Chatham News & Record Vol. 146, Issue 49

VOLUME 146 ISSUE 49 | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024

CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM

C HATHAM NEWS & R ECORD THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

the

BRIEF this week

Pittsboro Farmers Market now accepts SNAP/EBT Holders of EBT cards can now use their SNAP benefits at the Pittsboro Farmers Market, open every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. at The Plant (220 Lorax Lane).

“It’s a meaningful step, ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, can access quality, locally grown food for their households,” said Mackenzie Withington of LillyDen Farm in a statement.

Expanding access to SNAP — still colloquially known as food stamps — is a benefit to both local farmers and recipients, and has been a growing movement at farmers markets around the country.

The Pittsboro market is also working on a dollar-fordollar matching program that would double the purchasing power of SNAP beneficiaries at the market.

NC State Poetry Contest taking submissions The annual NC State Poetry Contest is open to all North Carolina residents, including out-of-state and international students at NC universities. It is one of the largest free-to-enter poetry contests in the South.

The Dorianne Laux Prize for Poetry pays $500 to the winner.

Contestants have until March 1 to submit up to three never-published poems via mail to: NC State Poetry Contest Department of English North Carolina State University Campus Box 8105

PJ WARD-BROWN | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Innovating the future

Atkins High biotechnology student Ashvath Ramesh speaks with first lady Jill Biden during a visit to Forsyth Tech last week. Biden was in Winston-Salem to promote a new $30 million investment in local STEM education and research. Turn to Page A3 for more.

Chapel Hill council declines to issue Gaza resolution

By Matt Mercer Chatham News & Record CHAPEL HILL – The Town of Chapel Hill council met Wednesday, Jan. 24, hearing a feisty discussion on the Israel-Hamas war during the public comment period.

Passionate advocates made arguments both for and against the passing of a town resolution

in support of a call for an immediate ceasefire.

Following the 30 minute discussion period, the town council choose not to weigh in on the complex foreign policy matter, with Mayor Jessica Anderson making a lengthy acknowledgement of the fraught discussion and the heightened emotions on all sides.

“Thank you for coming out to-

night and for giving comments and for your engagement on this important issue,” said Anderson, in an attempt to placate the crowd. “I want to begin by acknowledging the worry, the fear, the pain and the anguish that this awful situation is causing people across this community and within our own organiza-

“We choose the issues we weigh in on with great care and, as a matter of practice, we do not weigh in on things that are outside of our expertise or authority.”

Chapel Hill Mayor Jessica Anderson

See CHAPEL HILL, page A12

Raleigh, NC 27695 Leave names off the poem so they can be judged anonymously, including name, address, phone, and email address on a separate cover sheet.

Pittsboro mayor joins EPA advisory committee

FEMA seeks applicants for Youth Preparedness Council

By Robert Owens for Chatham News & Record

FEMA is looking for future leaders in grades 8 through 11 to join the national Youth Preparedness Council, working on local and national projects and getting a sense of what it’s like to be an emergency manager.

The one-year appointment allows members to engage with top leaders at FEMA and national non-profits.

Applications must be submitted by March 4 on FEMA.gov.

PITTSBORO — Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp has joined the Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC).

Chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act in 1993, the LGAC is comprised of representatives both elected and appointed from state, tribal, territorial and local governments. Shipp joins fifteen new members representing southern states.

According to an EPA press release, the 37-member committee “will have 24 females and 13 males, including 13 people of color, and representation from 27 different states.”

The 2024 committee will consider issues around community level communication, climate change initiatives, lead and copper rule changes, and plastics pollution concerns.

Committee selections are made based on the number of applicants, geographic location, ethnicity and regional perspective. Mayor Shipp’s appointment will give a voice to the concerns of small towns across North Carolina and the southeast, particularly with how environmental policy can help or harm the community’s immediate concerns.

One topic of concern will be polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, representing growing concern for public health and environmental well being in North Carolina and across the country. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has identified multiple areas

Pittsboro weathers latest 1,4 dioxane release Chatham News & Record

COURTESY PHOTO

Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp where PFAS has affected local drinking water, including Upper Cape Fear River Basin near Pittsboro.

Exposure to polyfluoroalkyl has been linked to numerous health concerns and represents a critical issue for the long term health of affected communities.

“In joining the EPA’s Advisory Committee, I am eager to not only represent Pittsboro but to collaborate with other leaders in addressing PFAS challenges,” said Shipp in a statement. “Our town’s success in advanced water treatment showcases our commitment to public health and serves as a model for others. I look forward to working together with committee members to develop and share effective strategies for environmental protection.”

The issue is of even greater significance this year with the challenges Pittsboro is facing with its drinking water.

Shipp is in his first term as mayor of Pittsboro.

a day, drawing only the minimum amount needed to keep PITTSBORO — The Town the water system functional.

Officials also asked cusof Pittsboro was notified on Wednesday, Jan. 24, by Burl- tomers to reduce or eliminate ington city officials that regular non-essential water uses intesting performed at the South cluding landscape irrigation, Burlington Wastewashing vehicles and water Treatment houses, filling pools, Plant showed the etc. The town is acpresence of 1,4 diox- “[T]he water tively working with ane in the effluent, or the City of Burlingwater released back plant ceased ton and the N.C. Deinto the Haw River pulling water partment of Envifrom the facility. ronmental Quality to Further test- from the assess and respond ing confirmed that Haw River to this event.

1,4 dioxane entered Pittsboro also reand began the Haw River afnewed its partnerter passing through determining ship with Chatham Burlington’s plant. the availability Marketplace to ofThe sample taken in fer drinking water Burlington a day ear- of rush treated with relier showed 1,4 diox- testing.” verse osmosis and ulane concentrations tra-violet advanced of 545 µg/l leaving filtration systems at Pittsboro official no charge to Town of the plant.

“Upon receiving statement Pittsboro water custhis information, our tomers and customwater plant staff imers of Aqua NC who mediately began their process- receive their water from the syses for responding to this type of tem at Chatham Marketplace. event. Out of an abundance of Initial reports show positive caution, the water plant ceased signs for the town’s action. pulling water from the Haw Rush samples taken were River and began determining the availability of rush testing,” See DIOXANE, page A2 a statement from Pittsboro officials said in a statement.

Following the disclosure, Pittsboro officials said testing and sampling would increase to being conducted daily until they were confident the incident would not impact the town or when testing indicated the slug would pass. In addition, water plant staff implemented a plan $2.00 to operate the plant 24 hours

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

A2 THURSDAY

2.1.24 #24

DIOXANE from page 1

positive, according to Pittsboro officials, with results indicating the slug reached the town on Friday and not yet entered the water system.

Additional samples the town received Monday evening found the quick actions likely have reduced the impact of the release.

The tests found that raw composite samples consisted of 1.02 µg/L and finished composite samples were 1.96 µg/L.

The town notes that composite samples are those taken multiple times throughout the day and analyzed as a whole.

“The town is cautiously optimistic about these results, as they indicate that the Town’s response plan to 1,4 dioxane events successfully maintained our water supply while limiting the uptake of the substance into our water distribution system,” the Monday statement from the town read.

“Further, it appears the slug of 1,4 dioxane has passed by the

town, the portion that made it into our system is decreasing, and any remaining 1,4 dioxane is likely heavily diluted or moved downstream from the heavy rain over the weekend.”

Pittsboro will seek verification from Burlington city officials to confirm this week that they are also seeing decreasing or non-detectable 1,4 dioxane in their effluent. Until confirmation, town officials will continue only pulling minimal water from the Haw River and continue daily testing.

CHATHAM

happening SPONSORED BY

“Join the conversation”

CA RO LI N A F I R EA R M S T RA I N I N G

Chatham News & Record www.chathamnewsrecord.com

North State Media LLC 303 West Raleigh Street, Siler City, North Carolina 27344 Copyright 2023 North State Media LLC Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Asheebo Rojas, Sports Reporter A.P. Dillon, Capitol News Reporter Ryan Henkel, Reporter Bob Sutton, Reporter Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager

1641 Hawkins Ave., Sanford • (919) 356-6954 • www.carolinafirearmstraining.com

SCAN TO REGISTER

Concealed Carry Class – $75 Class dates (Siler City)

Feb. 4, Feb. 24, March 23, April 28 Class location: 410 Rives Chapel Church Rd. Siler City

Contact us today for more information!

The Chatham News & Record (USPS #101-160) is published weekly, 52 weeks a year, by North State Media LLC, 303 West Raleigh Street, Siler City, N.C. 27344.

CONTACT US For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 919-663-3232 To place a classified or display ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042 To submit a news tip or correction: 919-663-3232; email: news@ chathamnr.com

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

We stand corrected To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

CORRECTION: In the Jan. 25th issue, we reported that Pittsboro was making an ordinance change to reduce the rates on the electricity bills of some multi-unit apartment buildings. The ordinance change only affects water and sewer bills, not electricity rates (which the town has no control over). The Chatham News & Record regrets the error and any misunderstanding from the previous version of the article.

Red Cross Blood Drive 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at the Siler City Moose Lodge, 721 Alston Bridge Road. Walkins welcome or make an appointment at redcrossblood.org

Feb. 2 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

History enthusiasts are invited to join the Chatham County Historical Association at Wren Memorial Library for a monthly social event that delves into the past.

Participants are invited to share their memories, stories, mementos, and photos.

For ages 18+.

Send address changes to The Chatham News & Record, PO Box 290, Siler City, N.C. 27344

Auto-renew; cancel anytime

Feb. 1

Siler City History Social

N.C. POSTMASTER

Subscription rates begin at $6.58/ month (1 year print & digital, paid annually) or $4.92/month (digital only, paid annually). Pick your plan at www. chathamnewsrecord.com/subscribe.

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

THANK YOU CHATHAM COUNTY! We were happy to serve Chatham County and the surrounding area.

We closed 58 properties for a total of $23,395,650 and 975.212 acres.

Feb. 4 USA International Pedal Harp competition 5 p.m.

Noel Wan, gold medalist in the USA International Pedal Harp competition, will appear in a solo recital, no admission charged, on Feb. 4th, 2024, at 5 pm in Burlington, NC, at First Presbyterian Church.

Feb. 8

Mind-Body Movement

www

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Join Wren Memorial Library for this invigorating class that harmonizes the power of physical exercise and mindfulness. This class is suitable for all levels of movement and supplies are available if needed. Registration is required every month.

To register, individuals may call or email Wren Memorial Library. For ages 18+.

chathamnewsrecord.com

Drop-in Computer & Tech Assistance

Get in touch

We expect 2024 to be another above average year and look forward to helping more of you with your real estate needs.

THIS WEEK’S VIDEO Types of Easements Found in North Carolina

@ChathamNR

@ChathamNR

3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Visit the library’s computer lab on the second Thursday of each month for one-on-one help with your computer and technology questions.

No registration required.

ing

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

A3

accolades Fall 2023 App State Graduates The following Chatham County students graduated from Appalachian State University after the Fall 2023 semester.

Summa Cum Laude reflects a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.85, Magna Cum Laude is awarded to students with at least a 3.65 GPA and Cum Laude for a minimum GPA of 3.45.

Congratulations graduates!

Benjamin Francis Lockwood B.S. in Computer Science

Jasmine Farah Sedaghtzadeh B.S. in Psychology, Cum Laude

CHAPEL HILL

NEW HILL

Emily Susan Ball M.L.S. in Library Science, General

Ethan E. Edwards B.S. in Sociology

APEX

Ryan Shea Millis B.S. in Anthropology Tommy Jay Rosete Ocariza B.S. in Exercise Science

PITTSBORO Matthew Frederick Allen M.S. in Engineering Physics Caitlin Elizabeth Bailey B.S. in Exercise Science, Cum Laude

Alcinder James Lewis M.S. in Computer Science Emily Frances Zaremba B.S. in Psychology, Summa Cum Laude SILER CITY Christian Rodriguez B.S. in Exercise Science, Cum Laude Jeremy L. Simons B.S. in Sustainable Technology Sophie Claire Smith B.A. in English

First lady Jill Biden visits Forsyth Tech, unveils $30m investment

By Matt Mercer North State Journal WINSTON-SALEM — First lady Jill Biden made a pair of stops in North Carolina on Friday, Jan. 26, speaking at Forsyth Tech in the morning and then appearing at a fundraising event in Raleigh that afternoon.

The visit came just eight days after President Joe Biden made his own visit to the state, and the third in the past four weeks for the administration after Vice President Kamala Harris spoke in Charlotte.

At the campus of Forsyth Tech, Biden was joined by Gov. Roy Cooper and Winston-Salem mayor Allen Joines to celebrate $30 million in grants provided to two entities by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) and Morganton-based nonprofit The Industrial Commons (TIC) were awarded grants as Regional Innovation Engines by the NSF. Created by the CHIPS and Science Act, passed by Congress in August 2022, the NSF Engines Program aims to advance critical technologies and expand the nation’s innovation capacity by leveraging the resources, cre-

ativity, and ingenuity that exist across geographic regions throughout the country.

Each grant could yield up to $160 million over 10 years to each of the two North Carolina winners. Across the country, only 16 finalists were slated to receive the grants.

“The workforce in America starts in the high schools, goes to the community colleges, and then into great careers. Today’s investment of $30 million into the state of North Carolina is going to support that to create great jobs of the future,” said Biden at the event. “I’m happy to be here as a community college professor myself. I’m excited to see your programs and what you’re doing.”

The Wake Forest program, which will lead the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine, will tap the world’s largest regenerative medicine cluster to create and scale breakthrough clinical therapies, contributing to a growing industry that is key to healthcare delivery, according to a fact sheet at the event. The program includes a total of 80 partner organizations across the Piedmont. Those partners include Forsyth Technical Community College, North Carolina A&T

University, the RegenMed Development Organization and Winston Salem State University.

“We are excited that Biden Administration is yet again funding amazing projects in North Carolina that will create good-paying jobs and produce groundbreaking innovation,” said Gov. Cooper in a statement. “These awards funded by the CHIPS and Science Act will make innovative investments that lead to life saving treatments, a stronger workforce and a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.”

Following the visit at Forsyth Tech, Biden spoke a crowd of around 90 in Raleigh to raise money for her husband’s reelection campaign.

