Rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby led to untreated wastewater flowing into Robeson Creek. A press release from TriRiver Water disclosed that around 6,000 gallons of untreated water came from a manhole cover on South Small Street, but that the area in and around the creek was raked and limed to help mitigate the release per state requirements. A bill from 1999 requires water companies to issue a press release when more than 1,000 gallons of untreated wastewater reaches surface water.
N.C. to expand eCourts to all 100 counties by 2025
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts plans to complete the eCourts expansion across all 100 counties and the N.C. Business Court by 2025. Currently serving about half of the state’s population, eCourts has already processed more than 1.3 million electronic filings, saving an estimated 5 million pieces of paper since February 2023. The system provides 24/7 online access to court records, averaging 1.5 million searches monthly.
With kids back to school, watch out for buses
As 1.5 million North Carolina students return to school, authorities stress the importance of bus safety. More than 14,000 school buses operate daily in the state. In 2022, there were 1,075 school busrelated crashes resulting in 786 injuries and eight fatalities. North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey notes that passing a stopped school bus can result in doubled auto insurance premiums. Students should be reminded to wait for the bus to stop completely before standing, while motorists are reminded to stop far enough back from school buses to allow children safe entry and exit.
Dreams that you dare to dream
The field was wet, thanks to Tropical Storm Debby, but there were signs of hope and optimism as Chatham Central opened its football season with the first day of practice last week. We have previews on all four public high schools in the county, starting on B1.
CORA tackling Chatham’s rise in food insecurity
The food bank has helped thousands of local families and is up 27% in the last year
By Melinda Burris Chatham News & Record
PITTSBORO — This year, Chatham Outreach Alliance (CORA) is celebrating 35 years of serving Chatham County and surrounding communities by providing nutritious food to community members dealing with the challenge of food insecurity. Rebecca Hankins, development and communications director for CORA, shares that the 2023-24 fiscal year has seen the organization face unprecedented demand for its services.
Questioned as to what she attributes the growing need for CORA’s services, Hankins points to the rate at which the cost of everyday necessities has increased.
“I think that there’s an issue, and I don’t think this is Chatham County-specific — wages haven’t kept up with the in-
12 MONTHS BY THE NUMBERS
27%
Increase in families assisted
1.8 million Meals provided 40%
Increase in total meals provided
12,995
Individuals served 10%
Clients who live outside Chatham County 50%
Clients who are older adults or children
crease of prices,” she said.” Hankins is quick to note that “many, many of our folks work.”
See CORA, page A7
The 200-acre multiuse development is planned to have commercial and residential property as well as a park
By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record
PITTSBORO — The Town
of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners met Monday to consider several rezonings, among other business.
The board approved a rezoning request for just over 200 acres at 516 Industrial Park Dr. from Heavy Industrial to commercial and residential for a new multiuse development.
“The purpose of a conditional rezoning is to not just rezone but to assign conditions to the
project according to how it is broken up,” explained Planning Director Randall Cahoon-Tingle.
The site plan for the development, nicknamed Robeson’s Walk, states the site is to be divided up with approximately 20 acres for highway business, 110 acres for townhome and single-family residential areas, and just over 70 acres to be donated to the town for a park.
“When we first met, we said we wanted about 80 acres for a park,” said Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp. “That wasn’t initially in the concept plan, so we talked about the density and the appropriate places and higher buildings and how this could all work out, so we appreciate that.”
The submitted plan says the new commercial and industrial
operations along U.S. 64 “will allow growing community service and employment needs to be met.”
Businesses along Lorax Lane have also shown interest in a new residential development near them that would allow residents to walk to those businesses.
The second hearing, to rezone a half-acre of property at 44 N.C. Highway 902 from R10 to Highway Business, was
See PITTSBORO, page A3
COURTESY CORA CORA volunteers show off some of the food available to clients.
Plan approved by NC panel to meet prisoner reentry goals
The Joint Reentry Council brings together various state agencies to improve prison release outcomes
The Associated Press
RALEIGH — A new state panel has laid out specifics designed to bring numerous North Carolina state government agencies together to work on improving outcomes for prisoners when they are released, leading to reduced recidivism.
The Joint Reentry Council created by Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order in January approved last week a plan to meet more than two dozen objectives by using more than 130 different strategies.
The order directed a “whole-of-government” approach, in which Cabinet departments and other state agencies collaborate toward meeting goals and take action.
More than 18,000 people are released annually from the dozens of North Carolina adult correctional facilities and face challenges brought by their criminal record to employment, education, health care and housing.
• 298 E. Salisbury Street (Pittsboro), 0.40 Acres, 3
Bedroom/2 Bath, $625,000
• 412 Brampton Close (Pittsboro), .058 Acres, 3
Bedroom/2 Bath, $525,000
• 2035 Long Point Trail (Sanford), Lake Front!!, 0.48 Acres, 5 Bedroom/2.5 Bath, $680,000
• 557 Olives Chapel Road (Apex), 12.802 Acres, 3
Bedroom/3 Bathroom, $2,500,000
• 5765 Snow Camp Road (Graham), 82.480 Acres, 8
Bedroom/6 Bathroom, $1,900,000
The council’s plan “lays out our roadmap to help transform the lives of people leaving prison and reentering society while making our communities safe,” Cooper said in a news release Tuesday.
Cooper’s order also aligned with the goals of Reentry 2030, a national effort being developed by the Council of State Governments and other groups to promote successful offender integration. The council said North Carolina was the third state to officially join Reentry 2030.
The plan sets what officials called challenging goals when unveiled in January. It also seeks to increase the number of high school degrees or skills credentials earned by eligible incarcerated juveniles and adults by 75% by 2030 and to reduce
the number of formerly incarcerated people who are homeless by 10% annually.
Several initiatives already have started. The Department of Adult Correction, the lead agency on the reentry effort, has begun a program with a driving school to help train prisoners to obtain commercial driver’s licenses. The Department of Health and Human Services also has provided $5.5 million toward a program helping recently released offenders with serious mental illnesses, Cooper’s release said.
The governor said in January there was already funding in place to cover many of the efforts, including new access to federal grants for prisoners to pursue post-secondary education designed to land jobs once released.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County:
Aug. 15
Waste Reduction Series: Waste Reduction 202
Chatham Community Library, 197 NC-87, Pittsboro 6-8 p.m.
This class is for those who feel like they know the basics of waste reduction but are ready to do more! This class will cover some tips for waste reduction that may require more hefty lifestyle changes, but the results can have a big impact!
• 200 E. Salisbury Street (Pittsboro), 0.45 Acres, $675,000
Structuring Land Sale Agreements with PulteGroup
• 1700 Hillsboro Street (Pittsboro), 29.79 Acres, $4,500,000
• 10681 US Hwy 64 E (Apex), 3.97 Acres, $1,000,000
In recognition of Transgender History Month, Chatham Community Library will host a virtual film screening of, “Sir: Just a Normal Guy” (2001) beginning Thursday, Aug. 15, and continuing through Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. Contact social.library@ chathamlibraries.org to request the film link and password or for additional information. This program is free and open to the public.
Join us for a weekly meetup in the Holmes Family Meeting Room at Chatham Community Library. Chat, talk about life, the universe and everything. Play games and have fun! Contact youth.services@ chathamlibraries.org for more information.
No charges in fatal shooting of Russian utility worker by Special Forces soldier
The strange incident leaves numerous questions unanswered
By Jordan Golson Chatham News & Record
CARTHAGE — The Moore County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its investigation into the May shooting death of Ramzan Daraev, a Russian national from Chechnya, at the residence of an unnamed U.S. Army Special Forces soldier in Carthage. No charges will be filed against the shooter, authorities announced Monday.
The incident unfolded over more than 20 minutes on the evening of May 3. According to a lengthy statement issued by the Sheriff’s Office, the shooter’s wife first observed Daraev taking photographs near their remote residence at dusk.
The shooter, initially unarmed, approached Daraev to inquire about his presence on the property. Unable to establish Daraev’s identity or purpose, the shooter asked him to leave, but Daraev allegedly became aggressive and refused.
According to the shooter, at one point, Daraev claimed to be a Chechen national who had served in the Russian military and fought in Ukraine,
CRIME LOG
Aug. 6
• Donovan Montreal Riley, 27, of Pittsboro, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny, obtaining property by false pretenses, exploiting a disabled/elderly person, communicating threats, and multiple counts of failure to appear.
• Jose Ramon MoralesHernandez, 20, of WinstonSalem, was arrested for three counts of failure to appear.
Aug. 7
• Jesus Ibarra Ibarra, 37, of New Hill, was arrested for assault by strangulation, assault causing serious bodily injury, assault inflicting serious injury with a minor present, assault on a female, communicating threats, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and failure to appear.
• Anthony Devon Cunningham, 34, of Staley, was arrested on multiple drug and weapon charges including possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, maintaining a place for
a touch more controversial.
Per the Town of Pittsboro’s UDO, development allowed in the C2 district includes a mixture of retail, office, eating, entertainment, medical, vehicle sale, service uses that serve the community-wide needs, and can also include freestanding business establishments and shopping centers.
Paula Stafford, the applicant, said she has no current plans to do anything with the property, which currently has a single-family residence on it.
Neighboring properties were sent letters and notified about the intended rezoning and, Stafford said, nobody had any complaints nor were any complaints voiced at the public hearing.
Stafford, a resident of Chatham County for more than two decades, is currently the CEO of Allucent, a clinical research organization, and was the 2022 recipient of the Triangle Business Journal’s Lifetime
although investigators have been unable to establish Daraev’s prior foreign military status.
At 8:12 p.m., the shooter’s wife made the first of two 911 calls, reporting a suspicious person photographing their house and children. The shooter then retrieved a handgun from his residence.
A second, more urgent 911 call was made at 8:25 p.m., with the caller heard pleading for expedited law enforcement response at her husband’s request. The shooting occurred shortly after this second call, just before deputies arrived on scene.
Moore County District Attorney Michael Hardin supported the decision not to file charges, saying in an email to North State Journal: “Based on the totality of the circumstances and after reviewing the evidence, I concurred with the Sheriff’s Office that there was a reasonable belief in the use of deadly force.”
According to the report, “the confrontation escalated when Daraev reportedly became agitated and lunged at the shooter after repeatedly refusing to leave the property. The shooter reported firing several shots in response to Daraev’s advance.”
The Sheriff’s Office cited the
North Carolina Castle Doctrine as justification for the shooter’s actions, which allows for the use of defensive force when there is a perceived imminent threat to personal and family safety within one’s home or property.
Investigators found that Daraev, an employee of Cable Warriors, a subcontractor for Utilities One, was conducting legitimate utility surveys in the area as part of a Brightspeed fiber optic expansion but had no identifying clothing or equipment. He had entered the United States across the southern border in December 2022 and had been living in Chicago.
The only identification associated with Daraev was an international driver’s license found in his car, parked along Dowd Road. At the time of the shooting, he was wearing a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops, and he did not have any paperwork showing he was authorized to take photographs of utility poles.
Given the unique circumstances of the incident, the case materials have been made accessible to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Army Criminal Investigation Division throughout the investigation.
Church News
ROCKY RIVER CHURCH
4436 Siler City Snow Camp Rd. Siler City, NC 27344
Harvester’s Quartet will be in concert at the Rocky River Fellowship Bldg. On Sunday evening, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.
Everyone is welcome!
A love offering will be taken
SANDY BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH
You are cordially invited to join us for our annual Homecoming Service on Sunday, Aug. 18. The day’s activities will begin at 10 a.m. with Sunday School, followed by the 11 a.m. worship service.
We are happy to welcome the Rev. Lee Callicutt as guest speaker. There will be special music as well as a memorial service. After the service, there will be a potluck lunch, so plan on bringing your favorite dishes and desserts and stay to enjoy the food and fellowship.
We are located at 715 Sandy Branch Baptist Church, Bear Creek. Hope to see you there as we celebrate 152 years in worship and service to Jesus, our Lord and Savior!
OAKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
2300 Siler City Glendon Rd., Siler City, NC 27344
The Back to School Splash is on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m., Lou Clark Park featuring lots of water play and a tall, inflated water slide! We will snack on popcorn and snow cones. Everyone Is Invited!
controlled substances, manufacturing/selling/ delivering controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a park, possessing a weapon with an altered serial number, possessing a weapon of mass destruction, and various drug paraphernalia charges.
• Donovan Montreal Riley, Jr., 27, of Pittsboro, was arrested on numerous drug charges including possession with intent to manufacture/sell/ deliver Schedule II and III controlled substances, maintaining a place for controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, forgery, reckless driving, and driving without a license.
• Jhermaine Antonio Joyner, 41, of Pittsboro, was arrested for communicating threats and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
Aug. 9
• Vanquas Lamar Scotton, 36, of Siler City, was arrested for failure to
Achievement Award for Women in Business. Her husband, Greg, also serves on the Downtown Advisory Board.
“You and your family have made significant investments in town and so much of what you have done is so commendable,” said Commissioner John Bonitz. “For that reason, I think at least for myself, you’ve established a level of trust that is uncommon with other developers or property owners that come to us.”
Following the hearing, the board voted 3-2 to approve the rezoning request with Mayor Pro Tem Pamela Baldwin and Commissioner J.A. Farrell voting in opposition.
“To me, it seems like we’re trying to push commercial up into a residential area,” Farrell said. “There’s a residential area behind it, and there’s numerous residentials to the south too. So I’m not really in support of this half acre of commercial property.”
The commissioners also ap-
appear related to child support.
• Billy Scott Denkins, 61, of Sanford, was arrested for possession of Schedule II controlled substances, marijuana, and related paraphernalia.
• Krystina Elizabeth Rosales, 33, no address listed, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Aug. 10
• Travis Clay Woody, 39, of Bear Creek, was arrested for felony larceny.
• Alexix Osmaro Sibrian, Jr., 28, of Pittsboro, was arrested for violating a domestic violence protective order.
• Robert Raymond Case, 62, of Goldston, was arrested for failure to appear.
• Brian Edward Hester, 49, of Chapel Hill, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor domestic violence.
Aug. 11
• David Gachira Karanja, 32, of Lumberton, was arrested for driving while impaired.
proved an agreement with the Town of Pittsboro ABC Board for the retention of 40% of excess working capital for the Restricted Capital Improvements Fund.
