Chatham News & Record Vol. 147, Issue 34

Page 1


Rolling into town

the BRIEF this week

Harris criticizes Trump on hurricane response comments

Kamala Harris used an appearance before a largely black church audience in Greenville to call out Donald Trump for spreading misinformation about the federal government’s hurricane response. The Democratic presidential nominee didn’t speak Trump’s name on Sunday. But the former president is most prominent among those promoting false claims that the government isn’t helping Republican storm victims. The vice president later held a rally in Raleigh on Sunday to encourage early voting. “There are some who are not acting in the spirit of community,” Harris said. “And I am speaking of these who have been literally not telling the truth, lying about people who are working hard to help the folks in need, spreading disinformation when the truth and facts are required.”

Republicans sue over N.C. overseas ballots

Lawsuits filed by the Republican National Committee argue that Michigan and North Carolina should not be allowing overseas voters who have never lived in their state to vote. Now is not the time to raise objections to state law that has been in place for 13 years, said Patrick Gannon, a spokesman for the North Carolina State Board of Elections. “This lawsuit was filed after voting had already begun in North Carolina for the general election,” Gannon said in a statement. “The time to challenge the rules for voter eligibility is well before an election, not after votes have already been cast.”

Wolfspeed gets $750M government grant, $1.75B in tax credits, investments

Much of the funding will go toward its Siler City silicon carbide factory

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden administration announced plans Tuesday to provide up to $750 million in direct funding to Wolfspeed, with the money supporting its new silicon carbide factory in Siler City that makes the wafers used in advanced computer chips and its factory in Marcy, New York.

Wolfspeed’s use of silicon carbide enables the computer chips used in electric vehicles and other advanced technologies to be more efficient.

The North Carolina-based company’s two projects are estimated to create 2,000 manufacturing jobs as part of a more than $6 billion expansion plan.

“Artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and clean energy are all technologies that will define the 21st century, and thanks to proposed investments in companies like Wolfspeed, the Biden administration is taking a meaningful step towards reigniting U.S. manufacturing of the chips that underpin these important technologies,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement.

The new Wolfspeed facility in Siler City could be a critical symbol

See WOLFSPEED, page A9

Chatham sheriff launches new volunteer program

Volunteers can help with events, at the animal shelter or in countless other ways

Chatham News & Record staff

CHATHAM County Sheriff Mike Roberson is expanding the volunteer program at the Sheriff’s Office, allowing residents the opportunity to make a unique impact on their community.

The program will allow volunteers to work with animals at the shelter, with students on school outreach, to assist in victim services or with community events, among other things.

“Chatham County is fortunate to have so many talented and skilled individuals who can contribute in unique ways to our mission,” said Roberson in a press release. “Our community is full of people with diverse ex-

See SHERIFF, page A2

Board of Education approves facility needs plan

The approved Capital Improvements Project plan will be presented to the county commissioners

PITTSBORO — Chatham County Schools laid out its projected facility plans for the next seven years.

At the Chatham County Schools Board of Education’s Oct. 7 meeting, the board approved the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) projects list for 2026-2032.

Each year, the district is asked to provide a seven-year CIP plan to the county detailing facility and equipment needs.

The proposed future proj-

See SCHOOLS, page A7

“What we are asking you to do tonight is to approve the starting point for this. Where these end up with the years and those types of things is out of our hands.”

Chris Blice, assistant superintendent for operations

COURTESY CCSO
Gene Davis, left, and Marian Gibson are helping launch the Sheriff’s Office’s volunteer program.
Scores of bikers — the self-propelled sort — set up a tent city at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center for an overnight halt in Pittsboro as part of the Cycle North Carolina Mountains to Coast Ride last week. The seven-day, fully supported bicycle tour travels scenic back roads that showcase rural North Carolina, from Spruce Pine to Ocean Isle Beach. See Page B1 for more.
PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

CRIME LOG

Oct. 8

• Tyler James Laskoske, 28, of Pittsboro, was arrested for possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of marijuana up to ½ oz, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

• Cody Lynn Saunders, 33, of Siler City, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture/ sell/deliver methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Oct. 10

• Sean Mathew Camp-Stevens, 34, of Philadelphia, was arrested on multiple charges including hit and run with serious injury, assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury, reckless driving with wanton disregard, larceny of a motor vehicle, assault on a law enforcement officer causing physical injury, breaking and entering, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, second degree murder and driving while impaired.

• Mark Allen Knight, 62, of Bennett, was arrested for sex offender on child premises.

Oct. 13

• Brian Michael Mclaughlin, 65, of Bear Creek, was arrested for assault on a female, communicating threats and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Charles Stuart Broadway, 61, of Pittsboro, was arrested for failure to report an accident.

Oct. 14

• DaShaun Amid Vines-McSwain, 20, of Chapel Hill, was arrested for communicating threats.

congrats!

Jason and Heather Amy, and Jerry and Melissa Montoya have the pleasure of announcing the marriage of their children, Kayla Amy and Samuel Montoya, on the fifth of October, two thousand twenty-four at the Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, NC. The fairy tale wedding was intimate with close family members that was officiated by Cameron Vernon. Thank you to everyone in attendance and wish Samuel and Kayla Montoya a lifetime of love and happiness!

SHERIFF from page A1

pertise and we want to tap into those strengths.”

Applicants for the volunteer program are not required to live in Chatham County, but they must be at least 18 years old, have a valid North Carolina driver’s license and pass a criminal background check. They must also complete the SO’s citizens academy, S.T.A.R — Sheriff’s Training Academy for Residents — or to enroll ahead of their start date. Accepted volunteers need to commit to roughly 15 hours of service per month for a year. Applications are available online through the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office mobile app or in person at the main office in Pittsboro. For more information, visit chathamsheriff.com.

• 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

• 389 Dewitt Smith Road (Pittsboro), 9.109 Acres, 3 Bedroom/2 Bathroom, $525,000

• 209 Democracy Place (Apex), 4.62 Acres, 4 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms, $1,750,000

LAND

• 13120 Strickland Road (Raleigh),16.25 Acres, $1,500,000

• 873 Arrowhead Loop (Pittsboro), 11.06 Acres, 3 Bedrooms/3.5 Bathrooms, $725,000

• 4147 Siler City Snow Camp Road (Siler City), 57.43 Acres, 5 Separate Living Spaces, $2,750,000

• 4662 Buckhorn Road (Sanford), 1.31 Acres, 2 Bedrooms/1 Bathroom, $265,000 LAND

• 1388 Henry Oldham Road (Bear Creek), 4.840 Acres, $135,000

• 188 Cherokee Drive (Chapel Hill),1.150 Acres, $100,000

• 170 Cherokee Drive (Chapel Hill),1.150 Acres, $100,000

• 00 Hamlets Chapel Road (Pittsboro), 118.742 Acres, $4,250,000

SPONSORED BY

• 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

• 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

• 175 Valleydale Drive (Pittsboro), 3.650 Acres, $175,000 COMMERCIAL IMPROVED

• 0 Pasture Branch Road (Rose Hill), 29.00 Acres, $1,250,000

• 0 US 64 W (Siler City), 9.670 Acres, $4,500,000

• 0 Mt. Gilead Church Road (Pittsboro), 1.643Acres, $175,000

• 0 JB Morgan Road (Apex), 21.00 Acres, $825,000

• 0 Panama Terrace (Durham), .420 Acres, $38,000

• 37 E Cotton Road (Pittsboro), 0.996 Acres, $100,000 COMMERCIAL IMPROVED

• 140 &148 East Street (Pittsboro), 1.49 Acres, $1,350,000

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County: Oct. 19

Trunk or Treat Fall Festival

2 to 5 p.m.

Southwest District Park, 15124 N.C.-902, Bear Creek

This free, family-friendly event promises a variety of festive activities including pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting, Halloween-themed games and crafts, a magician, bounce houses, a photo booth and much more. Enjoy these activities from 2-4 p.m., followed by the Trunk or Treat from 4-5 p.m.

Chatham Mills Farmers’ Market

8 a.m. to noon 480 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro

Oct. 22

Fearrington Farmer’s Market

Fearrington Village 4 to 6 p.m.

E. Camden, Fearrington Village

The Fearrington Farmers’ Market is located in Fearrington Village right off 15-501, halfway between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro. This producer-only market has over three dozen members and is now in its 30th season! Each week you can find vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, flowers, home-canned goods and baked goods — a wonderful array of foods and flavors — grown or made for healthy, happy living.

Growers & Makers Market

Siler City 4-7 p.m.

• 1700 Hillsboro Street (Pittsboro), 29.79 Acres, $4,500,000

• 200 E. Salisbury Street (Pittsboro), 0.45 Acres, $675,000 COMMERCIAL UNIMPROVED

THIS WEEK’S VIDEO

What do all the Letters beside a Real Estate Agent's Name Mean?

• 10681 US Hwy 64 E (Apex), 3.97 Acres, $1,000,000

The Growers and Makers Market takes place MarchOctober, 4.-7 p.m., and November-December 3-5:30 p.m. in the Boling Chair Park parking lot on 3rd Street (202 W. Third St.) in historic downtown Siler City, rain or shine.

Oct. 23

Jazz Nights at The Sycamore at Chatham Mills

The Sycamore at Chatham Mills hosts live Jazz Nights every Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. The series features a rotating list of local musicians.

COURTESY CCSO
During the CCSO’s recent Community Appreciation Night, volunteer Chris Dionigi (left) engages with residents.

appreciation

I would like to express a heartfelt thank you and blessings to Jason Capps, the store manager of True Value Hardware in Pittsboro. The store owners and staff all stepped up when I reached out looking for donations of hardware needed to help with the clean-up effort in the mountains.

They worked off a list provided by the Baptist Men’s Ministry through a partnership with GreenLevel Baptist Church. Our local True Value is a small business but supplied everything from box fans to work gloves to crowbars to wheelbarrows, rakes and more.

We still have a need for heaters, and if anyone wants to donate to help purchase them, they can contact me at 919-740-8 817 and I’ll put them in touch with our church mission coordinator.

Thank you so much, Linda Jacobs

Chatham deputies arrest registered sex offender on school grounds

Defendant scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court on October 28

Chatham News & Record staff ON THURSDAY, October 10, 2024, during a Trunk-orTreat Halloween event at Bennett Elementary School, located at 61 Randolph St. in Bennett, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office deputies as-

Free After Hours Concert from 4pm to 6pm featuring the North Tower Band

signed to the event recognized an adult attendee as a convicted sex offender prohibited from being on public school property.

The man, identified as Mark Allen Knight, 62, of 107 Hall Lane, Bennett, was confirmed through the Moore County Sheriff’s Office to be on the Sex Offender Registry and under legal restriction from entering school grounds. After verifying his status, deputies arrested Knight for violating this condition.

“Student safety remains a top priority, and we take the presence of prohibited individuals on school property seriously,” said Sheriff Mike Roberson. “Our deputies acted quickly to address the situation and protect everyone in attendance.”

Knight, charged with being a sex offender on child premises, was given an unsecured bond of $1,000.00 and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court on October 28, 2024.

Church News

GUM SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH

Hosting Trunk or Treat Saturday, Oct. 26, 5-7 pm

Fun – Food – Games

Co-hosted by Chatham County Sheriff’s Dept. 227 Gum Springs Church Road, Moncure, NC

BROOKDALE BAPTIST CHURCH

will be having a special musical service on Sunday, Oct. 20.

“Just A Lil Grace” will be with us to bring us a Bluegrass concert during the morning service. All are welcome to join us!

PRAISE CHURCH OF DELIVERANCE MINISTRIES

Prophetess Pastor Callie and Pastor James Peoples

World Outreach Ministries

Our Youth Services Are At 4 p.m. every fourth Sunday At World Outreach Ministries, Goldston, NC on Bellevue Street

Our next service Is Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. We would be glad to have everyone come and worship God with us!

We Are Also On Facebook, (Search James Peoples), Sunday Mornings At Around 11 a.m.

Prophetess Phone#: 984-368-2942 (Callie)

Pastor’s Phone#: 984-270-3011 (James) Address – 525 Culmore Drive, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

HOLLAND CHAPEL AME ZION CHURCH

Oct. 20, Lay Council 10 a.m. Morning Worship and Harmony Male Chorus Anniversary 2:30 p.m.

Pastor Appreciation Sunday

Honoring Pastor Rev. Charles Mathews & First Lady Mrs. Renita Mathews Sunday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. Lunch for everyone will be served immediately following service. Let’s celebrate Rev. Mathews and Family!

Share with your community! Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@ chathamnewsrecord.com. The weekly deadline is Monday at noon.

THE CONVERSATION

Those hospital socks

I felt like a kid, not in the carefree sense, but helpless as adults took their time to figure things out. I even had to ask permission to go to the bathroom.

I HAVE BEEN a pastor for 14 years, during which time I’ve visited hundreds of hospital rooms. I like to think that I’ve been a helpful presence. However, I have recently gained more knowledge than I may have learned from all those hospital visits combined.

I was in the hospital bed rather than standing over it.

First, let me assure you, gentle reader, that I am fine — humbled but healthy. Here’s the story.

Following the advice of my trusted primary care physician, I checked into the emergency department about 5 p.m. A kind nurse took my blood; it must have been my nerves that caused the nausea. After spending hours in the reception room, they finally escorted me to the ED. Another nurse pulled a curtain around my bed and hooked me up to a heart monitor. Little did I know that the real wait was about to begin.