“This year, our campaign is going to do everything we can to make up that one point and more,” Biden said as the crowd cheered, noting that North Carolina was the closest state in 2020’s presidential election won by former President Donald Trump.

After giving a 12 minute speech, Biden traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, where the state’s presidential primary is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3.

MT. GILEAD BAPTIST CHURCH We Will Be Celebrating It’s 200th Anniversary On Feb.9th-11th.

All Are Invited To Come To Celebrate With Us During This Special Time!

Friday, February 9th, 2024 - 6:00PM Ham Biscuits, Fixins’, & S’mores Music by New Direction Bluegrass Saturday, February 10th, 2024 - 12:00PM BBQ & Fixins Old fashioned games & fellowship Sunday, February 11th 2024 - 9:30AM Breakfast Reception, 10:30AM Worship Extended Worship Service with music by Potter’s Will Church Potluck immediately following worship service.

Folks are encouraged, but not required, to dress in oldfashioned garb. The church will be decorated to look similar to how it did 200 years ago.

ANNUAL GOSPEL SING New Salem Church Sunday, February 25th at 6:30 p.m.

- GOSPEL BAND - GOSPEL QUARTET “REDEEMED HARMONY” Plan to attend and invite a friend!

5030 Old Graham Rd., Pittsboro, NC 919-542-4832 www.visitnewsalem.com CORINTH AME ZION CHURCH The Health Ministry of Corinth AME Zion Church will sponsor their annual Red Dress Day on Saturday, February 3rd at 4:00 PM at the church. Guest speakers will include: Mrs. Birtha Shaw, owner of Totally Committed, LLC; Ms. Melody Dark, owner of Be Transformed, LLC; Ms. Felicia Jeffreys, owner of Soul to Sole Massage Studio; and Mrs. Alessandra Chavous, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. Our focus is on self-care and wellness.

Love, joy, peace, patience, loyalty, justice, and mercy:

How can I live by these principles?

War, peace, future of the United States, future of the world:

Where are we going?

Jesus teaches these principles.

Jesus tells us where we are going.

Come walk with Jesus and hear what He has to say.

Walking with Jesus Location: Pittsboro Seventh-Day Aventist Church 637 West St. Pittsboro, NC 27312

Dates and Time: 2/22 - 3/15 Thursdays-Saturdays 6:45-8:00pm

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

A4

OPINION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

Write Like a Dog

We need new ways to remind ourselves of abiding truths.

KUDOS TO THIS NEWSPAPER for printing Chatham’s most talented teen writers! I hope every reader has enjoyed and appreciated the winners of our county’s library contest. Each entry has been worth the price of the paper. The stories are not only entertaining. While fictional, they contain great truths about such things as love and loss—how we have precious little control over those we would hold in our arms and hearts.

If I might address the younger generation of writers, I hope you continue to practice the craft. Storytelling is an ancient art.

Even today, with the abundance of videos in social media, there is still power in the written word. We need new ways to remind ourselves of abiding truths.

Yet, you’ll also find plenty of people who demean and dismiss written communication. In particular, it is popular to be cynical about the media.

Recently, I learned something about the word cynic. It actually meant “dog” in ancient Greek. Originally, the term referred to a sect of philosophy that was known for rude and aggressive behavior. From this association with an angry dog, a cynic came to refer to a sneering, sarcastic person.

As a writer and dog person, I wonder if becoming more

doglike is actually the antidote to cynicism, pessimism, and despair. My dog greets me at the door every single day. She never loses her enthusiasm! She’s also game for a w-a-l-k whenever that word is mentioned. On the leash, she sniffs the ground and, once she catches a scent, strains for it with all she’s got! I’m not a great dog trainer, but this still teaches me something about the goal of writing.

The great Robert Frost, who has some amazing poems about dogs (go look up “The Span of Life”), spoke the truth: “no tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.” Put pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard) about what moves you and what matters to you. Frost added, “No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” He meant that you don’t have to have it figured out. To write is also to explore. Your own words can take you on a journey.

Just the other day, my dog and I rounded a bend in the woods and discovered a new trail. Though it was a path that many had been down before, it was new to us. My dog looked back at me with a wide-mouth grin, as if to say, “Let’s go!”

Instead of a cynic, may you be a dogged writer in pursuit of beauty and truth.

EDITORIAL | BOB WACHS

What would happen if Phil had all the tech gadgets?

I say all the above to say this: weather forecasting is tricky business.

Long ago and far away in another world and another time, weather forecasting was a different animal. Tribal folks, nomads, even city dwellers got their hopes up or down by observing the heavens or remembering age-old trends or even spur of the moment happenings.

That latter would include, for instance, that if in the middle of the day, the sky suddenly turned pitch black and the wind started howling, then Ogg in his cave or Caesar in his palace could pretty well figure out that a big honkin’ storm was on the way and appropriate action such as tying down the camel should take place pretty soon.

Later as life became more civilized, folks started writing down weather histories and trends and teaching them to the next generation. Some of that has survived even to this day. My dear departed mother – bless her heart and soul – was fond of quoting to me and my brothers something about, “Red sky at night, sailors’ delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning.” Since I never joined the Navy, there was not much I got out of that but she liked it and on occasion would remind me that the storm we were enduring at that moment was brought to you by that proverb.

Included among those trends, of course, is The Old Farmer’s Almanac, whose name is a reference to how long the book has been published and not a comment on Old McDonald’s age. According to those folks, the Almanac has been in business since George Washington was President and has been predicting temperatures and precipitation with, they say, “amazing accuracy.” I guess if you don’t believe

in yourself, there’s no point in being in business.

Anyway, the Almanac goes on to say its “historical average rate for ‘forecasting the direction of temperature and precipitation from normal’ is 80%.” Almanac publishers say they do their work, forecasting 18 months in advance, through a combination of several methods.

One is a ‘secret formula” devised by Almanac founder Robert B. Thomas in 1792. Thomas believed Earth’s weather was influenced by sunspots – magnetic storms on the surface of the sun. He made notes about those storms; those notes are today kept in a locked black box at Almanac offices in Dublin, New Hampshire. Exactly how Mr. Thomas was able to spot those spots in those days isn’t divulged.

Almanac officials go on to say that since those first days, they have refined the formula with state of the art technology and modern science and now use three scientific disciplines in making their predictions: solar science, the study of sunspots and other solar activity; climatology, the study of prevailing weather patterns; and meteorology, the study of the atmosphere.

Anyway, words like “climatology” and “meteorology” are words that Big Weather or Mike Maze toss around on the TV as they click their computer gizmos and put up maps with big letters and squiggly lines all over them as they explain to us what it all means, all the while leaving them on display for about two seconds so we don’t have enough time to take it all in.

So where does that leave us today as we now have marched boldly into February?

I’m glad you asked that question.

The answer, of course, is Punxsutawney Phil from the same named town in Pennsylvania, actually from a nearby suburb, the colorfully named village of Gobbler’s Knob, or, on a more local level, when Sir Walter Wally of Raleigh made predictions before he retired. These two groundhogs, rumored to be twin sons of different mothers, are legends in the weather forecasting business, specifically if they saw their shadow on Feb. 2 – the day named in their honor – then we’re in for six more weeks of winter weather.

Personally, I’m inclined to believe that since we haven’t had all that much winter yet, that it’s far from being over, despite Phil’s or Wally’s beliefs. Besides, what if it were sunny at Phil’s and cloudy for Wally.

So who’s right?

I say all the above to say this: weather forecasting is tricky business. I watch the forecasts as a way to help plan my days.

Will it be okay to go out in short sleeves to feed the cows or should I bundle up like the North Pole? Should I have Shirley bring in more firewood or is she okay to lug it up as needed? Do we have enough coffee – forget the milk and bread – to make it through a coming blizzard? These and a host of other questions figure front and center as the forecasts are made.

So pay attention to the sunspots, groundhogs and squiggly lines on maps and tune in later.

And, oh by the way, the Almanac says February will be sunny, cold, rainy, sunny, mild, rainy, snow, cold, sunny, cold, milder, sunny, rainy, mild, showers, cool – in that order.

More from Phil later . . .

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

COLUMN | JAN HUTTON

COLUMN SUSAN ESTRICH

Exhorting? You bet.

“Nice” seems to fly under the public’s behavioral radar.

Loose lips

IT’S POSSIBLE I’ve been streaming too many legal dramas of late. When considering what to write, I kept hearing in my head, “Now, this is how you make your case.” Ok, ok, my little internal lawyer, no objections until I’m finished.

Here we go!

What’s my assignment today as a good human being?

Whoa, I won’t be graded on this, will I? No. What level of achievement would count as a passing grade for my chosen assignment? What’s the standard high bar….

Wait a minute, just wait a minute! We’re already talking about required levels of achievement and I have absolutely no idea WHAT I’m trying to achieve as a good human today. (Where the heck did this assignment originate? Great question, no answer. Probably an offspring of one of my shoulds.)

So, here’s my “good human” pitch for today.

Behaving as a nice person in life’s everyday situations. Huh? Are you rolling in the aisles, yet? Can’t say I blame you. Niceness is just so, so….mundane. I’m imagining a banner headline, “Hey, be nice out there!” (Actually, sarcasm aside, that banner is a pretty great idea!)

For heaven’s sakes, can’t you set a higher bar for today’s “being a good human” assignment?

“Nice” seems to fly under the public’s behavioral radar. It’s not one of those stellar values that draws “oh, wow!” comments of respect. I mean, would “nice” be a standout achievement on a resume?Are mentions of “nice” contained in a banner headline describing a hero, or even a

respectful obituary? “She was really… nice.”

Come on!

Whoa! Calm down. Haunted by my recent slew of streaming legal fair, I’ve decided to raise an objection after all, despite promising not to do so until the end. I’m disturbed by hearing this apparent diss of “being nice” behavior. I object!

Objection sustained. Let’s bring in a more robust defense, shall we? Offering a different take on “being nice.”

“Watch over one another in love, and stir up that which is pure in one another, and exhort one another daily.” (George Fox.) Admittedly, I’m stretching “being nice” a tad as an equivalent for exhorting one another. But I love this quote and have just been itching for an opportunity to use it! So herewith…

Returning to exhorting and its more low-key equivalent of being nice. From my vantage point, niceness often motivates a smile in its recipient, an unthawing if they’re unhappy, and a slew of other positive reactions. A slew! (Just love that word!) Is it selfish to say that I often experience a mirror reaction when behaving nicely toward someone? In the other’s opening of spirit, I feel an emotional uplift, mirroring their positive reaction. (Ok, ok, it may be selfish, but is there anything wrong with my benefiting from raising someone else’s spirits?)

Have I checked all the boxes for my assignment of “being a good human” today?

Damn right, I have! Oh, and here’s an afterthought; “stir up that which is pure in one another” would certainly make a an eye (and heart) opening T-shirt! Don’t you think?

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Notes From Auschwitz According to a recent Harvard/ Harris poll, 67% of people aged 18-24 in the United States say that the Jews “as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors.”

LAST WEEK, I visited Auschwitz.

I had never before visited any of the death camps.

The experience is absolutely chilling.

Auschwitz, of course, was a complex of camps, the three largest of which were Auschwitz I, the camp most famous for the terrifyingly Orwellian German slogan welded onto its entrance, “ARBEIT MACHT FREI” ― ”WORK SETS YOU FREE”.

Auschwitz II, also known as Birkenau, the massive death factory at which the Germans operated four large gas chambers, each of which could be used to murder 2,000 people at a time; and Auschwitz III, a large labor camp. Visiting in January, with the ice covering the ground, is a reminder of the cruelties that are possible when human beings commit to the perverse disease of Jewhatred.

Auschwitz was liberated some 79 years ago this month. But that perverse disease is alive and well. As survivor Marian Turski says, “Auschwitz did not fall suddenly from the skies, it was all tiny steps approaching until what happened here behind me did happen.”

That gradualism masked the greatest evil in world history. As we descended into Krakow for the visit, I read the diaries of Victor Klemperer, a secular, intermarried Jew who had converted to Protestantism and who lived in Dresden during the period of Hitler’s rule. Klemperer details the slow but steady changes that turned Jews into outcasts, no matter their ideology or even religious practice. Klemperer, for his part, considered himself a good German and the Nazis the outliers; even in 1942, Klemperer wrote, “I am fighting the most difficult of battles for my German-ness now. I must hold on to it: I am German, the others are un-German.”

His protestations meant nothing.

Why? Because Jew-hatred is and was a conspiracy theory rooted in the supposed power of the Jew. And there is nothing new about that theory; it is seductive and easy and ancient. In Egypt, Pharaoh spoke thus: “Look, the children of Israel are too numerous and large for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase.”

In Persia, Haman told Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different from those of any other people and who do not obey the king’s laws.”

In Poland, Bogdan Chmielnicki told the

Poles that they had been sold by the Polish nobility “into the hands of the accursed Jews.”

In Russia, the bestselling “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” alleged a Jewish conspiracy to exploit and control the gentile world. In Germany, Hitler wrote that the Jews sought to make the gentile world “ripe for the slave’s lot of permanent subjugation.”

Today, across the Muslim world, the toxic proposition that the Jews control the world is a popular notion and provides justification for murderous terrorist attacks on Jewish civilians: according to a recent poll from the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, only 5% of all Middle Eastern and North African Arabs condemned Oct. 7 as an “illegitimate operation.”

Across time and place, such ideas sprang from religion, from ethnic polarization, from nationalistic excess. Today, at least in the West, such ideas spring from an ideology that suggests a hierarchy of oppression that dominates Western societies, in which disproportionately successful groups are victimizers and disproportionately unsuccessful groups the victimized. It is no coincidence that LGBTQ+ and BLM activists, who propagate that victim/victimizer narrative, side with the genocidal Jew-hating terror group Hamas.

According to a recent Harvard/Harris poll, some 67% of people aged 18-24 in the United States say that the Jews “as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors.”

Visiting Auschwitz, one can see the apex results of such perverse ideas. Another Holocaust may not be right around the corner; geopolitical conditions are not what they were in 1940, and no serious power has the means and capacity to accomplish anything like the Holocaust today (though Iran armed with a nuclear bomb would be a different story). But certainly the slogan “Never Again” cannot be used by those who currently hand-wave the atrocities of Oct. 7 in the name of fighting supposed “Jewish power.”

