the BRIEF this week
Mail ballots to start going out
It might feel like the presidential election is still a long way off. It’s not. Election Day on Nov. 5 is only about two months away, and major dates, events and political developments will make it fly by. North Carolina will begin sending mail ballots to all voters who request them, including military personnel and overseas voters, on Friday. N.C. inperson voting will start on Oct. 17 and run through 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Small plane lands on Greensboro highway
A small single-engine plane made an emergency landing on a highway near the Greensboro airport and was then hit by a vehicle, injuring one of the aircraft’s occupants. The single-engine plane experienced a mechanical failure and made a distress call to Piedmont Triad International Airport around 8 p.m. last Wednesday. It landed on I-840 near the I-73 junction. One of the two people on the plane was taken to a hospital with a minor injury, police said. The driver of the passenger vehicle was not hurt.
Teachers eligible for $300 expense deductions
The IRS reminds North Carolina educators that the maximum deduction for classroom expenses remains $300 for 2024. Eligible educators include teachers, counselors and aides working at least 900 hours yearly in elementary or secondary education. Deductible items include supplies, equipment and health safety measures. Items purchased for homeschooling are not eligible for deduction.
After diversity pushback, some UNC faculty feel left in dark on changes
New policies commit to free speech and academic freedom
By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press
RALEIGH — Keely Muscatell always told prospective students they could study anything they dreamed of at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Now, with many diversity programs across the state’s public university system at risk of elimination, she isn’t so sure.
“We’ve had some really, really sad and difficult conversations within my lab,” the UNC psychology professor said. “Can we, in good conscience, continue to try to recruit and advocate that people go to graduate school here? Especially people of color?”
The UNC Board of Governors took the major step in May of revoking a diversity policy spanning its 17 institutions — meaning roles will be reassessed and possibly eliminated.
Republican General Assembly leaders encouraged and then applauded the move. House Speaker Tim Moore previously decried DEI efforts as wasteful spending and “wokeness” to indoctrinate students. “At the end of the day, let the students have the free exchange, but don’t allow coercion of ideas and don’t allow folks to be marginalized,” he said in April.
The new policy commits the schools to free speech, academic freedom and institutional neutrality — values UNC System President Peter Hans calls necessary to prevent institutions from taking political stances.
It’s part of what Muscatell describes, however, as a “structural effort” to squelch diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and the overhaul of how public universities handle DEI work plays a large role in her dissatisfaction. Earlier, mounting pressure to dismantle DEI programs were part of the reason Muscatell left her role as
Court of Appeals Judge Michael Stading said the elements of criminal contempt weren’t present in the case.
Meeting the people
Gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) met with voters at the Crossroads Grill in Siler City, one of five campaign stops across North Carolina he made on Tuesday.
Wade Barber Park dedication celebrates activist’s contributions
former DA and Superior Court judge was praised for his commitment to environmental issues and civic duty
By Melinda Burris Chatham News & Record
PITTSBORO — The dedication ceremony for Wade Barber Park, located within Northwood Landing, took place Aug. 27 and was well
attended by local government officials, members of the community and family and friends of the Barber family.
The 2.5-acre wooded park with paved walking trails and See DIVERSITY, page A7
See PARK, page A2
An appeals court found his actions didn’t interrupt court proceedings
By Gary D. Robertson
The Associated Press
RALEIGH — A North Carolina judge wrongly found a potential juror in criminal contempt for refusing to wear a mask in 2022 due to COVID-19, a state appeals court ruled Tuesday. The three-judge Court of Appeals panel agreed unanimously to reverse the order against Gregory Hahn, saying in part that his actions didn’t interrupt court proceedings. Hahn had received a 24-hour jail sen-
tence from Superior Court Judge Winston Gilchrist in October 2022. He asked that the state’s intermediate-level court hear his case.
The judge in 2022 declared that Hahn had been ordered three times to wear a mask. Gilchrist’s order also found that Hahn “willfully behaved in a contemptuous manner” and his conduct harmed the respect that the court’s authority was due. $2.00
The
COURTESY PHOTO Family and friends celebrate the opening of the new park last week in Pittsboro.
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
According to Tuesday’s opinion, the Harnett County Courthouse at the time was under a mask directive — signed in part by Gilchrist — that said masks were optional in common areas and meeting rooms, but judges had discretion to require masks inside their courtrooms.
Hahn reported for jury duty and was directed to a jury assembly room. When a courthouse worker asked him there to wear a mask, he declined. He was removed from the room and taken to a courtroom where Gilchrist told him about the mask requirement in his courtroom where he’d be a potential juror and in the jury assembly room. Hahn responded that “with all due respect, I will not be wearing a mask, sir.” He was found in contempt after Gilchrist warned him about the potential punishments.
Writing the prevailing opinion, Court of Appeals Judge Michael Stading said the elements of criminal contempt weren’t present in this case. Hahn did not disrupt court, Stading wrote, pointing out that he was not a participant in ongoing proceedings in a courtroom and was respectful to Gilchrist. The masking directive was also invalid because it came several months after state Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby issued a statewide order revoking all pandemic emergency directives, including those giving discretion to local courts, according to Stading. Even so, there is nothing sufficient to support findings that Hahn “could have known his discussion with the courthouse employee in the jury assembly room might directly interrupt proceedings or interfere with the court’s order or business,” Stading wrote. Judge April Wood agreed with Stading’s opinion. Judge Jefferson Griffin agreed with the outcome but wrote a separate opinion.
The state Supreme Court could now hear the cause if there are further appeals, but the justices aren’t required to do so.
PARK from page A1
park benches is viewed as a fitting memorial to former district attorney and Superior Court Judge Wade Barber, a well-known and respected environmentalist and local leader. Business developer of MOSAIC and CEO of LeeMoore Capital, Kirk Bradley, one of several individuals tapped to speak at the dedication ceremony, noted Barber “would have definitely appreciated this park because he was a true environmentalist and was good at creating a sense of community.”
Bradley also observed the decision to build the park was in keeping with Cha -
tham County’s record of emphasizing the importance of greenways and natural spaces within the community.
Speaking on behalf of the Barber family, Edward Holmes agreed, “This is such a fitting gesture for the way Wade lived. Just like the trees in this park that have deep roots, Wade’s roots go deep into Chatham County for several generations.”
Barber is remembered as a family man and naturalist who was committed to championing environmental and civic initiatives. The park that bears his name will serve as an amenity for the Medley at Northwood Landing apartment community and other area residents.
“Just like the trees in this park that have deep roots, Wade’s roots go deep into Chatham County for several generations.”
Edward Holmes
Internet technician arrested for theft at retirement community
He allegedly stole items while on service calls
Chatham News & Record staff
A 22-YEAR-OLD Winston-Salem man has been arrested in connection with a series of thefts at the Carolina Meadows Retirement Community, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office announced
• 298 E. Salisbury Street (Pittsboro), 0.40 Acres, 3 Bedroom/2 Bath, $600,000
• 412 Brampton Close (Pittsboro), .058 Acres, 3 Bedroom/2 Bath, $489,000
• 557 Olives Chapel Road, (Apex),12.802 Acres, 3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom, $2,500,000
• 5765 G Snow Camp Road (Graham), 82.480 Acres, 8 Bedroom/6 Bathroom, $1,900,000
last week.
Darryl Neal, an employee of internet service provider
NetUnlimited, faces multiple felony charges for allegedly stealing valuables from residents’ homes while on service calls between May and September 2023.
Residents reported miss
ing jewelry, including rings and necklaces, following Ne
al’s visits to their homes. A
• 389 Dewitt Smith Road (Pittsboro), 9.109 Acres, 3 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, $550,000
• 65 Brookhaven Way (Pittsboro), 1.232 Acres, 4 Bedrooms/3 Bathroom, $800,000 LAND
• 1388 Henry Oldham Road (Bear Creek), 4.840 Acres, $135,000
• 0 Hal Clark Road (Siler city), 29.730 Acres, $360,000
• 188 Cherokee Drive (Chapel Hill),1.150 Acres, $100,000
• 170 Cherokee Drive (Chapel Hill),1.150 Acres, $100,000
RESIDENTIAL
• 2035 Long Point Trail (Sanford), .48 Acres, 5 Bedroom/2.5 Bath, $680,000 LAND
• 13120 Strickland Road (Raleigh),16.25 Acres, $1,500,000
• 00 Hamlets Chapel Road (Pittsboro), 118.742 Acres, $4,250,000
• 1000 Nesbit Road (Pleasant Garden), 52.13 Acres, $1,500,000
How Long Does it take to Prepare Land for a Subdivision in Chatham County NC?
Sheriff’s Office investigation revealed that Neal had reportedly pawned many of these items on the same days he worked at the victims’ residences.
Neal was arrested on Aug. 27 and charged with three counts each of felony larceny, felony possession of stolen property and obtaining property by false pretense.
• 0 Panama Terrace (Durham), .420 Acres, $45,000
• 9311 NC Highway 87 (Pittsboro), 4.602 Acres, $225,000
• 9231 NC Highway 87 (Pittsboro), 5.630 Acres, $250,000
• 48 Swimming Chicken Lane (Pittsboro), 5.060 Acres, $500,000
• 24 Swimming Chicken Lane (Pittsboro), 9.470 Acres, $750,000
• 37 E Cotton Road (Pittsboro), 0.996 Acres, $300,000
• 175 Valleydale Drive (Pittsboro), 3.650 Acres, $175,000
• 8636/8710 Johnson Mill Road (Bahama),182.888 Acres, $3,240,000
• 292 Choice Trail (Pittsboro), 4.100 Acres, $285,000
• 0 Chatham Church Road (Moncure),15.94 Acres, $750,000
• 323 Wagon Trace (Pittsboro), 10.255 Acres, $325,000
• 0 Pasture Branch Road (Rose Hill), 29.00 Acres, $1,250,000
• 1167 Silk Hope Road (Siler City), 32.287 Acres, $450,000 COMMERCIAL IMPROVED
• 200 E. Salisbury Street (Pittsboro), 0.45 Acres, $675,000 COMMERCIAL UNIMPROVED
• 1700 Hillsboro Street (Pittsboro), 29.79 Acres, $4,500,000
• 10681 US Hwy 64 E (Apex), 3.97 Acres, $1,000,000
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County:
Sept. 6
Chatham Mills Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. to noon 480 Hillsboro St. in Pittsboro
Movies in the Park: Barbie
7:30 to 9 p.m.
The Park at Briar Chapel 1015 Andrews Store Rd. in Pittsboro
Sept. 7
Family Story Time 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Chatham Community Library
197 N.C. Hwy.-87 N. in Pittsboro
Families are invited to join us in the Lakritz Story Time Room for a weekly story time. Hear stories, sing songs and more! Story time is geared toward children who have not yet entered kindergarten (ages 2-5), but anyone is welcome to join in on the fun! For more information, email: youth.services@ chathamlibraries.org.
Sept. 9
Town of Pittsboro Board Meeting 7 p.m.
Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, Hall C
1192 U.S. Hwy 64 West Business in Pittsboro
Sept. 10
Fearrington Farmer’s Market
Fearrington Village 4 to 6 p.m. E. Camden in Fearrington
MASK from page A1
Youth football safety debate rekindled by player deaths
UNC researcher suggests no hits for kids under 14
By John Raby and Safiyah Riddle
The Associated Press
HEWETT, W.Va. — Ryan Craddock had seen his share of tragedy during two decades as a coal miner and firefighter.
Then came the toughest heartbreak of all: his own.
Craddock and his family are mourning the loss of his 13-year-old son, Cohen, who died from brain trauma last month after making a tackle during football practice at his middle school.
Cohen’s death, and the death of a 16-year-old Alabama high school player from a brain injury on the same day, have sparked renewed debate about whether the safety risks of youths playing football outweigh the benefits that the sport brings to a community.
“I don’t think we need to do away with football,” Craddock said. “A lot of people enjoy football, including myself. I just think we need to maybe put more safety measures out there to protect our kids.”
Craddock is among those who believe that some concrete actions need to be taken to prevent more deaths.
Proposals in individual states to ban tackle football for younger children during a critical period of their brain development have gotten little traction. At the same time, youth participation in tackle football has been declining for years, and efforts to steer young boys into flag football are growing.
In 2023, three young football players died of head injuries and 10 players died of other causes, such as heat stroke, according to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Robert Cantu, medical director of the organization, which has been tracking football-related deaths for more than 40 years, calls that a “typical” year.
“So I would not be particularly alarmed about two deaths in a week,” he said. “But I would be very alarmed if we had two deaths per week for four or five weeks in a row. Because we’ve never had that before.”
Cantu also subscribes to another philosophy: “No hits to the head are good,” he says.
In the past, Cantu has recommended that for kids under 14 there be no tackling in football, no heading in soccer and no full-body-checking in hockey. In football practices, at least, most helmet-to-helmet contact can be eliminated by using noncollision methods such as tackling dummies, said Cantu, who is also co-founder of the Bos-
ton-based Concussion Legacy Foundation, which supports patients and families struggling with brain-trauma symptoms. He suggests children play flag football until they enter high school.
Flag football is already wildly popular among girls and is sanctioned as an Olympic sport for men and women at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
About 500,000 girls ages 6 to 17 played flag football in 2023, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Whether that popularity transfers to boys remains to be seen. The Concussion Legacy Foundation has a “Flag Football under 14” initiative and has compiled a list of Pro Football Hall of Famers who waited until high school to play tackle football, including Tom Brady, Jerry Rice, Jim Brown and Walter Payton.
“I suggest age 12 would be a good place to start the conversation,” said Dr. Chris Nowinski, the foundation’s CEO and a former WWE wrestler who retired due to a concussion. “But any minimum age requirement that takes into consideration brain health for children would be welcome.”
