciate what we do have and, two, help us to realize the importance of making good choices as we move along life’s highway.

So, here’s my two-cents worth of practical suggestions and good ideas for the journey: Never pet a burning dog, never roller skate in a bu alo herd and try to miss the potholes in the highway of life as you travel along it.

That should go a long way toward ful llment.

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

Defending your energy security

As the trees in the Sandhills begin to show the first signs of fall, we are reminded that colder weather is near. Like many of you, my family faced last winter’s high energy prices and I am left wondering how they will be this year—especially as costs continue to climb.

High energy costs continue to impact you and every family, and lowering them should not be a partisan issue.

Just like many states across the country, North Carolina is currently seeing another steep rise in the price of gas and energy. In the last month, energy prices have increased 5.6% and gas prices in North Carolina have spiked 16 cents higher per gallon than they were one year ago.

Washington Democrats’ overspending and war on American energy fueled this inflation crisis. However, House Republicans are working on policies to combat these high prices by passing bills, such as H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. This legislation will unleash American energy production, reverse President Joe Biden’s anti-energy policies, and lower energy costs that continue to burden your family’s pocketbook.

High energy costs continue to impact you and every family, and lowering them should not be a partisan issue. However, the Democrat-controlled Senate refuses to move forward on the Lower Energy Costs Act—common sense legislation which passed the House with bipartisan support.

Against the backdrop of historic energy costs, the Biden administration continues to push a rush-to-green agenda by attempting to give power to states to force people to buy expensive electric vehicles. These mandates are impractical and unaffordable for the average family. In fact, the average price of an electric vehicle is $17,000 more than a gas-powered car and the lack of vehicle charging infrastructure— especially in rural communities—makes electric vehicles even more impractical.

You should be in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing your car. That’s why last week, House Republicans took a stand against Far Left bureaucrats and passed H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. This bill stops the EPA from banning your gas car or truck and protects you and millions of Ameicans from big government overreach. Instead of focusing on the car in your garage, I continue urging President Biden and my colleagues to focus on the issues that matter most.

For example, after the power substation attacks in Moore County last December, I have been laser focused on finding solutions to strengthen our power grid. Earlier this summer, I brought members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to Moore County for a field hearing on improving the security and resiliency of our nation’s energy grid.

Since that first hearing, our Committee has held multiple others to continue discussions in Washington with expert witnesses. Their testimonies and insight help us move closer to finding tangible solutions to strengthen our power grid in order to prevent future energy infrastructure attacks. These are the kinds of solutions you should expect from Washington. Over the past eight months, House Republicans have delivered on all fronts of our “Commitment to America” and have advanced legislation that will build an economy that’s strong, a nation that’s safe, a future built upon freedom, and a government that’s accountable to you. Although we have made significant progress, there is still a lot of work to be done. As your Congressman, I will never stop working to solve problems facing our nation and am committed to fighting for your family.

A declaration of independence

ATTORNEY GENERAL

MERRICK GARLAND refused to take the bait. Republicans, under the leadership of House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, were determined to turn what should have been a routine oversight hearing into a cross-examination of Garland over the prosecution of former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden’s son Hunter. Garland would have none of it. He stood for principle -- the principle being the independence of the United States Department of Justice. As it should be.

“Our job is not to take orders from the president, from Congress, or from anyone else, about who or what to criminally investigate,” Garland said. “As the president himself has said, and I rea rm here today: I am not the president’s lawyer. I will add that I am not Congress’ prosecutor. The Justice Department works for the American people.”

What does that mean?

It means that Garland appoints special counsels and allows them to do their jobs. In Hunter Biden’s case, the prosecutor in charge is David Weiss, a Trump appointee who has been leading the investigation and last month was, at his request, designated as special counsel to give him expanded powers. How he uses them, Garland made clear, is up to

| JAN

Who knew?

THE UNIVERSE OPENS…

Excuse me? Where? How? (I wanna see this!)

Hold your horses, we’re getting there, but rst….

You’re deeply entwined in a problem and the weight doesn’t sit lightly on your shoulders.

Overwhelmed. What to do?

Suddenly, a door opens out of the blue. A friend calls and o ers insight, a newspaper article speaks to you, a chance run-in with someone while you’re out walking, and on and on. Your world shifts a bit, releasing a measure of the weight on your shoulders. You can breathe again. No, you haven’t gone down the rabbit hole with Alice. And no, this is not woowoo. (At least, I don’t think so…)

The YouTube un-personing of Russell Brand

THIS WEEK, The Times of London and Channel 4 issued a scathing expose about actor and comedian-turnedpodcaster Russell Brand. Brand began his career as a comedian and MTV host; in 2004, he joined “Big Brother’s Big Mouth” on Channel 4, and then transitioned into acting and voice-overs. In 2013, he went political; by 2020, he had launched a successful podcast, taking heterodox positions on matters ranging from COVID-19 to the Ukraine war.

Over the course of this time, Brand also changed his personal behavior. He was a drug abuser in the early 2000s; by 2003, he was a self-declared sex addict; today, he is married with two young children.

The Times and Channel 4 report concerns behavior during the period 2006-2013. Those allegations come from ve women, four of them anonymous, who accuse Brand of behavior ranging from emotional abuse to sexual assault and rape. Metropolitan Police have urged any victims to come forward.

Brand denies all of the allegations.

Full disclosure: I’ve interviewed Russell and been interviewed by him at length. I consider him a friend. You can never truly know another person well enough to rule out vile, despicable, criminal behavior in their past; I didn’t know Russell during his most debauched period, and I assume that if I had, we wouldn’t have gotten along. And the allegations, as Brand himself says, are incredibly serious. Presumably we will nd out all the facts as time goes on.

There is a question worth asking here, aside from the obvious question about Brand’s alleged crimes: What prompted the media to begin digging into Brand?

It was an open secret in Hollywood that Brand was a sexual degenerate throughout the 2000s; the media were utterly unconcerned about such matters. In fact, the same media outlets now investigating Brand were happy to make money o of him as he engaged in overtly vile behavior he himself would now be ashamed of.

him. In his con rmation hearings, the attorney general promised not to interfere with Weiss’ ongoing investigation of the president’s son.

“I have kept that promise. The way to not interfere is to not investigate an investigation.” That answer led one Republican on the committee to call for the attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress.

The attorney general took the same tack when attacked for the indictments secured by Jack Smith, the special counsel he appointed to investigate Trump. “No one has told me to indict. And in this case, the decision to indict was made by the special counsel.”

“Singling out individual career public servants who are just doing their jobs is dangerous -particularly at a time of increased threats to the safety of public servants and their families. We will not be intimidated. We will do our jobs free from outside in uence. And we will not back down from defending our democracy.”

If Republicans thought they could intimidate the attorney general, they don’t know Merrick Garland. I’ve known him since law school -- we were good friends -- and he is not only a brilliant lawyer but a man of principle. At one point in the hearing, when accused of religious discrimination, he shot back: “The

idea that someone with my family background (his family ed the Holocaust) would discriminate against any religion is so outrageous -- absurd.”

The oversight hearing, which in “normal” times would have focused on issues of policy, criminal justice and the like, this time, according to Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, was intended to “examine how the Justice Department has become politicized and weaponized under the leadership of Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland.” To the great frustration of Republicans, Garland refused to take that bait, just as he has protected his prosecutors from political interference. Indeed, the irony is that it is Trump who is running on a platform of consolidating all power -- including the power to control the Justice Department and federal agencies -- in the hands of the president. It is Trump who wants (and, as president, tried) to politicize the Justice Department; that is what he means when he talks about undermining the “deep state.” Garland was selected by Biden because of his reputation as a principled leader who would restore the tradition of an independent Justice Department. And that is what he has done. Whether the Republicans like it or not.

So what changed? Brand did. He began taking political positions that contradicted many of the most cherished assumptions of the media class. He spoke out on a variety of issues that were considered taboo. He abandoned his past embrace of debauchery and began promoting more honorable personal behavior.

This prompted an investigation that, if the allegations are true, should have happened more than a decade ago. That investigation has now been utilized as a predicate to unperson Brand before he even responds to the allegations in full. He has not been arrested and charged, let alone convicted of a crime.

Yet YouTube announced on Tuesday that it would cancel all monetization of Brand’s videos on the site, preventing Brand from earning an income from any content posted on YouTube. “This decision applies to all channels that may be owned or operated by Russell Brand,” the social media service explained.

Allegations can now be utilized to erase unpleasant people from social media — presumably because of what they have done in the past, but really, because of what they say now. There are reams of allegations about a bevy of YouTube creators. But those who are demonetized seem to be of one political type.

This is dangerous stu , no matter what emerges about Brand. If he’s guilty, he will pay for his crimes. But the preemptive destruction of his career makes for a truly ugly incentive structure. And it is now just one more reason for those who do have heterodox opinions to avoid speaking up.