The only way to stop Jew-hatred is to stop conspiratorial thinking — particularly the conspiratorial thinking of those in the West who despise meritocracy itself and instead see the mirage of the “powerful Jew” hiding behind every problem.

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | PETER ABKEN IN HIS COLUMN on January 25, syndicated columnist Ben Shapiro tried to enlighten Chatham News & Record readers on why Trump won the GOP nomination, but he broke no new ground by reciting from the Republican playbook. He noted that Trump believes that he, and other conservatives, “are targeted for destruction by America’s most powerful institutions.”

The fact is that Trump’s spiraling legal problems are of his own making. Shapiro repeats the canard that the legal system is “weaponized” against the former president, who has been facing half a dozen trials, most recently with his federal defamation trial concluding in an $83 million verdict against him.

Overwhelmingly, Republican lawmakers who live in fear of Trump — or who have no more sense or

A5

decency than the former president—line up behind him, as do his “low-information” Republican voters.

However, after the January 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol and Trump’s second impeachment acquittal for incitement of that insurrection, none other than Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell — not some woke Democrat! — declared that “… impeachment was never meant to be the final forum for American justice….We have a criminal justice system in this country. We have civil litigation. And former presidents are not immune from being held accountable by either one.”

I look forward to seeing justice prevail.

Peter A. Abken Siler City

DONALD TRUMP is on a roll.

No, I’m not talking about his victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, although of course he won them both. I say “of course” because he’s a president running for his second term, and if you judge him like you would an incumbent — who you would expect to do better than 80% or more — the fact is that he underperformed, especially in New Hampshire. He may be on a roll to the nomination, but the roll I’m talking about has to do with showing his true colors, which will end in his defeat.

The man cannot control himself. Start with where he finds himself — in a courtroom, at the defense table, being chastised by a judge because he can’t keep his mouth shut.

It’s becoming an all-toofamiliar position for the former president, sure to be even more so in the months ahead. He can’t stop muttering insults, notwithstanding the defense’s objections that the jury could hear him. But that’s not the only place he’s shown his lack of control.

Last week, at 2 a.m., he took to Truth Social to rant about his quest for absolute immunity. This was after his lawyer told a court that even if he ordered a team of Navy Seals to assassinate a political opponent, he could not be arrested or prosecuted until and unless the House impeached him and the Senate convicted him.

Trump was even more blunt: The rant was that, as president, he was entitled to “ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY” even if he “crossed the line.” So much for the fundamental principle that, in a democracy, no one is above the law.

On Sunday night, he went off the rails in his campaign stump speech on the subject of absolute immunity, adding in references to pedophile priests and rogue cops, seeming to suggest that their existence somehow buttressed the case for him to be absolutely immune. How? Why? Slurring his words, and making no sense, he sounded like a befuddled would-be dictator with no morals at all.

And then came Tuesday night.

He took obvious pleasure in humiliating his former rivals, Vivek Ramaswamy and Tim Scott. He gave Ramaswamy exactly one minute to grovel (he actually took an additional 40 seconds) before mocking Scott for having announced his engagement to marry the day before, leading commentators to explain that his feigned surprise was in fact a reference to the rumors that Scott is gay.

That was nothing compared to the wrath he displayed for Nikki Haley, who he spent most of his speech attacking on the ground that “I find in life you can’t let people get away with bulls—-.”

Scott, who was appointed to the Senate by Haley, clapped uncomfortably while Trump attacked her for everything from her clothes to her determination to stay in the race.

To say that he didn’t act like a winner, but a bitter old man, is an understatement.

His former press secretary, appearing on Fox News, pointed out the obvious: that with 7 out of 10 Haley voters saying they would not vote for Trump, it was time for the former president and presumptive nominee to reach out to unify the party rather than excoriate his opponent. Just before midnight on Truth Social, he reacted by calling them both names: “I don’t need any advice from RINO Kayleigh McEnany on Fox. Just had a GIANT VICTORY over a badly failing candidate, ‘Birdbrain,’ and she’s telling me what I can do better.”

Then he returned to New York, bringing even more attention to the E. Jean Carroll trial, where he had already been found liable for sexual assault and defamation, and the only question was how much it would cost him. The day before, Trump had walked out of the courtroom muttering loudly, “This is not America.”

The jury had an answer for that: $83.3 million.

No one is above the law. Loose lips sink ships.

A6

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

obituaries

SPONSORED BY DONALDSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY We offer an on-site crematory with many options of Celebration of Life services, Traditional, and Green Burials. Call us to set an appointment to come by and learn more.

Ralph Thomas Blalock

Aug.13th, 1928-Jan.23rd, 2024 Ralph Thomas Blalock, 95, of Bear Creek, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

Ralph was born in Chatham County on August 13, 1928, to Dewey and Mary Kate Straughn Blalock. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margie Moody Blalock; brother, Curtis Blalock; and sister, Frances B. Oldham.

Mr. Blalock was a member of Sandy Branch Baptist Church where he was on the Grounds Committee and a member of the Men’s Sunday School Class. He was a supervisor for Townsend Foods for over 29 years. Ralph

John T. Gaines, Sr.

Aug.20th, 1935-Jan.23rd, 2024 John T. Gaines, Sr., born August 20, 1935; went to his heavenly home January 23, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Corbett Gaines and Clara Phillips Gaines; his brother, Shellie Gaines; his sister, Delores G. Register; and his beloved basset hounds, Elsie and Jack.

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Annie Kay Gaines; daughters, Cecelia Kidd (Dale) and Gail Kendrick (Randy); sons, Tom Gaines (Jeannie) and Justin S. Gaines (Natalie); brothers, Max Gaines and Phil Gaines Sr. and wife, JoAnn. He loved and was loved by 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren (soon to be 12) and numerous nieces and nephews.

He served our country in the

was a hard worker and good 396 West St., INPittsboro, MEMORY NC 27312 | 919-542-3057 | www.donaldsonfunerals.com mechanic. He was proud that he built his own house.

Ralph is survived by his AUTUMN HAILEY NUNNERY daughters, Linda B. Mashburn JAN.13TH, 1998 – JAN.21ST, 2024 and husband, Roger, of Bear Creek, and Lea Ann B. Thomas Autumn Hailey Nunnery, 26, passed away on Sunday, January 21st, 2024. and husband, Paul of Leland, NC; brothers; Leroy Blalock She was born January 13th, 1998, in Lee County to Ronald Scott Nunnery and Julia and John Blalock; sisters, Mary B. Bayles and Betty B. Elizabeth Wallace. She is a graduate of Chatham Central High School and Central Gonzalez; grandchildren, Billy Carolina Community College in Sanford with a degree in cosmetology. She attended Mashburn and wife, Julie, Mike Red Hill Missionary Baptist Church and was employed by Great Clips of Pittsboro. She Mashburn and wife, Kari, Amy previously worked at Dry Dock Seafood.

Gilleland and husband, Robby, Brooke Thomas, and Travis She is preceded in death by maternal grandfather, Ted Wallace, paternal grandmother, Thomas; great-grandchildren, Debbie Nunnery, uncle, Randy Clark, Jr. She is survived by her father, Ronald Scott Chase Mashburn, Hayley Lemons and husband, Josh, Miles Nunnery of Bear Creek, her mother, Julia Elizabeth Wallace of Siler City, maternal Gilleland, Peyton Mashburn, grandmother, Bettie Webster Wallace of Goldston, Paternal grandfather, Roger Dale Crew Gilleland, Ryder Mashburn Nunnery of Bear Creek, two aunts, Vivian Wallace (Steve) of Holly Spring and Cathy and Parker Mashburn. He is also Nunnery (John) of Bear Creek, and her boyfriend, Tony Hogan, Jr. of Siler City. She is also survived by his brother-in-law, survived by several nieces and nephews.

Earle Moody (Sandra) and sisterin-law, Lucille Moody (Jimmy – dec), and several cherished nieces Autumn loved spending time with family and friends, listening to music, shopping, and and nephews. helping people.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at A funeral service will be held at Bethany Baptist Church in Gulf, NC, Saturday, January Sandy Branch Baptist Church, at 27th, 2024, at 1 PM. Burial will follow in church cemetery. Services will be officiated by 2:00 PM, with Rev. Lee Callicutt Reverend Phillip Nelson and Patrick Daniel. Visitation will be Friday, January 26th, 2024, officiating. from 6-8 PM at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be John, Tony, Ray, Eric, In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Sandy Branch Jody, and Chad.

Church Cemetery Fund.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Nunnery family.

Home is serving the Blalock family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com

U.S. Army as a Military Police and was proud to be a Veteran.

After retiring from a banking career of 30+ years, he worked for United Fire and Safety in Goldston and Construction Equipment Parts. Johnny was active in Goldston Baptist Church having served as Men’s Sunday School teacher and Finance Director for many years. He was a member of the Goldston Lions Club and Goldston Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to Chatham Animal Rescue & Education, PO Box 610, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at Goldston Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, with Pastor Bruce MacInnes officiating. Burial will follow in the Goldston Cemetery with Military Honors by the Randolph Honor Guard.

The family wishes to express their grateful appreciation for all the thoughts and prayers on our behalf during this difficult journey. Please continue to pray for all the family.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Gaines family.

Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

EVELYN SUE JONES SHEFFIELD OCT.4TH, 1940-JAN.23RD, 2024

Evelyn Sue Jones Sheffield, 83, of Ramseur, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at the Randolph Hospital. The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Appalachian Funeral Services, in Sylva, NC, with Rev. Don Johnson, Rev. Wayne Sheffield and Rev. Shane Silvers presiding. The burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens, in Sylva. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12:00. A memorial service will be held at Fall Creek Baptist Church, in Bennett, NC, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Fall Creek Baptist Church, in Bennett, NC, with Pastor George Townsend presiding.

Evelyn was born in Jackson County on October 4, 1940 to James Leonard Jones, Sr. and Ethel Fox Jones. Her first job was a telephone operator. While her husband was in the Navy, she was both Mom and Dad. They moved back to Sylva in 1975. She later owned and operated a restaurant with her husband. Evelyn enjoyed working in her flowers and collecting knick-knacks. She was a good Christian woman who loved the Lord and her family. Evelyn always had a positive outlook, no matter the circumstances. When asked what her biggest accomplishment was, she replied, “My children.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Christine Swanson, Annie Nell Crowe, Helen Wooten, and Geneva Humphrey; brothers, James Leonard Jones, Jr., Alex Jones, Grover Jones and Cleasure Jones.

She is survived by her husband, James Clark Sheffield, Sr., of the home; children, James Clark Sheffield, Jr., of Marietta GA and Anesa Brooks and husband, Darin, of Bennett; grandson Wyatt James Brooks, of Bennett; sisters, Ruby Cabe, of Franklin, NC, Mildred Connor of Brevard, NC and Bessie Cogdill and husband, Doyle, of Sylva, NC; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

CYNTHIA KAY SLYCORD SCOTT MAY 27TH, 1960-JAN.24TH, 2024

Cynthia Kay Slycord Scott, 63, of Seagrove, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Randolph Hospice House. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Cynthia was born in Moore County on May 27, 1960 to Wayne and Shelby Jean Ritter Slycord. She was a homemaker and loved fishing yard sales, flea markets and being outside. She adored her family and treasured spending time with them.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, one brother and one sister.

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Walter Brantley Scott, of the home; daughters, Brandy Scott (Carson Bruton), of Mt. Gilead and Sarah Bridges (Steven Collins), of Asheboro; step-children, Kimberley McPherson (Chris), of Silk Hope, Matthew Scott (Mandy), of Robbins and Michael Scott, of Robbins; brother, Phillip Slycord (Rhonda), of Archdale; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; mother and father-in law, Betty and Buster Scott, of Robbins; sister-in-law, Gayle Maness (Gary), of Carthage; brother-in-law, Bradley Scott (Tina), of Seagrove and a host of family and friends.

396 West St., Pittsboro, NC 27312 | 919-542-3057 | www.donaldsonfunerals.com

We offer an on-site crematory with many options of Celebration of Life services, Traditional, and Green Burials. Call us to set an appointment to come by and learn more.

A7

CLASSIFIED ADS

REAL ESTATE LEARN ABOUT LAND - Chatham Land Experts, www. learnaboutland.com - 919-362-6999 Jy2,tfnc

LAND FOR SALE 7 ACRES FOR SALE-360 FT FRONTAGE-3794 North Hwy.87, Pittsboro, NC-$235,000 OR Partnership with grading company. Call or text Thomas at 704-650-0348.

J25,F1,8,15,22,29p

RENTALS, APARTMENTS Single wide 2 bedroom, 1 bath mobile home in Sanford. Lots of upgrades – NO pets - $700/month With a $700/deposit. For questions, call 919-418-3545.

2tp Home For Rent-3 bedroom, 1 ½ bath brick ranch home located at 500 Eden Hills, Siler City, NC, for lease on a yearly basis at $1,400 per month, yard maintenance year around included. All appliances remain, no pets and no more than two adults and two children. Call Meacham Realty at 336-6221998 in Liberty for more information.;D14,21,28,J4,11,18,25c POWELL SPRINGS APTS. Evergreen Construction introduces its newest independent living community for adults 55 years or older, 1 and 2 bedroom applications now being accepted.

Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 919533-6319 for more information, TDD #1-800-735-2962, Equal housing opportunity, Handicapped accessible A2,tfnc ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS now for one-bedroom apartments, adults 55 years or older. Water included, appliances furnished, on-site laundry, elevator, keyless entry.

Section 8 accepted. No security deposit. Application fee $25 per adult. Call Braxton Manor, 919-663-1877. Handicap accessible. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Jy14,tfnc

AUTO FOR SALE RV FOR SALE - RV for sale, Damen Daybreak 2000, 75,000 miles, runs great, good tires, good air conditioner, good generator. $10,000, Financing available, 919-828-4247.

Jn8,tfncx

WANTED Seeking to rent two parking spaces for car sharing services in the general Pittsboro/Siler City Area. Please call or text 919-503-2021.