Nowinski said even the NFL has limited full-contact practices during the regular season and recently changed kickoff rules aimed at preventing concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease that medical studies have linked to the head trauma of NFL players.
“Yet middle and high school football has made neither change,” he said.
Efforts to ban tackling in youth football have met strong resistance. A New York lawmaker fought unsuccessfully for 10 years to enact such a rule. In January, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would not sign a similar bill if it were to reach his desk.
There has been some progress, however. For instance, all 50 states have some form of sports-related concussion laws, mostly requiring athletes to leave a game or practice if a concussion is suspected and be cleared by a medical professional before they can return.
An increase in reported concussions from 2005-06 through 2017-18 was likely due to that ad-
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.
ditional education and awareness, said Christy Collins, president of the Indianapolis-based Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention. The center uses a sampling of high schools nationwide to calculate injury rates involving football practices and games combined.
“Athletes (and their parents) may have been more likely to recognize symptoms of concussion and report those symptoms to medical professionals,” Collins said.
Loren Montgomery, who has won nine Oklahoma state championships in 14 seasons as the head coach at Bixby High School, believes football is “safer than ever.” He cites efforts to minimize injury risk such as penalizing helmet-to-helmet contact and certain types of blocks, along with technology including cognitive tests for concussion assessment and protective soft-shell helmet covers known as Guardian caps.
“Obviously there is inherent risk in all contact sports, but the values of teamwork, hard work and overcoming adversity far outweigh the risk involved,” Montgomery said. He allowed his son to play football starting in the fourth grade, “and I believe it has made him a more well-rounded young man.”
Guardian caps are used from the NFL on down to the youth level. One cap made by Guardian Sports sells on Amazon for $75. But the caps have only a sixmonth limited warranty from the date of purchase, meaning they could be pricey for a school district to have to replace every season.
Guardian Sports also warns on its website that no helmet, helmet pad or practice apparatus prevents or eliminates the risk of concussions or other serious head injuries while playing sports.
Still, Craddock has vowed to look into the caps’ use at Madison Middle School in Cohen’s memory.
Last Wednesday, several days before his son was to be laid to rest, Craddock found the strength to speak with Cohen’s teammates.
“I told them that this was a bad accident, to move forward,” he said. “I didn’t want them to have the weight of my son on their shoulders. But I wanted them to play for him. I wanted them to play ‘Cohen strong.’”
The final deadline for all grant applications is Sept. 15. Scan the QR code or visit NCBrightIdeas.com for more information or to apply!
Church News
MT. VERNON SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Will host their Annual Church Yard Sale Sat., Sept. 7 – 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be food including ham biscuits, homemade fried apple pies, baked goods, raffle tickets, furniture, tools, clothes and much more! The church is located at 1225 Mt. Vernon Springs Rd. in Bear Creek.
Proud Parents, Aaron Michael Kendall and Terri Marie Vance Kendall, are blessed to announce the birth of their second son. Amos Ephraim Lee Kendall was born at the Kendall family home in Staley, North Carolina on the 25th day of June in the Year of Our Lord 2024 at 9:19 in the morning. He arrived so quickly that the only people present at his birth were his older brother, Aaron Cramer Wayne Kendall, and his Oma, Janet Camp, who assisted in his delivery. Mama, Baby, Papa and Big Brother are all doing well and are all enamored with one another and feeling very blessed. Glory be to The Most High! Psalm 127:3
50 Years and Holding!
Happy Anniversary to Ray and Terry Creason!
August 25th
JOHN RABY / AP PHOTO
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
Landslide love
The basic melody is ingrained in my muscle memory, so much so that, when I picked up the Breedlove, I started to play without thinking.
I MARRIED INTO a music-making family. When I was just a boyfriend, I was invited to a Christmas gathering. After the meal, one of the matriarchs sat down at the piano, and everyone belted out the carols.
As the years passed, we lost members of that older generation. The younger ones have continued the music, although on guitars. There are mostly folk songs instead of hymns. My brother-in-law, his wife and my own dearly beloved have terrific voices. I can strum a tune or two on my guitar. Let’s just say my favorite singer is Bob Dylan. But as music be the food of love, I play on.
My father-in-law, a man of many talents, is also a musician. He sings every Christmas in the community choir. In his retirement, he hopes to devote more time to music.
Recently, he received a new guitar. Well, it’s new to him. It’s a Breedlove, a brand that I was unfamiliar with. This guitar has a light frame; it’s sleek and slender. The strings, however, are old and tired.
He received this guitar from his best friend. This friend is dying. He can no longer receive treatment for his cancer and, because of his preexisting conditions, is not eligible for clinical trials. He has mere months to live, or maybe just weeks.
COLUMN | BOB WACHS
This
summer’s
Sometimes things that seem like good ideas really aren’t.
My father-in-law went to his friend’s house, and the friend wanted him to leave with the guitar. The Breedlove. At the next family gathering, my father-in-law said he couldn’t talk about it, so I filled the silence by playing it a little. Those old strings still sounded pretty good.
When I was first learning to play some 20 years ago, a friend taught me “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. It’s a good way to practice fingerpicking. The basic melody is ingrained in my muscle memory, so much so that when I picked up the Breedlove, I started to play without thinking.
Stevie Nicks wrote this song at a critical juncture in her life when she was trying to decide whether or not to stick with music and her boyfriend, the guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. She was not sure about the future. It was a time of expected transition and loss. Yet hope remains: “When you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills.” I glanced over at my father-in-law. He had tears in his eyes. “Keep playing,” he whispered, and as I did, the melody swirled with so many memories, great sadness, deep gratitude and, in all things, love.
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.
days went by in a daze
THE CALENDAR SAYS Labor Day has come and gone and with it went the last weekend of summer.
That, of course, doesn’t mean we’re through with hot weather.
A quick check of the seven-day forecast tells us to look for some mid-80s and, who knows, maybe a few more low-90 days before we pull out the old snow sled.
I’m not sure how I feel about global warming, but I do know I’m not convinced that exhaust fumes from a herd of cows do more damage to the atmosphere than a politician’s jet. It seems to me we’ve had more hot days without rain, despite the past few days, in the last decade or so than I remember when I was a fresh-faced boy of 7 or 8. In those glorious summer days, I’d be up to bat with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth in my backyard when a fast-developed thunder boomer would roll by, and Mama would holler from the porch to “get in here before you get hit by lightning.”
That kind of adventure seemed to be an almost everyday occurrence then, while today, it’s more like a special event. But whatever the weather, summer 2024 is now pretty much a memory, what with school starting and folks playing football. I’m wondering again how I didn’t get everything done with vacations and planned projects.
As far as vacations go, I’ve given up on the beach, at least the water part — the getting in it, that is. That wasn’t always the case. In those same fresh-faced boyhood days, I was in it every time I got the chance, even with the sand in my shorts. Then, almost 40 or so years ago, I had a vision (figuratively) of why I probably shouldn’t spend too much time in the ocean.
I had bummed a ride to the Outer Banks with some friends for a week of surf fishing, something I’d only heard about but which they did with regularity and I thought sounded like a good idea. Of course, I had no equipment, but they said not to worry, that I could borrow their stuff so I could “walk out where the big ones are.” I just hadn’t thought through exactly who the “big ones” might be.
One night around midnight, when the moon was a big hole in the sky and the world was as bright as a Friday night football field, I donned the borrowed waders and struck out to where the rest of the folks were standing in chest-deep water, having what seemed to be the time of their lives fishing.
We said a few words to one another and then turned to the task at hand. I gave my tackle a pretty good toss, flung the bait and weight out front of where I stood, and settled in for a
record-breaking catch. I’m not sure how long it took or exactly how it happened, but at some point, I began developing a case of cold feet — and not because of the water temperature.
It had been years since I’d seen “Jaws” and I hadn’t thought about it in forever, but at some point while standing about 50 to 60 yards offshore at around 1 o’clock in the morning, the thought came to me that there is stuff swimming around in 4 to 5 feet of water that could eat me if it wanted to. And then I figured out that if by chance I made the wrong move, I could find myself stepping into a ditch on the ocean floor which could put the top of my waders below the surface of the water and … well, you know.
The next good idea that came to my mind was to move toward the shore as quickly, intelligently, calmly and carefully as possible. My prayer life improved dramatically at that point as I was beating my retreat toward firmer ground, and I promised the Lord that if I could make it back to shore, I’d never do that again or bother Him about helping me with that particular need.
I have kept that promise.
And since that night I have expanded it to include water as deep as 7 or 8 inches.
So as “Summer 2024” comes to a flying halt, I’m also wondering how come I still haven’t finished cleaning out my study or the storage building out back or laying in next winter’s supply of wood so Shirley won’t have to walk too far to the heater and so on and so forth. I have studied that somewhat, however, and I believe it may come down to the reality that if I were actually to complete those projects, I couldn’t fuss at myself for not getting them done.
Life is like that, I suppose. Sometimes things that seem like good ideas really aren’t. Other times, some things egg us on, and still others remind us that, at least for a while, we hope, there’s always tomorrow to try again.
At this stage of life, I’m thinking ahead and wondering how summer 2025 will turn out.
However, I am pretty sure it won’t be about getting into the water at the beach, especially since word is out about the arrival of alligators at various spots on the coast.
Be careful where you step.
Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.
Awe-full?
I still get the willies when I see snakes.
DRIVING BY WILLIAMS POND this afternoon, looking to the left and scanning, seriously scanning, for any sign at all of the Canadian geese. Maybe, just maybe, a small gaggle of geese, intuiting increasingly warmer North Carolina winters (thanks climate change), decided on year-round pond residency? (Rent free, all the bugs and ticks you can eat. Such a deal.)
Nope. They’re all gone.
I feel sad and surprisingly empty. No doubt, loudly honking, the Canadian geese must have lifted off en masse for seasonally warmer climes. (Even warmer than current-day North Carolina? Whoa!)
When the Canadian geese take their seasonal leave, what else departs? My moments of feeling other-worldly, joyful and entranced when driving by the pond. I pass the pond frequently since it’s the main artery from Chez Hutton, slowly winding its way back toward civilization.
(I’m grateful my goose infatuation hasn’t resulted in a car wreck! Maybe the universe is providing me with a dispensation for my geese-based driving inattentiveness. An outcome of my faithfully feeding the deer during winter for so many years? Will never know…)
Back to our part-time, resident Canadian geese. I don’t know. Is there a malady called geese entrancement? If so, I’m suffering from it. And, decidedly, not fond of the experience. Just a minute, wait just a minute! I completely forgot. Before moving to the country, I experienced a serious case of deer entrancement. “OMG, it’s deer! Oh, wow, look at those antlers!” This particular entrancement faded since I now have friendly, passing relationships with the deer, who often visit my backyard in search of late evening snacks.
COLUMN | RICHARD HUDSON
I’ll say the word, but I am giving you a warning ahead of time, so you’ll be prepared ... the forewarned word is — snakes. I still get the willies (whatever that is) when I see snakes. Is my innate evolutionary fear of snakes (you, too?) a defensive adaptation for staying, you know, ALIVE? Whatever. I only make mention of the s-word, snakes, because, once my blood pressure returns to normal after seeing one, I find myself entranced while watching (from a distance, of course).
Geez, yet another case of entrancement (even with snakes). I didn’t realize that entrancement threads its way through my life in such an ongoing way. Entrancement is another form of experiencing awe, such as my awe when seeing Canadian geese, deer and even snakes. Maybe you’re thinking being entranced by wildlife is the only way we humans experience awe. Think again, folks!
The experience of awe, “something vast and mysterious,” transcends our present moment. Move over nature; we humans are also drivers of awe. Us! We create awe in the eyes of others, often unknowingly, by being our deepest selves. In the current parlance, we’re all Content, whoops, I mean Awe Creators. (Bet you didn’t know that!)
So, yes, my awe-inspiring Canadian geese are wintering elsewhere. Fortunately, Humphrey Bogart, in the classic movie “Casablanca,” points me in a direction for perceiving everyday awe: “Here’s looking at you, kid.” Huzzahs! I’m looking at you, and you and you, knowing every one of us carries the possibility of inspiring awe in each other. Awe for all! (Maybe emblazoned on a T-shirt?)
Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.
Three years since the horrific Abbey Gate attack
Billions of dollars in U.S. military arms, supplies and vehicles were left behind ― an insult to the service of the fallen and the Gold Star families.
IT’S BEEN THREE YEARS since the Harris-Biden administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan resulted in the horrific Abbey Gate terrorist bombing — the deadliest attack on Americans since 2011. But we will never forget.
On Aug. 26, 2021, a suicide bomber detonated explosives at the Abbey Gate to the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, killing 13 of our brave U.S. servicemembers and wounding many others. These servicemembers were attempting to protect Americans and our Afghan allies fleeing the Taliban, paying the ultimate price in order to defend the innocent.
One of those brave men included U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss — a hero from right here at Fort Bragg. Ryan will never see another birthday or spend another Christmas with his family. I continue to pray for his family and all the families of the servicemembers lost that day, and that no other family feels that pain again.
On top of this tragedy, billions of dollars in U.S. military arms, supplies and vehicles were left behind ― an insult to the service of the fallen and the Gold Star families whose lives have been changed forever. The Taliban paraded our equipment around just a few weeks ago to celebrate the
anniversary of their victory over America. It is a disgrace.
The Abbey Gate attack is a national security and moral failure. What’s more, it was the deadliest attack on Americans in Afghanistan since 2011 and could have been prevented if not for the Harris-Biden administration’s weak leadership. Witness testimony before a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing confirmed the troops stationed at Abbey Gate were aware of the threat and had identified the suspected bomber hours before the blast but were stopped from taking action.
This is unacceptable. As Fort Bragg/Fort Liberty’s congressman, I will continue to demand answers and transparency from the Harris-Biden administration on this failure. The American people, especially the Gold Star families left behind, deserve nothing less.
