Polaris Dawn, a private SpaceX mission that will see humans travel farther from Earth than any since the Apollo program a half-century ago, lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, late Monday. The rocket’s plume was visible across the Eastern seaboard, including from Asheboro, where this picture was taken. The Polaris Dawn crew is scheduled to attempt the world’s first private spacewalk on Thursday.
Child care affordability program launches in Chatham
After a pilot period, the NC Tri-Share child care program has launched in Chatham County. Designed to help families deal with the high cost of child care, the Tri-Share program was funded by the General Assembly last year. It’s a public and private partnership that splits the cost of child care equally between employers, employees and the state. To qualify, a family member must be employed by a participating business, have a household income between 185% and 300% of the federal poverty level, and be ineligible for other child care subsidies. To apply or learn more, visit pfcfmc.org
Siler City gets $500K grant for park project
Siler City has been awarded a $500,000 matching grant from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for its Future Boiling Lane Park Extension, New Town Park and Greenway project. The grant, announced by Gov. Roy Cooper on Aug. 29, will support the acquisition of 22 parcels totaling 37.5 acres for future greenway and park development. This reimbursementbased grant program begins on Nov. 1, requiring the town to match funds dollar-for- dollar. Rep. Robert Reives expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “These funds will help ensure that Siler City is a place where families can live, work and play for decades to come.” The grant is part of a larger $17.9 million statewide initiative to fund 46 local parks and recreation projects across North Carolina.
The change will detour traffic by utilizing Highway 87
By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record
PITTSBORO — The Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners has taken a major step in the reduction and potential elimination of truck traffic going through the heart of Pittsboro.
The recently discovered version was found in a filing cabinet, dating back to 1787
By Jeffrey Collins The Associated Press
ASHEVILLE — Historical document appraiser and collector Seth Kaller spreads a broad
sheet of paper across a desk. It’s in good enough condition that he can handle it, carefully, with clean, bare hands. There are just a few creases and tiny discolorations, even though it’s just a few weeks shy of 237 years old and has spent who knows how long inside a filing cabinet in North Carolina.
See AUCTION, page A10
UNC Chapel Hill reported enrollment drops in black, Hispanic and Native American students
By Annie Ma and Makiya Seminera The Associated Press
SOME SELECTIVE colleges are reporting drops in the number of black students in their incoming classes, the first admitted since a Supreme Court ruling struck down affirmative action in higher education. At other colleges, including Princeton University and Yale University, the share of black students changed little.
Several schools also have seen swings in their numbers of Asian, Hispanic and Native American students, but trends are still murky. Experts and colleges say it will take years to measure the full impact of last year’s ruling that barred consideration of race in admissions.
At its Sept. 9 meeting, the board approved a municipal agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to reroute the U.S. 15-501 truck route around the Town of Pittsboro’s downtown.
“The truck route assignment will be reassigned to Highway 87 beginning at the intersection of Sanford Road
The end of affirmative action isn’t the only factor affecting the makeup of freshman classes. Some colleges are changing standardized test requirements, heightening their importance. And the federal government’s botched rollout of a new financial aid form complicated decisions of students nationwide on where and whether to attend college.
“It’s really hard to pull out what one policy shift is affecting all of these enrollment shifts,” said Katharine Meyer, a fellow at the Brookings Institution think tank. “The unsatisfying answer is that it’s
and Highway 87,” said Assistant Town Manager Kent Jackson. “Trucks would then continue on Highway 87 until the interchange with U.S. 64 Bypass and then they would proceed east on U.S. 64 Bypass before reentering Highway 15-501 just north of the power place location to continue on the route as it exists today.”
In addition to the agreement, the board approved a payment of $125,000 in order to replace prior route signage as the NCDOT requires a 50% municipality match on rerouting projects. According to town staff, reasons for the change included improving public safety, enhancing the experience and quality of downtown, increasing pedestrian oriented de-
See REROUTE, page A2
REROUTE from page A1
sign for future streetscape enhancements, reducing harmful emissions, lessening wear and tear on infrastructure and having the ability to enact no-through trucks ordinance.
The change, which has been in the process for over two years, will begin to take effect within one year of the agreement according to Jackson’s conversations with the NCDOT.
“The framework is in place to move relatively rapidly with this,” Jackson said. “The NCDOT tells us that it will be approximately one-year from the time we sign the agreement and make the payment until the actual rerouting will begin. That time will be needed for the sign design and fabrication.”
Additionally, per the staff’s memo on the project, the reassignment will allow for the new route to be in place prior to the Hillsboro Street widening and the downtown streetscape projects that are expected to take place in 2026.
The board also held a public hearing for a voluntary contiguous annexation request made by Chatham Park Investors, LLC for 3.467-acres of property located on Suttles Road southeast from the Highway 15/501 and 64 Bypass interchange.
Following the hearing, the board approved the request to incorporate the property into the town’s corporate limits.
Finally, the board approved the creation of a new downtown events and administrative coordinator position.
The job will be a permanent, part-time position that will be focused on day-to-day planning and management of events in the downtown district and will allow the assistant planning director to focus more on planning department and downtown support needs.
The Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners will next meet Oct. 14.
Public health organization offers T-shirts and gift cards for
Chatham News & Record staff
AFTER A BLOOD shortage this summer, the American Red Cross is holding a number of blood donation events throughout the month of September. While all blood types are needed, there is a particular demand for type O blood donors and those willing to give platelets. Donations made before Sept. 15 get a Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while donations from Sept. 16 to 30 will get a $15 e-gift card to a mer-
Financial services firm Edward Jones recently was named the top Extra Large company on the Triangle Business Journal’s Best Places to Work ranking.
Edward Jones has 195 branches in the region, and the company is seeking new financial advisors interested in operating an office with the support and benefits of one of the oldest and largest firms in the industry. Visit careers.edward.jones.com for more on how to join.
• 298 E. Salisbury Street (Pittsboro), 0.40 Acres, 3 Bedroom/2 Bath, $600,000
• 412 Brampton Close (Pittsboro), .058 Acres, 3 Bedroom/2 Bath, $489,000
• 557 Olives Chapel Road, (Apex),12.802 Acres, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, $2,500,000
• 5765 G Snow Camp Road (Graham), 82.480 Acres, 8 Bedroom/6 Bathroom, $1,900,000
RESIDENTIAL
• 2035 Long Point Trail (Sanford), .48 Acres, 5 Bedroom/2.5 Bath, $680,000 LAND
• 13120 Strickland Road (Raleigh),16.25 Acres, $1,500,000
• 389 Dewitt Smith Road (Pittsboro), 9.109 Acres, 3 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, $550,000
• 65 Brookhaven Way (Pittsboro), 1.232 Acres, 4 Bedrooms/3 Bathroom, $800,000 LAND
• 1388 Henry Oldham Road (Bear Creek), 4.840 Acres, $135,000
• 0 Hal Clark Road (Siler city), 29.730 Acres, $360,000
• 188 Cherokee Drive (Chapel Hill),1.150 Acres, $100,000
• 00 Hamlets Chapel Road(Pittsboro),118.74
2 Acres, $4,250,000
• 1000 Nesbit Road (Pleasant Garden), 52.13 Acres, $1,500,000
• 1167 Silk Hope Road (Siler City), 32.287 Acres, $450,000
Can You Build a New Home in Siler City in 2024?
chant of their choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for more. In Chatham County, there are events in Pittsboro and Bennett this month: Sept. 20: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Chatham YMCA, 287 East Street in Pittsboro Sept. 27: 12 to 5 p.m. at the Bennett Baptist Church, 68 Bonlee Street in Bennett Schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 800-RED-CROSS, or by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Donators need a blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification at check-in.
• 170 Cherokee Drive (Chapel Hill),1.150 Acres, $100,000
• 9311 NC Highway 87 (Pittsboro), 4.602 Acres, $225,000
• 9231 NC Highway 87 (Pittsboro), 5.630 Acres, $250,000
• 48 Swimming Chicken Lane (Pittsboro), 5.060 Acres, $500,000
• 24 Swimming Chicken Lane (Pittsboro), 9.470 Acres, $750,000
• 37 E Cotton Road (Pittsboro), 0.996 Acres, $300,000
• 175 Valleydale Drive (Pittsboro), 3.650 Acres, $175,000
• 0 Panama Terrace (Durham), .420 Acres, $45,000
COMMERCIAL IMPROVED
• 200 E. Salisbury Street (Pittsboro), 0.45 Acres, $675,000
• 8636/8710 Johnson Mill Road (Bahama),182.888 Acres, $3,240,000
• 292 Choice Trail (Pittsboro), 4.100 Acres, $285,000
• 0 Chatham Church Road (Moncure),15.94 Acres, $750,000
• 323 Wagon Trace (Pittsboro), 10.255 Acres, $325,000
• 0 Pasture Branch Road (Rose Hill), 29.00 Acres, $1,250,000
• 0 US 64 W (Siler City), 9.670 Acres, $4,500,000
COMMERCIAL UNIMPROVED
• 1700 Hillsboro Street (Pittsboro), 29.79 Acres, $4,500,000
• 10681 US Hwy 64 E (Apex), 3.97 Acres, $1,000,000
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County:
Sept. 13
Chatham Mills Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. to noon 480 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro
Sept. 14
Family Story Time
Chatham Community Library
10:30 to 11 a.m.
197 N.C. Highway 87 N., Pittsboro
Families are invited to join us in the Lakritz Story Time Room for a weekly story time. Hear stories, sing songs and more! Story time is geared toward children who have not yet entered kindergarten (ages 2-5), but anyone is welcome to join in on the fun! For more information, email: youth.services@ chathamlibraries.org.
17
Fearrington Farmer’s Market
Fearrington Village 4 to 6 p.m.
E. Camden, Fearrington Village
The Fearrington Farmers’ Market is located in Fearrington Village right off 15-501, halfway between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro. This producer-only market has more than three dozen members and is now in its 30th season! Each week you can find vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, flowers, home-canned goods and baked goods — a wonderful array of foods and flavors — grown or made for healthy, happy living.
Sept. 18
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn (Best for ages 2-5 with an adult)
Chatham Community Library 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Kaleidoscope is for parents and other caregivers with children birth to 5 years old who do not attend preschool or child care. Playgroups offer caregivers a space to connect with one another and build community. Children will have fun activities and caregivers will learn: New ideas for effective child guidance
Tips on how children grow and learn at each age
Ideas for better awareness of your child’s needs FIRST TEACHER skills to support your
Donations will benefit students and disadvantaged families
By Melinda Burris Chatham News & Record
CHATHAM CHARTER’S
Senior Beta Club is launching
a shoe drive fundraiser that will begin this week and continue through Nov. 8.
The student-centered group is founded on a mission to lead by serving others while promoting academic achievement, character, leadership
and service among students in elementary and secondary schools.
The club has partnered with Funds2Orgs, which has agreed to donate money based on the total weight of shoes collected during the drive. Funds2Org will then redistribute the donations through its network of micro-entrepreneurs.
The organization collaborates with small businesses in developing countries to help create economic and employment opportunities. Proceeds from the sale of shoes col-
lected will go to feed, clothe and house these struggling families.
Chatham Charter Senior Beta Club Sponsor Amber Crossman said in a release that the fundraiser is “a winwin” as “most people have extra shoes in their closets” and that by donating them, “we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities.”
To donate, drop off your gently used or new shoes at Chatham Charter School, 2200 Hamp Stone Road in Siler City before Nov. 8.
Duck, deer, and small game open in coming months
By Morgan Matthews For Chatham News & Record
AS AUTUMN approaches, Chatham County hunters are taking to the fields for the 202425 hunting season. The season kicked off on Sept. 2 with the opening of dove hunting, a popular start to the fall hunting calendar.
Dove season will run in three segments: September 2 - October 5, November 9 - November 30, and December 16 - January
31, 2025. Hunters can bag up to 15 mourning or white-winged doves per day, with shooting allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.
Other popular hunting periods are on the horizon:
• Duck hunting: October 17January 31 (in stages)
• Deer hunting: November 2January 1
• Small game (squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, etc.): October 14 - February 28
Chatham Sheriff Mike Roberson reminds residents, especially those in rural areas, that
increased gunfire sounds are normal during this time. “We want to reassure everyone that this is a typical part of hunting season,” he said in a press release. “However, it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings and report anything unusual to law enforcement.”
Dove hunting enthusiasts should note that baiting is strictly prohibited. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission advises that areas are considered baited for 10 days following the removal of all salt, grain, or other feed. However, hunting is permitted in agricultural areas where grain has been distributed as part of normal farming operations.
To assist hunters, the Wildlife Resources Commission offers an interactive map of game land dove fields on its website at ncwildlife.org. This tool can help locate prime hunting spots across the county.
MT. GILEAD BAPTIST CHURCH Established 1824
MT. GILEAD BAPTIST CHURCH WILL CELEBRATE HOMECOMING ON Sunday, Sept. 15. There will be no Sunday School. Worship will begin at 10:30 a.m. Special Guest Speaker will be Justin Bouldin and music will be provided by Redeemed Harmony. A covered dish lunch will follow in the fellowship hall.
We are located at: 1785 Mt. Gilead Church Road in Pittsboro. Please join us.
MAYS CHAPEL BAPTIST
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
It is a paradox that the broken heart, not a hardened one, can motivate one to help the world heal.