F1,8,15,22,29,M7,14,21p

PETS FOR SALE BEAUTIFUL SHIH-TZU PUPPIES – ALL SHOTS & DEWORMED – CALL 919-214-1849 OR 919-663-5780.

2tp AKC GERMAN SHEPHARD PUPS – 8 WEEKS OLD – FEMALES AND MALES – PARENTS ON SITE – WORMED AND HAS THEIR FIRST SHOTS - $300/EACH – 336-233-7039 2tp

AUCTIONS RICKY ELLINGTON AUCTIONEERS - Equipment, business, liquidation, estates, land, houses, antiques, personal property, coins, furniture, consignments, benefits, etc., NCAL #7706, 919-548-3684, 919-663-3556, rickyellingtonauctions@yahoo.com, Jy6,tfnc

SERVICES

Students, get your applications in for the 2024 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour!

Each year, Central Electric sponsors two rising high school juniors or seniors on the trip of a lifetime to Washington, D.C in connection with the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.

While in D.C., you’ll join 1,800 other students from across the country to meet members of Congress and learn more about American history and electric cooperatives.

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

CEMCPower.com

919-774-4900 800-446-7752

—

128 Wilson Rd SANFORD, NC

ON-SITE IN SILER CITY – ALTERATIONS & MONOGRAMMING, GRAVE TOPPERS & SIDE VASES, WREATHS, HAND-MADE BOWS, FABRICS AND SEWING SUPPLIES. STORE# 919-930-4719 ALTERATIONS# 910-723-7847 HOURS: WED., THURS., FRI. – 10AM TO 5PM – OPEN ½ DAY ON SATURDAYS. LYNNE’S OUTLET – 1328 E. RALEIGH ST., SILER CITY RAINBOW WATER FILTERED VACUUMS, Alice Cox, Cox’s Distributing - Rainbow - Cell: 919-548-4314, Sales, Services, Supplies. Serving public for 35 years. Rada Cutlery is also available.

Au26,tfnc

The trip will be hosted in June 2024 and the deadline for all applications is Jan. 22. Scan the QR code or visit CEMCPower.com to apply or to find out more information.

—

ny , set ore.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

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. Call John Hayes, 919-548-0474.

N9-MAR21P

HELP WANTED FOOD SERVICES STAFF, Pittsboro Christian Village is accepting applications for Server, Pantry Cook, and Cook.

Apply in person 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, at 1825 East St. in Pittsboro.

Jy14,tfnc

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

A8 CLASSIFIED ADS

HIRING CNA’s ALL SHIFTS

CALL: 919-542-3151

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for appointment to complete application and interview.

Pittsboro Christian Village 1825 East Street, Pittsboro, NC

APARTMENTS

Now accepting applications for 2BR, 1.5BA

Range, refrigerator, dishwasher are included in the rent. Rent starts at $630 and up.

400 Honeysuckle Dr., Pittsboro, NC 27312 919-542-5410 TDD 1-800-735-2962 Email: pittsborovillage@ECCMGT.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

ĭȦȦΈ͋̓͋З͋​͋​͋З͉̓͊ͅΈʯɣΈʣƔǨƢƛʿȦƢΈ̋ɣʿʋΈǑʋƢƢΈʉʿɣʯƢΗ

;V Z\ITP[ JSHZZPÄLK HKZ JVU[HJ[ HKZ'JOH[OHTUY JVT

Dental Insurance Get the dental care you deserve with dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. It can help cover the services you’re most likely to use –

Cleanings

X-rays

Fillings

Crowns

Dentures

TAKE NOTICE

Preventive care starts right away NOTICE

Helps cover over 350 services

The Chatham Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors will meet on Thursday, February 8th, at 7 pm at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, 1192 US 64 W Business, Pittsboro (west side entrance) in the conference room.

All meetings are open to the public. To be added to the agenda or for more information, please call (919) 545-8440.

Go to any dentist you want – but save more with one in our network No deductible, no annual maximum

Call today for all the details.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

844-903-1784

Call now to get this FREE

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY Here’s the information you requested on Dental insurance

Information Kit!

dental50plus.com/chatham

The undersigned, JESSE ALAN MOOREFIELD, having qualified on the 4TH day of JANUARY, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of THOMAS PEYTON MOOREFIELD, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations FIRST-CLASS MAIL having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 1ST day of MAY 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 1ST Day of FEBRUARY 2024.

JESSE ALAN MOOREFIELD, EXECUTOR O

O

Product not available in all states. Includes the Participating Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider.

Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-888-7994433 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN). Rider kinds B438/B439.

6154-0120

2421 TIMBER OAK DRIVE HILLSBOROUGH, NC 27278 Run dates: F1,F8,F15,F22p

TAKE NOTICE NOTICE OF HEARINGS TOWN OF SILER CITY The following items will be considered by the Siler City Town Board on Monday, February 5, 2024. The hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Siler City Court Room of the Siler City Town Hall at 311 N. 2nd Ave. Legislative Hearings R24 – 0102 – Rezoning of a portion of a parcel zoned Agricultural Residential (AR) to Agricultural Residential/ Conditional (AR-C), portion being 25.85 acres ±, addressed as unaddressed parcel at the corner of W. 3rd Street and Ellington Road (parcel number 13105) and being the property of Womble Leisel Estate et al & Womble Burdine Estate, represented by Wayne Nichols for Duke Energy Progress, LLC. The proposed items are available for review by contacting Jennifer C. Baptiste at jbaptiste@silercity.org or 919726-8626. All persons interested in the outcome of the item are invited to attend the legislative hearing and present comments, testimony, and exhibits on the above referenced item.

These are separate hearings: Interested parties may submit evidence and written comments. Written comments or evidence on these applications can be submitted by email to kpickard@silercity.org. Individuals desiring to speak must sign up by calling 919-726-8620 before 12:00 p.m. on or before the scheduled public hearing date.

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

This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Kimberly Pickard at 919-726-8620, 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344, or kpickard@silercity.org for accommodations for this request. Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Kimberly Pickard al kpickard@silercity.org o 919-726-8620 o en 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344 de alojamiento para esta solicitud.

NOTICE

LEGISLATIVE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

TOWN OF PITTSBORO, NC

NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

On Monday, February 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm, the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners will hold the following legislative public hearings in person at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center at 1192 Hwy 64 Business West, Pittsboro:

DISTRICT COURT DIVISION CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. FILE NO. 19 CvD 641 COUNTY OF CHATHAM Plaintiff, vs.

The HEIRS, ASSIGNS and DEVISEES of JARMIRI BALKCON, et al TO: The HEIRS, ASSIGNS and DEVISEES of JARMIRI BALKCON and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder and The HEIRS, ASSIGNS and DEVISEES of MARY THOMAS A/K/A MARY JONES and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder A pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action and notice of service of process by publication began on January 18, 2024 The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Foreclosure on tax parcel(s) more completely described in the Complaint, to collect delinquent ad valorem taxes (assessments). Plaintiff seeks to extinguish any and all claim or interest that you may have in said property.

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after the date of the first publication of notice stated above, exclusive of such date, being forty (40) days after January 18, 2024, or by February 27, 2024, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service of process by publication will apply to the Court for relief sought. his the 10th day of January, 2024.

ZACCHAEUS LEGAL SERVICES MARK D. BARDILL/MARK B. BARDILL Attorney for Plaintiff NC Bar #12852/56782 310 W. Jones St. P. O. Box 25 Trenton, North Carolina 28585 Telephone: (252) 448-4541 Publication dates: January 18, 2024: January 25, 2024: February 1, 2024

PB-23-306 – Bellemont Station MUPD revision. A legislative request by CE Group, on behalf of Emgee, LLC (Prateek Chandak), are requesting revisions to the existing MUPD on parcels 72984, 84006, and 89786.

The combined acreage is approximately 154.42 acres, with parcel 89786 of approximately 6.755 acres already developed with apartments as part of the original approval.

The project is located at US 15-501 N and Lowes Dr. Northwood Landing MUPD Sign Plan Amendment.

Northwood Landing MUPD is requesting to modify existing sign ordinance to align with current Town of Pittsboro standards stated in the UDO. This request is to ensure all signage within the Town of Pittsboro meets the same standard.

The hearing will be held in person. The public can also watch the hearing live on the Town’s YouTube channel at https:// www.youtube.com/@townofpittsboronc/streams.

Members of the public must attend in person if they wish to speak at the hearing.

Contact the Town Clerk, Carrie Bailey, by 4 pm on February 12, 2024, with written comments or to sign up to speak at the legislative hearing. You can contact Carrie Bailey at cbailey@pittsboronc.gov, (919) 542-4621 ext. 1104, or PO Box 759, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

NOTICE NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. FILE NO. 08 CvD 1004 COUNTY OF CHATHAM Plaintiff, vs.

The HEIRS, ASSIGNS and DEVISEES of JAMES W. HORTON, et al TO: The HEIRS, ASSIGNS and DEVISEES of JAMES W. HORTON and spouse, if any, which may include The HEIRS, ASSIGNS and DEVISEES of SHELLEY H. SANTIFUL and spouse, if any, which may include CLAUDIE SANTIFUL, JR.’s spouse, if any, and ANTHONY A. SANTIFUL and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder A pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action and notice of service of process by publication began on January 18, 2024.

The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Foreclosure on tax parcel(s) more completely described in the Complaint, to collect delinquent ad valorem taxes (assessments). Plaintiff seeks to extinguish any and all claim or interest that you may have in said property.

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after the date of the first publication of notice stated above, exclusive of such date, being forty (40) days after January 18, 2024, or by February 27, 2024, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service of process by publication will apply to the Court for relief sought.

This the 10th day of January, 2024.

ZACCHAEUS LEGAL SERVICES MARK D. BARDILL/MARK B. BARDILL Attorney for Plaintiff NC Bar #12852/56782 310 W. Jones St. P. O. Box 25 Trenton, North Carolina 28585 Telephone: (252) 448-4541 Publication dates: January 18, 2024, January 25, 2024, February 1, 2024

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

A9

TAKE NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Jeanne Patricia Decherd of Chatham County, North Carolina, the under- signed does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corpora- tions having claims against the estate of said decedent to ex- hibit them to the undersigned on or before April 10, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All per- sons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate pay- ment to the undersigned.

This the 3rd day of January, 2024 Administrator Judith Decherd Jones 323 Carolina Meadows Villa Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against Gloria Donna Sorensen (aka Gloria D. Sorensen), deceased of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before April 22nd, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 18th day of January, 2024. Keith R. Sorensen, Executor, c/o Andrew W. Blair, Poyner Spruill, LLP, 301 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1900, Raleigh, NC 27601 Chatham News: January 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Probate #___23-E-705___________

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, DENISE D.DUNN, having qualified on the 2ND day of JANUARY, 2024, as EXECUTRIX of the Estate of DONALD RAY DAVIS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 17th day of APRIL 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 18TH Day of JANUARY, 2024.

DENISE D.DUNN, EXECUTRIX 904 BEAR CREEK CHURCH RD. BEAR CREEK, NC 27207 Run dates: J18,25,F1,F8p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Chatham County North Carolina 23 E 704 The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Peggy J. Brinn, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, hereby notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of April, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All person in-debted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 10th day of January, 2024.

Jack E. Brinn, Jr., Executor c/o Margaret K. Winfield PO Box 10669 Raleigh, NC 27605

All persons, firm and corporations having claims against Michael Thompson Perry, late of Chatham County, North Carolina are hereby notified to present them to Catherine Lynn Jones, as Executor of the decedent’s estate in care of Kendall H. Page, Attorney, 210 N Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 on or before the 11th day of April 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 above named Executor.

Kendall H. Page 210 N Columbia Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Bar # 14261 Please run: 1/11/2024, 1/18/2024, 1/25/2024 & 2/01/2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

24-E-35 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, Naomi Gee, having qualified as Administrator CTA of the Estate of Nora Lee Ellis deceased, late of Chatham County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the day of May 1st, 2024, or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 1st of February 2024.

Naomi Gee Administrator CTA c/o Marie H. Hopper Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post Office Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, PAMELA J. STONE, having qualified on the 29th day of DECEMBER, 2023, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of EDGAR DENNIS STONE, 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 10th day of APRIL 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 11TH Day of JANUARY, 2024.

24-E-34 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, Naomi Gee, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of William Atlas Ellis deceased, late of Chatham County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the day of May 1st, 2024, or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 1st of February 2024.

Naomi Gee Administrator c/o Marie H. Hopper Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post Office Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified on the 24th day of January 2024, as Administrator DBN of the Estate of Douglas H. Foxx, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of May 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This is the 26th day of January 2024.

W. Woods Doster, Administrator DBN of the Estate of Douglas H. Foxx 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Attorneys: Law Offices of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Publish On: February 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd 2024.

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY All persons having claims against the estate of BARBARA A. DEMAYO, of Chatham County, NC, who died on August 12, 2022, are notified to present them on or before April 10, 2024 to Francesco J. DeMayo, Jr., Executor, c/o Maitland & Stiffler Law Firm, 2 Couch Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery.

Michele L. Stiffler MAITLAND & STIFFLER LAW FIRM 2 Couch Road Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Attorney for the Estate

NOTICE TO CREDITORS All persons having claims against Henry Peter Joseph L’heureux, Jr. (a.k.a. Henry P.J. L’heureux, Jr.) of Chatham County, North Carolina are notified to present them to Julia P. MacMillan, Executor of the Estate of Henry Peter Joseph L’heureux, Jr., in c/o Dean P. Broz, Attorney for the Estate, at Higgins, Frankstone, Graves & Morris, P. A., 1414 Raleigh Road, Suite 203, Exchange West at Meadowmont, Chapel Hill, NC 27517-8834 on or before April 25, 2024. Failure to present a claim in timely fashion will result in this Notice being pleaded in bar of recovery against the estate, the Executor, and the devisees of Henry Peter Joseph L’heureux, Jr. Those indebted to Henry Peter Joseph L’heureux, Jr. are asked to make prompt payment to the Estate.

Brittany N. Porter, Attorney for the Estate TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Road, Suite 203 Exchange West at Meadowmont Chapel Hill, NC 27517-8834

Voters will be asked to show photo ID when they vote.