I felt like a kid, not in the carefree sense, but helpless as adults took their time to figure things out. I even had to ask permission to go to the bathroom. Fittingly, my supper that night was graham crackers and apple juice.

The nurses took more blood samples. (Those smiling vampires.) Caitlin Clark’s team, the Indiana Fever, lost a WNBA playoff game on TV. The hours ground on. Finally, a doctor came in. However, much like Clark and her team,

my hopes were crushed. Instead of going home, the doctor wanted to admit me for more tests in the morning. But not so fast! First, they had to wait for a room to be ready.

I’d just managed to doze off when another nurse woke me up in order to move me. It was 3:30 in the freaking morning!

Don’t get me wrong: I’m grateful for the care I received. Everyone was professional and kind, even sympathetic to my seemingly endless wait. I understand that health care workers are busy, and most likely there were patients far sicker than me. Those people should receive priority.

But at 3:30 in the morning, I was not in a generous mood when the new nurse, who was just doing her job and typing in the intake form, asked if I would like a visit from pastoral care. “No!” I snapped, and she looked down at me like, “Whoa, what’s wrong with this guy?!”

At that moment, I realized that true empathy requires putting yourself in another person’s shoes, or in this case, spending a night in those scratchy hospital socks with the grippers mistakenly pulled on top of your feet.

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.

Months of the year act like old friends

There’s one time on the calendar that speaks to me, and I just realized that it’s right now.

IS IT JUST ME, or do the months of the year sometimes seem to take on a life of their own?

It’s almost as if they have personalities, at least to me, personalities that affect us.

January and February, for instance, aren’t very hospitable. They drive us indoors for the most part, and it can be pretty cold. I like homemade soup, but sometimes in those months, I’m not the usual warm and fuzzy self I’ve come to know and love.

April and May, on the other hand, fairly sing for joy at the prospect of new life, and I’m reborn at the prospect of starting over and doing better.

In time, the heat of July and August and life in general can become heavy and oppressive, sweaty even, and not only does my Right Guard break down, but so can my patience.

If we stick with the calendar, though, we can know that after fall comes the holiday seasons. Call me old-fashioned, conservative, narrow-minded, ignorant or whatever, but I don’t look at “the holidays” as one three-month event. Rather, they’re separate and distinct happenings even though retail stores tell us differently.

For instance, I don’t consider Halloween to be either an evil thing or on an equal footing with those events in November and December. Sure, it can be made into something sinister, but so can almost anything else. I still like candy and like to see what comes home in baskets and buckets, and I like to see my grands dressed in their costumes, ranging from what my one-time Little Guy, now a college freshman, wore as his Scooby-Doo costume to the alligator and Wonder Woman worn a few years ago by two of the princesses who call me “Granddaddy.”

November gives us Thanksgiving, and although I’m into Christmas, in some ways, this is my favorite. Football and turkey aside, Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to call time out and let some things soak in. The bad thing is that most stores can’t wait for Halloween to be over before they put out the Christmas stuff. Some places even have it out now.

While on the subject of the December holiday, it still is and always will be “Merry Christmas” for me and not “Happy Holidays,” and that evergreen that graces our living room is not a “holiday tree.” For the life of me, I don’t see why that’s

such a stink. I don’t tell my Jewish friends they can’t do “Hanukkah,” and last time I looked, “Ramadan” was on my calendar for the folks who follow Islam.

Having said all that, there’s one more time on the calendar that speaks to me, and I just realized that it’s right now.

October has come to be a bittersweet time around the ol’ castle. I love the crisp nights, sleeping under a quilt or two with the window up and hearing the sounds of night and the geese on their nonstops farther south. Mother Nature is once again doing the best she can with a pastel of colors in the woods. And the smell of burning wood is about as good as it gets. It’s a wonderful month.

But it also brings up some memories that tug at the heart. I won’t go into the full list here — it’s long — but every October makes me think of my dad.

He would have been 113 if he’d made it to Oct. 22. I didn’t really expect him to get there, and it was becoming pretty apparent that he wasn’t going to, but I didn’t expect him to die the day he did: Oct. 2.

I got over being mad at him for, that, especially since I didn’t get to tell him goodbye or that I loved him. I’m pretty sure — actually, downright sure — he knew that, but I’d like to have told him one more time.

These days, I’m not mad. ... I just miss him. He’s left me some reminders. I have his aching joints, his cufflinks, pictures and the old debit book from his days peddling insurance. I’ve got a picture of him hanging on the wall over my desk when he was 4 or 5. He’s imprinted himself on my nature; I quote him often now without realizing it or giving him credit for what I say. I tell stories, sometimes over and over, often to the same people, even. Usually, they’re kind and don’t remind me or wonder if I’m becoming senile.

I try to remember the good, to look forward to life and that usually works. But sometimes, when the winds of October blow, when the leaves turn loose from where they lived in the summer, when the smoke is billowing from the wood stove, I think of him. And I still shed a tear.

Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN
COLUMN | BOB WACHS

Fall just keeps right on teaching me

Those wildly falling leaves float me back to images of a much, much younger me.

WHAT A CONUNDRUM. Seriously. I love fall. Hard not to. A season with built-in “oh wow“ factors. Multicolored leaves, swirling every which way, as they drop off their trees. Just mesmerizing, trying to follow the leaves’ airborne paths. Ah, but that conundrum thing. It’s vexing to me that fall, with all its beauty, is also accompanied by an inner sense of loss for me. No denying, winter is headed our way. I don’t care! I don’t care! Reality be damned! Let’s just revel in the magic of swirling, colored leaves. But I can’t shake the resentment of my sadness, seeing the pageant of fall leaves and their dismissal from our trees.

Can’t I just wave my magic wand, intoning, “Begone, sadness!” Oh, right, I don’t have a magic wand. … Sigh.

Those wildly falling leaves float me back to images of a much, much younger me. Still wearing my hair in two, long braids; that kind of young. The little braided one is whizzing round and round an amusement park go-kart track. “Look at me! Look at me!”

Zooming around, imagining the day when

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

I’m really, truly a grown-up. A grown-up with a real car on a real road. Despite my hair being awash in gray now and the passage of a ton of years, I can still revel in that sensation of incredibly alive go-karting.

Even as the leaves scatter around me, there’s that still-present sense of loss. No more whizzing around in go-kart heaven? (Guess I outgrew that, didn’t I) Loss of dall’s beauty, reflected in the soon-to-be bare trees?

Loss, schmoss! Enough already with this loss thing! Thank heavens, Kate Bowler just took a timely stroll through my mind.

Bet you’re wondering who Kate Bowler is, right? She’s a young theologian on the faculty of Duke Divinity School. Oh, by the way, she’s been living (and thriving) with Stage lV cancer since 2015. This is a woman who knows transformative loss.

“Bless that old self. ... They made you who you were — all the mistakes and heartbreak and naivety and courage. And blessed who you are now,” she said.

Loss and wonder, continuing transcendent building blocks in my life. Thank heavens! Still, there’s the ongoing challenge of lived duality, riding in tandem with light and dark. So be it. Gonna get real. Giddyap, folks. We have falling leaves to see and our lives to live.

Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.

What the census can tell us about swing states

If Trump carries Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona, Harris must win all three “blue wall” states to be elected president.

JONATHAN DRAEGER, reporter for RealClearPolitics, wrote Tuesday that “the 2024 presidential contest couldn’t be tighter.” Unless, of course, it turns out not to be nearly as close as this season’s run of polls suggests it is.

One indication that it might not be was a New York Times-Siena poll released this week showing Donald Trump leading Kamala Harris in Florida 55% to 41%. That’s quite a switch from the 48.85% to 48.84% by which George W. Bush carried the state in 2000, or the 48.6% to 47.4% there for Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016.

As the Times’ brilliant and painstaking poll analyst Nate Cohn wrote, this result could just turn out to be an outlier: Polling theory says one in 20 polls is outside the margin of error. Or it could represent a continuation of the 2022 off-year results, which showed Republicans doing much better in Florida than in the current target states, such as Pennsylvania and Michigan. But it could also have resulted, he explained, from population change.

According to Census Bureau estimates, Florida’s population grew by 4.7% between July 2020 and July 2023 (the latest available), a greater percentage increase than any other state except much less populous Idaho. That’s a population increase of more than 1 million people in just three years, with many newcomers perhaps attracted by Florida’s famously less restrictive COVID-19 policies.

As Cohn noted, many other polls may miss the effects of interelection demographic changes by weighting results according to respondents’ recollections of previous votes. Since voters historically have overreported supporting election winners, this tends to overstate support for the previously losing party and, in this case, for Trump. However, pollsters take that risk for fear of understating his support, as so many 2016 and 2020 polls did.

Cohn’s analysis raises the question of whether population shifts may affect the balance, which seems exquisitely close, in the seven target states. So let’s look at the changes in the 2020 and 2023 census estimates by county. Nationally, the period saw movement away from central cities and toward exurbs and salubrious rural areas.

This analysis reveals little about Nevada, where 69% of 2020 votes and 79% of the 2020-23 population increase were in Las Vegas-centered Clark County.

A little more can be said about Arizona, where Phoenix-centered Maricopa County had 61% of 2020 votes and 58% of the 202023 population increase. Among smaller counties, those leaning Republican grew by 83,000 people (all totals rounded off), and those leaning Democratic, including Tucson’s Pima County, grew by 21,000. Advantage: Republicans.

The picture is mixed in fast-growing and excruciatingly marginal Georgia and North Carolina.

North Carolina’s population grew by 3.7% overall and by 4% in the six counties, including those with Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro and Winston-Salem, which voted 56% to 75% for Joe Biden. The other 94 counties (mostly Republican) grew by 3.5%. That slight edge, plus the weakness of the Republican nominee for governor, gives Democrats reason to hope Harris can win the one target state Biden lost by 49.9% to 48.6% in 2020. Georgia, which Trump lost 49.5% to 49.2%, looks different. Metropolitan Atlanta’s three central counties, heavily

Democratic, grew by only 7,000 people, and four Democratic-trending ring counties with diverse populations increased by 44,000. But 12 mostly white exurban counties, which vote overwhelmingly Republican, increased by 100,000, and with polls showing black voters trending Republican, Trump is likely to reduce Democratic margins in blackmajority exurban counties whose population increased by 22,000.

The three northern “blue wall” states, in contrast, had less than 1% population loss (Pennsylvania and Michigan) or gain (Wisconsin). If, as many expect, Trump carries Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona, Harris must win all three “blue wall” states to be elected president.

In Pennsylvania, Democrats depend heavily on big margins in Philadelphia, and in 2020, turnout increased to 743,000, a 40-year high. But Philadelphia’s population fell by 50,000 people in 2020-23, and a Philadelphia Inquirer report detailed that Hispanic and black voters in Philadelphia have been trending Republican. The city’s four suburban county populations rose by just 27,000. Not enough to offset the city decline and the likely increased Hispanic support in five blue-collar counties beyond metropolitan Philadelphia.

In western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh’s Allegheny County, with trendy inner-city neighborhoods and upscale suburbs, lost 25,000 people, while nearby Butler County, where Trump was shot July 13 and returned two Saturdays ago, gained 4,000. Overall, the state beyond metropolitan Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where Biden carried only eight of 57 counties, gained 19,000 people.

In Michigan, the picture is similar. The three counties, including or touching on Detroit, lost 46,000 people in 2020-23, and the industrial belt from Flint to Bay City, where Democrats are struggling, lost another 8,000. The three counties with large universities, which delivered a higher Biden percentage than either of the two bluecollar areas, lost 6,000. The state’s other 74 counties, which voted 58% to 40% for Trump over Biden, gained 26,000.

Wisconsin seems slightly more favorable for Democrats. The historic Democratic powerhouse, Milwaukee County, lost 22,000 people, but the three suburban WOW counties, historically Republican but a little less so in the Trump era, gained just 8,000. That is overmatched by the 13,000 gained by Madison’s Dane County, which, with its state capital and flagship university, exceeded Milwaukee’s Democratic percentage and almost equaled its Democratic vote margin in 2020.

Let me close with a perhaps unscientific observation. Looking at the target state polls reported by RealClearPolitics with all or the bulk of interviews conducted since Sept. 25, I note that 14 show Trump leading, along with one for Harris and one tie. It’s less one-sided if you look at the target state polls reported by Nate Silver’s Silver Bulletin, but still with 15 for Trump, six for Harris and six ties. Note that there are almost no target state polls conducted since the vice presidential debate on Oct. 1.

Have the vibes run out for Harris, as my Washington Examiner colleague W. James Antle suggests? Seems like a fair question.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.”

Neighbors helping neighbors

IT BREAKS MY HEART to see the devastation brought to our beautiful state and all those impacted by Hurricane Helene. The damage is unbelievably catastrophic and communities across western North Carolina face a long road to recovery, but we will be with them every step of the way.

Our North Carolina congressional delegation is working together to ensure these communities have the federal support they need as they recover and rebuild, and my staff and I are in close communication with federal, state and local partners.

Now is the time for agencies like FEMA to work efficiently and support, not hinder, the recovery effort in North Carolina.

Recently, I led Republican members of our delegation in urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to utilize the unoccupied Greensboro Influx Care Facility (ICF) to assist in western North Carolina’s recovery efforts. After my repeated requests, FEMA told us it will have the facility available, but more needs to be done. Countless North Carolinians are now tragically displaced or without basic supplies because of Hurricane Helene, and they must be taken care of and offered every resource available.