THE LATE WRITER Brian Doyle was from New York City, and he wrote the moving essay “Leap” about that tragic day on Sept. 11, 2001. In a lesser-known article for the American Scholar, Doyle claimed we should refer to the day as “the Eleventh” rather than 9/11 because that phrase “has a gravitas suitable to the grievous shimmer of the day.”
He then reminded us that terrorist acts, whether the hijacking of planes or kidnapping of hostages, are a perversion of Islam, which is practiced by a billion of our siblings around the world. Indeed, the Prophet, peace be upon him, unambiguously stated, “Let there be no compulsion in religion.” A lesson for people of all faiths about mutual respect and freedom.
Doyle also noted that there were eight children on airplanes who died on the Eleventh. Even over two decades later, that fact pierces me anew, for I imagine their loved ones patiently buckling them into their seats, like I did with my own children just this summer, reassuring them that they would be safe.
Like Doyle, I am a father and a praying man. I pray for an end to all forms of violence, including terrorist attacks and mass shootings. I pray for an end to weaponized words. I pray that apathy and cynicism will burn away in the fires of
commitment and compassion from people who are united across religions and creeds by love in action. It is a paradox that the broken heart, not a hardened one, can motivate one to help the world heal. As a form of prayer, I am resolved to attend to the children in my life, my own offspring as well as any I might encounter. To attend is to give attention: to return their smiles and answer their questions (even if it is the same question over and over again); to take seriously their fears, whether real or imagined; to crouch down to their level when they are hurt; and, upon their tearful instructions, to affix many, many more BandAids than necessary. For theirs is the kingdom of moment, and through holy attention, I might help to create a more hospitable world for them, one in which they are educated, protected, and loved each and every day. As Doyle wrote before he died, “it would somehow be a bolt of joy against a sneer and stab of horror, a quiet insistence that love can and will defeat murderers of every stripe.” May it be so.
Andrew Taylor-Troutman is pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church as well as a writer, pizza maker, coffee drinker and student of joy.
One more word on back to school
I’ve given serious consideration to enrolling in kindergarten so I could use new crayons and markers to color in my book and maybe take naps in the afternoon since I am potty trained.
BY NOW THE ANNUAL FRENZY of “Back to School” is a memory since most folks who go have been back for a few weeks or, at least, a few days. Labor Day, that last summer holiday, is a thing of the past as we begin rushing toward fall celebrations. And don’t forget it’s only a hundred or so days until Christmas.
There’s been enough time for students to figure out which classes they like, take in some athletic events, develop new boyfriends and girlfriends, and generally have the novelty of it all wear off to be replaced by business as usual.
Additionally, I know “Back to School” season is over because we got our first Christmas shopping circular the other day.
Anyway, the big stack of newspaper circulars and mail pieces that recently covered our table advertising “Back to School” as the most important thing since sliced bread and indoor plumbing is now in the wood pile as this winter’s fire starter. Yet, call it a character flaw, weakness or senior adult mind becoming moldy, I was reminded, stacking up those papers, of how that event once played out when I wore a little boy’s clothes.
The clothes thing was the first step in “Back to School” for me when we lived in Apex and it actually was a separate place from CARYRALEIGHWAKE COUNTY. My mama would catch the bus from our little town to downtown Raleigh. There she would torture me through the bargain basement of the Belks store on Fayetteville Street and eventually upstairs to where all the blue jeans in the world were stacked on display.
I never understood how she could buy jeans and other clothes for my older brothers who didn’t have to make the trip but I had to go along even though for a year or two I was a preschooler since in the Dark Ages there was no kindergarten. In my later years I’ve given serious consideration to enrolling in kindergarten so I could use new crayons and markers to color in my book and maybe take naps in the afternoon since I am potty trained.
It’s funny, but now I can’t remember where Mama found my “Back to School” clothes after our little family moved to Pittsboro. Maybe it was the old Halls Department Store off the courthouse circle or Griffin’s Shoe Shop on Main Street. Later as I added khakis and knit shirts to my blue jean inventory, I included William Ray Arthurs’s Men’s Shop down the block from Griffin’s to my favorite places. But that came after joining the ranks of the employed and starting carrying around a few dollars.
The day we went back to school was a yearly decision
and not already decided as today. Before Jordan Lake and its many benefits, including but not limited to expensive search-and-rescue operations, the loss of more than 40,000 acres of the best farm land in the county, the end of many families living on the land for generations, and the tragic loss of lives from swimming and boating accidents, it was the annual tobacco harvest that drove the school calendar.
If the harvest was early, we were in school by late August. If the harvest was late, the date was pushed back as far as possible, and even then some of our classmates would be late getting there since they were needed to put a profit into the family pocketbook.
In those prehistoric days before social media and cell phones, it was back to school that helped us develop interpersonal skills. We talked with each other and our teachers in the classroom, sometimes to the chagrin of our teacher, and on the playground and in the lunchroom and on the school bus. I don’t remember any of my friends or family sitting around the table, at home or in the lunchroom, wearing out our thumbs to talk to the person beside us.
It was the combination of seeing friends again after three months, of smelling notebook paper, of new jeans and shirts, of eating with friends even if it was Mystery Meat again for the third day in a row, and all those things that made it so good to go back to school.
But of all those things and events that were part of the happenings, I must confess perhaps my favorite was finding out not only who my teacher was but who among my buddies was in my room. Critical information like that had much to do with the visits from our Grade Mothers who came bearing cookies, brownies, Rice Krispie treats and such. I always wanted to be in the same room with my friend Bill Farrell because that meant his mama Dorothy (always and forever “Miss Dot” to me) would be by with the above mentioned goodies as often as possible.
Do they still do stuff like that anymore? I’ve been told by some whom I assume to be an authority on the subject that homemade treats are no longer allowed in the halls of higher or even elementary education. But, if by some chance they are, I think this may be the year I try that kindergarten sign-up.
Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.
We arise in the morning with a relatively full tank of self‑discipline used for discerning our chosen values during the day.
THIS IS A TALE of how I sandbag my values. Finger-pointing at biology as a culprit. Wait a minute! If you’re finger-pointing at biology as a values desecrator, aren’t you offloading personal responsibility?
Ouch. You weren’t supposed to notice! As a truth-teller (well, much of the time, anyway) I would sorely love to offload personal responsibility for my occasional biologically driven shortcomings. Dreaming on. OK, OK, let’s hear the tale (or excuse) for how your values get sandbagged by (oh, no!) biology.
Beginning with the edibles.
Edibles?
Just chocolate, really. I love chocolate so much that my intake of it often soars beyond what I can handle in the moment. This, I believe, is an outcome of serious, early childhood, chocolate deprivation, reputedly due to allergies; so said my late allergist. (Yeah, right!)
Now, about chocolate’s biological impact, on me, generating serious, snarky behavior.
Snarky because …
Scarfing down too much chocolate mutates my usually good-natured self into a very sharp-tongued creature. The delicious and alluring substance, chocolate, filled with CAFFEINE, appears to impact my niceness quotient. Big time.
Chocolate overload becomes a behavioral wound, inflicted on my strong value of niceness. It’s a commensurately serious wound for any person who’s on the other end of my snarkiness.
Setting chocolate aside (not really possible), let’s proceed to part two of this values sandbagging tale.
Off we go …
We arise in the morning with a relatively full tank of self-discipline used for discerning our chosen values during the day. A value
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
such as being nice, for instance. Our personal tank of self-discipline, for values discernment, begins emptying out as we move through the day. We can make only so many values-based decisions before our tank of self-discipline is exhausted. (Not fair!) Segueing to autopilot, we, hopefully, await a full tank of selfdiscipline coming back online the next day.
Wait, what’s this autopilot stuff?
Oh, my, totally a field of temptations! Autopilot-driven discernment leads to decreased willpower and increased capacity for falling off the values wagon. My discernment fuel tank begins to flash red. When my daily tank of self-discipline is on empty, my behavior can just wing right past my values. (What values?) I no longer write important emails at night. Just too risky when my tank is empty.
Wrapping up this sordid tale of values sandbagging. Chocolate overdrive does a number on my biology, stimulating unwelcome episodes of snarkiness. Also forgotten is the limiting factor of my rapidly decreasing fuel tank for discernment in the evening. I do make an effort to remember that waining self-discipline can lead me to painful belly flops off the tall platform of my moral code.
In summation, should I judge myself an utter mess? No way! How about an utter human being? One who occasionally forgets about the many variables causing changes in her outward values and behavior. An utter human being who, despite her imperfections, just keeps right on truckin’. And as an utter human being who struggles to remember that offering herself compassion is also one of her values.
Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.
Mark Zuckerberg recently admitted that senior Biden administration officials “repeatedly pressured” Facebook to “censor” COVID 19 content.
IN 2019, VICE PRESIDENT Kamala Harris told CNN’s Jake Tapper that social media companies “are directly speaking to millions and millions of people without any level of oversight or regulation and it has to stop.”
Does it?
Every two-bit authoritarian in history has justified censoring its citizens as a way of protecting them from the menace of disinformation.
But social media sites, contra the reliably illiberal Harris, aren’t “directly speaking” to anyone. Millions of individuals are interacting and speaking to millions of other individuals. Really, that’s what grinds the modern left’s gears: unsupervised conversations.
Take the Brazilian Supreme Court panel that unanimously upheld the decision by one of its justices to shut down Elon Musk’s X over alleged “misinformation” fears.
We must assume that the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, who once promised to ban guns via an executive order, agrees with Justice Alexandre de Moraes’s decision to shut down a social media platform for refusing to bend to the state’s demands of censorship.
The Associated Press reports that the Brazilian high court’s decision “undermines the effort by Musk and his supporters to cast Justice Alexandre de Moraes as an authoritarian renegade who is intent on censoring political speech in Brazil.” Really? Because it seems to me that the state shuttering one of the popular social media sites unmistakably qualifies as a ban on political speech, whether one person is responsible or an entire government. And make no mistake, it is politically motivated. “Just because the guy has a lot of money doesn’t mean he can disrespect this (country),” Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva argued. Well, the South American nation’s constitution, like ours, apparently protects free expression — making no distinction between the poor and rich: “Any and all censorship of a political, ideological, and artistic nature is prohibited.”
You can tell Brazil is super serious about the matter because the bullet point appears in Chapter V, Article 220, or page 148 in my translated copy.
Let’s concede, however, that de Moraes isn’t any kind of renegade, merely a conventional Brazilian autocrat. In the same
BE IN TOUCH
COLUMN GARY LEONARD
NORTH CAROLINA’S public schools are at a pivotal moment in their history. The challenges we face in Chatham County and beyond are significant, but so too are the opportunities to reimagine and strengthen our education system for today’s students and future generations.
As we look ahead, it’s essential to focus on the key areas that will shape the success of our students and our state: recruitment, retention and compensation of educational professionals; adequate funding; partnerships with parents and the community; and building an academic assessment and accountability system that prepares our students for future success.
North Carolina has a rich tradition of dedicated educators who have shaped the lives of countless students. In recent years, however, we’ve seen a troubling trend: fewer people entering the profession and too many talented educators leaving it. To reverse this trend, we must make the recruitment, retention and compensation of educational professionals a top priority. By investing in our educators, we are investing in the future of our students and our state.
Adequate funding is the bedrock of a strong public education system. It ensures that schools have the resources to provide high-quality instruction, maintain safe and modern facilities, and offer enriching extracurricular activities. We must be forward-thinking in our approach, investing in technology, infrastructure and innovative programs that prepare our students for the demands of the 21st century.
Education is not just the responsibility of schools; it is a community endeavor. Parents, community organizations, businesses and local governments all play a vital role in the success of our students. Strong partnerships between schools and these stakeholders are essential for creating a supportive and enriching educational environment.
way, Musk isn’t merely another billionaire but a tech CEO who generally views free expression as a neutral principle.
I suppose the best evidence for this claim is the fact that even as Brazil bans Musk’s site, he allows the far-left Lula to have an account on X with 9 million followers.
In Europe, free expression is also ostensibly protected by the constitution. Well, the right is contingent on “national security,” “territorial disorder,” “crime,” “health” and other highly malleable issues that ultimately allow police officers in the United Kingdom and Germany to show up at your door and throw you in prison for offensive posts.
As the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia once pointed out, “Every Banana Republic has a Bill of Rights.” The question is: How close are we to being one?
Uncomfortably close is the answer.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently admitted that senior Biden administration officials “repeatedly pressured” Facebook to “censor” COVID-19 content, including “humor and satire,” during the pandemic. Zuckerberg vowed that he would never let his company be pushed around again. I’m sorry if we don’t take him at his word.
Tech companies enjoy unencumbered free association rights and are free to keep or kick off anyone they desire from their platform, as they should. Before Musk’s purchase of Twitter, now known as X, contemporary left-wingers celebrated the independence of social media platforms. “If you don’t like it, build your own Twitter,” they would say.
OK. But when corporations, who often spend tens of millions each year in Washington rent-seeking and lobbying for favorable regulations, take marching orders from state officials and giant federal bureaucracies on the contours of permissible speech, we have a big problem.
If presidential candidates truly cared about “democracy,” they’d be advocating anticronyism laws and forbidding government officials from interfering with or pressuring private entities on speech.