“This is an agreement that the town and the ABC Board have had in the past, and then the pandemic happened and it has kind of fallen off the schedule, so I’d like to revisit it and request that we retain some of the earnings,” said ABC Board Chair Jamie Fiocco. “We’d typically give 100% to (the town) but in some years, we’d been allowed to retain some of the excess working capital dollars in order to build a fund.”
Per Fiocco, the fund would be for the purpose of eventually establishing another ABC store location that is owned by the town. With the approval, the expansion is expected to happen sometime in the next three to five years.
The Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners will next meet Sept. 9.
GUM SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH
226 Gum Springs Church Rd., Moncure, NC 27559
Join us for the 195th celebration of the founding of Gum Springs Baptist Church on Sunday, Aug. 18. The Rev. Wade Allen will deliver the message at 10 a.m. A covered dish meal will follow. Revival will follow beginning on monday night when the speaker will be the Rev. David Martin.
The Rev. Alex St. Onge will be Tuesday night’s speaker. Wednesday’s service will be a time of praise and congregational hymn singing. Service will begin at 6:30 p.m. each night.
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN
Granddad vibes
As fellow grandparents, they share the neighbor’s desire to bring delight to their grandchildren.
FOR THE FIRST TIME in my life, I celebrated Aug. 10 with fireworks.
The kids and I met my parents at a lake in southwestern Virginia for a final getaway before school began. After driving up, we were swimming in the lake when the neighbor shouted from his back porch. “Just so y’all know, we’re shooting fireworks at dusk.” I figured these weren’t sparklers, and there must be a story.
This gentleman looked a little like vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz and had the same goofy affability. He explained that his young granddaughters couldn’t make it on the Fourth of July. He’d saved the explosives for them. How sweet, I thought.
My family and I toweled off and ate a simple meal at the picnic table. The weather was 15 degrees cooler than back home. Absorbed in the fun of after-dinner card games, I almost forgot about the neighbor’s plans. The loud bangs were a quick reminder.
My kids were thrilled. We watched the tiny tracers fly over the lake then explode in bright colors. Nearby geese honked in protest, but the grandchildren cheered even louder.
In a brief lull, I heard our neighbor exclaim, “I’ve never done this kind before.” Those were not comforting words.
The next rocket shot backward toward the neighbor’s house!
COLUMN | BOB WACHS
Screaming, my kids ran inside for cover. My heart thumped in my ears, but I still heard the neighbor’s apology: “That one got away from me. I’ll stick to these other ones.” He was true to his word, and the show continued as before with more oohs and ahhs from spectators of all ages, notwithstanding the geese’s protests.
My parents never explode any objects, but as fellow grandparents, they share the neighbor’s desire to bring delight to their grandchildren. In their own way, they sacrifice, save and go above and beyond, such as renting this lake house and bringing snorkeling goggles and swimming fins for my kids, one of which my daughter promptly lost at the bottom of the lake.
But the next day, the same neighbor helped my mom dive down to search the bottom, and he emerged triumphantly with the bright pink fin.
I guess the moral of the story is to be a good neighbor. And by all means, celebrate the wonder of grandkids. If things don’t go as planned, it makes a story.
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.
Some things really do naturally go together
I think it’s the smell of the hot dogs that makes me remember Uncle Frank.
IN THE MOVIE “Forrest Gump,” the Tom Hanks-played main character says numerous times that he and his lady love Jenny go together “just like peas and carrots.”
Now, not everybody likes peas and carrots, I know, so for them, they don’t go together, but they do for me. I like peas and carrots, by themselves or in chicken pot pie. I like English peas, what Shirley refers to as “silly little peas,” cooked with new potatoes and some pastry. My mama used to do that when I was a tender lad of 6 or 11 or 14. And Shirley not often enough throws together a carrot dish that she calls “dimes” or “silver dollars” or some other piece of money. All I know is that they’re sliced across like dimes or nickels and the sauce or whatever that stuff is they’re in has lots of sugar.
I say all that to say that there really are some things that go together in our lives, and when you have one, you almost automatically think of the other. I know that varies from person to person, depending on who we are and what floats our boat. But one of the good things about them, especially when it comes to chow, is not only how tasty good they are, but, when it comes to something other than chow, how sweet memories can be.
Case in point: I seldom eat a hog dog that’s served in one of those little ruffled paper holders without thinking of my Uncle Frank Durham. He wasn’t a bit of blood kin to me, but his wife Louise was the daughter of the lady in Bynum who reared my daddy and who he always referred to as “Sister” and her mother as “Mama.” My brothers and I always referred to the two of them as “Uncle Frank and Louise.” I’m not really sure exactly why we spoke that way, and I don’t remember how we called her or spoke to her directly. What I do know is we always called him “Uncle Frank.”
Anyway, when I was the tender age of 5, I spent a year at the Gov. Morehead School in Raleigh, aka “the State School for the Blind.” I had an issue with my eyes, and my folks weren’t really sure how I was going to turn out as far as being able to see very well, so they thought I should get a head start just in case. In time, the folks at the long-gone McPherson Hospital in Durham helped me turn some corners with glasses and contact lenses, but that year, going to school in Raleigh had some benefits. One of them occurred every Sunday night when my folks and, most of the time, Uncle Frank (again) and Louise would take me back to my buddies in the dorm on the Raleigh campus off Western Boulevard. In those dark days of early civilization, there was no I-40 or 440 or four-lane this or that. There
was just U.S. 64 in its radiant two-lane glory going through Pittsboro and Apex and Cary and on into Raleigh.
Along that stretch between Apex and Cary was a restaurant that, I think, went by the name Seaboard Something or Another. That was, I think, because it was beside or across the road from a pond used to water steam engines and the old, now long-gone Seaboard Airline Railway train tracks passed by the place. What was the key, however, was that it was where I got my Sunday night staple of two hot dogs all the way and a significant amount of chocolate milk.
I think it’s the smell of the hot dogs — and that’s the association of things going together I spoke of earlier — that makes me remember Uncle Frank. The combination of the chili that soaks into the paper holder always takes about, dare I say it, more than 70-plus years of my life, and I am once again that little guy.
There is also another nasal association I have with him of things going together, namely Juicy Fruit chewing gum. Today, it’s too sweet for me; I’d rather have Spearmint or something similar. But I used to pound a stick or two between my ivories until the cows came home twice, and every time I smell Juicy Fruit, I think of him.
The other day, on purpose, I got a pack of Juicy Fruit just to smell it. Chewed one stick; the rest is on my desk. It may be another five years before a second one is chewed but the same association will be there, I’m sure. Today, Juicy Fruit chewing gum is becoming a favorite of the two little guys who live next door and call me “Bob” because, apparently, “Granddaddy” is too much of a mouthful, at least for the 2-year-old.
He also used to give me a dime every time we said “Goodbye,” too, but I didn’t eat those. Comic books were only 10 cents at the turn of the century then, so that’s where my financial bonanza went. Come to think of it, I think hot dogs were maybe a dime at the time, too, so maybe the dimes are the real association.
Anyway, those things — and there are others — are pretty special and really important to me. I hope you’ve got some; if not, find or make some. And if you need help, let me know. A good hot dog is never out of season ... or out of mind.
Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.
About that side dish…
It’s a real delicacy, not served up enough. Not enough at all.
HUMAN BEING that I am (the last I heard, anyway), my behaviors don’t always coincide with my principles. (Do yours?) Such a letdown. Such an incredible letdown! Here I am, patting myself on the back for my decidedly highfalutin communication standards, choosing to be NICE to all and sundry. Then I read or see something online, usually about politics, and listen in disbelief and powerlessness to the verbal explosions in my mind. OMG, such detonations! Such language! No, no, that CAN’T be me (can it?)
Um, yep, it is. You ol’ human, you! Can you folks out there experience my deeply, deeply embedded digital sighs? Perhaps visualizing me shaking my head, back-and-forth, back-and-forth, in lifelong frustration. I mean, I’ve practiced, practiced and practiced verbally modeling my principles of compassionate communication. Yet here I go again. Triggered by something I’ve heard or read. Verbal rackets, four-letter word reactions off the charts, just beating a path through my own unwilling mind.
Jeez! What’s a person gotta do to change in a worthwhile direction? I’m trying; I’m really, really trying to be good and live up to my values. Doesn’t that count for something?
This might be an opportune time for a commercial interruption, wouldn’t you say? I
Just who is the real middle-class president?
No administration in recent times has done more to tear down the middle class than Biden-Harris.
PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN talked incessantly about his “from the middle class out” economic strategy. Given his record, it would have been more accurate to call it the “middle class down and out” plan. Inflation has eroded away any income gains under Biden’s presidency.
Now Vice President Kamala Harris has her own riff on this theme. Her campaign motto is “building up the middle class.” It isn’t exactly “Make America Great Again,” but Dems don’t have a lot of time to come up with anything catchier, given that Kamala was reluctantly chosen as the eighth-inning relief pitcher for Old Joe, who had long ago lost his fastball.
But Harris and Biden are, as the old saying goes, birds of a feather who flock together. They are running on almost precisely the same agenda as we’ve seen for four years.
The central problem is that the record for most Americans is a lot more meaningful than the message. The irony of this “build the middle class” mantra is that no administration in recent times has done more to tear down the middle class than BidenHarris.
The most recent Census Bureau data on incomes and poverty shows that under former President Trump, incomes of the middle class rose faster than under all the three previous presidents combined.
The difference between the Trump and Biden administrations is $8,000 per household in Trump’s favor.
This same data shows income gains for minorities and female-headed households were larger under Trump. Poverty rates fell faster under Trump as well.
The reasons for the lousy Biden-Harris record are that even though incomes grew under both presidencies, inflation erased all the real income gains for workers. In other words, if the prices of eggs and bread and rent
BE IN TOUCH
mean, I have a deal for you! First, a question, however.
How do you feel about side dishes? Food, I mean. And, in this case, food for the spirit. Such as?
It’s a real delicacy, not served up enough. Not enough at all. Self-compassion.
For instance:
“Oh, gosh, I cannot believe all the pejoratives I hear in my head when reading certain political statements online. I hate it when this happens because I’d like to think better of myself!”
“Excuse me, but let’s repeat (again and again), you’re human. Less than perfect BECAUSE we’ve all received the gift of evolution.” Bob Dylan nailed it, setting a universal human standard, “For the times they are a-changin’” That would be us. No terminus point to our individual growth, no perfection, but the opportunity to just keep right on evolving our wholeness, even in the frustration of having to do so continually.
Yep, I would agree. Self-compassion as a universal side dish! Grab your forks, spoons or chosen utensils and have some bites. Once tried, self-compassion can be really tasty.
Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.
and gas go up by more than your paycheck, you’re at best treading water. Or, for the majority of households, you’re using pots and pans to keep the water out of the basement.
Biden and Harris seem to have really believed that inflation would be transitory. They drank the Kool-Aid of a trendy new economic theory called modern monetary theory, which posited that the U.S. government could spend and borrow till kingdom come without any collateral damage. But a high school economics student could tell you that handing out free money to stimulate demand for goods and services is likely to raise the price of goods and services. In the end, we learned the hard way that there’s no getting around the old law of supply and demand.
Now that the economy is showing signs of cracks in the hill, the only Harris remedy is trillions more spending and borrowing. Team Harris thinks the Fed can simply cut interest rates and the pain will go away. Maybe. But more likely that will only stimulate more spending and make the economy even more vulnerable. What they won’t do is cut excessive government spending and debt — for example, by canceling some $300 billion of failed green energy programs.
The Left shouts that Trump is the one who will rekindle inflation with his tax cuts. But that’s a hard message to sell given that there was virtually no inflation during Trump’s term. His average annual inflation rate was 1.9% versus 6% for Biden-Harris.
Trump will continue to argue to the voters that he is the president who will “build out” the middle class, and even though the future is hard to predict, he has history firmly on his side.
Stephen Moore is a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a senior economic advisor to Donald Trump.
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.
DONALD TRUMP is clearly flailing. He has reportedly taken to complaining about his campaign, which candidates tend to do when they are looking for someone to blame. He is, in the words of The Washington Post, “steaming” at what has happened to him. This is what he posted on Truth Social on Tuesday afternoon: “What are the chances that Crooked Joe Biden, the WORST President in the history of the U.S., whose Presidency was Unconstitutionally STOLEN from him by Kamabla, Barrack HUSSEIN Obama, Crazy Nancy Pelosi, Shifty Adam Schiff, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, and others on the Lunatic Left, CRASHES the Democrat National Convention and tries to take back the Nomination, beginning with challenging me to another DEBATE,” the post read. “He feels that he made a historically tragic mistake by handing over the U.S. Presidency, a COUP, to the people in the World he most hates, and he wants it back, NOW!!!” Are these the words of a stable man who is in touch with reality? It gets worse. On Thursday, he held a lengthy press conference, supposedly to get the attention back on him instead of focusing so much on the “fun” and very successful rollout of the Harris-Walz ticket. By any measure, the press conference was a disaster. Trump repeated his familiar rants, complete with lies that have been repeatedly fact-checked. No, he did not cut taxes more than anyone else in history. No, he did not have a bigger crowd on Jan. 6 than Martin Luther King Jr. did for the March on Washington. No, it was not a “small” crowd that stormed the Capitol, and it was not a “peaceful” transfer of power. At some points, he was utterly incoherent. Asked if he would direct the FDA to deny access to abortion pills, he responded: “So, you can do things that will be, would supplement, absolutely. And those things are pretty open and humane. But you have to be able to have a vote. And all I want to do is give everybody a vote. And the votes are taking place right now as we speak.” What? An aide later said that he didn’t hear the question, which is hardly an explanation, and that his position has not changed since the Supreme Court ruled. But the Supreme Court never ruled on the merits of the question of whether abortion medication should be available; it only ruled that the particular plaintiffs before it did not have standing to raise the issue. Asked how he would vote on the Florida initiative to protect abortion rights, which is on the ballot this fall, he just dodged, promising to hold a press conference sometime in the future.
The man is not competent to be president.