My team and I are continuing to receive briefings from FEMA, HHS, North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) and other agencies on their ongoing efforts to help western North Carolina. While I am extremely frustrated by how slow the federal response has been, I am grateful for the service of the first responders, troops, charitable organizations, and individuals across the state and nation who are stepping up and saving lives. I will keep pushing to get more resources and support on the ground quickly because these communities need help.

In support of these efforts, I joined several of my House Republican colleagues in demanding the Biden-Harris administration remove as many federal barriers as possible to make it easier for communities to rebuild homes and businesses. Western North Carolina and all regions affected by Helene do not have the time to deal with burdensome, unnecessary regulations as they work to rebuild from the ground up. The clock is ticking, and if bureaucratic red tape gets in the way, it will be a serious failure by the federal government. Additionally, I’ve been in contact with our hospitals and health care providers to ensure they have all they need to take care of patients. I’ve been working with HHS to make sure hospitals are open and they have sufficient resources, including medicines and surgical tools, to treat patients throughout the impacted region.

Now is the time for agencies like FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work efficiently and support — not hinder — the recovery effort in North Carolina and across the Southeast. Countless lives have been uprooted, and the last thing they need is government interference.

While this tragedy is a once in a lifetime event, we are reminded that we are Carolina Strong. Back home in our region, I saw firsthand all the people that have stepped up to help collect supplies and send them to our neighbors in western North Carolina. It was truly inspiring to see neighbors helping neighbors, and I’m thankful for all those who are lending a hand.

We continue to pray for everyone affected by this storm. Should you or a family member need assistance, please visit my website for Hurricane Helene resources and information: hudson. house.gov/hurricane-helene-resources.

The road ahead will be incredibly tough, but North Carolinians are resilient.

Richard Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

BE IN TOUCH

Letters to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or mailed to 1201 Edwards Mill Rd., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27607. Letters must be signed; include the writer’s phone number, city and state; and be no longer than 300 words. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for opeds should be sent to opinion@ nsjonline.com.

obituaries

Wade Everett Beal

Sept. 13, 1943 –Oct. 13, 2024

Wade Everett Beal, 81, of Siler City, passed away Sunday, October 13th, 2024, at Chatham Hospital surrounded by family.

Wade was born on September 13, 1943, in Martin County, NC to the late Ronder and Eula Price Beal. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Phyllis Beal; and granddaughter, Jessica Lafone.

He worked for Chatham Food for several years and then worked as a truck driver doing asphalt and paving. He loved going deer hunting, loved his tractor, and watching Nascar. He also was a board member for Kildee Wesleyan Church where he was a member.

Wade is survived by his daughter, Chandra Lafone of Liberty; his son, Daniel Beal of Staley; brother, Ronnie Beal and his wife, Jan of Bear Creek; his grandchildren, Steven Tyler Sauls and Melissa Lafone Yarborough; and two great grandchildren, Jessica Sauls and Naneka Sauls.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Beal family. Online condolences can be made at www. smithbucknerfh.com

MINNIE “MESS” FREEMAN

OCT. 5, 2024

Minnie “Mess” Freeman, age 77, of Sanford, NC, died Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Sanford Health & Rehabilitation.

She was born in Lee County, NC and raised in Harnett County to the late Leon Buchanan and Hazel Harrington Buchanan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Freeman and brother, Waldo Buchanan. Mess retired from Food Lion as a Customer Service Manager. Her years at Food Lion brought many good things to her life – her husband, Ed and wonderful customers and coworkers. She enjoyed shopping and going out to eat with her friends. Mess never met a stranger and was loved by so many.

Mess is survived by her niece Melissa Buchanan Godfrey (Glenn) of Sanford; nephews, Tim Buchanan (Kim) of Broadway and Glenn Smeal (Jennifer) of Raleigh; sisters-in-law, Lida Buchanan of Broadway and Anne Smeal of Durham; several great nieces and nephews and a special friend, David McFarland.

JAMES ROYCE GILLIS

NOV. 10, 1936 – OCT. 6, 2024

James Royce Gillis Sr, 87, of Sanford, passed away Sunday Oct. 6, 2024 with his loving wife and daughters by his side.

He was born on November 10, 1936, the eldest son of the late Eunice Thomas Gillis and Lacy Dixon Gillis. James was a loving husband and father. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing and camping. James was an excellent farmer and gardener. He began by helping his parents with their farm and then farmed for many years himself. He was also a talented finished carpenter who built two homes for his family.

James was preceded in death by his parents, sister Juanita McDuffie, brothers LD Gillis and Richard Gillis. He leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Virginia Palmer Gillis, son Jimmy Gillis, son Kent Gillis (Karen) and his children Crystal (Drew), Brandon, Christopher and Courtney, daughter Karen Gillis Bush and her children Dylan, Connor, Peyton and Kennedi, daughter Kelli Gillis Godwin and her daughter Heaven, his sister Lois Gillis White of Jensen Beach, FL, great grandchildren, Aiden, Caryn and Charlotte and many special nieces, nephews and friends.

William Louis Nunn

Nov. 16, 1938 –April 2, 2024

William Louis Nunn was born on November 16, 1938, to the late James Nunn Sr. and Ella Maude Farrow Nunn in Durham County NC. At an early age he joined Barbee´s Chapel Church in Chapel Hill, NC where he accepted Christ. After graduating from Horton High School in Pittsboro, NC, he served in the US Army from 19571960 as a Communications Specialist. He migrated to New York City and lived with his aunt, while attending RCA Institute. While in New

Ruby Delois Headen Nunn

July 11, 1939 –Sept. 22, 2024

Ruby Delois Headen Nunn was born July 11, 1939, to the late Walter Clinton and Esther Mae Headen in Moncure, NC. Her mother Esther died when she was a toddler and she and her siblings were raised by their paternal grandparents John R and Olivia Headen. At an early age she joined Mt View AME Zion Church in Moncure, NC where she accepted Christ. After graduating from Horton High School in Pittsboro, NC in 1957 she migrated to New York City with her sisters and attended New York Business School. Her

York he ran into his High School Homeroom teacher, Mrs. Honeycutt, who told him that his classmate Ruby Headen had also moved to NYC with her sisters. He reached out to Ruby, and they started dating. He married Ruby Delois Headen on September 29, 1962. To this union three daughters were born, Michelle Lerue Smith (Herbert), Lisa Olivia Nunn, and Lori Venesia Nunn. He moved his family to Plainfield, NJ in 1968. While living in Plainfield, NJ he was a member of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge. He went on to attend Union County College and the New Jersey Institute of Technology where he earned a degree in Electronic Engineering. William had a 30-year career as a Radio Frequency Engineer in the Aerospace Industry. He worked for RCA, GE Aerospace, and Lockheed Martin where he retired in 2000. After retiring he and his wife Ruby moved back to Moncure, NC where they built a new home and lived for twenty-

classmate at Horton High School, William had also migrated to New York City. They were reunited by her High School Homeroom teacher, Mrs. Honeycutt. They started dating and were married on September 29, 1962. To this union three daughters were born, Michelle Lerue Smith (Herbert), Lisa Olivia Nunn, and Lori Venesia Nunn. William and Ruby moved their family to Plainfield, NJ in 1968 where she was a full-time housewife until her children started Middle School. While living in Plainfield, she was a member of the Order of Eastern Stars and served as the worthy Matron of Rebecca Chapter #1, from 1990-1991. Ruby worked for AT&T for 28 years in various roles and positions, with her last position being in Corporate Accounting when she retired in 2000. After retiring she and her husband William moved back to Moncure, NC where they built a new home and lived for twenty-two years. She and William moved to Merida, Mexico to live with her daughter

KELLI GILLIS GODWIN JUNE 28, 1973 – OCT. 10, 2024

two years. He and Ruby moved to Merida, Mexico to live with their daughter Lisa after being diagnosed with Alzheimer´s disease, where they remained until he passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 2, 2024. William was proceeded in death by his parents James and Ella Nunn, three sisters Alma Elizabeth (James) Jones, Mary Pauline Andrews and Phyllis Marie Wallington and two brothers James Nunn Jr. (Addie) and Charles Howard Nunn (Ann).He is survived by his three daughters Michelle Lerue Smith (Herbert), Lisa Olivia Nunn, and Lori Venesia Nunn, granddaughter Faith Nicole Smith, brother-in-law Wesley Andrews and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Location of Memorial Service: Mt Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 381 Crestdale Rd, Matthews, NC.

Date and Time of Service: October, 19th, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Lisa after being diagnosed with Dementia, where they remained until she passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 22, 2024, from ovarian cancer. Ruby was proceeded in death by her husband William Louis Nunn, grandparents John Robert and Olivia Headen, parents Walter Clinton and Esther Mae Headen, and two brothers Walter Edward Headen (Barbara) and John Wayne Headen. She is survived by her three daughters Michelle Lerue Smith (Herbert) Lisa Olivia Nunn, and Lori Venesia Nunn, granddaughter Faith Nicole Smith, two sisters Esther Doris (Lindo-decd.) Alston, twin Delane Lewis (William), brother David Headen, cousin/brother Raymond Charles Headen (Josephine-decd.), sisterin-law Fannie Headen and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Location of Memorial Service: Mt Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 381 Crestdale Rd, Matthews, NC Date and Time of Service: October, 19TH, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Kelli Gillis Godwin, age 51 of Sanford, passed away on Thursday (10/10/2024). She was born on June 28, 1973, daughter of Virginia Palmer Gillis and the late James Royce Gillis. She was preceded in death by her father, her husband, Michael Lee Godwin and her son, Jayson Kane Moore. Kelli enjoyed cross stitching and puzzles, watching her daughter play volleyball and loved animals, especially her cats Jet and Shadow. She graduated from Lee County High School, worked for many years at Edelbrock, and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her mother, Virginia Palmer Gillis of Sanford, NC; daughter, Heaven Leigh Godwin of the home; sister, Karen Gillis Bush of Sanford, NC; brothers, Jimmy Gillis of Sanford, NC and Kent Gillis (Karen) of Ronda, NC. Nieces, Crystal (Drew), Courtney, Kennedi, Caryn, Charlotte; nephews, Dylan, Connor, Peyton, Brandon, Christopher, Hunter and Aiden; In-laws, Jane and Bobby Brewer; brother-in-law, Kevin Godwin (Cris); best friend, Anna Stockdale and many special family members and friends.

Chatham County Aging Services Weekly Activities Calendar

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Decades-old Pittsboro mural by renowned folk artist Clyde Jones undergoing restoration

Muralist Thomas Begley is completing the work

A MURAL COMPLETED in 1996 by outsider folk artist Clyde Jones, who earned international acclaim for his body of work, is being restored in what is being described as the largest undertaking of its kind on an existing community-based artwork. The mural required restoration due to fading caused by the elements as well as damage inflicted by vandals and at times having been painted over.

The artist selected to bring

the mural back to its former glory, Pittsboro muralist Thomas Begley, has been working in collaboration with Stephan Meyers, a longtime friend and archivist for Clyde Jones’ personal collection and well acquainted with the nuances of the original artist’s style and with Chapel Hill-based muralist Michael Brown.

The restoration is being funded by the town of Pittsboro with support from the Chatham Arts Council Grassroots Grant initiative and paint donations from Sherwin Williams of Pittsboro. View the progress in real time on the Murals of Pittsboro Facebook page.

ects from this year’s plan include: playground equipment updates, construction of new schools/expansion of existing schools, marquee signage replacement, landscaping/grading improvements, HVAC upgrades, athletic scoreboard replacements, security renovations, land acquisition for future schools.

“What we are asking you to do tonight is to approve the starting point for this,” said Assistant Superintendent for Operations Chris Blice.

“Where these end up with the years and those types of things is out of our hands.”

Currently, the district has multiple projects that have already been approved and scheduled, including: HVAC installation at existing gymnasiums; expansion of Margaret Pollard; mobile classroom acquisition; construction of a new central services building; construction of a new elementary school at Chatham Park; paving repairs, resurfacing tracks, replacement of the gymnasiums at Bennett, Boneless and Silk Hope; wastewater system replacement at Silk Hope and general roofing replacement/repairs.

The board also approved the 2024-25 annual student fees, which are set individually by each school.

“We do have a stance in our policies that students should not have to pay for required courses or assessments,” said Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services and Instructional Support Amanda Moran. “We do cover the expenses of community college courses, NCVPS courses as well as needed textbooks for these courses.” Moran also clarified that the district has policies in place to help support students who potentially wouldn’t be able to afford the approved fees as well.

“Our policy does stipulate that students cannot be held out of a course or field trip be -

cause they have a financial hardship,” Moran said. “So principals do have to post the student fees to families and they have to have a process by which families can request support or hardship funds. If the school doesn’t have the means to cover those, then the district can chip in where that might become necessary.”

The board also discussed looking into standardizing the parking fee at all four high schools as currently each has a different price: Jordan-Matthews ($25), Chatham Central ($50), Northwood ($75) and Seaforth ($125).

The board also accepted a donation gifted to Seaforth High School.

“A local dentist office, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, has decided to donate (two) gently used 3-D printers to Seaforth,” said Executive Director for Secondary Education and CTE Michelle Burton. “Teachers will be trained on how to use these specific printers and it will be available across all CTE pathways, not just in certain areas. We will incorporate them into as many CTE courses as we can.”