We will forever honor those 13 brave servicemembers and their Gold Star families. Rest assured, I won’t stop fighting to deliver accountability on their behalf to ensure what happened in Afghanistan never happens again.
Rep. Richard Hudson represents the North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in Washington, D.C.
Back to school
“WELCOME TO MIT!” the flyers being handed out to incoming students announce, next to a drawing of Tim the Beaver, MIT’s mascot. The flyers go on to comment on the conflict in the Middle East and the State of Israel in particular, and they list more than 20 additional resources.
One of the “resources” they list is the Mapping Project, a blatantly antisemitic organization, which provides an interactive map of Jewish organizations, synagogues and nonprofits, complete with the names of their leaders. The purpose of listing these organizations is to “dismantle” them. The goal, as the Project itself states, is “to reveal the local entities and networks that enact devastation, so we can dismantle them. Every entity has an address, every network can be disrupted.”
As the Anti-Defamation League points out, “Many familiar antisemitic tropes are woven into this project, including:
“Myths of Jewish wealth, power and control through the project’s inordinate focus on revealing the identity of Jewish philanthropists, doctors, and media.
“Scapegoating the Jewish community by claiming that Jews are overwhelmingly responsible for a range of societal ills.
“Advocating the isolation and shunning of the entire Jewish community and those who interact with it, including through boycotts.”
“I believe the Mapping Project promotes antisemitism,” MIT President Sally Kornbluth wrote in a note to the MIT community. She went on to say that she had heard from students that the flyers made them feel that they were not welcome at MIT. “Do we really want to draw lines on Day One and risk making any of our newest students question whether they belong here?”
The answer, plainly, is that some students do want to make Jewish students question whether they belong here, and it is the university’s responsibility to make sure that they do feel welcome, not only by notes such as the one sent by Kornbluth (the only survivor of the infamous congressional hearing last December that led to the resignations of the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania) but also by their actions. What happened last spring at campuses across America, where Jewish students were literally blocked from attending classes and subject to verbal abuse, is simply unacceptable. The purpose of a university is to educate its students, and to do that it has to protect them from physical and verbal abuse.
“My daughter has to go back to UCLA and see what she has to endure this year,” the man ahead of me in line at the bookstore told me. Last spring, she was blocked from attending classes and taunted with cries of “go back to Poland,” where, now generations ago, her relatives who did not get out perished.
The high-profile protests that some feared could taint the Democratic National Convention didn’t happen. Palestine was not given a speaking part. The sky didn’t fall. They had a chance to protest outside, in a designated zone, and not interfere with the convention.
It’s a model for what should happen on campuses this fall. UCLA is under an injunction to protect its students. The UC system has adopted new rules prohibiting encampments and masks used to conceal identities. Harvard is requiring students to get permission before setting up tents, art exhibits or chalking on the sidewalk in public spaces. I’m a civil libertarian. I believe in free speech. But reasonable time, place and manner restrictions need to be imposed lest the universities fail again, as so many did last spring, to educate and protect their students.
University presidents have every reason to take this mandate seriously. The high-profile resignations at Harvard and Penn, followed by the recent resignation of Columbia’s president citing student strife on campus, underscore the fact that mishandling this issue is a career-ender. It’s also the right thing to do.
Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.
ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO
Christy Shamblin, left, mother-in-law of Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, an Abbey Gate Gold Star family member, gets a hug from Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., who presented her with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.
obituaries
RICHARD LEONARD “ROAD RUNNER” BROWN
FEB. 24, 1947 – SEPT. 5, 2024
Richard Leonard “Road Runner” Brown, 77, of Robbins, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at his home. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Browns Chapel Christian Church with Pastor Shawn Garner presiding. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 1:00-1:45 p.m.
Richard was born in McDowell County on February 24, 1947 to Leonard and Rachel Guill Brown. He served in the U.S.M.C. from 1966-1968. He served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a long-distance truck driver and retired after 46 years of service. He enjoyed traveling, music and shopping. He was a prankster and loved spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Richard “Charlie” Brown; grandsons, Andrew J. Allred and Cameron J. Smith; sisters, Ann Hussey and Judy Davidson and brothers, Donnie Brown and Danny Brown.
Richard is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda Hinesley Brown; daughters, Donna “Pebbles” Smith (Todd), of Robbins, Wendy Lowe (Brad), of Troy, Carol Jean Wood, of the home and Belinda “Runt” Britt (Ronnie), of Spies; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.
BARRY DEAN BOULDIN
JULY 30, 1960 – AUG. 29, 2024
Barry Dean Bouldin, 64, of Robbins, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at the FirstHealth Hospice House. The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Beulah Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Lee Kidd, Rev. Kenneth Bouldin and Rev. Colton Moore presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00-2:45 p.m.
Barry was born in Moore County on July 30, 1960 to Samuel and Caroline Purvis Bouldin. He owned and operated grocery stores in Star and Biscoe prior to his retirement. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Barry was known for his “green thumb” and loved landscaping and working in his flowers.
OCTAVIA JANE BAXTER
DEC. 18, 1934 – AUG. 27, 2024
Octavia Jane Baxter, 89, of Bennett, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be from 6:008:00 pm on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Joyce-Brady Chapel. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Bennett Baptist Church with Pastor Rev. Tim Strider, Rev. Dr. Jason Whitehurst and John Phillips presiding. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the committal.
Octavia was born in Moore County on December 18, 1934, to William and Lettie Williams Brown. She was a member of Bennett Baptist Church and retired after 30+ years of service as a poultry farmer. She enjoyed gardening, working in her yard, needlepoint, embroidery and word search puzzles. She loved cooking for her family and spending time with them. She was famous for her egg custard pie.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Glenn (Doodle) Baxter; grandson, Jamie Kidd; two sisters and six brothers.
She is survived by her children, Vickie Baxter, of Bear Creek, Keith Baxter (Deana), of Bennett and Kyle Spencer (Johnny), of Bennett; brother, Odell Brown, of Robbins; grandchildren, Heath Baxter (Blair), Jordan Baxter (Anna), Bethany Spencer and Janna White (Taylor); great-grandchildren, Ella Baxter, Nora Grace Baxter, Harrison Baxter and Jamesley White and a host of family and friends.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Bennett Baptist Church Cemetery fund, P.O. Box 213, Bennett, NC 27208 or UNC Hospice, 211 Friday Center Drive, Suite 2041, Chapel Hill, NC 27517.
DEBORAH LYNN NEEDHAM
AUG. 28, 2024
Deborah Lynn Needham, 66, of Carthage, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 2, 2024 at Smyrna Church with Rev. Farrell Hussey, Rev. Dana Brewer and Rev. Ronnie Poindexter presiding. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00-1:45 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Pleasant Hill UMC in Robbins.
Deborah was a native of Moore County. She was a loving wife of 41 years to William Bradley Needham. They were married on July 2, 1983. She attended Harmony Church and enjoyed traveling and shopping with family and friends. She also loved helping others in the community.
Deborah graduated from North Moore High School, class of 1976. She graduated from Sandhills Community College in 1978 with an Associate of Arts Degree. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work in 1980 from Fayetteville Methodist College and her Master’s Degree in Counseling in 2006 from Webster University of Myrtle Beach. Deborah retired from Moore County Schools in 2011. She enjoyed enriching the lives of young people.
Eunice Allen Terry
Feb. 7, 1931 –Aug. 28, 2024
Eunice Allen Terry, 93, of Siler City, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 28th, 2024, surrounded by family.
Eunice was born in Alamance County on February 7th, 1931, to the late Thomas Folger Allen and Mary Myrtle Stevens Allen. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George C. Terry; her son, Mike Terry; and her step grandson, Luke
Frank Adam “Buddy” Smith
July 1, 1935 –Aug. 31st, 2024
Frank Adam “Buddy” Smith Jr., 89, went to his heavenly home Saturday August 31st, 2024.
A celebration of life service will be held at Loves Creek Baptist Church Thursday September 5th. Visitation will be at 1pm followed by the service at 2 pm. Burial will immediately follow the service at Loves Creek cemetery.
Frank was born July 1st, 1935, in Siler City NC to the late Frank Adam Smith Sr and Addie Gladys Teague Smith at their home in the Silk Hope community. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ruby Smith Andrew and Jeanette Smith Teague and wife Lana Nance Smith.
We offer an on-site crematory with many options of Celebration of Life services, Traditional, and Green Burials. Call us to set an appointment to come by and learn more.
Moody; and her sisters and brothers. She was the last living of eight siblings. Eunice was of the Baptist faith and was baptized at Oakley Baptist Church. She worked 30 years at Selig’s Manufacturing Company. She was also an owner/operator of a Bible bookstore in the 80s. She loved reading her Bible and loved her Lord. She was an excellent cook and loved making persimmon pudding that she was known for. She also loved picking strawberries. She was an excellent housekeeper and loved taking care of her family. Eunice also enjoyed collecting antiques, going camping with her family, and talking about the old times. She will be very missed by all that knew her. She is survived by her son, Don Terry and his wife, Cathy of Snow Camp; her daughterin-law, Janice Poe Terry of Siler City; her grandchildren, Bruce Terry (Angela), LaDonna Moody (Darryl), Jessica Hughes (Josh), Alyssa Webster (Chris), and Christopher Terry (Stephanie);
Those left to cherish his memory are sons Frank Smith of Sanford NC and Kerry Smith (Sandra) of Siler City NC and daughters Serena Smith (Russell) of Franklinton NC and Amy Smith (Mark) of Siler City NC , 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Frank served in the U.S. Army in Korea as a tank commander and was a farmer most of his life. He loved working on the farm so much it was not just a livelihood but also his “hobby”. He also worked at Collin’s and Aikman several years after retiring from farming.
Frank was a long-time active member of the Silk Hope Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years serving as chief for several years as well as maintaining EMT certification. He was often the very first responder on the scene according to his fellow firefighters. So much so, that they used to joke he must sleep in his fireman’s suit. He also trained hundreds of firemen over the years. He truly loved being of service this way.
Frank was a lifelong active member of Loves Creek Baptist in Siler City serving as deacon and caretaker for many years. He also served as caretaker for several years at Rocky River Baptist church.
Frank took particular interest in family history. He helped put
her great grandchildren, Katelyn Burke (Zach), Colin Terry (Montgomery), Caleb Webster, Zachary Terry, Hallie Webster, Ansleigh Webster, Callen Terry, and Eleanor Terry; two foster great grandchildren, Hayden and Jayce; two greatgreat grandchildren, Ava & Jett Burke; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home Chapel, Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024, at 2 pm, officiated by Reverend Jason Golden and Reverend Josh Hughes. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Park in Siler City. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024, from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home Chapel.
Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, PO Box 895, Siler City, NC 27344. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Terry family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com
together an extensive family tree and organized the annual family reunion where he shared stories, pictures, and artifacts of his ancestors. He never forgot where he came from and all the faith and hard work that preceded him.
Frank was a faithful servant to his country, community, church and family and a devout Christian.
Frank was the recipient of the state’s prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine award in 2016 for exemplary contributions to his community. This is the highest civilian award in the state.
Frank was a loving and devoted son, father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was loved by many.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of the memory care unit at Alamance House for their compassionate care over the last few months as well as Ava Bayles for her in home care prior to this.
If you would like to honor his memory, in lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Loves Creek Baptist Church in Siler City or the Alzheimer’s Association. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Smith family.
Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Chatham News & Record at obits@chathamrecord.com
the psychology and neuroscience department’s diversity initiatives director in May.
The policy and its aftermath
The Associated Press spoke with several UNC Chapel Hill faculty members who reported feeling uninformed on the sweeping policy’s implementation. Many, like Muscatell, say the lack of campuswide guidance raises concerns about what’s next.
UNC System campuses were required to submit documents by Sept. 1 outlining eliminated and realigned positions, program changes and funding reallocations under the new policy.
North Carolina is not alone in DEI rollbacks. Conservative-led pushback notably gained traction at the University of Florida and the University of Texas, which cut diversity offices and jobs, while other universities in Kentucky and Nebraska are eyeing changes.
UNC Chapel Hill declined to comment on campus changes before Sept. 1 but added that “targeted initiatives that welcome and support underserved students” can continue if they abide by nondiscrimination and neutrality rules.
In June, Leah Cox, the university’s chief diversity officer, accepted an additional one-year appointment as the university’s executive vice provost, according to emails and contracts obtained by The Associated Press. Cox’s responsibilities include reorganizing certain diversity initiatives within the provost’s office, her contract said.
UNC did not comment on whether Cox’s new appointment was a result of the policy. But administrators did say the policy change, coupled with the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision to ban affirmative action in college admissions, played a role in the recent discontinuation of a program aimed at diversifying the university’s workforce.
The program VITAE — Valuing Inclusion to Attain Excel-
lence Hiring Program — provided substantial funding for salaries of underrepresented faculty members seeking a foothold at the university. VITAE stopped accepting applications this month and a new initiative launched last week will support hiring faculty that contribute to “academic, curricular, and intellectual diversity goals” of the university, said Provost Christopher Clemens in an internal email obtained by AP. Officials said funds already committed through VITAE will be honored.
Kurt Ribisl, the health behavior department chair, recalled hiring talented faculty through VITAE and said discontinuing it would be a major loss. About half of tenured or tenure-track underrepresented faculty members were VITAE participants as of 2020, records show.
“You want to have a faculty who represents the sort of composition of our state, and students want to see people in the classroom teaching them who look like they do,” Ribisl said.
“Looking over our shoulder”
Several faculty members said
major changes in 2023 set the stage for the policy shift. First, the UNC system adopted a compelled speech ban that bars soliciting candidates’ diversity statements or political belief declarations in job decisions. And the Supreme Court affirmative action ban prompted drastic changes for race-based scholarships, fellowships and awards.