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

What is this “universe opening” thing? We’re o to the races with that question. A plethora of explanations o er themselves up for your consideration: Spirit, synchronicity, God, luck, Allah, your next-door neighbor, or that all-purpose explanation, “whatever.”

My preferred explanation is… hmmm…I don’t know that I have just one. However, I do share an innate belief in….Pete Seeger. (I don’t know, maybe I have gone down the rabbit hole?)

Pete Seeger? The late folk singer, activist, and “Where Have All The Flowers Gone” guy? Yes, that one. OK, spit it out, Jan, so folks know you haven’t gone bonkers. A Seeger-ism:

“Who knows where some good little thing that you’ve done may bring results years later that you never dreamed of…. I honestly believe that the future is going to be millions of little things saving us.”

“Millions of little things saving us.” And each of us is one of those million little things, adding our teaspoons of care, goodness, tolerance, drop by drop, to a fertile universe. I certainly can’t quantify the number of teaspoons it takes to open the universe to innate benevolence. (Can you?) However, contributing daily teaspoons of “some good little thing” to the collective human journey can be addictive. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you.) Are your teaspoons at the ready? See you out there!

Sherry Lynn Tillman Thomas

Sept.8th, 1963 – Sept.16th, 2023

Sherry Lynn Tillman Thomas, age 60, of Sanford, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 16, 2023 after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Lee County on September 8, 1963 to Jean Ayers Tillman Harris and the late William Gray Tillman. In addition to her father, Sherry was preceded in death by sister, Kimberly Tillman; paternal grandparents, Faye, and Hugh Tillman; maternal grandparents, Flora, and Willie Ayers; mother-in-law, Johncie M. Thomas; half-sister, Tammy Lynn Harris and a special aunt, Kathy Paxton “ Mammie”. Sherry worked over thirty years in the restaurant business. She was an outgoing, people -person who never met a stranger. She enjoyed shopping, spending time at the beach but most of all she loved her family and friends and the time she spent with them.

Sherry is survived by her mother and step-father, Jean, and Bobby Lynn Harris of Cameron; her loving husband, Eddie Thomas of Sanford; son, Dale Thomas and wife, Marckee of Sanford; sister, Angela Tillman Hankins and husband, Doug of Cameron; grandchildren, Lilah, and Daxton Thomas of Sanford; nieces, Christina Kreitz and husband, Brian of Cameron and Taylor Hankins of Cameron; great-niece and nephews, Graylynn, Kyle, and Steven of Cameron.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Solid Rock Community Church. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM with Pastor Brad Marona and Travis Corley o ciating. Burial will be in Lamms Grove Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Donna Marie (Merrill) Pica

Sept. 18th, 2023

Donna Marie (Merrill) Pica, 65, of Pittsboro died on September 18, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Robert Merrill and Mary (Fennell) Merrill. Donna was one of three daughters to Robert and Mary, and they grew up in Yonkers, New York. She is survived by her husband Louis “Lou” J. Pica, her two daughters, Amie Pica, Nicole McNeill and her son, Louis “Lou” Pica. Grandchildren; Lucas and Alana McNeill and Izabella Pica. Two sisters, Barbara Blair and Janet Bochnik. Donna worked as a switchboard operator and that is where she met her best friend, Gemma. Gemma introduced Donna to her son Lou Pica, the two soon fell in love and they have been happily married for 43 years. Donna raised her three children in New York until their big move to North Carolina and then they settled the family in the little town of Pittsboro. Later, Donna pursued her lifelong dream to become a nurse, she went back to school and earned her LPN license around 1997.

She loved taking care of people and being someone that could be a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. Her true passion was being a grandma and helping take care of her grandbabies. Donna spent her retirement days teaching her grandkids to ride bikes, swim, tie their shoes, how to write and read books. She treasured her nap times, singing, and dance parties with her family. Donna loved her nighttime chats, watching movies and numerous daily phone calls from her daughters. In the last months of her life, she cherished the time that she was able to spend with Lou, the love of her life.

Donna always made an impression on everyone she met with her wittiness and loving smile. She will always be remembered for teaching her kids to be strong, nurturing, loving, and patient adults.

A prayer service was held, and the family had a receiving of friends on Saturday September 23, 2023 at the Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial tributes and messages for the family can be left at www.Dnaldsonfunerals.com.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Pica family.

RONALD THOMAS BRADY MARCH 11, 1957 – SEPT.17, 2023

Ronald Thomas Brady, 66, of Siler City, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at his home. The graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Pleasant Grove Church, where he was a member, with Pastor Don Edwards presiding. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service. Joyce-Brady Chapel will be open from 1:005:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 for friends to sign the register.

Ronnie was born in Chatham County on March 11, 1957 to Edgar and Mary Lee Brown Brady. He was a truck driver for Andrews Trucking for many years. He loved horses and adored his dogs, Grizzly, Magic and Banjo. Ronnie enjoyed watching westerns and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings. He loved his family and his great-niece, Madelyn (also known as Little-un).

He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar (Eddie) Thomas Brady and his grandparents.

Ronnie is survived by his mother, Mary Lee Brady, of the home; sister Melinda B. York and husband, Marty, of Siler City; nephews, Benjamin Brady York, of St. Mary’s, GA and Matthew Thomas York and Litzy, of Ramseur; great-niece, Madelyn Ava York and a host of family and friends.

Condolences may be o ered online at www.joycebradychapel.com

ADAM J WYATT (SHORTY)

January 10th, 1943 – September 17th, 2023

On January 10, 1943, Adam J. Wyatt (Shorty) was born in Robbins, North Carolina. Our heavenly father told his son Adam that his work on earth was completed and called him home to dwell with him on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Adam is the son of the late Charles Anna Mclaughlin and Adam Cornelius Wyatt. And is preceded in death by his wife Lillie Mae Suggs Wyatt.

He leaved to cherish his memories his sons, James Suggs (Towanda), Ricardo Warren (Alisha) and a daughter Shelia Koonce (Junious) all of Kinston, North Carolina. One sister, Shirley Atkins of Robbins, North Carolina and two brothers, Daniel Wyatt (Hazel) of Robbins, North Carolina and Marvin Wyatt of the home.

Six grandchildren; Keith (Candace) of St. Louis MO, Lemar (Keera), Jonathan, Tyrek, Ricayla and Ricardo, Jr. all of Kinston, North Carolina. Two great grandchildren; Kasir and Jubilee. Two sister-in-law, Alice Suggs and Lisa Suggs of Kinston, North Carolina. Two brothers in laws, John and Leslie Suggs of Kinston, North Carolina. And a host of other relatives and friends.

DAVID D. DOBY JR. SEPT.14TH, 2023

David Columbus Doby Jr., age 62 of Broadway, passed away on Thursday (9/14/2023) at his home. He was born in Moore County, son of the late David Columbus Doby Sr. and Vivian Phillips Sloan. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Bennie Sloan. Surviving is his wife, Bonnie Doby of the home. Step-daughter, Brittany L. Bohn (Jared) of Fayetteville, NC; Step-sons, Nicholas R. Solle (Stacy) of Sanford, NC, and Ryan R. Solle (Natasha) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Sisters, Rebecca Starr (Tony) of Broadway, NC and Cynthia Barker of Sanford, NC. Brother, Benji Sloan of Cameron, NC and grandchildren, Ryan Solle Jr., Beau Solle, Harrison Solle, Brooks Solle, Parker Sue Solle, Gianna Solle and Lincoln Bohn. A memorial service will be held on Friday (9/22/2023) at 2:00pm at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of owers, donations can be made to the Jimmy V Foundation, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513.

NANCY HARGROVE WILKIE

June 26th, 1935 – Sept.24th, 2023

Nancy Hargrove Wilkie, 88, of Silk Hope Liberty Road, Siler City went to her heavenly home on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

Nancy was born the youngest daughter of Barney Ross and Lillie Blanche Buckner Hargrove, on June 26, 1935. Nancy was a native of Chatham County, a retired selfemployed chicken farmer of 60 years. She was a member of Plain eld Friends Meeting and a former Sunday school teacher.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Billy Gene Wilkie, one daughter, Brenda Wilkie Smith and 7 siblings.

Nancy is survived by one grandson, Derrick Hall of the home; one daughter, Lee Ann Wilkie (grandson Stacey Glover); one son Barry and Rhonda Wilkie; (grandson’s Dustin and Jessica Wilkie, Lance and Caprice Wilkie; Drew and Leslie Wilkie); son-in-law, George “Pug” Smith, (grandson; Jason and Mari Smith); four greatgranddaughters; Olivia and Emma Wilkie, Sophia and Skylar Glover, Braylen Wilkie and Jordyn Wilkie, four great- grandsons; Brennen Wilkie, Jackson Wilkie, Ashton Glover and Brendan Smith.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at Plain eld Friends Meeting, 1956 Plain eld Church Road, Siler City, NC 27344. Funeral services will follow at Plain eld Friends Meeting at 2:00 PM with Pastor Wayne Lamb o ciating. Burial will be in the Meeting cemetery. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s association, www. alz.org or Plain eld Friends Meeting Building Fund, c/o Iris Smith.