But, these days, many Americans no longer view free expression as a neutral, liberal virtue worth defending. Foremost among them, apparently, is the Democratic presidential ticket.
David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist.
Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers, and their involvement in their child’s education is crucial.
Schools must actively engage with parents, providing them with the tools and opportunities to support their child’s learning. Partnerships with community organizations and businesses can offer students real-world experiences, mentorship and resources that enhance their education. When properly supported, public schools help build thriving adults and strong communities. The success of our schools contributes to the strength and prosperity of our neighborhoods, towns and cities.
One of the most important aspects of education is ensuring that our students are making progress and are prepared for future success. To make the most of our students’ abilities and potential, we need rigorous, holistic academic assessment and accountability systems.
This means measuring a broad range of skills, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. It also means using data to inform instruction and support, ensuring that every student receives the personalized attention they need to thrive.
Our accountability systems should focus not just on test scores but on preparing students for life beyond school. This includes career and college readiness, as well as the development of social-emotional skills that are critical for success in today’s world.
The challenges facing North Carolina’s public schools are real, but they are not insurmountable. By focusing on these key areas, we can create a public education system that not only meets the needs of today’s students but also prepares them for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. This is a call to action for all North Carolinians — educators, parents, policymakers and community members alike. We owe it to our students to do everything we can to help them reach their full potential.
The future of our state depends on the success of our students. In short, public education does the public good. To learn more, go to publiceducationmatters.org.
Gary Leonard is a retired Chatham County public school teacher and chairman of the Chatham County Board of Education.
Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or 1201 Edwards Mill Rd., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27607. Letters must be signed; include the writer’s phone number, city and state; and be no longer than 300 words. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com.
Dec. 12, 1940 –Sept. 4, 2024
Larry Wilson Bristow, 83, passed peacefully from this world September 4, 2024, at his home, after a year of declining health. His two daughters held his hands while he passed.
Larry was born December 12, 1940 in Pinehurst, NC to Bascom Mack Bristow and Ruth Swain Bristow. Larry spent his younger years in Moore County.
In 1961, Larry was introduced to Betty Lou Betts by mutual friends. The couple fell madly in love, marrying shortly thereafter on October 8, 1961 in Bennettsville SC.
Larry & Betty began their life together in Sanford where children Anthony (Tony) and Kimberly (Kim) were born. In 1967, shortly after Larry began working at Kellwood Company, the family moved to Siler City. Two more children, Michelle and Tracy, were born after the family settled in Siler City.
Larry spent the majority of his career at Kellwood (later Glendale Hosiery) working his way up from machine fixer to head of the R & D department.
Larry enjoyed family vacations, family get togethers, eating good food (especially sweets), playing and watching golf and traveling with his wife. He especially enjoyed making and eating homemade ice cream. Larry also loved going to the beach where he loved floating on his back in the ocean (wearing his floating hat) a skill he tried to teach all his children and grandchildren. Larry also loved music, especially bluegrass, and played several musical instruments. He spent about 10 years playing with the “Rocky River Ramblers”, a local bluegrass group. Larry loved sharing his musical talents with his children and grandchildren and encouraged them all in their musical endeavors.
Larry was a faithful member of Brookdale Baptist Church
for over 50 years, serving in many roles, including singing in the choir and serving as a deacon. He was Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee for several decades, taking extremely good care of his beloved church in ways most people never realized.
In addition to his parents and his wife of 62 years, Larry was predeceased by his brother George Robert Davis, his sister Janette Ashley and husband Bobby, and brother John Harold Tyson as well as his in-laws and numerous halfsiblings on the Bristow side.
Left to cherish Larry’s memory are his four children: son Tony (Stretch) Bristow and wife Donna of Siler City; Kimberly (Kim) B. Gaines and husband Ricky of Bear Creek; Michelle Bristow of Siler City; and Tracy Bristow and girlfriend Kimberly Thomas of Pittsboro.
Papa Larry also leaves behind seven grandchildren whose lives were very much shaped by his love and constant presence in their lives: Marlene Gaines of Jefferson; Jedidiah (Jed) Bristow and wife Abby of Siler City; Shelby G. Stitcher and husband Nathan of Hays, KS; Erin Bristow Spear and husband Justin of Newland; Luke Pierce and wife Kaitlin of Siler City; Emily Pierce of Siler City; and Madison Gaines of Bear Creek.
Larry is also survived by great-granddaughters Marlee Stonecipher of Jefferson, and Ellie and McKinsley (M.J.) Spear of Newland.
Larry also leaves behind his brother Tommy Tyson (Jackie) of Robbins, sister-in-law Janice Tyson of Asheboro, very special neighbor of almost 50 years, Nat Murray and several nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.
The family will receive friends and family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday September 7, 2024 at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at Brookdale Baptist Church on Sunday September 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. John Klink, Jr. and Rev. Walter Jones officiating. A private burial service will follow at Lee Memory Gardens in Sanford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brookdale Baptist Church P.O. Box 428 Siler City, NC 27344. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the Bristow family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com
SEPT. 3, 2024
July 18, 1943 –Sept. 7, 2024
Jimmy Earl Phillips, 81, of Bonlee, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, September 7th, 2024, surrounded by family. Jimmy was born July 18th, 1943, in Chatham County to the late Arthur Edward and Nora Jane Joyce Phillips. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers,
Aug. 14, 1939 –Aug. 29, 2024
Marion Lee Harvey, 85, went to his heavenly home Thursday, August 29, 2024.
A Celebration of his life will be held at Piney Grove Methodist Church, Saturday, September 7 at 11:00 am with Reverend Jim Folks officiating. Visitation will follow the service at 12:00 pm in the church fellowship hall.
The family will gather with family and friends at the graveside at 1:30 pm at Chatham Memorial Park.
Lee was born on August 14, 1939, in Thomasville, NC to the late Marion Thomas Harvey and Pearl Saintsing Harvey. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lloyd Stewart Harvey and son Jeffrey Lynn Harvey. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Beulah Main Harvey of Siler City; daughter Angela Millsaps (Sam) of Siler City; brother Larry Harvey;
Dr. Donny Lee Hunter, 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday with his loving family by his side. Born and raised in Broadway, Donny was the youngest son of Altie Johnson and Laurin “Fid” Hunter. Donny spent much of his childhood working to help his family make ends meet but spent his free time playing sports. A natural athlete, Donny tried out for the youth baseball league. But when he made the team, he told Coach Mack Spivey he couldn’t play because his family couldn’t afford a baseball glove. Coach Spivey drove to Donny’s house, opened his trunk, tossed him a spare glove, and told him he was going to play no matter what. Coach Spivey became a cherished role model that day, and Donny carried his lessons of confidence, kindness, generosity, and encouragement throughout his life.
In his senior year of high school, Donny and some friends crashed a dance at Boone Trail School. That’s where he met Rebecca Collins. He was enchanted by her but failed to ask for her number. The next day, he drove around the Boone Trail area, asking strangers if they knew her, until he finally tracked her down and knocked on her door. His determination paid off - they were married in July of 1973 and enjoyed 51 happy years together.
Wayne Phillips, Taft Phillips, and Jack Phillips; sisters, Bobby Webster, and Hilda Moore; and son-in-law, Shannon Johnson. Jimmy retired after 45 years from Boling Chair Company and was also a poultry farmer for B.M Hancock, Townsends, and Mountaire. Jimmy was a lifetime member of Edward Hill Friends Meeting and was the unofficial timekeeper for the church to start. He enjoyed mowing and was very particular about the upkeep of his farm and chicken houses. He loved watching old western movies and Fox news. Jimmy adored his grandchildren and was especially proud of his great granddaughter. Jimmy always looked forward to community benefit dinners, especially the Bennett Fire Department Chicken supper. If he wasn’t mowing, he was gathering his pecans and keeping his vehicles meticulously clean. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patsy Lowe
grandsons Aaron Harvey (Lashay); Bray Harvey (Megan); Scott Harvey and Spencer Millsaps (Sydney); great grandchildren Braxton Harvey; Landon Harvey; Kelsie Harvey; Madison Harvey and Baby Girl Harvey arriving soon; his aunt Nell Hedrick; brother-in-law John Cassavaugh; along with many nephews, nieces and cousins. Lee was a mentor, teacher, and encourager in every part of his life. He attended NC State, High Point College and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in History. Later in life, he graduated from Central Carolina Community College and retired from CCCC as Instructor of Business Computer Programming. Many of his students continue to appreciate his guidance during their time in his classes. He was an active member in the Methodist Church both at First United Methodist Church and Piney Grove Methodist Church. He served in many leadership roles as well as taught Sunday school; sang in the choir and did solo work as well. Lee lived his life based on God’s word and shared that as he taught and served as a Lay reader. Lee loved sports. He and Beulah were always faithful in attendance at their grandsons’ games as well as watched sports at home. He was an avid State fan and loved to howl for a Wolfpack win. His sport of leisure was golf which he played as long as possible. He even had a hole in one.
We offer an on-site crematory with many options of Celebration of Life services, Traditional, and Green Burials. Call us to set an appointment to come by and learn more.
Phillips of the home; his son, Shannon Phillips and his wife Amy of Bonlee; his daughter, Michelle Johnson of Bonlee; his five grandchildren, Autumn Johnson of Bonlee, Justin Phillips and his wife, Ashton of Bonlee, Luke Phillips and his wife, Allie of Bennett, Lizzie Phillips of Lillington, and Holden Johnson of Bonlee; his great granddaughter, Harper Lee Phillips of Bonlee; and his sister, Joyce Stone of Sanford. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 12th, 2024, at 2 pm, at Edwards Hill Friends Meeting. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, from 6-8 pm, at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the meeting cemetery. Officiating services will be Josh Conrad. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Phillips family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com
Lionism was Lee’s biggest passion in life. He was a Lifetime Member of the Siler City Lions Club which he served since 1968. He helped to organize and served as Club Advisor for the Jordan Matthews High School Leo Club. Lee also sponsored and mentored many new members of the Siler City Lions Club through the years. He held many local, district, region and state offices with the NC Lions. He served as District Governor for District 31-G in 1982-1983. He received many awards during his long service in Lionism. Most notably were: North Carolina Lions Hall of Fame member; Melvin Jones Fellow; Jack Stickley Fellow; William L. Woolard “Partner in Service” Fellow and Sid L. Scruggs III “Beacon of Hope” Fellow. The motto for Lionism is “We Serve”. This was Lee’s motto as he served the Siler City community and schools through Lionism. Lee loved his family and encouraged them throughout their lives. His wit, smile and wisdom will be missed but will live on in each of them.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and medical staff at UNC Chapel Hill MICU and the Siler City Dialysis Unit for their care. Memorials may be made to the Siler City Lions Club, North Carolina Lions Foundation and Piney Grove Methodist Church. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Harvey family. Online condolences can be made at www. smithbucknerfh.com
JULY 24, 1945 – SEPT. 3, 2024
Deloris Spencer Ritter, also known by many as “Scoot” “Brit” and “Lois” was born on July 24, 1945, in Moore County, North Carolina to the late Coby and Maggie Spencer. She departed this earth peacefully September 3, 2024, at her residence in Robbins, North Carolina. Deloris is preceded in death by her parents Coby and Maggie Spencer. Her brothers, Fred, Frank, Eugene, Charles, Floyd, Leroy and Ronzell Spencer. She was the seventh child of nine children. Being the only sister. She was the “go to” for all things amongst her brothers. She attended Davis Elementary in Robbins, North Carolina and Pickney High School in Carthage, North Carolina. She met her husband of 53 years Jerry Ritter in 1966. She later left her family home in Zion Grove shortly after and moved to Robbins to build her life with her husband. She joined Zion Grove AME Zion Church at a early age. She was a dedicated member. She was once the president of the Deaconess Board, the kitchen committee and a dedicated class leader, choir member and an usher.
BRENDA FAYE WILKIE EDSON
SEPT. 5, 2024
Brenda Faye Wilkie Edson, age 77 of Broadway, passed away on Thursday (9/5/2024) at Sanford Health and Rehab. She was born in Lee County, daughter of the late Roland Edward Wilkie and Beatrice Patterson Wilkie. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Felton Wilkie. Faye worked for many years at Heins Telephone and later at the Hallmark Store in Sanford for over twenty years. She was an active member of Cool Springs Methodist Church, loved crossword puzzles and was an avid reader who shared her books with her friends. Surviving are her nephews, Craig Wilkie and wife Melissa and their children, Gray and Caleb of New Bern, NC, and Andrew Wilkie of Elon, NC. Also surviving are many cousins and extended family who loved her very much. Funeral service will be on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11am at Cool Springs Methodist Church in Broadway with Rev. Connie Arnold officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Nov. 12, 1945 –Sept. 7, 2024
Troy Leonard “Leo” Allen, 78, passed at his home in Bear Creek, NC on September 7, 2024. Leo was a native of Chatham County, born in Siler City on November 12, 1945. He was the fourth child born of Norman Ross and Mary Poe Allen.