In Muscatell’s final year as director of diversity initiatives, she felt the impact: Small tasks passed through several levels of approval and she said her ideas were often questioned. When Muscatell asked about DEI programming, she said others told her to do whatever invited less scrutiny.
Muscatell’s colleague Margaret Sheridan said it felt like administration was “looking over our shoulder.”
Some faculty wait “for the bad news”
Before fall classes began, Ariana Vigil said a few incoming students asked about her well-being and if they could still major in women’s and gender
studies, the department Vigil chairs.
Generally, Vigil said she feels supported and her department hasn’t faced explicit administrative opposition.
She also sees increasing diversity in her classes. From 2016 to 2023, black student enrollment increased by less than a percentage point to 8.6% of the student population while Hispanic and Asian student populations reached 9.1% and 12.9%.
However, the fear of what’s next remains, Vigil said, calling the change to campus diversity policies “demoralizing.”
“It’s more just, like, sitting around waiting for the bad news,” she said.
Ahead of an April UNC Faculty Assembly meeting to discuss the policy, UNC Chapel Hill’s faculty chair Beth Moracco said she was flooded with enough faculty feedback to fill 13 single-spaced pages — some in support and the rest “overwhelmingly of concern.”
Moracco said she’s been reassured policy changes shouldn’t affect research — a major worry for some health researchers
IN MEMORY
Professors Keely Muscatell, left, and Margaret Sheridan,
on the UNC campus in late August.
whose federal funding commits them to addressing inequities.
The new policy states research is protected under academic freedom.
Sheridan is less troubled about her research — how structural inequality shapes children’s brain development — and more about the general research environment. She noted a “less diverse and less open” workplace could prompt some faculty to leave, draining talent and innovation.
“More of us will go, and I honestly feel like we’re not the obvious targets, our own research is not specifically threatened,” Sheridan said. “But if the larger goal was supported at the university, I think it would make it a climate where we wanted to stay.”
Muscatell says that’s a factor in her looking elsewhere. Despite her love of UNC, she said finding a faculty position at a university without a “hostile climate toward diversity and equity work” is a priority for her.
“It definitely feels to me like, we’re just kind of, yeah, I don’t know, that we are replaceable,” she said.
CHARLYE ARNETTE HARRINGTON
AUG. 27, 2024
Charlye Arnette Harrington, age 95 of Broadway, passed away on Tuesday, (8/27/2024) at her home. She was born in Coffey Co. Alabama, daughter of the late Wiley Isaac “Ike” Arnette and Willie Mae “Bill” White Arnette. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved husband of 62 years, Doyle Ochletree Harrington. Charlye was a member of Mt. Pisgah Presbyterian Church and sang in the church choir for over 60 years. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her daughter-in-law. She enjoyed feeding and watching her birds and was always ready to go visit friends and go out for a good meal. Surviving is her daughter, Marsha Harrington Whittington and husband Rob of Garner, NC; son, Wiley Doyle Harrington and wife Barbara of Broadway, NC. Grandchildren, Cassie Lynch and husband Derrick (and their children, Maci, Easton and Sawyer), Clayton Harrington, Shane Whittington and wife Marian, and Natalie Whittington.
BOBBY CHARLES HUTCHENS
MAY 15, 1949 – AUG. 27, 2024
Bobby Charles Hutchens, age 75, of Sanford, NC passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday morning, August 27, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in High Point, NC on Sunday, May 15, 1949 to the late William Avery Hutchens Sr. and Rachel Buchanan Hutchens. Bobby was a Veteran of the United States Army and served one tour in Germany. In his younger years, Bobby worked with NASCAR driver J.D. McDuffie’s pit crew. He also worked at Gaylord Furniture for over 17 years before retiring to work at home on his true passion which was restoring classic cars and antique tractors. He loved his Farmall tractors, VW bugs, Chevrolets, and NASCAR. Bobby was a jack of all trades and could fix just about anything and also loved gardening. Bobby is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rosie Mae Wood Hutchens of the home. Daughter, Angela Rose Hutchens Dollar and husband Stephen of Sanford, NC. Sister-in-Law, Phyllis “Toot-Toot” Hutchens of Sanford, NC. Grandchildren, Grant Dollar and Dalton Dollar, along with 2 nephews, a great niece, and 3 great nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother William Avery “Billy” Hutchens Jr. Per his wishes no arrangements or services will be made but the family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.
CONNIE MARIE MOORE
AUG. 8, 1957 – AUG. 26, 2024
Connie Marie Moore, 67, of Robbins, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024, at her home after a courageous, nine-year battle with cancer. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Joyce-Brady Chapel. The graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Smyrna Church with Rev. Hubert McLeod presiding. Connie was born in Moore County on August 8, 1957 to Lindon and Geneva Garner Moore. She was previously employed at Energizer. She attended Leach Road Holiness Church in Candor. Connie loved music and played by ear. She played guitar and played the piano at her church. Connie enjoyed reading devotionals and doing word search puzzles. She loved animals and feeding birds. She especially loved her fur babies, Hunter and Roxie. She was preceded in death by her mother.
Connie is survived by her father, Lindon Moore; sister, Debbie Moore and brothers, David Moore, Jonathan Moore and Joseph, all of the home and a host of family and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at FirstHealth Cancer Center and FirstHealth Hospice for the care and compassion.
BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO
right,
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This 26th day of August 2024. Chuck Quinlan, President North Chatham Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Corbet Ellison qualified before the Chatham County Clerk of Court on August 7, 2024, in File 24E001381180 as Executor of the Estate of Clara Bynum Ephriam, 1045 St. Luke Church Rd., Goldston, NC.
This is to notify all persons, firms and corporations, as required by NCGS 28A-14-1, having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the attorney designated below on or before November 15, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Payments and claims should be presented to Robert Gilleland, Attorney, P.O. Box 1045, Sanford, NC 27331-1045. Publish: August 15, 22, 29, September 5, 2024.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
281 JONES ROAD NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE # 22 SP 64 W. Woods Doster, Administrator D.B.N. of the Estate of Odessa Person, Petitioner, vs. Eddie Wayne Person Respondent.
Pursuant to the Order for Possession, Custody, Control, and Sale of Real Property filed on June 15, 2022, in the above captioned proceeding, NOTICE is hereby given that the subject property described below will be put up for public sale on September 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.; the sale will be held at the Chatham County Courthouse in the designated area for sale. The subject property is
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NORTH CAROLINA, CHATHAM COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Brandon Westbrook and Tiffany Westbrook to Jason Gold, Trustee(s), which was dated March 23, 2020 and recorded on March 25, 2020 in Book 02102 at Page 0438, Chatham County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on September 10, 2024 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Chatham County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 16, of Piney Ridge Subdivision, Map 2, as shown on plat recorded in Plat Cabinet 86, Slide 53, Chatham County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 5651 Pineygrove Church Rd, Siler City, NC 27344. A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.
Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are BRANDON WESTBROOK AND WIFE TIFFANY WESTBROOK.
addressed to each part as follows: Eddie Wayne Person 281 Jones Road Siler City, North Carolina 27344 This the _____ day of ________________, 2024. J. Grant Brown, Attorney for Commissioner Law Offices of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
24E001469-910
All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Donald Wylie, Deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned before December 4, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 5th of September, 2024. Lynne Griffin, Executor c/o Monroe, Wallace, Morden & Sherrill, P.A. 3225 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 117 Pittsboro, North Carolina S5,S12,S19,S26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Dorothy Ritter Phillips, of Chatham County, NC, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Co- Executors at the Law Office of Richard L. Cox, 113 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 on or before November 28th 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of heir recovery. All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 29th day of August 2024. Robert Farrell Ritter, Co-Executor Rodney Darrell Ritter, Co-Executor Curtis Eric Ritter, Co-Executor Dorothy Ritter Phillips, Estate Richard L. Cox, Attorney Gavin & Cox 113 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 Telephone: 336-629-2600
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
24-E-001414-180 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
The undersigned, John Arthurs having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Eugenia Arthurs, 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 November 11th, 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 15th of August 2024. John Arthurs Executor c/o Marie H. Hopper Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post Office Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312 NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Marlene C. Brown, late of Chatham County, North
is to notify all persons, firms and
having claims against the estate of said
to present
to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of December, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 29th day of August, 2024. Donna B. Sessoms, Executor of the Estate of Marlene C. Brown 2250 Joe Brown Road Bear Creek, North Carolina 27207 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE
An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC
Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC
Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403
PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 24-15350-FC01
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
24 E 001452-180 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
The undersigned, Marie Hopper, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Gene Brooks, deceased, late of Chatham County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the day of December 4th, 2024, or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This the 5th of September, 2024.
Executor Marie H. Hopper Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post Office Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF JACQUALINE CARMEL D’AMICO
All persons, firms and corporations having claims against JACQUALINE CARMEL D’AMICO, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit them to Elizabeth D’Amico as Executor as of the decedent’s estate on or before December 12, 2024, c/o Brittany N. Porter, Attorney at Law, 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the abovenamed Executor. This the 5th day of September, 2024. Elizabeth D’Amico, Executor c/o Brittany N. Porter, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF KENNETH PAUL FORTE
All persons, firms and corporations having claims against KENNETH PAUL FORTE, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit them to Christina D. Forte as Executor as of the decedent’s estate on or before December 2, 2024, c/o Brittany N. Porter, Attorney at Law, 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Executor. This the 29th day of August, 2024. Christina D. Forte, Executor c/o Brittany N. Porter, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517
NORTH CAROLINA
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
CHATHAM COUNTY
HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Jane Womble Tripp, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 28th day of November, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 22nd day of August, 2024. Christopher Odell Tillman, Executor of the Estate of Jane Womble Tripp 6911 Wexford Woods Trail Raleigh, North Carolina 27613
MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE
ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850
NOTICE
ESTATE OF RONNIE DALE MADORMA a/k/a RONI
MADORMA Thank you for running the following legal NOTICE TO CREDITORS in Chatham News and Record on the following Thursdays: August 29, 2024, September 5, 12, 19th I would also appreciate an email with the draft just so I can see if I made any errors before posting.
All persons, firms and corporations having claims against RONNIE DALE MADORMA, a/k/a RONI
MADORMA deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, who died on June 26, 2024, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before December 2, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. This 29th day of August 2024, Jamie Hartless, Executor, c/o Alisa Huffman, PLLC, 311 S. Academy St., Cary, NC 27511.
Chatham File Number: 24E001391-180
Publication Dates: August 29, September 5, 12, 19th
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
24E001429-180
Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of JAMES DANIEL AXSOM, of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all person having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before November 22, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Jill Clubb Smith, Administrator
Erin B. Riddick, Attorney 5511 Capital Center Drive, Ste. 180 Raleigh, NC 27606
Publish: August 22, 29, Sept. 5, and 12, 2024
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
24 E 1462
The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Charlie F. Brooks, Jr., late of Chatham County, North Carolina, notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at her address, 1179 Charlie Brooks Road, Moncure, North Carolina, 27559, on or before the 5th day of December, 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.
This 28th day of August, 2024.
Amy Jo Brooks 1179 Charlie Brooks Road Moncure, North Carolina 27559 GUNN & MESSICK, PLLC
P. O. Box 880
Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312-0880
September 5, 12, 19, 26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Dennis J. Jarvi
Having qualified as Limited Personal Representative of the Estate of Dennis J. Jarvi, late of 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 at 5842 Fayetteville Road, Suite 113, Durham, NC 27713, on or before the 16th day of November, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This is the 15th day of August, 2024.
Dana L. Jarvi, Limited Personal Representative of the Estate of Dennis J. Jarvi Doris J. Dixon Southpoint Estate Planning Attorney for the Estate 5842 Fayetteville Road, Suite 113 Durham, North Carolina, 27713 FOR PUBLICATION: 8/15, 8/22, 8/29 and 9/5, 2024.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
WANDA FAYE WILLIAMS
CHATHAM COUNTY FILE # 23E000692-180
The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator for the Estate of Wanda Faye Williams, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate to present such claims to the undersigned Administrator c/o Ralph A. Evans, Attorney At Law, at P.O. Box 1145, Liberty, North Carolina 27298 on or before December 4, 2024 or this Notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment.
This the 26th day of August, 2024.
Annette Williams Bailey Administrator 196 Crestmont Drive Siler City, NC 27344
Ralph A. Evans Attorney At Law P.O. Box 1145 Liberty, NC 27298 (336) 622-5320
EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
All persons having claims against the estate of Hammond Snyder of Chatham County, NC, who died on the 14th of June, 2024, are notified to present them on or before November 10, 2024 to Caroline Siverson, Executor for the Estate, c/o Schupp & Hamilton, P.L.L.C., P. O. Box 3200, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3200, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Schupp & Hamilton, P.L.L.C. P. O. Box 3200 Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3200 For August 29th, September 5, September 12, and September 19, 2024.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#24E001412-180
The undersigned, TRAVIS ANTHONY HARRIS, having qualified on the 7TH day of AUGUST 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of ANTHONY MARK HARRIS, 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. TRAVIS ANTHONY HARRIS, ADMINISTRATOR PAYABLE TO: THE LAW OFFICE OF LEWIS FADELY, PLLC 119 N. FIR
PM, or as soon thereafter as the agenda will allow, at the City Hall Courtroom, 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC, in relation to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a project in the community. The Town of Siler City anticipates submitting a Neighborhood Revitalization application in 2024. Information on the amount of funding available, the requirements on benefit to low- and moderateincome persons, eligible activities, and plans to minimize displacement and provide displacement assistance as necessary will be available. Citizens will also be given the opportunity to provide oral and written comment on the Town’s use of CDBG funds. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend. For additional information or to submit written comments, contact the Siler City Planning & Community Development Office, PO Box 769, Siler City, NC 27344. Comments should be postmarked by September 12, 2024. Persons with disabilities or who otherwise need assistance should contact the Town of Siler City Manager’s Office at 919-742-4731 by Friday, September 13, 2024. Accommodation will be made for all who request assistance with participating in the public hearing. This information is available in Spanish and any other language upon request. Please contact Sara Martin, Community Development Planner, at 919-726-8625 or at 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC, for accommodation for this request. Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Sara Martin, Community Development Planner, al 919-726-8625 o en 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC, de alojamiento para esta solicitud.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#24E001435-180 The undersigned, ANN M. DZIENGEL, having qualified on the 16TH day of AUGUST 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of EDWARD F. FOX, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20TH Day of NOVEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 22ND Day of AUGUST 2024. ANN M. DZIENGEL, EXECUTOR 1002 CANDLEWOOD CIRCLE SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: A22,29,S5,12p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#24E001430-180 The undersigned, TOMMY R. GUNTER, having qualified on the 15TH day of AUGUST 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of FRED J. LOMBARDI, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20TH Day of NOVEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 22ND Day of AUGUST 2024. TOMMY R. GUNTER, EXECUTOR 210 NORWELL LANE PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: A22,29,S5,12p
The Adams family
You’ll find they’re not spooky, but maybe — a bit kooky
By Erika Hoffman For Chatham News & Record
JOHN ADAMS Park in Quincy, also known as Braintree, contains the home John Adams purchased after returning from Europe and different ambassadorships. Drive Interstate 93 South past the colorful storage gas tank nicknamed the Rainbow Swash to reach Quincy.