SAVE THE DATE

State treasurer drops new report on lack of hospital pricing transparency

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24

A Portion of All Day Food & Becverage Sales Will Be Donated Back to e Rotary Club of Pittsboro for Polio Eradication

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What to know about HSAs and FSAs

Paying for health care can be challenging — but are you taking full advantage of all the resources available to you? You might have access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), so let’s look at both. An HSA is a personal savings account used to pay health care costs. If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, you also may be eligible to contribute to an HSA. You aren’t taxed on the money you put into this account or on the earnings generated from your contributions, as long as withdrawals such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. And there’s no “use it or lose it” provision with HSAs — the money stays in your account until you use it. In fact, you can carry your HSA with you all the way until retirement, when you can use the money to pay

family coverage, you can put in up to It’s important to keep in mind that when your withdrawals are used for it is considered taxable income, and the amount withdrawn. However, once funds for any purpose without a penalty, though the withdrawals will still count

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

as taxable income.

Now, let’s turn to the Flexible Savings Account. An FSA may be available to you if you get health insurance through your employer. And because you fund your FSA with pretax dollars, your contributions can reduce your taxable may also choose to contribute to your FSA. Once your account is funded and active, you submit claims with proof of your medical expenses, along with a statement that these expenses aren’t covered by your plan, and you can be reimbursed for your costs.

It’s helpful to have a good estimate of your yearly medical expenses for a Flexible Savings Account. That’s because an FSA generally needs to be spent before the end of the plan year — if you don’t use all the money, you can only carry over some of it and any remaining balance is forfeited. (You can

You can’t contribute to an HSA and a traditional FSA in the same year. But if you have an HSA, you might be able to use what’s known as a Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA) for dental and vision expenses. You’ll need to check with your plan to see if this option is available.

should be a key part of your overall an HSA or FSA to work for you. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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

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

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Chapel Hill Jessica L Villagrana, CFP® 180 Providence Rd Suite 1c 984-219-6635

Report shows hospital price markups of up to 1,120% on routine care and basic services

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell’s o ce has issued a new report detailing issues with the lack of transparency in pricing by hospitals in the state.

The report is titled “North Carolina Hospitals: Extreme Price Markups, Failures in Transparency for Shoppable Hospital Services.”

The data compiled in the report looks at hospital prices and hospital compliance with federal price transparency rules across 16 common shoppable services at 140 hospitals. Of those hospitals, only 51%, on average, disclosed their commercial insurance prices across the shoppable services. The disclosure rate dropped to 42% for cash prices on those services, and only ve hospitals disclosed pricing for every service.

The new report follows the release of data by Folwell’s ofce showing that between January 2017 and June 2022, hospital systems in the state used the court system to extract more than $57.3 million in judgments by suing more than 7,500 patients over medical debt. In some cases, those patients didn’t even know they were being sued or that, in some cases, hospitals had placed liens on their homes.

According to a press release by Folwell’s o ce, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School provided data analysis based on June 2023 data from Turquoise Health, a software company

ARREST BLOTTER

On September 18, Nicholas Austin Bailey, 26, of 3698 Timber Ridge Lake Rd., Liberty, was arrested by Deputy Chris Scales for failure to appear. He was held without bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on October 23.

On September 18, Robert Leslie Melton, Jr., 29, of 107 Misti Ln., Hamlet, was arrested by Deputy Shawnessy Charlson for assault on a female. He was held on a 48hour DV hold and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court on September 27.

On September 19, Jose Edgar Acosta, 30, of 615 E. Finch St., Siler City, was arrested by SSgt. Michael Cox for three counts of failure to appear. He was issued a $6,500 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on September 21.

On September 20, Tony McNeill, Jr., 23, of 2008 Bain Dr., Fayetteville, was arrested by Deputy Shannon Read for larceny of a motor vehicle. He was issued a $5,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Guilford County District Court in Greensboro on October 17.

On September 20, McNeill was arrested by Deputy Read for breaking & entering into a motor vehicle, attempted larceny, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, injury to personal property, and possession of stolen goods/property. He was issued a $10,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on September 25.

On September 20, Luis Angel Cruz, 20, of 832 Yates Circle, Fayetteville, was arrested by Deputy Shannon Read for larceny of a motor vehicle. He was issued a $5,000 secured

that collects and displays hospital prices for patients and researchers to facilitate price transparency in healthcare. Among the ndings in the report are “extreme variations” in hospital pricing, large price markups on Medicare rates, and “widespread failures” in pricing transparency for treatment and procedures, as well as wide price disparities.

According to the report, the largest price disparities appeared in radiological services like CT and MRI scans, where hospitals were found to have in ated Medicare’s $108 rate up to $1,167, an increase of 976%.

The treasurer’s o ce ties the pricing disparities to the state’s Certi cate of Need (CON) laws, which the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has blamed for increasing prices and anticompetitive behavior.

Other ndings from the report include hospitals charging insured patients more than 700% of Medicare rates for some common shoppable services. An example given was a 1,120% median markup on a simple urinalysis test. Under that markup, patients paid a median of $28.80, while Medicare’s median was $2.36.

Among the uninsured, the costs were also in ated, with hospitals charging those patients over 150% more than Medicare rates for the shoppable services examined in the report.

The state Senate has already taken some action by unanimously passing the Medical Debt De-Weaponization Act this legislative session in an effort to combat pricing transparency and medical debt issues. The bill is awaiting action in the House.

bond and is scheduled to appear in Guilford County District Court in Greensboro on October 17.

On September 20, Cruz was arrested by Deputy Read for breaking & Entering into a motor vehicle, attempted larceny, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, injury to personal property, and possession of stolen goods/property. He was issued a $10,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on September 25.

On September 20, Lacy Allen Nall, 36, of 1369 Bear Creek Church Rd., Bear Creek, was arrested by Deputy Jessie Taub for fugitive order felony extradition/fugitive other state. He was issued a $10,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on September 25.

On September 21, Shawn Jameson Taylor, 45, of 3217 McLaurin Rd., Bear Creek, was arrested by Deputy Jessie Taub for failure to appear-release order. He was issued a $1,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on October 4.

On September 21, Shawn Jameson Taylor, 45, of 3217 McLaurin Rd., Bear Creek, was arrested by Deputy Jessie Taub for failure to appear-criminal summons. He was issued a $500 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on October 4.

On September 21, Ricky Jason Spivey, 47, of 5664 Siler City Snow Camp Rd., Siler City, was arrested by Deputy Jessie Taub for assault on a female. He was held on a 48hour DV hold and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on September 27.

at 500 Eden Hills, Siler City, NC, for lease on a yearly basis at $1,400 per month, yard maintenance year around included. All appliances remain, no pets and no more than two adults and two children. Call Meacham Realty at 336-622-1998 in Liberty for more information.;S14,21,28,O5tfnp

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AUCTIONS

RICKY ELLINGTON AUCTIONEERS - Equipment, business, liquidation, estates, land, houses, antiques, personal property, coins, furniture, consignments, bene ts, etc., NCAL #7706, 919-548-3684, 919-6633556, rickyellingtonauctions@yahoo.com, Jy6,tfnc

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HELP WANTED

FOOD SERVICES STAFF, Pittsboro

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations holding claims against Amy G. Adams, deceased, of Chatham County, NC are noti ed to exhibit same to the undersigned on or before January 1, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 28th day of September 2023. Peter J. Adams, Co-Executor, c/o Clarity Legal Group, PO Box 2207, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Peter Randolph Stern having quali ed on the 12th day of September 2023, as Executor of the Estate of Mary Anne Mako Carson deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 18th Day of September 2023

Peter Randolph Stern, Executor 1821 Hollands Chapel Road Apex, NC 27523

CREDITOR’S NOTICE

Having quali ed on the 31st day of August 2023, as Administrator of the Estate of Dawn Leigh Denho , 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 14th day of December 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 is the 5th day of September 2023.