According to Burton, the printers were originally valued at $50,000 a piece and are now currently valued at about $15,000 each.

“With the money we receive from all of our entities, we’d never be able to purchase multiple 3-D printers like this, so this is a wonderful opportunity and experience for our students and our teachers,” Burton said.

In closing, the board approved MOUs with the Center for Community Connection for mental health support at ONE Academy and other CCS students who need additional support and Piedmont Health to provide students with school-based dental health programming.

The Chatham County Schools Board of Education will next meet Nov. 7.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF PITTSBORO Artist Thomas Begley restores the Clyde Jones mural in Pittsboro.

LEARN ABOUT LAND - Chatham Land Experts, www.learnaboutland. com - 919-362-6999.

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FOR RENT

For Rent – Doublewide in Siler City Area – 3 Bedrooms, 2 ½ baths – No Pets – 919-548-5530. 4tp

POWELL SPRINGS APTS. Evergreen Construction introduces its newest independent living community for adults 55 years or older, 1 and 2 bedroom applications now being accepted. Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 919-533-6319 for more information, TDD #1-800-735-2962, Equal housing opportunity, Handicapped accessible. A2,tfnc

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS now for one-bedroom apartments, adults 55 years or older. Water included, appliances furnished, onsite laundry, elevator, keyless entry. Section 8 accepted. No security deposit. Application fee $25 per adult. Call Braxton Manor, 919-6631877. Handicap accessible. Equal Housing Opportunity. J14,tfnc

FOR SALE

RV FOR SALE - RV for sale, Damen Daybreak 2000, 75,000 miles, runs great, good tires, good air conditioner, good generator. $10,000, Financing available, 919828-4247. n/c

YARD SALE

Multi-Family Yard sale FRIDAY, October 18TH - 8:00-3:00. Located at 219 Chatham Square behind LAM Buffet. Furniture, (end tables, coffee table) clothes, household items, New Bomb Party Jewelry, Christmas items. Cheap Prices 1tp

AUCTIONS

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

SERVICES

Small jobs – Electrical, Plumbing and Construction Call Sean – 919-444-5573

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RAINBOW WATER FILTERED VACUUMS, Alice Cox, Cox’s Distributing - Rainbow - Cell: 919548-4314, Sales, Services, Supplies. Serving public for 35 years. Rada Cutlery is also available. A26,tfnc

Call 919-999-3178 to schedule your free quote!

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

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

DIGGING AND DEMO-Land improvements, mini-excavating, stump removal, mobile home and building tear-down, all digging. French Drains, All your digging needs. Call John Hayes, 919-5480474. N9-D31p

ROOF WASHING – Softwash roof –Cleans ALL black streaks off roofs to make them look new again And to prolong the life of the shingles. Call John Hayes – 919548-0474. M28-D31p

When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses.

Southern States Coop. 742- 2128

1-800-735-2962 Email: pittsborovillage@ECCMGT.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#24E001524-180 The undersigned, JUDITH ANN SHIPLEY and WILLIAM SCOTT WAGNER, having qualified on the 25TH day of SEPTEMBER 2024, as EXECUTORS of the Estate of ESTHER V. WINDHAM CARR, 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 9TH Day of JANUARY 2025, 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 10TH Day of OCTOBER 2024. JUDITH ANN SHIPLEY, EXECUTOR 2583 OLD GRAHAM ROAD PITTSBORO, NC 27312

WILLIAM SCOTT WAGNER, EXECUTOR 2060 N PEA RIDGE ROAD

PITTSBORO, NC 27312

Run dates: 10,17,24,31 NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE COUNTY OF CHATHAM 18CVD000689-180 CHATHAM COUNTY C/O GREGORY A. HEAFNER NOTICE OF EXECUTION SALE VS OF REAL PROPERTY

OCORO ENTERPRISES LLC Under and by virtue of an execution directed in the above-captioned action to the undersigned Sheriff from the Clerk of Superior Court for Chatham County, North Carolina, issued 8/9/2024, in the amount of $93,923.93, with the amount to be collected as $97,979.85, received in the county of Chatham on 9/5/2024. I will be, on the 28th day of October 2024, at 10:00 A.M., at the Chatham County Justice Center at 40 East Chatham St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, and offer for sale to the highest bidder for cash all rights, title or interest which Defendant Ocoro Enterprises LLC now or anytime at or after docketing of Plaintiff’s judgement in Chatham County had in below listed property, in satisfaction of the execution. The real property being sold is more particularly described as follows: Being all that parcel 2A, containing 6.518 acres, more or less, shown on plat entitled “Lands of Robert A. Smith and Peggy H. Smith”, dated July 31, 2015, preparing by Infinite Land Design, P.C., Land Surveying, Land Planning, Mapping, recorded August 12, 2015, in Plat Slide 2015-149, Chatham County Registry, reference to which plat is made for a more particular description. Chatham County Tax Parcel #0090745 This sale shall be made subject to all prior recorded or perfected Liens, Mortgages, and Encumbrances that have attached to or been levied on the property prior to the date of levy or docketing of the judgement of this Execution under which this sale is being held. This, the 2nd day of October 2024. MIKE ROBERSON Sheriff of Chatham County _____A. Ellington________ DEPUTY SHERIFF

NOTICE OF SALE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHATHAM ACE SELF STORAGE, PURSUANT TO NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUES, CHAPTER 44A, SHALL CONDUCT A PUBLIC SALE OF THE UNITS LISTED

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Robert Jason Powell, 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 on or before December 28, 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. This the 26th day of September 2024. Lisa Kay Powell, Administrator C/o L Howard Law, PLLC PO Box 2161 Greensboro, NC 27402 336-303-1284 [AD RUN DATES: 9/26/2024, 10/3/2024, 10/10/2024, and 10/17/2024]

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Jeanie Fenton Branson, deceased of Chatham County, North Carolina, on the 16th day of September, 2024, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the office of the attorney for the estate on or before the 28th day of December, 2024, or this Notice will be pled in bar of recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Issued this 26th day of September 2024. James W. Branson, Personal Representative, c/o Catherine L. Wilson, Attorney for the Estate, 3211 Shannon Road, Suite 400, Durham, NC 27707. Chatham News & Record: 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17

Notice to Creditors

File No. 24E001410-180 North Carolina Chatham County Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of JENNIFER FEARS MOORE, deceased, of Chatham County, NC, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before January 20, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate are asked to make immediate payment.

This the 16th day of October, 2024. John H Moore, Administrator, 425 Bertram Valley Rd Apex, NC 27523

Chatham News and Record October 17, 24, 31, 2024, November 7, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#24E001499-180 The undersigned, MICHELLE BRISTOW, having qualified on the 13TH day of SEPTEMBER 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of LARRY WILSON BRISTOW, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 25TH Day of 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 26TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2024. MICHELLE BRISTOW, EXECUTOR 367 ARTHUR TEAGUE ROAD SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: S26,O3,10,17p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#24E001464-180 The undersigned, JAMES RAYMOND HODGEMAN, SR., having qualified on the 30TH day of AUGUST, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ROBERTA A. HODGEMAN, 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 8TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2025, 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 10TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2024. JAMES RAYMOND HODGEMAN, SR., EXECUTOR 1565 DEVIL’S TRAMPING GROUND BEAR CREEK, NC 27207 Run dates: O10,17,24,31p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#24E001460-180 The undersigned, ELIZABETH COOKE GILMOUR, having qualified on the 23RD day of AUGUST, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of SALLY BOVARD THOMPSON, 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 1ST DAY OF JANUARY, 2025, 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 3RD DAY OF OCTOBER, 2024. ELIZABETH COOKE GILMOUR, EXECUTOR 3419 BROOMFIELD TERRACE DURHAM, NC 27705 Run dates: O3,10,17,24p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF ANNA LOUISE REYNOLDS All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Anna Louise Reynolds late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit them to Stephen Reynolds Pagano as Executor of the decedent’s estate on or before December 26, 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 26th day of September, 2024. Stephen Reynolds Pagano Brittany N. Porter, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having qualified on the 18th day of September 2024, as Executor of the Estate of Alexander Lamb Ross, 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 26th day of December 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 26th day of September 2024 Alexander Lamb Ross III, Executor of the Estate of Alexander Lamb Ross, Jr. c/o Julia G. Henry, Kennon Craver, PLLC 4011 University Drive, Suite 300 Durham, North Carolina 27707 THE CHATHAM NEWS:

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF ROBERT WILSON SILER, JR. All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Robert Wilson Siler, Jr., late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit them to Michael R. Siler as Executor of the decedent’s estate on or before December 26, 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 26th day of September, 2024. Michael R. Siler Brittany N. Porter, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE TO CREDITORS COUNTY OF CHATHAM THE UNDERSIGNED, having qualified on the 20th day of April, 2022, as Executrix of the ESTATE OF MILDRED T. STANSBURY A/K/A MILDRED TERESA STANSBURY, 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 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, the 26th day of September 2024. TERESA M. WEBER EXECUTRIX ESTATE OF MILDRED T. STANSBURY A/K/A MIDLRED TERESA STANSBURY c/o Shirley M. Diefenbach, Attorney Walker Lambe, PLLC Post Office Box 51549 Durham, North Carolina 27717

NOTE: For publication in The Chatham News on the following dates: September 26, October 3, October 10 and October 17, 2024. Please send the Statement and Proof of Publication to Post Office Box 51549, Durham, North Carolina 277171549.

NOTICE

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Rosa Lee Tucker, deceased of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before January 17th, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. This 17th day of October 2024.

Christopher H. Dell, Executor c/o Manning, Fulton & Skinner, P.A. P.O. Box 20389 Raleigh, NC 27619-0389.

NOTICE

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Rosa Lee Tucker, deceased of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before January 17th, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. This 17th day of October 2024

Christopher H. Dell, Executor

c/o Manning, Fulton & Skinner, P.A. P.O. Box 20389 Raleigh, NC 27619-0389.

TOWN OF SILER CITY SYSTEM PERFORMANCE ANN AL REPORT

I. G eneral Information

Facilities/System Name: Town of Siler City

Responsible Entry: Town of Siler City

Wastewater Permit Number: NC0026441

Wastewater ORC: Brittany York, Wastewater Superintendent

Collections Permit number: WQCS00056

Collections ORC: Chris McCorquodale, Director of Public Utilities

Contact Information: Town Hall, (919)-742A732

County Board of Commissioners on Monday, October 21, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The hearing will be held in the courtroom of the Historic Courthouse in Pittsboro, North Carolina at 9 Hillsboro Street. Additional information is available at the Chatham County Planning Department office. Speakers are requested to sign up at the meeting prior to the hearing. You may also sign up on the county website prior to the meeting at www.chathamcountync.gov by selecting the heading Government, then Commissioner Meetings, then Public Input/ Hearing Sign Up. The public hearing may be continued to another date at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive input, both written and oral, on the issues listed below: A legislative public hearing requested by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners to consider amendments to the Chatham County Subdivision Regulations; specifically, sections 2.3, 5.2, and 7.7 to amend language related to Concept Plan reviews and approvals. Substantial changes may be made following the public hearing due to verbal or written comments received or based on the Board’s discussions. Notice to people with special needs: If you have an audio or visual impairment, unique accessibility requirements or need language assistance, please call the number listed below prior to the hearing and assistance may be provided.

If you have any questions or comments concerning these issues, please call the Chatham County Planning Department at 919-542-8204 or write to P.O. Box 54, Pittsboro N.C. 27312. Please run in your paper: October 10th and 17th, 2024

WOLFSPEED from page A1

in this year’s election, as it opened earlier this year in a swing state county that is undergoing rapid economic expansion in large part due to incentives provided by the Biden administration.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, is making the case to voters that the administration’s mix of incentives are increasing factory work, while former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, says the threat of broad tariffs will cause overseas factories to relocate in the United States.

In 2023, President Joe Biden spoke at Wolfspeed to promote his economic agenda, saying it would help the United States outcompete China. Trump narrowly won North Carolina during the 2020 presidential election and has talked about bringing back the state’s furniture manufacturing sector.

The Biden administration’s argument is that the government support encourages additional private investments, a case that appears to apply to Wolfspeed.

In addition to the government grant, a group of investment funds led by Apollo, The Baupost Group, Fidelity Management & Research Company and Capital Group plan to provide an additional $750 million to Wolfspeed, the company said. Wolfspeed also expects to receive $1 billion from an advanced manufacturing tax credit, meaning the company in total will have access of up to $2.5 billion.

Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe told The Associated Press that the United States currently produces 70% of the world’s silicon carbide — and that the investments will help the country preserve its lead as China ramps up efforts in the sector.

Lowe said “we’re very happy with this grant” and that the Commerce Department staff awarding funds from the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act was “terrific.”

“The Biden administration is taking a meaningful step towards reigniting U.S. manufacturing of the chips that underpin these important technologies.”

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo

Bobby Renfro has spent thousands of dollars running generators to power a resource hub at the community building

Volunteers bring solar power to Helene’s disaster zone

Microgrids of solar paired with batteries provides essential lifeline

BAKERSVILLE — Nearly

two weeks after Hurricane Helene downed power lines and washed out roads all over North Carolina’s mountains, the constant din of a gas-powered generator is getting to be too much for Bobby Renfro.