Four generations of Adamses resided there. The wealth came neither from John Ad-
ams, our second president, nor his son, John Quincy Adams. The riches in the home and the additions to the house were created by John Adams’s grandson, Charles Francis Adams. What did this somewhat unfamiliar name do to earn his fortune? Like any red, white and blue-blooded young American man might want to do — he married a woman whose daddy was the wealthiest man in Boston at the time of his death. He wed a woman with a Trumplike fortune. Her dad was the shipping magnate Peter Chardon Brooks. John Adams, our second U.S. president, bought the home in 1788 on 75 acres from Mr. Ves-
sel, who built it in 1731. For the plantation owner, it was his summer cottage; he owned plantations in what is now the Dominican Republic. In 1870, the stone library was constructed. Five Adams generations amassed the books. Their original desk is there. Another noteworthy item collected was a tome dating back to 1521.
Like his father, POTUS No. 2, John Quincy Adams was also an american president, the nation’s sixth. In addition, he was an ambassador to Russia, a secretary of state, a senator, and served in the House of Representatives. John Quincy Adams was an ardent anti-slavery advocate. Remember that historical drama “Amistad,” released in 1997, where John Quincy Adams convinced the Supreme Court to free the slaves captured after the 1839 mutiny of
The riches in the home and the additions to the house were created by John Adams’s grandson, Charles Francis Adams.
the slave ship La Amistad? Perhaps Americans know John Quincy’s name more because of Spielberg’s movie than for any other reason. At any rate, Charles Francis Adams, the third generation, spruced up the place. So, the house was added to that modest 1731 cottage built by the original owner, Vessel. Paintings soon adorned the walls, including ones depicting the death of William Pitt. (Think Pittsboro, N.C.). Edward Savage’s por-
TAKE NOTICE
traits are hung on the walls in the drawing room, an 1800 addition. From 1922 through 1927, Peter Chardon Brooks Adams set the grounds as a museum. His brother Henry Adams, the noted historian, helped with the project. All the Adamses were historians and writers, but the most famous of the writers was Henry, who wrote volumes about his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Many Americans are familiar with Henry Adams’ history of the United States.
So, if you visit Boston, ride down I-93 to see this old house of 21 rooms filled with portraits, furniture, china and books. There, you’ll behold painting after painting of the Adams family and learn their stories. You’ll find they’re not spooky, but maybe — a bit kooky.
Town of Siler City
City
Curb Waste Pickup
Town of Siler City Curb Waste Pickup
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA
SILER CITY, NC – The Town of Siler City will be implementing new measures to regulate and enforce its Curb Waste Pickup services. Beginning Monday, September 16th, 2024, the Town will adopt new Standard Operating Procedures that formalize how improperly discarded curb waste is managed and enforced. Changes will include how reports and violations are communicated through departments, when reports and violations are referred to Code Enforcement, and the punitive action(s) the Town will pursue, which include: For Improperly Discarded Curb Waste For Curb Waste Not Picked up by Department of Public Works For Hazardous Waste Not Picked up by Public Works
Step One: An invoice to the property owner per the Town’s fee schedule: Abatement Fee plus Contractors Cost (Public Works tipping fee, mileage, labor, boom truck use)
Step Two: If invoice is not paid within 14 days, Code Enforcement will file a lien with Clerk of Court on the property for the total abatement (abatement fee, public works cost, lien filing cost)
Step One: An invoice to the property owner per the Town’s fee schedule: Abatement Fee plus Contractors Cost (Public Works tipping fee, mileage, labor, boom truck use)
Step Two: If invoice is not paid within 14 days, Code Enforcement will file a lien with Clerk of Court on the property for the total abatement (abatement fee, public works cost, lien filing cost)
Step One: A $100.00 daily civil penalty will be in effect beginning on the date of the letter and running to and including the date the violation is corrected. Each day the violation continues
be a
and
Step Two: If the violation is abated, Code Enforcement will submit an invoice to the property owner for the
amount. If the
amount is not paid within 14 days, then per NCGS 160A-175 the civil penalty shall be recovered by the Town of Siler City in a civil action with the general court of justice in the nature of a suit to collect a debt
justice in the nature of a suit to collect a debt and seeking appropriate injunctive relief to remedy the violation
This notice serves to inform the public of changes to the enforcement measures, detailed above, and represents no changes in our current collection practices. For a comprehensive overview of the Town’s Solid Waste policies and collection practices, please refer to Chapter 24 of the Town’s Code of Ordinances: https://siler.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=CHAPTER_24_SOLID_WASTE
Sección 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 y financiamiento estatal aplicable, o una combinación de las mismas. Esto es para informar al público de que se hará una audiencia pública sobre la solicitud de Compra de capital de servicio para el año fiscal 2026 para el Programa de transporte comunitario que se presentará al Departamento de Transporte de Carolina del Norte a más tardar el 4 de octubre de 2024. La audiencia pública se hará el 16 de septiembre de 2024 a las 6 p. m. ante la Junta de Comisionados del condado de Chatham. Las personas interesadas en asistir a la audiencia pública y que necesiten ayudas y servicios auxiliares según la Ley de Americanos con Discapacidades (Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA) o un traductor deben comunicarse con Jimmy Lewis a más tardar el 13 de septiembre de 2024, llamando al número de teléfono 919-542-4512 o enviando un correo electrónico a jimmy.lewis@ chathamcountync.gov. El Programa de transporte comunitario da ayuda para coordinar los programas existentes de transporte que operan en el condado de Chatham y opciones de transporte y servicios para las comunidades en esta área de servicio. Estos servicios se prestan actualmente mediante Chatham Transit Network. Cantidad total aproximada que se solicitará para el período del 1 de julio de 2025 al 30 de junio de 2026: NOTA: La cantidad de la parte local está sujeta a la disponibilidad de fondos estatales.
Step Three: Should the violation continue to exist by the 30th day after the NOV letter notification, the Town may seek to recover the penalty together with all costs (including but not limited to administrative, postage, contractors, and abatement) by filing a civil action in the general court of justice in the nature of a suit to collect a debt and seeking appropriate injunctive relief to remedy the violation
This notice serves to inform the public of changes to the enforcement measures, detailed above, and represents no changes in our current collection practices. For a comprehensive overview of the Town’s Solid Waste policies and collection practices, please refer to Chapter 24 of the Town’s Code of Ordinances: https://siler.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=CHAPTER_24_SOLID_WASTE
The Town is dutifully committed to ensuring that all its neighborhoods are kept clean and saf e. Due to the significant increase of improperly discarded curb waste and the public concerns brought to attention, a collaborative effort between the Department of Public Works and the Office of Planning & Community Development was undertaken. In the spirit of community improvement, these new procedures aim to reduce the frequency of occurrence, enhance the visual appearance of neighborhoods, and provide its citizens with clear guidance on collection practices.
Recogida de Residuos en la Acera
Esta solicitud podrá revisarse en www. chathamcountync.gov/agingservices a partir del 2 de septiembre de 2024. Los comentarios por escrito deben enviarse a Jenifer Johnson antes del 13 de septiembre de 2024 a jenifer.johnson@ chathamcountync.gov.
The Town is dutifully committed to ensuring that all its neighborhoods are kept clean and saf e. Due to the significant increase of improperly discarded curb waste and the public concerns brought to attention, a collaborative effort between the Department of Public Works and the Office of Planning & Community Development was undertaken. In the spirit of community improvement, these new procedures aim to reduce the frequency of occurrence, enhance the visual appearance of neighborhoods, and provide its citizens with clear guidance on collection practices.
SILER CITY, NC – El Ayuntamiento de Siler City implementará nuevas medidas para regular y hacer cumplir sus servicios de recogida de residuos en la acera. A partir del lunes 16 de septiembre de 2024, el Ayuntamiento adoptará nuevos Procedimientos Operativos Estándar que formalizan cómo se gestionan y hacen cumplir los residuos mal desechados en la acera. Los cambios incluirán cómo se comunican los informes y violaciones a través de los departamentos, cuándo se refieren los informes y violaciones a la Aplica ción del Código, y las acciones punitivas que el Ayuntamiento emprenderá, que incluyen: Para Residuos Mal Desechados en la Acera Para Residuos en la Acera No Recogidos por el Departamento de Obras Públicas Para Residuos Peligrosos No Recogidos por Obras Públicas
Paso Uno: Una factura al propietario del inmueble según la tarifa del Ayuntamiento: Tarifa de Abatimiento más el Costo de los Contratistas (tarifa de descarga de Obras Públicas, millaje, mano de obra, uso del camión grúa)
Paso Dos: Si la factura no se paga dentro de los 14 días, la Aplicación del Código presentará un gravamen ante el Secretario del Tribunal sobre la propiedad por el total del abatimiento (tarifa de abatimiento, costo de obras públicas, costo de presentación del gravamen)
Paso Uno: Una factura al propietario del inmueble según la tarifa del Ayuntamiento: Tarifa de Abatimiento más el Costo de los Contratistas (tarifa de descarga de Obras Públicas, kilometraje, mano de obra, uso del camión grúa)
Paso Dos: Si la factura no se paga dentro de los 14 días, la Aplicación del Código presentará un gravamen ante el Secretario del Tribunal sobre la propiedad por el total del abatimiento (tarifa de abatimiento, costo de obras públicas, costo de presentación del gravamen)
Paso Uno: Una multa civil diaria de $100.00 entrará en vigor a partir de la fecha de la carta y hasta la fecha en que se corrija la violación. Cada día que continúe la violación será una ofensa separada y distinta.
Paso Dos: Si se abate la violación, la Aplicación del Código enviará una factura al propietario del inmueble por el monto total de la multa civil. Si el monto total de la multa civil no se paga dentro de los 14 días, entonces según NCGS 160A-175 la multa civil será recuperada por el Ayuntamiento de Siler City en una acción civil ante el tribunal general de justicia en la naturaleza de una demanda para cobrar una deuda.
Paso Tres: Si la violación continúa existiendo al 30º día después de la notificación de la carta NOV, el Ayuntamiento puede buscar recuperar la multa junto con todos los costos (incluyendo pero no limitándose a administrativos, postales, contratistas y abatimiento) presentando una acción civil en el tribunal general de justicia en la naturaleza de una demanda para cobrar una deuda y buscando el alivio judicial apropiado para remediar la violación.
Este aviso tiene como objetivo informar al público sobre los cambios en las medidas de cumplimiento, detallados anteriormente, y no representa cambios en nuestras prácticas actuales de recolección. Para una visión general completa de las políticas y prácticas de recolección de residuos sólidos del Ayuntamiento, consulte el Capítulo 24 del Código de Ordenanzas del Ayuntamiento: https://siler.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=CHAPTER_24_SOLID_WASTE El Ayuntamiento está comprometido a garantizar que todos sus vecindarios se mantengan limpios y seguros. Debido al significativo aumento de residuos mal desechados en la acera y a las preocupaciones públicas planteadas, se llevó a cabo un esfuerzo colaborativo entre el Departamento de Obras Públicas y la Oficina de Planificación y Desarrollo Comunitario. En el espíritu de mejora comunitaria, estos nuevos procedimientos tienen como objetivo reducir la frecuencia de ocurrencia, mejorar la apariencia visual de los vecindarios y proporcionar a los ciudadanos una guía clara sobre las prácticas de recolección.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E000234-180 The undersigned, JAMES BARNEY KAST, JR., having qualified on the 23RD day of AUGUST 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of HELEN JEAN DAVIS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 27TH Day of NOVEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 29TH Day of AUGUST 2024. JAMES BARNEY KAST, JR., EXECUTOR 531 GILLILAND RD. SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: A29,S5,12,19p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001457-180 The undersigned, MARSHA S. ANDERSON, having qualified on the 22ND day of AUGUST 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of HOWARD FRANKLIN WILLIAMS, JR., deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 4TH Day of DECEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 5TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2024. MARSHA S. ANDERSON, EXECUTOR 1491 JOHNSON DR. WILLIAMSTON, NC 27892 Run dates: S5,12,19,26p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#24E001324-180 The undersigned, NORMAN SCOTTON, SR., having qualified on the 5TH day of AUGUST 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of PAULETTE ELAINE SCOTTON., deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 4TH Day of DECEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM
CHATHAM SPORTS
ASHEEBO ROJAS / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Union Pines’ sophomore linebacker Josiah Sandler (7) makes a tackle in the Vikings’ 35-0 win. Sandler had one of the Vikings’ seven interceptions.