Cheryl Ann Denton-Pannhurst, Administrator of the Estate of Dawn Denho 375 Whittier Drive Mastic Beach, NY 11951-1204

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

Publish On: September 14TH, 21ST , 28TH and October 5th 2023.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Millard G. Pendergraph having quali ed on the 18th day of September as Executor of the Estate of Elinor D Fink aka Elinor D Pendergraph

Fink deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 28th day of December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 20th Day of September 2023

Millard G. Pendergraph

1421 Hanks Chapel Road Pittsboro, NC 27312

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Ann McCoy Gibson, deceased, are noti ed to present them to Leigh Gibson Anderson, Executor of her Estate, on or before December 27, 2023, or be barred from their recovery. Claims may be mailed or delivered to Marion Law O ce at 2741 University Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27707. Leigh Gibson Anderson, Executor

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

All persons having claims against Henry Peter Joseph L’heureux, Jr. (a.k.a. Henry P.J. L’heureux, Jr.) of Chatham County, North Carolina are noti ed to present them to Julia P. MacMillan, Executor of the Estate of Henry Peter Joseph L’heureux, Jr., 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 January 26, 2023. Failure to present a claim in timely fashion will result in this Notice being pleaded in bar of recovery against the estate, the Executor, and the devisees of Henry Peter Joseph L’heureux, Jr. Those indebted to Henry Peter Joseph L’heureux, Jr. are asked to make prompt payment to the Estate.

Dean P. Broz Higgins, Frankstone, Graves & Morris, P.A. 1414 Raleigh Road, Suite 203 Exchange West at Meadowmont Chapel Hill, NC 27517-8834

CREDITOR’S NOTICE

Having quali ed on the 31st day of August 2023, as

Administrator DBN of the Estate of Lisa Anne Dorothy Lawson aka Lisa Palko Lawson, 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 14th day of December, 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 is the 5th day of September 2023.

W. Woods Doster, Administrator DBN of the Estate of Lisa Anne Dorothy Lawson aka Lisa Palko Lawson

206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330

Attorneys: Law O ces of Doster & Brown, P.A.

206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330

Publish On: September 14th, 21st, 28th and October 5, 2023.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

North Carolina Chatham County

Having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of Yvonne

Lorraine Holzkamp a/k/a Yvonne L. Holzkamp, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned, Donna Holzkamp Burdick a/k/a Donna H. Burdick, Executor, hereby noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the Executor and to the attorney for the estate, Patricia T. Niebauer, as set forth below, on or before the 15th day of December, 2023, which is at least three (3) months from the rst publication of this Notice, 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 is the 7th day of September 2023.

Donna Holzkamp Burdick

Executor of the Estate of Yvonne Lorraine Holzkamp

Patricia T. Niebauer Attorney for the Estate Robbins May & Rich, LLP 120 Applecross Road Pinehurst, NC 28374

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

23-E-471

The undersigned, Timothy Lee McLaurin having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Linda (Kay) Keck Mclaurin late of Chatham County, NC do hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at the address below on or before the 6th day of December 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 7th of September, 2023.

Timothy Lee Mclaurin Administrator of the Estate of Linda(Kay) Keck McLaurin 648 Jim Paige Road Bear Creek, NC 27202 9/7/23,9/14/23,9/21/23,9/28/23

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Tonya Mitchell having quali ed on the 13th day of September 2023, as Administrator of the Estate of Earlie Walker Mitchell deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 21st Day of September 2023

Tonya Mitchell, Administrator 205 School Road Moncure, NC27559

CREDITOR’S NOTICE

Having quali ed on the 1st day of September 2023, as Administrator of the Estate of Tyron Nolan, 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 14th day of December 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 is the 5th day of September 2023.

W. Woods Doster, Administrator of the Estate of Tyron Nolan 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330

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

Publish On: September 14TH, 21ST, 28TH and October 5th 2023.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator of the Estate of Ruth Cedell Mapp, 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 18th day of January, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 6th day of September, 2023.

Richard Orlando Mapp, Jr.,

Administrator the Estate of Ruth Cedell Mapp 9610 Oak Barrel Court Brandywine, MD 20613

MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE

ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344

(919) 663-2850

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE CHATHAM COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 23-E-512 IN RE: ESTATE OF ANDREW LARRY CLARK

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

THE UNDERSIGNED having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Andrew Larry Clark, Deceased, in the O ce of the Clerk of Superior Court of Chatham County, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the said Decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before December 21, 2023, said date being at least three months from the date of the rst publication or posting of this Notice as indicated below, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

This Notice is given pursuant to the provisions of G.S.

28A-14-1. This the 21st day of September 2023.

ESTATE OF ANDREW LARRY CLARK Jonathan Adams 1266 Benson Road Garner, NC 27529 Matt McGonagle NARRON WENZEL PA 5400 Glenwood Ave., Suite 201 Raleigh, NC 27612 [September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 2023]

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Joseph Kirkman Minor a/k/a Jody K. Minor, 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 22nd day of December, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 14th day of September, 2023.

Gregory Scott Ford, Executor Of the Estate of Joseph Kirkman Minor a/k/a Jody K. Minor 3818 Edwards Hill Church Road Siler City, North Carolina 27344

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Danny Elliott Marley, 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 18th day of January, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 5th day of September, 2023.

Dianne Marley Armstrong, Executor of the Estate of Danny Elliott Marley 420 Pine Lake Drive Siler City, North Carolina 27344

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against JEWEL D. CORNELL, deceased, of Collier County, Florida, owning real estate in Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before, the 28th day of December, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment.

This 28th day of September, 2023

GERALD MCGUIRE, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF JEWEL D. CORNELL c/o Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130 Chapel Hill, NC 27514

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executrix of the Estate of PAUL HENRY TROUTMAN aka PAUL H. TROUTMAN, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ces of Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC, 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, on or before the 7th day of December, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment.

This 7th day of September, 2023.

JENNIFER SUSAN TROUTMAN, EXECUTRIX ESTATE OF PAUL HENRY TROUTMAN AKA PAUL H. TROUTMAN

23 E 433

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Ralph Luther Piggie, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at his address, P. O. Box 1169, Pittsboro, North Carolina, 27312, on or before the 6th day of December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.

This 30th day of August, 2023.

Calvin Wayne Freeman

P. O. Box 1169 Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312 GUNN & MESSICK, PLLC P. O. Box 880 Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312-0880 September 7, 14, 21, 28

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF ANNE MARIE NEWCOMB

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Anne Marie Newcomb, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit them to William H. Newcomb as Executor of the decedent’s estate on or before December 29, 2023, c/o Gregory Herman-Giddens, Attorney at Law, 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Executor.

This the 28th day of September, 2023.

William H. Newcomb Gregory Herman-Giddens, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

23 E 499

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Brian Scott Thomas, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at her address, 196 Cobble Ridge Drive, Pittsboro, North Carolina, 27312, on or before the 13th day of December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.

This 7th day of September, 2023.

Donna G. Thomas 196 Cobble Ridge Drive Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312 GUNN & MESSICK, PLLC P. O. Box 880 Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312-0880

September 14, 21, 28, October 5

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Michael Penny having quali ed on the 7th day of September 2023, as Administrator of the Estate of Lola Marie Penny deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 21st Day of September 2023

Michael Penny 117 Lina Mae Lane Chapel Hill, NC 27516

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Personal Representative of the Estate of Margaret Carol Sachs, deceased of Chatham County, North Carolina, on the 12th day of September, 2023, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of the attorney for the estate on or before the 30th day of December, 2023, or this Notice will be pled in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 28th day of September 2023.

Roger Bernholz, Personal Representative, c/o Larry

H. Rocamora, Attorney for the Estate, McPherson, Rocamora, Nicholson, Wilson, & Hinkle, PLLC; 3211 Shannon Road, Suite 400, Durham, NC 27707. Chatham Record: 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS 23 E 397 NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of David L Burr of Chatham County, North Carolina, theundersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the decedent to present their claims to the undersigned on or before the 29th day of December, 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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, David Brian Jernigan having quali ed on the 19th day of September, 2023, as Executor of the Estate of Walter Houston Jernigan, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does 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 December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 28th Day of September, 2023

David Brian Jernigan, Executor 8121 Crookneck Dr. Angier, NC 27501

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

NORTH CAROLINA

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

DISTRICT COURT DIVISION

CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. 22 CvD 469

COUNTY OF CHATHAM

Plainti , vs. The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of ETTA SILER FOXX a/k/a ETTA JEAN JOHNSON a/k/a JEAN JOHNSON, et al

Defendants.

TO: The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of ETTA SILER FOXX a/k/a ETTA JEAN

JOHNSON a/k/a JEAN JOHNSON and 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 September 28, 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 September 28, 2023, or by November 7, 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 19th day of September, 2023.

ZACCHAEUS LEGAL SERVICES

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: September 28, 2023

October 5, 2023

October 12, 2023

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Anya Russian having quali ed as Executrix of the Estate of Jean-Louis Gariepy deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 21st day of December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 18th Day of September 2023

Anya Russian, Executrix

102 Nodding Oak Chapel Hill, NC 27516

PROJECTS from page 1

And Central Carolina Community College could help put those Chatham County residents in local jobs; as Smith noted the Chatham County EDC and CCCC are engaged with the two companies to set up courses that prepare students for jobs in the manufacturing plants. Smith said he believes the skills taught in CCCC’s newest industrial robotics technician course would “likely be applicable to both VinFast and Wolfspeed.”