He was a graduate of Bennett High School Class of 1964. He participated in sports in High School, with baseball as the activity where he shined. He married Louise Strickland with whom he celebrated 57 years together. He served stateside
JUNE 14, 1997 – AUG. 27, 2024
Henry Dewayne Stone, age 27 of Sanford, passed away on Tuesday (8/27/2024). He was born on June 14, 1997, son of Joyce Carol Thomas Stone and Samuel Wayne Stone. Henry was preceded in death by his sister Alexis Stone, maternal grandparents, Rabon Gene Thomas and Linda Carol Thomas and paternal grandparents, Samuel Stone and Barbara Stone. Henry loved to go fishing. It was his favorite hobby. He was a middle child but always was the protector of his brothers and sisters. He loved to make people laugh and loved his yearly beach trips with his sister Alexis to celebrate their birthdays. He loved his mama, his family and friends and the many friends he made working at Caterpillar. He is survived by his mother, Joyce Thomas Stone (Adam Johnson) of Sanford, NC and his father, Samuel Stone of Sanford, NC. Sisters, Chelsea Coates (Joey) and Alicia Johnson of Sanford, NC; brothers, Mark Patterson (Kayla Knight), Nick Johnson (Janet) and Sam Stone of Sanford, NC; and nieces and nephews, Lillie Coates, Lucas Coates and Abel Knight.
as a sergeant in the U.S. Army and continued service for 3 years in the National Guard. In May of 1970, Leo began his 51year career with Carolina Crane of Raleigh which eventually became Southern Industrial Constructors. This role granted him the chance to travel all over the U.S. and the opportunity to work with and mentor many. He was known for his work ethic and love of his work and family. When he wasn’t working, he was content to be at home on his porch listening the birds, riding his golf cart, riding his tractor or cooking up some new concoction on the stove or grill. Later in life, he loved spending time with his granddaughters, Olivia and Lila. “Poppy” wouldn’t need much encouragement to find an ice cream cone or to play checkers with them. They were his pride and joy and his “girls” gave him a new level of strength and purpose.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Thomas “Tommy” Allen, Marie Wicker, Steve Allen, Becky Freshwater and Debbie Sue Allen. He is survived by his wife, Louise; daughter, Amy Allen Stockwell and granddaughters, Olivia Grace and Lila Wren
Stockwell. He is survived by brothers: Virgil and Winfred Allen (Bonnie) both of Siler City, and sisters: Phoebe Hembree of Murphy and Sylvia Strickland (Sam) of Raleigh, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, September 12 from 6-8 p.m. at The Journey Church, 17475 US 64 West, Siler City, NC. The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 13 at 11:00 a.m. at The Journey Church, 17475 US 64 West, Siler City, NC. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Park in Siler City.
The family is deeply grateful to his caregivers, Phyllis Herring, Michelle Hancock and Cathryn Solowsky for their exceptional and devoted care. They would also like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice Care Team of Liberty Home Care and Hospice Services in Siler City, NC and First Choice of Siler City, NC. We would like to invite friends to share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.LoflinFH.com.
Loflin Funeral Home of Liberty is honored to serve the Allen Family.
BRYAN FRANKLIN HENNINGS
JAN. 1, 1982 – SEPT. 5, 2024
Bryan Franklin Hennings, 42 of Sanford, NC passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024 at Duke University Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Bryan fought a valiant fight against his disease. Bryan was born on January 1, 1982, to Grover Franklin Hennings and the late Nellie Louise Lytle Hennings of Sanford, NC. Bryan was predeceased by his beloved Mama, who was his best friend, and his grandparents. Bryan is survived by his father, Grover F. Hennings of Sanford, NC. His wife Crystal Johnson Hennings of the home, his stepdaughter Michaela Kirby, son-in-law, Dylan Barreras, granddaughter, Finley Paige Barreras of Cameron, NC, Cousin, Barry Hennings (Lori) of Carthage, NC, Dylan Hennings (Rebekah) of Johnson City, TN. Mother and Father-in-Law, Mike and Cindy Johnson of Sanford, NC. His adopted families, the late Gary Dollar, Libby Dollar, Melissa Dollar (Carlee, Haylee, Kolton), Gary Dollar Jr (Meagan, Hunter, Mason, Chandler, Penelope), Jeremy Dollar (Ashley) Godsons Ashton, Aiden Dollar, Brittany Dollar, Elton Ellis (Candi, Ori, Taison), “Big Brother” Kevin Stone, and a host of family and friends.
LEARN ABOUT LAND - Chatham Land Experts, www.learnaboutland.com - 919362-6999.
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FOR RENT
POWELL SPRINGS APTS. Evergreen
Construction introduces its newest independent living community for adults 55 years or older, 1 and 2 bedroom applications now being accepted. Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 919-533-6319 for more information, TDD #1-800-735-2962, Equal housing opportunity, Handicapped accessible. A2,tfnc
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS now for onebedroom apartments, adults 55 years or older. Water included, appliances furnished, on-site laundry, elevator, keyless entry. Section 8 accepted. No security deposit. Application fee $25 per adult. Call Braxton Manor, 919-6631877. Handicap accessible. Equal Housing Opportunity. J14,tfnc
Everything Imaginable Yard Sale. September Sat.14-Sun.15, (8:00AM2:00PM) 860 Lambert’s Chapel Rd. Siler City, Shop and enjoy a Hot Dog or Hot Fish Sandwich. Free Coffee or Lemonade. Info: 919-503-9154 or 919-593-2894
RV FOR SALE - RV for sale, Damen Daybreak 2000, 75,000 miles, runs great, good tires, good air conditioner, good generator. $10,000, Financing available, 919-828-4247. n/c
RICKY ELLINGTON AUCTIONEERSEquipment, business, liquidation, estates, land, houses, antiques, personal property, coins, furniture, consignments, benefits, etc., NCAL #7706, 919-548-3684, 919663-3556, rickyellingtonauctions@yahoo. com.
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Events and Holiday hand addressed envelopes for your mailings. Please contact me at 919-260-0709. S12-4tp
Small jobs – Electrical, Plumbing and Construction Call Sean – 919-444-5573
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RAINBOW WATER FILTERED VACUUMS, Alice Cox, Cox’s Distributing - Rainbow - Cell: 919-548-4314, Sales, Services, Supplies. Serving public for 35 years. Rada Cutlery is also available.
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JUNK CARS PICKED UP Free of charge. Due to many months of low steel prices and unstable steel markets, we cannot pay for cars at this time. Cars, trucks, and machinery will be transported and environmentally correctly recycled at no charge. 919-542-2803.
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LETT’S TREE SERVICE - tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing. Visa & Master Card accepted. Timber. Free estimates. 919-258-3594.
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DIGGING AND DEMO-Land improvements, mini-excavating, stump removal, mobile home and building teardown, all digging. French Drains, All your digging needs. Call John Hayes, 919-5480474.
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ROOF WASHING – Softwash roof –Cleans ALL black streaks off roofs to make them look new again And to prolong the life of the shingles. Call John Hayes – 919-548-0474. M28-D31p
DunMore Senior Living, formerly known as Coventry House of Siler City, currently has immediate openings for Med-Tech, CAN/PCA, and Dietary Aides/Cooks. Please come by the facility at 260 Village Lake Road, Siler City, to obtain an application. 4tp
CHATHAM MONUMENT COMPANY
has an immediate job opening. This is a full-time position and involves placing monuments in the cemetery in Chatham and surrounding counties. Job requirements are: Must have a valid NC driver’s license, must be able to lift 75 pounds if necessary. Must have a good attitude, the ability to work well with others and be willing to learn. Also needs reliable transportation to and from work. Pay will be based on the individual and their ability to do the work. Apply in Person to 227 N. 2nd Ave. Siler City, NC 27344 My23,rtfnc
Equipment Operators, Welders/ Fab Assistant, Fitter/ Fabricator, and Painters
Apply online at bearcreekfabrication.com or in person at 1844 Campbell Rd. Bear Creek, NC 27207
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
24E001469-910
All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Donald Wylie, Deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned before December 4, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 5th of September, 2024.
Lynne Griffin, Executor c/o Monroe, Wallace, Morden & Sherrill, P.A. 3225 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 117 Pittsboro, North Carolina S5,S12,S19,S26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Dorothy Ritter Phillips, of Chatham County, NC, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Co- Executors at the Law Office of Richard L. Cox, 113 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 on or before November 28th 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of heir recovery. All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 29th day of August 2024.
Robert Farrell Ritter, Co-Executor
Rodney Darrell Ritter, Co-Executor Curtis Eric Ritter, Co-Executor Dorothy Ritter Phillips, Estate
Richard L. Cox, Attorney Gavin & Cox 113 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 Telephone: 336-629-2600
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY DISTRICT COURT FILE NO.: 21CVD660-180 Yosary Dayonara Chavez Castillo v. Rony Alberto Matute Casco To: Rony Alberto Matute Casco Take Notice that a Complaint has been filed against you in the Civil Action described above, in the General Court of Justice, District Court Division, by the plaintiff herein, the nature of which is as follows: The Complaint seeks an Order of Permanent Custody of your minor Child, Anniel Jaciel Matute Chavez. You are required to file an Answer including any defenses to this pleading within forty (40) days from the date of first publication of this Notice with the Clerk of Court of Chatham County. If you fail to do so, you may not receive further notices, and the plaintiff will seek the relief sought herein. Publication begins This is the 12th day of September, 2024. Ashley Harris, Attorney for Plaintiff 411 Andrews Road Suite 130 Durham, NC 27705 Published September 12, 19 and 26 of 2024.
NOTICE
ENGINEERING REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Town of Siler City Bloodrun Pump Station Relocation and Sewer Line Replacement Project September 2, 2024
The Town of Siler City is soliciting requests for qualifications (RFQ) for professional engineering services to prepare; 1) Engineering design and bid package services and 2) Administration and observation of construction services.
The project scope would consist of designing the relocation of Bloodrun Pump Station and related sewer line out of the flood zone.
Scope of Work: Engineering services shall include, but are not limited to, standard tasks necessary for the implementation of the project: Assist FEMA with environmental review requirements of the project. Preparing the final Design and Construction bid package in conformance with applicable regulations and requirements; Supervising the bid advertising, tabulation, and award process, including preparing the advertisements for bid solicitations, conducting prebid meeting, conducting bid opening, and issuing the notice to proceed; Conducting the pre-construction conference; Surveying, field staking, on-site supervising of construction work, and preparing inspection reports; Reviewing and approving all contractor requests for payment, change orders, and submitting approved requests to the governing body; Providing reproducible plan drawings to the Town/ City/County upon project completion; Conducting final inspection and testing; Submitting certified “as-built” drawings to appropriate authorities; and Preparing an operation and maintenance manual (if applicable).
Engineering Firms are to submit their qualifications to prepare the Engineering Report and subsequent design and construction services to Chris McCorquodale, Public Utilities Director, Town of Siler City, 311 N Second St., PO Box 769, Siler City, NC 27344 by 2:00 pm October 1, 2024. Bids will be awarded at the Board of Commissioners meeting October 7, 2024.
For more detailed submittal requirements contact Chris McCorquodale, Public Utilities Director at 919742-4733 or cmccorquodale@silercity.org.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS 24E001429-180
Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of JAMES DANIEL AXSOM, of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all person having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before November 22, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Jill Clubb Smith, Administrator
Erin B. Riddick, Attorney 5511 Capital Center Drive, Ste. 180 Raleigh, NC 27606
Publish: August 22, 29, Sept. 5, and 12, 2024
NOTICE
All persons, firms and corporations having claims against RONNIE DALE MADORMA, a/k/a RONI MADORMA deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, who died on June 26, 2024, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before December 2, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. This 29th day of August 2024, Jamie Hartless, Executor, c/o Alisa Huffman, PLLC, 311 S. Academy St., Cary, NC 27511. Chatham File Number: 24E001391-180 Publication Dates: August 29, September 5, 12, 19th
I am happy to pay over the phone, or if you prefer, you can mail an invoice for payment.
Thank you very much! Alisa Huffman, msw, jd
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY
HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Marlene C. Brown, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of December, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 29th day of August, 2024.
Donna B. Sessoms, Executor of the Estate of Marlene C. Brown 2250 Joe Brown Road Bear Creek, North Carolina 27207
MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE
ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. 24 SP 001088-180
W. Woods Doster, Administrator D.B.N. of the Estate of Donald Franklin Eads; Petitioner, vs. Judith Diann Eads, Jason Warren Eads, Austin Richard Eads
Respondent
TO: Jason Warren Eads and Austin Richard Eads
Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled special proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Petitioner is the duly appointed and qualified administrator of your mother’s estate; see Chatham County Estate file # 23 E 0140. The purpose of this action is to sell your mother’s property to pay the debts of her estate. You are required to make a defense to such pleading no later than October 22, 2024 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.
This the 3rd day of September, 2024. Shelby L. Lennon, Attorney for Administrator 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330
Publish: 09/12/24, 09/19/24, 09/26/24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF JACQUALINE CARMEL D’AMICO
All persons, firms and corporations having claims against JACQUALINE CARMEL D’AMICO, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit them to Elizabeth D’Amico as Executor as of the decedent’s estate on or before December 12, 2024, c/o Brittany N. Porter, 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 5th day of September, 2024. Elizabeth D’Amico, Executor c/o Brittany N. Porter, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF KENNETH PAUL FORTE
All persons, firms and corporations having claims against KENNETH PAUL FORTE, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit them to Christina D. Forte as Executor as of the decedent’s estate on or before December 2, 2024, c/o Brittany N. Porter, 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 abovenamed Executor. This the 29th day of August, 2024. Christina D. Forte, Executor c/o Brittany N. Porter, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY
HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Jane Womble Tripp, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 28th day of November, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
This the 22nd day of August, 2024.