Union Pines grabs seven interceptions in 35-0 victory over Northwood
The Vikings are up to 10 interceptions and two shutouts in 2024
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
C AMERON — Union Pines put on a defensive masterclass in its 35-0 win over the Chargers Friday.
The Vikings (2-0, 0-0) intercepted the Chargers (0-2, 0-0) seven times thanks to different looks and constant pressure from its defensive line and a solid display of ball skills in the secondary. The seven picks are tied for the second-most interceptions in a game in North Carolina High School Athletic Association history.
“It’s more of the defensive line for pressuring the quarterback and making him throw it up,” senior defensive back Harley Moyer said. “TJ (Robinson) and Elijah (Clayton), they are so good at pressuring the quarterback, making him run out of the pocket and throwing bad balls that we’re able to come down with.” Sophomore defensive back
Demarie Johnson, junior defensive back Jonah Thienel and Moyer came away with two picks each. Johnson and Thienel each took an interception to the house as Thienel’s 60-yard return gave Union Pines a 14-0 lead right before halftime, and Johnson’s return near the Vikings’ sideline put the final score on the board at the end of the fourth quarter.
“We do a lot of drills on breaking on balls in practice,” Thienel said.
Sophomore linebacker Josiah Sandler ended the Chargers’ first possession by picking off junior quarterback Grayson Cox at Northwood’s own 3-yard line.
That interception set up the first of three scores from senior running back Jeremiah Carraway, who capitalized on the turnover with a 3-yard touchdown.
Carraway blossomed into a problem throughout the night as he rushed for 161 yards on just 11 carries. His 69-yard touchdown in the final minutes of the third quarter put the Vikings up 28-0.
Earlier in the quarter, Carraway found the end zone on a
“I think the expectation is we’re going to be good.”
Bryan Till, Union Pines coach
17-yard run up the middle to give Union Pines a 21-0 lead. Carraway said he rarely encountered linebackers and a safety on his long runs up the middle, allowing him to hit the hole at full speed.
Second-half adjustments on the offensive line also helped open up the Vikings’ offense after a slow start.
“Some of the bigger runs in the second half, we widened some splits out to take their ends out a little bit further,”
Union Pines coach Bryan Till said.
Despite the four first-half interceptions, Northwood remained in striking distance before the break.
With the help of a solid first-half performance from sophomore Jordan Brim and senior AJ Rhone-Mason on the defensive line, the Chargers were able to disrupt some
See VIKINGS, page B3
First-set momentum shift lifts Seaforth over Chatham
Central in volleyball
The Hawks moved into first place in the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A standings
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
BEAR CREEK — After a Mid-Carolina 1A/2A volleyball showdown between firstplace Chatham Central and second-place Seaforth on Aug. 28, the defending conference champions are back in the driver’s seat.
Seaforth traveled to Chatham Central and beat the Bears 3-0, taking over first place in the conference. As the Hawks dominated the second and third sets, the game came down to the energy-shifting final moments of an entertaining opening set.
Chatham Central and Seaforth went back and forth to start the game with neither team looking to pull away. With seniors Karaleigh Dodson and
Landry Allen and junior Sydney Sellers up front, the Bears did a good job of handling the Hawks’ serves and setting up its own offensive attacks for points.
They were also helped by some of Seaforth’s self-inflicted wounds as its service errors and late rotations put some easy points on the board for the Bears.
“We needed to focus more,” Seaforth junior Keira Rosenmarkle said.
Yet down 20-19 in the first set, Seaforth shifted the momentum back in its favor and went on a four-point run to gain control of the set.
The run got started with a service error from Chatham Central. Rosenmarkle immediately followed that with a service ace to put the Hawks back in front. From that point, Seaforth looked like its usual self, putting power and speed behind its hits to give the Bears
See SEAFORTH, page B3
Harrington returns to action in App State’s season opener after 2023 injury
The former Northwood star recorded six tackles to start 2024
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
FORMER NORTHWOOD football star
Brendan Harrington is back at Appalachian State for his last ride.
Harrington, a redshirt senior inside linebacker, began his sixth year at App State in the Mountaineers’ 38-10 win over East Tennessee State last Saturday. Coming off a season-ending knee injury in 2023 and being named to the East-West Shrine Bowl watchlist prior to the season, Harrington provided an immediate impact on App State’s defense, recording six tackles (tied for the team’s second most in the game) and assisting on a tackle for loss.
Prior to the first game of the season, Harrington was named a team captain for the second time in his career.
“I like to tell people that’s the best accolade
See HARRINGTON, page B2
“I’ve put in a lot of work to get back here.”
Brendan Harrington
PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Taylor Perry (1) and Lyla Walters (5) try to stop a shot from Chatham County’s Natalee Hall during Seaforth’s Mid-Carolina conference match against the Bears. The Hawks won 3-0.
Northwood runs away with conference cross country meet
Chatham Charter, Woods Charter start soccer seasons
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
W EEK THREE of the high school fall sports season in Chatham Country brought an entertaining slate of intra-county showdowns, impressive individual performances and growing win streaks.
Here’s a recap of the key moments, developments and conference standings from last week’s fall sports games: Volleyball
Numerous intracounty rivalries highlighted the volleyball action from last week. Seaforth winning over Chatham Central to take first place in the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference was the biggest moment of the week, but the Hawks also dominated neighboring Northwood, 3-0, on Aug. 27. Woods Charter won the season’s first battle with rival Chatham Charter, 3-1, on Aug. 27, and the Wolves fought their way back to .500 with a 3-1 victory over Oxford Prep on Aug. 29.
Mid-Carolina 1A/2A standings (as of Sunday)(overall, conference): 1. Seaforth (5-1, 4-0); 2. Chatham Central (5-2, 4-1); 3. Northwood (4-4, 4-2); 4. North Moore (5-1, 2-1); 5. Southeast Alamance (2-4, 1-2); 6. Bartlett Yancey (2-3, 1-3); 7. Jordan-Matthews (0-6, 0-3); 8. Graham (0-6, 0-4) Central Tar Heel standings
from page B1
you can get,” Harrington said on Aug. 27 while on the “Mountaineer Talk” radio show hosted by Adam Witten. “Being able to say that your peers respect you that much means a lot.” Harrington was first named a team captain last season, and he tallied 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack in just two games before injury. A year prior, Harrington’s season also ended due to injury in the wild 63-61 season-opening loss to UNC.
The injuries didn’t dampen Harrington’s impact too much, though. While sidelined, Harrington took on the role as a de facto student assistant and remained a vocal leader for the team.
“Just knowing that sometimes in the facility guys might look at me for motivation, or whatever it may be,” Harrington said. “I just try to show up every day and be there for my teammates.” Harrington said the toughest part of missing last season was knowing how “special” the 2023 team was and not being able to contribute.
But this season, he gets to contribute in a new way as he’s moving to the inside lineback-
WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
PJ
Seaforth’s Maris Huneycutt (2) and Chatham Central’s Karaleigh Dodson (15) watch a shot fly toward the Hawks’ side of the net during a showdown for the top spot in the Mid- Carolina Conference. Seaforth got the 3-0 win.
(as of Sunday): 1. Clover Garden School (5-0, 3-0); 2. Woods Charter (3-3, 2-0); 3. Southern Wake Academy (2-1, 2-1); 4. Chatham Charter (2-5, 1-1); 5. River Mill (3-4, 1-2); 6. Ascend Leadership (0-3, 0-2); 7. Triangle Math & Science (0-6, 0-3)
Boys’ soccer
Chatham Charter and Woods Charter joined the party last week, but they didn’t have the warmest welcome.
The Knights lost to Southeast Guilford, 9-0, on Aug. 26 and Cornerstone Charter, 8-1, the following night, and the Wolves started their season with a 2-2 draw against River Mill. Behind two goals from ju-
er position instead of the outside linebacker spot he held throughout his career.
“It’s been a smooth transition,” Harrington said. “I’ve gotten back used to using my hands and being physical in the box again.”
Before dealing with injuries, Harrington turned heads at App State during his 2019 freshman season during which he played in 11 games. The next season, he had a breakout year as a starter with 48 tackles, four interceptions (including a pick-six against Texas State) and honorable mention All- Sun Belt honors.
After all the ups and downs of his college career, Harrington said “it means everything” to be back healthy and competing for the Mountaineers one more time.
“I’ve put in a lot of work to get back here,” Harrington said. “All of the coaches have supported me tremendously.
The training staff has supported me tremendously. Obviously, the players, everyday they’re always like, ‘B how close are you?’ It’s just a lot of love and compassion from everybody around me.”
Harrington’s last season will continue at Clemson Saturday at 8 p.m.
nior Nadir Martinez, Seaforth picked up a 4-1 win over Grace Christian (Sanford), and the Hawks followed that with a 2-0 loss to Western Alamance. As of Sunday, Martinez leads the Hawks with six goals this season.
Jordan-Matthews came close to drawing and possibly knocking off Franklin Academy in a rematch of last year’s 2A East regional semifinal, but its game-tying goal was waived off and the Jets lost, 1-0.
But, it was Northwood that had the best week as the Chargers went 2-0 against Southern Alamance and North Moore.
Mid-Carolina 1A/2A standings (as of Sunday): 1. Northwood (3-1-1, 1-0); 2. Jor-
Seaforth’s Nadir Martinez goal total on the season through Sept. 2
dan-Matthews (2-4, 1-0); 3. Cummings (2-1, 0-1); 4. North Moore (0-2, 0-1); 5. Graham (11-1, 0-0); 6. Seaforth (2-2, 0-0)
Central Tar Heel 1A standings (as of Sunday): 1. Triangle Math & Science (1-3-1, 1-0); 2. River Mill (0-1-1, 0-0); 3. Woods Charter (0-0-1, 0-0); 4. Southern Wake Academy (1-2, 0-1); 5. Ascend Leadership (1-1, 0-0); 6. Chatham Charter (0-2, 0-0); 7. Clover Garden School (1-2, 0-0)
Girls’ tennis
Chatham Charter remained undefeated last week with a 5-4 win over Providence Grove on Aug. 26. Seniors Sasha Blackmon and Reece Callihan and the pair of junior Mak Allen and sophomore Maggie Moody kept the Knights perfect with wins in the doubles matches.
Seaforth, picking up steam after its season-opening loss, dominated its rival Northwood, 9-0, and the Chargers bounced back with a 7-2 win over Jordan-Matthews.
Mid-Carolina 1A/2A standings (from dual matches as of Sunday): 1. Bartlett Yanc -
ey (3-0, 3-0); 2. Seaforth (3-1, 2-0); 3. Northwood (2-2, 2-2); 4. Jordan-Matthews (2-3, 2-2); 5. North Moore (1-2, 1-1); 6. Chatham Central (0-2, 0-2); 7. Southeast Alamance (0-5, 0-3) Central Tar Heel 1A standings (from dual matches as of Sunday): 1. Triangle Math & Science (1-3, 1-0); 2. Chatham Charter (5-0, 0-0); 3. Southern Wake Academy (0-1, 0-1) Cross-country
Northwood and Seaforth went to Southeast Alamance and joined the Stallions as the only teams to compete in a Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference meet on Aug. 27. In the boys’ race, the top three finishers in order were Northwood junior Jordan Wiley (18 minutes, 32.11 seconds), Northwood junior Joe Flynn (19:28.96) and Seaforth junior Will Lippers (19:54.08). The Chargers had five racers finish in the top 10, and they led the boys’ final team scores with 22 points. Seaforth finished third as a team with 59 points. For the girls’ race, the top three finishers were all Chargers with junior Sydney Gray (20:50.96), senior Julia Hall (21:19.40) and sophomore Ashley Perry (23:46.18) crossing the finish line in that order. Senior Natalia Davis was the first Seaforth runner to finish as her time of 24:32.93 earned sixth place. Northwood, the team with five top 10 times, also led the girls’ final team scores with 22 points, while Seaforth finished in second place with a score of 49.
Chatham County Aging Services
HARRINGTON
NELL REDMOND / AP PHOTO
Appalachian State linebacker Brendan Harrington, shown here in a 2021 game, returned to the field on Saturday for his sixth season of college football.
trouble with returning them.
The Hawks won the first set 25-21.
“Having three games this week, we were a little rusty, and we just needed to take a second and breathe,” Seaforth junior Josie Valgus said. “We brought the energy back in the next two sets.”
Said Rosenmarkle, “Energy is a big part of our team, like hyping each other up and being like ‘it’s OK’ after we make a mistake.”
Seaforth coach Scott Green told his team to “be ready for anything” following the first set.
“They like to mix stuff up with pushes and tips and everything, so we just tried to be ready to move forward and backward at any time,” Green said.
and Seaforth rolled on to win the second set, 25-13, and the third set, 25-14.
Rosenmarkle led the Hawks with 16 kills while also contributing two service aces. Junior Maris Huneycutt carried the setting responsibilities, leading Seaforth with 18 assists. Some of Seaforth’s younger players saw some action in the end of the second and third sets, as sophomore Abigail Valgus recorded two service aces and three assists.
“I had an opportunity to play some different setters,” Green said. “Every time they get some reps, it’s good for us, and it’s good for the team both now and in the future.”
Seaforth’s win on Wednesday was its third consecutive conference win (zero conference losses as of Aug. 28) and fourth straight 3-0 victory since losing to Apex Friendship in the season opener.
that again. There’s still a large chunk of conference games left, and to keep a high level of play regardless of competition throughout the season, Seaforth raises the difficulty when competing against itself in practice.
“We try to make our practices tough and go through kind of a grind, so that they’ll stay sharp and be ready,” Green said. As for Chatham Central, the Bears showed in the loss to Seaforth how dangerous of a team it can be.