He was equally incoherent about his attacks on Kamala Harris’ blackness. Asked how he could claim that a woman who attended a historically black university had only recently claimed she was black, Trump said: “Well, you’ll have to ask her that question because she’s the one that said it. I didn’t say it. So you’ll have to ask her. And I very much appreciate that question, but you’ll have to ask her.” What did she say? What question? His answer makes no sense at all.
We are so used to Trump ranting and raving, lying and boasting, flaunting his insecurities and anger, that it is easy to dismiss it as yet another instance of Trump being Trump. But this time he went even further, literally making up a supposed helicopter trip he took with Willie Brown, the former mayor of San Francisco and speaker of the California Assembly. According to Trump, the helicopter nearly crashed, but not before Brown disparaged Kamala Harris, a woman he dated decades ago and has supported throughout her career. According to Brown, an inveterate storyteller who pointed out, convincingly, that if it had happened, he would have told the story himself, the helicopter trip simply never happened.
Donald Trump is a man who not only rants and raves, not only exaggerates and lies, but literally makes things up. How can he possibly be qualified to be president? This is not just Trump being Trump; it is Trump literally being crazy. It is no longer simply about ideology or policy. The man is not competent to be president. It’s time to say it out loud.
Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.
obituaries
Martha Hope Basnight Smith
July 29th, 2024
Martha Hope Basnight Smith, age 83, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024.
After growing up in Ahoskie, NC, she dedicated her life to the service of others as a teacher and speech therapist, a devoted mother, and a “professional volunteer.”
Her commitment as a volunteer was evident in her active participation with PTA thrift shops, libraries, and by making Christmas special to many Chatham County families through the Salvation Army. Martha Hope was also a proud member of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Mason Smith, and her parents, W.H. and Myra Basnight. She leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, cherished by her surviving family: her
Herbert W. Bell
1922 – 2024
Born in 1922 in Yonkers, New York to Herbert W. Bell Sr. and Ruth Moshier, he graduated from Taft School, and after two years at Williams College, he enlisted in the Army Signal Corps during World War II and spent two and a half years in the Mediterranean Theater of operations as a TeletypeCode Clerk. After the War, he returned to Williams, where in his senior year he was president of the Undergraduate Council, President of the Gargoyle Honorary Society, and Captain of the wrestling team.
Following graduation, he joined the McGraw-Hill Book Company as a college textbook salesman. He served in a variety of sales, editorial and managerial functions and was Senior Vice President for Administration when he retired at 58. During those years, he was active in book industry affairs, including the establishment of a book industry shipping association, and chairing an industry committee to establish a coding system for all book industry accounts. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Oak Island, NC,
daughter, April Hope Smith; her stepdaughter, Lisa Powell and her husband Bobby; and her grandchildren, Cali Powell Stone, Hanson Powell, Quin Powell, and Mason Powell. She will also be fondly remembered by her nephew, Michael Basnight, his wife Gina, and their two children, and nephews David, Leigh, and Howard Basnight and their families.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel from 11:00 - 11:30 am, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 am. The family invites all who knew and loved Martha Hope (known simply as “Hope” in her final years) to join them in celebrating her life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to Shriners Children’s, PO Box 947765, Atlanta GA 30394, or online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/ search, then type “Martha Hope Smith.” You may also donate to the wildlife charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Smith family and online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. garrettsykesfs.com.
where he spent a year as a book industry consultant, wrote a book, “How to Get Your Book Published”, served on the Town Planning Committee, and the Board of the Brunswick County FEMA, and the executive committee of the Cape Fear Area United Way. In 2002, he and his wife moved to the Bethlehem area of Alexander County, NC and in 2016 moved to Siler City, NC. He leaves over three dozen oil paintings currently held by family members, and nine unpublished short stories, all created during his retirement years. He is survived by his wife, Daisy Meade Bell of the home, his son Christoher G. Bell (Jo Taliaferro), of Fearrington Village, NC who was born of his first wife, Shirley E. Welch, of Ottawa Canada, who predeceased him, and by two grandchildren, Andrea Bell (James Smolka) of Bloomfield, NJ and Eric Bell of Roseville, MN and one great-grandchild Owen Smolka of Bloomfield, NJ. And by Daisy Meade’s family, daughter Elizabeth Thorn of Pittsboro, NC and George Kouba of Wilmington, NC and by grandchildren Adrian Thorn (Lacee Monte), Ryan Thorn (Jessica), and Rachael Thorn all of Siler City, NC, and Jeremy Kouba (Suzanne) of Charleston, SC and Annie Elizabeth Kouba of Charleston, SC and Emily Kouba of Raleigh, NC and Meghan McMahan of Raleigh NC and Dylan McMahan (Wayne Ford) of Hickory, NC. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Bell family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com.
Cora Mae Buckner Elkins
April 27, 1934 –August 10, 2024
Cora Mae Elkins, 90, passed away in her home Saturday, August 10th, 2024. She was born in Chatham County on April 27, 1934 the daughter of Tull and Gertrude Buckner. She is survived by her daughter, Beth Elkins and her fiancé, Jay Southerland, grandson, Jason Pollock, granddaughter, Ally Roberts and her wife Ashton Roberts, greatgrandson, Emmett Roberts,
Clyde Howard
“Gus” Smith
Nov. 6th, 1945 –Aug. 4th, 2024
Clyde Howard “Gus” Smith, Jr., age 78 of Greensboro, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on August 4th with his family at his side.
Gus was born November 6, 1945, in Siler City, NC to the late Clyde Howard Smith, Sr. and Dixie Langley Smith. Gus graduated from Jordan Matthews High School in 1964. He served four years in the Air Force earning the rank of Staff Sergeant and completed a tour of duty during the Vietnam War.
Upon returning from the war, Gus met Marygold Summerlin during a fated encounter at Monroe’s Drive-In in November of 1967. The two were destined to be together and married at College Place United Methodist Church on March 23, 1969. Gus went on to earn his Associate Degree in Applied Science from Central Carolina Technical Institute. The couple welcomed Bradley Todd in November of 1969 in Pittsboro, NC and later welcomed Leigh Heather in April of 1975 in Sanford, NC. Gus began his acclaimed
and her loving dog, Bucky. Cora was the eldest of eight siblings. She is survived by siblings Louise Adcock, Patsy Corder, Ronnie Buckner, Bronna Cockman, Mickey Buckner, and many loved nieces and nephews. She now joins her husband, Jack Bailey Elkins, sisters, Doris Hart and Susan Coggins, and niece, Julie Hart, in heaven. Cora was a devoted wife to Jack for over 60 years. She was a loving mother and an adored grandma. Cora was a well-respected and loved citizen of Chatham County. She was born and raised in Silk Hope and graduated from Silk Hope High School, where she played basketball. She was a long-term employee of Mountaire Farms. She was an active member at Rives Chapel Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She was an active member of garden club, bridge club, and a volunteer at the PTA thrift store. In the spring of 2020, she moved to Jacksonville, NC to stay with
career as an engineer in data communications with AT&T (affectionately called “Ma Bell”) which later transitioned to Lucent Technologies. His work took him all over the world, from the Philippines and Saudi Arabi to Egypt, Japan, Netherlands, Hawaii, and all parts of Europe. His work culminated in being called out of retirement following the terrorist attacks on the Capital in 2001 where he served as a consultant to restore the Pentagon. His work was often classified, as he worked on miliary bases and it very often took him away from home, but he excelled beyond comprehension in his career. Gus’ career caused a few moves for the young family. They began in Pittsboro, NC then moved to Siler City, NC, Sanford, NC, Manassas, VA, Newton, NJ and finally home to Greensboro, NC. Gus loved his wife dearly and his children were his greatest accomplishment. He celebrated every milestone honor, graduation, promotion, engagement, and marriage. However, in March of 2007, a mere fifty-six minutes before he and Marygold’s 38th wedding anniversary tolled, his only granddaughter, Juleigh Paige Harris entered his world. From that moment until his last, she was his great love and his amazing pride and joy.
Gus was a multi-faceted person and one hard to nail down in words. He was brilliant, loyal, funny, stern, mischievous, stubborn, and generous. Gus was also a diehard UNC Tarheels fan and loved watching them play. He was a man who earned all that he had and was proud
her daughter, though always referred to Chatham County as home. The loss of Cora leaves many with heavy hearts, though we know her loving and kind spirit will live on in all those who loved her and all the seeds she sowed. Cora had a special love for flowers and plants. “The good thing about plants is they keep people’s memory alive. When you look at your plants, you can think of me.” – Cora Mae Elkins. The family will receive friends Saturday, August 17th at Rives Chapel Baptist Church from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM followed by the funeral at 2:00PM with Rev. Michael Whaley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Baptists on Mission. Details provided below: Saint Jude’s (800) 8055856 http://www.stjude.org Baptists on Mission 800.395.5102 ext.5596 http:// baptistsonmission.org
of his family. He made Marygold always feel special and safe, seeing in her what she failed to see in herself. He traveled the world with work and with his family but was never pretentious. He was always the same smalltown boy from Siler City, NC. He never forgot where he came from.
Gus is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Howard Smith, Sr. and Dixie Marie Langley Smith as well as his sister-in-law Brenda Smith. He is survived by his adoring wife of fifty-five years, Marygold Summerlin Smith, son B. Todd Smith, MD and wife Dana of Wilson, NC and daughter Leigh S. Harris and husband Jim of Greensboro, NC. Also surviving is his ultimate love, his granddaughter Juleigh Paige Harris of Greensboro, NC. Gus’ three siblings also survive his death: Pam Brower, George D. “Pug” Smith and Debbie Champion, all of Siler City, NC. Funeral services will be at West End Global Methodist Church, Monday, August 12th, 2024, at 11 AM. Visitation will be at the church an hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Siler City. Services will be officiated by Reverend Linda Yow. All other times will be at his mother’s home. Memorials may be made to the West End Global Methodist Church, 1104 N. Chatham Ave., Siler City, NC 27344. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Smith family. Online condolences can be made at www. smithbucknerfh.com.
Debbie Horton
Nina Margaret Fields Barth
March 16th, 1948 –Aug. 9th, 2024
Nina Margaret Fields Barth, 76, of Siler City, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, August 9th, 2024, at her daughter’s home surrounded by family.
Margaret was born on March 16th, 1948, in Chatham County to the late Richard William Fields, Sr. and Nina Elaine Gaines. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Steve Barth; her brothers, Mack Fields, Buck Fields, and Allen Fields; and her sister, Frances Goins. She was a member of Oakley Baptist Church and loved her church family. She retired from Mt. Aire Farms where she worked in the hatchery. Margaret loved flowers and gardening. She loved spending time with her family and making memories with them. She is survived by her daughter, Denise Jones and her husband, Jason of Siler City; her sons, Steven Craig Barth and his girlfriend, Melody Hudson of Siler City, and Anthony Barth and his wife, Penny of Siler
CORDIE SMITH GRAHAM AUG. 7TH, 2024
Cordie Smith Graham, 88, of Sanford went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at her home. She was born in Moore County to the late Edgar H. Smith and Julia Haiglar Smith. She met the love of her life at the young age of 49 when she became the loving wife to Quinton and second mother to his three children. Cordie set such a good example in her role as a wife, a mother and a faithful servant of her Lord. She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Quinton Patrick Graham; sister, Nancy Underwood, and brother, Hoyle Smith. Mrs. Graham is survived by a son, Mark Graham (Anita) of Sanford; daughters, Laura Freedle (Eric) of Sanford and Beth Garner (Richard) of Sanford; a brother, Rodney Smith (Beverly) of Moore County; beloved nephew Ronald Underwood (Pam) of Wake County; eight grandchildren, Brian Moser, Jennifer Bailey Wood (Joe), Shane Moser (Kara), Brittany Moser, Sara Garner, Ashley Garner, Jared Garner (Mary Grace), and Zachary Garner (Mitzy); eight great grandchildren, Katie Foster (Matthew), Hunter Bailey (McKenna), Payton Moser, Luke Moser, Mason Bailey, Amara Moser, Kenleigh Grace Garner, and Violet Garner; three great-great grandchildren, Jayce Wilson, Harper Wilson, and Rance Foster; as well as, an abundance of nieces and nephews.
TERRY LEE “TOOTIE” KIDD
SEPT. 12TH, 1957 – AUG. 9TH, 2024
Terry Lee “Tootie” Kidd, 66, of Robbins, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024 at FirstHealth Hospice House. The graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024 at High Falls UMC with Rev. Kenneth Bouldin presiding.
Terry was born in Moore County on September 12,1957 to Linton and Katherine Garner Kidd. He retired after 39 years of service as a truck driver for Perdue. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and life in general. He loved spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Terry was preceded in death by three brothers, Jerry, Gary and David.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa B. Kidd, of the home; children, Michael Kidd and Misty Kidd, both of the home; sisters, Karen Watson (Benny), of Goldston and Sharon Hill (Tony), of Robbins; brother, Tommy Kidd, of Bennett; grandchildren, Landon, Ava, Madison and Mitchell; greatgrandchild, Anna and a host of family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to High Fall UMC cemetery fund, 324 Frieson Rd., Robbins, NC 27325 or the charity of one’s choice.
Stereotypes of those likely to feel the brunt of food insecurity and need assistance to make ends meet don’t apply in an economy plagued by inflation, skyrocketing prices for basic living needs and stagnant wages. Asked to pinpoint the root causes behind the increase in food insecurity in more detail, Hankins said, “I think it’s a lot of different things, but with the cost of child care and housing going up ... the cost of housing in Chatham County is so high that people are really at the end of the month finding they have very little money left over for some of those necessities.”
She contends this leaves many people in an untenable situation. They are forced to make tough decisions, which more often include questioning whether to buy something their family desperately needs or pay the weekly grocery bill. Hankins asserts some of the influx of people taking advantage of CORA’s services is due to the opening of a new choice food pantry last July. The ability to come to a food pantry and
City; one sister, Kay F. Willett and her husband, Dennis of Siler City; her grandchildren, Zack Barth, Noah Jones, Caleb Jones, Cory Barth, Cameron Barth, Hannah Jones, Lillian Jones, Abbie Barth, and Lauren Jones; and her great grandchildren, Eric & Mason Jones, Dylon Barth, and Franchesca Jones, as well as other family and friends.