Voters who lack ID can get one for free from their county board of elections. If a voter does not have ID when they go to vote, they can still have their vote counted by either signing a form at the polls to explain why they are unable to show ID, or by voting a provisional ballot and returning to the county board of elections with their ID by 5 p.m. on March 14, 2024. Find out more at ncsbe.gov/voter-id.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Early voting will be held at the following locations from Thursday, February 15, 2024, through Saturday, March 2, 2024: National Guard Armory - Siler City 801 Alston Bridge Rd. Siler City NC 27344 Goldston Town Hall - Goldston 40A Coral St., Goldston, NC 27252 New Hope Baptist Church - Apex 581 New Hope Church Rd, Apex, NC 27523 CC Agriculture & Conference Center - Pittsboro 1192 US Hwy 64 W Business Pittsboro, NC 27312 CCCC Health Science Building -- North Chatham 75 Ballentrae Ct., Pittsboro, NC 27312

PAMELA J. STONE, ADMINISTRATOR 269 MILLBROOK DR. PITTSBORO, NC 27312

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Margaret R. Barker, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at his address, 47 NC Highway 87 N, Pittsboro, North Carolina, 27312, on or before the 1st day of May, 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.

This 24th day of January, 2024.

Steve Eugene Barker 47 NC Highway 87 N Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312 GUNN & MESSICK, PLLC P. O. Box 880 Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312-0880 February 1, 8, 15, 22

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, HO-YOL BOBBY LIM, having qualified on the 16th day of JANUARY, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JAE KU LIM, 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 24th day of APRIL 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 25TH Day of JANUARY, 2024.

HO-YOL BOBBY LIM, ADMINISTRATOR CTA 1648 COLVARD FARMS RD. DURHAM, NC 27713 Run dates: J25,F1,F8,F15p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The statewide primary election will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Run dates: J11,18,25,F1

24 E 16

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE OF PRIMARY ELECTION CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Robin S. Murphy, having qualified on the 16th day of January, 2024, as Executrix of the Estate of Nelda G. Gupton, deceased, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at CAROLINA TAX, TRUSTS & ESTATES, C/O ATTORNEY Robert J. Gallagher., P.O. BOX 1101, Southern Pines, North Carolina, 28388, on or before the 2nd day of May 2024, or claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address.

ROBIN S. MURPHY EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF NELDA G. GUPTON ROBERT J. GALLAGHER CAROLINA TAX, TRUSTS & ESTATES P.O. BOX 1101 SOUTHERN PINES, NC 28388 Publish: February 1, 2024 February 8, 2024 February 15, 2024 February 22, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

NOTICE TO CREDITORS FILE#23 E 689 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, PATRICE REIVES-BRIGHT, having qualified on the 14TH day of DECEMBER, 2023, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of KEITH DOUGLAS REIVES, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of MAY 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 1ST Day of FEBRUARY 2024.

PATRICE REIVES-BRIGHT, ADMINISTRATOR 1001 ORION CT. MERRICK, NY 11566 Run dates: F1,F8,F15,F22p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, APRIL E. KEMPER, ADMINISTRATOR, having qualified on the 3RD day of JANUARY, 2024, as ADMINSITRATOR of the Estate of MARION K. KEMPER, 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 10th day of APRIL 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 11TH Day of JANUARY 2024.

The undersigned, PAUL S. CRIBBINS, having qualified on the 10TH day of JANUARY, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of DAVID RYAN CRIBBINS, 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 17th day of APRIL 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 18TH Day of JANUARY, 2024.

APRIL E. KEMPER, ADMINISTRATOR 301 PUREFOY RD. CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514

PAUL S. CRIBBINS, EXECUTOR 215 WEST PINE AVE. WAKE FOREST, NC 27587

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

Run dates: J18,25,F1,F8p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, THOMAS ATKINSON, COEXECUTOR, having qualified on the 28th day of DECEMBER, 2023, as Executrix of the Estate of DONALD MILES ATKINSON, 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 10th day of APRIL 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 11TH Day of JANUARY, 2024.

THOMAS ATKINSON, CO-EXECUTOR 6903 BEECHER RD. PLEASANT GARDEN, NC 27313 KENDRA ATKINSON RIGGSBEE, CO-EXECUTOR 58 OLD SANFORD RD. MONCURE, NC 27559 Run dates: J11,18,25,F1

Run dates: J11,18,25,F1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, TIMOTHY LEE, having qualified on the 11th day of JANUARY, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of PAMELA LEE, 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 17th day of APRIL 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 18TH Day of JANUARY, 2024.

TIMOTHY LEE, ADMINISTRATOR 220 N. RICHARDSON RD. SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: J18,25,F1,F8p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, KENNETH ALLAN BLUME, having qualified on the 3RD day of JANUARY, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of PEGGY LUCILLE BRYANT BLUME, 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 24th day of APRIL 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 25TH Day of JANUARY, 2024.

KENNETH ALLAN BLUME, EXECUTOR 134 STONEY CREEK WAY CHAPEL HILL, NC 27517 Run dates: J25,F1,F8,F15p

Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters who have requested them beginning January 19, 2024. Absentee ballots must be received by the county board of elections no later than 7:30 p.m. on March 5, 2024. A voter can fill out an absentee ballot request at votebymail.ncsbe.gov, or by filling out a request form provided by the county board of elections office. The request must be received through the website or by the CHATHAM Board of Elections by 5 p.m. February 27, 2024.

In the primary election, voters will select nominees for a political party to move on to the general election on November 5th. Contests on the ballot include U.S. President, U.S. House, N.C. Governor and other Council of State Offices, N.C. Supreme Court Associate Justice, N.C. Court of Appeals, N.C. House, and Senate. The Town of Siler City Charter Amendment Question for the expansion of the Term of the Mayor.

In the primary, voters affiliated with a political party will be given a ballot of candidates for their party, if their party has a primary. Unaffiliated voters may choose to vote in any party’s primary, but they may select only one party’s ballot.

Seventeen-year-olds who live in the Town of Siler City will be eligible to vote for the Charter Amendment if they are eighteen on or before March 5, 2024.

Seventeen-year-olds who will be eighteen years of age by November 5, 2024, are eligible to vote in Party primary elections.

The voter registration deadline for this election is 5 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2024. Eligible individuals who are not registered by that deadline may register and vote at any early voting site during the early voting period. New registrants will be required to provide current documentation of their residence (for example, a government ID, other government document, or a paycheck, bank statement, or utility bill). Voters who wish to change party affiliation must do so by the February 9 deadline.

Questions? Call the Chatham Board of Elections Office at 919-545-8500 or send an email to Elections@ chathamcountync.gov Laura Heise, Chair Chatham County Board of Elections

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, ADAM COOK, having qualified on the 5th day of JANUARY, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of RICK EARL DIXON, 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 17th day of APRIL 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 18TH Day of JANUARY, 2024.

ADAM COOK, EXECUTOR 114 VINTAGE HILL CIRCLE APEX, NC 27539 Run dates: J18,25,F1,F8p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS COUNTY OF CHATHAM THE UNDERSIGNED, having qualified on the 19th day of December, 2023, as Executor of the ESTATE OF REINHOLD ERNEST TOMEK, 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 12th day of April, 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 11th day of January, 2024.

IRENE G TOMEK EXECUTOR ESTATE OF REINHOLD ERNEST TOMEK c/o Richard G. Long III Walker Lambe, PLLC Post Office Box 51549 Durham, North Carolina 27717

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

A10 BLAST OFF

PHOTO COURTESY NASA TV

The Cygnus cargo craft launches successfully atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Cygnus is carrying more than 8,200 pounds of hardware and supplies to the International Space Station. The first stage of Falcon 9 returned safely to land after its tenth flight to space.

7&

Õ

N®

hÈä î È

&DPSDLJQ

For 29 years, the Hispanic Liaison has been building bridges & investing in the wellbeing of Latinx families in Chatham County.

As a small organization, we depend on generous supporters who believe in a fair, inclusive, and healthy society for all!

+HOS XV UDLVH E\ 9DOHQWLQH V 'D\

D

H N 0D

\ D G R JLIW W

Online:

By Mail :

Hispanic Liaison 404 N Holly Ave Siler City, NC 27344

B X X B InI$ I+ I>6>`<97`699=InI$X I>6>`7>7`?6<<

CHAPEL HILL from page A1 ers. Do I hurt? I do. Do I feel?

I do and I know each of you tion. As a council, our job is to does. Please do not see my polook out for the health, safety sition to not support a ceaseand well-being of our entire fire as turning my back on community. So the impact those that are suffering.”

Moving on to more local that this is having weighs matters, the council received deeply on us.”

“Since last fall, we’ve been an update on the Northhearing from individuals on South Bus Rapid Tranall sides of this issue,” she sit, a $141.39 million investcontinued. “This has includ- ment that will span 8.2 miles ed calls for a ceasefire resolu- along Martin Luther King Jr. tion, a resolution in support Boulevard, South Columbia of Israel and emails from in- Street and US 15-501 South.

The plan features 17 endividuals asking us to stay out hanced station areas, regionof the issue entirely.”

In general, town coun- al transit service connections, cil resolutions, like the one transit signal priority, an offsought calling for a ceasefire road multi-use path, comhalfway around the world, pleted sidewalk network and are non-binding and mere- enhanced pedestrian crossly indicate the position of the ings. It will be free for riders.

“The north-south corridor council. It is unlikely that either Israel or Hamas would is our busiest transit corridor both in terms of vehicles, trips take much heed of it.

“For the town council and and riders,” said transit planfor all of us, resolutions are an ning manager Caroline Dwimportant advocacy tool. We yer. “It is consistently among choose the issues we weigh in the highest transit ridership on with great care and, as a routes in the state and that matter of practice, we do not is what makes it such a great weigh in on things that are candidate for this investment outside of our expertise or au- in Chapel Hill.”

According to Dwyer, the thority,” Anderson went on.

“When we do choose to issue next steps for the project, a resolution, we work together which is currently in the deto make sure it reflects the in- sign and engineering phase, terest of our community and includes utility coordination, typically the council is unan- preliminary technology disimous in our support. In this cussions, complete surveying situation, where our commu- and mapping and continued nity is deeply conflicted and interdepartmental and inthe issues are very complex, a teragency coordination and resolution is not what is need- reviews which will span the ed. Instead, as we have seen next 12-18 months. Construcin other communities, it can tion is anticipated to begin in 2027 with a full launch in serve to add to the divide.”

Council members Melis- 2029.

The town announced a sa McCullough and Camille Berry, weighed in, too, noting public meeting on the rewrithow a resolution wouldn’t ac- ing of the town’s land use ordinance on Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. complish much.

“What I have chosen to do at the Chapel Hill Public Liand what I recommend for brary “The town will be hosting other people is that you can support charities who will a public information meetprovide support to those who ing on rewriting our rules iniare affected,” McCullough tiative,” Anderson said. “For said. “That is something that those that are unfamiliar with we individually can do that this project, the town is in the will actually make a differ- process of rewriting our land use ordinances to make them ence.”

“I am not Jewish. I am not compatible with our complete Palestinian. I am your neigh- community vision.”

Finally, Anderson anbor,” Berry said. “I am your fellow human being. I sit with nounced that registration you tonight as we all do to re- was open for the 2024 Peoceive your pain, to receive ples Academy. your pleas. I do not believe it “The Peoples Academy is is this council’s right to ask an amazing program that alfor a ceasefire. What is my lows participants to learn personal right is to ask for, as about the inner workings of an individual, that human life the town through field trips be valued. That we continue and other activities,” Anderto sit together, share our pain, son said. that we not turn on each othThe program begins on er. Not one of us wants to see Feb. 22 and will last through someone else’s loved one die. March 23. Registration is Not one of us in this room. It open through Feb. 12. is complex. There are those The Town of Chapel Hill who are playing a game with council will next meet Feb. life and with the lives of oth- 14.

TAKE NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CHATHAM COUNTY 23 SP 56 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Patricia Watts and Jesse Watts, in the original amount of $337,500.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for First National Bank of Layton, dated March 30, 2012 and recorded on April 18, 2012 in Book 01615, Page 1182, Chatham County Registry.

Default having been made under the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Chatham County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 90 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Annie R. Williams (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Annie R. Williams, Heirs of Annie R. Williams: Terry Williams, Teressa Williams, Tyrone Williams, Timira Williams, Teea Williams) to Paul H. Swan, Trustee(s), dated December 28, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 01307, at Page 0987 in Chatham County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Chatham County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Pittsboro, Chatham County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on February 8, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Sanford in the County of Chatham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Chatham County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on February 13, 2024, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: The land described herein is situated in the State of North Carolina, County of Chatham, and is described as follows: Being all of Lots 132 and 133 of Homewood Acres No. Five Addition, as per plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 16, Page 11, Chatham County Registry, to which reference is made for a more perfect description.

Parcel Number(s): 0015741 Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 1018 Lake Drive, Siler City, NC 27344. Tax ID: 0015741 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, BEGINNING at a stake in the center of the dirt road known as the Johnson Road leading from U. S. Highway No. 421 southward through the J. Walter Johnson Farm, said beginning point being 200 feet northward from the point where the outside line of the J. Walter Johnson Farm tract intersects the center of said road, also being a corner of Lot No. 43 on the map hereinafter referred; and running thence from said beginning point East as the line of Lot No. 43, 600 feet to a stake; thence North 200 feet to a stake, corner of Lot No. 45; thence West 600 feet to a stake in the center of the aforementioned road; thence as the center of said road South 1 degree 30 minutes West 200 feet to the point of BEGINNING, being Lot No. 44, according to the map of the J. Walter Johnson Farm, which map is duly recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Chatham County in Map Book 4, Page 65. Reference to said map is hereby made for a more perfect description of said lot. Together with improvements located thereon; said proerpty being located at 919 Clarence McKeithan Road, Sanford, North Carolina.