New coach Bridgett Watson has a team of only seniors and juniors who have combined experience with a solid skill set in its hot start to the season. Dodson has been huge for Chatham Central as before the Seaforth game, she led the team in hitting percentage (.489), digs (80) and kills (63).
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Sydney Gray
But after settling down and entering the second set more prepared for Chatham Central’s style of play, the Hawks remained virtually unbothered for the rest of the game. The Bears began to unravel with some miscommunication and its own self-inflicted mistakes,
As of Sunday, the Bears are 4-1 in conference play and have won both in close games and in dominant fashion. If they can stay consistent and hang around the top of the conference standings through October, Chatham Central will be a team to look out for come playoff time. SEAFORTH from page B1
Chatham Central’s Hannah GullieMoore (6) and Mattie Underwood (11) both move for the ball before colliding during the Bears’ game against Seaforth. Central suffered its first conference loss of the season to the Hawks.
This fall has looked similar to last season during which the Hawks only dropped two sets against conference teams. With last year’s core returning alongside the all-state addition Josie Valgus, Seaforth could very well go on a run like
ASHEEBO ROJAS / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Northwood, cross-country
Northwood girls’ cross-country junior Sydney Gray earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Aug. 26.
In the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference meet on Aug. 27, Gray finished with the fastest time in the girls’ 5,000-meter run. Her time of 20 minutes and 50.96 seconds was nearly 30 seconds faster than the second-place finisher, her teammate Julia Hall.
Last year, Gray won the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A girls’ cross-country conference title, and she earned conference runner of the year honors. She also earned all-conference honors from the 2024 outdoor track and field season.
from page B1
of Union Pines’ plays and take away its passing game.
Northwood ended the night with four tackles for loss, including a sack, but that wasn’t enough to stop the Vikings’ rushing attack in the final two quarters. It also didn’t help the Chargers that their offense was only able to come away with a net 28 yards on the ground.
For Northwood, its twogame nonconference slate hasn’t gone as well as last season, and glaring weaknesses on both sides of the ball have been on display. Northwood hadn’t started a season 0-2 since 2019, and with a roster loaded with talent in the skill positions, the key for better days will be improvement in the trenches.
The Chargers’ defensive line showed glimpses of how good it could be Friday, but the unit just wasn’t consistent enough. Offensively, Northwood’s line was simply outmatched, leading to backfield disruptions and turnovers that knocked the Chargers out of rhythm all night.
The good news is that Northwood’s offensive issues can be fixed and there’s plenty of time
to do it. The Chargers were still able to throw for 208 yards and saw some good things from its receiving corps. However, they have to cut down on the turnovers and start controlling the line of scrimmage if they want to turn things around in conference play.
Northwood will play its first Mid-Carolina 1A/2A contest in its home opener against North Moore Friday at 7 p.m.
As for Union Pines, the Vikings have completely flipped the script from last season, finishing its first two games with consecutive shutouts and a combined 10 interceptions. It’s been a few years since expectations and the vibes around the program have been this high, and with the season still being so young, the Vikings are still working to be even better.
“We’re taking a step each week,” Till said. “I still think we have plenty of steps to take. We see that tonight. I think the expectation is we’re going to be good. I don’t care what the score is, you’re getting coached all night.” Union Pines will look to keep its hot start rolling when it hosts nonconference opponent Western Harnett Friday at 7:30 p.m.
VIKINGS
PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Chatham football teams combine for 2-5 record
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
THERE’S ALWAYS two sides to a storm.
The rainy conditions that fell over many North Carolina high school football games and caused delays, postponements and the cancellation of Seaforth’s matchup against Southern Lee last Friday night can symbolize Chatham County’s disappointing 2-5 start to the season. Yet, like a plant, it can also be seen as the catalyst to a program’s growth.
Waiting through the days of just eight players showing up to practice, a winless season and the literal rain before Friday night’s game was all worth the effort as Chatham Central beat South Davidson. That was its first win since 2022 and the first win under coach Derrin Little.
In week two, the Bears found reason to celebrate while the rest of the county dealt with tough losses, including the loss of an extra opportunity to make a future playoff push. According to Seaforth athletic director Jared Worley, a makeup game for the Hawks’ bout against Southern Lee is unlikely as the two teams haven’t been able to find a compatible date.
Here’s a recap of Friday’s football action, a preview of next week for each county team and the latest football power rankings.
Chatham Central
Chatham Central’s (1-1, 0-0) defense came up huge in its 16 -14 win over South Davidson (0-2, 0-0).
The Bears held South Davidson scoreless in the first half while building a 16-2 lead by the end of the third quarter, and they came away with sacks and tackles for losses throughout the game.
Offensively, Chatham Central found some success on the ground through quarterback runs from junior Nick Glover. For one of the scores, Glover found senior receiver Luke Gaines down the field for a 63 -yard touchdown.
Although there was plenty to celebrate Friday night, the Bears have a tough opponent in Southeast Alamance (2-0, 0-0) waiting for them in week three.
The Stallions have played well defensively in the first two weeks of the season, coming
away with a combined six turnovers and two defensive touchdowns. Their combination of sophomores Daniel Bunker and DJ Callis have also rushed well this year. Another strong performance from the Bears’ defensive line will be crucial when
they host Southeast Alamance Friday at 7 p.m.
Jordan-Matthews
Jordan-Matthews (1-1, 0-0) couldn’t quite keep the momentum rolling in its 27-0 loss
to Carrboro (1-1, 0-0) Friday.
The Jaguars came with a balanced attack, passing for 145 yards and a touchdown and adding 165 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
Unfortunately for the Jets, they’ll be without star corner
Chatham Central’s Glover and Gaines connect for a 63-yard touchdown in the win
and receiver Kenneth Dula for some time due to an injury he suffered Friday.
That’s a key loss for the Jets going into their week three matchup against Cummings (1-1, 0-0). Without former star running back Jonathan Paylor, Cummings isn’t the same team as last year, but it still has a solid rushing attack led by junior Jaidyn Briskey. Briskey rushed for 218 yards on 22 carries in the Cavaliers’ season-opening win against Morehead. Finding a way to replace Dula’s impact on both sides of the ball while also establishing its own run game will be key for Jordan-Matthews.
The Jets will travel to Cummings Friday at 7 p.m.
No rthwood
Northwood (0-2, 0-0) fell victim to a nightmare offensive performance against Union Pines (2-0, 0-0) Friday, throwing seven interceptions. Nevertheless, the Chargers’ defense kept them in reach for most of the game, showing some good things to build on in week three.
The Chargers will have a chance to regroup and get its first win of the season when they host North Moore (0-1, 0-0) Friday.
The Mustangs lost a lot of talent from last year’s team, and after out-muscling Northwood last year in what turned out to be a crucial conference result, the Chargers will look for revenge. Seaforth will have a bye Friday.
Power rankings
Last week (as stated on the Chatham County Sports Roundup show last week): 1. Northwood; 2. Jordan-Matthews; 3. Seaforth; 4. Chatham Central New rankings: 1. Northwood; 2. Jordan-Matthews; 3. Chatham Central; 4. Seaforth
CHATHAM CENTRAL HIGH X ACCOUNT
Chatham Central receiver Luke Gaines celebrates the Bears’ first win since 2022.
SIDELINE REPORT
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
South Carolina basketball star Watkins charged with assault, kidnapping
Columbia, S.C.
South Carolina national championship-winning forward Ashlyn Watkins was arrested on charges of assault and battery and kidnapping. Watkins, a 6-foot-3 junior, is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 25. Warrants filed by university police said Watkins forcefully grabbed the victim’s face, pulled her arms and pushed her. Watkins also picked up the victim against her will, according to the warrant. A South Carolina women’s basketball spokeswoman says the school is aware of Watkins’ arrest and continuing to gather information.
NFL
49ers’ Pearsall out of hospital after shooting during attempted robbery
San Francisco Officials say a juvenile suspect is in custody after allegedly shooting San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the chest during an attempted robbery in San Francisco. The 23-year-old Pearsall was released Sunday from San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Police say Pearsall was walking alone shortly after 3:30 p.m. when the suspect attempted to rob him and they both were shot during a struggle. Authorities have identified the suspect as a 17-yearold male resident of Tracy, California. The 49ers issued a statement saying Pearsall was hit by a bullet in the chest.
HORSE RACING
Kelce’s new racehorse Swift Delivery finishes 2nd as beaten favorite in Canada
Toronto
A racehorse named Swift Delivery that three-time Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce bought into has finished second in its latest start. Sent off as the even-money favorite, Swift Delivery was beaten in the $125,000 Toronto Cup Stakes at Woodbine. Swift Delivery was last in the field of six in the early going of the onemile turf race. Under Patrick Husbands, the 3-year-old gelding made a move on the outside but couldn’t overcome eventual winner Piper’s Factor. Swift Delivery is not named after pop superstar Taylor Swift, who Kelce has been dating.
GOLF
Great Britain & Ireland holds off American rally to win Curtis Cup for first time in 8 years Sunningdale, England
Great Britain & Ireland won the Curtis Cup for the first time in eight years. Mimi Rhodes delivered the clutch moment for GB&I against the Americans. She was 3 down against Melanie Green when she rallied to take the lead. With the Curtis Cup on the line, Rhodes made an 18-foot par putt on the 17th hole at Sunningdale. That kept her lead at 1 up and assured GB&I the halfpoint it needed to win. Sara Byrne had an unbeaten week for GB&I by going 2-0-3. Catriona Matthew is the first winning captain of a Curtis Cup and Solheim Cup.
Patriots have no reason to rush rookie quarterback Maye
Veteran Jacoby Brissett earns the Patriots’ starting job for the opening game
By Rob Maaddi The Associated Press
DRAKE MAYE is the quar-
terback of the future for the New England Patriots. Jacoby Brissett is the team’s present. Credit coach Jerod Mayo for not giving in to public pressure.
The Patriots are a rebuilding team with no chance of competing for the playoffs this season. They’ll be closer to battling for the No. 1 overall pick.
Maye, the No. 3 overall pick out of UNC, may have outplayed Brissett in the preseason — Mayo even said so. But, the decision to start the veteran quarterback in Week 1 is more about the players surrounding Maye.
FREE GRATIS
The rookie won’t be in a position to have success behind New England’s weak offensive line and a mediocre receiving corps. Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, was in a similar situation last season in Carolina. He struggled mightily and the Panthers went 2-15.
The Patriots are entering a new era without Bill Belichick. Tom Brady is long gone, and the goal in 2024 is to set Maye up for success down the road.
“I feel like we are all on the same page from an organizational perspective,” Mayo said. “There are a lot of factors that led to this choice. The hard part is thinking in the short term and the long term at the same time.” Mayo and the front office believe starting the season from the sideline is best for Maye’s future. History supports them.
Of the 24 quarterbacks drafted in the first round between 2018-23, nine started Week 1.
Only C.J. Stroud and Mac Jones led their teams to the playoffs as rookies. Jones did so for the Patriots and fizzled quickly. Even the Chiefs made threetime Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes wait one season behind Alex Smith. Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa, Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert also didn’t start right away. Jordan Love waited three years behind Aaron Rodgers.
“The hardest position in sports is a quarterback, and especially for a rookie guy coming in and not seeing all the defenses that they’re going to see in the NFL, it’s tough,” Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said last week. “It’s hard to transition, and it takes a little bit of time. We’re going to be as patient as we can with that process.
“There’s certain things in this offense that Jacoby, having played in this offense, understands some of the tools that
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye (10) gets a pat on the back from teammate Jacoby
you can use to get out of certain situations, pressure situations, things like that. Drake is still learning.”
Brissett, who went to NC State, has played for five teams and started 48 games, including two as a rookie with the Patriots in 2016. He was signed to add experience, provide stability in the quarterback room and help prepare Maye.
“I’m excited for his future, and he’s gonna be a good quarterback in his league,” Brissett said. “He kind of came up to me with, like, ‘Man, whatever you need I’m here for,’ and it’s the same thing for him, whatever he needs for me, I’ll do the same.”
Maye handled the news like a pro.
“Obviously, there are two ways to look at it,” Maye said. “I want to play, that’s the competitive edge in me, but at the same time I understand the situation coming in here, and Jacoby knew the offense and got the reps with the ones all camp. So I can’t really say I’m disappointed, but at the same time want to be playing.”
Maye will get his turn when he’s ready. The Patriots, considering their low expectations, don’t have to rush him.
CHARLES KRUPA / AP PHOTO
Brissett during training camp.
Retired cop searches for missing girls in Krueger mystery
The daughter of a politician is missing
By Bruce Desilva The Associated Press
CORK O’CONNOR, whose wife is a full-blooded Ojibwe and half-Native American himself, retired as Aurora, Minnesota, police chief a while back. He now runs a fast-food place, but when trouble comes to Minnesota’s Great North, he is still apt to end up in the middle of it.
In “Spirit Crossing,” William Kent Krueger’s 20th novel featuring the character, there’s trouble aplenty.
For starters, the daughter of an influential politician is missing, and the FBI, state law enforcement agencies and the press are all over it. Oil pipeline construction is about to intrude on the wetlands of Spirit Crossing, an area sacred to the Native Americans, and the protesters and counterprotesters are gathering.
berry patch near an abandoned shack in the woods. As they near the patch, Waaboo discovers a shallow grave and says he can hear a sad girl’s spirit calling to him.
FBI and state law enforcement agencies descend, seizing control and ordering local authorities not to interfere. But when the body ends up being that of a Native American girl, they lose interest.
The investigation falls to Cork’s successor, Aurora Police Chief Marsha Dross, who enlists Cork and the Iron Lake Ojibwe Tribal Police. Soon, they discover more bodies of Native American girls. Cork suspects they may be connected to the missing white girl, suspicion falls on pipeline workers, and someone fearful of Waaboo’s visions targets him for murder.