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations holding claims against Dennis H. Sawyer, deceased, of Chatham County, NC are noti ed to exhibit same to the undersigned on or before January 1, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 28th day of September 2023. Gina Sawyer Tessener, Executor, c/o Clarity Legal Group, PO Box 2207, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

UPDATED NOTICE TEMPLATE FOR ESTATE OF CROTTY

All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against GERARD DENNIS CROTTY, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of December, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

This the 14th day of September, 2023.

Thomas Joseph Crotty, Executor

1224 Marsalis Way Cary, NC 27519 c/o John M. Perna, Attorney at Law 202 Davis Grove Circle, Suite 105 Cary, N.C. 27519

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, Kathy Terry having quali ed on the 8th day of September 2023, as Executrix of the Estate of James B. Terry aka James Braxton Terry deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 21st Day of September 2023 Kathy Terry, Executrix 519 S. 2nd Avenue Siler City, NC27344

NOTICE OF HEARINGS TOWN OF SILER CITY

The following item will be considered by the Siler City Town Board on Monday, October 2, 2023. The hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Siler City Court Room of the Siler City Town Hall at 311 N. 2nd Ave.

Legislative Hearings

R23-0901 – Rezoning of one (1) parcel from Residential-20 (R -20) to Residential-3/Conditional (R-3-C), parcel totals 6.15 acres ±, addressed as unaddressed parcel of Lakewood Drive (parcel number 16215) and being the property of Sayantan Bhattacharyya, Premjit Pan and Alok Chatterjee.

The proposed item is available for review by contacting Jennifer C. Baptiste at jbaptiste@silercity.org or 919726-8626. All persons interested in the outcome of the item are invited to attend the legislative hearing and present comments, testimony, and exhibits on the above referenced item. These are separate hearings: Interested parties may submit evidence and written comments. Written comments or evidence on these applications can be submitted by email to jbaptiste@silercity.org. Individuals desiring to speak must sign up by calling 919-726-8626 before 12:00 p.m. on or before the scheduled public hearing date.

The Town of Siler City will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing taped cassettes of materials for the blind, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings.

This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Tammy Thomas at 919-726-8625, 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344, or tthomas@silercity. org for accommodations for this request. Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Tammy Thomas al tthomas@silercity.org o 919-726-8625 o en 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344 de alojamiento para esta solicitud.

There are also numerous colleges and universities in the surrounding area. Smith said that attracting some of the over 40,000 college graduates this region produces per year is a priority for rounding out the labor supply needed at Wolfspeed and VinFast. “We’ve got an extraordinary quality of life here in Chatham County, and trying to make sure people understand that and all the di erent excellent places to live that we have here [is a priority],” Smith said.

WATER from page 1

over the weekend, rush samples were delayed until this week. Tuesday morning, the town released the initial results, which showed the concentration of dioxane in the town’s water was “signi cantly lower than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Health Advisory level.”

The town tested at six sites along the Haw River, and none exceeded 6.77 ppb. The level which would prompt a health advisory is 35 ppb.

A release from the town on Tuesday morning said, “The

Town is cautiously optimistic with these results, which indicate whether the ‘slug,’ or concentrated area of 1,4 dioxane, has passed us and we had minimal uptake, or it is just now reaching us. Our test results from composite samples taken over the weekend are expected tomorrow, as are our rush samples taken from the locations listed above. Once we receive these results, we can determine if our 1,4 dioxane concentration is moving in a positive or negative direction.”

Pittsboro has taken precautionary measures, including operating the water plant 24 hours

PUBLIC NOTICE North Carolina Environmental Management Commission/NPDES Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Notice of Intent to Issue a NPDES Wastewater Permit NC0023442 Moncure Plywood The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission proposes to issue a NPDES wastewater discharge permit to the person(s) listed below. Written comments regarding the proposed permit will be accepted until 30 days after the publish date of this notice. The Director of the NC Division of Water Resources (DWR) may hold a public hearing should there be a signi cant degree of public interest. Please mail comments and/or information requests to DWR at the above address. Interested persons may visit the DWR at 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 to review the information on le. Additional information on NPDES permits and this notice may be found on our website: https://deq. nc.gov/public-notices-hearings,or by calling (919) 707-3601. Southern Veneer Specialty Products, LLC, has applied for renewal of NPDES permit NC0023442 for the Moncure Plywood WWTP (306 Corinth Rd. Moncure) in Chatham County. This facility discharges treated domestic wastewater to an unnamed tributary to the Haw River in the Cape Fear River Basin. Dissolved Oxygen, ammonia nitrogen, fecal coliform, and Total Residual Chlorine are water quality limited parameters. This discharge may a ect future allocations in this portion of the Cape Fear River Basin.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Kimberly Krause having quali ed on the 19th day of September 2023, as Executor of the Estate of Steven Carl Acker deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does 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 December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 19th Day of September 2023

Kimberly Norman Krause 9800 Whiteclay Court Raleigh, NC 27617

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In The District Court of Chatham County IN THE MATTER OF: In Re: Purvis, a minor juvenile

FILE NO. 23 SP 130

TO: John Doe

Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above entitled action. The Nature of the relief being sought is as follows:

ADOPTION

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than October 31, 2023 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 11th day of September, 2023.

Post, Foushee & Gordon, P.A.

Nicholas C. Rohner Attorney for Petitioners 205 Courtland Drive Sanford, North Carolina 27330 919) 775-5616

RUN DATES: September 21, 2023; September 28, 2023; October 5, 2023

Pittsboro recently cleared a signi cant hurdle in maintaining Chatham County’s quality of life in late July when its board of commissioners approved a merger of the town’s water, reclaimed water and sewer systems with the City of Sanford. And Smith remains optimistic that Siler City will clear the same hurdle.

While Smith noted that “discussions continue to go quite well” with potential regional providers, the passage of the 2023 Appropriations Act holds substantial weight in Siler City’s

a day and drawing only the minimum required water to maintain the water system. The town also encouraged residents to voluntarily conserve water by minimizing non-essential uses such as landscape irrigation, vehicle and house washing, and pool lling. The town also made clear the measures are purely precautionary and there is no immediate threat to the town’s water supply. While Pittsboro addresses immediate challenges, the City of Burlington is actively investigating the source of this pollutant. The issue traces back to August when elevated levels of 1,4-diox-

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Susan Willette Parker and William Michael Willette having quali ed on the 13th day of September 2023, as Co-Executrix of the Estate of Betty Clark Willette deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 21st Day of September 2023

Susan Willette Parker, Co-Executrix 7355 Pisgah Covered Bridge Road Asheboro, NC 27205 William Michael Willette. Co-Executrix 488 Dublin Drive Sanford, NC 27330

RESOLUTION OF THE CHATHAM COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS CONCERNING THE COUNTING OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS

On August 20, 2023, the Chatham County Board of Elections met at the Board of Elections O ce, in Pittsboro, North Carolina and adopted the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED by the Chatham County Board of Elections that:

The Chatham County Board of Elections shall meet at 2:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the Board of Elections O ce at 984-D Thompson Street to count absentee ballots. Any voter of the county may attend this meeting and observe the count. The results of the absentee ballot count will not be announced before 7:30 pm on that day.

Laura Heise, Chair Chatham County Board of Elections

Run Dates: Thursday, September 30, 2023

Thursday, October 6, 2023

Bill to : Chatham County Board of Elections P O Box 111, Pittsboro, NC 27312

A davit Requested

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Christina Bruce having quali ed on the 12th day of September 2023, as Executor of the Estate of Richard Boulin deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of December, 2023, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 21st Day of September 2023

Christina Bruce, Executor 112 Park Pointe Drive Pittsboro, NC 27312

ability to nd a water and sewage solution.

The Town of Siler City would receive $75.25 million in water and sewer infrastructure funds, with $2.5 million going towards constructing an elevated water tank for its economic development project.

In addition, the City of Sanford would receive $7.5 million in water and sewer infrastructure funds, with $2.5 million being contributed to “the development, operation and management of the Siler City Waste-

ane were detected during sampling at Pittsboro. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) then contacted the Burlington and Reidsville Water Resources Departments, as routine wastewater sampling in Greensboro did not indicate elevated 1,4-dioxane levels. Burlington Water Resources conducted thorough investigations, identifying discharges into the South Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant as the probable source. Sta systematically sampled sewer outfalls and regulated signi cant industrial users. Their previous experience in

water project.”

The economic development of Chatham County is promising, but Smith and the Chatham County EDC are focused on taking these projects to the nish line.

“We meet with them (VinFast and Wolfspeed) on a teleconference every other week and have now for the last year,” Smith said. “We will continue to stay involved with both those projects since they are, in essence, creating two new cities in Chatham County.”

identifying PFAS sources proved valuable in this situation, given the elusive nature of such discharges.