SAVE AND EXCEPT: Beginning at an iron stake, the southeastern corner of the Alvie Millican lot, said stake being the northeastern corner of the Alvis Oldham residence lot, and running thence’ as the Millican and Oldham line South 89 degrees. 00 minutes West

in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are Stephen R. Watts, Debra Ann Watts and Angela Marie Watts.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

100 feet to a stake; thence North 1 degree 00 minutes West 100 feet to a stake; thence North 89 degrees 00 minutes East 100 feet to a stake in the Millican and Hart line; thence with that line South 1 degree 00 minutes East 100 feet to the beginning corner, containing 0.2 acre, more.or less, and being a part of Block 44 as conveyed to the grantors by Goldston Brothers by deed dated April 19, 1955 and recorded in Book LW, page 578 in the office of the Register of Deeds for Chatham County, North Carolina.

title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit.

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)).

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the

deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee By: David W. Neill, Bar #23396 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) dneill@mtglaw.com

be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 14770 - 65607

PJ WARD-BROWN | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Flying through the water Northwood’s Morgan Turner swims in the 100m butterfly during Mid-Carolina conference championship at the YMCA in Asheboro, on January 23.

Turner also participated in a winning relay team for Northwood, while Seaforth won the boys’ and girls’ team titles. We have a list of individual winners in our sports roundup inside.

Seaforth girls claim crucial conference win, boys fall in varsity double-header against Southeast Alamance Seaforth girls remain as top team in MidCarolina 1A/2A standings

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record GIRLS

SEAFORTH ATHLETICS TWITTER/X ACCOUNT

Seaforth’s Gabby White (2) was honored for scoring her 1,000th career point. She then added another 13 to her total as the Hawks got a key conference win.

In a Mid-Carolina 1A/2A showdown between the firstplace Seaforth girls and second-place Southeast Alamance, the Hawks put on a lockdown defensive performance Thursday to pull out a gritty 44-29 win.

Both teams started the game with strong defensive efforts, forcing each other into tough shots throughout the first quarter. While Seaforth closed driving lanes, forcing the Southeast Alamance to find offense on the perimeter, the Stallions also suc-

cessfully contested many of the Hawks’ shots from close range.

Southeast Alamance hit two threes, and Seaforth senior Hannah Ajayi got going early with five points in the first quarter, which ended with both teams knotted at 8.

In the second quarter, the Hawks turned up their defensive intensity by using half court traps to create turnovers and points in transition. A few turnovers leading to quick baskets on the other end helped supplement Seaforth’s offense, which continued to struggle against the Stallions’ defense in half court sets.

Ajayi continued to make plays on both ends of the court to keep the Hawks ahead, finishing the half with nine points and a steal.

Up 20-14 at the break, Seaforth still needed better offensive production from the rest of the team, prompting head coach

Charles Byrd’s message of “patience” at halftime.

“I think early in the game, we allowed them to speed us up,” Seaforth head coach Charles Byrd said. “We told them to be patient, slow down and just let the game come to them.”

With Seaforth’s defense still holding strong, the Hawks found their usual selves on offense in the second half.

Junior Gabby White led the way, scoring 13 of her 15 points in the second half, and after holding the Stallions to just two points in the third quarter, Seaforth began to pull away.

“I realized that I was getting too deep on some plays, and I was trying to attack too early,” White said about her play in the first half. “(It was) just really swinging the ball and trusting See SEAFORTH, page B3

Seaforth dominates in first two rounds of dual team playoffs, advances to third round for first time in program history Seaforth beat Bartlett Yancey, 84-0, and AydenGrifton, 59-15, Saturday.

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record SEAFORTH HANDLED its business in the first two rounds of the 2A dual team wrestling playoffs Saturday.

In their own gym, the top-seeded Hawks dominated No. 16 Bartlett Yancey, 840, in the first round and No. 9 Ayden-Grifton, 59-15, in the second round to advance to the third round of the dual team playoffs for the first time in school history.

“It feels good,” Seaforth head coach Ryan Armstrong said.

“Like we told the boys, one match at a time, one team at a time.

They came out and wrestled hard (and) wrestled smart.”

The Hawks began the day with a familiar conference foe in Bartlett Yancey just one week after individuals from both sides

saw each other in a few weight classes during the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A tournament.

Seaforth won six of its seven matches against the Buccaneers by fall in the conference tournament, and in similar fashion, the Hawks pinned every Bartlett Yancey wrestler, with the exception of a forfeit victory in the 106-pound weight class, Saturday.

Seaforth junior Benjamin Johnson (138) didn’t get to avenge a close decision loss to Bartlett Yancey’s Cameron Stokes from the conference tournament, but Johnson kept the sweep alive by pinning Franklin Iraheta in the first period.

In the second round match against Ayden-Grifton, wins didn’t come as easy for Seaforth, but the Hawks continued to make the right moves to finish on top.

After junior Alex Hinchman (165) got the round started with a quick pinning of Ayden-Grifton’s See WRESTLING, page B2

PJ WARD-BROWN | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth junior Ethan Kuball celebrated his 100th career win at the Hawks’ second-round playoff win over Ayden-Grifton.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

B2 SEAFORTH from page 1

my teammates to get it back to me so I can make the right play.”

Down 29-44 entering the fourth quarter, Southeast Alamance tried to climb back into the game with some late buckets, but it was too little, too late. Seaforth picked up its seventh straight win and claimed the headto-head battle to remain the top team in the conference standings.

“I loved how the girls played together,” Byrd said.

“Even though we struggled a little bit on offense, we still found a way to squeak out a win tonight.”

BOYS However, the night didn’t go quite as well for the Seaforth boys who struggled to defend the three-ball in a 52-70 loss to Southeast Alamance.

With some attempts going uncontested, the Stallions made four threes in the opening quarter. Coupled with Seaforth’s early shooting struggles and an inability to find consistent offensive success, the Hawks found themselves in a 6-17 hole going into the second quarter.

“We missed a couple of assignments,” Seaforth head coach Leo Brunelli said. “It’s going to happen. Against a well-oiled machine and the way we’re flying and pressing and trapping, you’re going to get some. We’ve got to cut (uncontested shots) down.”

Seaforth flipped the momentum of the game in the second quarter behind a combined 10 points from junior Nate Emerson and sophomore Declan Lind-

quist. The Hawks outscored Southeast Alamance, 14-10, and cut the deficit to single digits, but they still trailed, 20-27 at the break.

Unforced turnovers, especially the multiple travelling violations called on the Hawks throughout the night, halted Seaforth’s ability to string together enough baskets to climb all the way back into the game.

Seaforth continued to hang within striking distance in some parts of the third quarter, but the Stallions maintained and grew their lead with the help of three more three-pointers and a few dry spells from the Hawks’ offense.

Starting the final quarter down 40-53, Seaforth’s final efforts weren’t enough to pull off a comeback. While the Hawks only made four field goals in the final eight minutes, Southeast Alamance pulled away by converting transition opportunities created from the Hawks’ highpaced rally attempt.

Despite Seaforth dropping its 10th game of the season and slipping out of the playoff picture, the Hawks still had a reason to smile and keep high spirits. Brunelli coached his first home game Thursday since being hospitalized with a medical emergency on Dec. 31.

He missed five games and returned on Jan. 23 in Seaforth’s 72-61 win at Graham. The Hawks picked up two wins against North Moore and Bartlett Yancey in Brunelli’s absence.

“The way the kids and coaches handled me not being here, it’s a credit to the championship mentality they have,” Brunelli said.

“I’m just so proud of them.”

!ĠØŹĠØł !ŎƀŅŹƛ ęĤŅę ăŬƔĤõăŰ Ãăăķĺƛ õŹĤƔĤŹĤăŰ !ØĺăŅûØŬ *) 4Ѷ -0 -4 ф $//. *-* )/ - *- /$1 $1$)"

чѷрф ѵ(ѵ Ҋ *-)$)" 3 - $. рп ѵ(ѵ Ҋ /-*)" о $/ рр ѵ(ѵ Ҋ *'! / $' - $/4 *0)/-4 '0 Ѹ -*+Ҋ ) /$1$/$ . с +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ ' ))$. т +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ - "$1 - 0++*-/ -*0+ $' - $/4 )/ - *- /$1 $1$)" ш ѵ(ѵ Ҋ /-*)" о $/ 2ҝ '$1$ рпѷрф ѵ(ѵ Ҋ $) !0' /- / # рпѷтп ѵ(ѵ Ҋ ' & $./*-4 -*"- ( рр ѵ(ѵ Ҋ *-)#*' с +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ /- )"/# о *) 0 . 4Ѷ -0 -4 х $//. *-* )/ - *- /$1 $1$)"

PJ WARD-BROWN | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth senior Josh Miller gets the pin fall against Barlett Yancey freshman Yurem Torres.

WRESTLING from page 1

Zachary Loftin, junior Judge Lloyd (175) found himself in a tight battle with Dashawn Folks.

Lloyd and Folks were tied at four points a-piece at the end of the first period. In the second period, Lloyd began to pull away, doing just about everything but pinning Folks until winning by major decision, 16-8.

Before Seaforth’s first loss in the match, the Hawks held a 22-0 lead, which included junior Ethan Kuball’s (215) 100th career win.

Seaforth took a quick moment to acknowledge Kuball’s milestone, presenting him with a personalized banner. Kuball is the third Hawk to reach 100 career wins this season.

Following sophomore

Palmer Moad’s (285) loss to Ayden-Grifton’s Jorge Modina, Seaforth put the match away with six straight wins, including a forfeit victory resulting from an injury caused from sophomore Gabe Rogers (106) and his opponent, Macon Daugherty bumping heads.

Ayden-Grifton picked up two wins in the final three matches, but they couldn’t affect the final outcome.

Seaforth will travel to Bunn High School Wednesday to face No. 4 Southwest Onslow in the third round.

The match will begin at 6 p.m.

“We set our goal for a dual state title,” Armstrong said.

“This is just one step to get to it. These boys are working two hours every day. They’re putting the work in, and that’s what it comes down to.”

PJ WARD-BROWN | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth junior Judge Lloyd works to pin Barlett Yancey sophomore Temondre Fike.

чѷрф ѵ(ѵ Ҋ *-)$)" 3 - $. ш ѵ(ѵ Ҋ т ҁ. )ҁ. -*0+ рп ѵ(ѵ Ҋ ** -1 -.Ѹ - $* -0(($)" рпѷтп ѵ(ѵ Ҋ 4( -$ )/ /$*)Ѹ - /$)" *0- 2) -$ ! *0-) 4 рр ѵ(ѵ Ҋ # /# ( /-$ -. р +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ + ) -/ /0 $*Ѷ 0(($&0 с +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ 0( *' $' - $/4 )/ - *- /$1 $1$)" ш ѵ(ѵ Ҋ - $* -0(($)" рпѷрф ѵ(ѵ Ҋ # $- 3 - $. . р +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ **&Ѷ # . рп о 0(($&0 Ѹ -$)" *0- 2) -*% / с +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ $/) .. **( -$ )/ /$*) ) . 4Ѷ -0 -4 ц $//. *-* )/ - *- /$1 $1$)" ш ѵ(ѵ Ҋ .$ #$) 0$'/$)" җ Ҙ рп ѵ(ѵ Ҋ # $- *" 2ҝ $5Ѹ *!! о ( . 2ҝ # /# ( *0)/4 # -$!!ҁ. !!$ р +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ ) ) **/ - ( $' - $/4 )/ - *- /$1 $1$)" ш ѵ(ѵ Ҋ /-*)" о $/ рп ѵ(ѵ Ҋ $ ' /0 4 р +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ - !/$)" 2$/# /#-4) с +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ "$)) - $ &' '' ..*). #0-. 4Ѷ -0 -4 ч $//. *-* )/ - *- /$1 $1$)" чѷрф ѵ(ѵ Ҋ *-)$)" 3 - $. рп ѵ(ѵ Ҋ **&. о ' .Ѹ $)"* рр ѵ(ѵ Ҋ - $ - . .&. р +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ 0(($&0 Ѹ $)* #' рѷтп +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ $) ) $)" сѷтп +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ 0!$.ѷ *+' *! /# /# /0т +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ )/' *" 2ҝ $5 $' - $/4 )/ - *- /$1 $1$)" ш ѵ(ѵ Ҋ )ҁ. *!! о *)1 -. /$*). рп ѵ(ѵ Ҋ 0.$ ( ..$*) ,óĄ èóĄ¹ ÏêÃóĄè ĐÏóê рпѷрф ѵ(ѵ Ҋ # $- 3 - $. . óê Đ̹Ĉ¹ ê² óĐ̹Ą с +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ /- )"/# о *) ĀĄóÅĄ èĈŞ ¬óêĐ ¬Đ óĖĄ т +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ #0-. 4 * $ 'ѷ *1$ ¬¹êĐ¹ĄĈŝ -$ 4Ѷ -0 -4 ш $//. *-* )/ - *- /$1 $1$)" iÏĐĐĈªóĄó ¹êĐ¹Ą ÃóĄ ¬ĐÏĢ¹ IÏĢÏêÅ чѷрф ѵ(ѵ Ҋ *-)$)" 3 - $. ŌńŌŴňŇŅŴŇňńŅ рп ѵ(ѵ Ҋ /-*)" о $/ рр ѵ(ѵ Ҋ *-)$)" $( 2ҝ ./*- ))4 qÏá¹Ą ÏĐĩ ¹êĐ¹Ą ÃóĄ р +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ ( .ҝ 0 # ¬ĐÏĢ¹ IÏĢÏêÅ $' - $/4 )/ - *- /$1 $1$)" ŌńŌŴŊŇŅŴņŌŊň ш ѵ(ѵ Ҋ 0( *' рп ѵ(ѵ Ҋ 0$'/$)" ÏĈÏĐ óĖĄ ģ¹ªĈÏĐ¹ Đ рпѷтп ѵ(ѵ Ҋ /*-$ . 2$/# -$ # ģģģŤ¬Ì ĐÌ è¬óĖêĐĩê¬Ť ц +ѵ(ѵ Ҋ -$ 4 $"#/ ) ÅóĢŪ ÅÏêÅĈ¹ĄĢϬ¹Ĉ

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

Powell becomes Northwood and Chatham County’s first McDonald’s All-American Powell will play in McDonald’s All-American game on April 2

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record NORTHWOOD BASKETBALL standout Drake Powell was named a McDonald’s All-American on Jan. 23, becoming the first athlete in Northwood and Chatham County history to earn the honor.