It’s difficult to hear the nurses, neighbors and volunteers flowing through the community resource hub he has set up in a former church for his neighbors in Tipton Hill, a crossroads in the Pisgah National Forest north of Asheville. Much worse is the cost: he spent $1,200 to buy it and thousands more on fuel that volunteers drive in from Tennessee.

Turning off their only power source isn’t an option. This generator runs a refrigerator holding insulin for neighbors with diabetes and powers the oxygen machines and nebulizers some of them need to breathe.

The retired railroad worker worries that outsiders don’t understand how desperate they are, marooned without power on hilltops and down in “hollers.”

“We have no resources for nothing,” Renfro said. “It’s going to be a long ordeal.”

About 23,500 of the 1.5 million customers that lost power in western North Carolina still lacked electricity on Sunday, according to Poweroutage. us. Without it, they can’t keep

medicines cold or power medical equipment or pump well water. They can’t recharge their phones or apply for federal disaster aid.

Crews from all over the country and even Canada are helping Duke Energy and local electric cooperatives with repairs, but it’s slow going in the dense mountain forests, where some roads and bridges are completely washed away.

“The crews aren’t doing what they typically do, which is a repair effort. They’re rebuilding from the ground up,” said Kristie Aldridge, vice president of communications at North Carolina Electric Cooperatives.

Residents who can get their hands on gas and diesel-powered generators are depending on them, but that is not easy. Fuel is expensive and can be a long drive away. Generator fumes pollute and can be deadly. Small home generators are designed to run

for hours or days, not weeks and months.

Now, more help is arriving. Renfro received a new power source this week, one that will be cleaner, quieter and free to operate. Volunteers with the nonprofit Footprint Project and a local solar installation company delivered a solar generator with six 245-watt solar panels, a 24volt battery and an AC power inverter. The panels now rest on a grassy hill outside the community building.

Renfro hopes his community can draw some comfort and security, “seeing and knowing that they have a little electricity.”

The Footprint Project is scaling up its response to this disaster with sustainable mobile infrastructure. It has deployed dozens of larger solar microgrids, solar generators and machines that can pull water from the air to 33 sites so far, along with dozens

of smaller portable batteries.

With donations from solar equipment and installation companies as well as equipment purchased through donated funds, the nonprofit is sourcing hundreds more small batteries and dozens of other larger systems and even industrial-scale solar generators known as “Dragon Wings.”

Will Heegaard and Jamie Swezey are the husband-andwife team behind Project Footprint. Heegaard founded it in 2018 in New Orleans with a mission of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of emergency responses. Helene’s destruction is so catastrophic, however, that Swezey said this work is more about supplementing generators than replacing them.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Swezey said as she stared at a whiteboard with scribbled lists of requests, volunteers and equipment. “It’s all hands on deck with whatever you can use to power whatever you need to power.”

Down near the interstate in Mars Hill, a warehouse owner let Swezey and Heegaard set up operations and sleep inside. They rise each morning triaging emails and texts from all over the region. Requests for equipment range from individuals needing to power a home oxygen machine to makeshift clinics and community hubs distributing supplies.

Local volunteers help. Hayden Wilson and Henry Kovacs, glassblowers from Asheville, arrived in a pickup truck and trailer to make deliveries this week. Two installers from the Asheville-based solar company Sundance Power Systems followed in a van. It took them more than an

on November 5th

hour on winding roads to reach Bakersville, where the community hub Julie Wiggins runs in her driveway supports about 30 nearby families. It took many of her neighbors days to reach her, cutting their way out through fallen trees. Some were so desperate, they stuck their insulin in the creek to keep it cold.

Panels and a battery from Footprint Project now power her small fridge, a water pump and a Starlink communications system she set up. “This is a game changer,” Wiggins said. The volunteers then drove to Renfro’s hub in Tipton Hill before their last stop at a Bakersville church that has been running two generators. Other places are much harder to reach. Heegaard and Swezey even tried to figure out how many portable batteries a mule could carry up a mountain and have arranged for some to be lowered by helicopters.

They know the stakes are high after Heegaard volunteered in Puerto Rico, where Hurricane Maria’s death toll rose to 3,000 as some mountain communities went without power for 11 months. Duke Energy crews also restored infrastructure in Puerto Rico and are using tactics learned there, like using helicopters to drop in new electric poles, utility spokesman Bill Norton said.

The hardest customers to help could be people whose homes and businesses are too damaged to connect, and they are why the Footprint Project will stay in the area for as long as they are needed, Swezey said.

“We know there are people who will need help long after the power comes back,” she said.

Elect Joe Godfrey as NC House District 54 Representative

As a Business professional, I know how to manage a budget, provide important infrastructure, provide important education and training, and protect our rural character and natural resources in Chatham and Randolph Counties. He believes in common sense conservative principles.

VOTE for change on November 5th

Paid for by: Elect Joe Godfrey

The future of Chatham and Randolph Counties is important to me. I plan to focus on the core functions of government for ALL people. I believe in equal opportunities in school, the workplace, and the law.

• Manage Budgets: Make sure that tax dollars are not wasted on non-essentials. Government growth should be minimal. In ation is a ecting all citizens and is crushing Generational Wealth for all people, especially minorities.

Properly fund police and rst responders by reducing wasteful spending. Money spent on illegal immigration reduces funds that could go to precious infrastructure, as seen with the recent Hurricane Helene

• Infrastructure: Engage with experts to nd the best solution for wastewater treatment, address the housing shortage, and work with the state and local companies to provide broadband throughout rural areas of our counties.

• Education and Training: Prioritize safety and fund SRO’s for EVERY school, provide training to prepare students to enter the workforce as businesses come to Chatham and Randolph Counties, fund expanded tutoring to improve test scores. Raise teacher pay across the board.

• Natural Resources and Rural Character: Protect our natural resources from over-development. Include green space in EVERY development. Protect farmland from more zoning regulations. Represent ALL people.

I appreciate the opportunity to represent all people in Chatham and Randolph Counties, not just speci c groups. Vote for someone who lives in and was educated in Chatham County.

Henry Kovacs, left, and Hayden Wilson, volunteers with the Footprint Project, load two Tesla Powerwall batteries to deliver to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
PHOTOS BY GABRIELA AOUN ANGUERIA / AP PHOTO
he established in Tipton Hill.

CHATHAM SPORTS

a

The Hawks moved to 3-4 against nonconference opponents

RALEIGH — Cardinal Gibbons, High School OT’s No. 1 volleyball team in North Carolina, handed Seaforth its first 3-0 loss of the season on Oct. 9, but the set scores tell a different story on how close the game really was.

Behind a stellar all-around performance from junior Keira Rosenmarkle, Seaforth, a 2A team, gave the 4A Crusaders their closest two opening sets since they beat Green Level 3-1 on Aug. 26. The Hawks’ demise didn’t fully settle in until the end of the second set at which they couldn’t overcome Cardinal Gibbons’ dominant front line, which recorded a season-high 17 blocks.

“They didn’t back down,” Seaforth co-head coach Scott Green said. “They weren’t afraid to take it to the other team. You hear how good they are, but they weren’t afraid to go in full attack mode.”

The Hawks’ sideline and

“They weren’t afraid to take it to the other team.” Seaforth coach Scott Green

crowd brought the noise after two kills by sophomore Ally Forbes and two service aces from senior Maris Huneycutt gave Seaforth a 4-0 lead to open the first set.

Cardinal Gibbons then went on its own 4-0 run to tie the set, and both teams went back and forth until the Crusaders pulled away toward the end for a 25-17 victory.

Multiple blocks toward the end of the first set from Cardinal Gibbons’ front line, including senior Charlotte Bell and junior Mary Grace Gonyeau, foreshadowed what was to come for the Hawks, though.

To start the second set, Cardinal Gibbons returned the favor by jumping out to a 4-0 lead. The third point, a block assist from Bell and junior Katherine Barbour, was just one of the nine times the front line got their hands up and stifled the

‘Mountains to Coast’ journey makes stop in Pittsboro

The 25th anniversary ride spent the night in Chatham County for the first time since 2019

PITTSBORO — Cycle North Carolina’s 25th anniversary of its “Mountains to Coast” tour made an overnight stop in Pittsboro from Oct. 9-10, making its first overnight stay in Chatham County since 2019. The Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center served as a basecamp for the hundreds of cyclists making the trip from Lenoirto Ocean Isle, providing space for tents, catered meals, wellness activities, vendors and entertainment.

“It was important to us to come back to Chatham County,” said Chip Hofler, the ride director for Cycle North Carolina and the vice president of North Carolina Amateur Sports. “We also love incorporating new towns. We’ve never been to Pittsboro for an overnight before, so it fit within our plan.”

“You’re hurting. Your saddle is sore. Your neck is sore. Your everything is sore. When you do finally finish this, it’s a big deal.”

Rider Liane Harsh

Riders that chose to do the entire route did no more than 64 miles per day from Oct. 6 to Saturday. On the day of the overnight Pittsboro stop, riders rode 64 miles from Thomasville to Pittsboro with stops at the Richard Petty Museum in Randleman, the Liberty Patterson Cottage in Liberty and Heritage Farm Park in Silk Hope along the way.

Through the eye-opening scenery, numerous stops and, unfortunately, disgruntled drivers, the goal for some of the bikers was to just finish.

“We want to hold our bikes in the ocean,” Radell Rasmussen, a rider from Washington in Beaufort County, said. Rasmussen rode with Betsy Hester and Liane Harsh, who were all part of a larger group of riders also from Washington. Hester had done it eight times already (twice the whole

way and six times just halfway), but they still all planned to finish together.

“Crossing that finish line, no matter how many times you do this, it is an emotional experience,” Harsh, who owns Inner Banks Outfitters, a bike shop in Washington, said. “It’s an accomplishment. You’re hurting. Your saddle is sore. Your neck is sore. Your everything is sore. When you do finally finish this, it’s a big deal.”

The ride was supposed to start in Spruce Pine, but, according the Hofler, the riders couldn’t do the leg from there to Lenoir because of the effects of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.

“We had a week to adjust in Spruce Pine, which was really devastated by the event,” Hofler said. “That was heart-

Four interceptions help North Moore spoil Seaforth’s homecoming, 38-20

SEAFORTH ATHLETICS / X Senior Alex Hinchman took time from Friday’s game against North Moore to be named homecoming king. Volleyball player Anavi Smith was named homecoming queen.

The Mustangs have won three games in a row

PITTSBORO — North Moore won the turnover battle in a 38-20 win over Seaforth Friday, spoiling the Hawks’ homecoming night and extending its win streak to three. Junior defensive back Martez Johnson grabbed two of the Mustangs’ four interceptions on back-to-back pivotal possessions in the fourth quarter. After a 4-yard touchdown run from junior Joseph Dunn put North Moore up 31-17, Johnson ended Seaforth’s ensuing drive by catching a tipped pass from sophomore punter Travis Mann on a fake punt attempt. Seaforth got another chance to make it a one-possession game after recovering a fum-

ble on the following possession and driving down to the North Moore 32-yard line. However, Johnson, playing at safety, jumped a seam route at the 15yard line, setting up a long offensive drive ended by Dunn’s 1-yard score to put North Moore up, 38-17, with just under two minutes left to play.

“I was seeing a lot,” Johnson said. “I just read the quarterback open up, I had to drop and then I drove on the play.”

Said North Moore coach Andrew Carrouth, “Martez is a heck of a ball player for us. He’s a guy who earlier we were trying to play a lot at corner, and I think that’s his most natural position, but he’s such a good player in the run that we needed to get him more involved as a safety.”

Junior Trace Shaw and senior Jax Hussey also grabbed back-to-back interceptions in

PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
After spending the night in Pittsboro, riders were greeted with bubble machines as they started the next leg of their Ride Across North Carolina bike event from Lenior to Ocean Isle.
PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Despite
strong performance from junior Keira Rosenmarkle, Seaforth lost to Cardinal Gibbons.

Northwood wins fourth game in a row

Playoff chances for other county teams are slim

AS THE PLAYOFF picture begins to take shape in the final stretch of the high school football regular season, one Chatham County team maintained its good standing for the postseason while two others saw their playoff chances slip in week eight.

Northwood was the only county team to head into the weekend with a victory for the second week in a row as Chatham Central and Seaforth once again fell short.

In the RPI rankings, the Hawks and the Bears sit outside of the playoff field in addition to Jordan-Matthews, which had a bye Friday. All three teams will need a strong finish to the regular season to possibly revive their playoff hopes, but it won’t be an easy task with tough games left to play.

As the county teams continue their late-season pushes to the postseason, here’s a recap of Friday’s football action, a preview of next week for each county team, conference standings and the latest football power rankings:

Northwood

Northwood (5-3, 5-1) won its fourth straight conference game with a 69-2 home victory over Graham (1-6, 5-1) Friday.

Junior running back Robert Tripp led the way with 126 yards and four touchdowns on 12 carries. Junior quarterback Grayson Cox also had a successful night, completing eight of nine pass attempts for 185 yards and two touchdowns to sophomore Raje Torres and senior Isaiah Blair.

The Chargers also got two special teams scores, including a punt return from Torres and a kickoff return from senior Antoine Brewington.

The third-place Chargers will travel to second-place Cummings (6-1, 5-0) Friday at 7 p.m.

FOOTBALL from page B1

the second quarter, and Hussey’s pick led to senior Brandon Powell running in a 9-yard touchdown to give the Mustangs their first lead of the game, 17-10.