Christopher Odell Tillman, Executor of the Estate of Jane Womble Tripp 6911 Wexford Woods Trail Raleigh, North Carolina 27613 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE
ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850
NOTICE
ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against Ruth Evelyn Leopold, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before December 12, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.
This 12th day of September, 2024.
David Leopold, Executor Estate of Ruth Evelyn Leopold c/o Roberson Law Firm 1829 E. Franklin St., Ste. 800C Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Run Dates: 9/12, 19, 26, 10/3
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
24 E 001452-180 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
The undersigned, Marie Hopper, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Gene Brooks, deceased, late of Chatham County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the day of December 4th, 2024, or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This the 5th of September, 2024.
Executor Marie H. Hopper
Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post Office Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF VIVIAN ESPERANZA CAMACHO
FILE NO. 24E001458-180
All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Vivian Esperanza Camacho, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before December 5, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.
This the 5th day of September, 2024.
Jacquelyn Elizabeth Alzola, Administrator C/O Brady Cobin Law Group, PLLC 4141 Parklake Ave, Suite 310 Raleigh, NC 27612
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION
CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. 16 CvD 536
COUNTY OF CHATHAM
Plaintiff, NOTICE OF SERVICE OF vs. PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of WILLIE LEE FOUSHEE, SR., et al Defendants.
TO: The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of WILLIE LEE FOUSHEE, JR. and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder A pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action and notice of service of process by publication began on September 12, 2024. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Foreclosure on tax parcel(s) more completely described in the Complaint, to collect delinquent ad valorem taxes (assessments). Plaintiff seeks to extinguish any and all claim or interest that you may have in said property. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after the date of the first publication of notice stated above, exclusive of such date, being forty (40) days after September 12, 2024, or by October 22, 2024, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service of process by publication will apply to the Court for relief sought.
This the 3rd day of September, 2024.
ZACCHAEUS LEGAL SERVICES
MARK D. BARDILL/MARK B. BARDILL
Attorney for Plaintiff NC Bar #12852/56782
310 W. Jones St. P. O. Box 25
Trenton, North Carolina 28585 Telephone: (252) 448-4541
Publication dates:
September 12, 2024 September 19, 2024 September 26, 2024
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
24 E 1462
The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Charlie F. Brooks, Jr., late of Chatham County, North Carolina, notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at her address, 1179 Charlie Brooks Road, Moncure, North Carolina, 27559, on or before the 5th day of December, 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.
This 28th day of August, 2024.
Amy Jo Brooks 1179 Charlie Brooks Road Moncure, North Carolina 27559 GUNN & MESSICK, PLLC P. O. Box 880 Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312-0880
September 5, 12, 19, 26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001441-180
The undersigned, GINA RENEE COOPER MENDENHALL, having qualified on the 20TH day of AUGUST 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of LALA SUE VESTAL MENDENHALL, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 27TH Day of NOVEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 29TH Day of AUGUST 2024.
GINA RENEE COOPER MENDENHALL, EXECUTOR 29 CHALET TRAIL SILER CITY, NC 27344
Run dates: A29,S5,12,19p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
WANDA FAYE WILLIAMS CHATHAM COUNTY FILE # 23E000692-180
The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator for the Estate of Wanda Faye Williams, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate to present such claims to the undersigned Administrator c/o Ralph A. Evans, Attorney At Law, at P.O. Box 1145, Liberty, North Carolina 27298 on or before December 4, 2024 or this Notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment.
This the 26th day of August, 2024.
Annette Williams Bailey Administrator 196 Crestmont Drive Siler City, NC 27344
Ralph A. Evans
Attorney At Law P.O. Box 1145 Liberty, NC 27298 (336) 622-5320
EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
All persons having claims against the estate of Hammond Snyder of Chatham County, NC, who died on the 14th of June, 2024, are notified to present them on or before November 10, 2024 to Caroline Siverson, Executor for the Estate, c/o Schupp & Hamilton, P.L.L.C., P. O. Box 3200, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3200, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Schupp & Hamilton, P.L.L.C. P. O. Box 3200 Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3200 For August 29th, September 5, September 12, and September 19, 2024.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001435-180
The undersigned, ANN M. DZIENGEL, having qualified on the 16TH day of AUGUST 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of EDWARD F. FOX, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20TH Day of NOVEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 22ND Day of AUGUST 2024.
ANN M. DZIENGEL, EXECUTOR 1002 CANDLEWOOD CIRCLE SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: A22,29,S5,12p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001430-180
The undersigned, TOMMY R. GUNTER, having qualified on the 15TH day of AUGUST 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of FRED J. LOMBARDI, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20TH Day of NOVEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 22ND Day of AUGUST 2024.
TOMMY R. GUNTER, EXECUTOR 210 NORWELL LANE PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: A22,29,S5,12p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E000234-180
The undersigned, JAMES BARNEY KAST, JR., having qualified on the 23RD day of AUGUST 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of HELEN JEAN DAVIS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 27TH Day of NOVEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 29TH Day of AUGUST 2024.
JAMES BARNEY KAST, JR., EXECUTOR 531 GILLILAND RD. SILER CITY, NC 27344
Run dates: A29,S5,12,19p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001457-180
The undersigned, MARSHA S. ANDERSON, having qualified on the 22ND day of AUGUST 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of HOWARD FRANKLIN WILLIAMS, JR., deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 4TH Day of DECEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 5TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2024.
MARSHA S. ANDERSON, EXECUTOR 1491 JOHNSON DR. WILLIAMSTON, NC 27892
Run dates: S5,12,19,26p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001475-180
The undersigned, CASEY C. KOPEZYNSKI, having qualified on the 3RD day of SEPTEMBER 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JANE C. KOPEZYNSKI, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 11TH Day of DECEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 12TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2024.
CASEY C. KOPEZYNSKI, EXECUTOR 106 GLEN HAVEN DR. CHAPEL HILL, NC 27516
Run dates: S12,19,26,O3p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001324-180
The undersigned, NORMAN SCOTTON, SR., having qualified on the 5TH day of AUGUST 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of PAULETTE ELAINE SCOTTON., deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 4TH Day of DECEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 5TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2024.
NORMON SCOTTON, SR., ADMINISTRATOR 1209 N SEARS AVE. SILER CITY, NC 27344
Run dates: S5,12,19,26p
DIVERSITY from page A1
hard to know which one is having the bigger impact.”
On Thursday, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reported drops in enrollment among black, Hispanic and Native American students in its incoming class. Its approach to admissions has been closely watched because it was one of two colleges, along with Harvard University, that were at the center of the Supreme Court case.
The population of black students dropped nearly 3 percentage points, to 7.8%, compared with the UNC class before it. Hispanic student enrollment fell from 10.8% to 10.1%, while the incoming Native American population slid half a percentage point to 1.1%, according to the university. The incoming Asian student population rose 1 percentage point to 25.8%.
The share of white students, at 63.8%, barely changed.
It is “too soon to see trends” from the affirmative action de-
AUCTION from page A1
At the top of the first page are familiar words but in regular type instead of the sweeping Gothic script we’re used to seeing: “WE, the People ...” And the people will get a chance to bid for this copy of the U.S. Constitution — the only of its type thought to be in private hands — at a sale by Brunk Auctions on Sept. 28 in Asheville.
The minimum bid for the auction of $1 million has already been made. There is no minimum price that must be reached.
This copy was printed after the Constitutional Convention finished drafting the proposed framework of the nation’s government in 1787 and sent it to the Congress of the ineffective first American governmentunder the Articles of Confederation, requesting they send it to the states to be ratified by the people.
It’s one of about 100 copies printed by the secretary of that Congress, Charles Thomson. Just eight are known to still exist, and the other seven are publicly owned.
Thomson likely signed two copies for each of the original 13 states, essentially certifying them. They were sent to special ratifying conventions, where representatives, all white and male, wrangled for months before accepting the structure of the United States government that continues today.
“This is the point of connection between the government and the people. The Preamble — ‘we the people’
cision, said Rachelle Feldman, UNC’s vice provost for enrollment. She cited the delays in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application process as another possible influence on the makeup of the incoming class.
“We are committed to following the new law. We are also committed to making sure students in all 100 counties from every population in our growing state feel encouraged to apply, have confidence in our affordability and know this is a place they feel welcome and can succeed,” Feldman said.
Some colleges reported sharp declines in the percentages of black students in their incoming class, including drops from 15% to 5% at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and from 11% to 3% at Amherst College. At Tufts University, the drop in the share of black students was more moderate, from 7.3% to 4.7%. At Yale, the University of Virginia and Princeton, the change yearover-year was less than a percentage point.
— this is the moment the government is asking the people to empower them,” auctioneer Andrew Brunk said.
What happened to the document up for auction between Thomson’s signature and 2022 isn’t known.
Two years ago, a property was being cleared out in Edenton in eastern North Carolina that was once owned by Samuel Johnston. He was the governor of North Carolina from 1787 to 1789 and he oversaw the state convention during his last year in office that ratified the Constitution.
The copy was found inside a squat, two-drawer metal filing cabinet with a can of stain on top, in a long-neglected room piled high with old chairs and a dusty book case, before the old Johnston house was preserved. The document was a broad sheet that could be folded one time like a book.
“I get calls every week from people who think they have a Declaration of Independence or a Gettysburg Address and most of the time it is just a replica, but every so often something important gets found,” said Kaller, who appraises, buys and sells historic documents.
“This is a whole other level of importance,” he added.
Along with the Constitution on the broad sheet printed front and back is a letter from George Washington asking for ratification. He acknowledged there will have to be compromise and that rights the states enjoyed will have to be given up for the nation’s long-term health.
“To secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each
Many colleges did not share the demographics of applicants, making it impossible to know whether fewer students of color applied, or were admitted but chose not to attend.
Changes in other demographic groups also did not follow a clear pattern. At MIT, for example, the percentage of Asian students increased from 40% to 47% and Hispanic and Latino students from 16% to 11%, while the percentage of white students was relatively unchanged. But at Yale, the percentage of Asian students declined from 30% to 24%.
White students at Yale went from 42% of the class to 46%, and Hispanic and Latino students saw an increase of 1 percentage point.
Colleges have been pursuing other strategies to preserve the diversity they say is essential to campus life.
JT Duck, dean of admissions at Tufts, emphasized the school would work on expanding outreach and partnerships with community organizations to reach underrepresented, low-in-
and yet provide for the interest and safety for all — individuals entering into society must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest,” wrote the man who would become the first U.S. president. Brunk isn’t sure what the document might go for because there is so little to compare it to. The last time a copy of the Constitution like this sold was for $400 in 1891. In 2021, Sotheby’s of New York sold one of only 14 remaining copies of the Constitution printed for the Continental Congress and delegates to the Constitutional Convention for $43.2 million, a record for a book or document.
But that document was meant to be distributed to the founding fathers as delegates to the Constitutional Convention. The signed copy being sold later this month was one meant to be sent to leaders in every state so people all around the country could review and decide if that’s how they wanted to be governed, connecting the writers of the Constitution to the people in the states who would provide its power and legitimacy.
The auction listing doesn’t identify the seller, saying its part of a collection that is in private hands.
Other items up for auction in Asheville including a 1776 first draft of the Articles of Confederation and a 1788 Journal of the Convention of North Carolina at Hillsborough where representatives spent two weeks debating if ratifying the Constitution would put too much power with the nation instead of the states.
come and first-generation students. He cautioned against reading too much into year-toyear changes in enrollment.
“The results show that we have more work to do to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds, including those most historically underrepresented at selective universities, have access to a Tufts education. And we are committed to doing that work, while adhering to the new legal constraints,” he said in an email. “We’ve already done a lot of work toward these ends and look forward to doing even more.”
At UNC, Feldman said it is a priority to offer substantial financial aid to low-income families, along with retaining students through investments in undergraduate advising and other initiatives. She said there are no plans for dramatic changes in light of the new enrollment data.
The university wants to make sure “anyone from any background knows they can earn their way here,” she said at a news conference.
Sharp declines in the number of students of color can impact how prospective students view schools, leading some to choose other colleges where they might feel a stronger sense of community, said Mitchell Chang, a professor of higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“If we’re below a certain threshold, people who see themselves as having a more difficult time developing a sense of belonging will choose elsewhere,” he said. That’s especially true at selective colleges, where admitted students may be choosing between multiple top-tier schools.
So far, the drops in underrepresented minority students are smaller in scope than when states like Michigan and California passed bans on affirmative action decades earlier, Meyer said. But since those bans, colleges have developed more best practices for effective, non-racebased ways of recruiting and enrolling a diverse class, Meyer said.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA
Sección 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 y financiamiento estatal aplicable, o una combinación de las mismas. Esto es para informar al público de que se hará una audiencia pública sobre la solicitud de Compra de capital de servicio para el año fiscal 2026 para el Programa de transporte comunitario que se presentará al Departamento de Transporte de Carolina del Norte a más tardar el 4 de octubre de 2024. La audiencia pública se hará el 16 de septiembre de 2024 a las 6 p. m. ante la Junta de Comisionados del condado de Chatham. Las personas interesadas en asistir a la audiencia pública y que necesiten ayudas y servicios auxiliares según la Ley de Americanos con Discapacidades (Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA) o un traductor deben comunicarse con Jimmy Lewis a más tardar el 13 de septiembre de 2024, llamando al número de teléfono 919-542-4512 o enviando un correo electrónico a jimmy.lewis@ chathamcountync.gov. El Programa de transporte comunitario da ayuda para coordinar los programas existentes de transporte que operan en el condado de Chatham y opciones de transporte y servicios para las comunidades en esta área de servicio. Estos servicios se prestan actualmente mediante Chatham Transit Network. Cantidad total aproximada que se solicitará para el período del 1 de julio de 2025 al 30 de junio de 2026: NOTA: La cantidad de la parte local está sujeta a la disponibilidad de fondos estatales.