Powell was presented with a plaque for the All-American selection before Northwood tipped-off against Jordan-Matthews Friday. The McDonald’s All-American Boys Game will be held at the Toyota Center in Houston on April 2 at 9 p.m., and Powell will play with the East team alongside future UNC teammate Ian Jackson.

“There’s a certain level you have to be on to play in this game,” Powell said. “I’m just excited.”

The 6-foot-6 forward earned his spot to play alongside the

nation’s best with consistent next-level play during his four seasons at Northwood.

Throughout his high school career, Powell has averaged just over 16 points and 6 rebounds per game while also being an elite all-around defender.

As of Monday, he’s averaging 18.5 points and 7.4 rebounds in his senior year, and he’s ranked the No. 9 player in the class of 2024.

Powell said being a McDonald’s All-American is something he’s had his eyes set on for some time. Many McDonald’s All-Americans go on to play in the NBA which is something Powell wants to do one day.

And, for a Northwood program that has produced numerous talented basketball players over the years, having the school’s first McDonald’s All-American is also “a dream come true.”

“It’s well deserved,” Northwood head coach Matt Brown said. “It couldn’t have happened to a better person and we’re really proud.”

Powell said he knew the choice to stay at Northwood after having the opportunity to play at Prolific Prep in Napa, California would have possibly slimmed his chances of being a McDonald’s All-American.

However, it all worked out in the end, and achieving the goal in his hometown just only adds to the legacy he’ll leave as a Charger.

“I wanted to make a legacy as much as I can, following in the footsteps of my older brother and sister, Deuce and Cera Powell,” Powell said. “Not just (at) Northwood, but the community of Chatham County as well.”

Said Brown, “He’s paved the way for a lot of the other guys coming through Northwood.

Northwood’s always had a big tradition of basketball, and I think Drake has just elevated it to another level now. To have an All-American, a UNC guy, it shows the other guys that someone from the little town of Pittsboro can accomplish what they want to accomplish if they work hard enough.”

B3

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Brennen Oldham

COURTESY PHOTO

Jordan-Matthews, boys’ basketball

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Drake Powell is presented with his plaque naming him a McDonald’s High School All-American

Jordan-Matthews boys’ basketball’s Brennen Oldham earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Jan. 22.

In a 74-70 win over Graham, Oldham scored his 1,000th career point during a career-high 26-point performance.

Oldham also grabbed nine rebounds — just one board shy of recording his fourth consecutive double-double.

As of Monday, Oldham is the top rebounder and a top 10 scorer in the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference, averaging 16 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

AT YOUR Bob Atkinson, GRI, CRS, E-PRO Homes-Land-Investments

C: 919-362-6999

Call Advertising @ 919-663-3232

D & G Plumbing Problems?

Commercial and Residential Installation and Service

Located in Siler City

Locally Owned and Operated by Greg and Donna Kennedy Licensed and Insured

2I¿ FH &HOO

Atkinson Properties Group bobatkinson321@gmail.com

JHJ Painting & Power Washing “We Specialize in All Your Painting & Power Washing Needs” Deck Washing, Renewal & Repair • Window Washing & Install Carpentry • Door Install • Other Small Repairs

John Hayes, Jr • 919-548-0474

Local Service Directory

ASHEBORO TIE YARDS, INC Mushroom Compost • Shredded Hardwood Mulch Pine Mini Nuggets • Brick Chips • Sand • Top Soil Black, Brown & Red Mulch • White Pea Gravel • Railroad Ties 205 Hanner Town Rd. Bear Creek (2 miles South of Bonlee on Old 421)

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 7 AM - 4 PM, Fri. 7 AM - 12 PM

(919) 837-2822 • We Deliver!

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

B4

Seaforth, Chatham Charter girls continue win streaks, wrestling playoffs begin

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record BOYS’ BASKETBALL Northwood went undefeated during the week, beating Southeast Alamance on Jan. 23, 74-36, and Jordan-Matthews, 66-37, Friday. Jake Leighton scored a team-high 18 points in the Chargers’ win over the Stallions.

Seaforth started the week with a 72-61 win over Graham on Jan. 23. Senior Kooper Jones led the way with 18 points.

The Hawks suffered back-toback losses, falling to Southeast Alamance, 52-70, Thursday and Cummings, 67-80, Friday. Junior Nate Emerson scored a season-high 26 points against the Cavaliers.

Jordan-Matthews started the week with a 74-70 win over Graham. Junior Brennan Oldham scored his 1,000th point on the way to scoring a career-high 26 points in the win.

Chatham Central won its only game of the week, beating Bartlett Yancey Friday, 74-55. Junior Reid Albright scored a season-high 35 points while grabbing 11 rebounds in the win.

Chatham Charter picked up two big wins, beating Ascend Leadership, 53-17, on Jan 23. and Triangle Math and Science, 6039, on Jan. 24. Senior Jonah Ridgill recorded an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double against the Aviators and dropped 28 points on the Tigers.

Woods Charter lost to Southern Wake Academy, 21-64, on Jan. 23. The Wolves followed that with a 50-46 win over River Mill

Friday.

Week of Jan. 22 Power Rankings Northwood Chatham Central Jordan-Matthews Chatham Charter Seaforth Woods Charter GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Northwood suffered its third loss of the season on Jan 23., losing to Southeast Alamance, 4333. The Chargers responded with a 61-18 win over Jordan-Matthews Friday in which junior Natalia Whitaker scored a teamhigh 14 points.

Seaforth picked up three wins during the week, beating Graham, 63-15, Southeast Alamance, 44-29, and Cummings, 64-15. Junior Gabby White scored 15 points in the crucial conference win over the second-place Stallions.

Jordan-Matthews lost back-toback games, falling to Graham, 33-47, on Jan. 24.

Chatham Central won a tight battle over Bartlett Yancey, 48-45, Friday. Junior Karaleigh Dodson recorded a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double in the win.

Chatham Charter continued to roll through conference play with a 75-16 win over Ascend Leadership on Jan. 23 and a 65-30 win over Triangle Math and Science on Jan. 24. Freshman Hannah Headen and senior Meah Brooks combined for 43 points in the win over the Tigers.

Woods Charter broke a sixgame losing streak with a 36-10

win over Southern Wake Academy on Jan. 23. The Wolves lost to River Mill, 29-37, Friday.

Week of Jan. 22 Power Rankings Seaforth Northwood Chatham Charter Chatham Central Jordan-Matthews Woods Charter Wrestling In the 2A dual team wrestling playoffs, No. 1 Seaforth defeated No. 16 Bartlett Yancey, 84-0, and No. 9 Ayden-Grifton, 59-15, in the first and second rounds, respectively.

No. 13 Northwood lost to No. 4 Southwest Onslow, 60-21.

SWIMMING Seaforth’s boys and girls swim teams each won their third consecutive conference titles after finishing first at the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference meet on Jan. 24.

Here are the individual conference champions from Chatham County.

Girls 200 meters medley relay - Charley Howard, Jade Brown, Sydney Burleigh, Sydney Haire (Seaforth, 2:21.20), Boys 200 meters medley relay - Jackson Vaughn, Evan Hepburn, Benjamin Lajoie, Colton Roberts (Seaforth, 1:58.56), Girls 200 meters freestyle - Holly Thesing (Northwood, 2:22.50), Boys 200 meters freestyle – Colton Roberts (Seaforth, 2:05.98), Girls 200 meters individual medley – Syd-

ney Burleigh (Seaforth, 2:35.71), Boys 200 meters individual medley - Benjamin Lajoie (Seaforth, 2:20.97), Girls 50 meters freestyle – Eva Wahieb (Seaforth, 30.95), Boys 50 meters freestyle - Jesse Eskelund (Chatham Central, 25.67), Girls 100 meters butterfly – Abigail Emrich (Northwood, 1:09.65), Boys 100 meters butterfly – Benjamin Lajoie (Seaforth, 1:03.93), Girls 100 meters freestyle – Charlie Ann George (Seaforth, 1:15.42), Boys 100 meters freestyle – Jesse Eskelund (Chatham Central, 57.16), Girls 400 meters freestyle - Abigail Emrich (Northwood, 4:49.99), Boys 400 meters freestyle – Colton Roberts (Seaforth, 4:23.47), Girls 200 meters freestyle relay – Holly Thesing, Rokia Sissoko, Chiara Battista, Abigail Emrich (Northwood, 2:10.47), Boys 200 meters freestyle relay – Christian Smith Pumalpa, JJ Bacheler, Morgan Turner, Jesse Sikes (Northwood, 1:57.16), Girls 100 meters backstroke – Sydney Haire (Seaforth, 1:14.26), Boys 100 meters backstroke – Jackson Vaughn (Seaforth, 1:10.11), Girls 100 meters breaststroke – Sydney Burleigh (Seaforth, 1:27.25), Boys 100 meters breaststroke – Evan Hepburn (Seaforth, 1:07.82), Girls 400 meters freestyle relay – Charley Howard, Sydney Haire, Jade Brown, Sydney Burleigh (Seaforth, 4:58.45), Boys 400 meters freestyle relay – Benjamin Lajoie, Colton Roberts, Jackson Vaughn, Evan Hepburn – (Seaforth, 4:00.85) INDOOR TRACK Here are Chatham County’s individual top 10 finishers from

Saturday’s East Chapel Hill Meet No. 5.

Boys 300 meter dash – Lucas Smith (Chatham Charter, third place, 35.62), Boys 500 meter dash - Lucas Smith (Chatham Charter, first place, 1:04.95), William Cuicchi (Seaforth, sixth place, 1:09.37), Boys 1600 meter run – William Cuicchi (Seaforth, first place, 4:37.15), Henry McFall (Seaforth, sixth place, 4:50.48), Alexander Serrone (Woods Charter, 10th place, 4:53.82), Boys 3200 meter run – Holton Mody (Woods Charter, ninth place, 11:35.72), Boys 55 meter hurdles – Asher Aldridge (Seaforth, fifth place, 9.03), Boys high jump – Kaleb Herring (Seaforth, third place, 5-00.00), Boys long jump – Matthew Washington (Seaforth, eighth place, 15-00.15), Boys triple jump – Jason Antley (Seaforth, seventh place, 29-08.50), Boys shot put – Broden Jones (Seaforth, ninth place, 35-00.00), Girls 300 meter dash – Laurin Jackson (Seaforth, ninth place, 46.79), Girls 1000 meter run – Anna Peeler (Woods Charter, third place, 3:24.41), Samantha Scott (Chatham Charter, fourth place, 3:24.59), Emily Jump (Seaforth, sixth place, 3:27.06), Claire Morgan (Seaforth, seventh place, 3:28.01), Elizabeth Platt (Seaforth, ninth place, 3:36.31), Girls 3200 meter run – Grace Murphy (Woods Charter, seventh place, 14:03.13), Michaela Valentine (Woods Charter, eighth place, 14:05.76), Girls 55 meter hurdles – Lillian Williams (Seaforth, sixth place, 11.92), Ella Davis (Seaforth, seventh place, 12.52), Girls shot put – Lily McFall (Seaforth, fifth place, 25-01.00)

Seaforth’s Sydney Burleigh swims the breast stroke in the 200m IM during Mid-Carolina conference championship at the YMCA in Asheboro. NC on January 23, 2024. Burleigh was part of three goldmedal winning relay teams and also took the conference championship in the 100 meter breaststroke as Seaforth won the boys’ and girls’ titles.

PJ WARD-BROWN | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

B5

NATIONAL SPORTS

SIDELINE REPORT

Hill Meet COLLEGE

BASKETBALL

h – Lucas ter, third Gamecocks’ Staley 00 meter wears “Boo” hoodie Chatham 1:04.95), following win at LSU rth, sixth Columbia, S.C. 00 meter South Carolina coach Dawn (Seaforth, Staley wasn’t ready to give up ry McFall one of her funniest moments 4:50.48), of her coaching career. Staley ods Charwore a black hoodie with 82), Boys “Boo” on it, a callback to her on Mody laugh line in the postgame of h place, the top-ranked Gamecocks r hurdles 76-70 victory over defending orth, fifth national champion LSU this jump – past Thursday. Staley was th, third asked about getting booed ng jump – by fans at LSU. “They were Seaforth, calling me, ‘boo,’” Staley 5), Boys countered to laughs. A sign tley (Seain the stands at sold-out 9-08.50), Colonial Life Arena said, en Jones “Hey Boo.” and the song “My 5-00.00), Boo” played after the win.

– Laurin th place, er run – Charter, NBA amantha er, fourth NBA Commissioner ump (Sea- Silver finalizing 6), Claire contract extension nth place, att (Sea- New York 31), Girls Adam Silver is finalizing e Murphy an extension to remain as th place, commissioner of the NBA for Valentine several more years, according th place, to reports. ESPN, which first r hurdles reported the agreement, orth, sixth said Silver’s new deal will Seaforth, stretch “through the end of Girls shot the decade.” It’s the second orth, fifth time the league’s owners have approved an extension for Silver, who also got one in June 2018 that had him under contract through the end of this season’s NBA Finals. Silver became commissioner on Feb. 1, 2014, officially succeeding former Commissioner David Stern — his mentor.

NHL

Columbus’ Laine enters player assistance program Columbus, Ohio Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine is entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, the league and union announced Sunday. Laine will be away from the team indefinitely while he receives care from the joint program.

Under the terms of the program, he can return to the team for practice and then games when cleared by administrators. The 25-yearold from Finland explained his absence in a social media post, thanking the team, league and fans for their understanding and support and saying he looks forward to “returning to the ice with a clear mind and renewed energy.”

MLB

Tigers give a $28.6M deal to prospect Keith Detroit The Detroit Tigers made an unusual bet on a player with no major league experience, agreeing Sunday to a six-year contract with 22-year-old Colt Keith that guarantees the infield prospect $28,642,500. His deal includes three team options that could make it worth $64 million over nine seasons, and there are escalators that could increase the value to $82 million over nine years.

Keith is ranked the No. 22 big league prospect by MLB. com. A left-handed-hitting third baseman and second baseman, Keith is from Zanesville, Ohio, and was a fifth-round pick in the 2020 amateur draft out of Biloxi High School in Mississippi.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO

Porsche Penske Motorsport team owner Roger Penske, front left, and driver Felipe Nasr, front right, celebrate in Victory Lane after winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday.