Graveside service will be held Thursday, August 15th, 2024, at 2 pm, at Oakley Baptist Church with Reverend Walter Jones and Jason Jones officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home.
Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Barth family.
Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com
LISA HASH RATTZ
OCT. 7TH, 1972 – AUG. 11TH, 2024
Lisa Hash Rattz, age 51, of Sanford North Carolina passed away in the early morning hours of August 11th, 2024 at home surrounded by her family. Lisa was born on October 7th, 1972 to Curtis Wayne Hash and Audrey Faye Hicks. Living her whole life in Lee County she attended Lee County Senior High School and graduated with the class of 1990. She worked many years for the late Dr. Michael C. Hattaway as the beloved office manager. Outside of the dental office Lisa loved to travel, some of her favorite places included the North Carolina mountains, beaches, and anywhere else near clear blue water. She also enjoyed hiking, sitting on the beach with some of her closest friends, and trying new restaurants. Lisa is survived by her husband Richard Rattz; daughter Carlin Rattz; son Justin Rattz; brother and sister-inlaw Jimbo and Kelli Rattz; mother-in-law Elizabeth Rattz; sister Nancy Hash Wilkins and her husband Jay; mother Audrey Hash; along with several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father Curtis Hash; sister-inlaw Deborah Hurley.
JAMES MACK GEE
NOV. 25TH, 1929 – AUG. 5TH, 2024
James Mack Gee, 94, of Siler City, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 5th, 2024, at Randolph Health surrounded by family.
Mack was born on November 25th, 1929, in Randolph County to the late Joseph Willie and Sankie Barker Gee. He is preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter; his first wife, Nancy Burns Gee; his second wife, Betty Key Gee; and his brother, Charles Bernice Gee.
Mack was an Army veteran and loved serving his country. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church where he was also an usher. He enjoyed cooking ham for the men’s breakfast on Sunday mornings. Mack loved to hunt and fish anytime he got a chance, especially at the coast. He was a very hard worker and loved his electrical engineering job at Strandburg Engineering. Mack loved his family and spending time and making memories with them. He was a dedicated husband to his two wives and took great care of them both during their extended illnesses.
Mack is survived by his sister Treva Patterson of Raleigh; two stepsons, Steve Key of Raleigh, and Mike Key of Myrtle Beach; many nieces and nephews, Henry Gee of Siler City, Kay Horsfall of Boone, Dottie Gibson of Greensboro, Kim McKinney of Raleigh, and Billy Patterson of Raleigh.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 11th, 2024, at 3 pm, at First Baptist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Brush Creek Baptist Church. Reverend Jim Wall and Reverend Allen Admire will be officiating the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 314 N. 2nd Ave., Siler City, NC 27344.
choose the foods you enjoy and are part of your culture is a refreshing change for people who may have been used to simply receiving a bag of groceries filled with whatever food was available.
CORA’s dedicated staff and volunteers work hard to deliver great customer service while treating all clients with dignity and care, something Hankins says is emphasized within the organization. Word has spread about the quality of CORA’s services. Hankins acknowledged that people in need from neighboring counties, including Wake, Durham, Lee and Alamance, frequent CORA’s choice food pantry.
Part of Hankins’ job is communicating with the members of the community CORA serves. She receives requests from working families who, faced with financial setbacks such as health care expenses, trying to keep up with student loan payments and unexpected bills, find themselves in a difficult financial situation to the point that they have often maxed out their credit cards to pay for necessities and now
Almost 100 NC hospitals to join state’s medical debt-reduction effort
All qualifying facilities will join the innovative Medicaid program
By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press
RALEIGH — All qualifying North Carolina hospitals have agreed to participate in a first-of-its-kind initiative that will give them higher Medicaid payments if medical debt of low- and middle-income patients they hold is relieved and they carry out ways for future patients to avoid liabilities, Gov. Roy Cooper announced on Monday. Cooper and state Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley unveiled six weeks ago a proposal submitted to federal Medicaid regulators that they said could help about 2 million people in the state get rid of $4 billion in debt held by hospitals, which usually only can recoup a small portion.
“This makes sense for the hospitals, their patients and their communities,” Cooper said at a news conference in which he revealed all 99 qualifying hospitals — including the state’s largest hospital systems — have committed to the voluntary debt-elimination effort.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services signed off last monthon the plan details, which build on a Medicaid reimbursement program started recently for 99 acutecare, rural or university-connected hospitals. The hospitals were asked to make their participation decisions known by late last week.
Changes that benefit consumers will begin in the coming months, including by next July 1 the elimination of medical debt going back to early 2014 for the hospitals’ patients who are Medicaid enrollees. The hospitals in time also will eliminate medical debt that is more than two years old for non-enrollees who make below certain incomes or whose debt exceeds 5% of their annual income.
“We are often confronted with messages that tackling medical debt is impossible,” said Jose Penabad, a board member with Undue Medical Debt, a national group that will work with North Carolina hospitals, but “today is a message of hope.”
The hospitals also will agree
to carry out programs going forward to discourage debt. By Jan. 1, for example, hospitals will automatically enroll people in charity care programs if they already qualify for food stamps and other welfare programs. And by July they’ll have to curb debt collection practices by not telling credit reporting agencies about unpaid bills and by capping interest rates on medical debt. The qualifying hospitals already participate in what’s called the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program. The General Assembly approved it last year along with expanded Medicaid coverage to working adults who couldn’t otherwise qualify for conventional Medicaid. Hospitals pay assessments to draw down billions of dollars in federal money.
The HASP hospitals are now poised to receive even higher levels of reimbursement by agreeing to the medical debt initiatives. Kinsley’s department said that hospitals that otherwise would have shared funds from a pot of $3.2 billion this fiscal year now will benefit from an estimated $4 billion and a projected $6.3 billion in the next year.
Other state and local governments have tapped into federal American Rescue Plan funds to help purchase and cancel residents’ debt for pennies on the dollar Cooper, a Democrat who leaves the job in January, acknowledged recently that hospitals had responded somewhat negatively to the medical debt effort. He said Monday he believed that hospitals were put off initially because HASP funds previously unrestricted were now going to be tied to debt-reduction incentives.
But ultimately “these hospitals looked at the bottom line, looked at the benefits to their patients and communities and decided to sign up,” he said.
The North Carolina Healthcare Association — which lobbies for nonprofit and for-profit hospitals, said Monday in a news release that it “stands ready” to help hospital implement the new debt relief initiative. “We are also committed to addressing the root causes of medical debt and will continue to work with partners to improve access to affordable, high-quality care,” the group added.
CommissionerDistrict4CommunityForum
wonder how they can afford to buy food for their families.
Hankins notes it’s common to hear individuals express frustration at finding themselves in a situation where they are forced to ask for help even though they work full time. Hankins explains the middle class is struggling, with a substantial number of individuals and families finding themselves “caught between the bureaucratic cracks,” earning too much to qualify for programs like SNAP but not bringing in enough income to be able to make ends meet.
Hankins and the CORA team of volunteers encounter people from all socioeconomic backgrounds and demographics, and they make a conscious effort to build relationships and an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
The face of food insecurity isn’t just strangers, Hankins laments: “It’s your next-door neighbor. ... You just don’t know it.”
To learn more about CORA and its food programs, to volunteer or make a donation, call 919-542-5020 or visit corafoodpantry.org.
LEARN ABOUT LAND - Chatham Land Experts, www.learnaboutland.com919-362-6999.
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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 919533-6319 for more information, TDD #1-800-735-2962, Equal housing opportunity, Handicapped accessible.
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ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS now for one-bedroom apartments, adults 55 years or older. Water included, appliances furnished, on-site laundry, elevator, keyless entry. Section 8 accepted. No security deposit. Application fee $25 per adult. Call Braxton Manor, 919-663-1877. Handicap accessible. Equal Housing Opportunity. J14,tfnc
ESTATE SALE
Estate Sale August 16 & 17, 8-4pm.
Home to one family 60 years. Furniture, housewares, antiques, clothing, tools, and more. Credit cards not accepted. 739 Silk Hope-Lindley Mill Rd, Siler City. https://www.estatesales.net/NC/ Siler-City/27344/4178709
YARD SALE
2 FAMILY YARD SALE – FRI., AUG 16TH 9AM – UNTIL, SAT., AUG.17TH, 8AM –12PM. Household items, fall comforters, kitchen items and lots of other stuff! 4215 Alston Bridge Rd., Siler City, NC 1tp
FOR SALE
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
TUTORIAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN with special needs, K-5 and regular education, K-5. Master’s Degree Teacher. Keep this ad, as you might need it later.
SARAH ROBBINS – 919-545-4934 –PREFER TEXTS OR CALLS.4tp
RAINBOW WATER FILTERED
VACUUMS, Alice Cox, Cox’s Distributing - Rainbow - Cell: 919548-4314, 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. 919542-2803.
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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 tear-down, all digging. French Drains, All your digging needs. Call John Hayes, 919-548-0474. N9-D31p
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
HELP WANTED
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
Central Pines Regional Council Seeks a Qualified Consultant
Central Pines Regional Council is looking for an NCDOT- prequalified consultant to develop a Planning Feasibility Study (no more than 10% design/engineering) for a multi-modal infrastructure project for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Loves Creek Greenway. The RFP is on Central Pines RPO’s website: www.centralpinesrpo.org. For more information, please email kfuller@centralpinesnc.gov. Proposals are due September 13, 2024, at 5:00 PM.
Oak View at Siler City is a multifamily community accepting applications with 2 bedrooms available for $910 and 3 bedrooms available for $989. Amenities include a playground, computer center, on-site laundry facilities, community garden, and much more! Affordable housing: applicants must meet income requirements. Come apply at 226 Campus Drive, Siler City, NC 27344 from 8:00 to 5:00pm, call 336-895-1128, or email: oakview@partnershippm.com Credit & criminal background check required. Handicap accessible units subject to availability. Equal Housing Opportunity. Professionally managed by Partnership Property Management.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
23E000597 Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of JOHN NATHAN BEIDLER, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before October 31, 2024, or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment. This the 1st day of August 2024. c/o Elinor J. Foy, Attorney for Eliana M. Perrin, Executor of the Estate of John Nathan Beidler Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton, LLP 4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE A public hearing will be held by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Monday, August 19, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The hearing will be held in the courtroom of the Historic Courthouse in Pittsboro, North Carolina at 9 Hillsboro Street. Additional information is available at the Chatham County Planning Department office. Speakers are requested to sign up at the meeting prior to the hearing. You may also sign up on the county website prior to the meeting at www.chathamcountync. gov by selecting the heading Government, then Commissioner Meetings, then Public Input/Hearing Sign Up. The public hearing may be continued to another date at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive input, both written and oral, on the issues listed below:
1. A legislative public hearing requested by Qunity, PA to rezone Parcels 2752, 93852, 18909 from CDCC Conditional District Compact Community to R-1 Residential, being a total of approximately 46.607 acres, located of US 15-501 N, Baldwin Township.
2. A legislative public hearing requested by Qunity, PA to rezone Parcels 18750, 18896, 18897 from CD-CC Conditional District Compact Community to CD-O&I Conditional District Office & Institutional for a church/ place of worship, being a total of 50.117 acres, located at 9780 US 15-501 N, Williams Township. Substantial changes may be made following the public hearing due to verbal or written comments received or based on the Board’s discussions. Notice to people with special needs: If you have an audio or visual impairment, unique accessibility requirements or need language assistance, please call the number listed below prior to the hearing and assistance may be provided. If you have any questions or comments concerning these issues, please call the Chatham County Planning Department at 919-542-8204 or write to P.O. Box 54, Pittsboro N.C. 27312. Please run in your paper: August 8th and 15th, 2024
EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
All persons having claims against the estate of John J. Boren of Chatham County, NC, who died on the 1st of June, 2024, are notified to present them on or before November 10, 2024 to George M. Chescheir, III, 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 8th, August 19th, August 22nd and August 29th, 2024.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
CHATHAM COUNTY HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator of the Estate of Jonathan Barbee Burke, 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 31st day of October, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 25th day of July, 2024. Melanie Faye Burke, Administrator of the Estate of Jonathan Barbee Burke 1203 S. Second Avenue Siler City, North Carolina 27344 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850
NOTICE
North Carolina
Chatham County Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Christopher Larry Hipp, deceased, late of 4053 Moncure Pittsboro Rd. Moncure NC 27559, Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned, Mildred Hipp, Executor, on or before the 23rd day of October 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 25th day of July, 2024. Mildred T. Hipp, Executor 4697 Moncure Pittsboro Rd. Moncure, NC 27559
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Louise G. McLaughlin ( aka Virginia Louise McLaughlin), late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at PO Box 5945, High Point, North Carolina 27262 on or before the 1st day of November, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 1st day of August, 2024. Linda McMasters, Executor Estate of Louise G. McLaughlin PO Box 5945 High Point, North Carolina 27262 Kevin L. Rochford, Attorney Estate of Louise G. McLaughlin PO Box 5945 High Point, North Carolina 27262 (FOR PUBLICATION: 08/01/2024, 08/08/2024, 08/15/2024, 08/22/2024)
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of Josephine Bryson Sears, deceased of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit them to the undersigned co-Executor on or before the 22ndday of October, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in barof recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This is the 25th day of July, 2024.