In usual North Moore fashion, the Mustangs gained all 455 of their total offense on the ground. Powell and sophomore Stryker Murray, who played his first full varsity game in place of injured running back Xander Greene, rushed for 172 and 167 yards, respectively, and Murray also scored a touchdown.

Murray said the counter play worked all night long.

“Most of the time, it was like Moses parting the Red Sea,” Murray said.

With Seaforth struggling with turnovers and only mustering 71 rushing yards, the Hawks stayed in the game through explosive plays.

On the first play from scrimmage, junior receiver Jacob Winger caught a tipped pass intended for sophomore Max Hinchman and took it 64 yards to the house to give Seaforth an early 7-0 lead. Sophomore quarterback Duncan Parker connected with Winger three more times in the game, including a 40-yard completion in the first quarter that helped Winger lead all receivers with 135 yards. Parker responded to the latter of his second-quarter interceptions by faking a hand-off and taking off for a 64-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 17 with just under four minutes left in the first half.

Yet, the second half was much quieter as the Hawks only completed five passes and rushed for negative yards. Part of that was the “physical” play of North Moore’s defense and the other part was the Mustangs running the clock

for a huge Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference showdown. Northwood will have a chance to take the second-place spot in the conference which comes with an automatic bid to the playoffs and a likely boost in the RPI rankings, where it now sits at the No. 23 spot in 2A East. If the Chargers want to improve their playoff situation, they’ll have to contain Cummings’ rushing attack from a group of rushers led by juniors

Devin Witherspoon and Jaidyn Briskey. Those two have combined for over 250 rushing yards four times this season, the Cavaliers have size and play with great physicality. Especially up front where Northwood has been solid this season, the Chargers will have to match the physical play on both sides of the ball.

Chatham Central

Chatham Central (1-7, 0-6) fell victim to Witherspoon and Briskey in a 56-0 loss to Cummings Friday.

The Bears gave up 185 yards rushing on just 12 total carries (15.4 yards per carry) with

down with long drives.

“We play a lot of complimentary football,” Carrouth said. “If the offense is able to get out there and get some drives and that keeps the defense off the field and keeps them rested, I think that helped us a lot tonight. I thought we tackled pretty well tonight, and I thought we were physical.”

It’s fitting that turnovers helped lift the Mustangs over Seaforth as North Moore is turning its season over in the win-column.

After starting the year 0-4, their worst four-game start since going 1-3 in 2019, the Mustangs have found new momentum going into the final stretch of the regular season with three straight double-digit wins. The streak includes victories over Jordan-Matthews and Bartlett Yancey.

“A ton of credit goes to the kids,” Carrouth said. “We’ve got a bunch of tough kids there, especially when you have the success that we’ve had over the last couple of years. You know, 10-3 last year and 13-1 the year before. And then, you start 0-4, and the worst critics are the people that are right around you.”

Said Carrouth, “Our guys knew we were so young. We are playing so many underclassmen up on varsity right now because of injuries and this and that. And, we knew that we were going to take some lumps early to try to get adjusted to who we are and try to figure that out, and I think we’re starting to be able to do that.”

North Moore will look to climb to .500 as it plays at Graham Friday at 7 p.m.

Seaforth, after seeing a promising start to the season, will look to end its twogame slide when it travels to Southeast Alamance Friday at 7 p.m.

Touchdowns from Tripp in Northwood’s win over Graham

Witherspoon (three rushing touchdowns) and Briskey (two rushing touchdowns) combining for 153 yards.

Senior receiver Ja’Kway Robertson also had an explosive night, hauling in three receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown.

The Bears sit at the No. 33 spot in the 1A East RPI rankings, which is just outside of the playoff picture.

Chatham Central will have a bye Friday before travelling to Northwood on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Seaforth

Following a second-straight loss at the hands of North Moore, Seaforth (2-4, 2-3) will face off against first-place

CYCLING from page B1

breaking to see. There’s plenty of towns out there that we’ve been to before that have just been completely crushed.”

Said Hofler, “We’ve done a few things throughout the week to kind of keep it in mind, give riders an option to donate. Here, they have the hurricane relief thing where they can donate there, and in Statesville, we did some hot air balloon rides. I think we raised almost $10,000 for Spruce Pine from that.”

At the Pittsboro basecamp, riders and the general public enjoyed the unique experience of getting a tattoo while at an

Southeast Alamance (7-0, 5-0) at their place Friday at 7 p.m.

Southeast Alamance has given up just 12 total points in conference play, shutting out their last two opponents Jordan-Matthews and Bartlett Yancey.

The Stallions have found success both running and throwing the ball this season, playing like a team that can cause damage in a variety of ways.

Against a complete and explosive team like Southeast Alamance, Seaforth will need to cut down on crucial turnovers and execute its time-consuming possessions with touchdowns. Wearing out the Stallions’ defense with the rushing attack of Duncan Parker and Evan Minor could help Seaforth control the pace of the game, should they be able to consistently get positive gains.

Jordan-Matthews

Jordan-Matthews (2-5, 1-4) will host Bartlett Yancey Friday at 7 p.m. Both teams are in the midst of three-game losing streaks, but the Jets, dealing with many

overnight stay, which riders said they hadn’t seen at stops before.

401 Tattoo Art and Antiquities, a tattoo studio in Fuquay-Varina, set up shop inside the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center and offered small tattoos for a discounted price.

“We’re trying to help support the cyclists and everything that they’re doing,” Jessie Carnes, a helper at 401 Tattoo said. “It makes sense for them to travel and have a little piece of what they’ve been through and what they’ve gone across.”

Visitors who got a tattoo of the Cycle North Carolina logo

key injuries, are coming off a much-needed bye. For Jordan-Matthews, this game could be an opportunity to bounce back from three brutal losses and make a closer game than recent weeks. With many young guys filling in for their injured teammates, this game will also add to the younger group’s growing experience on the varsity level.

Power rankings

Last week: 1. Northwood; 2. Seaforth; 3. Chatham Central; 4. Jordan-Matthews This week’s rankings: 1. Northwood; 2. Seaforth; 3. Chatham Central; 4. Jordan-Matthews

Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings

1. Southeast Alamance (7-0, 5-0); 2. Cummings (6-1, 5-0); 3. Northwood (5-3, 5-1); 4. North Moore (3-4, 3-2); 5. Seaforth (24, 2-3); 6. Bartlett Yancey (2-6, 2-4); 7. Jordan-Matthews (25, 1-4); 8. Graham (1-6, 1-4); 9. Chatham Central (1-7, 0-6)

and took a picture with it got free registration for next year’s ride. Shawn Rudisill, a thirdyear rider from Denver in Lincoln County, was the first one to get the logo tattoo.

The tattoos even brought a nonrider, Amanda Wise of Bear Creek, to the event.

“I do get tattoos often,” Wise said. “So when I heard about it, I had to come down here.” Wise, who said she “enjoys ink,” got a butterfly on her hand from the 401 Tattoo setup. Although she doesn’t aspire to be a biker, Wise thought the event was “amazing” and a “great thing to bring to Chatham.”

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Northwood’s Grayson Cox (2) hands off to running back Robert Tripp during a blowout win over Graham.
PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Riders leave Richard Petty Museum in Level Cross during a ride across North Carolina bike event from Lenior to Ocean Isle Level Cross.

Volleyball regular season comes to an end

Girls’ tennis players qualify for regionals

HERE’S A roundup of the key results, developments and conference standings from week nine of the high school fall sports season in Chatham County.

Volleyball

The volleyball regular season wrapped up last week as the county’s teams made their final pushes for the state playoffs.

Seaforth finished the season undefeated in conference play with a 3-0 win over Bartlett Yancey on Oct. 10.

Woods Charter also remained perfect against conference opponents, sweeping Ascend Leadership on Oct. 8.

Chatham Charter ended the year with a winning record following two straight victories over Ascend Leadership and Central Carolina Academy.

Chatham Central ended its four-game losing streak with two consecutive wins over Northwood and Graham on Oct. 8 and 9, respectively. But for a potential boost in the 1A East RPI standings against second-place North Moore on Oct. 10, the Bears lost 3-0.

Final Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings: 1. Seaforth (17-4, 14-0); 2. North Moore (18-2, 12-2); 3. Chatham Central (10-10, 8-6); 4. Northwood (8-12, 7-7); 5. Bartlett Yancey (13-7, 7-7); 6. Southeast Alamance (8-12, 6-8); 7. Jordan-Matthews (2-18, 2-12); 8. Graham (0-18, 0-14)

Final Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings: 1. Woods Charter (14-5, 12-0); 2. Chatham Charter (11-9, 9-3); 3. Clover Garden School (12-7, 8-4); 4. Southern Wake Academy (8-9, 6-6); 5. River Mill (8-12, 5-7); 6. Ascend Leadership (2-12, 1-11); 7. Triangle Math and Science (214, 1-11)

Boys’ soccer

Jordan-Matthews lost its nine-game win streak and its first conference game of the season to Graham, 2-1 on Oct. 10. Graham scored the first goal of the game with just under 28 minutes remaining in the first half, but the Jets didn’t tie it up until they knocked in a corner kick halfway through the second half. The Red Devils took the lead with just over 10 minutes left to play and held off

PBO

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October 28 | 10:00 AM

Burke (Chatham Central)

Jordan-Matthews for the upset.

The Jets beat Northwood, 3-1, a day before the loss.

Northwood and Seaforth finished their first meeting of the year in a 1-1 double overtime stalemate on Oct. 10. For the Chargers, the week could’ve been better as they also lost to Southeast Alamance, 8-0, on Oct. 7.

Seaforth, on the other hand, had one of its best stretches of games all year, beating Graham, 2-1, on Oct. 7 and Cummings, 3-0, on Oct. 9.

Woods Charter had the largest victory of the week, though, as the Wolves dominated Central Carolina Academy, 6-0, on Oct. 9.

Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Jordan-Matthews (115, 7-1); 2. Southeast Alamance (10-6, 7-1); 3. Graham (10-3-2,

4-2-1); 4. Seaforth (5-6-2, 3-21); 5. Northwood (4-7-1, 2-5); 6. North Moore (2-7, 1-5); 7. Cummings (4-8, 1-8) Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Triangle Math and Science (6-5-2, 6-0-1); 2. Clover Garden School (6-8, 5-2); 3. River Mill (6-5-2, 4-2-2); 4. Ascend Leadership (5-5-1, 3-3); 5. Woods Charter (5-5-1, 3-3-1); 6. Southern Wake Academy (3-7, 1-5); 7. Chatham Charter (0-13, 0-7)

Girls’ tennis

Conference tournaments were played out last week to determine qualifiers for the regionals Friday. Here’s the county’s regional qualifiers by conference: Mid-Carolina 1A/2A: 1A Singles: Carlee Callahan (Chatham Central) and Emma

1A Doubles: Bailea Marley and Leah Covington (North Moore)

2A Singles: Lillian McFall (Seaforth), Ella Gentel (Seaforth), Andi Wicker (Northwood)

2A Doubles: Bailey Shadoan and Claire Coady (Seaforth), Jenna Robinette and Makenzy Lehew (Seaforth), Kailey Gonzalez Cabrera and Takyra Henderson (Bartlett Yancey) Central Tar Heel 1A:

Singles: Jordyn Garner (Chatham Charter)

Doubles: Mak Allen and Maggie Moody (Chatham Charter)

Girls’ golf

Results from the fifth Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference match on Oct. 7: North Moore (162); 2. Southeast Alamance (164); 3. Seaforth (169); 4. Northwood (173); 5. Chatham Central (180); 6. Graham (186)

Cross-country

Top performances from county runners in the second Southeast Alamance meet on Oct. 8: Boys: Jackson Hughes (Chatham Central, 20 minutes, 25.71 seconds, third place), Damian Lagunez (Chatham Central, 21:01.24, seventh place), Aiden Leysath (Jordan-Matthews, 22:32.96, 10th place)

Girls: Athena Dispennette (Jordan-Matthews, 26:19.83, fifth place), Nyla Miller (Jordan-Matthews, 26:46.81, sixth place), Bree Thomas (Chatham Central, 31:34.55, 10th place)

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jacob Winger

Seaforth, football

Seaforth football’s Jacob Winger earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Oct. 7.

In the Hawks’ 38-20 loss to North Moore last Friday, Winger, a junior, provided a huge spark for his team. Winger caught four passes for 135 yards, and he scored on the first play from scrimmage on a 64-yard completion.

Winger’s score was Seaforth’s biggest play of the night other than a 64-yard touchdown run from quarterback Duncan Parker. Starting the game with a bang, Winger finished the first quarter with 115 of his total receiving yards. FALL SPORTS ROUNDUP: WEEK NINE

PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Seaforth’s volleyball team celebrates during a recent nonconference game. The Hawks finished the regular season unbeaten in conference play.

Holding Super Bowl outside US a possibility, NFL commisioner says

The league hopes to double the number of international game

LONDON — The NFL’s aggressive international growth plan could include holding a Super Bowl outside the United States for the first time, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Saturday.

Goodell has shot down the idea in the past, but he told a fan forum in London that it’s a possibility.

“We’ve always traditionally tried to play a Super Bowl in an NFL city — that was always sort of a reward for the cities that have NFL franchises,” he said in response to a question about moving the neutral-site game internationally. “But things change. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if that happens one day.”