Esta solicitud podrá revisarse en www. chathamcountync.gov/agingservices a partir del 2 de septiembre de 2024. Los comentarios por escrito deben enviarse a Jenifer Johnson antes del 13 de septiembre de 2024 a jenifer.johnson@ chathamcountync.gov.
TAKE NOTICE NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK FILE # 22-SP-83
W. WOODS DOSTER, Administrator of the Estate of Christine V. Harris, TREMAINE KRISTAN HARRIS, and SAM KENNETH HARRIS, JR., Petitioners, vs. BRIDGET HARRIS, individually; and BRIDGET HARRIS as Trustee of the TESTAMENTARY SUPPLEMENTAL NEEDS TRUST FOR THE BENEFIT OF SAM KENNETH HARRIS Respondents.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE 184 N. Richardson Pursuant to the Order for Possession, Custody, Control, and Sale of Real Property filed on November 1, 2022, in the above captioned proceeding, NOTICE is hereby given that the subject property described below will be put up for public sale on September 25th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.; the sale will be held at the Chatham County Courthouse in the designated area for sale. The property is described as follows:
Tract 1 – 184 N. Richardson, Siler City, NC 27344 – Parcel ID 14405
Tract 2 – 184 N. Richardson, Siler City, NC 27344 – Parcel ID 14406
This the _____ day of __________,
Section 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 and applicable State funding, or combination thereof. This is to inform the public that a public hearing will be held on the proposed FY 2026 Capital Purchase of Service Community Transportation Program Application to be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation no later than October 4, 2024. The
Additional
Jordan-Matthews is showing improvement as conference play approaches
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
SILER CITY — Second-half adjustments lifted Jordan-Matthews to an explosive 7-2 win over Eastern Randolph on Sept. 4.
The rout over the Wildcats is the Jets’ largest win of the year so far.
Despite displays of frustration on the field after missing the mark on plenty of scoring opportunities throughout the game, Francisco Ibarra still led the way with two goals. His first goal with just under 11 minutes left in the first half put the Jets up 2-1 going into the break.
“It was pretty difficult because they kept marking the side I wanted to shoot from, so I had to apply my other side,” Ibarra said. “You’re not that comfortable in your weak foot, but I was able to keep using it. I think I got all of my goals on my weak foot.”
Jordan-Matthews (3-4, 1-0) controlled the pace and most of the possession in the first half, but it just couldn’t capitalize when it got deep into Eastern Randolph territory.
The Jets’ first goal came over 27 minutes before their second score in a wild sequence of events.
Less than a minute after Eastern Randolph’s Josue Ramirez Cruz shot from 40 yards out and dropped the ball in right over Jordan-Matthews goalkeeper Angelo Vera’s hand, Eastern Randolph goalkeeper Giovanny Perez saved a shot from Ibarra, allowing Cristian Tobar to rebound the loose ball and tap in the tying score.
“I shot it, and I lost my balance,” Ibarra said. “I tripped and I didn’t know what had happened. I get up, I’m looking for the ball, and I see the ball behind the net and him celebrating.”
Said Tobar, “I’m always ready for the rebound. That’s just me as a player.”
With the scoreboard not exactly reflecting the control Jordan-Matthews had over the game at halftime, the Jets honed in on “cleaning up” some of its first-half mistakes and shortfalls, such as a lack of communication, an offcourse playing style and poor finishing.
er’s head while fielding a Jordan-Matthews throw in.
“We’re improving on our tactics, our skills with our feet, our communication and especially our connection as friends.”
Francisco Ibarra
“We wanted to just open the game up when we’re on the attack and close it up tighter on the defense,” Jordan-Matthews coach Paul Cuadros said. “We were able to do that tonight definitely in the second half more than the first half, and it made the biggest difference in the world for us.”
Jordan-Matthews held Eastern Randolph scoreless for the first 20 minutes of the second half, and a more potent attack around the net led to two own goals by the Wildcats. One came in the fight for a corner kick and the other came after an Eastern Randolph player accidentally knocked the ball over its own goalkeep -
With a 5-2 lead in the final 15 minutes of the game, Jordan-Matthews’ Samuel Basilio and Marvin Herrera put the finishing touches with goals of their own.
The Jets secured their third win in four games at the time of the victory and moved to 3-4 on the season.
Things are starting to look up for Jordan-Matthews, a young team that started the year 0-3 but has improved after challenging itself with tough competition early this season — two losses to 4A opponents and a narrow defeat to the defending 2A state champion, Franklin Academy.
“Taking on bigger competition with bigger schools definitely got them over the fear of how intense the game can be,” Cuadros said.
Ibarra said the team is finally playing as a “family” after having to jell a team full of new faces that didn’t have the most varsity experience coming into the season.
See SOCCER, page B3
The Chargers beat North Moore 33-13, led by Dalton Brown
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
PITTSBORO — As Northwood earned its first win of the season over North Moore 3313 on Friday, Dalton Brown earned a soaked T-shirt and a game ball for winning his first game as the coach of his alma mater.
“It feels like a full circle Pittsboro moment,” Brown said. “Just happy to come back and be here with the boys. It’s their team. They did a great job. They put the game plan in action and executed very well. So, I’m very happy about that.”
On a big night for the Northwood community, with the East Chatham Chargers youth football players and cheerleaders in attendance, the Chargers (0-3 0-1) put on a huge offensive bounce back performance that
went much better than the previous showing at Union Pines. Brown said his offensive line “answered the challenge” after being outmuscled the week prior, and junior running back Robert Tripp put that to the test with two long rushing touchdowns. Tripp also scored through the air on a swing pass from junior quarterback Grayson Cox. Cox was also a force in both the run and pass game as he ran for a long touchdown at the end of the first quarter, putting the Chargers ahead 14-13. To put the finishing touches on the night in the fourth quarter, Cox found sophomore Raje Torres deep down the field for another score after scrambling around defenders in the backfield.
“It took a lot, but as a team we pushed and got over it,” Cox said about the response from last week’s loss. “We put it behind us, and we knew what we needed to do when we game
The Tar Heels add the Seaforth junior to their 2026 recruiting class
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
LOCAL SOCCER standout Cali O’Neill announced her commitment to UNC via social media on Sept. 3. O’Neill, a junior at Seaforth High School, will join the storied women’s soccer program as a part of the 2026 recruiting class.
“I spoke to and visited some of the top soccer programs in the country including Duke, Stanford, Penn State, Clemson, Notre Dame and others, but nothing compared to UNC,” O’Neill said. “The campus is beautiful. They have strong academics and a great soccer program. But what stands out to me the most is the coaching staff.”
Said O’Neill, “As for the assistant coach, Tracey Bates Leone, she makes everyone feel welcome like family, and that goes
“I feel a sense of pride and excitement to be able to help carry on the legacy that Anson created.”
Cali O’Neill
FOOTBALL RECAP: WEEK THREE
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
WEEK THREE of the high school football season in Chatham County can be best described as a week of really high highs and really low lows.
As far as the highs, Dalton Brown earned his first win as the coach of his alma mater Northwood, joining Kermit Carter (Jordan-Matthews) and Derrin Little (Chatham Central) as coaches to earn their first wins this season.
As for the lows, Jordan-Matthews and Chatham Central suffered huge losses Friday, dropping the county-wide football record to 3-7.
Here’s a recap of Friday’s football action, a preview of next week for each county team, conference standings and the latest football power rankings.
Chatham Central
Southeast Alamance (3-0, 1-0) dominated Chatham Central (1-2, 0-1), 69-0, Friday.
The Stallions scored in four different ways, including five rushing touchdowns, two more scores through the air, two fumbles recovered for touchdowns and a punt return taken to the house.
Chatham Central just couldn’t get anything going offensively as it had 13 plays go for negative yards, including three
O’NEILL from page B1
for the whole coaching staff.”
The coaching staff, now led by interim coach Damon Nahas, is as familiar as the location for O’Neill.
Nahas first crossed paths with O’Neill when she was a 9-year-old looking to improve her soccer skills. He coached O’Neill in individual and group technical training at Next Level Academy while already being an assistant at UNC alongside legendary women’s soccer coach Anson Dorrance.
Seven years later on June 15, not long after college coaches could begin recruiting O’Neill, she received a phone call from the very program where Nahas coached. Her hard work, previous connections as a trainee, and three years of writing coaches and taking camp invites since eighth grade paid off.
“UNC had always been one of the top schools on my list, so it was a very exciting phone call,” O’Neill said.
O’Neill also found it “exciting” to be on one of the early post-Dorrance recruits that will help usher in a new era at UNC. Dorrance announced his retirement in August just days before the start of the UNC women’s soccer season.
sacks. The Bears also had problems with turnovers, throwing an interception and losing four fumbles.
The good thing for Chatham Central is that it has good reason to wipe that game from its memory and look forward to Friday.
The Bears will travel to its biggest rival in Jordan-Matthews for an intracounty showdown at 7 p.m. The Jets are a more favorable matchup for the Bears who remember last season’s heartbreak on the last play of the 30-26 defeat.
If Chatham Central wants to win its second game this season, it’ll have to clean up the offensive mistakes and get ready for a physical bout on the defensive end. This year’s matchup will be a bit different from last year in that Nick Glover, a dynamic two-way player who made the game-winning defensive stop last year, now plays for Chatham Central, and the Jets are more dependent on their rushing attack.
Jordan-Matthews
Missing key players in Kenneth Dula and Rashaad McSwain on Friday, Jordan-Matthews (1-2, 0-1) couldn’t keep up with Cummings (2-1, 1-0) in a 55-8 loss.
The game came down to the rushing attack.
Jordan-Matthews rushed for a net 55 yards and had nine neg-
“The foundation and legacy that Coach Dorrance created at UNC is special,” O’Neill said. “When you walk through the halls of the soccer building, there’s so much history of success in this program: championship trophies, conference winning plaques, pictures of all the players that went professional and that represented the United States in the Olympics. I feel a sense of pride and excitement to be able to help carry on the legacy that Anson created.”
O’Neill said she’s sure she and the rest of the “strong” 2026 recruiting class share the goal of winning a national championship as she wants to help bring the Tar Heels their first national title since 2012 if it doesn’t happen before she gets on campus.
Now that her recruitment process is over, O’Neill will continue to play with the U-17 NC Courage squad and take other opportunities to prepare for college until she steps foot on campus.
“Even though the recruiting process is done, there’s still so much I need to do,” O’Neill said. “The team at UNC is held to such a high standard that when you join, you must match or exceed those standards. This means putting in the work over the next two years.”
ative plays while Cummings ended the night with 219 yards on the ground.
Cummings junior Devin Witherspoon led the way with 59 yards rushing and two touchdowns, scoring on a 38 -yard run in the first half and a 12-yard rush in the second half.
The Jets only trailed 7-0 going into the second quarter, but miscues on special teams, including a blocked punt returned for a touchdown and a kickoff recovered by Cummings deep in Jordan-Matthews’ territory, helped the game get out of hand quickly.
Jordan-Matthews went into halftime down 42-0 and couldn’t recover from there.
It’s not yet clear if Dula and McSwain, two of the Jets most impactful two-way players, will suit up Friday against Chatham Central, but they’ll be a huge boost if they do. The Jets will need to have a better showing offensively if they want to beat their rival for the second year in a row.
Northwood (1-2, 1-0) finally left the field as victors Friday night after beating North Moore (0-3, 0-1) 33-13, and it will now travel to Southeast Alamance (3-0, 1-0) to face a tough conference opponent.
The Stallions will be looking for revenge after the Chargers
Jordan-Matthews’ Namir Wiley makes the hit forcing a fumble against Cummings’ Ja’Kway Robertson. Cummings got the last laugh, however, in a lopsided win.
demolished them, 55-9, in their first-ever meeting last year.
After having a really young team in 2023, Southeast Alamance will be coming with more experience and a great deal of momentum as it rides a three-game winning streak.
Northwood’s defense has been a strength of its team this year and will be expected to perform well again Friday, but opponents have only averaged 11 points against the Stallions this season.
The Chargers’ offense will have to build on, if not rep -
licate, their showing against North Moore to pull out a win. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. Seaforth
Seaforth (0-1, 0-0) will return from a two-week hiatus Friday when it travels to Graham (0-2, 0-1) for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
The Hawks will look to replicate their defensive performance against Westover and clean up some things offensively in what should be a tune-up game.