Burlington is collaborating with regulatory agencies, downstream water providers, and potentially responsible industries to address this contamination issue promptly and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Burlington had already agreed in August to require new or expanding commercial users to provide information about the use of dioxane and to perform additional testing on its wastewater.

From basketball court to homecoming court

Northwood crowned its homecoming king and queen at last week’s football game against Bartlett Yancey. The Chargers won the game 55-13 and looked to the basketball court to ll out its homecoming court. Homecoming king was Drake Powell, a small forward for the Chargers’ men’s hoops squad and a commit to the University of North Carolina. He was joined by Skylar Adams, who is the point guard for the Northwood women’s basketball team. The pair formed what has to be one of the tallest homecoming courts in the state and were honored on the eld during the game. Powell averaged 18.6 ppg and 7 rebounds last season, while Adams averaged 11.7 ppg and dished out 3.4 assists

Seaforth weathers the storm, wins turnover battle in 35-6 win over Chatham Central

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News

&

Record

UNDER CONDITIONS of heavy rain, high-speed winds — and a freshman quarterback making his rst start, Seaforth weathered the storms in its homecoming win over Chatham Central with simplicity and ball security. The Hawks took care of a slick football in Friday’s 35-6 win over the Bears, nishing the game with ve rushing touchdowns without a fumble lost or interception thrown. Sophomore Nicholas Gregory also created turnovers on the defensive side, grabbing three interceptions.

O ensively, playing a clean game was partly due to a short playbook and making sure fresh-

man quarterback Duncan Parker wasn’t overwhelmed. Parker was pulled up from junior varsity after junior Walter Entrekin went down with an injury in Seaforth’s loss to Cummings.

“(We were) keeping it simple,” Seaforth head coach Terrance Gary said. “We had to cut it down to basics and ran the same three plays the whole night pretty much.”

For Seaforth, running a skinny playbook wasn’t hard to do with Central struggling to handle the wet ball.

Thanks to Gregory’s rst interception in the rst quarter and a fumble recovery at Central’s 11-yard line minutes later, the Hawks were handed favorable eld position early on.

The Bears also couldn’t stop

Jordan-Matthews makes necessary plays to outlast

Chatham Central, 3-2

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

JORDAN-MATTHEWS’ volleyball team completed the season sweep over its rival Chatham Central on Sept. 19 in another tight ve-set battle.

The Jets overcame a de cit and executed when they needed to in the 3-2 victory.

Jordan-Matthews actually started the game on the right foot, taking a 12-point win in the rst set. The Jets made it tough for Central to return their attacks, completing kills and forcing the Bears into wild returns that went out of bounds.

“In the rst set, we just got o to a good start with our basic fundamentals,” Jordan-Matthews’ head coach Johnny Alston said. “The girls served good, they passed good. Things they’ve been working on in practice.”

Things turned for the Jets, though, as Central returned the favor in the second and third sets. The Bears began to execute more service aces and kills while also forcing Jordan-Mat-

thews into tough returns.

Although the second and third sets went back and forth, Central came out on top in both, taking a 2-1 lead.

During the break, and in timeouts, Alston reassured his team that the game wasn’t decided just yet.

“I told them to keep thinking positive and keep playing hard,” Alston said. “Once they got a chance to get some momentum on our side, things appeared to be headed in the right direction. I told them to keep playing hard, the day was not over.”

With their backs against the wall, Alston’s seven-girl rotation picked up their intensity in the fourth set and jumped out to a 12-6 lead.

“Sometimes we’re not giving it everything we could,” senior Lia Carter said. “We come together, and we look at each other in the eye because we know what we can do. We just talk to each other and we just settle down, take a few deep breaths.”

Central picked up its own momentum halfway through, See VOLLEYBALL, page B5

the run, allowing Seaforth to protect the ball even more by keeping it out of the air.

Following the rst quarter fumble recovery, Parker handed the ball o to senior running back Anthony Vesce for the Hawks’ rst touchdown of the night.

Vesce scored twice more, including another short touchdown run following a Central fumble in the second quarter to put Seaforth up, 22-0.

“He’s so explosive,” Gary said. “One of our game plans is nding ways to get him the ball in space and give him the ball, period, so he can make plays.”

Seaforth’s coaching sta only let Parker throw a few passes in the foul weather, with most of the attempts being dropped. Despite the lack of opportunities to throw,

Parker still handled his rst start well with zero turnovers.

“He has a lot of potential,” Gary said. “If he keeps working hard, he’ll be good.”

Defensively, the Hawks threw a turnover party, giving Parker and the Seaforth o ense more opportunities to score.

Even with a wet ball in the rain, Gregory snagged almost everything that came his way. His play was huge for the Seaforth defense as capitalizing on turnover opportunities hasn’t always been a strength until Friday.

“We put our hands on a lot of balls this past season, but we haven’t come up with many,” Gary said. “Just take advantage of the opportunity. When the ball comes, you pick it o . I might have (Gregory) call the coin toss

Seaforth hands

next week since he’s so lucky.”

Seaforth will need Gregory’s luck and the rest of the team to play well again Friday when cross-town rivals Northwood arrive for a Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference showdown.

Sitting at fourth place with a 2-1 conference record, the Hawks still have ve games left to ght for a playo spot. With just one more win, Seaforth can also set a new record for most varsity wins in its short program history. couldn’t capitalize on scoring opportunities, missing high at times.

Seaforth didn’t waste its chances to score, however. With just under 11 minutes to go in the rst half, junior Logan Spar-

Jordan-Matthews its rst loss of the season in 3-0 shutout

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

THE KEY WORD of the night was “ nish.”

The Seaforth men’s soccer team has had trouble putting teams away this season, giving up leads in the nal minutes.

Before facing the unbeaten defending conference champions Jordan-Matthews, the Hawks, who were on a fourgame losing streak, made up their minds that they weren’t going to let that happen anymore.

Seaforth not only handed the Jets their rst loss of the season — it also held them to zero goals for the rst time all year in a convincing 3-0 win.

Led by junior goalie Jack Haste, who had 14 saves, the Hawks held o an aggressive Jets team and made the necessary plays down the stretch to keep them grounded.

“We’re a good team,” Seaforth head coach Giovanni Viana said. “We just had to learn to close out a game. Closing out a game against a perennial conference champion on our home turf was an awesome feeling. I’m so proud of the boys.”

Jordan-Matthews came out

the gate ring, keeping the ball on the Seaforth side for most of the rst half and taking numerous shots at the goal.

Haste set the tone early, blocking every shot in his reach, including one at close range that he stopped with his face.

“Jack, since he was a freshman, has been amazing for our team,” Viana said. “Tonight, he just shut it down.”

Some of the Jets’ misses were more on themselves and less on Haste, though. For most of the rst half, Jordan-Matthews controlled the tempo, but it couldn’t capitalize on scoring opportunities, missing high at times.

Seaforth didn’t waste its chances to score, however. With just under 11 minutes to

See SOCCER, page B2

GENE GALIN | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD Junior Logan Sparrow (shown here earlier this season, against North Moore) had an assist for the rst goal of Seaforth’s win over Jordan-Matthews last week.

See FOOTBALL, page B3

GENE GALIN | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

“we just had to learn to close out a game”

Giovanni Viana

SOCCER from page 1

go in the rst half, junior Logan Sparrow found senior Luigi Baccarelli streaking towards the goal for the Hawks’ rst score of the game.

That was Baccarelli’s eighth goal this season.

Up 1-0, Seaforth became more assertive o ensively, taking more shots at the goal in an e ort to build on its lead.

Five minutes into the second half, junior Blake Price hit a free kick from mid eld to put Seaforth up, 2-0.

Then, at the 25:30 mark, freshman Scottie Allen gave the Hawks a commanding 3-0 lead with a shot to the bottom right corner of the goal.

“Just the movement o the ball and the combination play,” Viana said about the second half o ense. “Guys just trusting each other, looking to combine as opposed to going solo. It was a team e ort.”

At that point, it was closing time for Seaforth — a team that had just given up a 3-2 lead in the last six minutes of the loss to Southeast Alamance two nights before.

With hopes to keep its un-

This week’s Chatham County football recap

417

defeated season alive, Jordan-Matthews didn’t let up. The Jets continued to attack Haste and the Seaforth defense, but still failed to convert.

They even had a chance to cut the lead down to two on a penalty kick late in the second half. One-on-one with Haste, Jordan-Matthews’ Edgar Pascual kicked the ball to the right, but Haste read it perfectly to make the stop.

That save put a stamp on his night and the seal on the game.

“I’m pretty good at guessing,” Haste said. “I knew he was way too wide. He was going right. I knew it all the way. He opened up his body, (and) I went. Made the save. You don’t really remember those moments. You just zone out.”