Goodell floated the idea as he outlined a plan that could include playing 16 international games every year if the regular season expands to 18 games.

He added that he has “no doubt” that Ireland will host a game soon. He named Rio de Janeiro as a likely new host and said the Jacksonville Jaguars are considering increasing the number of games they play in London during their stadium renovations at home.

This season’s Super Bowl — the 59th edition — will be played in New Orleans. In 2026, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, will host, followed by SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood, Califor-

VOLLEYBALL

from page B1

Hawks’ attacks in the set.

“We’re talking about trying to tool the block,” Seaforth cohead coach Helen May said. “Really work their block, use their outside hands, trying to tool and just swing around them.”

Despite the challenge of getting the ball over Cardinal Gibbons’ towering front line, Seaforth rallied back to take a 13-11 lead following three straight service aces from Rosenmarkle.

“Her serve has really improved,” Green said. Said May, “She’s been work-

nia, in 2027. Kansas City’s 25-22 overtime victory over San Francisco in the last Super Bowl was the most-watched program in U.S. television history.

ing on it every day in practice. She’s getting into her own routine and finding her flow, and it’s working.”

Seaforth and Cardinal Gibbons went on another back and forth sequence until the Hawks held a 22-20 lead. Another block assist from Bell and junior Genevieve Harris sparked a fivepoint run from the Crusaders, who narrowly escaped the second set with a 25-22 victory and snatched the momentum before the final period.

Prior to the deciding set, Green and May told the Hawks to focus on making good swings

Team owners already have authorized up to eight international games, but Goodell said they could double that number — creating a scenario

and covering their hitters, but once again, the Crusaders’ front wall proved to be too rigid. Cardinal Gibbons’ front line got its hands on 11 balls in the third set which played a huge part in Seaforth scoring just 11 points, the least it has scored in a set all season.

“They were fighting every second of the way, and I think they just had to put their foot on the gas the entire game,” May said. “They wanted it, and they were there. Sometimes, it just doesn’t go our way, but they played awesome, and they played to a very, very high potential.”

where all 32 teams could play an international game each year. The key is expanding the regular season by one game and re-

With the loss, the Hawks finished the season 3-4 against nonconference opponents.

All of Seaforth’s losses this year have come at the hands of 4A teams, which have a combined regular season records of 66-12. The coaching staff believes those though games have helped the team improve before the tougher competition in the upcoming playoffs.

ducing the number of preseason games to two.

“If we do expand our season — our regular season — to an 18-and-two structure, I see us going to 16 of those games being in international markets,” Goodell said.

He added that the plan could include a second bye week in the schedule.

“A lot of that depends on — can we continue to make the game safer, can we continue to modify the way we conduct the offseason as well as the training camp and as well as the season, so that these guys feel comfortable being able to play that period of time,” Goodell said.

Under that scenario, he said, the season would start around Labor Day and conclude around Presidents Day — the third Monday of February.

Moving to an 18th game is seen as inevitable. The players union has indicated it is open to an agreement before the current labor deal expires after the 2030 season.

There are five international games this season, and Goodell said the league wants to increase to eight “quickly.” Dublin has been seen as the next likely host — after Madrid gets its first game in 2025.

“I have no doubt that we’re going to be playing in Ireland. I don’t know if it will be next year, but it’s coming soon,” Goodell said at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He cited Rio de Janeiro as the possible host of the next Brazil game — Sao Paulo staged one this season.

London, which could get a night game at some point, has hosted regular-season games since 2007 and Germany since 2022.

“We’re looking at other markets in the other direction, toward Asia,” he said. “There’s probably more interest than we can handle.”

“It’s building confidence because they know that we can play,” May said. “It’s good for us to play higher ranked teams and like 4A and all of that just to help us get better. I think that the girls are really using that, and they’re like hey, we go out there and we give it all that we got, and we got this.”

As of Sunday, Seaforth sits at fifth in the 2A East RPI standings. Following a 3-0 win over Bartlett Yancey on Oct. 10, the Hawks finished the regular season with a 17-4 overall record and a 14-0 conference record, going undefeated in conference play for the second year in a row. On track to make its third straight playoff appearance, the Hawks are looking to build on last year’s run to the fourth round and push closer to a state title.

LYNNE SLADKY / AP PHOTO
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walks on the field before a game between the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills last month.

Study: Widespread social media harassment of NCAA athletes, coaches

Female athletes were three times more likely to suffer online abuse than males

COLUMBIA, S.C. — An NCAA study on social media abuse of athletes, coaches and other officials during championship events found nearly one in five posts that were flagged by an AI-based algorithm and determined to be abusive involved sexual harassment and 12% were related to sports betting, according to results of the pilot study released Thursday.

The college athletics governing body’s findings of its first online harassment study using Signify Group’s Threat Matrix examined more than 72,000 messages flagged by an algorithm. Over 5,000 of those posts were confirmed to contain abusive, discriminatory or threatening content and were reported to social media companies.

The study conducted during 2023-24 examined social media posts related to championship-level events in six sports: baseball, basketball, gymnastics, football, softball and volleyball.

Of the abusive posts, the study found 80% were directed at March Madness athletes, with female basketball players receiving about three times more abusive messages than their male counterparts.

The study cited one unidentified athlete who received more than 1,400 harassing messages in a two-week span.

“The risks and mental health challenges associated with being a victim of online abuse or threats are real and have a direct and immediate effect on athletes, coaches, officials, and their families,” the NCAA wrote in its report. “This can impact them on both a personal and profes-

sional level, and ultimately affect their wellbeing and ability to perform at their best.”

The NCAA said sports-betting harassment was spread across all the championships covered in the study.

Racial comments made up about 10% of the abusive messages studied, but the survey found the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments were a focus of such content.

“Toxic online fans resorted to racist mockery, comparing players to monkeys and labelling them as thugs,” the NCAA’s study found.

Women’s basketball players, teams and officials received such

treatment, the NCAA said.

“The level of Dogwhistle content during the (basketball) Women’s championships should be highlighted as well in connection with racism,” the governing body said in the report.

The study monitored the accounts of 3,164 student-athletes, 489 coaches, 197 game officials, 165 teams and 12 NCAA official channels using Signify Group’s artificial intelligence Threat Matrix. It identified varying areas of online abuse and threats.

Violence was found to be the subject of 6% of all verified abusive and threatening content, according to the study.

College football at the FBS lev-

el, the men’s basketball tournament and volleyball all received “high proportions of violent, abusive or threatening content.”

Other threatening messages were connected to homophobia and transphobia, doping and steroid use and match officials.

The NCAA said risks come across all sports, saying in some instances volleyball and gymnastics generated more “concerning” abusive messages than March Madness or the College Football Playoff.

The NCAA report said social media abuse and threats can have a significant effect on athletes and others involved in college sports.

Even if an athlete who is the target of such abuse says they are fine, “this should not be assumed to be the case,” NCAA said.

Such targeting can continue after a welfare check, “which is why action needs to be taken to protect them long-term,” the organization said.

NCAA president Charlie Baker said the study is evidence of what some athletes deal with as they go through their time in college.

“We will exhaust all options to reduce the harassment and vitriol student-athletes are experiencing too often today,” he said in a statement.

Take Advantage Of Open Enrollment

SIDELINE REPORT

Take Advantage Of Open Enrollment

If you work for a midsize or large company, you may soon be able to review your employee benefits package, as we are entering the open enrollment season. So, consider your options carefully, with an eye toward making changes appropriate for your needs. Here are some of the key areas to look at:

• Retirement plan – Depending on your employer, you could change your 401(k) or similar retirement plan at any time of the year, but you might want to use the open enrollment season to review your contribution amounts. If your salary has gone up over the past year, you might want to boost your pre-tax contributions (including catch-up contributions beginning at age 50). At a minimum, try to put in at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. At the same time, look over how your contributions are allocated among the various investment options in your plan. You’ll want your investment mix to reflect your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Life insurance – If your employer offers group life insurance at no cost as an employee benefit, you may want to take it – but be aware that it might not be enough to fully protect your family should anything happen to you. You may have heard that you need about seven to 10 times your annual income as a life insurance death benefit, but there’s really no one right answer for everyone. Instead, you should evaluate various factors — including your mortgage, your income, your spouse’s income (if applicable), your liabilities, the number of years until your retirement, number of children and their future educational needs — to determine how much insurance you need. If your employer’s group policy seems insufficient, you may want to consider adding some outside overage.

• Disability insurance – Your employer may offer no-cost group disability insurance, but as is the case with life insurance, it might not be sufficient to adequately protect your income in case you become temporarily or permanently disabled. In fact, many employersponsored disability plans only cover a short period, such as five years, so to gain longer coverage up to age 65, you may want to look for a separate personal policy. Disability policies vary widely in premium costs and benefits, so you’ll want to do some comparison shopping with several insurance companies.

• Flexible spending account – A flexible spending account (FSA) lets you contribute up to $3,200 pre-tax dollars to pay for some out-of-pocket medical costs, such as prescriptions and insurance copayments and deductibles. You decide how much you want to put into your FSA, up to the 2025 limit. You generally must use up the funds in your FSA by the end of the calendar year, but your employer may grant you an extension of 2½ months or allow you to carry over up to $640.

• Health savings account – Like an FSA, a health savings account (HSA) lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay out-of-pocket medical costs. Unlike an FSA, though, your unused HSA contributions will carry over to the next year. Also, an HSA allows you take withdrawals, though they may be assessed a 10% penalty. To contribute to an HSA, you need to participate in a high-deductible health insurance plan. Make the most of your benefits package — it can be a big part of your overall financial picture.

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

Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

NCAA FOOTBALL

UNC football player Craft dies from rare lung cancer at 23

Chapel Hill

UNC football player Tylee Craft has died from a rare form of lung cancer. Coach Mack Brown made the announcement following the Tar Heels’ loss to Georgia Tech on Saturday. Craft was 23. Brown said he didn’t learn of Craft’s death until after the game. The team had honored Craft during Saturday’s game by wearing shirts bearing Craft’s name and number. UNC had honored Craft’s family on the field. Receiver J.J. Jones also wore Craft’s jersey during the game. Craft played a reserve role in 2020 and 2021 before his diagnosis in March 2022.

NFL

The 49ers fined $100K by NFL after Greenlaw shoved opponent on sideline Santa Clara, Calif.

The San Francisco 49ers were fined $100,000 as punishment for an inactive player getting involved in a sideline scuffle. Niners cornerback Charvarius Ward was engaged near the sideline with Cardinals tight end Trey McBride at the end of a play. McBride blocked Ward into the San Francisco bench area and Ward grabbed his face mask. Dre Greenlaw, who is on the physically unable to perform list, then shoved McBride away from Ward. There were no penalties called on the play, but all three players were issued fines. The Niners were fined because Greenlaw joined the fray as an inactive player.

NCAA SPORTS

DI Council approves cutting football, basketball portal windows to 30 days

Indianapolis The NCAA’s Division I Council approved changes to shorten the transfer portal windows for football and basketball from 45 to 30 days while keeping an additional 30-day window in all sports after the departure of a head coach. The new fall window will be 20 days after Bowl Subdivision conference championships from Dec. 9-28, with the remaining 10 days occurring from April 16-25 next spring. Basketball’s current window of March 17-April 30, 2025, will shorten to 30 days after the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The changes took effect last week.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Pitino makes surprise visit to Kentucky to support Pope Lexington, Ky. Rick Pitino was wildly cheered in a surprise return to Rupp Arena, with the Hall of Fame coach saying “I am so happy to be back” in a show of support for first-year Kentucky coach and former captain Mark Pope at the Big Blue Madness public practice. Pitino, who guided Kentucky back from NCAA sanctions to the 1996 national championship before later becoming an enemy to the fan base for coaching rival Louisville, dropped in near the end of the exhibition and received a standing ovation. Pitino, who coaches St. John’s, wore a blue pullover with the white UK logo.

MARK HUMPHREY / AP PHOTO
People talk with each other following a panel discussion at an NCAA Convention meeting in Nashville.

Lisa Marie Presley’s posthumous memoir selected by Oprah for book club

“From Here to the Great Unknown” was completed by Presley’s daughter

NEW YORK — Oprah Win-

frey has chosen Lisa Marie Presley’s posthumous memoir as her new book club pick and made a trip to the famed Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, to meet with Presley’s daughter and Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s granddaughter, actor Riley Keough.

Lisa Marie Presley’s “From Here to the Great Unknown,” completed by Keough after Presley died unexpectedly in 2023, was published last week. Winfrey’s interview with Keough, which will include rare family photos, home videos and audio recordings made by Lisa Marie Presley, aired Tuesday night on CBS.

“I have great love and admiration for Lisa Marie Presley, and was so moved that her daughter Riley, through her grief, was able to help her finish a beautifully touching memoir that allows us to see her mother at her most honest and vulnerable,” Winfrey said in a state -

ment. “This is an intimate look at what it was like growing up as heir to one of America’s most famous families.”

Keough said in a statement that upon being told by Winfrey that she had selected “From Here to the Great Unknown,” she thought of how her mother would have been proud “to know her story was going to be read and discussed with such empathy, thought and grace.”

“She would have felt incredibly vulnerable, but profoundly

grateful for the chance to really reach people,” added Keough, who along with Julia Roberts narrated the audiobook edition.