Monday, September 16
Pittsboro Center For Active Living
8:15 a.m. - Total Body Conditioning
10 a.m. - Geri-Fit; Choir to Siler City
10:45 a.m. - Reading Out Loud with Gaines
11 a.m. - Grateful Hearts Performance
2 p.m. - Table Tennis
Siler City Center for Active Living
9 a.m. - Strong & Fit with Olivia
10:30 a.m. - Gospel Choir
2 p.m. - Strength & Tone Tuesday, September 17
Centers Closed for Healthy Aging Expo (Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center) Wednesday, September 18
Pittsboro Center for Active Living
8:15 a.m. - Cardio & Upper Body Exercise
9 a.m. - Quilting (FULL)
10 a.m. - Chair Yoga with Liz; Music Jam Session; Coffee & Games with Chatham County Sheriff’s Office
11 a.m. - Digital Inclusion Presentation
1 p.m. - Begining Beading Class; Leaving Your Legacy with Jessica Bryan; Hand And Foot Card Game
2 p.m. - Table Tennis Siler City Center for Active Living
9 a.m. - Strong & Fit with Olivia
10 a.m. - Bible Study
10:30 a.m. - Nutrition Education with Ann
planned like we should have. We came out here and played our hardest, and it showed on the field.”
The Chargers didn’t have the best start defensively, though. Early in the first quarter, North Moore senior Brandon Powell took off for a long run down to the Northwood 4-yard line and set up junior Joseph Dunn to score on a short run and put the Mustangs (1-2, 1-0) up 7-0.
North Moore took a 13-7 lead later in the quarter after Powell ran in another touchdown from within Northwood’s 5-yard line.
But from that point, Northwood’s defensive settled in and limited the big gains out of North Moore’s wing-T offense for the most part.
“Our guys communicated at the second level and our guys up front played physical for the second week in a row,” Brown said. “I thought that was one bright point from Union Pines. We played physical on the defensive line, and we continued that this week.”
As part of Northwood’s offensive resurgence, other players such as senior receiver Isaiah Blair and Torres made key contributions, too.
Torres helped move the chains multiple times for the Chargers when he got the ball in space. After battling it out with Cox for the starting quarterback position prior to the season, Torres has found a crucial role in the slot, bringing versatility as both a rusher and a route runner.
As a whole, Northwood’s offense displayed how versatile it could be against North Moore with chunks of yards coming from both the air and the ground.
Cox said that some of the positive plays were even improvised as the dynamic offensive corps can adjust to what the defense gives them on the fly.
With the way the Chargers played Friday, Brown could be in for even more “W’s” should his team build on the win and stay consistent through conference play.
Cox said a boost of confi-
dence was “needed” especially after the way Northwood’s season started in its nonconference games. “It was nice to just get boosted up,” Cox said. “It’s not going to get to our heads. We’re going to play like we should play. We’re going to slow the game down like we should slow the game down. We’re just going to do what we usually do and win how we should win.”
Northwood, now 1-2 on the season, has a tough game Friday when it travels to Southeast Alamance. That game will kick off at 7 p.m. As for North Moore, the Mustangs are in unfamiliar territory.
North Moore has gotten off to its first 0-3 start since 2013. After losing many key seniors from last year’s team, the Mustangs are trying to build back up to their usual standard, taking a bumpier road along the way.
The Mustangs will have a bye next week and wait for their first conference home game against Southeast Alamance on Sept. 20.
Robert Tripp, a junior running back at Northwood, earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Sept. 2.
In the Chargers’ 33-13 win over North Moore on Friday, Tripp scored three touchdowns. Two of his scores were long runs, and for the other one, Tripp caught a swing pass for a 13-yard touchdown. Tripp also recorded a couple of pancake blocks in the backfield and as a lead blocker.
Last season, Tripp rushed for 428 yards and three touchdowns on 68 carries. Through the first three weeks of the 2024 season, Tripp has 280 yards for an average of 93.3 rushing yards per game.
week:
This week’s rankings:
SOCCER from page B1
“We’re improving on our tactics, our skills with our feet, our communication and especially our connection as friends,” Ibarra said. With the bulk of the conference schedule coming next for the Jets, Cuadros hopes his team’s newfound experience and the teaching points from its earlier bouts prepares it for another successful conference season.
Last year, Jordan-Matthews dominated its Mid-Carolina 1A/2A foes, going 12-1-1 in con-
Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings:
1. Southeast Alamance (3-0, 1-0); 2. Cummings (2-1, 1-0); 3. Northwood (1-2, 1-0); 4. Bartlett Yancey (1-2, 1-0); 5. North Moore (0-3, 0-1); 6. Jordan-Matthews (1-2, 0-1); 7. Graham (0-2, 0-1); 8. Chatham Central (1-2, 0-1); 9. Seaforth (0-1, 0-0)
ference play and claiming the conference title. Although this year’s squad is totally different than the 2023 team, the Jets are holding themselves up to the same standard as they look to defend their throne.
Following matchups with Northwood and North Moore on Sept. 9 and Sept. 11, respectively, Jordan-Matthews will host Southeast Alamance Monday at 6 p.m.
“We’re going to go into the conference season and hopefully have a really good result,” Cuadros said.
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
HERE’S A RECAP of the key results, developments and conference standings from week four of the high school fall sports season in Chatham County.
Volleyball
Woods Charter and Chatham Charter established themselves as the two best teams in the Central Tar Heel 1A conference last week. The first-place Wolves dominated Ascend Leadership and Triangle Math & Science, winning both games by a score of 3-0. The second-place Knights also picked up two more conference wins over Clover Garden School (3-2) and Southern Wake Academy (3-0). Chatham Charter’s Aaliyah Walden and Kynzie Jordan combined for 22 kills in the win over Clover Garden School.
Chatham Central avoided dropping its second conference game of the year with a narrow 3-2 win over Northwood on Sept. 5. For Seaforth, last week was business as usual as the Hawks smothered both Southeast Alamance and Jordan-Matthews, 3-0. Senior Maris Huneycutt recorded 20 assists in the win over the Stallions, her second-most in a game this season.
Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday):
1. Seaforth (7-1, 6-0); 2. Chatham Central (6-3, 5-1); 3. North Moore (6-1, 3-1); 4. Northwood (4-6, 4-3); 5. Bartlett Yancey (5-3, 3-3); 6. Southeast Alamance (2-6, 1-4); 7. Jordan-Matthews (0-8, 0-5); 8. Graham (0-7, 0-5)
Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday):
1. Woods Charter (5-4, 4-0); 2. Chatham Charter (4-6, 3-1); 3. Clover Garden School (5-2, 3-1); 4. Southern Wake Academy (3-3, 2-2); 5. River Mill (3-4, 1-2); 6. Ascend Leadership (0-3, 0-2); 7. Triangle Math & Science (0-6, 0-3)
Boys’ soccer
Last week didn’t bring the best outcomes for Chatham County’s boys’ soccer teams.
Outside of Jordan-Matthews’ 7-2 win over Eastern Randolph on Sept. 4, Woods Charter was the only other team to pull out a
ham (2-1-2, 0-0); 5. Seaforth (2-2-1, 0-0-1); 6. North Moore (0-2, 0-1); 7. Cummings (3-1, 0-1)
Chatham Charter’s Aaliyah Walden and Kynzie Jordan totaled 22 kills against Clover Garden School
victory as it dominated Chatham Charter 9-0, also on Sept. 4. Seaforth found itself in a stalemate with Graham as the game ended in a 0-0 tie after two overtimes.
Northwood lost its only game of the week to Southeast Alamance, 6-0, its worst defeat since losing to Jordan-Matthews by the same score in October.
Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Southeast Alamance (4-4, 1-0); 2. Jordan-Matthews (3-4, 1-0); 3. Northwood (3-2-1, 1-1); 4. Gra-
Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Triangle Math & Science (2-3-1, 2-0); 2. Clover Garden School (23, 1-0); 3. Woods Charter (1-1-1, 1-0); 4. River Mill (0-2-1, 0-1); 5. Chatham Charter (0-3, 0-1); 6. Southern Wake Academy (2-4, 0-2); 7. Ascend Leadership (1-2, 0-0)
Girls’ tennis
Chatham Charter remained unbeaten after last week’s slate of matches.
The Knights put up backto-back 9-0 wins over Southern Wake Academy and North Moore. Against Southern Wake Academy, Chatham Charter senior Sasha Blackmon didn’t lose a single game in both her singles and doubles matches.
Seaforth continued to dominate conference competition
with two more 9-0 wins over Southeast Alamance and Jordan-Matthews. The win over the Jets on Sept. 4 was the Hawks’ fifth straight win as of Sunday. Northwood won its second conference game in a row over Chatham Central, 9-0, and moved back over .500. Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (from dual matches as of Sunday) : 1. Bartlett Yancey (5-0, 5-0); 2. Seaforth (5-1, 4-0); 3. Northwood (3-2, 3-2); 4. North Moore (1-3, 1-1); 5. Jordan-Matthews (2-5, 2-4); 6. Southeast Alamance (1-6, 1-4); 7. Chatham Central (0-5, 0-5) Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (from dual matches as of Sunday): 1. Chatham Charter (7-0, 1-0); 2. Triangle Math & Science (1-3, 1-0); 3. Southern Wake Academy (0-2, 0-2)
Cross-country
Seaforth and Northwood raced
in the Friday Night Lights XC Festival Friday. In the boys’ invitational team standings, Seaforth finished 12th with 418 points, and Northwood finished 30th out of 36 teams with 719 points. Northwood junior Jordan Wiley was the quickest Charger, finishing in 22nd place with a time of 16 minutes and 53.1 seconds. Seaforth freshman Samuel Neil was the first Hawk to cross the finish line with a 26th-best time of 17:00.6. Seaforth earned 12th place in the girls’ invitational team standings with 392 points while Northwood finished 20th out of 34 teams with 497 points. Northwood senior Julia Hall led the Chargers with a 26th-best time of 20:18.3, and her teammate Sydney Gray finished 13 spots behind with a time of 20:48.9. Senior Claire Morgan finished first for the Hawks, crossing the finish line with a 52nd-best time of 21:16.1.
Reese out for rest of WNBA season due to wrist injury
Chicago Angel Reese’s historic rookie season is over. The Chicago Sky forward said on social media that she has a season- ending injury, which the team confirmed was to her wrist. Reese finished the season averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds. It’s the highest rebound average in the history of the WNBA. Reese also set the rookie record with 26 double- doubles — her last coming in a win over Los Angeles on Friday night.
NFL Prescott, Cowboys agree on record contract extension
Dallas Dak Prescott got a new contract with the Dallas Cowboys hours before their season opener at Cleveland. The star quarterback and the Cowboys agreed on a $240 million, four-year contract. It’s the first in NFL history to average $60 million per season. The runner-up in NFL MVP voting was entering the final year of a $160 million, fouryear contract that was a franchise record before this deal. It includes $231 million guaranteed. That’s $1 million more than the previous record from the fully guaranteed deal Deshaun Watson signed with the Browns two years ago.
NBA Grizzlies’ Jackson II to be reevaluated after foot surgery
Memphis Memphis forward GG Jackson II will be reevaluated in three months after surgery to repair the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The Grizzlies updated Jackson’s status for an injury they first announced Aug. 30. Jackson hurt his foot on a layup playing basketball in Texas last week. The 19-yearold Jackson was a secondround pick of Memphis in the 2023 NBA Draft. He started 18 of 48 games and averaged 14.6 points per game. Jackson earned second-team NBA All-Rookie honors. He was a bright spot in an injury-plagued season for the Grizzlies, who went 27-55.
NFL Hill briefly detained for traffic violation before Dolphins game
Miami Police are calling for an investigation into why Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill was briefly detained for a traffic violation while entering Hard Rock Stadium hours before his team was set to open the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hill was seen on video posted to X laying face down on the ground as officers placed his hands behind his back and put handcuffs on him. Hill, who led the NFL in receiving yards in 2023, still took the field and started for Miami.
All but two Cup Series teams are believed to have signed an agreement
By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press
HAMPTON, Ga. — 23XI
Racing, the NASCAR team coowned by Michael Jordan, said Saturday it skipped a deadline to sign a new charter agreement with the sanctioning body because “it did not have an opportunity to fairly bargain” for a new contract.
The two-car team owned by Jordan, active driver Denny Hamlin and Jordan righthand man Curtis Polk revealed that teams had a Friday night NASCAR-imposed deadline to sign new charter agreements that run from 2025 through 2031.
In a letter to NASCAR, 23XI said its Toyota organization was refusing to sign the extension. The team’s revelation came on the eve of the start of NASCAR’s Cup Series playoffs as garage speculation Saturday indicated that all but two Cup Series teams have signed the new agreements. The other team believed to be holding out is Ford-backed Front Row Motorsports, a midlevel program that lacks Jordan’s clout.
Three people speaking to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the yearslong negotiations said the teams felt “threatened and coerced” by NASCAR to sign the extensions or risk them being revoked. They spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid putting their agreements as risk.
Just last week, Polk pinned a sheet of paper to the back of his shirt that read: “Please don’t ask me about my Charter. I don’t want to disparage NASCAR and lose it.” He wore it during the Southern 500 at
Darlington Raceway, where 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick became the regular-season champion and the team said no one from NASCAR bothered to present him with the trophy.
“We notified NASCAR what issues needed to be addressed, in writing, at the deadline,” 23XI said in its Saturday statement. “We are interested in engaging in constructive discussions with NASCAR to address these issues and move forward in a way that comes to a fair resolution, while strengthening the sport we all love.”