Penske wins first Rolex 24 at Daytona since 1969 Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden was among the drivers who ended the 54year drought

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Roger Penske snapped a 54-year losing streak at the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday when Felipe Nasr held off two-time defending race winner Tom Blomqvist in the final 45 minutes of the most prestigious endurance race in the United States.

The win for Team Penske at Daytona International Speedway was its first since “The Captain” restarted his sports car program in 2018, first with Acura and then last season as a two-car Porsche

factory team. Penske’s only other overall win at the Rolex came in 1969 with a lineup of Mark Donohue and Chuck Parsons, who was flown in the day before the race because regular driver Ronnie Bucknum fractured his finger in a motorcycle accident.

Team Penske also won the GT class in 1966, but he has chased the overall Rolex victory since ’69.

“To come back here and have both cars run for 24 hours, and then win the race, it’s hard for me to believe,” Penske said. “This goes down as one of the biggest wins we’ve had.”

He lauded the crowd — the largest in recent history for the Rolex — and praised IMSA for staging such a competitive race.

Five of the 10 cars in the top GTP class finished on the lead lap and

Nasr’s margin of victory was .0861 seconds.

“When we won in 1969 with a Lola, it was a lot different in those days,” Penske said. “But to think about today, the biggest crowd they’ve had here for a sports car race, just to see the competitiveness, a win by (eight-) tenths of a second, that’s unbelievable.

That’s what I’ll say.”

The winning lineup consisted of Nasr, Dane Cameron, Matt Campbell and Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, who would like to believe his win at Indy last May is what earned him a seat in the No. 7 Porsche 963.

Newgarden is the 16th driver in history to win both the Indy 500 and the Rolex.

“I just showed up, that’s all I did. Porsche and Team Penske delivered the result,” Newgarden

said. “I was just happy to be here.

You gotta talk to RP, though, I think he was crying up there on the pit stand.”

The second Penske Porsche finished fourth.

The win capped a remarkable 246-day stretch for Penske, the most decorated team owner in motorsports history. In the last eight months, his Mooresville-based team won a record-extending 19th Indy 500 with Newgarden’s victory, claimed back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles when Ryan Blaney won in November and celebrated the achievements at industry events in early December and this week.

He and Newgarden were feted at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan on Tuesday when they were presented with their own replica Indy 500 trophies.

Cadillac dominated most of the race, but the Ganassi car was eliminated with an engine failure during the overnight stints, and Penske took the lead with just under six hours remaining.

Nasr passed Jack Aitken on track to take the lead and built a lead of more than four seconds.

Helton, Mauer rare breed of Cooperstown members who played for 1 team Just 58 single-team players are among the 273 in the Baseball Hall of Fame

By Steve Bradley The Associated Press COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Todd Helton and Joe Mauer will become just the sixth pair of players inducted together into the Hall of Fame after spending their big league careers with one organization.

“A lot of things had to go right,” Helton said Thursday during a news conference in the Hall’s plaque gallery alongside Mauer and fellow electee Adrián Beltré.

“Obviously contract and money plays into all of that. … You bite your tongue a little bit and you go out and you play hard every day.

You try to make the team better and you lead, and if they want you there, great. … I am so happy that I got to play my whole career in Colorado, where I love the town and I love the people.”

There are no decisions for the Hall to make about the caps on the plaques of Helton, who spent 17 seasons with the Rockies, and

Mauer, who played 15 seasons for the Minnesota Twins. The Hall will have to decide what to do for Beltré after a career that included eight years with the Texas Rangers, seven with the Los Angeles Dodgers, five with the Seattle Mariners and one with the Boston Red Sox. The Hall has made the cap decisions since ahead of the 2002 induction.

Just 58 of 273 players elected to the Hall spent their entire career with one team. The only prior single-team duos inducted together were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford (1974), Johnny Bench and Carl Yastrzemski (1989), George Brett and Robin Yount (1999), Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. (2007), and Mariano Rivera and Edgar Martinez (2019).

Helton was nearly traded to the Red Sox in 2007, the same year he helped Colorado reach the World Series against Boston.

“From my understanding, it was a done deal and Keli McGregor, who was our team president at the time, vetoed it at the last second,” Helton said. “And I am glad he did. Going to the World Series with Colorado meant

HANS PENNINK | AP PHOTO

Todd Helton poses for a photograph after signing his name to the backer board of his plaque during a news conference last week in Cooperstown, New York. more than winning it with somebody else.”

Mauer grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was drafted first overall by his hometown team in 2001.

“I always felt that we had a chance to win there,” said Mauer, the 2009 AL MVP and a three-time AL batting champion. “Every day I would go in, along with my teammates and try to do that, to be the best version of myself. ... It’s a special place, a special community and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Mauer stood behind the dais holding 5-year-old son Chip and admiring tributes to the initial Hall class of Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth.

“One of his favorite movies

right now is ‘Sandlot’ and they talk about The Great Bambino,” Mauer said. “I am excited for myself to learn even more history about the game, but to also have him learn more about the great players before me and it starts with that first class right there, so it’s pretty special.”

Beltré (95.1%) and Mauer (76.1%) were elected Tuesday by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in their initial ballot appearances, and Helton (79.7%) was voted in on the sixth try, receiving four more votes than needed for the 75% threshold. They will be inducted July 21 along with former major league manager Jim Leyland, who was elected last month by the contemporary baseball era committee.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

B6

entertainment Climate activists throw soup at the ‘Mona Lisa’ in Paris

By John Wawrow The Associated Press PARIS — Two climate activists hurled soup Sunday at the glass protecting the “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre Museum in Paris and shouted slogans advocating for a sustainable food system.

In a video posted on social media, two women with the words “FOOD RIPOSTE” written on their T-shirts could be seen passing under a security barrier to get closer to the painting and throwing soup at the glass protecting Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.

“What’s the most important thing?” they shouted. “Art, or right to a healthy and sustainable food?”

“Our farming system is sick.

Our farmers are dying at work,” they added.

The Louvre employees could then be seen putting black panels in front of the Mona Lisa and asking visitors to evacuate the room.

Paris police said that two people were arrested following the incident.

On its website, the Food Riposte group said the French gov-

7(03/( 7+($75( (919)774-4155

www.templeshows.org

2023-2024 SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE NOW!

MATT DURISKO | AP PHOTO

In this grab taken from video, activists react after throwing soup at the glass protecting the Mona Lisa, at the Louvre Museum in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, shouting slogans advocating for a sustainable food system. ernment is breaking its climate commitments and called for the equivalent of the country’s state-sponsored health care system to be put in place to give people better access to healthy food while providing farmers a decent income.

Angry French farmers have

been using their tractors for days to set up road blockades and slow traffic across France to seek better remuneration for their produce, less red tape and protection against cheap imports. They also dumped stinky agricultural waste at the gates of government offices.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

B7

Why choose us?

• Prescription ready in Minutes.

• Walk In Immunization.

• Most Insurances accepted.

• Best Cash/discounted prices in the town.

• Free Medication Adherence packs and Pill Packs.

- Free Delivery in and around Pittsboro (919) 533-6901 | 630 East St #13, Pittsboro, NC 27312 pittsboropharmacy.com

Hours: Mon.–Fri. 11am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm, Closed Sun.

B8

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

X restores Taylor Swift searches after deepfake explicit images triggered temporary block

By John Wawrow The Associated Press

*Must set up Auto Draft for 2nd Month.

Offer valid through February 1st 2024.

LONDON — Elon Musk’s social media platform X has restored searches for Taylor Swift after temporarily blocking users from seeing some results as pornographic deepfake images of the singer circulated online.

Searches for the singer’s name on the site Tuesday turned up a list of tweets as normal.

A day earlier, the same search resulted in an error message and a prompt for users to retry their search, which added, “Don’t fret — it’s not your fault.”

Users, however, had been able to get around the block by putting quote marks around her name.

Sexually explicit and abusive fake images of Swift began circulating widely last week on X, formerly known as Twitter, making her the most famous victim of a scourge that tech platforms and anti-abuse groups have struggled to fix.

“Search has been re-enabled and we will continue to be vigilant for any attempt to spread this content and will remove it if we find it,” Joe Benarroch, head of business operations at X, said

JULIO CORTEZ | AP PHOTO

Taylor Swift and Donna Kelce after the AFC Championship NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday in Baltimore. in a statement.

Earlier, he said the company had taken “temporary action” to stop the searches and that it was “done with an abundance of caution” as it prioritized safety At least one search term — Taylor Swift AI — was still apparently blocked. Unlike more

conventional doctored images that have troubled celebrities in the past, the Swift images appear to have been created using an artificial intelligence image-generator that can instantly create new images from a written prompt.

After the images began

spreading online, the singer’s devoted fanbase of “Swifties” quickly mobilized, launching a counteroffensive on X and a #ProtectTaylorSwift hashtag to flood it with more positive images of the pop star. Some said they were reporting accounts that were sharing the deepfakes.

Space Shuttle Endeavour hoisted for installation in vertical display at Los Angeles science museum The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — NASA’s retired Space Shuttle Endeavour was carefully hoisted late Monday to be mated to a huge external fuel tank and its two solid rocket boosters at a Los Angeles museum where it will be uniquely displayed as if it is about to blast off.

A massive crane delicately began lifting the orbiter, which is 122 feet (37 meters) long and has a 78-foot (24-meter) wingspan, into the partially built Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center in Exposition Park.

The building will be completed around Endeavour before the display opens to the public.

The 20-story-tall display stands atop an 1,800-ton (1,633-metric ton) concrete slab supported by six so-called base isolators to protect Endeavour from earthquakes.

All parts of the vertical launch configuration are authentic components of the shuttle system, in-

AP PHOTO

Space Shuttle Endeavour is lifted into the site of the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in Los Angeles cluding the rust-colored external tank, which was flight-qualified.

Endeavour flew 25 missions

solutions

between 1992 and 2011, when NASA’s shuttle program ended.

The shuttle was flown to Los

Angeles International Airport in 2012 atop a NASA Boeing 747 and then created a spectacle as it was inched through tight city streets to Exposition Park. The external tank arrived by barge and made a similar trip across the city.

The shuttle was initially displayed horizontally in a temporary exhibit hall. A groundbreaking ceremony for the Air and Space Center was held in 2022 on the 11th anniversary of Endeavour’s final return from space.

The process of assembling the shuttle system in vertical configuration was dubbed “Go for Stack,” an informal term for putting together rocket components for launch.

It began in July with precise installation of the bottom segments of the side boosters, known as aft skirts, for the first time outside of a NASA facility.

In use, the boosters would be attached to the external tank to help the shuttle’s main engines lift off.

The 116-foot-long (35.3-meter-long) rocket motors were trucked to Los Angeles from the Mojave Desert in October and were installed the following month.

In all, NASA operated five shuttles in space. Shuttle Challengerand its crew were lost in a launch accident Jan. 28, 1986.

Columbia and its crew were lost during return from orbit Feb. 1, 2003. Retired shuttles Atlantis and Discovery and the test ship Enterprise, which did not go to space, are on display across the country.

Atlantis is at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, where it is displayed as if in orbit with its payload doors open and robotic arm extended. Discovery rests on its landing gear at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Enterprise, which was released from a carrier aircraft for approach and landing tests, is displayed at the Intrepid Museum in New York.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 1, 2024

/FMMB

Boutique clothing | jewelry | shoes | gifts M$>Gɲ>94&9 ƌƎƋɲMɲ $VI $ɲMS M$ >I>Ȇɲ9 ɲƍƒƍƋƎ ŚŚŚȇıČĬĬùȇăĶŎŋğŀŎČ ȌıČĬĬùǗăĶŎŋğŀŎČ

Proudly Serving Chatham County

B9

Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham could face Premier League Newcastle in FA Cup The Associated Press LONDON — Ryan Reynolds could get a taste of big time soccer after Wrexham was drawn to potentially play Premier League Newcastle in the FA Cup. Wrexham still has to book its place in the fifth round by beating second division Blackburn Rovers - but it has been given an extra incentive to win Monday’s game at Ewood Park.

A potential home match against Newcastle would add a latest sprinkle of glamor to the Welsh team, which has been transformed since being bought by Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney in 2021.

Their backing has already seen Wrexham promoted to the English Football League and gain global fame because of the hugely popular fly on the wall documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham.”

Newcastle has rich backers of its own after being bought by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, also in 2021.

Also, non-league Maidstone will play second division opposition in the next round after being drawn against Sheffield Wednesday or Coventry.

Defending champion Manchester City is away at Premier League rival Luton.

Manchester United will play Bristol City or Nottingham Forest, and Liverpool faces Watford or Southampton.

Wrexham was bought

by Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney in 2021.

An Independent Agency Representing

60 Mosiac Blvd., Ste. 130, Pittsboro 919-726-3003 • HC1935.com

JON SUPER | AP PHOTO

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, center, celebrates with members of the Wrexham FC soccer team the promotion to the Football League in Wrexham, Wales, on May 2, 2023.

B10

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 18, 2024

Hiring on all shifts!

GROW YOUR CAREER WITH MOUNTAIRE *HQHUDO /DERU VWDUWLQJ DW ,QGXVWULDO 0DLQWHQDQFH SRVLWLRQV VWDUWLQJ DW VWDUWLQJ SD\ LQFUHDVHV IRU H[SHULHQFH WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ WR DQG IURP ZRUN IURP *UHHQVERUR RU +LJK 3RLQW *XDUDQWHHG RQ VLWH LQWHUYLHZV

OUR BENEFITS INCLUDE: 2Q VLWH +HDOWK :HOOQHVV &HQWHU N DQG SURILW VKDULQJ *UHDW EHQHILWV (GXFDWLRQDO DVVLVWDQFH 2QH ZHHN RI YDFDWLRQ DIWHU GD\V DQG DGGLWLRQDO ZHHN DIWHU GD\V (PSOR\HH GLVFRXQWV RQ FKLFNHQ

MOUNTAIREJOBS.COM

1100 E THIRD STREET | SILER CITY | NC 4411 W GATE CITY BLVD. | GREENSBORO | NC 8 AM - 5 PM | MONDAY - FRIDAY (919) 663-6712