Lisa Marie Presley was the only daughter of Elvis Presley, who was just 42 when he died suddenly in 1977 at Graceland while young Lisa Marie was in the house. In preparing her memoir, she had recorded “story after story about smashing golf carts together in the yards of Graceland, about the unconditional love she felt from her father, about being upstairs, just the two of them. About getting dragged screaming out of the bathroom as she ran toward his body on the floor,” according to the publisher, Random House.

The singer and actor also talked about her marriage to Michael Jackson, struggles with addiction and the “ever-present grief” of losing her father. In a video clip released before Tuesday’s interview aired, Keough told Winfrey that, at times, she would find her mother on the floor, drunk, listening to her father’s music and crying.

Lisa Marie Presley was 54 when she died of complications from bariatric surgery years earlier.

physicians are

Dawn E. Kleinman,
RANDOM HOUSE VIA AP
“From Here to the Great Unknown” by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough.

this week in history

Capone convicted, supersonic Concorde flies, women march for right to vote

OCT. 17

1931: Mobster Al Capone was convicted in Chicago of income tax evasion.

1933: Albert Einstein arrived in the United States as a refugee from Nazi Germany.

1979: Mother Teresa of India was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

1989: A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck northern California, killing 63 people and causing up to $10 billion in damage.

OCT. 18

1977: Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in Game 6 of the World Series to lead the New York Yankees to an 8-4 win and a 4-2 Series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, earning him the nickname “Mr. October.”

1867: The United States took formal possession of Alaska from Russia.

1962: James D. Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins were honored with the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology for determining the

double-helix molecular structure of DNA.

OCT. 19

1781: British troops under Gen. Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, as the American Revolution neared its end.

1914: The First Battle of Ypres began in World War I.

1960: Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested during a sit-down protest at a lunch counter in Atlanta.

1977: The supersonic Concorde made its first landing in New York City, flying from Toulouse, France, in three hours and 44 minutes.

1987: The stock market crashed as the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 508 points on what came to be known as “Black Monday.”

OCT. 20

1803: The U.S. Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase.

1947: The House Un-American Activities Committee opened hearings into alleged communist influence and infiltration in the U.S. motion picture industry.

1977: Three members of the rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, were killed along with

three others in a chartered plane crash near McComb, Mississippi.

2011: Moammar Gadhafi, Libya’s dictator for 42 years, was killed.

OCT. 21

1879: Thomas Edison perfected a workable electric light at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey.

1797: The U.S. Navy frigate Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides,” was christened in Boston’s harbor.

1805: A British fleet commanded by Adm. Horatio Nelson defeated a French-Spanish

fleet in the Battle of Trafalgar; Nelson, however, was killed.

1917: Legendary jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie was born in Cheraw, South Carolina.

1966: A coal waste landslide that engulfed a school and some 20 houses in Aberfan, Wales, killed 144 people, 116 of them children.

OCT. 22

1836: Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first constitutionally elected president of the Republic of Texas.

1926: Ernest Hemingway’s first novel, “The Sun Also Rises,” was published.

1928: Republican presidential nominee Herbert Hoover spoke of the “American system of rugged individualism” in a speech at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

1934: Bank robber Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd was shot to death by federal agents and local police.

OCT. 23

1915: Tens of thousands of women paraded up Fifth Avenue in New York City, demanding the right to vote.

1983: A suicide truck-bombing at Beirut International Airport in Lebanon killed 241 U.S. service members.

Life flies by in Pugh, Garfield romance ‘We Live In Time’

The eventual child is also little more than a beautiful prop

IT’S NOT HARD to spend a few hours watching Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield fall and be in love. In “We Live In Time,” filmmaker John Crowley puts the audience up close and personal with this photogenic British couple through the highs and lows of a relationships in their 30s. Everyone starts to think about the idea of time, and not having enough of it to do everything they want, at some point. But it seems to hit a lot of us very acutely in that tricky, lovely third decade. There’s that cruel biological clock, of course, but also careers and homes and families getting older.

While we, and Tobias (Garfield) and Almut (Pugh), do indeed live in time, as we’re constantly reminded in big and small ways — clocks and stopwatches are ever-present, literally and metaphorically — the movie hovers above it. The storytelling jumps back and forth through time like a scattershot memory as we piece together these lives that intersect in an elaborate, mystical and darkly comedic way: Almut runs into

Tobias with her car. Their first chat is in a hospital hallway, with those glaring fluorescent lights and him bruised and cut all over.

I suppose this could be considered a Lubitschian “meetcute” even if it knowingly pushes the boundaries of our understanding of that romance trope. Before the hit, Tobias was in a hotel, attempting to sign divorce papers and his pens were out of ink and pencils kept breaking. In a fit of near mania, he leaves, wearing only his bathrobe, to go to a corner store and buy more. Walking back, he drops something in the street and bang: A new relationship is born. It’s the ultimate metaphor for the outof-body vulnerability required to fall in love.

There are several moments of mania that await both, particularly around a baby that just isn’t ready to come out yet — until it is and they’re nowhere near the hospital. I won’t ruin it, but it is one of the funnier, more emotional and memorable birthing scenes I’ve ever seen on screen. It’s one of those scenes where you don’t expect tears, but there they are.

Nick Payne’s script also leaves some things to be desired, especially in its fleshing out of Almut. By 34 she’s already a Michelin-starred chef and has a whole past life of athletic success that we learn

solutions

about. And yet early in her relationship with Tobias when he asks her if she wants kids, she flips. Now, there are bad ways to approach this topic with women, but her response felt unnatural, especially considering

that it’s entirely reasonable that adults who are getting serious have this conversation early. Instead, he’s the one who comes back and apologizes. The eventual child is also little more than a beautiful prop

with no spark or personality. We never see a tantrum or a need or want from her that doesn’t keep the adult story chugging along. She is simply a shorthand for what will be left behind if Almut does not win the cancer fight.

AP PHOTO
Gangster Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion on Oct. 17, 1931.
PETER MOUNTAIN / A24 VIA AP
Andrew Garfield, center, and Florence Pugh star in “We Live In Time.”

famous birthdays this week

Jean-Claude Van Damme is 64, “Weird Al” turns 65, Snoop Dogg hits 53

OCT. 17

Actor George Wendt is 76. Country singer Alan Jackson is 66. Animator-filmmaker Mike Judge is 62. Musician Wyclef Jean is 55. Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els is 55. Rapper Eminem is 52.

OCT. 18

Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka is 85. Composer Howard Shore is 78. Tennis Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova is 68. Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme is 64.

OCT. 19

Artist Peter Max is 87. Actor John Lithgow is 79. Fox News host Steve Doocy is 68. Singer Jennifer Holliday is 64. Boxing Hall of Famer Evander Holyfield is 62. “South Park” co-creator Trey Parker is 55.

OCT. 20

Rockabilly singer Wanda Jackson is 87. AActor Viggo Mortensen (“Lord of the Rings”) is 66. Rapper Snoop Dogg is 53. Actor John Krasinski (“The Office”) is 45.

OCT. 21

TV’s Judge Judy Sheindlin is 83. Actor Everett McGill is 80. Actor Dick Christie is 76. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is 75.

OCT. 22

Director Jan de Bont (“Twister,” “Speed”) is 81. Actor Jeff Goldblum is 72. Actor Luis Guzman (“Code Black”) is 68. Actor Bob Odenkirk is 62.

OCT. 23

Director Philip Kaufman (“The Right Stuff”) is 88. Director Ang Lee (“Brokeback Mountain,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”) is 70. Director-actor Sam Raimi (“Spider-Man” films) is 65. Singer “Weird Al” Yankovic is 65. Actor Ryan Reynolds is 48.

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PAUL A. HEBERT / AP PHOTO Rapper Snoop Dogg turns 53 on Sunday.
RICHARD SHOTWELL / AP PHOTO Courtroom reality show star Judge Judy Sheindlin turns 83 on Tuesday.
CASEY CURRY / AP PHOTO Performer and master of parody Weird Al Yankovic, pictured in 2014, turns 65 on Wednesday.

the stream

Travis Kelce plays celebrity games, ‘Shrinking’ returns, ‘Dating Game’ frightens

Lin-Manuel Miranda releases his first full post-”Hamilton” musical

The Associated Press

TRAVIS KELCE adds game show host to his growing resume with “Are You Smarter than a Celebrity?” and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Warriors,” a musical concept album inspired by the 1979 cult classic film, are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time include Anna Kendrick starring in a movie about the time a serial killer made his way onto the television show “The Dating Game” and “NCIS” looking back at character Leroy Jethro Gibbs in “NCIS: Origins.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

In 1978, a serial killer made his way onto the television show “The Dating Game.” Rodney Alcala was already a murderer by the time he appeared on the show as one of three bachelors seeking a date with a woman named Cheryl Bradshaw. Had they done a background check, they might have discovered that he’d been on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and already been imprisoned for violent crimes against an 8-year-old

In the new Netflix film “Woman of the Hour,” streaming Friday, Anna Kendrick stars as the woman on the show and puts the attention back on the victims.

If fake serial killers are more your style, “MaXXXine” starts streaming on MAX on Friday. The third film in Ti West and Mia Goth’s unlikely trilogy (following “X” and “Pearl”) takes the audience to the sleazy underground of 1980s Hollywood. Goth’s Maxine Minx is an adult film star hoping for a big break in mainstream movies. She gets a shot from Elizabeth Debicki’s refined director. But she’s also running from her past and a killer terrorizing the town. It’s very stylized and a little silly and underdeveloped, but it’s a fun watch with a fun, extended Lily Collins cameo.

And for those looking for a comedy, Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage play brother, and former partners in crime in a starry new movie coming to Prime Video on Thursday. Brolin is the one trying for a more normal life when Dinklage convinces him to embark on a road trip to a promised big score. “Brothers,” directed by Max Barbakow (who made the delightful time loop romantic comedy “Palm Springs”), also

features Marisa Tomei, Glenn Close, Brendan Fraser and Taylour Paige.

MUSIC TO STREAM

On Friday, Lin-Manuel Miranda — in his first full post-”Hamilton” musical — and the award-winning actor and playwright Eisa Davis will release “Warriors,” a musical concept album inspired by the 1979 cult classic film that follows a street gang as they make their way from the Bronx to their home turf of Coney Island amid an all-out blitz. There are some notable departures here, including some gender-flipping and inventive genre-melding, no doubt an extension of its allstar cast, which features everyone from Lauryn Hill and Marc Anthony to Colman Domingo, Busta Rhymes and more.

SHOWS TO STREAM

Austin Stowell plays a younger version of Mark Harmon’s “NCIS” character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, in “NCIS: Origins,” a series set 25 years before the orig-

inal. We meet this Gibbs as he’s beginning his career as a naval investigator. “NCIS: Origins” is available on CBS and streams on Paramount+. A new Peacock docuseries digs into the wild but true story of Elizabeth Finch, a former writer on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.” Finch wrote storylines she claimed were inspired by her own life and medical history, including a battle with bone cancer. She later admitted to lying. The three-part docuseries also tells the story of Finch’s ex-wife, who was the one to expose her deceit in the first place. “Anatomy of Lies” is streaming on Peacock. Travis Kelce adds game show host to his growing resume. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end hosts “Are You Smarter than a Celebrity?” on Prime Video. On the show, adult contestants answer elementary-grade questions with a pool of celebrities on standby, ready to help.

In the Apple TV+’s dramedy “Shrinking,” Jason Segel plays Jimmy, a therapist grieving the death of his wife and trying to navigate being a single parent to

a teen daughter. In season one, he begins to give his patients unorthodox advice, like inviting one (Luke Tennie) to move into his home. We also saw a new kind of family blossom between Jimmy, his colleagues (Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams) and neighbor (Christa Miller). Season two of the heartwarming comedy premieres Wednesday on the streamer.

In season three of Netflix’s “The Lincoln Lawyer,” Mickey Haller is rocked by the murder of his former client Gloria Days (Fiona Rene), but he also agrees to defend the man accused of killing her. The story is based on No. 5 of Michael Connelly’s The Lincoln Lawyer book series called “The Gods of Guilt.” It premieres Thursday on Netflix. The “Sheldon-verse” continues with “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” debuting Thursday on CBS. The series stars Montana Jordan as Sheldon’s older brother, George “Georgie” Cooper, and his new bride, Mandy, played by Emily Osment. It’s a sequel to “Young Sheldon,” which wrapped last May after seven

seasons. Episodes also stream on Paramount+. Coming to Peacock on Friday, “Hysteria!” follows members of a high school band who pretend to be in a Satanic cult for attention. Their plan falls apart when town members target the teens in a witch hunt. The series stars Julie Bowen of “Modern Family” and “Evil Dead” star Bruce Campbell.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

The holiday season is almost here, and for Nintendo fans, there’s no party like a Mario Party. Super Mario Party Jamboree follows the classic formula: It’s a virtual board game in which most of the spaces lead to a multiplayer contest. Up to four people can play in-person or online, though one online mode lets up to 20 compete in a hectic “Koopathlon.” There are 22 characters, seven different boards and more than 110 minigames covering the gamut of Mario Party silliness, from races to brawls to minigolf. The festivities start Thursday on Switch.

“NCIS: Origins,” “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity” and “Shrinking” are streaming this week.
LEAH GALLO / NETFLIX VIA AP
Tony Hale, from left, Anna Kendrick, Matt Visser, Jedidiah Goodacre and Daniel Zovatto star in “Woman of the Hour,” streaming on Netflix.

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