“At 23XI Racing, we remain committed to competing at the highest level while also standing firm in our belief that NASCAR should be governed by fair and equitable practices,” the team said Saturday.
What is a charter?
There are currently 36 charters in NASCAR for a 40-car field each week in the top-level Cup Series. A charter guarantees the 36 cars entry into all 38 races each season and a portion of the television package and purses depending on each team’s charter value. Four charters remain held back by NASCAR, earmarked for a future manufacturer that might join Chevrolet, Ford or Toyota in the Cup Series. A summer proposal from NASCAR suggested those charters should go to NASCAR and that the France family that runs the series should be able to field teams. NASCAR’s newest proposal to teams allegedly included an antidisparagement clause.
The most recent charters were signed in 2016 and run through the end of the year, when the current television packages expire. Negotiations have been ongoing for more than two years, with teams content to allow NASCAR to finalize a new media package first so the teams have a clear idea how much money will be coming in.
Teams want a bigger share of the revenue pie, a seat at the negotiating table, a role in upcoming projects and deals, and, most importantly, for charters to become permanent.
A charter guarantees a spot in any Cup Series race and thus part of the purse, and NASCAR has refused to even entertain that charters become permanent.
‘The Life Impossible’
The supernatural action is set on the Spanish island famous for its nightclubs
By Rob Merrill The Associated Press
“Reality is not always probable or likely.” That’s the quote from the late Argentine poet Jorge Luis Borges that prefaces Matt Haig’s new novel, “The Life Impossible.” Don’t bother turning the page if you have a fundamental issue.
But if you’re willing to suspend disbelief when reading fiction, this is an engaging story. Some readers, like my teenage daughter who devoured Haig’s bestselling book, “The Midnight Library,” may not vibe as well with the septuagenarian narrator recovering from varicose vein surgery. Still, the book’s plot takes care of her physical deterioration soon enough.
The action is set on Ibiza, the Spanish island famous for its nightclubs. When the narrator, Grace Winters, suddenly inherits a rundown house there, she leaves behind her tragic life as a childless and widowed math-
ematics teacher in England for an adventure. And, oh, what an adventure! As Grace pieces together the fate of a collegiate acquaintance, Christina, who gifted her the house, she meets Alberto Ribas, a “once respected marine biologist” who now gives diving tours in the Mediterranean and who Grace describes as “not so much of a pirate but a castaway, with the unkempt hair and the beard escaping his face in every direction.” On one of those dives, Grace’s life is forever altered by a blue phosphorescent light she swims toward under the water. “La Presencia,” or “The Presence,” imbues her with actual superpowers, the details of which are too much fun to spoil here. And while at this point, the plot proudly strays from reality, it’s not embarrassed by it. Grace is a reliable narrator, and the novel’s structure is her telling her story to a former student. “Mathematics is … as mysterious and enigmatic as the whole of life, and expecting it — or anything — to confirm what I wanted it to be was a mistake,” she writes. Grace’s reawakening to the wonders of the natu-
ral world forms the second half of the story, as she and a cast of characters work to save parts of Ibiza from development. The book will take an average reader just a few hours to read. Really short chapters — some just a sentence long — help the pages fly. While some may finish the last sentence shaking their heads at the implausibility of it all, Grace’s realization that everything on Earth is worthy of admiration and preservation is a message the whole world can get behind.
Nike’s “Air Jordan 1” landed in stores, General Motors founded, Jimi Hendrix died
The Associated Press Here’s what happened in history the week of Sept. 12-18.
SEPT. 12
1857: The S.S. Central America (also known as the “Ship of Gold”) sank off the coast of South Carolina after sailing into a hurricane in one of the worst maritime disasters in American history.
1940: The Lascaux cave paintings, estimated to be 17,000 years old, were discovered in southwestern France.
1962: At Rice University in Houston, President John F. Kennedy reaffirmed his support for the manned space program, declaring: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”
SEPT. 13
1788: The Congress of the Confederation authorized the first national election and declared New York City the temporary national capital.
1948: Republican Margaret Chase Smith of Maine was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first woman to serve in both houses of Congress.
SEPT. 14
1861: The first naval engagement of the Civil War occurred as the USS Colorado attacked and sank the Confederate private schooner Judah off the coast of Pensacola, Florida.
1901: President William McKinley died of gunshot wounds inflicted by an assassin eight days prior; Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him, becoming the youngest-ever U.S. president at age 42.
SEPT. 15
1776: British forces occupied New York City during the American Revolution.
1789: The U.S. Department of Foreign Affairs was renamed the Department of State.
1935: The Nuremberg Laws deprived German Jews of their citizenship.
1959: Nikita Khrushchev became the first Soviet head of state to visit the United States.
1963: Four black girls were killed when a bomb went off during Sunday services at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. (Three
James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
The EGOT winner had a voluminous body of work spanning eight decades
By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press
NEW YORK — James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, “The Lion King” and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning at home in New York’s Hudson Valley region. The cause was not immediately clear.
The pioneering Jones, who in 1965 became one of the first African American actors in a continuing role on a daytime drama (“As the World Turns”) and worked deep into his 80s, won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. He was also given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement. In 2022, a Broadway theater was renamed in his honor.
He cut an elegant figure late in life, with a wry sense of hu-
mor and a ferocious work habit. In 2015, he arrived at rehearsals for a Broadway run of “The Gin Game” having already memorized the play and with notebooks filled with comments from the creative team. He said he was always in service of the work.
“The need to storytell has always been with us,” he told The Associated Press then. “I think it first happened around campfires when the man came home and told his family he got the bear, the bear didn’t get him.”
Jones created such memorable film roles as the reclusive writer coaxed back into the spotlight in “Field of Dreams,” the boxer Jack Johnson in the stage and screen hit “The Great White Hope,” the writer Alex Haley in “Roots: The Next Generation” and a South African minister in “Cry, the Beloved Country.”
He was also a sought-after voice actor, expressing the villainy of Darth Vader (“No, I am your father,” commonly misremembered as “Luke, I am your father”), as well as the benign dignity of King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King” and announcing “This is CNN” during station breaks. He won a 1977 Grammy for his performance on the “Great American Documents” audiobook.
Ku Klux Klansmen were eventually convicted for their roles in the blast.)
1985: Nike began selling its “Air Jordan 1” sneaker.
SEPT. 16
1630: The Massachusetts village of Shawmut changed its name to Boston.
1908: General Motors was founded in Flint, Michigan, by William C. Durant.
1972: “The Bob Newhart Show” premiered on CBS.
SEPT. 17
1787: The Constitution of
and Present Danger.” In a rare romantic comedy, “Claudine,” Jones had an onscreen love affair with Diahann Carroll.
Jones made his Broadway debut in 1958’s “Sunrise At Campobello” and would win his two Tony Awards for “The Great White Hope” (1969) and “Fences” (1987). He also was nominated for “On Golden Pond” (2005) and “Gore Vidal’s The Best Man” (2012). He was celebrated for his command of Shakespeare and Athol Fugard alike. More recent Broadway appearances include “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” “The Iceman Cometh” and “You Can’t Take It With You.”
As a rising stage and television actor, he performed with the New York Shakespeare Festival Theater in “Othello,” “Macbeth” and “King Lear” and in off-Broadway plays.
“If you were an actor or aspired to be an actor, if you pounded the payment in these streets looks for jobs, one of the standards we always had was to be a James Earl Jones,” Samuel L. Jackson once said.
Some of his other films include “Dr. Strangelove,” “The Greatest” (with Muhammad Ali), “Conan the Barbarian,” “Three Fugitives” and playing an admiral in three blockbuster Tom Clancy adaptations — “The Hunt for Red October,” “Patriot Games” and “Clear
Jones was born by the light of an oil lamp in a shack in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on Jan. 17, 1931. His father, Robert Earl Jones, had deserted his wife before the baby’s arrival to pursue life as a boxer and, later, an actor.
When Jones was 6, his mother took him to her parents’ farm near Manistee, Michigan. His grandparents adopted the boy and raised him.
“A world ended for me, the safe world of childhood,” Jones wrote in his autobiography, “Voices and Silences.” “The move from Mississippi to Michigan was supposed to be a glorious event. For me it was a heartbreak, and not long after, I began to stutter.”
Too embarrassed to speak,
the United States was completed and signed by most delegates attending the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
1862: More than 3,600 men were killed in the Civil War Battle of Antietam in Maryland.
1920: The American Professional Football Association — a precursor of the National Football League — was formed in Canton, Ohio.
1939: The Soviet Union invaded Poland during World War II, more than two weeks after Nazi Germany had launched its assault.
2011: A demonstration calling itself Occupy Wall Street began in New York, prompting similar protests around the U.S. and the world
SEPT. 18
A.D. 14: The Roman Senate officially confirmed Tiberius as the second emperor of the Roman Empire, succeeding the late Augustus.
1793: President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol.
1851: The first edition of The New York Times was published.
1970: Rock star Jimi Hendrix died in London at age 27. 2020: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died at the age of 87.
he remained virtually mute for years, communicating with teachers and fellow students with handwritten notes. A sympathetic high school teacher, Donald Crouch, learned that the boy wrote poetry, and demanded that Jones read one of his poems aloud in class. He did so faultlessly.
Teacher and student worked together to restore the boy’s normal speech. “I could not get enough of speaking, debating, orating — acting,” he recalled in his book.
At the University of Michigan, he failed a pre-med exam and switched to drama, also playing four seasons of basketball. He served in the Army from 1953 to 1955.
In New York, he moved in with his father and enrolled with the American Theater Wing program for young actors. True stardom came suddenly in 1970 with “The Great White Hope.” Howard Sackler’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play depicted the struggles of Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight boxing champion, amid the racism of early 20th-century America. In 1972, Jones repeated his role in the movie version and was nominated for an Academy Award as best actor. Jones’ two wives were also actors. He married Julienne Marie Hendricks in 1967. After their divorce, he married Cecilia Hart, best known for her role in the CBS police drama “Paris,” in 1982. (She died in 2016.) They had a son, Flynn Earl, born in 1983.
Jacqueline Bisset is 80, Frankie Avalon hits 82, Oliver Stone turns 76, Elvira is 71
The Associated Press
SEPT. 12
Actor Linda Gray is 84. Singer Maria Muldaur is 82. Actor Joe Pantoliano is 73. Composer Hans Zimmer is 67. TV host-commentator Greg Gutfeld is 60. Actor-comedian Louis C.K. is 57. Basketball Hall of Famer Yao Ming is 44.
SEPT. 13
Actor Barbara Bain is 93. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Óscar Arias is 84. Actor Jacqueline Bisset is 80. Singer Peter Cetera (Chicago) is 80. Actor Jean Smart is 73. Olympic gold medal sprinter Michael Johnson is 57. Country musician Joe Don Rooney (Rascal Flatts) is 49.
SEPT. 14
Actor Walter Koenig (“Star Trek”) is 88. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown is 84. Actor Sam Neill is 77. Supreme Court justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is 54. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is 46.
SEPT. 15
Actor Tommy Lee Jones is 76. Movie director Oliver Stone is 76. Actor Josh Charles (“The Good Wife,” ″Sports Night”) is 51. Actor Tom Hardy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) is 45.
SEPT. 16
Actor George Chakiris (“West Side Story”) is 90. Singer Betty Kelley of Martha and the Vandellas is 78. Actor Ed Begley Jr. is 73. Actor Mickey Rourke is 70. Illusionist David Copperfield is 66. Singer Richard Marx is 59. Comedian Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation,” “Saturday Night Live”) is 51.
SEPT. 17
Singer-turned-photographer LaMonte McLemore of the Fifth Dimension is 87. Actor Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) is 71. Actor-director Paul
Feig is 60. Director Baz Luhrmann (“Moulin Rouge”) is 60. Businessman Robert Herjavec (“Shark Tank”) is 59.
SEPT. 18
Singer-actor Frankie Avalon is 82. Actor Beth Grant (“The Mindy Project,” ″No Country For Old Men”) is 73. Actor Jada Pinkett Smith is 51. Comedian Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso,” “Saturday Night Live”) is 47.
‘Civil War’ premiers on MAX, Snow Patrol drops ‘Eyes Open,’ Stallone’s ‘Tulsa’ returns
The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away
The Associated Press
SYLVESTER STALLONE’S second season of “Tulsa King” and Snow Patrol’s first new album in seven years are some of this week’s new streaming entertainment releases. Also streaming this week on a screen near you: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.”
MOVIES TO STREAM
Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on Max on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America. She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience. It was smart and thought-provoking, with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.
Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” which is about a future society where everyone must have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself amid an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend. Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”
The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened since — three, soon to be four quality fulllength albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name
of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,” “The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.” For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 scifi thriller “Nope” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood, portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr. Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.)
The Austin noise rock band is a less obvious pick, having been
signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious, The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.
SHOWS TO STREAM
Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and the unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re
a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in over 30 of their films, many holiday-themed films. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.
Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-alongto-get-along, single airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has worked on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “There’s significant overlap in the Venn diagram of me and Mel,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.
Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women.” The series is about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie, who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley). The series is based on a 2019 best-sell-
ing book by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz. Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.
One thing about Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000 title, Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer,” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six freefor-alls. You can suit up and play on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.
Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that will attract fans of Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 creatures — aliens and androids included — on the run from the law. This Wild-Westin-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo
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