Lora Schlosser, co-Executor
480 Quail Ridge Dr. Apex, NC 27523
Published By Chatham News and Record July 25, August 1,8,15, 2024.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, having qualified in Chatham County on the 22nd day of July, 2024, as Limited
Personal Representative of the Estate of Lee William Walker, 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 25th day of October, 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 25th day of July 2024
Gwendolyn C. Brooks Kennon Craver, PLLC 4011 University Drive, Suite 300 Durham, North Carolina 27707 Claire Mai Walker, Limited Personal Representative of the Estate of Lee William Walker Post Office Box 57579 Durham, North Carolina 27717 THE CHATHAM NEWS: 7/25/2024, 8/1/2024, 8/8/2024, and 8/15/2024
NOTICE OF TAX FORECLOSURE SALE
Under and by virtue of an order of the District Court of Chatham County, North Carolina, made and entered in the action entitled COUNTY OF CHATHAM vs. THE HEIRS, ASSIGNS and DEVISEES of ETTA SILER FOXX A/K/A ETTA JEAN JOHNSON A/K/A JEAN JOHNSON and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, MIRANDA T. JOHNSON and MIRANDA T. JOHNSON’S SPOUSE, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of MIRANDA T. JOHNSON and MIRANDA T. JOHNSON’S SPOUSE, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, REGINALD Q. JOHNSON, JR. and REGINALD Q. JOHNSON, JR.,’S SPOUSE, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of REGINALD Q. JOHNSON, JR. and REGINALD Q. JOHNSON, JR.’S SPOUSE, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, et al, 22 CvD 469, the undersigned Commissioner will on the 21st day of August, 2024, offer for sale and sell for cash, to the last and highest bidder at public auction at the courthouse door in Chatham County, North Carolina, Pittsboro, North Carolina at 12:00 o’clock, noon, the following described real property, lying and being in Matthews Township, State and County aforesaid, and more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lots No. 65 and 66 of the High Knoll Sub-Division, plat recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Chatham County, North Carolina, in Plat Book 6, Page 52. Subject to restrictive covenants, easements, and rights-of-way of record. Parcel Identification Number: 0013439 The undersigned Commissioner makes no warranties in connection with this property and specifically disclaims any warranties as to title and habitability. This property is being sold as is, without opinion as to title or any other matter.
This sale will be made subject to all outstanding city and county taxes and all local improvement assessments against the above described property not included in the judgment in the above-entitled cause.
A cash deposit of 20 percent of the successful bid will be required. In addition, the successful bidder will be required, at the time the Deed is recorded to pay for recording fees and revenue stamps assessed by the Chatham County Register of Deeds. This sale is subject to upset bid as set forth in N.C.G.S. Section 1-339.25. This the 25th day of July, 2024.
Mark D. Bardill/Mark B. Bardill, Commissioner P.O. Box 25 Trenton, NC 28585 Publication dates: August 8, 2024 August 15, 2024
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA
Sección 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 y fondos estatales aplicables, o combinación de los mismos. Esto es para informar al público que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública sobre la solicitud propuesta del Programa de Transporte Comunitario de la Red de Tránsito de Chatham que se presentará al Departamento de Transporte de Carolina del Norte a más tardar el 4 de octubre de 2024. La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo el 22 de agosto de 2024 a las 2:30 pm ante la Junta Directiva de Chatham Transit Network. Aquellos interesados en asistir a la audiencia pública y necesitar ayudas y servicios auxiliares bajo la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) o un traductor de idiomas deben comunicarse con Anna Testerman el 20 de agosto de 2024 o antes, al número de teléfono 919-542-5136 o por correo electrónico al a.testerman@chathamtransit.org. El Programa de Transporte Comunitario brinda asistencia para coordinar los programas de transporte existentes que operan en el condado de Chatham, así como también proporciona opciones y servicios de transporte para las comunidades dentro de esta área de servicio. En la actualidad, estos servicios se prestan mediante servicios bajo demanda y de suscripción. Los servicios son prestados por Chatham Transit Network. El monto total estimado solicitado para el período del 1 de julio de 2025 al 30 de junio de 2026. NOTA: El monto de la participación local está sujeto a la disponibilidad de fondos estatales.
Proyecto Monto total Compartir localmente 5311 Administrativo $ 307,815 $ 46,173 (15%) Capital Combinado $ 386,200 $ 38,620 (10%) 5310 En funcionamiento $ 360,000 $ 180,000 (50%) PROYECTO TOTAL $ 754,015 $ 264,793 Solicitud de financiación total
Cuota local total Esta solicitud puede ser inspeccionada en 127 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312 de 9:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m. Los comentarios por escrito deben dirigirse a Anna Testerman antes del 20 de agosto de 2024. Fin de la notificación
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Section 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 and applica-
ble State funding, or combination thereof.
This is to inform the public that a public hearing will be held on the proposed Chatham Transit Network Community Transportation Program Application to be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation no later than October 4,2024. The public hearing will be held on August 22, 2024 at 2:30 pm before the Chatham Transit Network Board of Directors. Those interested in attending the public hearing and needing either auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or a language translator should contact Anna Testerman on or before August 20, 2024, at telephone number 919-5425136 or via email at a.testerman@chathamtransit.org.
The Community Transportation Program provides assistance to coordinate existing transportation programs operating in Chatham County as well as provides transportation options and services for the communities within this service area. These services are currently provided using on-demand and subscription services. Services are rendered by Chatham Transit Network.
The total estimated amount requested for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
NOTE: Local share amount is subject to State funding availability.
Project
Total Amount
Local Share
5311 Administrative
$ 307,815
$ 46,173 (15%)
Combined Capital $ 386,200 $ 38,620 (10%)
5310 Operating $ 360,000 $ 180,000 (50%)
TOTAL PROJECT
$ 754,015
$ 264,793
Total Funding Request
Total Local Share
This application may be inspected at 127 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Written comments should be directed to Anna Testerman before August 20, 2024. End of Notice
NOTICE OF TAX FORECLOSURE SALE
Under and by virtue of an order of the District Court of Chatham County, North Carolina, made and entered in the action entitled COUNTY OF CHATHAM vs. MACLYN A. HUMPHREY and spouse, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of MACLYN A. HUMPHREY and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, et al, 17 CvD 19, the undersigned Commissioner will on the 21st day of August, 2024, offer for sale and sell for cash, to the last and highest bidder at public auction at the courthouse door in Chatham County, North Carolina, Pittsboro, North Carolina at 12:00 o’clock, noon, the following described real property, lying and being in Hickory Mountain Township, State and County aforesaid, and more particularly described as follows:
All that certain tract of land containing 5.864 acres as per plat of Van Finch Land Surveys, P.A., dated July 22, 1993, and recorded in the Chatham County Registry at Plat Slide 93-277, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same. Subject to restrictive covenants and easements of record. Parcel Identification Number: 0012271
The undersigned Commissioner makes no warranties in connection with this property and specifically disclaims any warranties as to title and habitability. This property is being sold as is, without opinion as to title or any other matter.
This sale will be made subject to all outstanding city and county taxes and all local improvement assessments against the above described property not included in the judgment in the above-entitled cause.
A cash deposit of 20 percent of the successful bid will be required. In addition, the successful bidder will be required, at the time the Deed is recorded to pay for recording fees and revenue stamps assessed by the Chatham County Register of Deeds. This sale is subject to upset bid as set forth in N.C.G.S. Section 1-339.25. This the 25th day of July, 2024.
Mark D. Bardill/Mark B. Bardill, Commissioner P.O. Box 25 Trenton, NC 28585 Publication dates: August 8, 2024 August 15, 2024.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
24-E-1364
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
The undersigned, Brian Inman having qualified as Administrator CTA of the Estate of Annette Inman deceased, late of Chatham County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the day of October 23rd 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 25th of July 2024.
Brian Inman
Administrator CTA
c/o Marie H. Hopper
Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post Office Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CHATHAM COUNTY BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO: 24E001387-180
IN RE:ESTATE OF ROSS WILLIAM ENGEL
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
THE UNDERSIGNED having qualified as co- Executors of the Estate of ROSS WILLIAM ENGEL, Deceased, in the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Chatham County, do hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the said Decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before November 8, 2024, said date being at least three months from the date of the first publication or posting of this Notice as indicated below, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. This Notice is given pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 28A-14-1. This the 8th day of August 2024. ESTATE OF ROSS WILLIAM ENGEL Kimberly Joy Turner, co-Executor 1018 Indigo Ridge Place Cary, NC 27519 Katrina Yu,
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against JANET T. HALE, deceased, of Chatham County, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before October 25, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the Estate
Barefoot in paradise
People over 75 can wear their shoes
By Erika Hoffman For Chatham News & Record
KTN? FOR THOSE not “in the know,” it means “known traveler’s number.” It allows a person to pre-TSA check-in because the government knows much about you if you’ve been interviewed to receive a KTN.
To receive a KTN, the authorities put your fingerprints on file and do a background check.
You pay for this service, which you must renew every so often. About five years ago, I arranged to do it. I had to drive to RDU Airport on a weekday.
Although I thought it was “one and done,” I was wrong. I’ve since learned I must renew it every five years, which means paying another fee.
My husband won’t take time off from work to trek to the airport terminal. That’s his reason, he says, for not getting one; otherwise, he enjoys waiting in serpentine, long lines with everyone else who has no KTN.
Because of my pre-TSA, I usually finish the security check-in before him and cool my heels. At the same time, he
and the hoi
polio plod on, shoeless, through the zigzag, cordoned lines and then must reassemble their outfits, loop belts, don shoes and adjust hats after their security clearance.
On our latest trip to Florida in April to attend a wedding, I stayed with him in the slow queue because he had our RES Med CPAP machines. It might look strange for him to carry two of these apparatuses. Yet, I was already laden with my carry-on, purse and tote full of print-out reservations for the rental car, hotels and wedding invites.
Anyway, at the Hollywood-Fort Lauderdale Airport, a couple of days after the Floridian wedding we attended, we were now on our way to a medical conference in Boston. We wound through tediously long lines to have our photos snapped — like International Customs — before we even hit the conveyor belt, where we had to empty our pockets and put all our belongings in gray bins.
Straight-faced, I asked if I had to throw my tissue in my pants pocket into the bin.
“Pockets must be empty,” the TSA officer answered brusquely. “Even a Kleenex? Seriously?”
“Pockets must be empty,” the glum guy declared.
“Pockets must be empty,” I repeated verbatim for fun.
I untied my sneakers to remove them and placed them in the tray with my pocketbook, passport carrier, carry-on, CPAP and crumpled Kleenex. Suddenly, the stern fellow bellowed, “People over 75 can wear their shoes.”
“I’m not over 75,” I said, surprised, looking around to see if he had been addressing some -
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E000045-180 The undersigned, MARTHA REGAN HEFNER, having qualified on the 16TH day of JULY 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of HELEN A MCNAMARA, 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 30TH Day of OCTOBER 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 1ST DAY OF AUGUST 2024. MARTHA REGAN HEFNER, ADMINISTRATOR 81415 ALEXANDER CHAPEL HILL, NC 27517 Run dates: A1,8,15,22p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24001385-180
The undersigned, PANDORA C. PASCHAL, having qualified on the 18TH day of JULY 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JOSEPHINE DOWDY COTTEN AKA JOSEPHINE COTTEN AKA EMMA J. COTTEN, 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 6TH 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 8th Day of AUGUST 2024.
PANDORA C. PASCHAL, EXECUTOR 101 MURCHISON RD. PO BOX 101 GOLDSTON, NC 27252 Run dates: A8,15,22,29p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#24E001400-180 The undersigned, TRAVIS BRENT HUSSEY, having qualified on the 30TH day of JULY 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JUANITA RICHARDSON, 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 6TH 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 8th Day of AUGUST 2024. TRAVIS BRENT HUSSEY, EXECUTOR PAYABLE TO: THE LAW OFFICE OF LEWIS FADELY, PLLC 119 N.FIR AVE SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: A8,15,22,29
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#24E001405-180 The undersigned, NICOLE STEMLER O’CONNELL AND/OR COLLEEN K. STEMLER, having qualified on the 30TH day of JULY 2024, as CO-EXECUTORS of the Estate of KENNETH H. STEMLER, 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 6TH 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 8th Day of AUGUST 2024. NICOLE STEMLER O’CONNELL, CO-EXECUTOR
390 MARKHAM PLANTATION APEX, NC 27523
COLLEEN K. STEMLER, CO-EXECUTOR
207 ROYAL TOWER WAY CARY, NC 27513 Run dates: A8,15,22,29p
one behind me. No one was there.
“People over 75 can wear their shoes,” he repeated robotically, smile-less.
“Hey, I insist. I’m not over 75,” I said, laughing as if there was no way on God’s green earth I seemed over 75.
“People over 75 can wear their shoes,” he announced matter-of-factly — for the third time as if I were hard of hearing. I wasn’t sure if I should feel insulted or snatch my sneak-
ers from the moving bin and squeeze them back on.
I settled on quipping: “Good to know!”
Spryly, I hustled into the scanner, crossed my arms over my head, fingers grasping fingers, and posed completely … barefoot.
Who needs sneakers? It’s Florida, after all! These were my thoughts: “Next time, I’m using my KTN and queuing up in the line with less sassy TSA inspectors with better vision!”
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001416-180
The undersigned, TOBIE PETTY SUITS, having qualified on the 5TH day of AUGUST 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of MARY CARROLL POWERS, 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 13TH 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 15th Day of AUGUST 2024.
TOBIE PETTY SUITS, EXECUTOR 942 PETTY RD. SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: A15,22,29,S5p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001393-180
The undersigned, OTTO STEVE GREEN, having qualified on the 23RD day of JULY 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of MARY LOU ALICE GREEN, 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 30TH Day of OCTOBER 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 1ST DAY OF AUGUST 2024.
OTTO STEVE GREEN, EXECUTOR 422 PITTSBORO GOLDSTON RD. PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: A1,8,15,22p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001360-180
The undersigned, KATHLEEN
The undersigned, KRISTIN L. GOSZTONYI, having qualified on the 23RD day of JULY 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of THOMAS ALAN MCLAURIN, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does
AXEL SEIDEMANN / AP PHOTO
Left, an air traveler passes through an Atlanta TSA security check point in 2015. Right, security personnel scan the feet of a passenger at the Frankfurt, Germany, international airport in 2002.
JULIE JACOBSON / AP PHOTO
A TSA employee is screened during a demonstration of new software being tested with advanced imaging technology at McCarran International Airport in 2011 in Las Vegas.
JOHN BAZEMORE / AP PHOTO
CHATHAM SPORTS
Northwood to regroup under new leadership
The Chargers look to build on 2023’s successes with a new coach
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
NORTHWOOD, THE top football team in the county last year, didn’t have the most ideal start to the 2024 offseason with the departure of former coach Mitch Johnson and star tight end Gus Ritchey.
However, last year’s successful season didn’t just come down to those two.
Numerous contributors to last year’s run to the state play-
offs are returning for a Northwood team that’s now under the leadership of coach and former Charger Dalton Brown.