Meanwhile, Cork’s daughter, Annie, who worked as an aide in Central America for years, has just returned home. With her, she’s brought a Guatemalan nurse named Maria and a shattering secret she is reluctant to reveal to anyone.
The action begins innocently when Cork leads several members of his large family, including his 7-year-old grandson Waaboo (Little Rabbit), to a secret blue-
“Spirit Crossing” returns to three of the author’s familiar themes: the rape of the natural world in the pursuit of profit, the mistreatment of Native Americans, and, with emphasis this time, that thousands of Native American women and girls are missing and not much ever seems to be done about it.
ATRIA VIA AP
“Spirit Crossing” is William Kent Krueger’s latest book featuring Cork O’Connor.
this week in history
Ford pardoned Nixon, terrorists kill 3,000 in attack on U.S., Queen Elizabeth II died
The Associated Press Here’s what happened in history the week of Sept. 5-11.
SEPT. 5
1774: The first Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia.
1836: Sam Houston won the first presidential election in the Republic of Texas.
1957: Jack Kerouac’s novel “On the Road” was published. 1972: Palestinian militants attacked the Israeli Olympic delegation at the Munich Games, killing two and taking nine others hostage; five of the militants, a German police officer and all nine hostages were killed in the following 24 hours.
1975: President Gerald R. Ford survived an assassination attempt by Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, a disciple of Charles Manson.
SEPT. 6
1975: Eighteen-year-old Czechoslovakian tennis star
Martina Navratilova, who was in New York for the U.S. Open, requested political asylum in the United States.
1995: Baltimore Orioles star Cal Ripken Jr. played in his 2,131st consecutive game, breaking Lou Gehrig’s 56-year- old MLB record.
SEPT. 7
1921: The first Miss America Pageant was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
1940: Nazi Germany began an intense bombing campaign on Britain during World War II with an air attack on London, known as The Blitz, resulting in more than 40,000 civilian deaths.
1996: Rapper Tupac Shakur was shot and mortally wounded in Los Angeles
SEPT. 8
1504: Michelangelo’s towering marble statue of David was unveiled to the public in Florence, Italy.
1565: Spanish expedition established the first permanent European settlement in North America at present-day St. Augustine, Florida.
1951: Forty-nine nations in San Francisco signed a peace treaty with Japan.
2022: Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96.
SEPT. 9
1776: The second Continental Congress officially instated the “United States” instead of “United Colonies.”
1850: California became the 31st state of the union.
1971: Prisoners seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, New York, beginning a siege that ended up claiming 43 lives.
Trump film ‘The Apprentice’ finds distributor, will open before election
“The Apprentice” chronicles Donald Trump’s rise to power in New York real estate
By Jake Coyle The Associated Press
NEW YORK — After struggling to drum up interest following its Cannes Film Festival premiere, “The Apprentice,” starring Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump, has found a distributor that plans to release the film shortly before the election in November.
Briarcliff Entertainment will release “The Apprentice” on Oct. 11 in U.S. and Canadian theaters, just weeks before Americans cast their ballots on Nov. 5.
Director Ali Abbasi, the Danish-Iranian filmmaker, had prioritized getting “The Apprentice” into theaters before voters head to the polls. After larger studios and film distributors opted not to bid on the film, Abbasi complained in early June on X that “for some reason, certain power people in your country don’t want you to see it!!!”
Steven Cheung, communications director for the Trump
SCOTT A GARFITT / AP PHOTO
Julianne Forde, from left, Ruth Treacy, Maria Bakalova, director Ali Abbasi, Sebastian Stan and Amy Baer star in ‘‘The Apprentice,” a film about Donald Trump.
campaign, in a statement Friday, called the film’s release “election interference by Hollywood elites right before Novem-
ber.”
“This ‘film’ is pure malicious defamation, should never see the light of day, and doesn’t even
deserve a place in the straightto-DVD section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store. It belongs in
SEPT. 10
1608: John Smith was elected president of the Jamestown colony council in Virginia.
1963: Twenty Black students entered Alabama public schools following a standoff between federal authorities and the state’s governor, George C. Wallace.
SEPT. 11
1936: Boulder Dam — later renamed the Hoover Dam — began operation after President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressed a key in Washington, D.C., to signal the dam’s first hydroelectric generator startup.
2001: Nearly 3,000 people were killed as 19 al-Qaida hijackers seized control of four jetliners, sending two of the planes into New York’s World Trade Centers and one into the Pentagon. The fourth crashed into a field in western Pennsylvania.
2012: A mob armed with guns and grenades launched a fiery nightlong attack on a U.S. diplomatic outpost and a CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya, killing U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.
a dumpster fire,” Cheung said.
Part of what dampened interest in “The Apprentice” was the potential threat of legal action. After its Cannes premiere in May, Cheung called the movie “pure fiction” and said the Trump team would file a lawsuit “to address the blatantly false assertions from these pretend filmmakers.”
“The Apprentice” chronicles Trump’s rise to power in New York real estate under defense attorney Roy Cohn (played by Jeremy Strong). Late in the movie, Trump is depicted raping his wife, Ivana Trump (played by Maria Bakalova). In Ivana Trump’s 1990 divorce deposition, she stated that Trump raped her. Trump denied the allegation, and Ivana Trump later said she didn’t mean it literally but instead that she had felt violated.
Abbasi has argued Trump might not dislike the movie.
“I would offer to go and meet him wherever he wants and talk about the context of the movie, have a screening and chat afterward, if that’s interesting to anyone at the Trump campaign,” Abbasi said in May.
Briarcliff Entertainment has released films, including the 2022 documentary “Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down” and the Liam Neeson thriller “Memory.” The indie distributor is run by Tom Ortenberg, who at Lionsgate helped release Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 9/11” and, as chief executive of Open Road, backed the best picture Oscar winner “Spotlight.”
DANNY LAWSON/ROTA / AP PHOTO
After over 70 years on the British throne, Queen Elizabeth II died at 96.
famous birthdays this week
Michael Keaton is 73, Raleigh native Evan Rachel Wood turns 37, Bernie Sanders hits 83
The Associated Press
Sept. 5: Actor Lucille Soong (“Fresh Off the Boat”) is 89. Baseball Hall of Hamer Bill Mazeroski is 88. Actor William Devane is 85. Actor George Lazenby is 85. Film director Werner Herzog is 82. Singer Al Stewart is 79. “Cathy” cartoonist Cathy Guisewite is 74. Actor Michael Keaton is 73.
Sept. 6: Country singer-songwriter David Allan Coe is 85. Rock singer-musician Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) is 81. Comedian-actor Jane Curtin is 77. Actor-comedian Jeff Foxworthy is 66. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is 62. Television journalist Elizabeth Vargas is 62. Actor Rosie Perez is 60.
Sept. 7: Jazz musician Sonny Rollins is 94. Singer Gloria Gaynor is 81. Actor Julie Kavner (The Simpsons) is 74. Rock singer Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) is 73. Actor Corbin Bernsen is 70. Actor Evan Rachel Wood is 37.
Sept. 8: Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is 83. Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis is 74. Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges is 70. Singer Aimee Mann is 64. TV-radio personality Kennedy is 52. Singer-songwriter Pink is 45.
Sept. 9: Singer Dee Dee Sharp is 79. Former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann is 75. Actor Hugh Grant is 64. Actor Adam Sandler is 58. Pop-jazz singer Michael Bublé is 49. Actor Michelle Williams is 44.
Sept. 10: Scientist-author Jared Diamond is 87. Jazz/
Longtime Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, turns 83 on Sunday.
funk musician Roy Ayers is 84. Singer José Feliciano is 79. Political commentator Bill O’Reilly is 75. Rock musician Joe Perry (Aerosmith) is 74. Film director Chris Columbus is 66. Actor Colin Firth is 64. Director Guy Ritchie is 56. Actor Ryan Phillippe is 50. Sept. 11: Composer Arvo Pärt is 89. Film director Brian De Palma is 84. Drummer Mickey Hart ( the Grateful Dead) is 81. Guitarist Leo Kottke is 78. Actor Virginia Madsen is 63. Musician-composer Moby is 59. Singer-pianist Harry Connick Jr. is 57.
BRYNN ANDERSON / AP PHOTO
EVAN AGOSTINI / AP PHOTO Raleigh native Evan Rachel Wood turns 37 on Saturday.
the stream
George Strait’s drops 31st record, Mormon influencers on Hulu, ‘Rebel Ridge’ hits Netflix
Asheville’s MJ Lenderman drops his new solo album this week
The Associated Press
“THE SECRET LIVES of Mormon Wives,” a docuseries following young wives in Utah, and the suspenseful thriller “Rebel Ridge” are some of the new television films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time is the return of the acclaimed English spy series “Slow Horses,” Astro Bot gets his own full-fledged adventure on the PlayStation 5, and George Strait will release his 31st studio album, “Cowboys and Dreamers.”
MOVIES TO STREAM
Jeremy Saulnier makes lean, suspenseful thrillers, several of which (“Blue Ruin,” “The Green Room”) have become cult favorites. His latest, “Rebel Ridge” (on Netflix starting Friday), stars Aaron Pierre as an ex-Marine who becomes ensnared in a violent battle with a corrupt small-town police department and its chief (Don Johnson). The film, engrossing and stylish, is enlivened by Pierre’s magnetic presence.
“The Boy and the Heron” didn’t turn out to be Hayao Miyazaki’s swan song. (He’s said to be at work again on another film.) But it did meet the considerable expectations for the long-in-coming late opus from the Japanese anime master. The film, streaming Friday on Max, was the best-animated feature winner at the Oscars earlier this year and — in a first for the 83-year-old Miyazaki — No. 1 for a weekend at the box office. In it, a 12-year-old boy named Mahito, uprooted from Tokyo after the death of his mother during World War II, discovers a portal into a fantastical realm. In my review, I wrote that “The Boy and the Heron” is like “returning to a faintly familiar dreamland. Since the only location here is Miyazaki’s boundless imagination, it’s less the feeling of stepping back into a recognizable place than it is revisiting a well-remembered sense of discombobulation and wonder.”
MUSIC TO STREAM
They call him King George for a reason. On Friday, George Strait will release his 31st studio album, “Cowboys and Dreamers,” a collection of classic-sounding contemporary country from the Texas troubadour who has nothing to prove and no reason to quit. Standouts
include a collaboration with Chris Stapleton (“Honky Tonk Hall of Fame”), who opened for Strait on his recent stadium tour, a cover of Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues,” and the Jimmy Buffet-informed vacation stomper “MIA Down in MIA.” The internet was primed for an electroclash revival, and in The Dare, it has a figurehead. The musical project of Harrison Patrick Smith, The Dare, has quickly become a stalwart of New York City nightlife, mainly due to the success of his romantic anthem “Girls.” He’s cement-
ed his nascent fame by producing and co-writing “Guess,” a deluxe club tune from Charli XCX’s extended “BRAT,” and a remix featuring Billie Eilish. When his debut album releases on Friday — titled “What’s Wrong With New York?” — all eyes and ears will be back on his nostalgic-sounding Anglophilia. Put on your best suit and hit the dance floor. MJ Lenderman is no stranger to this space — last year, AP named an album by his band, Asheville’s alt-country indie rockers Wednesday, one of
2023’s best. As a soloist, the multi-instrumentalist — but perhaps most principally, a guitarist — has made a name for himself for his lax songwriting style – funny, acerbic, cutting with a wizened equanimity. On “Morning Fireworks,” his skills have been sharpened. Heartbreak is amusing, suburban and timeless. It, like last year’s “Rat Saw God,” feels like an easy contender for one of 2024’s most exciting releases. A master of disco, soul, R&B and beyond, Sylvester’s unimpeachable legacy gets a new release in “Live at The Opera House,” a massive collection of more than two hours of material. That includes 13 songs captured from his performance at the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House on March 11, 1979. It will be released as a box set for those looking to dive into its exclusive photographs and liner notes. For everyone else, it will hit streaming on Friday.
SHOWS TO STREAM
“Slow Horses,” an Apple TV+ British spy series starring Gary Oldman, returns for season four just in time for the Primetime Emmy Awards. Season three received nine nominations, including outstanding drama series and lead actor for Oldman. The show’s new season is also rated 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. In “Slow Horses,” MI5 agents who’ve made big mistakes are relegated to a division by Oldman’s character Jackson Lamb. The story is based on Mick Herron’s “Slough House” novels.
First, there was Bravo’s “The
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” and now Hulu is introducing “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” a docuseries following young wives in Utah who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are also online influencers who collaborated to create TikTok content called #MomTok. The women juggle their online personas with family life and remaining in good standing with the Church — and each other — after a sex scandal brings worldwide attention. It premieres Friday. In “The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood,” crime writer Michael Connelly examines the 1981 quadruple massacre at Wonderland Avenue in Los Angeles that inspired the film “Boogie Nights.” It premieres Sunday on MGM+.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
It’s been too long since we’ve had a lovable new mascot to play with, but Sony hopes Astro Bot can pick up the slack. The little guy first showed up in a game for Sony’s virtual reality headset, but this is the first time he’ll get a full-fledged adventure on the PlayStation 5. It begins with the destruction of the droid’s mothership, leaving him to travel across more than 50 planets to reassemble his crew — and perhaps meet some iconic PlayStation characters along the way. The sort of running-and-jumping silliness made stars out of Spyro the Dragon and Ratchet & Clank interspersed with acrobatic flying antics. Astro
lifts off Friday.
Bot
ALLYSON RIGGS / NETFLIX VIA AP
“The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood,” left, the series “Slow Horses,” center, and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” are streaming this week.
Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne, left, and Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond star in “Rebel Ridge,” which comes to Netflix on Friday.