With the win, the Hawksnally overcame their issues with nishing games, and they did so against one of the toughest teams they’ll face all year.

Seaforth has been in tight battles with good teams all season, a testament to its talent and valuable coaching sta . But now, the Hawks have the signature win to show they can not only compete with the best, but they can beat the best.

number of rushing yards surrendered by JordanMatthews against North Moore

Two Chatham County teams come away with wins

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

Chatham County football saw high highs and low lows this past week.

Two teams ran away with huge wins while the other two su ered yet another tough loss.

Despite rolling with a freshman quarterback in place of its injured starter, Seaforth (2-3, 2-1) pulled o its largest win of the season over Chatham Central (0-6, 0-4), 35-6.

The Hawks won the turnover battle, taking care of the ball in a wet and windy game. That’s what the Bears didn’t do after coughing up ve turnovers with three of them being interceptions to sophomore corner Nicholas Gregory. Here are the stats and scores from other games around the county.

Northwood 55 –Bartlett Yancey 13

Northwood (4-2, 3-1) put on an o ensive clinic in a 55-13 win over Bartlett-Yancey Thursday.

The Chargers hit the Buccaneers with a balanced attack, rushing and passing for four touchdowns each.

Senior quarterback Carson Fortunes completed 12 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Grayson Cox also threw a touchdown pass

with 108 passing yards.

Sophomore running back Robert Tripp led the rushing attack with 75 yards and two touchdowns. Five ball-carriers including Fortunes and Cox combined for 205 yards on the ground.

Two receivers, senior Ashton Elliot and junior Gus Ritchey, went for over 100 receiving yards. Ritchey scored twice through the air.

Northwood’s o ense has been rolling as of late, scoring at least 49 points in its last three games. Sitting at second in the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference, the Chargers will look to further their playo chances when they travel to their rivals, Seaforth, Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Jordan-Matthews 7 –North Moore 55

Jordan-Matthews (1-5, 1-3) just couldn’t stop North Moore’s run-heavy option in a 55-7 loss.

The Jets gave up 417 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. North Moore senior Jakarey Gillis ran for 136 of those yards and two touchdowns himself.

Jordan-Matthews is going through a rough stretch, having played two of the better teams in its conference in back-to-back weeks.

The Jets will have a chance to bounce back and win two games for the rst time since 2019 when they face o against Southeast Alamance at home Friday at 7:30 p.m.

SIMON BARBRE | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Carson Fortunes (5) throws on the run during Northwood’s 55-13 win over Bartlett Yancey on Friday. Fortunes threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns in the Chargers’ win.

Week of 9/18 prep round-up

Woods Charter Volleyball continues dominant streak

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

Volleyball

Seaforth continued to dominate conference opponents during the week, beating Graham and Cummings in straight sets. Freshman Ally Forbes and sophomore Keira Rosenmarkle combined for 21 kills and junior Maris Huneycutt recorded 21 assists in the win over the Red Devils.

The Hawks’ only blemish came against non-conference opponent Western Alamance who beat them 3-1 Wednesday.

Northwood started the week with a 3-2 win over Southeast Alamance, but they lost, 3-1, to Lee County Wednesday and lost, 3-2, to Jordan-Matthews Thursday.

Sophomore Emma Dorsey recorded 19 assists in the loss to the Yellow Jackets.

Jordan-Matthews went undefeated during the week, beating Chatham Central Tuesday, 3-2, and South Davidson Wednesday, 3-0.

Other than the loss the Jets, Chatham Central beat Ben L. Smith and Bartlett Yancey in straight sets. Junior Karaleigh Dodson combined for 18 kills in the two wins.

Chatham Charter had a rough week, losing to North Moore Tuesday, 3-1, and Woods Charter Thursday in straight sets.

Woods Charter continued its season-long winning streak, also beating River Mill in straight sets.

row found senior Luigi Baccarelli streaking towards the goal for the Hawks’ rst score of the game.

That was Baccarelli’s eighth goal this season.

Up 1-0, Seaforth became more assertive o ensively, taking more shots at the goal in an e ort to build on its lead.

Five minutes into the second half, junior Blake Price hit a free kick from mid eld to put Seaforth up, 2-0.

Then, at the 25:30 mark, freshman Scottie Allen gave the Hawks a commanding 3-0 lead with a shot to the bottom right corner of the goal.

“Just the movement o the ball and the combination play,” Viana said about the second half

As of Monday, the Wolves have not lost a set since Aug. 29.

Men’s Soccer

After giving up a 3-2 lead in the last six minutes against Southeast Alamance Monday, Seaforth responded Wednesday with one of its biggest wins of the year against a very good Jordan-Matthews team, 3-0.

Before the loss, Jordan-Matthews completely dominated Bartlett-Yancey Monday, 9-0. Northwood won its only game of the week Thursday against Cummings, 7-2.

Chatham Charter beat Clover Garden School Thursday, 2-0. Junior Ryan Jones scored both goals for the Knights.

Woods Charter won its rst game of the season Wednesday,

o ense. “Guys just trusting each other, looking to combine as opposed to going solo. It was a team e ort.”

At that point, it was closing time for Seaforth — a team that had just given up a 3-2 lead in the last six minutes of the loss to Southeast Alamance two nights before.

With hopes to keep its undefeated season alive, Jordan-Matthews didn’t let up. The Jets continued to attack Haste and the Seaforth defense, but still failed to convert.

They even had a chance to cut the lead down to two on a penalty kick late in the second half. Oneon-one with Haste, Jordan-Matthews’ Edgar Pascual kicked the ball to the right, but Haste read it perfectly to make the stop.

Sophomore Emma Dorsey sets the ball during Northwood’s loss to JordanMatthews last week. Dorsey had 19 assists in a losing e ort.

beating Ascend Leadership, 3-0. Women’s Tennis

Seaforth kept rolling during the week, beating Chatham Central, 9-0, and Union Pines, 7-2. Sophomore Ella Gentel didn’t allow a single point to her singles opponent in the win over the Bears.

Northwood won over Jordan-Matthews, 8-1, Monday.

Jordan-Matthews also lost to North Moore, 7-2, Wednesday. Chatham Central had a rough week, losing to Chatham Charter, 6-1, in addition to the loss to Seaforth.

Chatham Charter crushed Clover Garden School Wednesday, 9-0. Sophomore Mak Allen beat her singles opponent 6-0 in both sets.

That save put a stamp on his night and the seal on the game.

“I’m pretty good at guessing,” Haste said. “I knew he was way too wide. He was going right. I knew it all the way. He opened up his body, (and) I went. Made the save. You don’t really remember those moments. You just zone out.”

With the win, the Hawksnally overcame their issues with nishing games, and they did so against one of the toughest teams they’ll face all year.

Seaforth has been in tight battles with good teams all season, a testament to its talent and valuable coaching sta . But now, the Hawks have the signature win to show they can not only compete with the best, but they can beat the best.

AT YOUR

Seaforth, men’s soccer

Seaforth’s goalie Jack Haste earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Sept. 18.

Jack Haste is a junior on the Hawks’ varsity men’s soccer team.

Haste covered all corners of the net in the Hawks’ 3-0 win over Jordan-Matthews, tying his season-high of 14 saves.

His play helped Seaforth close out a tough opponent, especially after he perfectly read a penalty kick in the game’s nal minutes to keep the Jets goal-less.

FOOTBALL from page 1

General Assembly orders more oversight of NCHSAA

Legislation was passed Friday that would give more power to the State Board of Education

The Associated Press RALEIGH — The General Assembly has ordered additional oversight of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, nalizing legislation Friday that seeks to leave more rule-making in the hands of state education leaders.

In separate House and Senate votes, the General Assembly passed a bill that for months had focused solely on changes to state insurance laws. But the nal measure negotiated by Republicans and unveiled Thursday tacked on more than a dozen pages addressing high school athletics that largely came from a separate bill that passed the Senate earlier this year.

A 2021 law that sought more rigorous government supervision of interscholastic sports among public schools led the State Board of Education to enter a memorandum of understanding with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCSHAA), which began in 1913.

That agreement laid out how the association, which serves more than 400 schools, would administer and enforce requirements for high school sports on behalf of the board. Republican lawmakers who say the association isn’t holding up its side of the bargain — harming students and their families — said the group needs to be reined in further.

The new language “increases accountability and transparency for a private organization tasked with administering our children’s athletic experiences,” Sen. Vicki Sawyer, an Iredell County Republican, said in a news release after

Friday’s votes in both chambers. The bill was sent to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk for consideration.

The approved bill makes clear with the beginning of the next school year that standards on student participation, health and safety rules, and student and school appeals must be set by the board, not the association. The association also would have to comply with public record disclosures similar to those that government

agencies must follow.

And the elected state superintendent of public instruction — currently Republican Catherine Truitt — would enter into the memorandum of understanding, not the board, of which the governor’s appointees hold a majority.