With returning players stepping into larger roles, returning starters becoming veteran leaders and a new coaching staff at the helm, the Chargers won’t be expecting to go through a full rebuild. Northwood looks to do more of a regrouping as it aims to take another step forward.
L ast year
After splitting the first two games of the season last year, things changed for Northwood after a physical 38-12 loss to
North Moore. It served as a wake-up call for the Chargers, who were outmuscled in that game, and they responded with five straight conference wins with an average margin of just over 45 points.
Northwood significantly hurt its chances to win the conference with a late-season loss to Cummings, however, it still made its first playoff appearance since 2021 and lost in the first round. The Chargers finished the season with a 7-4 overall record.
Changes and newcomers
Brown said it was “surreal”
Seaforth hopes to improve on ’23
The Hawks look to translate recent school success to the football field
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
IN JUST THREE school years, Seaforth has already seen championship-level success across many sports.
Its 2023-24 2A Wells Fargo Cup title took major contributions from its wrestling, track, golf, swimming and girls’ basketball teams, just to name a few. However, football is one of the few teams that hasn’t yet claimed its share of the glory.
Starting at the varsity level one year behind most of the sports at Seaforth, the gridiron Hawks are looking to be the next team to make the step into playoff contention in 2024.
With a team of older, more experienced players, coach Terrance Gary said the key to making the jump will be “attention to detail.”
“All those small things add up,” Gary said. And this fall, the Hawks hope the sum is more wins and a better overall season than last year.
L ast year
Following the Hawks’ 0-2 start against nonconference
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS AND RECORD
Linebacker/tight end Alex Hinchman (44) is expected to be a key player for Seaforth this season, his senior year.
opponents, Seaforth dominated Graham, 23-2, but it got the deed returned to it in a 44-0 loss to Cummings the next week. Seaforth bounced back with a blowout win over Chatham Central, but its season took a steep fall with three straight blowout losses to conference title contenders. The Hawks won their last two games of the season to finish 4-6 and miss the playoffs.
Changes and newcomers
One of the more visible changes for Seaforth football this year will be its new offensive system. Gary said changing the Hawks’ offensive scheme was a “life lesson” for him as going away from what he knew and taking the wrong advice con-
stepping out onto the very practice field where he once lived out his playing days now as the head coach.
“I remember we broke up into indie, and I didn’t really have anything to do,” said Brown, the former offensive lineman. “It’s more of an eyes on everything type moment instead of being focused on one position.”
Now with a coaching staff that includes Jay Williams (defensive line, Northwood alumnus), Brendan DiBernard (Northwood alumnus), Matt Sullivan (quarterbacks, Northwood alumnus), Cedric Peerman (special teams and wide receivers) Derrick Lee (defen-
sive coordinator) and a returner in Darcus Elliott (linebackers), the key this offseason has been getting the team on board with the new system.
“We’ve been walking a good line of what’s expected, discipline and also a lot of love,” Brown said. “Three faces in three different years is tough on them. But to their credit and the rest of our team, they’re buying in, and we’re seeing hard work every day.”
On the player level, newcomer Raje Torres, the sophomore quarterback who transferred from Jordan-Matthews, has
See NORTHWOOD, page B4
The Jets want to start the road back to glory this season
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
TOUGHNESS, physicality and discipline.
For new Jordan-Matthews football coach Reggie “Kermit” Carter, those are the three pillars the Jets will operate by as they try to restore the feeling of what Jordan-Matthews football once was.
A s an alumnus of his program when it was still the top dog in Chatham County, Carter learned those values from personal experiences with Jets coaching legends Phil E. Senter and John Phillips.
And now in the position they once held over his life, he’s starting the road back to glory by pouring those same sentiments into the next generation.
Jordan-Matthews’ players, who have come out in larger numbers than last season, have already felt and accepted the new energy within the program and are looking to make
the first step toward a nostalgic renaissance in 2024.
Last year
Outside of its two wins against Chatham Central and Graham, the bottom two teams in the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference, Jordan-Matthews wasn’t very competitive on Friday nights. Despite having solid pieces in Raje Torres, Nick Glover, Gabriel Brewer and Neil Wiley, the Jets struggled immensely on offense, failing to score over 13 points in seven of their eight losses. Jordan-Matthews finished the season with a 2-8 record, its 12th straight losing season.
Changes and newcomers
Being without its former quarterback Raje Torres and receiver Nick Glover, who transferred to different programs, does change the depth of talent on Jordan-Matthews’ roster. However, with the Jets switching to a more hardnosed, downhill style of play, more emphasis will be put on the running back positions.
See JETS, page B4
PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Northwood football coach Dalton Brown works with the linemen during the first day of Fall football practice. Brown is in his first year with the Chargers.
Chatham Central hopes offseason improvements lead to more wins
New players and coaches look to help the Bears to more success
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
EVEN WITHOUT playing a regular season snap yet, Chatham Central football is already off to a much better start than 2023.
Last year, the Bears only had eight players coming out to practices, less than a month before the season. Around the same time this year, the Bears have seen triple that amount on the field.
“It’s exciting,” Chatham Central football coach Derrin Little said. “I don’t think Chatham Central football has ever brought any type of excitement, just to tell the truth. That’s a history and tradition that everybody knows and just to see that we’re breaking away from that and starting the change the culture there, that’s the most exciting thing for me.”
The Bears are entering a new era in 2024 and hope the transfer the heightened buzz to more wins this season.
L ast year
The Bears came close to starting last year off with a win, falling to North Stokes after four overtimes in the season opener.
However, as a small team with limited football experience and a first-year head coach in Little, the season didn’t get any easier.
Although the team did show improvements throughout the year, Chatham Central just couldn’t pull out a win, even in close ones against Jordan-Matthews and Graham. The Bears still made the playoffs despite its 0-10 record, showing improvement with their hard fought 28-0 loss to North Moore in the first round just one week after falling to the Mustangs, 42-8.
Changes and newcomers
Chatham Central brought in Jordan-Matthews transfers Nick Glover and Brennen Oldham this offseason who will provide boosts to the Bears’ athleticism and size.
After being one of the Jets’ most dangerous offensive weapons in 2023, Glover, a junior, will play at receiver and safety for the Bears, adding another threat to a receiving corps highlighted by Luke Gaines.
“I think it’s safe to say that with Nick, he has the potential to be the best football player in the county,” Little said.
Oldham hasn’t played football in a long time, but the senior has impressed so far in practices with his energy and physicality at the defensive end position. He’ll be crucial for
freeing up returning defensive lineman Stephen Silhan Jr who saw plenty of double teams last year.
The Bears are also coming into 2024 with a new freshman quarterback in Reed Douglas who Little said has the “keys to the kingdom.” Little, who played quarterback in college, has helped Douglas develop in the role which he may hold for years to come.
“He’s helped me with all the stuff,” Douglas said. “He makes the playbook easy to learn.”
Chatham Central will also have some new faces on its offensive line that look to help protect its freshman quarterback this year.
There are new additions to the coaching staff, too, including Jacob Tedder (defensive coordinator), Trevon Tapp (special teams/safeties) and Duane Bland (defensive backs).
Players to watch
Of course, Glover and Oldham will bring interest to see how the standout receiver and local basketball star will make the Bears better in 2024.
Yet, there’s still other players on the roster that can have huge impacts.
Senior receiver Luke Gaines should be in for a big season as Glover and other offensive packages utilizing the Bears’ size in the passing game should take attention away from him.
In fact, Chatham Central has already seen it happen in its summer 7-on-7 games.
“Luke didn’t see a single double team all summer,” Little said. “You can’t double team him anymore just because if you’re going to double team him, then you’re just leaving two valuable options.”
The Bears will also have se -
nior Ben Wilson, an addition from the baseball team who has the size and athleticism to give Douglas another tall target at tight end and make a defensive impact at inside linebacker.
Silhan should have a big year in the trenches on both sides of the ball, too, as he’ll continue his role as a leader and have less pressure on the defensive line with other pieces helping out.
Outlook
Although there’s many new and exciting developments with the Bears coming into this season, including wins against tougher competition in its 7-on7 season, they’re still on a losing streak heading into 2024. Before there’s talk of a winning season and possibly making the playoffs, Little emphasized that the goal remains at just finishing games in the hopes that one win can turn into more.
Still in the process of building the program up, Chatham Central still may not have the prettiest record this year, but it should have a better product and possibly more victories than it has had in the past.
Teachers, get your applications in for a Bright Ideas education grant!
Teachers, are you looking for new opportunities to fund projects for your classroom? Central Electric is awarding up to $15,000 in Bright Ideas education grants to local educators in K-12 classrooms for the 2024-2025 school year. The final deadline for all grant applications is Sept. 15. Scan the QR code or visit NCBrightIdeas.com for more information or to apply!
ASHEEBO ROJAS / CHATHAM NEWS AND RECORD
Reed Douglas (10) is just a freshman, but the starting quarterback has the “keys to the kingdom” for Chatham Central.
Powell, Stevenson compete at Nike Skills Academy
Powell impressed scouts with his defense and shooting
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
FORMER CHATHAM
County basketball standouts
Drake Powell and Jarin Stevenson participated in the 2024 Nike Skills Academy in Portland, Oregon, from Aug. 5-8.
The Nike Skills Academy gathered some of the nation’s best college and high school basketball players to take part in workouts, drills, film sessions and scrimmages. Current and former NBA players helped run the camp, and NBA scouts were in attendance.
Stevenson and Powell were two of the 15 college men’s basketball players selected to the camp, joining established names in Jamir Watkins (Florida State), Bruce Thornton (Ohio State) and Hunter Dickinson (Kansas).
Powell, making his second appearance at the camp, turned heads with his performance, according to draft experts.
Jonathan Givony, an ESPN NBA draft analyst and founder of DraftExpress.com, said on his X account that Powell showed an “impressive blend of defensive versatility, intensity, passing and perimeter shooting confidence.”
Givony also posted a video on
X of Powell working with Chris Matthews, or “Lethal Shooter,” who is a shooting coach that has worked with numerous NBA and WNBA athletes. Powell’s improved shooting was another aspect of his game that stood out, according to Givony.
Pro Insight, a database for elite up-and-coming players, added on to the praise, naming Powell as one of the five college men’s players that “helped themselves” in front of NBA scouts at the camp.
Some early 2025 NBA Draft
boards have Powell and Stevenson both going in the first round, should they both decide to go pro after next season.
Bleacher Report’s latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft published Monday had Powell as high as the fifth overall pick and its mock draft published on July 18 had Stevenson as the 28th overall pick.
Stevenson, a former standout at Seaforth, impressed during his freshman year at Alabama, averaging 5.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. He made a huge impact in the Crimson Tide’s Final Four run last season as he scored a career-high 19 points in their Elite Eight win over Clemson.
Powell wrapped up his Northwood career in the spring, recording 17.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game in his senior season. He committed to UNC in 2022 and officially signed to the program
in November. The two former high school teammates and eventual rivals will face off when North Carolina hosts Alabama in the SEC/ ACC Challenge on Dec. 4. Including just sanctioned
Chatham County Aging Services Weekly Activities Calendar
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9:30 a.m. - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
12:15 p.m. - Spanish Speaking Social
1 p.m. - Rook, Phase 10 & Rummikub; Bring Your Own Project; Garden Club - Pollinator & Census Activity
2 p.m. - Fitness Room Orientation (by appointment) Wednesday, August 21 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
1 p.m. - Hand & Foot Card Game; Table Tennis; Leaving Your Legacy Siler City Center for Active Living
9 a.m. - Aquatics Foundation Swimming at Bray Park Pool (FULL)
10 a.m. - Bible Study
10:30 a.m. - Nutrition Education with Ann
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high school and collegiate competition, this will be the second time that the local stars play against each other. Powell and the Chargers got the best of Stevenson and the Hawks on Nov. 23, 2021, when North-
wood beat Seaforth, 72-42. In that game, Powell led the Chargers with 26 points and eight steals while Stevenson recorded 13 points and four rebounds while shooting 63% from the floor.
Drake Powell
Northwood, basketball
Former Northwood basketball star Drake Powell earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Aug. 5.
In front of NBA players and scouts at last week’s Nike Skills Academy in Portland, Oregon, Powell impressed with his “defensive versatility” and “improving shooting,” according to ESPN NBA draft analyst Jonathan Givony.
Powell’s balance of defensive prowess and offensive skill showed up in many ways in his career at Northwood. The 6-foot-6 small forward who averaged 17.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game in his senior season will look to make an immediate impact at UNC this winter.
PHOTO COURTESY NIKE EYBL
Jarin Stevenson (center) works with other top basketball prospects at the Nike Skills Academy.
from page B1
tributed to lackluster results on the field in 2023.
“Last year, I was trying to do some stuff that other people were saying that I should do, and I didn’t really know it like that.” Gary said. “I’m just going back to my roots, and we’re just going to be physical, fly around, do our thing and get the ball into our playmakers’ hands in all kinds of ways.”
Said junior safety and wide receiver Patrick Miller, “I think we’re a lot more versatile. We’re a lot faster. We have more things we can do out of similar formations, and over the summer, I’ve seen more people buy into the offense.”
The offense may also look different in the backfield as junior Duffy Palmer and sophomore Duncan Parker are in competition for the starting spot. Palmer started a few games for the Hawks last season and saw much more varsity time than Parker, however, with both proving their value to the offense this offseason, it hasn’t been an easy decision for Gary.
“Duffy’s aggressive,” Gary said. “He’s like a little linebacker at quarterback or whatever, but he likes getting physical. He’s smart. He won’t make too many mistakes. Duncan is very athletic, and he can freaking throw the freaking ball.”
Said Gary, “I wish I could put them both together. Then, I wouldn’t have this issue. But, I mean, you may see them both in the backfield at the same time.”
Players to watch
Seaforth is returning playmakers that can make impacts on both sides of the ball, including junior wide receiver and corner Nick Gregory and senior linebacker and tight end Alex Hinchman.
Gregory, who grabbed six interceptions last year despite missing multiple games, is looking to build on his breakout season by just focusing on being
“If we know everybody and we all come together as a team, I think we’re going to be really great.”
Alex Hinchman
in the right place at the right time while Hinchman, a veteran leader for the team, is aiming for 100 tackles.
Junior running back and linebacker Evan Minor could also have a big year on the ground for the Hawks as he looks to lead the rushing attack in the new offense.
Outlook
The Hawks are entering 2024 with a purpose of building bonds between players and coaches which is one of the little, yet important, things that they hope will make a difference this season.
Seaforth went to a team camp, participated in a leadership program and came together for other team-building activities this offseason to help the team move more as a unit.
Gary said the efforts to build those bonds have come out on the field in the form of his players holding each other accountable and better communication.
“It’s a lot easier to talk to people that you know than people you don’t know,” Hinchman said. “If we know everybody and we all come together as a team, I think we’re going to be really great.”
With a squad highly locked into improving itself, the Hawks seem to be on the right track toward a better record this fall. Coming into this season with a different approach, this team could surprise people with more competitive games and maybe an upset for better playoff positioning.
huge seasons as they’ll look to get a lot of touches in the backfield.
That helps sophomore Namir Wiley, who will be making the switch from wide receiver to quarterback this season. Although he will have talented targets in sophomore Kenneth Dula and Rashaad McSwain, easing Wiley into the passing game with a solid rushing attack could bode well for his confidence and development throughout the year.
“He’s never played it, but he’s a good athlete,” Carter said about Wiley. “He’s a hard worker. I have faith that he’ll put the work in to get to our liking. I told our coaches there’s no reason to overload him.”
Jordan-Matthews should also be stronger in the trenches as it boasts a deep group of big bodies up front.
Players to watch
Junior running back and middle linebacker Jakari Blue and sophomore running back Omar Sanford should be in for
Players and coaches have been impressed with Blue in the backfield because of his physical style of running.
“He runs up the middle, and you don’t know what he’s going to do,” senior lineman Tate Kidd said. “He might hit-stick you. He might do whatever he wants to do.”
Carter said he’s been surprised by McSwain’s work ethic and impact at the tight end position as he’s returning from a knee injury that kept him out of most of last year.
McSwain was praised by Carter and Kidd for working his way back to good health quickly, and said he’s looking to playing a “leadership role” this season by helping the young guys learn their responsibilities.
Dula, one of the Jets’ best skill players, is looking for a solid year at the corner position as he’ll try to stay healthy while facing many talented receivers around the county this season.
NORTHWOOD from page B1
created a quarterback competition between himself and returnee Grayson Cox.
Cox backed up Carson Fortunes last year and showed solid quarterback play in his opportunities to lead the offense, while Torres showcased his ability to evade defenders and get the ball downfield last season despite his smaller build. Brown said he’ll have more of an idea of who the starter will be going into week one of the regular season. “Both came in the summer and have shown up every day, put in the work and have been really solid picking up the playbook,” Brown said.
Said Cox, “We’ve had a bond together. We’ve definitely pushed each other, especially in sprints. We always run next to each other. … Whoever steps out there, I know we’re both going to do good things.”
Players to watch
Fortunately for whoever gets the start at quarterback, Northwood will have plenty of weapons to utilize on this “fast and athletic” roster. Seniors Isaiah Blair and Antoine Brewington and junior Cam Fowler highlight a talented receiving corps that did damage
“I just want to play as hard as I can,” Dula said.
Outlook
On the base of the three pillars that Carter instilled into his players, the goal for the Jets this year is to just compete.
That’s a start in the right direction for this team, as the glory days won’t come overnight.
Carter said he’s been most happy about the players’ energy and willingness to buy into his way of doing things in preseason practices. According to Kidd, the team has been doing more hitting drills and running than they have in the past, which he feels is the right amount of intensity needed to turn the program around. With that newfound energy, the Jets may put up more of a fight in its regular season bouts, even if they still fall short in the win-loss column.
“Do what your coach would do, and let the chips fall where they may,” Carter said. “That’s all I can ask from these young men.”
last season alongside former Chargers Ritchey and Ashton Elliott.
“I’m expecting a lot out of them to produce a lot and to be leaders as well,” Brown said. In the run game, the Chargers will return senior running back Robert Tripp, who accumulated more than 500 yards of offense last season.
Defensively, senior linebacker Collin Weir will step into a more vocal leadership role at the middle linebacker position that Mason Powell filled in 2023. Senior defensive lineman Franklin Sandria will also look to be one of the Chargers’ more impactful players as the defense operates under Lee’s system.
Outlook
Should the Chargers effectively utilize its personnel and make a smooth transition into a new system this season, they could make another run to the state playoffs in what looks to be a wide-open Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference.
Northwood has one of the strongest corps of talent in the county and will just have to figure out how to put it all together in a new form. The start may be bumpy, but the ending could be sweeter than 2023 once the team finds its groove.
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS AND RECORD
Grayson Cox (2), last year’s backup quarterback, is in a preseason battle with transfer Raje Torres to start for the Chargers this season.
JETS from page B1
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS AND RECORD
Omar Sanford (15), shown here last season against Northwood, is poised for a big sophomore season with the Jets.
SIDELINE REPORT
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
NCAA hands Harbaugh 4-year show cause order
Ann Arbor, Mich.
The NCAA says former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh had impermissible contact with recruits and players while access was restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has handed him a fouryear show-cause order if he wants to return to college coaching. The NCAA says Harbaugh engaged in unethical conduct, failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance and violated head coach responsibility obligations. Harbaugh left the national championshipwinning Wolverines to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. The NCAA has already given Michigan three years of probation, a fine and recruiting limits in the same case.
LIV GOLF
McDowell suspended 1 event for taking decongestant
Nashville Graeme McDowell is the first player from LIV Golf to be suspended under its anti- doping policy. McDowell says he was congested ahead of the Nashville event and took an over-the-counter decongestant that had a banned substance. That means the 45-year-old from Northern Ireland won’t be playing LIV Golf Greenbrier next week. He’s also been fined $125,000 and must forfeit his earnings from the Nashville event. McDowell tied for 42nd in Nashville against the 54-man field and made $127,500. He says he accepts the sanctions from the Saudi-funded league. He’ll be replaced at Greenbrier by an alternate.
NFL
Seahawks’ Howell directs 2 scoring drives in win over Chargers
Inglewood, Calif.
Sam Howell threw for 130 yards and a touchdown in his Seattle debut and the Seahawks had a successful preseason debut under Mike Macdonald, defeating the Chargers 16-3 Saturday in coach Jim Harbaugh’s first game with Los Angeles. Howell, the former UNC quarterback acquired from Washington during the offseason, directed a pair of scoring drives in the second quarter. He completed 16 of 27 passes in 10 series and played until a little over midway through the third quarter.
NBA Barkley says he will not retire, remain with TNT Sports
New York
Charles Barkley intends to remain with TNT Sports through the remainder of his contract. The Hall of Fame player announced he will not retire next season, reversing the announcement he made in June. Barkley previously said the upcoming season would be his last on television. He signed a 10year contract extension with TNT Sports in 2022. The parent company of TNT Sports has sued the NBA in New York state court after the league did not accept the company’s matching offer in its upcoming 11-year media rights deal, which will begin with the 2025-26 season.
Dillon prevails in overtime at Richmond
Dillon’s first Cup Series win in 2 years came after he spun Joey Logano on the final lap
By Noah Trister The Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. — Austin Dillon raced to his first NASCAR Cup Series victory in nearly two years, sending Joey Logano into a spin on the final lap to win in overtime at Richmond on Sunday night. It was Dillon’s first win since Aug. 28, 2022, at Daytona. He had just two top-10 finishes this year and entered the race ranked 32nd in the standings. Now he’s on track for the postseason — but he didn’t do it gently.
“I hate to do that, but sometimes you just got to have it,” Dillon said.
Dillon appeared to be cruising to a victory when Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ryan Preece collided, forcing the first cau-
tion of the entire 400-lap, 300mile race aside from the prescheduled ones after the end of the first two stages.
So the drivers went to overtime, and Logano clearly got the better of Dillon on the restart. Then Dillon came up behind Logano and spun him — and when Denny Hamlin appeared to be moving past him on the inside, Dillon made contact with him too and sent him into the wall.
Dillon emerged from all that chaos with a victory in his No. 3 Chevrolet. That number was famously driven — often aggressively — by Dale Earnhardt. And that symmetry did not appear lost on seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, who weighed in on social media.
“Dale Sr vibes,” Johnson said. Logano, unsurprisingly, was in no mood to shrug off Dillon’s move.
“It’s ridiculous that that’s the way we race. Unbelievable,” Lo -
“I hate to do that, but sometimes you just got to have it.”
Austin Dillon
gano said. “I get bump and runs. I do that. I would expect it. But from four car lengths back, he was never going to make the corner. And then he wrecks the other car. He wrecks the 11 to go with it. What a piece of crap.”
The 11 — Hamlin — wasn’t pleased either.
“He’s going to be credited with the win, but obviously he’s just not going to go far,” Hamlin said. “You’ve got the pay your dues back on stuff like that. But it’s worth it because they jump 20 positions in points. So I understand all that. There’s no ill will there. I get it. I just hate I was a part of it. It would have been fun if I was not one of the
two guys that got taken out on the last corner.” Dillon appeared on his way to a much less controversial victory after passing Hamlin for the lead with 29 laps to go. This was the first time in a points-paying Cup race that teams had multiple tire options. The “Option” tires were softer, giving drivers a speed boost but less longevity than the “Prime” tires. Teams had only two sets of Option tires for the race. The Option tires helped Daniel Suárez to the lead early in the second stage, and he ultimately won that stage. After putting another set of Option tires on with about 40 laps remaining, Suárez began surging toward the front, but it appeared he would run out of laps before threatening Dillon.
But then the StenhousePreece crash gave Dillon bigger problems to worry about. Now he has the victory — but at least two veteran drivers with an axe to grind.
Olympic basketball: Inside the Curry flurry
How Stephen Curry’s 4 shots sealed another gold for the United States
By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press
PARIS — After making only five 3-pointers in his first four games of the Paris Olympics combined, Stephen Curry found his stroke in the nick of time. He made 17 3-pointers in the last two games to lead the U.S. to its fifth consecutive gold medal. The last four of those 3-pointers came in the final 2:46 of the gold-medal game — a staggering display that anyone who watched will be hard-pressed to forget.
“ The last 21/2 minutes were special,” Curry said. A breakdown of Curry’s dramatics:
The first one
LeBron James brought the ball across midcourt, and Curry waved Anthony Davis away to create space for the pick-androll. Curry set it, then moved to the top of the key and took the pass from James. Curry shook free of French defender Guerschon Yabusele and made the 3-pointer from straightaway. Little did anyone know, he was just getting started. — USA 85, France 79, 2:41 left.
The second one
In the timeout with 2:22 left, Curry suggested that he and James keep running the pickand-roll. A simple set, but very effective for someone generally considered the best shooter in the history of basketball. So, they ran it, this time with James setting the screen. Curry kept the ball, got de-
fender Nicolas Batum in the air, waited for him to land and then shot from the left side of the top of the key.
Curry was yelling a message as he headed back down the floor. “Don’t worry about me,” he kept saying.
— USA 90, France 81, 1:52 left.
The third one
France made a 3-pointer to cut the lead to six. Curry brought the ball down the floor and gave it to Kevin Durant, who immediately gave it back. Curry sent the ball his way again and eventually it was in the hands of Devin Booker. As Booker drove the baseline, he saw Curry open at the top of the key again.
He wound up using basically the same move as the possession
before; this time, it was waiting for Nando de Colo to bite on the head fake. Another 3-pointer, good. Curry screamed several times afterward, then hoisted the top of his jersey to show the “USA” across his chest.
— USA 93, France 84, 1:18 left.
The fourth one
France got within 93-87 with 54.4 seconds left. Curry sent the ball to Durant, just as he did in the previous possession. And Durant gave it right back again. He was keeping the ball this time. He forced a shot over Batum and Evan Fournier, kind of an off-balanced heave that looked like a mistake.
“I was kind of like, ‘What the (expletive),’” U.S. center Bam
Adebayo said. “Then I remembered who was shooting it.”
Of course, it was going in. The U.S. was up 96-87 with 35 seconds left.
Curry put his hands to the side of his head in celebration. “Night night,” he calls it, a reference where he tells the other team it’s time to go to sleep.
The game was over. The gold would be worn by Americans again. Curry watched Durant win gold medals at three previous Olympics. He watched Simone Biles win the all-around gold in women’s gymnastics in the same arena earlier in the Paris Games. He wanted that moment, desperately.
And with four unforgettable shots, he delivered.
“This might not come around again,” Curry said. “It was very, very special.”
MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO
Stephen Curry reacts after a 3-point basket against France in the gold medal game.
STEVEN SENNE / AP PHOTO
Crew members push Austin Dillon’s car onto a pit road before a June NASCAR Cup Series
Book Review: PI Vega investigates surgeon in ‘All The Way Gone’
Most sociopaths are not criminals
By Bruce Desilva The Associated Press
PROFESSOR MAURA
Delaney’s soon-to-be-published book, “The Good Sociopath,” features a brilliant neurosurgeon as her primary example of the phenomenon. But when a young woman plunges to her death from a balcony in his building, Maura hires Chicago private eye Annalisa Vega to make sure the doctor isn’t responsible. “All The Way Gone” is Joanna Schaffhausen’s fourth novel featuring Vega. Although Canning is arrogant and lacks genuine emotions (although he’s good at faking them), his exceptional surgical skills have saved hundreds of lives. Canning doesn’t care one whit about his patients, but he glories in his reputation as one of the best in his profession. Then, a young woman
plunges to her death from a balcony in an apartment building where Canning also resides. Police rule it an accident, but Maura says she isn’t so sure. Maura’s academic career would have been in ruins if Canning had been responsible, so she hired newly minted private eye Annalisa Vega, a former Chicago PD detective, to recheck the police work. So begins “All The Way Gone,” Joanna Schaffhausen’s fourth novel featuring Annalisa. Famous for tracking down a serial murderer dubbed the Lovelorn Killer, Annalisa is skeptical of the idea of a good sociopath. Nevertheless, it’s a widely recognized phenomenon. Most sociopaths are not criminals. High-functioning ones often possess qualities — including exceptional intelligence, charisma, charm and the ability to stay calm under pressure — that help them succeed in medicine, law, politics and business.
But when Vega meets Canning, she immediately gets a “bad vibe.”