During House oor debate early Friday shortly after midnight, bill opponents argued its supporters were seeking to severely weaken the association because of animosity toward NCHSAA

Commissioner Que Tucker and for adverse student eligibility outcomes. “I don’t think that’s a reason to threaten the (association), but I can certainly see it being nuked in the very near future,” said Rep. Amos Quick, a Guilford County Democrat. In a news release Friday, the NCHSAA said it has acted in good faith with the State Board of Education since entering the agreement.

“This was a blindside tackle, and I am sorely disappointed in the actions of our state legislators,” Tucker said, adding that the bill would silence the voices of its member schools should it become law.

For years, NCHSAA critics complained about what they called the group’s oversized control over member schools, eligibility decisions and monetary penalties, even as the association has ush co ers.

Jennifer McLaurin

AP PHOTO

Southwestern Randolph’s Owen Whelan rushes for a rst down against Albemarle during a game in Asheboro on Sept. 15.

VOLLEYBALL, from page 1

making a run to come within three points. However, the Jets made the necessary plays to hold them o and force a fth set.

Senior Janeryra Guerrero-Jaimes came through with some key service aces, along with her 30 assists, while the rest of the team, especially Carter, hit the oor and hustled to keep balls in play.

Carter recorded 13 digs, and four of them were “outstanding defensive e orts,” according to Alston.

“Our serving work paid o for us,”

Alston said. “All of the girls work extremely hard in practice on serving. And, I think one of the biggest things was the hustle of (Carter). She played a few (balls) over to the side and fell down. That right there provided a spark for the rest of the girls.”

That energy and execution spilled over into the nal set in which Jordan-Matthews out-lasted Central, 15-11.

The Jets picked up their third conference win in a row, and for the Bears, it was their fourth loss in games that go to ve sets.

As of that night, they are 1-4 in ve-set games. Central head coach Brett Walden said his team played with great e ort against the Jets, but they just made less plays than their opponent.

“I told them to keep playing hard, the day was not over.”

Johnny Alston

Teachers, get your applications in for a Bright Ideas education grant!

Teachers, are you looking for new opportunities to fund projects for your classroom? Central Electric is awarding up to $15,000 in Bright Ideas education grants to local educators in K-12 classrooms for the 2023-2024 school year.

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

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

Free prescription discount cards from GoodRx — What’s the catch?

The Associated Press

AMERICANS SPEND more than $420 billion per year at pharmacies for prescription drugs, according to a 2022 report from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Prescription discount cards help people save money on prescription drugs by o ering savings at participating pharmacies. One popular company, GoodRx, o ers discounts of up to 80% on prescription drugs at over 70,000 U.S. pharmacies with its prescription savings program. And according to the company’s website, “there’s absolutely no cost and no catch.”

But earlier this year, GoodRx was penalized by the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, for disclosing patients’ personal health information without their consent. And using GoodRx’s discounts isn’t always easy or predictable.

Here are four potential catches the federal government, pharmacists, researchers and the company itself say you should know about before using GoodRx.

1. DEDUCTIBLES

“Keep in mind you cannot use GoodRx and insurance at the

same time,” the company’s website says. It encourages users to pay for prescriptions as a “cash” payment with a GoodRx coupon. (In this context, paying “cash” means you’re paying out of pocket — without insurance.)

Using GoodRx rather than insurance means your insurance doesn’t have to reimburse you or count your spending toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

Whether this matters to you depends on your coverage and what you expect to spend on prescription drugs each year.

“Who cares if it’s not going to count toward your deductible if you were never going to spend so much that you’re going to hit your deductible anyway,” says pharmacist Shannon Rotolo, who recently left the University of Chicago for a new position at the University of Rochester.

But if you know that you’ll spend enough to hit an out-ofpocket maximum or Medicare Part D catastrophic coverage, Rotolo recommends having it count toward your deductible. “Get the lower prices from your insurance plan sooner in the year,” she says.

2. PRIVACY VIOLATIONS

GoodRx’s “not-so-good priva-

Taylor Swift is a fan and suddenly, so is everyone else. Travis Kelce jersey sales jump nearly 400%

“I set them up.”

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid

The Associated Press NEW YORK — Taylor Swift’s trip to watch the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce play football on Sunday didn’t just have the internet talking nonstop. Following the 12time Grammy Award winner’s appearance at Arrowhead Stadium, jersey sales for the All-Pro tight-end seemingly skyrocketed.

According to sportswear and fan merchandise company Fanatics, Kelce was one of the top 5 selling NFL players Sunday. He “saw a nearly 400% spike in sales throughout the Fanatics network of sites, including NFLShop.com,” a spokesperson told The Associated Press via email.

Sales spiked on the same day that Swift was spotted in Kansas City, watching the Chiefs play the Chicago Bears alongside Kelce’s mother, Donna, from one of the football stadium’s glass-enclosed suites.

Kelce did not speak to reporters afterward, but he was spotted leaving Arrowhead with Swift by his side.

Still, just about everyone in the Kansas City locker room was buzzing about the news after Sunday’s game, including coach Andy Reid, who joked that “I set them up.”

Swift has always been reluctant to discuss her personal life in public, but rumors have been ying about the popstar and the pro football player in recent months — notably after a July episode of Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast, when he said he was disappointed that he didn’t get to meet Swift and gift her a friendship bracelet during Kansas City stop on her Eras Tour. In a later appearance on the “The Pat McAfee Show,” Kelce revealed that he invited Swift to watch him play.

Swift is currently on a break from her Eras Tour, which resumes Nov. 9 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Beyond jersey sales, the NFL has also met the internet hype of Swift’s trip to Arrowhead. As of Tuesday, the NFL’s bio on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, read “NFL (Taylor’s Version)” alongside a photo of Swift and Donna Kelce watching Sunday’s game.

cy practices” made it the rst-ever company penalized for violating the FTC’s Health Breach Notication Rule, according to a post by senior attorney Lesley Fair on the agency’s business blog.

“In our complaint, we alleged that GoodRx violated the FTC Act (which prohibits unfair and deceptive practices in the marketplace) by sharing sensitive personal health information for years with advertising companies and platforms — contrary to its privacy promises that it would not do so,” FTC spokesperson Juliana Gruenwald Henderson wrote in an email.

The FTC imposed a $1.5 million civil penalty on GoodRx. (For context, that’s about 0.2% of the company’s 2022 annual revenue of $766.6 million.)

The FTC also prohibited GoodRx from sharing any of its users’ health data with third parties for advertising, and the company must obtain consent before sharing data for any non-advertising purpose.

When asked whether and to whom GoodRx sells or shares patient data today, a company representative referred in an email to a February 2023 “ GoodRx Response to FTC Settlement.”

“The settlement with the FTC focuses on an old issue that was

proactively addressed almost three years ago, before the FTC inquiry began,” the GoodRx statement says. The company disagrees with the FTC’s allegations and does not admit wrongdoing.

GoodRx says in its statement that “privacy and security are paramount to us and an essential part of how we conduct our business,” and it encourages customers with questions to review the company’s privacy policies.

3. UNPREDICTABILITY

GoodRx’s prices “ uctuate frequently,” the company’s website says. So it might be hard to predict what you’ll pay and where you’ll have to go for your medications.

“If you’re really trying to nd the lowest price with GoodRx, you can end up spending as much in gas money driving to a pharmacy across town one month, and then the next month, you’re driving to a pharmacy in the other direction or the adjacent town,” Rotolo says.

Prices for common generic medications on GoodRx can change by hundreds of dollars per ll over just six months, according to research published in 2022 by Rotolo and colleagues in the journal Supportive Care in Can-

cer.

“You may be better o just using your local pharmacy’s cash price, even if it’s a couple bucks more,” Rotolo says (although the price di erence will sometimes be much higher, she acknowledges). “It may be worth it,” she adds, “just to know that you’re going to continue to get that same price at that place, probably for a while.”

PHARMACY CHOICE

4.

To get the lowest price with GoodRx, you may have to use a speci c pharmacy — probably a large chain.

“A lot of (independent) pharmacies won’t even accept the GoodRx card,” says pharmacist Jessica Robinson, assistant professor at East Tennessee State University’s Gatton College of Pharmacy. Smaller pharmacies might not be able to a ord it.

“What happened was independent pharmacies were very excited to help patients any way they can, and then found out that a lot of the price negotiations are reimbursing below the cost of the drug,” Robinson says. Pharmacies don’t get to negotiate with GoodRx, Robinson says, but “they are usually willing to sell a medication to a cash-paying patient at cost.” So while an independent pharmacy might not take GoodRx, they may have other options to help you a ord medications.

AP PHOTO

Taylor Swift, right, watches from a suite alongside Travis Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce, inside Arrowhead Stadium during the rst half of an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs Sunday

pen & paper pursuits

SOLUTIONS