Meanwhile, Vega’s newly discovered teenage stepdaughter, Cassidy, the product of one of her husband’s extramarital affairs, needs help with her problem. Cassidy’s girlfriend, Naomi, will die if she doesn’t get a kidney transplant, and so far, no match has been found.
The best remaining chance would be her mother, who abandoned the family when Naomi was a toddler, but no one knows where she’s gone. As it turns out, she’s a psychopath, too, with no possibility that she’s one of the good ones.
Vega manages the two cases with the skill readers of the series have come to expect from her. Schaffhausen is also adept at handling dueling plotlines. She has a doctorate in psychology and a long-standing interest in brain development.
The author’s prose is clear and tight. She does a fine job of moving the story along swiftly and sometimes frantic, piling on twists that readers are unlikely to see coming.
this week in history
Virginia Dare is born on Roanoke Island, Hawaii joins the union, the king of rock ’n’ roll dies
The Associated Press
AUG. 15
1057: Macbeth, King of Scots, was killed in battle by Malcolm, the eldest son of King Duncan, whom Macbeth had slain.
1914: The Panama Canal officially opened as the SS Ancon crossed the newly completed waterway between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
1947: India gained independence after nearly 200 years of British rule.
1969: Woodstock Music and Art Fair opened in upstate New York; more than 460,000 people attended the three-day festival, which would become a watershed event in American music and culture.
AUG. 16
1777: American forces won the Battle of Bennington, considered a turning point in the Revolutionary War.
1948: Baseball legend Babe Ruth died in New York at age 53.
1977: Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate in Memphis,
Reynolds-Lively
Tennessee, at age 42.
2018: Aretha Franklin, the undisputed “Queen of Soul,” died of pancreatic cancer at 76.
AUG. 17
1807: Robert Fulton’s North River Steamboat made its first voyage, heading up the Hudson River on a successful round trip between New York City and Albany.
1945: George Orwell’s novel “Animal Farm,” an allegorical satire of Soviet communism, was published.
1959: Trumpeter Miles Davis released “Kind of Blue,” regarded as one of the most influential jazz albums of all time.
1978: The first successful trans-Atlantic balloon flight ended as Maxie Anderson, Ben Abruzzo and Larry Newman landed their Double Eagle II outside Paris.
1998: President Bill Clinton delivered a TV address in which he admitted his relationship with Monica Lewinsky
AUG. 18
1587: Virginia Dare became the first child of English parents born in present-day America on Roanoke Island in North Carolina. (However, the Roanoke colony mysteriously disappeared.)
1894: Congress established the Bureau of Immigration.
1920: The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing American women’s right to vote, was ratified as Tennessee became the 36th state to approve it.
AUG. 19
A.D. 14: Caesar Augustus, Rome’s first emperor, died at age 76 after a four-decade reign; he was succeeded by his stepson Tiberius.
1812: The USS Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere off Nova Scotia during the War of 1812, earning
wins box office with ‘Deadpool,’ ‘It Ends with Us’
The two films created a kind of family edition of “Barbenheimer”
By Jake Coyle
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — In the Ryan Reynolds-Blake Lively box-office showdown, both husband and wife came out winners.
Reynolds’ Marvel Studios smash “Deadpool & Wolverine” remained the top movie in North American theaters for the third straight week with $54.2 million in ticket sales according to studio estimates Sunday. Worldwide, it’s now surpassed $1 billion. “Deadpool & Wolverine” was closely followed by “It Ends With Us,” the romance drama starring Lively, which surpassed expectations with a stellar $50 million debut. Together, the films created a kind of family edition of “Barbenheimer,” a pair of very different movies that thrived partly due to counterprogramming. Only this time, the opposite movies were fronted by one of Hollywood’s most famous couples. The films’ one-two punch wasn’t entirely unprecedented. In 1990, Bruce Willis’ “Die Hard 2” led the box office while Demi Moore’s “Ghost” came in second. The weekend also featured a high-priced flop. “Borderlands,” the long-delayed $120-million videogame adaptation directed by Eli Roth, launched with a paltry $8.8 million for Lionsgate. The film, starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart and Jack Black, was shot in 2021. After delays and reshoots, it landed in theaters effectively dead on arrival; it scored just 10% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Meanwhile, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which co-stars Hugh Jackman, continued its march through box-office records. The film, directed by Shawn Levy, is only the second R-rated movie to reach $1 billion, following 2019’s “Joker.” In three weeks, it’s already one of the most lucrative Marvel re-
solutions
leases and trails only Disney’s other 2024 smash, “Inside Out” ($1.6 billion worldwide) among movies released this year.
Lively makes a cameo in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” but she also stars in and produces “It Ends With Us.” Adapted from the bestselling romance novel by Colleen Hoover, Lively stars as Lily Bloom, a Boston
the nickname “Old Ironsides.”
1814: During the War of 1812, British forces landed at Benedict, Maryland, to capture Washington, D.C.
1848: The New York Herald reported the discovery of gold in California.
1942: During World War II, about 6,000 Canadian and British soldiers launched a disastrous raid against the Germans at Dieppe, France.
AUG. 20
1940: Exiled Communist revolutionary Leon Trotsky was assassinated in Coyoacan, Mexico, by Ramon Mercader.
1955: Hundreds of people were killed in anti-French riots in Morocco and Algeria.
1968: The Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact nations began invading Czechoslovakia to crush the “Prague Spring” liberalization drive.
AUG. 21
1911: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris. (The painting was recovered two years later in Italy.)
1959: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an executive order making Hawaii the 50th state.
florist torn between two men, one from her present life (Justin Baldoni, who also directed the film) and another who was her first love (Brandon Sklenar). “It Ends With Us” cost a modest $25 million to produce, which will make a significant profit for co-financers Columbia Pictures and Wayfarer Studios. Like another female-skewing summer-release book adaptation from Sony, “Where the Crawdads Sing,” “It Ends With Us” could hold well through the typically slower August. Reynolds and Lively occasionally promoted the convergence of their movies. Earlier this week, Reynolds posted a video of himself posing junket questions to Sklenar. The timing paid off, especially for Lively, whose film doubled earlier opening weekend forecasts. Neon’s “Cuckoo,” a German Alps-set horror film by filmmaker Tilman Singer, opened with $3 million on 1,503 screens. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Domestic figures were released on Monday.
EVAN AGOSTINI / AP PHOTO
Blake Lively, left, and Ryan Reynolds attend the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine” in New York.
AP PHOTO
The “King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley, died on Aug. 16, 1977.
“We
famous birthdays this week
Robert De Niro is 81, Madonna turns 66, Robert Redford hits 88
The Associated Press
Aug. 15: Actor-musician
Jim Dale is 89. Actor Pat Priest (“The Munsters”) is 88. Author-journalist Linda Ellerbee is 80. Songwriter Jimmy Webb is 78. Actor Debra Messing (“Will and Grace”) is 56. Actor Ben Affleck is 52. Actor Jennifer Lawrence is 34.
Aug. 16: Actor Ann Blyth (“Mildred Pierce”) is 96. Actor Gary Clarke (“Hondo,” ″The Virginian”) is 91. Actor Julie Newmar (TV’s “Batman”) is 91. Actor-singer Ketty Lester (“Little House on the Prairie”) is 90. Actor Anita Gillette is 88. TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford is 71. Director James Cameron (“Titanic,” ″The Terminator”) is 70. Actor Angela Bassett is 66. Singer Madonna is 66. Actor Timothy Hutton is 64. Actor Steve Carell is 62.
Aug. 17: Actor Robert De Niro is 81. Singer Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Go’s is 66. Actor Sean Penn is 64. Actor-singer Donnie Wahlberg (New Kids on the Block) is 55.
Aug. 18: Actor Robert Redford is 88. Actor Henry G. Sanders (“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”) is 82. Comedian-actor Denis Leary is 67.
Actor Madeleine Stowe is 66.
Actor Edward Norton is 55.
Actor Christian Slater is 55. Aug. 19: Actor Debra Paget (“The Ten Commandments,” “Love Me Tender”) is 91. Actor Diana Muldaur (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) is 86.
Actor Jill St. John is 84. Singer
Billy J. Kramer is 81. Country singer-songwriter Eddy Raven is 80. Actor John Stamos is 61.
Actor Kyra Sedgwick is 59.
Aug. 20: News anchor Connie Chung is 78. Singer Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) is 76.
“Today” weatherman Al Roker is 70. Actor Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All
at Once,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”) is 54. Aug. 21: Guitarist James Burton (with Elvis Presley) is 85. Singer Jackie DeShannon is 83. Newsman Harry Smith is 73. Actor Kim Cattrall (“Sex and the City”) is 68.
“Today” weatherman Al Roker, pictured in July, turns 70 on Tuesday.
EVAN AGOSTINI / AP PHOTO
OWEN SWEENEY / AP PHOTO Robert Plant, formerly of Led Zeppelin, hits 76 on Tuesday.
SILVIA IZQUIERDO / AP PHOTO Madonna, pictured performing in 2024, turns 66 on Friday.
the stream
Sydney Sweeney’s nun thriller comes to Hulu, Post Malone goes country
Guess what? Emily is still in Paris!
The Associated Press
POST MALONE’S country album and Awkwafina playing a struggling actor whose winning lottery ticket has her on the run for her life in “Jackpot!” are headed to a device near you.
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time include the Sydney Sweeney nun thriller “Immaculate,” which makes its Hulu debut, and the fourth season of Lily Collins’ “Emily in Paris” drops.
MOVIES TO STREAM
It’s always worth paying attention when Paul Feig (“Spy,” “The Heat,” “Bridesmaids”) makes a comedy. In “Jackpot!,” out Thursday on Prime Video, Awkwafina plays a struggling actor whose winning lottery ticket has her on the run for her life. In this near-future California, residents compete to kill the winner before sundown to claim their winnings. One person who is on her side and willing to help is John Cena. Feig told Entertainment Weekly it’s the “Jackie Chan movie I always wished I could make.”
The tear-jerker documentary “Daughters,” which started streaming Wednesday on Netflix, follows four young girls as they prepare to reunite with their incarcerated fathers for a dance in a Washington, D.C., jail. Co-directed by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae, the film took more than eight years to make as the directors earned the trust of the mothers, the daughters and the incarcerated men. “We want to show the impact on families and daughters from this system and incarcerated fathers and bring more awareness around the importance of touch visits and family connection,” Rae told AP earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won several awards.
The Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg movie “The Union” is also coming to Netflix. It is an action comedy about a construction worker who gets entangled in espionage by an old girlfriend from high school. The synopsis teases: “Knowing he’s the right
man for the job, she recruits Mike on a dangerous intelligence mission in Europe that thrusts them back together into a world of spies and high-speed car chases, with sparks flying along the way.”
Finally, the Sydney Sweeney nun thriller “Immaculate” makes its Hulu debut on Friday. Sweeney produced and also stars as a young American nun, Cecilia, who’s decided to join an Italian convent where she’s to help tend to older, dying nuns. The prettiness of the new surroundings is just a front, of course, and she starts to discover some sinister happenings within the ancient walls.
In my review, I wrote that it’s “a great showcase for Sweeney’s range (she gets to go from somewhat meek to primal scream) and is full of interesting visuals, beautiful costumes and accomplished makeup work showing all manner of bloody, mangled faces and limbs. But it’s also a movie that does not seem as sure of itself or the point it’s trying to make.”
MUSIC TO STREAM
Was Post Malone’s journey into country music inevita-
ble? On Friday, Malone will release “F-1 Trillion,” a country album. While more and more pop acts venture into country music, Malone’s approach is different: He’s participating in the Nashville music industry, working with acts like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Blake Shelton, instead of operating inside the genre and outside of its politics. It’s working: His forthcoming album is one of the year’s most anticipated in and out of the country music machine, and with good reason. “I Had Some Help” is already one of the year’s biggest songs and doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
SHOWS TO STREAM
Hulu is out with a new original Korean drama called “The Tyrant.” Rogue government scientists create a deadly virus to put South Korea on the same power level as the U.S. and other countries with nuclear arms. The four-part series premiered on Wednesday. MTV’s long-running competition show “The Challenge” began as a spinoff of the “Real World” and “Road Rules” and is still charging full steam ahead with season 40. “Challenge 40:
Battle of the Eras” features 40 contestants from the show’s history, including mainstays Johnny Bananas and Chris “CT” Tamburello. Episodes air on MTV and will also stream on Paramount+. Guess what? Emily is still in Paris! Part 1 of the Lily Collins-led romance, workplace comedy’s fourth season dropped Thursday on Netflix. And rumor has it that the star also visits Rome in the new “Emily in Paris” season. The Fresh Prince is on summer break in season three of “Bel-Air,” Peacock’s updated, more dramatic version of the series that once starred Will Smith. Jabari Banks now plays the teen from West Philly. “BelAir” returned to Peacock on Thursday. The parallels between Smith and Banks seem tailor-made for Hollywood. Like Smith, Banks is from West Philadelphia.
Eric Goode, the director of Netflix’s “Tiger King,” has a new docuseries about the private ownership of chimps. At the center is an exotic animal broker named Tonia Haddix, who calls herself “The Dolly Parton of Chimps” and raises chimpanzees as her children. “Chimp
Crazy” debuts Sunday on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.
James Cameron dives back into the ocean with his new sixpart National Geographic series, “OceanXplorers.” Cameron teamed with BBC Studios and the nonprofit research organization OceanX to explore remote parts of the ocean. They used a 285-foot research vessel called OceanXplorer to get there. The docuseries premieres on National Geographic on Sunday and streams on Disney+ and Hulu the next day.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is on the cover of Madden NFL 25. They may need every trick in the book thanks to an overhauled tackling system called Boom Tech (ouch). For the bigger picture, EA is also beefing up its Superstar and Franchise modes, adding more storylines for individual players or teams. And if you’ve already won the Heisman Trophy in EA’s College Football 25, you can draft that player into the pros. The season kicks off Friday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.
HULU / NETFLIX / NEON VIA AP
“Tyrant,” left, the Netflix film “The Union” and the film “Immaculate” are streaming this week.
AMY HARRIS / AP PHOTO
Post Malone drops “F-1 Trillion,” a country album, on Friday.
